On The Record with…Beca Mitchell
Journalist!Chloe/Famous!Beca AU. This fic is based on a prompt from Tumblr User 143bc.
A/N: The full prompt will be noted at the end.
Cynthia-Rose "CR" Adams, Editor and Founder of On The Record With magazine, smiled as she made her way to her office.
On The Record With was CR's baby; her pride and joy. After getting her degree in journalism, she bounced around, writing various articles for different magazines and news publications. She had always dreamed of publishing her own magazine.
When CR asked her then-girlfriend Denise to marry her, they asked their families if they could use their wedding money to fulfill CR's dream and start the magazine. The family was okay with it, so CR and Denise went to the Court House and got married.
Not long after the wedding, CR found her groove and was able to rent office space, and On The Record With was off and running.
CR scored major subscribers when she managed to get an interview with Rihanna. After that interview was published, CR had more subscriptions and followers and more money coming in, so she started hiring additional reporters to help with the ever-increasing workload.
Five years later, On The Record With was doing well and had become very popular with the LGBTQ community. CR was out and proud and did not allow anyone to be outed in her magazine, although that did not stop some big names from using her magazine to come out. She was very proud of that fact.
CR entered the reception area of her office, stopping in front of her Assistant's desk.
"Morning, boss," Benji said, holding out the mail.
"Good morning, Benji," CR said, taking the mail. "Would you ask Chloe, Stacie, Aubrey, and Ashley, to meet in the conference room at 9:30? Tell them to bring everything they have so we can discuss ideas for our special Pride Month issue."
"On it," Benji responded as he started typing an email to the team.
CR looked through the mail as she walked into her office. Once inside, she tossed the mail on her desk and removed her leather jacket, hanging it on her chair. She sat at her desk, booted up her laptop, and spent the next twenty minutes going through her emails.
"Boss?" Benji's voice came through the intercom. "Everyone's in the conference room and ready for you."
CR pressed the intercom button and replied, "Tell them I'll be there in five minutes."
"Will do," Benji said.
~~ On The Record With…Beca Mitchell ~~
CR slipped into the conference room unnoticed and remained by the door. She stood and listened to the group discussing who would get the cover of the special Pride Month issue.
"When you hear what I have lined up," Stacie said, "you'll all bow down to my greatness."
"I don't think so," Chloe said. "I may be the newbie, but I wouldn't bet money on your getting the cover. I have-. " Chloe stopped and shook her head. "No, I'm not telling you what I have lined up yet. You'll have to wait and see. And don't be jealous when I get the cover."
The room went quiet when they noticed CR standing by the door, looking around the room.
"Oh, hey, CR," Ashley said. "We didn't hear you come in."
"That's okay," CR said, walking over to the table and taking a seat. "I got to hear what sounded like some good things that will be happening with our special issue. I want to hear everyone's ideas, but let's do it a little more orderly, shall we?"
"Of course, CR," Aubrey said. "I suggest we start to your left and go around the room. Does that work for you?"
"Sounds like a reasonable plan," CR said as she looked to her left. "Ashley looks like you're up first. What do you have?"
"I, um, I was thinking we could do a Pride Month daily game plan," Ashley said. "Put in various events around the country and add a brief description for each one. Things like who will be attending, times for the parades or musical events, that sort of thing. And, maybe add a dos and don'ts list for first-timers."
"I like that," Chloe said, smiling at Ashley.
"I do, too," CR said. "Put together a list of the big events, and we can fill in with some smaller venue ideas with other things to see and do in each city. If we hype up the smaller venues, I think people will be more likely to attend. With our ideas, people can plan a great time, but not break the bank."
"Got it," Ashley said, making a note in her notebook.
"Stacie," CR said, looking past Ashley. "You're next."
"Okay," Stacie said, smirking at everyone. "I have spoken with Kristen Stewart's people, and she is going to give me an interview to talk about her wedding to Dylan Meyer."
"Seriously?" Aubrey asked. "That's big."
"I know," Stacie said smugly. "I'm sure it's cover-worthy, don't you agree, CR?"
"I won't commit the cover to anyone until I've heard everyone's ideas," CR said, chuckling at Stacie.
"Ever the diplomat," Aubrey said, smiling at CR. "I know I don't have anything that big to add…."
"I have an interview with Beca Mitchell this afternoon!" Chloe interrupted with a squeal.
Everyone went quiet, and their mouths dropped open. Chloe blushed slightly as all eyes were suddenly on her.
"Sorry," Chloe said sheepishly. "I'm just so excited I couldn't hold it in any longer."
"I don't believe it," Stacie said.
"Why would I lie?" Chloe asked. "It could be easily disproved."
"Because Beca Mitchell does not do interviews," Stacie said. "She barely answers questions when she walks the red carpet at events. So, forgive me if I think you're full of shit."
"Rude," Chloe said with a squinty glare at Stacie.
"That's enough, Stacie," CR said. "Chloe, tell us more about this. How did you score an interview with the one person that does not do interviews?"
"Well," Chloe said. "I know someone who is friends with her. I told them about our special issue and how it would be exciting if I could get an interview with THE Beca Mitchell. They asked, and she said yes. Simple as that."
"Simple as that, she says," Ashley muttered.
"What's your friend's name?" Stacie asked. "The one who got you the interview."
"I cannot and will not reveal my source," Chloe said, looking down at the table.
"That's okay," CR said, glaring at Stacie. "We don't need to know that. This is amazing. I've been trying to get her to talk to me for the magazine, but she always puts me off or outright says no." CR shook her head with a smile. "I can't believe a rookie reporter on my magazine managed to get the one interview I've been dying to get."
Chloe wasn't sure what to make of CR's comment.
"I'm sorry?" Chloe said hesitantly.
"Don't be," CR said, smiling proudly. "It's still an exclusive for this magazine, so I'm happy."
"That's good," Chloe said, sounding relieved.
"Do you have a list of questions you are planning to ask?" CR asked.
"I was given a list of things that she would not talk about," Chloe said, handing her notebook to CR. "So, I based my questions on avoiding those topics."
"Wow," CR said, looking through Chloe's notes. "It doesn't look like there's much she won't talk about."
CR handed the notebook back to Chloe.
"I know," Chloe said, taking the notebook. "And, um, I, uh, think she may want to come out in your magazine."
"What?!" Stacie yelled, sitting straight in her chair. "She's never made any comments about her sexuality. It's just all speculation on her fans' part. Do you really think you can get her to talk?"
"I'm fairly certain that I will get the story of the decade," Chloe said, feeling more confident.
"If you actually pull this off," CR said. "The cover is yours."
Chloe squealed and clapped her hands; Stacie crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.
"I also want you to get a photo of Mitchell for the cover," CR said. "This will be one of the most important interviews we've ever had, Chloe. So please don't screw it up."
"No problem," Chloe said. "And, thank you for having enough confidence in me to give me the cover."
"I still can't believe you got an interview with Beca Mitchell," Stacie said, smiling as she shook her head.
Chloe just smiled back at her.
"Aubrey, did you want to pitch an idea?" CR asked.
"I don't have anything that even comes close to what Chloe or Stacie have," Aubrey said. "I'll work on finding some filler articles for the issue."
"That's a good idea," CR said, standing. "Let's get back to work."
~~ On The Record With…Beca Mitchell ~~
A couple of hours later, Chloe, Stacie, and Aubrey decided to walk to a nearby diner for lunch.
"Stacie, I'm sorry I trumped your Kristen Stewart interview," Chloe said as they sat across the table from each other. She couldn't help but smile as she added, "And got the cover."
"Don't be; you deserve it," Stacie said. "I hope you know I was just yanking your chain in the meeting. I'm really happy that you are getting the cover. You've been working hard since you started. Plus, an interview with Beca Mitchell will be a great bonus for the magazine, which in turn will mean bonuses for all of us."
"It really is a coup getting an interview with THE Beca Mitchell," Aubrey said. "I mean, look at you, only two months on the job, and your story will be the biggest one for the magazine to date."
"Brey's right," Stacie said. "And, seriously, who do you know that knows Beca Mitchell?"
"I really can't tell you," Chloe said, tucking some loose strands of hair behind her ear. She looked around the diner. "Where is our waitress so we can order? I don't have much time; my interview with Beca is at two."
~~ On The Record With…Beca Mitchell ~~
After the interview was over, Chloe went rushing back to the office and sat at her computer. She pulled out her mini-tape recorder, plugged in the earbuds, and started typing. She wanted to get everything down so she could get home early.
Chloe continued to work on the article at home and handed it to CR the following day. CR was quite pleased with it.
The following month everyone was excited about the special issue being put together. CR had already done a mock-up of the layout, and Chloe was proud of the photo she got of Beca for the cover.
They were just a week away from the release of the special issue, and Chloe was working on her next article. It wasn't cover-worthy, but she was happy with the information she had gathered.
It was a quiet Monday afternoon, and everyone was working at their desks. Chloe was so into what she was working on that she didn't notice that someone was standing in front of her desk. She looked up when Benji cleared his throat.
"What's up, Benji?" Chloe asked.
"CR wants to see you in her office," Benji said. "Now."
"Oh," Chloe said, standing to follow Benji.
"Go on in," Benji said, waving toward the door to CR's office.
Chloe tapped lightly on the door and entered CR's office. CR looked up at her.
"You wanted to see me?" Chloe said.
"Come on in," CR said. "And close the door."
Chloe closed the door and took the seat across from CR.
"Is everything okay?" Chloe asked.
"Everything is good," CR responded. "So, is there something you want to tell me? And, don't worry, it won't leave this office."
"What do you mean?" Chloe asked.
"I got a message from Beca Mitchell's people," CR said. "They sent a photo and a note asking that it be included in your article."
"Oh, um, hmm," Chloe said, her cheeks pink. "What do they want to, um, add?"
"Apparently, Beca Mitchell just got engaged," CR said, looking down at a photo.
"Oh," Chloe said.
CR held the photo out to Chloe, saying, "I think you might recognize the woman with her."
"I can explain," Chloe said, looking at the photo. "We've been together for three years. And, we are really good at sneaking around so no one would catch us together. She actually proposed to me two nights ago. I'm sorry I haven't said anything before now, but Beca said she wanted to tell her PR people before we told our friends and family. I, uh-"
"Chloe, it's okay," CR said, holding up her hand to stop Chloe from rambling any further. "All that was explained in the note. Congratulations, by the way."
"Thank you," Chloe said, smiling. "I'm still shaking from the excitement of it all."
"Everyone here is going to find out soon," CR said. "Do you want to get out in front of it and tell them yourself? I can get everyone together in less than ten minutes."
"Can we schedule something for tomorrow?" Chloe asked. "I really am still in a bit of shock over it. Beca and I hadn't really talked about it and now. . ."
"That's fine," CR said. "I'll call a staff meeting for ten tomorrow. You can tell them then. Is that okay?"
"That's perfect," Chloe said. "Thank you so much for understanding."
"No worries," CR said. "We still have the exclusive and the Pride issue will be our biggest seller to date, so it's all good."
Later that evening, Chloe walked into Beca's house.
"Babe? Are you here?"
"In the kitchen," Beca called out.
Chloe entered the kitchen to find Beca putting something in the oven. She sat at the counter and Beca walked over and kissed her.
"You're early," Beca said. "Dinner won't be ready for an hour."
"That's okay," Chloe said, wrapping her arms around Beca's waist and holding her loosely. "I had a meeting with CR today. Why didn't you tell me you were going to send her the info about being engaged? I wasn't sure what to tell her when she hit me with the news."
"Yeah, sorry about that," Beca said. "I'm just so excited that you said yes. I mean, I came out in your article and I wanted to make sure that everyone knew I was in a committed relationship. And you can't get any more committed than getting married."
"I love you," Chloe said, leaning up to kiss Beca.
"You know your life is about to get very, very hectic," Beca said. "The paps and fans are going to be all over you once your name is attached to mine."
"I know," Chloe said. "And I don't care. I love you and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Same," Beca said. "So, we should probably tell our folks about the engagement before the magazine hits the stands."
"Can we do that tomorrow night?" Chloe asked. "CR is calling a staff meeting tomorrow at ten so I can tell everyone at work about us and the engagement. I know they'll keep it to themselves until after the magazine comes out."
"That sounds reasonable," Beca said.
Beca took Chloe's hands and held them in hers. "So, I'm thinking once the article is published, you should move in here. I want to go to bed with you every night and wake up to you every morning."
"I absolutely approve of that idea," Chloe said, smiling into another kiss.
"Good," Beca said, pulling away from Chloe. "I'm going to make a salad to go with dinner."
~~ On The Record With…Beca Mitchell ~~
The next morning, Chloe was nervous. She had rehearsed a speech in her head and was ready for almost anything the team would throw at her about her relationship with Beca.
"Staff meeting at ten today," Benji told everyone as he walked through the office.
"I wonder what that's about," Stacie said.
"I don't know," Ashley said. "But it must be important if CR's calling a staff meeting."
"I bet it has to do with the special pride issue," Aubrey said. "We're going to be inundated with calls and such once the news that Beca Mitchell is gay gets out."
Chloe didn't say anything and continued working.
An hour later, the group started moving toward the conference room. Chloe sat nervously chewing her bottom lip.
"You coming, Chloe?" Aubrey asked, causing Chloe to look up. "The meeting starts in five minutes."
"Oh, right," Chloe said, grabbing her notebook and jumping up to join Aubrey.
"Are you okay?" Aubrey asked as they walked together.
"What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine," Chloe said. "Just nervous about the whole Beca Mitchell thing."
"You did a great job," Aubrey said. "I wouldn't worry too much about it."
The two women walked into the conference room and took a seat.
Benji was just about to enter the room when he heard someone walking toward him. He looked over and his eyes widened when he saw Beca Mitchell coming toward him, carrying a bunch of roses. He closed the door and walked toward Beca.
"Miss Mitchell?" Benji said. "How may I help you?"
"I need to see Chloe Beale," Beca said.
"Um, she's in a staff meeting," Benji said, looking at the roses.
"May I join her?" Beca asked, smiling. "I'm here to provide moral support for her."
Benji furrowed his brow and looked at Beca.
"Let me just ask my boss if it's okay," Benji said.
"That's fine," Beca responded. "I'll just wait here."
Benji nodded and slipped into the conference room. He hurried over to CR.
"Beca Mitchell is here and wants to join the meeting," Benji whispered in her ear.
"Give me five minutes and then bring her in," CR said, looking around the room.
"You got it, boss," Benji said and stepped back outside the room. He looked at Beca and said, "CR asked if you could wait five minutes, and then we can go in."
"Okay," Beca said.
Meanwhile, CR got everyone's attention.
"I've called this meeting because we have been given some new information regarding Beca Mitchell," CR said, looking at Chloe. "Chloe, the room is yours."
Chloe stood and looked around at everyone. She only saw curious faces looking back at her.
"Um, so," Chloe said and cleared her throat. "CR received word yesterday that Beca Mitchell got engaged."
The girls gave a collective gasp.
"Do we know who she's engaged to?" Stacie asked.
"Yes," Chloe said.
Before she could continue the door opened and Benji entered with Beca. Chloe smiled as soon as she saw Beca and the roses.
"Hey, babe," Beca said, walking over and handing Chloe the roses.
Chloe gave Beca a quick kiss as all heads looked from Beca to Chloe and back again.
"I can't believe you're here," Chloe said.
"Oh, my God," Aubrey murmured. "Chloe, you're engaged to Beca Mitchell?"
"Seriously?" Stacie said dumbfounded. "You're engaged to Beca Mitchell?"
"Yes, it's me," Chloe said, giggling softly and holding up her left hand to show her ring.
"How long have you two been together?" Ashley asked.
"Three years," Beca and Chloe responded.
"Congratulations, Chloe!" Aubrey exclaimed. "You, too, Beca."
"Thank you," Beca and Chloe responded, then laughed.
Chloe introduced everyone to Beca and the couple spent the next twenty minutes fielding questions about their relationship and engagement.
"Okay, everyone," CR said, getting their attention. "It goes without saying that this information does not leave this room. Beca and Chloe will have enough to deal with once it becomes public knowledge. So, let's let them have some time to prepare for what is about to come down on them, okay?"
Everyone agreed and Beca thanked them.
"That's it then," CR said. "Let's get back to work."
Everyone started leaving and congratulated Chloe and Beca as they left. Beca moved to leave and Chloe grabbed her into another deeper kiss.
"Thanks for the moral support," Chloe whispered as the kiss ended.
"Anytime," Beca murmured, pulling Chloe into another kiss.
The two broke apart when they heard CR clearing her throat.
"Oh," Beca said, blushing. "Sorry."
"No worries," CR said. "I just wanted to thank you for coming in today and coming out in my magazine. It's going to be a big seller."
"It really was all Chloe's idea," Beca said. "I mean except the part where I announce our engagement."
"Well, thank you both," CR said as she turned to leave. She stopped and turned back to the couple with a smile. "Promise me something?"
"What?" Beca asked.
"Promise you'll let us have the exclusive when you have your first child."
Beca laughed and nodded. "Only as long as Chloe gets to write it."
"I'm okay with that," CR said.
Full prompt from Tumblr User 143bc: AU where Chloe is a reporter assigned to do a story about Beca Mitchell for a special Pride Month article. This was originally submitted as a Christmas prompt; I really liked the idea but I didn't have time to get to it.
A/N: I was going to hold this until June and post it for Pride Month, but apparently patience is not one of my virtues. I hope you enjoyed it.