A/N: Why am I writing so much?! D: (Btw. I'll post Halloween Specials soon. Check them out on my profile.)


CHAPTER 4

According to the Law of Attraction, the energy and frequency of a single thought travel out into the Universe and naturally interacts with matter. And if you wish for it, you can attract it. Then—BOOM—it can become your destiny.

Beca doesn't believe in destiny.

She doesn't believe in the power of the Universe to bring two people together so strongly that they're practically being pulled toward each other. Whether as friends or as "lovers." How she hates that word...

There's another term that Beca hates more than the word "lovers," and that's "soulmate." Apparently, the interaction with a soulmate is so powerful that it can rob your senses and leave you speechless. And that's what happened.

And she has only ever experienced this sensation exactly once.

Though she could be mistaken, and that's when she met the perky redhead. However, Beca brushes off this feeling, attributing it to the fact that she was—admittedly—being a little bit lonely and that this woman had suddenly appeared and shown her unabashed admiration, which she had conveyed with her sparkling blue eyes.

Beca is, however, not searching for somebody to get romantically involved with at this time. And it is quite unlikely that she will pursue a romantic relationship with another woman. As if the circumstances of her life weren't already complicated enough. She plans to finish her first year of college as quickly as possible so she can move to L.A.

Beca realizes now that she barely had any female friends growing up. Playdates, yes. Acquaintances, yes. There were some fleeting friendships with a few of the girls, but because they did not seem to have been particularly significant to her, she does not remember any of them.

Maybe there was that particular friendship that she barely remembers. But she can't recall her name. It was that one curly blonde girl who was her first best friend when she was about 4-5 old. She'd seen the pictures of that girl with the pigtails standing with her, holding hands, and grinning toothily into the camera. Until the girl's family moved away, and they eventually lost contact.

But long-term friendships with girls, even with just one of them? No. A female best friend? Except for that one girl, no. This was not anything that had struck her as being necessary to have.

Now, she's either grateful for the experiences she didn't have—like bonding over a friend's sleepover or a birthday party—or regretful that she didn't participate in the activities that come with growing up. However, she does not believe that her lack of participation in that event has presented her with difficulty.

She might have had a few male pals in the past, however. But her parents had never let her have sleepovers at their houses. And whenever they had developed feelings for Beca in some way, she was forced to reject them because she didn't believe she was capable of reciprocating their feelings. From personal experience, she knew that shutting people off was the easiest thing to do. Due to everything that took place, her friendship with most of the dudes shattered.

And these friendships, with either males or females, were never meant to last in the first place.

When Beca was a senior in high school, she met Jared for the first time. Her first love. That was also the time in her life when Beca felt the most obstinate sensation of rebellion within her. She decided to get her first tattoo, an equalizer bar. It represents the most significant thing to Beca. And it is a symbol of the music that she produces.

Because she was afraid that her mother would go berserk if she saw it, she decided to get it tattooed on the middle of her back instead. Only Jared saw the tattoo because he was the one who went with her to get it done at the tattoo parlor.

Her relationship with Jared ultimately resulted in her losing her virginity to him. She was not his first, however. Even yet, the young couple's time together was cut short when Beca decided to attend a university in Georgia.

Jared had presented her with an ultimatum: either she stays, thus, they stay together, or they break up if she attends college in Georgia.

Oh, young love…

Beca doesn't regret that it ended because Jared had always given the impression that he was a little envious of her musical skills in terms of producing music, dancing, and singing. She had to struggle through the breakup at the beginning, but in the end, she prevailed over the pain and could move on. Because life goes on.

Beca's own belief, even though it may sound corny, is that the person who loves you the most is also your biggest fan. They encourage you in all you do and support you along the way to ensure you realize your ambitions and fulfill your dreams. True love means genuine admiration for your partner. Not envy. And no ultimatums.

Now that Beca's in college, it just so happens that she runs across that one annoying nerd on campus who is showing genuine interest in her. Someone like her, Beca, who has made a habit of pushing people away. Who occasionally walks out of frustrating situations. Someone who considers themselves to be an outcast. And enjoys being one.

Reclusive, bitter, heartless, and cynical.

*,*,*

Beca decides that it would not be such a terrible idea to go to the supermarket, which is just three bus stops away, and get some actual food. To clarify, by "actual food," she meant canned goods that can be cooked up in a microwave.

After an hour, she returns to her dorm and stores her groceries in her cabinet, praising herself for her decision to include fruits in her shopping and limit her intake of sugary treats. After grabbing some clean clothes and toiletries, she makes her way to the communal showers. She doesn't have any plans for the evening, and working from one mashup to another simply doesn't sound like an enticing way to spend her free time, so she is thinking of asking Jesse if he wants to hang out.

Beca overhears the females in the shower room sniggering and conversing inanely across the stalls that she doesn't care about. She has been a creature of habit and has used the same shower stall since her first day on campus. She is ruminating that she had previously put in some study time during her free period and an hour in the afternoon and that she had also completed her mashup before now. And because she doesn't have to work at the radio station today, she isn't left with anything else to do to fill her time.

Beca sighs with relief at having the bathroom to herself as she hears the squealing voices of the other females as they exit the shower cubicles. She allows her thoughts to wander, ruminating on the day's events and how the week just can't end soon enough. She skips shampooing her hair because she washed it this morning, and as she dresses up, she confidently belts out the lyrics of "Katy Perry - The One That Got Away" because that's how she's feeling right now.

Beca thinks that one of the shower stalls is unquestionably occupied but that she hears no noises from the woman, just water streaming. All she sees is a hastily moving silhouette against the white curtain. Yet, Beca pays this odd sensation no mind and walks past the other woman's cubicle while singing loudly. The woman doesn't express any displeasure or complaint to Beca.

'In another life

I would make you stay,'

So, I don't have to say

The one that got away–'

Then, she rushes back to her room, where she dumps her dirty clothes and mentally notes that she will be doing laundry later tonight. To see if Jesse has responded, she checks her phone.

'Yah, sure. Where u wnt me 2 take u out, Bec?'

'We can ask Benji if he wants to join,' Beca types as she locks her dorm room, dispelling the false impression that they were meeting for a date. And even though she has no interest in spending time with so many people, she tells him nonetheless to ask his roommate if he wants to tag along. The addition of a second makes the first seem like a pitiful amount. Beca sighs. 'Maybe go to a bar and grab a beer?'

'Yah, fine, whatevs. I ask him. Wanna come ovr 2 us?'

'Sure. I'll be right over,' she types as she is about to gallop down the stairs.

And then she notices something dazzling but totally out of place.

There's a bunch of young dudes, prodding and jostling each other as they descend the stairs. Up to the point where they split apart like the Red Sea and reveal something very captivating.

Again, it's the woman with the fiery locks. She's just somewhat out of breath after her sprint up the flight of stairs. Drenched, with a slick, shiny sheen from head to toe. The only thing covering her nakedness is a white towel wrapped around her middle.

Naturally, the males are looking after her to get a better look at the naked flesh hidden by the towel. If Beca were into nude, beautiful ladies—or women in general—she would do the same. However, she isn't. She doesn't stare any longer than necessary, just enough to wonder what may have caused the other woman to appear so distressed.

Beca smirks briefly in acknowledgment of the redhead as she tucks a stray hair behind her ear but continues down the stairs as if nothing unusual is happening.

This time, though, she struggles to ignore the prickling sensation, which she compares to the static electricity that arises when similar charges attract and opposite ones repel. Like creating lightning.

And the other thing she notices but tries to disregard is the mouthwateringly fruity scent of the redhead is trailing behind her.

*,*,*

And so it was that Beca, far into the night, once again found herself ensconced inside the boundaries of the deserted pool, her headphones drowning out the sounds of the night.

While Beca was sitting crossed-legged with her laptop on her lap at the far back, to have some privacy, she edited the last mashup of "A Thousand Years - by Christina Perri" and "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic - by The Police" on her laptop, a new one she decided she'd do. Layering those two songs together, using boosting frequency so that they all come out at the same level, increasing the 8-16 kHz range to make it easier to discern overtones and upper harmonics. And as she was doing this, she sang the first verse of the first song, thinking that no one would hear her and she could just sing freely, until she started belting out the chorus,

'I have died every day waiting for you

Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you,'

As she continued, she sensed movements and turned toward that shadow that distracted her. As she paused the track on her laptop, she heard footsteps coming close to her and registered the person's familiar features. But not without Beca singing all the way through until the end, without missing the note.

'For a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more,'

And it was that night that mainly stuck with her, the night she met Chloe directly in person, as though she'd left a tiny part of her with the redhead.

They never officially introduced each other, only through stories from Jesse. She had run into this fiery-haired woman in the late afternoon, dripping wet and wearing nothing but a towel, gasping for air as she sprinted up the stairs.

When Chloe first emerged from behind the limestone column, she stood staring at Beca with her mouth agape and awestruck, absolutely overcome with wonder. And Beca had never seen such a reaction to her singing before that it had almost made her feel something, like pride and a wave of confidence. A feeling so strong it had nearly made her smile; had she not been half startled to death in the middle of the night. So, her only response to Chloe, for running into her unexpectedly the second time in this place, was,

"What the fuck, dude?"

This red-haired weirdo with her stupid dazzling eyes. After that interaction, Beca felt a little earthquake in her chest, as if shaking and rattling the stone wall surrounding her heart until it began bristling slightly. Beca was unable to move from where she was standing once she had peered into Chloe's eyes.

Because there is one private fact about Beca that Chloe knows about that no one else in her present life does. Chloe had surmised that Beca adorned her back with a specific tattoo, much like she knew exactly where it was placed.

"Beca," Chloe had told her softly, "I didn't see it. I just knew."

That's exactly what Beca was so intrigued with that she immediately felt drawn to the other woman. And not because the redhead was being flirtatious. God, no—ugh! Not in a sexual way. At first glance, they don't appear to share many characteristics. Because whereas Chloe seems to be the gorgeous nerd, a cappella singer who might love to mingle and perform, is that Beca is the dork who values isolation and quiet over productivity.

However, like two magnets, polarity is attracted to each other.

"We sing covers of songs, but we do it without any instruments," Chloe had said with enthusiasm, gesturing at her lips, "it's all from our mouths."

That peculiar sensation of familiarity that came over Beca as she gazed into those glimmering eyes was another thing that struck her.

And again, not in a sexual way.

Thus, when she had left Chloe by the abandoned pool while it was starting to rain, she didn't consider it a sign from the Universe.

*,*,*

Beca has never been very outgoing when it comes to interacting with other people. And because she cannot stand being touched, she'd as much as possible avoid particularly touchy-feely people. She abhors anything that can overpower her sensory perception, like deafening noises like pointless chatter. When she is put in situations where she is forced to socialize, it typically takes her several days to recharge and become a functional human being again.

And she absolutely hates being coerced into doing anything that might "be fun" solely to engage in enjoyable activities.

In retrospect, however, these Beca-restrictions had never applied to Chloe.

Beca finds comfort in her own company. And she used to avoid being out of the mainstream because she feared her lack of friends would make her seem odd. That's changed, however, since she started college.

Seriously, she's happy.

People don't realize how content she is with her humdrum college existence, which includes counting down the minutes until the day ends, and the monotonous cycle repeats the next day.

That is, of course, when one morning everything changed...

In the days following that encounter with Chloe, Beca recalls how every other encounter with the redhead almost appeared to be a sign of fate. Or the creepy weirdo had simply been stalking her, whichever applied best.

One time, Beca got up to leave the lecture hall to use the restroom in the middle of another student's presentation. This tingling sensation was running down her spine as she washed her hands, so she took a few deep breaths to shake it off. At that moment, Chloe emerged from one of the stalls. As the redhead went to wash her hands at the sink, she greeted Beca with her endearing smile.

"How have you been?" Chloe had asked politely, trying to make small talk. "I was hoping to run into you again." She smiled.

"Dude, we're at the same college," Beca snapped, "of course, we'd run into each other again."

Beca waved her off, excusing herself to head back quickly to class.

A similar occurrence followed later that same day when Beca and Jesse went out for coffee. They also decided to enjoy a delicious cake and went to Barden Café. Chloe and her girlfriends entered the establishment just as Beca and Jesse were conversing about something trivial. Beca could not help but catch the difference in Chloe's glare directed at Jesse as the redhead waved at them. At that time, Beca could not identify the glare's meaning, but she knew it was not one of kindness.

When Beca bumps into Chloe many times a day in various places, she finds it strange and slightly unnerving. Due to the size of the campus and the surrounding region, it is improbable that two people would run into each other regularly there, yet, it keeps happening.

Another incident then occurred on another day when Beca was sitting alone by herself on a bench under a tree in the nearby park. People still displayed their Halloween decorations, including carved pumpkins, days after the holiday. The days had gotten colder and fewer people were seen hanging out outside. She had been doing what she enjoys most when alone: remixing music. As she watched the people around to get inspiration, she noticed two people jogging along the way. She'd seen these two people together before and recognized them almost instantly. Chloe was jogging with a tall, pretty blonde, both wearing their jogging attire. Chloe didn't see Beca at that time.

Another interaction took place on a Saturday afternoon when Beca had just finished off her work at the radio station and was on her way to the supermarket, which was just three bus stops away, to grab some snacks and groceries. Even though there are three other grocery shops and convenience stores in the area, this particular one is the one that is located the closest to the radio station.

Beca had just walked into the shop and was uncertain about which snacks to buy when she spontaneously decided to take the last available sandwich from the counter.

And honestly, this could have been straight from some poorly written cliché fiction, but the moment Beca reached for the sandwich, another hand went for it at the same time. They both dropped it simultaneously as if burned, and when Beca looked beside her, Chloe looked surprised at her as well.

"Sorry, I didn't see you," the redhead said, startled as she waved her off, "you can have it."

"No, just take it," Beca responded and walked off quickly, feeling eyes on her back.

A few days later, Beca and Jesse decided to grab a bite to eat at a local fast-food restaurant. Beca asked Benji to come along with them if it was okay with him, and he agreed. In private, though, Beca was still hoping to avoid giving Jesse the impression that they were going on a date. Therefore, the three of them got in Jesse's car and drove the one hour it took to get to the nearest Chick-fil-A restaurant.

In addition to that, the neighborhood is home to a few restaurants, cafes, and other kinds of businesses where one may get a meal.

The question was, why was it that Beca kept running into the same redhead over and over again? So, hopefully, the probability that the two of them would run into each other in this fast food joint was pretty low, right?

When Beca was using the public restrooms and washing her hands, one of the stalls opened. Catching a glimpse at the other lady through the mirror, she felt a shiver run through her body, and her stomach churned in agitation. But thankfully, it wasn't Chloe. Beca was ultimately able to compose herself, and she began to dry her hands with some paper towels.

God, she was starting to experience paranoia and was expecting Chloe to pop up everywhere.

She dashed out of the restrooms and back through the narrow corridor while casting suspicious glances over her shoulder as if someone were following her.

However, instead of returning to her seat with Jesse and Benji, Beca excused herself for a while since she felt the need to get some fresh air. She did not wait for them to respond.

She tried to regulate her breathing by stepping aside from the building's entrance and resting against the walls as she did so. What exactly was the matter with her?

Indeed, she didn't wish to run into Chloe. Was she disappointed because, despite sensing Chloe's presence this powerfully, she did not encounter her? This seemed really absurd. Why would she even sense Chloe's presence in the first place? She's just some random woman whom Beca kept running into. And it's safe to say that her heart didn't skip a beat when peering into those dazzling blue eyes whenever she ran into the redhead.

It's only because Chloe always managed to catch her off-guard when she showed up out of nowhere. At that moment, that had been the only logical reason.

After Beca regained her composure, she saw a group of women leaving the joint. They gave the impression that they enjoyed themselves as they laughed, squealed, and shoved each other playfully. Beca was staring behind them to see if she could see Jesse and Benji through the window, and then she waited a few seconds to settle her overwhelming senses, rubbing her temples.

Then suddenly, one of the women stepped aside and walked towards Beca; until she was standing in front of her.

Bright blue eyes were staring at her. "Beca, are you all right?"

Beca was dumbstruck. But for some goddamned reason, relieved. Her whole body went from completely stiff to suddenly relaxed.

"Oh hey," she had muttered, and she felt herself, for the first time, smiling directly at the redhead.

"This totes feels like a déjà-vu, huh?" Chloe said softly, leaning closer as if reading her mind. She waved back to the other women, presumably some of the Bellas, to wait for her. Beca turned her attention to the three of them and saw that good-looking dark-skinned woman with a tomboyish vibe—it was Cynthia Rose because they had common courses together. Then there was that energetic blonde with a shy expression whom Beca recalled was Jessica—also from English Lit. And the attractive tall wavy brunette. For some reason, the look of curiosity on Beca's face was maybe what made Chloe think that Beca needed answers, so she started explaining to her. "We had dinner here. And we saw you enter with Jesse and Benji. But you didn't return to your table. And Jesse said you went outside." There was genuine concern in her voice.

"Yeah, it… it's nothing," Beca dismissed. "I thought I was getting a headache. It's okay now. Thank you." She pinched the bridge of her nose and averted her eyes.

"Becs," Jesse called, coming a moment later, Benji in tow, "what's wrong?"

"I shouldn't have talked so much about Star Wars," Benji said apologetically.

"She needs you to drive her home, Jesse," Chloe suggested. She was about to leave with the three other women when she turned around again and looked at Beca. "If we run into each other next time, you will have to buy me a drink. Deal?"

Beca scoffed. "Sure, deal."

And the most recent encounter, before the one that ultimately changed things between them, occurred when Beca was running through the rain after she had finished her shift at the radio station. She had been looking for somewhere to take cover while she concealed her laptop bag under her coat. Because she'd rather get struck by lightning than get her laptop damaged.

She was pelted with rain as lightning flashed across the sky above her, so she ran under a tree. She figured that standing underneath a tree during a thunderstorm was the single location that presented the highest risk of being struck by lightning. But she had to stop and catch her breath. She hunched forward and was panting when she heard a voice speak to her.

"You owe me a drink now," blurted a cheerful voice beside her.

Beca turned around while still clutching her throbbing chest and saw Chloe smiling at her with an exuberant, smiley expression on her face. Chloe was similarly drenched by the rain, as evidenced by her hair soaking wet and her clothing almost see-through.

"If we get out of here alive," she said with a shrug, "sure." Beca tore her eyes off and looked around her. "We shouldn't be standing under a tree right now," she told the redhead, pointing at the roaring sky. She spotted the canopy of the next building in the distance a few yards away.

Chloe noticed it as well, and she acknowledged Beca with a nod. Giving Beca a signal to run, Chloe dashed off, and because she was a skillful athlete, she could reach the canopy in a matter of seconds. Beca was utterly startled and unable to flee as the sky suddenly lit up with lightning and thunder. Chloe was encouraging her to hurry up and just run, motioning that else she would return to collect Beca.

Beca didn't want to go through with this humiliation, so she called, "Watch out, I'm coming for you!"

She made a beeline towards the shelter under the overhang, sprinting through the stormy weather. Beca was snatched up by Chloe, who had been standing there with her arms outstretched, squealing.

It would have been their moment right then and there if the next thunderous eruption hadn't occurred and scared the living daylights out of Beca.

They burst out laughing after the first initial shock.

A foot separated them as they stood silently in the rain, waiting for it to cease. It appeared as though Chloe had only remained quiet to provide Beca with personal space.

Though this had not been the case, as it later turned out.

Beca, however, was acutely aware of Chloe's gaze as it lingered at her side. She never ventured to look back for one second or utter a single word.

The two had another encounter not long after that, which brought about some significant changes in their dynamic. Because it was clear that fate was trying to convey a message to Beca, but at that time, she could not comprehend what it was.

And because of the kind of person Chloe was, she insisted on becoming Beca's friend from the beginning.

*,*,*

Beca usually walks to the radio station, which can be reached around twenty minutes from the main building and across the campus. But since her previous lesson went over, she is now running late and is forced to hurry.

Even though she is terrible at cardio, she is compelled to run rapidly despite having short legs. She makes her way to the neighborhood behind the gates by walking by several structures, statues, and fountains along the route. Whenever she passes a large number of people, she makes sure to avoid those a cappella hand puppets in particular. She has been here for a considerable time, so she can recognize who those people are.

However, the growling in her stomach forces her to accept the importance of grabbing some food, given that she has gone the entire day without eating anything. Even if she ran, it would take her an extra thirty minutes to reach the supermarket. But she knew she would eventually pass out later if she didn't grab anything to eat.

The pedestrian crossing signal at the next junction has now turned red. Stopping in her tracks and out of breath, she gazes at the red light. A single car comes to a standstill despite the light for vehicles being set to green.

She looks over at the car, squinting, panting, lungs burning, her eyes shifting between the red light and the driver.

That is until the driver honks, and Beca recognizes the person behind the steering wheel.

The car rolls forward until the passenger window aligns with Beca, and she watches as it winds down, revealing a lovely curly red-haired woman with sunglasses beaming at her.

"Need a ride?" It's Chloe, of course.

With her lungs and sides aching, Beca takes a moment and hesitates. After glancing at her phone for the time again, she understands that she is running late and will not arrive on time.

"Where are you heading to?" Chloe calls out to her.

"Um, to the supermarket," Beca pants, leaning her arms against the car door.

The passenger door opens with a click.

"Get in," Chloe says with a tilt of her head. She will eventually not let go, Beca muses, so she better just hop in. Her energy reserves are depleted, so she can't even roll her eyes or raise a fuss. There's seriously no time to think.

"You're heading in that same direction, then?"

"Now, get it, Beca," Chloe responds more firmly, but she still manages to keep that sneaky, alluring smile on her lips the whole while. When she removes her shades, her eyes are a rich, beautiful pool of blue like sparkling diamonds.

Beca then climbs in and buckles up.

"I need to grab some snacks." Beca rubs her growling stomach as she says so, hoping Chloe doesn't hear it. Following a bit of silence, she remarks to make conversation, "Nice car, by the way," is the only thing that enters her mind, the only thing she has to say about it.

Chloe giggles.

As Beca unwinds in the passenger seat, she glances over at Chloe and notices the exuberant grin that the redhead is wearing on her face. As she flips the turn signal on and looks back over her shoulder, her fiery red curls dance smoothly from her shoulders as she approaches the next junction.

"Um, it's actually Tom's," Chloe says without further explanation as if Beca knows who that is, "he occasionally lets me borrow it."

"Ah, that's, um, nice."

"Anyway, I happen to be heading that same direction," Chloe says, "then I noticed you at the crossing."

She tucks a curl behind her ear and reduces the radio's volume. Somehow, this moment creates the sense that they have known one another for a long time because, for an instant: the way Chloe always uses her name—with so much familiarity. Or of the fact that they had repeatedly run into each other over the past few weeks. It also gives the impression that their interactions with each other come naturally to them. That it's normal for Beca to climb into people's cars who are basically strangers.

"Yeah?" Beca raises an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I'm getting some booze for the party. Or else Stacie will kill me." Chloe casts another fleeting look in Beca's direction before resuming her happy expression. Also, Beca notices how Chloe converses with her, as though Beca ought to know everything about Chloe's life and the people in it. The simple truth is that they don't know each other at all. "Hey, you'd like to join us?"

"Isn't that, like, just for you lame weirdos?" Beca asks, chuckling to herself as she stares out the window.

"Not really; otherwise, you'd be the VIP." Chloe shoots back while giving a sly grin. She begins with some light banter that appeals to Beca's sense of humor, which is basically how she has broken the ice between them—right from the start. Chloe clenches her hands so tightly around the steering wheel that the whites of her knuckles begin to show. Then she relaxes her grip on it and gives a half-shrug. "I don't think they'd mind if I invited you."

"Okay, then let me rephrase," Beca says slowly, "I don't want to. Got other more important things to do." She scratches her chin, then taps the spot nervously. She doesn't like being invited to parties. But how is Chloe supposed to know this?

"Like, what?"

"Like, um, spend my spare time avoiding people," Beca drawls with a gesture of her hand. And she is being dead serious about this.

"I'm sure you'd enjoy going out once or twice a year." Chloe continues to smile as she makes the assumption that she knows what sort of person Beca is and even manages to predict accurately. Again.

"Definitely. But it's not the time for that yet. So, I'm not coming, sorry." To get Chloe to stop broaching the subject of going out, Beca stares out the window again. After a long day of interacting with others, it's crucial for Beca to recharge her social batteries by spending some time by herself. Inebriated strangers and idle chatter aren't exactly what she needs after a hard day of "surviving college."

"You're totes no fun, Mitchell." A giggle from Chloe is followed by an attempt to poke Beca in the side. In response to the unexpected shock of being touched, Beca jerks in her seat, disregarding the fact that Chloe knew her last name. Maybe Jesse has just mentioned it to Chloe since they are both nerds that hang out together. "A totes party pooper!"

"For all I care," Beca says, trying to be patient, as she chuckles somewhat, "I just, I don't like gatherings, or crowds, or people, or meaningless small talk," Beca takes a deep breath before continuing, "and I'm not interested in meeting new people."

"Aww, but I'm sure we'd become fast friends, Beca." When Chloe halts at the next red light, she turns her head towards Beca and flashes her a wink and a sly smile.

Again, Beca feels a sense of familiarity stream through her body as the lightheartedness with which Chloe says Beca's name travels around the air... It seems as though Chloe has stated this to her before. Or perhaps it's just Chloe's innate ability to put people at ease and incite this sense of familiarity when they're in her company. The fact that Beca can't explain it or figure out what to do about it frightens her a little.

Since the supermarket is close to the next intersection, Beca fights the impulse to do what she usually does when she's feeling overwhelmed in a certain situation, which is to run away.

When Chloe parks the car, they hop out and walk toward the store.

Beca quickly grabs a sandwich and soda and heads for the register. Chloe follows suit with two bottles of tequila.

As they both check out and leave the store, Beca walks past the car, deciding that it might be better if she walks back, as she still has time. She justifies her inner turmoil by claiming that she is not freaking out but will be walking back instead so that she can eat on the way. That's precisely what this is.

"Thanks for the ride, dude," she's calling after Chloe and trying to sound lighthearted, but that's the furthest thing from her true nature. Because of this, she runs into the next parked vehicle while preoccupied with the sandwich she's trying to unwrap. "See y–ugh!"

"Where are you going?" Chloe shouts in Beca's direction, suppressing a smile as Beca tries covering her clumsiness, "I can take you back."

Chloe's expression shifts as Beca begins stepping around the vehicle, from confusion to upset to even mildly dejected, which somehow bothers Beca. And usually, she doesn't care about other people. However, she finds it hard to look into sad, vivid blue eyes and NOT feel anything when they dim with sadness. So, it's understandable that Beca's unpredicted change in attitude toward everything shifts if you've ever seen that normally happy face turn gloomy.

"Sorry, I mean, I just didn't want to be a bother." Beca tries to give a reasonably weak justification for her hesitation. She gestures with her sandwich, which she has just partially unwrapped, as if to indicate that the sole reason she wanted to walk back was so she could eat in peace.

"Beca, get in!" Chloe says with an inviting tilt of her head, "And you can eat in the car. Tom won't mind."

The drive back only takes about five minutes, but it feels like an eternity because of how slowly time is moving. When neither of them speaks this time, the silence does not appear to be awkward in any way.

Beca lets out a long-suffering sigh. After a little pause, she utters the words, "Um, dude, I owe you." She rewraps her sandwich, considering that it would most likely be considered, maybe, impolite to consume food while riding in someone else's car. Even if Chloe says it's okay, this isn't her car, after all.

Beca might be considered a jerk, a douchebag, and an asshole at some point, but she has manners.

"You can eat, really," Chloe says, reading Beca like a book. "Tom and I have done worse things in this car."

"Eww, why are you telling me that?"

"Just on the backseat—relax," Chloe says, giggling. "Anyhow, it's really fine."

"No, it's okay. I just lost my appetite."

Chloe giggles again. "By the way, you can join our party if you feel like owing me," she tries again, poking her tongue out.

"Let me out," Beca snaps.

"Aww, okay, okay. How about you just show up, get one drink, and then leave?" she tries anyway.

"No, seriously, dude! I don't want to," Beca says firmly. She feels her mouth go dry, and her stomach cramps uncomfortably as she watches Chloe's posture sag. "I'm, um, sorry. But please just understand."

When Chloe parks the car in the campus parking lot near the radio station, she shuts down the engine and then turns towards Beca. "Will you... at least hang out with me sometime? We could go for a walk in the park or something."

"What, are you a dog that requires to be taken for a walk? Did you just pick me up to hang out with me?" Beca gasps mockingly. Chloe's smile fades because she's obviously not used to Beca's rudeness, and she turns her head; Beca realizes how she might have come across.

After all, Beca was the one who chose to get into the car on her own initiative. In addition, Chloe merely offered to give her a ride—she didn't force her. Chloe would have complied with Beca's request to drop her off at any spot if she had been allowed to do so. Because it seems that Chloe is, by nature—a kind person.

And then there's Beca, a complete and utter jackass. She can see only the back of Chloe's head, but she can still determine that the redhead is rubbing her nose and sniffing. Beca becomes irritable and acts like an even more obnoxious little monster when she is hungry, which is a lot considering how dickish she generally is. Chloe is asking for a stroll with her. That isn't so bad, right?

Thus, she's giving up. She surrenders.

"Yeah, sure," she says, groaning, "why not?"

Chloe turns her head back and grins as widely as she can, squealing in delight until Beca's eardrums hurt. What a nuisance. It's as if seeing the brightest colors of a rainbow flashing in front of her stunning face. Beca experiences a peculiar tingling in her tummy—or maybe she's just really hungry. "How about tomorrow at five, then?" Chloe suggests, "Or do you have to work?"

"No, that's... Cool."

When Chloe hands her phone to Beca, it's a universal indication that Beca should add her number to her contacts. A glimmer of optimism crosses her face as she looks at Beca. She reaches out with her other hand, maybe hoping that Beca will hand over her phone for Chloe to save her number.

After everything's exchanged and settled, Chloe squeals with delight and hugs her phone to her chest as though it were the most thoughtful gift she's ever received.

Chloe then looks up from her phone, straightens her body, and extends her hand for Beca to shake it. "We haven't formally introduced each other yet." It's weird, but it's true. Thus, Beca takes the hand—which is firm and soft—and shakes it. "I'm Chloe. Chloe Beale. Nice to meet you," she says, voice earnest.

"I'm, uh, Beca?" Beca says awkwardly as if she isn't sure anymore if that's her name, "Beca Mitchell. My pleasure." She plays along, nonetheless.

"I'm looking forward to you seeing you, Beca Mitchell." Like a businesswoman welcoming a new business partner, Chloe speaks with confidence and assurance.

"Yes, certainly. It's been a pleasure getting to know you," Beca returns and unbuckles, getting up as she proceeds with their game, "and I hope that we cross paths in the future… Miss… Weirdo."

"Certainly. I will arrange the location with you for tomorrow at 5 p.m. if that is all right. Once again, thank you very much for the opportunity to get to know you." Still serious. Even sounding like she means it.

"You're so weird," Beca laughs nervously but feels sincerely amused.

At last, she leaves the car and hopes for another thunderstorm tomorrow.

*,*,*

'So, you're ready for our date? Xoxo'

Beca thinks for a fleeting second that the message is from Jesse, but then she realizes that the grammar and spelling are correct. Plus, Jesse doesn't use "hugs & kisses." Then she reads the sender's name: it's Chloe.

'Dude, I think you got the wrong recipient.'

'No, I meant you, Beca. :)'

'Okay, but it's not a date…?'

'Aww, DX. Why not?'

'Um, is that a serious question? I'm not going out with you.'

'Why ever not? I'm nice and charming. ;) Besides, you promised. DX'

Beca is at a loss for words when it comes to assessing Chloe, particularly in terms of her banter and teasing. Indeed, none of what she says is meant seriously. She has a boyfriend, for starters, and secondly, hello?

'I didn't promise anything.'

'It will just be a quick, romantic walk, Bec. Then you can resume your apathetic life and be grumpy and boring again. XP'

Beca squints at her phone and does her best to ignore that Chloe is intentionally trying to stir her up by using terms like "romantic" and "apathetic," as if this is how they have always interacted with one another. She is unable to pinpoint which of these terms irritates her the most. As though they've known each other for years, and this has always been a game between them. As if they could tease each other this way, knowing it doesn't mess up the other.

Yet, they don't know each other at all.

However, rather than bringing this out to Chloe, Beca concedes in the same rude manner she typically does when engaging with other people. By being discourteous.

'And you're wasting my precious time being grumpy and boring RIGHT NOW.'

Being socially inept and with the social skills of a hamster, Beca thinks that people automatically understand her rudeness. The next reply doesn't follow as quickly as the previous ones, and she has a sinking feeling that she might have gone a bit far. She waits for her phone to vibrate.

Then Chloe texts her. 'I understand. Tell me when you're free next time. Sorry for wasting your time... :('

Beca takes a deep breath when she notices that her fingers are moving quickly across the digital keyboard on her iPhone as if they were doing so on their own. Why does she always have to be a dick?

Most importantly—why can't she resist Chloe Beale?

'To be honest, I'm already at the Eastside park's gate. Thought we'd meet at 5?'

'SERIOUSLY?! ON MY WAY!'

*,*,*

Unfortunately, the Universe is conspiring against Beca because the weather is ideal for a stroll in the park. So, no further excuses.

Beca waits like 15 minutes for the perky redhead to arrive. Not that she'd admit it, but she seriously hasn't met anyone outside her dorm since she started college and feels slightly nervous. Nervous because she had forgotten how to act like a "normal" human being.

Sure, she'd met up with Jesse occasionally, but that is like meeting your brother—a brother who is sometimes hitting on you, which is just weird. And she'd met with Benji or coursemates for their study groups, but those don't count.

She notices a face off in the distance that is beaming broadly, and the person's red hair is whirling in the wind as she runs towards Beca in a manner reminiscent of those clichéd slow-motion movies, at which occasion Beca generally falls asleep. It's true; she'd never seen a movie all to the end before. She doesn't know if the dude will ultimately succeed in winning over the lady.

But this is real life. This is not their love story.

Still, Beca has been known to read nonstop for days, sustaining herself solely on water and a steady diet of chips. She spends a great deal of her free time either producing mashups or reading. And the endings are always subject to interpretation and adaptable to various situations.

Beca focuses her attention back on the redhead. And all of a sudden, there is a leap into fast forward.

Chloe extends both of her arms in greeting. Beca blinks, but it is too late for her to comprehend what is happening, and in the next instant, Chloe pounces on her to give her a huge bear hug. This ultimately knocks the air out of Beca's lungs.

"Uff!"

"I'm so sorry for being late." Chloe is only slightly out of breath. She's holding Beca tightly in a body lock. "Honestly, I didn't expect you'd show up," she says over Beca's ear, panting slightly into it, which is stirring something inside Beca that causes her to hold her breath and close her eyes in response.

Beca's hand moves up awkwardly to pat Chloe's back. But also, to signify for Chloe to let go.

"It's okay, dude, really. Didn't wait long," she says into Chloe's hair, which smells like fruity shampoo of a different brand; watermelon, the same scent Beca is using.

When Chloe releases her, she flashes that confident smile that shines from the inside out. That sort of smile that, even though Beca is not in the mood to smile, she does. The so-called killer smile. "So, what would you like to do?"

"Maybe just take a walk as you suggested?" Beca offers, as that's the only thing she's mentally prepared herself for.

What she did not mentally prepare herself for was, when Chloe hooks her arm with Beca's. Her body stiffens, as that's generally her response to physical contact. She tries to move away. "Dude, no. No more touching."

Chloe throws her head back and laughs. But she doesn't let go as they walk.

Consequently, the longer they walk through the park together, along the path, the more accustomed Beca becomes to physical contact. Or perhaps she has just given up, seeing as Chloe seemed to cling to her like a Venus flytrap and Beca was her nutritional source. Thus, the more Beca attempted to remove her arm, the tighter Chloe gripped her.

They chat about a variety of topics to become acquainted with one another. Chloe talks about her life here at Barden in general, Chloe's friends, and the choir groups. The fact that Chloe is a senior and the co-captain of The Bellas is mentioned. Well, only Chloe is doing the talking, as if Beca asked. As if she was interested in all that. She just wants to get this over with quickly enough.

And Beca, to the greatest extent that was feasible, refrained from disclosing an excessive amount about herself, even though Chloe kept prying.

Chloe inquires whether Beca goes out with her friends and asks about the activities that Beca typically participates in during her leisure time. The only person that comes to her mind is her roommate, Kimmy, whom she tells Chloe is her "friend."

In retrospect, she could have told her that she occasionally hangs out with Jesse and Benji, but for some reason, she didn't mention him or them.

Kimmy's commitments to her extracurricular activities mean that the two of them only sometimes get together to do things like tour the city, get drunk and play pointless arcade games. This is obviously not true because Beca and her roommate have zero social ties. Thus, Beca rubs her neck and averts her gaze. She's staring ahead as they keep walking, watching other students walk past, students exercising, hanging out together.

When it was pouring outside, they once chose to wait it out in their dorm room together, so they kind of "hung out." While Kimmy was talking on the phone in her native language, Beca was reading a novel while they both waited for the storm to pass.

That's how Beca and her "friend" hang out.

She doesn't want to elicit pity from Chloe by revealing how humdrum her life is. In fact, that's the only reaction someone generally receives when they disclose that they don't have any friends. They don't seem to realize that Beca enjoys and appreciates her time alone. That's the upside of being an introvert.

Chloe gives her a sideways glance, squinting her eyes as if she doesn't buy it. As if she can look through Beca and see what's going on in her mind.

"What?" Beca asks, furrowing her brows.

Chloe's eyes scan Beca's face and body language as if she's scrutinizing her. Then she says, "I would have guessed you're some kind of a homebody, a recluse," she states with a gesture of her other hand. The arm hooked with Beca's is squeezing her closer; her hand is wandering down so that their hands touch. Then, very casually, Chloe joins her index finger with Beca's pinky finger, "And that you only leave your room to eat and see Jesse."

Beca flinches inwardly. Why is talking to Chloe like talking to a friend who knows everything about you, like there's an added layer of comforting familiarity? In fact, Chloe's knowledge of Beca is so extensive that it's hard to believe she's a mere acquaintance.

"No, I–" Beca drops her eyes down to their hands and swallows hard. She doesn't understand why the hell Chloe keeps touching her like this. "I think it's a bit... weird."

"What?"

"The fact that you seem to know me so well," Beca says airily. She tries to disentangle her fingers from Chloe's, but the redhead suddenly interlaces them as if they are a couple or in a relationship. It seems that the people who pass them by don't pay any attention to them at all. To someone looking in from the outside, they may be two of the sweetest best friends, or they could be cute lovers. Beca still hates that word.

Nobody would guess that this is only their first time hanging out together. And hopefully, the last time.

Chloe squeezes her fingers tighter, refusing to let go. As she leans closer, she whispers, "What if I told you I do?"

"Then, congratulations! You'd be the first," Beca scoffs, staring into the distance. "Because nobody does. Not even my own family."

Chloe stops in her tracks and pulls Beca back, which causes Beca to stumble backward and knock into Chloe like two rubber bands tied together.

"Oh my God," Beca exclaims in exasperation when she collides with Chloe, "would you please just let go of my hand?"

"Beca..." Chloe reflects on Beca's statement in a sorrowful and sluggish manner, her brilliant blue eyes dimming as she says, "so you cut yourself off even from your own family?"

"What? Um, no," Beca stutters as she scratches her chin and blurts out, "Well, I don't know. But I guess there are consequences to parental abandonment, you know?"

That is the first personal information, albeit a relatively minor one—or a huge one? —that Beca divulges about herself. And at the same time, she feels that something within her is cracking and bristling even further. Similar to the bristling of a barrier she had constructed around her own heart, which she'd felt before: A tiny portion of the masonry is eroding. And this process started when she looked into Chloe's eyes many nights ago. So, she looks down at her feet for a moment as though seeing the pieces there, and then her eyes move upward to their intertwined fingers.

Chloe's squeezing her lightly. "Will you–" Beca pleads quietly, "will you just let go, please?"

Chloe releases her hand but steps in front of her and then lifts her chin with a stroke of her fingers, forcing Beca to stare into a vivid bright pool of blue.

Chloe shakes her head, smiling softly, and Beca briefly thinks she is drowning in those eyes.

"Beca, no, I won't let you go."

"That's... so... cheesy, you weirdo," Beca chortles as she places her hands on Chloe's hips and lets them linger there… only to shove the redhead playfully away.

At that, Chloe looks like the epitome of a sad smiley face.

As they continue walking, Chloe doesn't take Beca's hand back into hers. It suddenly feels... different, like something is missing because Beca has already grown used to it. But she doesn't admit it. And she doesn't take Chloe's hand.

They discuss the Bellas again, individually and collectively, and Beca finds out a few things about them that Jesse was, understandably, never able to share with her. Chloe also shares about their rehearsals and the kinds of music they sing. About their failures and their successes. Their performances.

Even as Chloe is telling her about them, Beca feels that she has heard all of this information before, as if everything seems familiar to her. Beca has the impression that she is a member of the group, but she disregards the notion that Chloe is just a skilled storyteller or… a gossiper. Whichever.

Then Chloe suddenly remarks, out of context, "I bet in another universe, you'd be a pretty good Bella."

Alluding once more to the Many Worlds theories. Regarding possible parallel universes and time periods. Referring to alternate dimensions. Chloe may not share the geeks' deep appreciation for it, but that doesn't mean it's without significance. In a sense, it's all about theories and facts. Such that conjecture and understanding play a role. In the same vein, its philosophical connotation on Beca is not present here. Chloe is just being playful.

Now she is asking herself the same question she asked about Jesse: what if Beca was dating Chloe in some alternate universe? No, that feels odd…

"I bet in another Universe," Beca retorts, to drown out her thoughts, "I would have committed suicide already if I were one."

"Naw, I don't think so," Chloe states with confidence, lifting a finger, "I bet you'd not only be best friends with me but with all of them as well. And we'd all have fun slumber parties, pillow fights, and drunk make-out sessions."

"I pass."

Before Beca can give any further reaction, Chloe wraps her from the side and whispers into her ear, "You're no fun."

Beca's horror spreads over her face as she understands what's happening to her, and she stiffens up like a piece of plank wood. Again. "Ugh, are you for real? I'm not afraid to call for help."

Then, Chloe steps back and lets her go while bursting into peals of laughter.

After Beca has regained her composure, she remarks thoughtfully, "I've never actually been to a sleepover party before."

"What?" Chloe blurts out, half bemusedly, half incredulously, as if Beca has just told her that she'd had a threesome once. "Wait, you've never been to a slumber party before?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Like, how is that even possible?"

"What exactly do I need it for?" Beca asks, mirroring Chloe's perplexed expression as her words spill from a disbelieving smile, "Is that the kind of person I look like? I would not want to spend the night with a bunch of drunk girls talking incoherent nonsense and keeping me from sleeping. I mean, I can hardly listen to you."

"Aww, you're so charming, you know?" Chloe says as she bats her eyelashes and folds her hands to her face. "But I love it."

"No, dude, I mean..." Beca throws a fleeting glance around her to avoid Chloe's eyes. Because it's seriously distracting when she bats her eyelashes like that. "I find it hard to have, um, that sort of bonding. With a bunch of girls. With anyone. And I usually need to recharge after socializing."

"And is it, um–" Chloe drops her eyes, and she quickly seems crestfallen. Her facial expression fades as she glances straight into Beca's eyes, "–hard for you to bond with me, too?" she asks while giving off the impression that she needs to be reassured.

And for some reason, Beca's chest tightens.

"No," she exclaims quickly, her voice softening, "no, I–I enjoy this, bonding thingy with you. Which is weird. I'm getting used to it, maybe."

"Aww, that's sweet!" Immediately, Chloe's wide grin returns. As she spots an empty park bench, she makes her way toward it and eventually decides to take a seat. She pats the spot next to her for Beca to sit, "And that coming from an antisocial homebody."

"Well, actually," Beca says in defense, taking her surroundings in with a fleeting glance, "I do mingle. Sometimes." She walks towards the bench and sits down, an arm's length from the redhead.

And, of course, Chloe scoots closer.

"I'm sure you do." She's so close now that Beca can feel this chirpy woman's body heat radiating. Chloe tilts her upper body towards Beca, her arm resting on the backrest of the bench behind Beca. "I bet you'd enjoy one. You know, a slumber party?"

"No, dude, don't fucking force me to do that," Beca groans loudly, sensing Chloe's intention, "That pisses me off, you know? It's something my father does all the time. Forcing me to socialize." She attempts to stand up to put distance between them and prevent Chloe from coaxing her to engage in this "fun activity," but Chloe seizes her wrist. Not too forcefully, however. But the unexpected contact renders Beca motionless on the spot.

"Look–" Chloe gives Beca a little pull on her wrist, which causes Beca to slouch awkwardly next to the redhead. She then says, "what if we have a private slumber party instead? No other girls. Just you. And me," she offers in a whisper to Beca, her voice affectionate, while bringing her face within a few inches closer. Beca can see each distinct hue of dazzling blue in those irises, feel Chloe's breath against her skin, and smell her fruity scent.

In her regular tone of voice, Chloe adds, "Come on, it's for us to get to know each other." With her other hand that isn't holding Beca's wrist, she tucks a strand of hair behind Beca's ear, "I bring the booze, you provide the pillows for the pillow fight, and we gossip about boys till the wee hours of the morning."

Beca leans away, feeling uncomfortable and somewhat confused at the sudden proximity as all of her senses are overworking, and she cannot think clearly.

The touch. Her warmth. The fruity smell. Her sweet words.

But Beca still tries to play it cool. "Um, yeah, because we're both twelve-year-olds," she says, carefully retrieving her hand. When she manages, she places her hands on her lap to act naturally, "and dudes are definitely worth losing sleep for." She winks as she gives a thumbs-up with her hand.

Chloe arches an eyebrow, then instantly snatches Beca's thumb. "We could just lie in your bed and cuddle," she offers while shrugging nonchalantly, "because that's what best friends do."

At this point, it has become useless for Beca to fend off Chloe's advances any longer; the young woman adheres to Beca like duct tape. "Yeah, we're not best friends, though. And I don't do cuddles."

"Why, because I'm a woman?"

"No, I don't care if you're a woman," she says this while staring at Chloe's lips which are curling into a seductive smirk, and then watches as Chloe worries a corner of her bottom lip between her teeth. It's so hypnotic that Beca can barely tear her gaze away. Does it truly not matter to her if she's cuddling with a dude or another woman? She doesn't know. She quickly rectifies the impression she may have given by quickly adding a clarification, "because I'm not into cuddles. Period." Then she averts her eyes as, for some reason, she can't stand seeing the disappointment which will unfold on Chloe's face. Not this time. She looks at their fingers that happened to have interlaced again, which Beca hadn't even noticed. "I'm not into physical affection." It's crucial for her for Chloe to know this fact in the hopes that the redhead will finally stop touching her. But instead of letting go of Chloe's hand, she takes it in both hands and absent-mindedly plays with it.

"I know," Chloe heaves a long-suffering sigh, moving her fingers with Beca's, "I was just kidding, Beca." She knew that Chloe had just been messing with her, of course. Chloe's other hand twirls the strands of Beca's long hair, her gaze burning on Beca's face. Beca tries not to stare back this time, still stroking each digit of Chloe's hand, which feels soft, and she's wondering what hand moisturizer this woman is using. "I can't wait until we're best friends," Chloe adds dreamily.

Beca's only response is a weak smile. She's suddenly nervous and has no idea what's causing it. In the end, it's just Chloe. This is a new acquaintance she's made just recently. Whom she had run into a couple of times. And no, this is not a date. She doesn't have a date with Chloe. Then what's the matter with this sudden nervousness?

With a gentle tug at her hand, Chloe urges her to look at her.

Oh my god, what is happening?

She feels uneasy from the top of her head to her toes, from the pit of her stomach, and all the way to her fingertips. That hand is still playing with Chloe's, playing with her fingertips, brushing against her palm, the back of her hand, her knuckles. Her hands are trembling slightly.

So, Beca dares to look up slowly. And Chloe is still staring at her. A small smile on her lips. Beca sees those cute, barely visible freckles on her nose, that tiny, blemished scar on her forehead, her long eyelashes. Those dazzling blue eyes.

And back to Chloe's lips that part slightly.

And Beca feels her stomach tingling.

Which is just weird.

A person comes jogging up to them and calls Chloe's name, which causes them both to draw away from each other at once to look at the person.

It's Chloe's, presumably, friend, whom Beca had seen a couple of times with Chloe. She is wearing her jogging outfit, a tall, attractive, long-haired brunette woman, hair worn in a ponytail. Her top is low cut and displays her cleavage with those perfectly shaped boobs. Not that Beca is actually staring.

"Stacie!" Chloe squeals as she runs toward the other woman. This tall woman, Stacie, gives Chloe a friendly peck on the lips as a greeting. A natural thing between the two, apparently. "Didn't know you jog here!"

"Well, the weather's nice," Stacie says as she gestures pointlessly, resuming to jog on the spot and removing a headset's earplug to chat with Chloe, "and I needed a break from Aubrey's terrorism." She looks over Chloe's shoulder and catches Beca. "Who's that? I thought you were on a date with Tom?"

"Um, no," Chloe says. But instead of further explaining, she introduces Stacie to Beca with a gesture of that same hand, Beca had been stroking, literally, seconds ago. "Beca, Stacie is also a Barden Bella."

"Nice to meet you, other Barden Bella," Beca says with an awkward wave. She immediately regrets saying it.

Stacie jogs towards Beca, her big boobs bouncing in her top. She stops in front of Beca, then hugs her as if that's also a normal thing between them. Stacie has to bend down to embrace Beca properly.

She ponders if all the Bellas are this touchy-feely and, if not, if they learn it there during rehearsal as their special training.

Stacie pats Beca's head and says, "You're so tiny, even smaller than Chloe," in a voice typically reserved for babies or endearing animals. "See you next time, Beca."

"Yeah, dude," Beca replies, frowning.

As she passes Chloe, she murmurs something into the redhead's ear, which causes Chloe actually to blush as she looks back at Beca, which also earned Stacie a playful hit on her arm.

"What did she say?" Beca asks curiously once Stacie is out of hearing range.

"I'll tell you at our slumber party." Chloe winks as she hooks her arm with Beca's.

And this, also, seems to be a natural thing now.


A/N: I'm thanking you all for the follow, favorite, and comment on this story. I love reading them. Check out my tumblr ( /chiquelle) because I'm providing GIFs to the stories there.