Stronger
Chapter 9

The next morning, Beca woke when she felt Chloe moving around. Suddenly, Chloe's naked chest was in her face.

"Sorry," Chloe said, looking down at Beca. "My phone was buzzing."

"You're a cruel bitch; you know that?" Beca said, her voice husky.

"You love it," Chloe laughed as she flopped back on the bed with her phone in her hand.

"What time is it?" Beca asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Seven," Chloe said.

"Who is texting you at seven on a Saturday morning?"

"My mom," Chloe responded. "She just wanted to wish me a happy birthday."

"Oh, right," Beca hummed as she rolled over to lay on top of Chloe. "Happy birthday."

Chloe tossed her phone onto the nightstand and giggled as Beca leaned down to kiss her. One kiss turned into two and then into several more.

Beca slowly started placing open-mouthed kisses across Chloe's jawline and down the side of her neck.

"You have entirely too many clothes on," Chloe mumbled when Beca reached her shoulder.

"We should fix that," Beca said, throwing the covers off and sitting up so she could straddle Chloe's waist.

Chloe impatiently grabbed the bottom of Beca's t-shirt and started pulling it up. Beca took over and had the shirt up over her shoulders when Chloe's phone rang.

"Dammit," Beca mumbled in frustration as she pulled her shirt back down over her body. "I can't catch a break."

Beca reached over and grabbed Chloe's phone from the nightstand.

"It figures," Beca mumbled, looking at the caller ID. "It's your mom. I swear neither of our parents wants us to have sex."

"Don't you move!" Chloe said as she took her phone from Beca. "Hi, mom."

"Good morning, Chloe," Charlotte said. "Did I wake you?"

"No," Chloe said as Beca looked down at her. "I woke up a few minutes ago. Thanks for the birthday text."

"You're welcome," Charlotte said. "I don't want to keep you, but your father wanted to wish you a happy birthday, too."

Chloe hissed when Beca slid her hand across Chloe's breasts, sending a shiver through her.

"Is everything okay?" Charlotte asked. "Are you in pain?"

"Chloe's in pain?" Carl could be heard asking through the phone. "What happened?"

"I'm not in pain," Chloe said quickly. "I'm fine, I promise."

Beca giggled as Chloe swatted her hand away before she could latch onto Chloe's breast.

"Stop it," Chloe mouthed.

"Make me," Beca mouthed back as she grabbed Chloe's free hand and held it over her head.

"Is Beca with you?" Charlotte asked. "Sarah wants to speak with her."

"She's right here," Chloe said, smirking as she held the phone up to Beca's face. "Your mom wants to talk to you."

Beca frowned as she took the phone from Chloe. She moved off Chloe and sat on the edge of the bed. Chloe sat up and put her chin on Beca's shoulder.

"Hey, mom, what's up?" Beca said, swatting at Chloe as she started blowing in her ear. Chloe then grabbed Beca's earlobe between her teeth. "What? I'm sorry, but Chloe is being a nuisance."

"I just wanted you to know that the insurance agent will be coming by to assess the damage to your car on Monday," Sarah said. "I told him between ten and two would be the best time. Is that okay? If not, I can-"

"Ouch," Beca suddenly yelped as Chloe bit down on her lobe.

"call him back and-. Are you okay?"

Beca glared at Chloe. "I'm fine, mom," Beca said into the phone. "I just hit my, um, my elbow. I can do between ten and two on Monday, no problem."

"Good," Sarah said. "I'll call you later when I know when I'll be coming home. Now, I think Carl wants to talk to Chloe before we hang up."

"Okay," Beca said. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Sarah said.

Beca smirked as she handed the phone back to Chloe. "Your dad wants to talk to you."

"Behave," Chloe whispered as she put the phone to her ear. "Hey, daddy."

"Happy Birthday, baby girl," Carl said.

Beca heard a knocking sound coming from downstairs. She stood and motioned to Chloe that she was leaving. Chloe furrowed her brow, mouthing, "Why?"

"Someone's at the front door," Beca mouthed back.

"What was that, daddy?" Chloe asked, hearing her father speaking.

"I said, whatever you and Beca do today, please be careful," Carl said. "I just want you to be safe."

"I am," Chloe said. "And, don't worry, things are good here. Beca is taking really good care of me."

"I'm, um, I'm happy you have her," Carl said. "I couldn't ask for anyone better for you."

"Thanks, daddy," Chloe said, teary-eyed. "You accepting my and Beca's relationship means the world to me."

"I'm glad," Carl said. "I know I haven't been acting like it, but I do love and support you no matter who you love."

"Thanks," Chloe sniffled. "I love you, daddy."

"I love you, too, Chloe," Carl said. Chloe could hear him sniffling through the phone. Carl cleared his throat. "I'll let you go. Have a great birthday."

"Thanks, daddy," Chloe said. "Tell mom I said thanks, too, and I'll talk to you both later."

"I'll tell her," Carl said and ended the call.

Chloe sat holding her phone for a moment. She then wiped the tear that fell down her cheek and stood from the bed.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

"Chloe!?" Beca called from downstairs. "Could you come down here, please?"

Hearing Beca calling her, Chloe went to the door and opened it.

"I'll be down in a minute," Chloe yelled. "I'm just getting dressed."

Chloe dressed quickly and ran downstairs to see Beca standing with two police officers.

"Here she is," Beca said when Chloe appeared. "Chloe, this is Officer Walp and Officer Donahue. They are our new security detail."

"Please call me Chicago," Office Walp said, smiling as he reached out to shake Chloe's hand.

Chloe shook his hand, and Chicago held it a bit too long for Chloe's liking, so she pulled away as soon as she felt him loosen his grip.

"I'm Trish," Officer Donahue said with a slight wave.

"It's nice to meet you both," Chloe said. "Thank you for being here for us."

Both officers nodded their heads, acknowledging Chloe's words. Chicago was still smiling and looking directly at her. Chloe moved to stand next to Beca and made a show of putting her arm around Beca's waist.

"So, uh, Beca here was telling us you have plans to go out for breakfast," Chicago said. "Trish and I will accompany you to make sure you're safe."

"Happy birthday, by the way," Trish said.

"Thank you," Chloe said, smiling at the woman.

"We should take you in our squad car," Chicago said. "Sort of a symbol to let everyone know that you two are off limits and not to bother you."

"Do we have to?" Chloe asked. "I mean, won't it raise a lot of questions if Beca and I roll up in the backseat of a police car?"

"She's right," Trish said. "How about we just follow you to the diner to make sure nothing happens between here and there? Chicago and I haven't had breakfast, so we can grab a bite at the same time."

"I like that plan," Beca said. "I need to get dressed, and then we can go. Is that okay with everyone?"

"Works for me," Chloe said.

"We are ready when you are," Chicago said; Trish nodded in agreement.

Beca ran upstairs, and Chloe stood looking down at the floor.

"So, twenty-one, huh?" Chicago said, looking at Chloe. "All legal now. Any plans to get drunk? I know a few places that are not that expensive if you want to check them out."

Chloe's head popped up. "I'll have to ask my girlfriend if she's interested."

"Oh, right," Chicago said, smirking. "Girlfriend. Got it."

"Beca is my girlfriend," Chloe said, not appreciating Chicago's attitude. "And I'm pretty sure we don't need you to help us check anything out."

"Knock it off, Walp," Trish said when it looked as if he was going to say something more. "We're here to protect Miss Beale and Miss Mitchell, not to find you a date."

"And, in case it wasn't obvious," Chloe said. "I'm not interested."

Chicago scoffed and looked away from Chloe and Trish.

Beca came bounding down the stairs and hurried over to Chloe.

"I'm ready," Beca said, taking Chloe's hand. "Let's go."

"We'll follow you," Trish said. "Did you have plans to go anywhere else after breakfast?"

"Um, no," Beca responded, looking at Chloe. "Unless Chloe has something she wants to do, I think we'll be coming back here to spend the rest of the day."

"I'm good with spending the rest of the day here," Chloe said.

"Okay, then," Trish said. "Let's get this show on the road."

"Sounds good to me," Beca said, leading Chloe toward the garage. "We'll take my mom's car so that I can drive."

Trish and Chicago followed after Beca and Chloe. When the garage door opened, they went to their car and waited for Beca to drive out.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

After breakfast, they returned home. Once the car was parked in the garage, Beca got out and slammed the car door shut.

"Beca," Chloe said from the other side of the car.

"What?!" Beca yelled, then softened her look. "I'm sorry." She ran a hand through her hair as Chloe joined on. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"It wasn't a big deal," Chloe said. "I made it known that I was with you and had no interest in him. So, not a big deal."

Chicago and Trish came into the garage; Beca glared at Chicago.

"Um, do you guys think I can go for a run?" Chloe asked.

Beca continued to glare at Chicago.

"Are you okay, Beca?" Chicago asked.

"That depends," Beca said through clenched teeth.

"Depends on what?" Trish asked, looking from Beca to Chicago.

"On whether Chicago here is going to hit on my girlfriend again," Beca said.

"Beca," Chloe said, taking Beca's hand. "I told you it was no big deal."

"No big deal, huh?" Beca asked. "Has he apologized?"

"I'm sorry," Chicago said, looking from Beca to Chloe. "I really didn't mean anything by it, and it won't happen again, I swear."

Beca looked at him and could see some remorse on his face.

"Just be sure it doesn't."

"Um, so about that run," Chloe said to Trish. "I'd like to work off that huge breakfast we just ate."

"I could use a run, too," Trish said. "I have some sweats in the car."

"I'd like to go," Beca said. "I'll show you where you can change."

"Okay," Trish said and went to get her bag. "You coming, Chicago?"

"Sure," Chicago said. "If that's okay with you two?"

"That's fine," Beca said as Chloe nodded.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

After their run, the four took turns showering and changing. Chicago and Trish went outside to make sure everything was secure.

Beca and Chloe were sitting at the kitchen counter; Beca was working on her music while Chloe worked on her paper that was due the coming week.

Beca stretched and removed her headphones. She stood and walked over to Chloe, hugging her from behind.

"I'll be back in a few minutes," she whispered in Chloe's ear. "I have to take care of something."

"M'kay," Chloe mumbled as she continued to work.

Beca kissed the side of Chloe's head and grabbed her phone before leaving the kitchen. Once upstairs, she went into her mother's bedroom and placed two calls; the second was to her mother.

"Beca?" Sarah said through the phone. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, mom," Beca said.

"Good," Sarah said with a sigh of relief. "What's up?"

"I need a favor," Beca said.

"What kind of favor?"

Beca spent the next few minutes explaining what she wanted to do; Sarah listened and smiled.

"I have no problem with that," Sarah said. "Take whatever you want."

"Thanks, mom," Beca said, walking into her mother's closet. "Chloe's going to be so surprised."

"I'm sure she will be," Sarah said. "Give her my best. And have fun."

"We will," Beca said. "I'll talk to you later."

"Okay," Sarah said and ended the call.

Beca put her phone in her pocket and started going through her mother's clothes.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

"And. . .done," Chloe said, saving the Russian Lit paper she had been working on.

Once her document was saved, Chloe shut her laptop and reached her arms up in a stretch. She noticed Beca setting up an appliance she didn't recognize.

"Whatcha doing there, babe?" Chloe asked.

"I'm going to make the lasagna sheets," Beca answered, setting the blender and pasta maker attachment on the counter. "I want to have dinner ready around six, so I have to start now to get everything ready. Plus, I have to make two lasagnas."

"Why two?"

"I told my mom I was making lasagna for you, and she asked me to make enough for her."

"Won't it go bad before she gets home?"

"No. It freezes well, so I'll make it up to the point I bake the other one, and everything should be fine."

Chloe smiled as she got up and walked over to Beca. She put her arms around Beca's waist.

"It is such a turn-on watching you cook," she whispered to Beca before smashing their lips together.

"Okay," Beca said, pulling back from the rather heated kiss. "Save it for later. Or we won't be having your birthday dinner until tomorrow."

"Will you show me how to make pasta from scratch?" Chloe asked, moving to the side.

"Of course," Beca said. "I'm going to be using flour, so prepare to get dirty."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Chloe said, smirking and winking at Beca.

"Oh, my God," Beca exclaimed. "Are you trying to kill me?"

"Nope," Chloe said. "I kinda like having you around. Now, show me how to make fresh homemade pasta."

"Would you get me the eggs, please?"

"On it," Chloe said, getting the eggs as requested. "Anything else I can do?"

"Not right now," Beca said.

Beca measured out two cups of flour and dumped it on the counter. She then made a small nest in the middle of the flour.

Chloe stood, watching every move Beca made.

"Could you break three eggs into a small bowl for me?" Beca asked.

Chloe got a small bowl and started to break the eggs into it.

"Why don't you just break them into the flour?"

"I would, but this way, I can avoid getting any shells in it."

"Oh," Chloe said as she cracked an egg on the counter. "That makes sense."

While Chloe was working on the eggs, Beca measured out ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and added both to the nest in the flour.

"Done," Chloe said, holding the bowl with the eggs out to Beca.

Beca took the bowl and dumped the eggs into the flour nest. Then, she took a fork and began gently breaking up the eggs, being careful not to break the flour 'wall.'

Once everything was mixed in, she used her hands to start bringing the flour inward to incorporate it into the egg mixture. She continued doing this until she could form a ball with the dough.

She took the dough ball and began kneading it.

"How long do you have to do that?" Chloe asked.

"About 10 minutes," Beca said. "We want a cohesive, smooth ball of dough. When we have that, we'll wrap it in plastic wrap and set it aside for half an hour."

"What happens after that?"

"Then, we get the pasta attachment and make our lasagna sheets."

"Will you boil them before you put them in the lasagna?"

"No," Beca said. "With fresh pasta, it will cook while the lasagna bakes. Would you crack three more eggs into the bowl for me? I have to make the pasta for my mom's lasagna."

"Why didn't you just make it at the same time?"

"Because I wouldn't have been able to maintain the integrity of the flour wall," Beca said. "It would have broken, and then I'd really have a mess to clean up."

"Thank you," Choe said, kissing Beca on the cheek. "I love that you are so patient with me."

"Well, I love you, so," Beca said, trailing off at the end when Chloe smashed her lips onto Beca's.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Once the lasagna was in the oven, Beca put together a salad to go with dinner.

"Can I do something?" Chloe asked. "I feel like I need to be helping."

"I got this under control," Beca said. "You need to go get changed for dinner. Since it's your birthday, I've decided we need to dress up to celebrate."

"But I didn't bring anything dressy," Chloe said.

"I figured as much," Beca said, pulling Chloe to her and wrapping her arms around Chloe's waist. "So, with my mom's permission, I raided her closet and found something for you to wear. I laid it out on the bed in my room. If you don't like it, we can find something else. My mom did say to take whatever you wanted."

Chloe was dumbfounded. Beca had thought of everything and was making this the best birthday she's ever had.

"I love you," Chloe said, leaning in to kiss Beca. "And, I'm so glad I met you."

"Me, too," Beca said. "Now, go get dressed. Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes."

"Okay, Miss Bossypants," Chloe said with a laugh as she hurried out of the kitchen.

As soon as Chloe was gone, Beca grabbed a few things from the pantry and took them into the dining room. She set everything up and ran back to the kitchen to check on the lasagna. Everything looked great, so she hurried to her mother's room to get dressed.

Beca was back in the kitchen before Chloe. She took the lasagna out of the oven and set it on the counter. She then quickly made the garlic bread and placed it in the oven.

She grabbed the salad and the dressing from the refrigerator. She placed those on the dining room table and rushed back into the kitchen to grab the bread so it didn't burn.

"Ahem," Chloe said from the kitchen door.

"Wow!" Beca said when she saw Chloe.

"What do you think?" Chloe asked, twirling to show off the dress. "You like?"

"I do," Beca said and nodded.

Suddenly realizing she was still holding the bread pan, she set it on the counter.

"Sit down and wait here," she told Chloe. "I have to finish setting up the dining room."

Chloe did as she was told, and Beca hurried into the dining room. She grabbed the lighter and lit the two candles she had placed on the table. She then quickly poured two glasses of wine (what her mother didn't know won't hurt her).

Beca came back into the kitchen, carrying the glasses of wine.

"Here," Beca said, handing Chloe one of the glasses. "A celebration calls for wine."

"Thank you," Chloe said, taking a sip of her wine. "Mmm, are we ready to eat? Everything smells delicious, and I'm hungry."

"Go take a seat at the table, and I'll bring the lasagna and garlic bread in," Beca said.

Chloe took her glass and entered the dining room. She stopped when she saw the romantic setup Beca had created.

"God, I love this girl," Chloe mumbled as she placed her wine down and took a seat at the table.

Beca plated the lasagna and garlic bread and picked up both plates. She went into the dining room and placed a plate in front of Chloe.

"This looks amazing," Chloe said as Beca went around the table and pressed play on her laptop.

Soft romantic music emanated from the speakers. Beca sat down across from Chloe.

"Candlelight," Chloe said. "Soft music. Wine. You sure know how to treat a girl right."

"Not just any girl," Beca said. "A very special girl."

Beca picked up her wine glass and held it out to Chloe.

"Happy birthday, baby," Beca said, tapping her glass against Chloe's.

"Thank you," Chloe said as they both sipped their wine.

"Let's eat," Beca said as she picked up her fork.

The two chatted as they ate.

"I need to go to my apartment soon," Chloe said. "If I'm staying here, I need more clothes. And, my mom left my birthday present there."

"Maybe we can go tomorrow," Beca said. "We're picking Aubrey up from the airport, right?"

"You're going with me?"

"I mean, your protection detail will have to go, so I'll go to if that's okay."

"You don't even have to ask," Chloe said. "I'm just glad you want to."

"For safety's sake, we should have Aubrey stay here, too," Beca said.

"I hadn't thought of that," Chloe said. "We'll talk to her about it tomorrow on the drive back."

"Okay," Beca said, standing from the table.

Beca went over to her laptop and reached behind it to pull out a small, wrapped box. She then walked over to Chloe and held it to her.

"This is for you," Beca said. "I hope you like it."

Chloe smiled as she placed her hand over the gift and pulled Beca down for a kiss.

"You didn't have to do that," Chloe said.

Beca smiled and took the seat next to Chloe. "Go ahead. Open it."

Chloe ripped the paper and opened the box to find a necklace. She smiled when she saw a charm that reads "BeChloe" hanging from it.

"BeChloe?" Chloe asked, looking at Beca.

"It's the ship name Fat Amy gave us," Beca said with a soft chuckle. "I kind of liked it, so I thought you might like it, too."

"I love it," Chloe said. "Would you put it on me?"

"Of course," Beca said, standing and taking the necklace from Chloe.

Beca hooked the clasp and sat back down next to Chloe. She reached around her neck and pulled out her necklace; it was the same as Chloe's.

"I got myself one, too," Beca said, holding it out for Chloe to see.

"Oh, my god," Chloe exclaimed. "I love it!"

Beca pulled Chloe into a kiss, which Chloe happily returned. The kiss ended, and Beca stood, holding her hand out to Chloe.

"Would you like to dance?"

Chloe took Beca's hand and stood, saying, "I'd love to."

Beca pulled Chloe away from the table, and they wrapped their arms around each other. Beca set her chin on Chloe's shoulder, and they started swaying slowly to the music. Chloe leaned her cheek on the side of Beca's head.

"This has been the best birthday," Chloe whispered. "The best day ever. Thank you for taking such good care of me."

Beca pulled back to look at Chloe. "I love you, Chloe, and I'd do anything for you. You know that, right?"

"I know," Chloe said, softly joining her lips with Beca's.

The kiss was soft and tender. Beca pushed forward slightly and deepened the kiss.

The kiss ended, and Beca whispered, "Are you ready to take this upstairs?"

"Yes, please," Chloe said, taking Beca's hand and leading her out of the dining room and up the stairs to Beca's room.

As soon as Beca entered the room, Chloe pushed her up against the wall and started kissing her. Beca kissed her back, and before too long, Chloe was trailing kisses down Beca's jaw and neck.

Beca moaned and moved her hands to the back of Chloe's dress to find the zipper. Her hands were shaking slightly as she slowly lowered the zipper.

Chloe slid her hands up Beca's stomach to her breasts and gently squeezed.

"Mmmm," Beca moaned as she moved her hands to her side and unzipped her skirt. She used both hands to push the skirt down until it slid down to the floor on its own.

Chloe immediately reached down and pushed her hand into the front of Beca's underwear.

"Oh, god."

Chloe smirked as she leaned in to kiss Beca while sliding her fingers through Beca's folds. Beca couldn't hold in the moan as she grabbed onto Chloe so she didn't fall to the floor.

Chloe deepened the kiss, and Beca slid her hands down Chloe's back, trying to pull her dress down.

"Wait," Chloe said, pulling back from Beca.

Beca groaned when Chloe pulled her hand out of Beca's underwear and stepped back to remove her dress. Beca inhaled sharply when she saw that Chloe was not wearing a bra.

Beca reached for Chloe, but Chloe stopped her.

"Strip!" Chloe ordered Beca as she took off her underwear.

Beca quickly removed her clothes and stepped toward Chloe. Their naked bodies became one as Chloe turned them and started walking toward the bed. She stopped when the back of Beca's legs hit the bed. She pushed Beca down, giggling as Beca bounced up once before settling back on the bed.

Chloe straddled Beca's hips and leaned down to kiss Beca. Beca's hand went to Chloe's ass, squeezing and caressing it as Chloe kissed down her neck.

Chloe grabbed Beca's breasts and squeezed them gently, eliciting a moan from Beca. She leaned back down and kissed Beca again before moving her lips down to Beca's chest.

She slid backward slightly, causing Beca to move her hands to the sheets, fisting them as her hips bucked up into Chloe.

Chloe smiled as she took Beca's breast into her mouth and snagged her nipple between her teeth. Beca's moan echoed in the otherwise quiet room.

Chloe then closed her mouth fully on Beca's breast and flicked the hardened nipple with her tongue.

"Wait, wait," Beca said, causing Chloe to pull back.

Beca pushed Chloe to get her off of her. Beca sat up and ran a hand through her hair. Chloe looked at her and waited for Beca to say or do something.

Beca stood from the bed and walked around to the other side. She picked up their phones and pulled the chargers from the wall.

Beca then took them and left the room. Chloe frowned as she watched Beca leave. She sat on the side of the bed and tried to calm herself.

Chloe was startled when Beca came back into the room and stood before Chloe in all her naked glory.

"What was that about?" Chloe asked, looking up at Beca.

"I put our phones somewhere else so there wouldn't be any interruptions," Beca responded, pushing Chloe back onto the bed.

"Good thinking," Chloe said, giggling as Beca leaned down to latch onto Chloe's breast.

A/N: I want to thank anotherbechloeshipper for her beta work on this project. She's a rock star, and I greatly appreciate her assistance.