Notes: I love writing interactions between Beca and Stacie.

Best Christmas Ever

Chapter 6

A Bit of Panic

Buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

The incessant and completely annoying sound shattered the stillness of the quiet morning.

A low grumble emerged from beneath a pile of blankets and bed sheets bundled atop one of two single beds that lay within the shadowed and empty dorm room. The small bit of light in the room came from rays of morning sunlight that barely peeked through the small gaps of space at the edge of the shades..

"Ughhh-make it stop!" A slender pale arm pushed out from underneath the covers, blindly flailing about in search of the device making the offending noise. It took a few attempts, but finally the hand landed upon the mobile phone. Taking hold of the phone, the hand disappeared back under the covers so as to shut off the reminder alert on the mobile phone,

Realizing that she was awake now, and wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, Beca pushed the covers from her head and sat up to check the time on her mobile phone.

Her vision un-blurred enough for the large white numbers showing 9:45 am. For some reason Beca knew that this should register in her brain, but she wasn't sure why.

While she considered this, Beca noticed she had a text notification. She smirked when she saw the name Chloe on her phone, the message had come in just before midnight, after Jesse had left and she had fallen asleep.

She clicked open the message.

Chloe: Hey Becs! Everything's all set. I've got our tickets and we'll fly out at 2pm tomorrow. I'll swing by UR place at about 11 to pick U up, I'll help with any last minute packing ;)

Chloe: Also my mom says she can't wait to meet U & 2 prepare yourself. xoxo

Wait, prepare myself. Prepare myself for what?

The brunette was hit with a wave of anxious thoughts. The third or fourth was she realized she needed to respond.

Beca: Morning Chlo. Just read your text. Sorry missed it last night. Sounds good.

Across campus in her apartment, Chloe was putting the finishing touches on her packing, when she heard her phone ping. She picked up her phone and read over the text she received from Beca.

Chloe: Hey Becs. No problem. Are you just waking up?

The message dots instantly started.

Beca: No, maybe

Beca: Yes

Chloe: It's okay. No prob. I'll help you finish packing when I get there. I'm so excited!

Beca: Of course U R. Umm what do I need to prepare myself for?

Chloe sat on her bed as she pondered how to answer. Knowing her mother as well as she does, she'll probably be up to something. Her mother is a natural relationship meddler and she knows Chloe's feelings for the petite brunette, so there is a chance she might try something. Chloe pondered whether or not to forewarn the girl more. She doesn't want to scare the younger woman.

Besides, I can run interference with my mother's meddling if necessary.

She typed a message

Chloe: Nothing u need to worry ur pretty head over.

Chloe: Just a house full of Beale's.

Chloe: You'll see soon enough.

Chloe: Best Xmas Ever!

Chloe: See u in a couple hours! 3

Beca stared down at the text, attempting to figure out what the first part of the message meant while her brain processed the heart emoji in the back of her mind. She sighs, thinking about the week that lies ahead of her.

Beca asked the ceiling, "What have I gotten myself into?"

Then she thought about the countdown she's under.

Shit! Shit shit shit!

Beca immediately sat up in bed as it dawned on her that Chloe would be there in less than two hours. "What the hell, phone! You failed at your job!" She tossed the phone onto the pillow next to her, then jumped out of bed.

For a second or two, Beca stood in the middle of her clothes-littered room, wearing an oversized shirt and her hair sticking up in all the wrong ways, she glanced around trying to determine what her first move should be.

Son of a bitch!

The frazzled freshman knew Chloe was gonna be there in under two hours to pick her up for a two week trip.

I'm nowhere near packed! I still haven't even fully processed this whole Christmas with her family thing. God, maybe this was a huge mistake! What was I thinking saying yes? But it's too late to cancel! What am I gonna do?!

She was reluctant to do what she knew she had to do, but there was no other choice. She reached down and picked up her iPhone and pulled up a familiar number. Beca paused with her thumb over the contact for the only person she could talk to about this situation. They had only known each other for a couple months, but if anyone would be willing and able to help her sort through everything that's running through her mind right now, it would be her. Beca just had to be ready for a shitload of teasing.

Please don't be busy!

Beca opened up her text chat, composed a message, and quickly hit send before she talked herself out of it.

Beca: Hey, are U busy?

She tapped her fingers on the screen impatiently, only stopping when she sees the thought bubble on her phone pop up in the message.

Stacie: Just packing my bags up in the car.

Stacie: But I can get busy with you. What's up?

Choosing to ignore Stacie's now expected flirtations, Beca began to type a hurried message.

Beca: Panicking. Blindly. Code Red. Kinda need UR help!

Stacie: ?

Beca didn't usually want to sound so dramatic, but desperate times and all… Plus Stacie had a penchant for the dramatics.

Beca: Please come! I need your help!

Stacie: Knew this day would come!

"This might have been a mistake," Beca groaned out loud.

Beca: Please HURRY!

Stacie: Yeah of course. Be right over. See you in 10!

After setting the phone down on her desk, she located her open and half-filled suitcase on the floor. It literally still had clothes from when she moved into the dorm,

"Ugh! I knew I should've started this last night!" She mumbled in a bit of a panic.

First things first, shower!

Beca grabbed her shower tote and some clothes to wear, and quickly made her way to the bathroom.

-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-

Never one to take a lot of time in the bathroom, Beca still finished this morning's routine in record time.

She re-entered her bedroom, fully changed into a pair of dark skinny jeans, white tank, and her favorite purple plaid button-down shirt. She glanced over at the clock. 10:00. She had roughly an hour before Chloe was due. She quickly started the process of drying her hair, and putting on makeup.

She had just started the process of going through her clothes, when she heard a knock at her door. Quickly she crossed the room, and opened the door. She's a bit surprised when she's not met with Stacie's face, but instead a giant coffee cup was being held out to her.

"Oh sweet caffeinated goodness." Beca breathed out as she accepted the cup, and immediately took a long gulp of the warm black beverage that Stacie had just handed to her. "And this is why you are occasionally good to have around."

"Good morning to you too, sunshine." Stacie replied as she stepped past Beca, and looked around her room. She took in the ransacked appearance of the dorm room. There were clothes strewn all over the floor, desk and bed. "Did your closet throw up or were you robbed last night?"

Beca rolled her eyes. "Shut up. I haven't finished packing and I still can't decide on stuff to take."

"So you laid out your entire wardrobe on the floor to figure out what's there. No, yeah, that's a solid plan." Stacie teased.

"You're lucky you brought coffee," Beca snarked as she bent down to pick up some flannels. "Or I'd be smacking that grin off your face right now."

"Please," Stacie laughed, "Like you could reach my face, shortstack."

"I could jump on the bed to reach that smirk you ginormous Amazon," Beca replied cheekily.

"I feel the love, Becs, really." Stacie continued, "So… I'm not sure what's all this panicking about? I can't imagine you begged me to come over this morning so I could give you fashion tips. Because, you've turned down every offer I've made to do that in the past." The taller brunette paused, then added, "And all other offers I've made." She added just the right amount of husk to her voice to make the shorter girl's ears turn pink.

"There's nothing wrong with my fashion sense," Beca grumbled, as she ignored Stacie's other offers and the fact she could feel her ears changing colors.

"Clearly," Stacie gestured toward the clothes on the bed. There's a grey t-shirt, a casual solid blue button up shirt, a light jacket hoodie and a thick, heavier jacket. "So are you going for a layered look? Because I have to say…" the taller brunette held up the jacket. It's not a great look for you."

"In my defense, it's really cold in Rhode Island. Also… I kind of don't care what I'm wearing on an airplane. It's all about comfortability." Beca paused. "But once I'm up there out of the snow, I need to look decent." She held up two flannels in a sign of frustration.

"Wait, wait, wait. Back up. You're going to Rhode Island? Why are you going to Rhode Island? Wait, isn't a very sexy redhead from Rhode Island?"

"You're such a weirdo," Beca sighed instead of answering, as she sunk down onto her knees by a pile of hoodies.

"There is nothing weird about thinking that redhead is sexy," said Stacie as she shrugged Beca's comment off. "So," she continued. "You gonna tell me why I'm here? It's not often I get a desperate sounding text from Beca Mitchell early in the morning. In fact, it's never happened." The statuesque brunette looked down at Beca who was sitting on the floor, folding a green Barden hoodie and shoving it unceremoniously into her suitcase. Feeling Stacie's eyes on her, Beca stopped and ran her right hand through her slightly damp hair before letting it fall around her face.

"Uhg, I just," Beca groaned. She looked up at one of the real friends she had made in her short time at Barden, with a sad look. "I dunno if I can do it."

Stacie cocked her head. She was actually growing a bit concerned. "Do what?" She asked.

"Go. Away," Beca answered. "You know."

With a shake of her head, Stacie replied, "Know what?"

"I'msupposedtogowithChloefortwoweeksforChristmas!" Beca answered all at once in a high pitched frenzy of words.

"Slowly, Beca," Stacie said as she knelt down next to the clearly frazzled fellow freshman. "Just let the words process in your brain first, and then slowly tell them to me." Stacie advised.

Beca gulped a big breath, and held it. She felt Stacie's comforting hand on her shoulder. She blushed a bit in embarrassment, but nodded and began again. "I'm going to Rhode Island with Chloe. I'm supposed to go away with Chloe . For two whole freaking weeks! And I'm going to meet her family!" she exclaims. "I'm not… I mean, we're not… and I…" Beca throws her hands in the air exasperatedly. "Uhg, why is saying words so hard!"

"Because you bottle them all up, until you're ready to explode," Stacie said with a grin. She ignored Beca flipping her off. "Beca this is awesome news. Though I am hurt, you turned down my invitation."

Beca brought her head up, but saw the teasing smile Stacie was sporting, letting her know she wasn't being serious. Beca and Stacie's friendship had developed in it's own unique way. At first, Beca found the tall brunette as a bit of an annoyance. Where Beca was quiet, and liked anonymity, Stacie was big and brash, and liked attention. When they first hung out, a lot of guys would show up like lost puppies to follow her around seeking her attention. It was annoying as hell. Then there was the constant flirting and sexual innuendo. Stacie could be full-on all the time.

But over the past few months the two freshmen had bonded during their time spent together, often commiserating about Aubrey's grueling practices, though Beca did more grumbling, and Stacie usually expressed how happy she was for what they did for her ass and legs. They often studied together, and Beca was thankful for the secretly brilliant woman's help with her statistics and calculus classes.

The two of them had mostly different tastes in music, Stacie swayed towards Country and singers like Taylor Swift but they both did love club music, and music as a whole concept so there was another point of focus for both of them to bond.

Beca also noticed over time that Stacie was very similar in personality to Chloe in that she was super nice, open, honest, and personable, but different in that her energy and excitability often focused on flirting and sex.

It was uncomfortable for the first couple of weeks spending time around Stacie, as Beca had a hard time dealing with the constant flirting and sexual innuendo. On a couple occasions Beca thought about calling Stacie's bluff, but the truth was she wasn't exactly sure that Stacie was bluffing. She had the distinct feeling that if she did, she would wake up in Stacie's bed.

It's not that Beca wasn't attracted to Stacie, it was more she didn't feel that connection with the taller woman, and she did feel that way about another. It was one evening spent studying yet another round of statistics, with Stacie trying to make the experience more bearable by posing stupid questions about sexual positions tried, when she asked Beca out for dinner. Beca didn't want to disappoint her new friend, but she ultimately broke it to the incredibly beautiful woman that Beca was attracted to someone else.

Upon pressing on who Beca could possibly rate better than her, Beca was forced into admitting she was attracted to their red haired captain. Stacie's reaction was extremely excited by this admission. According to Stacie the Bellas' captains were two women worthy of turning her down for, and she could see why Beca was attracted to the ginger.

Eventually Stacie declared that from that moment forward they would be best friends and each other's wingwomen. Beca simply rolled her eyes and continued with her homework, but was now more relaxed. Somehow, revealing this crush to another, who didn't judge or tease, well beyond what was normal for Stacie, made it a more bearable burden.

There was a time when Beca wouldn't open up to anyone like Stacie, but there was something about the tall woman that Beca came to trust. It took a lot of persistence and sometimes being super annoying on Stacie's part, but the sexy brunette finally managed to break through some of those walls Beca had built up. Her flirty and teasing personality had eventually grown on Beca, and she became like the annoying older sister Beca never had. Being able to confide in the girl like she was Beca's own sibling.

It wasn't until one night after a party at the Treble's house, when the two were eating pizza and drinking from a bottle of whiskey Stacie managed to flirt off of a Treble that Stacie learned, in Beca's drunken state, of how deep her feelings for one particular redheaded Bella captain actually were. At first Stacie had taken quite a delight in teasing the shorter woman.

After the teasing wore off Stacie became quite sympathetic to Beca's cause. Stacie had always been confident in her own feelings, not shy with anyone. It was quite apparent to Stacie that her life had left Beca ill equipped to handle her own emotions. Stacie began advising Beca on her feelings whenever she'd have moments of panic or thought herself wanting.

Which is the predicament Stacie now found herself in.

"I just can't understand it. I mean, who does this Stacie? Who invites someone out of the blue for Christmas with their family when said invited person isn't their girlfriend or boyfriend? I know we're friends, and we hang and we talk. I'd go so far as to say she's my best friend."

Stacie scoffs loudly, sounding very offended.

"My co-girl best friend. Better?"

Stacie laughed and nodded as she reached a hand out to Beca, and once she's taken it, pulls her up into a standing position. "Yes. Proceed."

"It's strange for me, this whole thing. I'm not great with people, new people especially."

This caused Stacie to laugh again for she knew just how true that statement was. Beca simply glared at the taller brunette.

"Opening up here," Beca said in exasperation. "How about showing a little restraint and appreciation."

"Sorry." Stacie cleared her throat. "Continue, please."

"I'm nervous about having to be myself around her family. I'm not exactly touchy-feely or a Chatty Kathy, and if Chloe's family is anything like her, I'm in for two long weeks of sunshine and rainbows and hugs and emotions. I don't do that kind of shit, and I don't want her family to hate me!" Beca's voice starts to rise as she becomes more agitated. "I mean, I'm freaking out here! We're not together or anything, we're just friends, but like, I really want to make a good impression and I'm just me. An awkward, moody, loner."

"Come on Bec. You're a lot more than that. Yes you're moody, but you're smart, especially when it comes to music. Yes you may be the most awkward person I've ever met," Stacie ignored Beca flipping her off again, as she continued, "but it's actually quite adorable." At the face Beca made, Stacie chuckled, "An adorable badass, who is talented, witty, and a really good friend. And when you're not freaking out about a certain totally hot redhead," Stacie winked at her, "you've got a confidence about you that makes people think you can do anything in the world."

The tall brunette came round and put her arm over the petite brunette's shoulders, as she said, "You don't let a lot of people see it Beca, but you've got a big heart. It's actually one of the things I like about you the most. You're… You're? You're… uh-generous? Well… maybe? I haven't actually seen that quality yet, but I'm sure it's there." Stacie teased.

"You may not think it Beca, but you're a catch, you're Beca effin Mitchell." At those words, Beca allowed a small half-smile to grace her face. "Sure, your communication skills are shit, you hate movies, you for some reason click a pen three times before writing something down, and you're not that great at sharing… which is a trait you're supposed to learn in kindergarten by the way!"

Beca smacks Stacie on the shoulder. "Hey!"

"What?" Stacie asked in mock confusion.

"I thought this was going to be a pep talk! Besides, what does the pen thing have to do with anything?"

Stacie laughed, "It's an insane quirk for a person to have Beca!"

The petite brunette just rolled her eyes at Stacie's words.

"But seriously, Chloe's your friend, she's not someone you have to impress. Even if you do want to get in her pants."

Another smack to the shoulder. "Ow! And you know her," Stacie continued, as she rubbed what she believed to be, a bruise on her shoulder. "She'd give the shirt off her back to someone, which let's face it, we both would love to see that,"Stacie wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. She dodged the next blow. "I'm just saying if Red thought someone needed something she would be there for them, so why wouldn't she invite you for Christmas to spend it with her?"

"You're right, Stace. It's just, I like her, you know? I think I'm just afraid that, if we spend all this time together, I won't be able to stop myself for really falling for her. And I don't think I can take the rejection if she doesn't feel the same way." Beca's voice cracked slightly as she finished speaking.

"Hey, don't panic. It's gonna be fine." Stacie replied, gently placing her hands on Beca's shoulder; all teasing gone from her voice. "You're gonna go, you're gonna have fun…" Okay, not all the teasing, "as much fun as a moody, snarky, introverted recluse who hates the world, like yourself can have whilst celebrating one of the happiest holidays of the year."

Beca swings at Stacie again, but the taller brunette is quick to dodge. Beca can't help chuckling slightly at her friend's attempt to lighten the mood.

"I don't hate the world."

Stacie gave her a knowing look.

Beca shrugged, "Not the whole world! Just most of what's in it. Music, coffee, pie… those are just three of the twelve things I enjoy in this world."

"Twelve? Quite the specific number. Well, I hope I made that list of yours. I am pretty amazing to be around…" Stacie said, as she picked up one of Beca's jackets and placed it in Beca's bag. She then straightened a pile of shirts, and put them in the bag..

The petite brunette watched as her friend helped pack her for the trip. Watched as Stacie quietly urged her to go.

"I was going to say sorry dude, I had to cut it off somewhere; but you might've moved into the top twelve." She gave Stacie a slight grin.

"Maybe? Maybe I've made your top twelve? How could you think of leaving me off your 'important things' list, now that you have met me?" Stacie said with her hand against her chest, feigning hurt, though Beca's fairly certain she saw the other woman give her left boob a squeeze.

"Wow. Any chance to cop a feel, even in my dorm…" Beca started.

"What can I say, Mitchell?" Stacie laughed. "The girls," she cupped both her breasts, "Need encouragement every now and then."

"And this is why you might not be in my top twelve, also, please don't ever compare me to your boobs again. Like, ever." Beca said as she crossed her arms.

"Yeah, I mean, I guess they're technically bigger than you, and way more fun," Stacie teased as she went over and opened one of Beca's drawers

Beca groaned. "No! Stay out of my underwear! Out of that drawer now, or I will be forced to be violent."

Stacie cocked an eyebrow, as she looked over her shoulder at Beca.

"More violent. I'm sure Lilly knows how to help me hide a body, so… I'm warning you. You can help with my pants." Beca pointed towards a number of jeans that were scattered around her bed.

"But this is both more fun, and way more in dire need of my expertise," said Stacie as she held up a plain pair of white panties.

"Stacie!" Beca snatched the panties from her friend's grasp.

"Calm down," Stacie said with a raised eyebrow.

"These are personal!"

"We have to get you new lingerie. Get you something that accentuates that cute little ass," Stacie winked at the other woman.

"What? No! We don't have time for that," Beca argued.

"Oh wait!" Stacie shouted as she dug a bit deeper. "Here we go!" Stacie pulled out two pairs of lace underwear, one black and one red.

"Give me those!" Beca leaped to grab said undergarments, but Stacie held them out of reach.

"It's not enough, but it's a start," said the taller woman as she carried the lingerie to Beca's suitcase. "We'll get you more after your trip with Chloe."

"I'm not going lingerie shopping with you," Beca argued.

"Of course you are," Stacie said as she moved back to the drawer, and started to select a number of bras, and a few more pairs of the better looking panties and boy shorts.

"Seriously can you get your hands out of my panties," Beca said as she squeezed the bridge of her nose.

"Not something anyone has ever told me before," said Stacie as she loaded her collection of undergarments into the suitcase. The taller brunette tried not to smirk at the harmless irritation that she knows is bubbling inside of Beca. It's just so easy and fun to rile up the shorter girl. "Do you have any nice sweaters? It's cold in Rhode Island, this time of year."

With a huff, Beca walked over to her closet and picked out a couple of her nicer sweaters, and a really comfortable hoodie.

The two worked together to get Beca packed with fifteen minutes to spare.

"Okay," Stacie said, as she glanced at her phone, and noticed the time. "Crap, I gotta get going Beca. You'll be alright Beca. You know that, right?" Stacie asked, still concerned with the earlier emotional state of her good friend.

Softening her eyes, Beca looks up at the taller brunette in front of her. "Thanks Stacie, for coming over and talking me down. I'm still pretty nervous about this whole trip, but I mean, you're right. It's Chloe. If I get weird, she'll probably hug me out of it."

"Speaking of which, if you think you're getting out of a hug this time Mitchell, you're sorely mistaken."

"Dude, no." Beca warned, trying to back away in the limited amount of space she has behind her in the small dorm room.

"Just shut up shortstack, and give me a hug. You can consider it my Christmas present." Stacie laughed, as she opened her arms wide and stepped towards the petite brunette in front of her.

Beca rolled her eyes, muttered an obscenity, and finally relented. Stacie smirked and gave her friend a definitive nod, before sweeping the petite brunette into a tight hug. "Have a Merry Christmas, Becs." As she pulled back, having ignored the other girl's squeak, she continued, "And seriously, if you need me, if you start freaking out about whatever... I'm just a phone call away. Okay?"

Beca simply nodded. Stacie's smirk morphed into a sly grin, "And don't think I won't want all the sordid details of your time there," Stacie's Lear spelled out just what details she wanted. "My bet is Chloe's wild in bed."

"Why did I expect anything else?" Beca asked the ceiling. "Yeah, no that's not happening. Now get going. Merry Christmas you weirdo."

Beca accepted another hug from her tall friend. Just as the duo were about to release each other from their hold, there was a quick knock at the door, followed by a very excited redhead entering the room.

"Hey Becs! I brought you-oh," Chloe stopped in her tracks, her smile faltering slightly on her face as she watched the two casually break away from their embrace. "Oh h-h-hey Stacie. I uh, I didn't know you were gonna be here?" Chloe said, catching Beca's eyes before averting her own back to the tall brunette. She mentally berated herself for stumbling over her own words.

"Chloe, hey! Merry Christmas again, I…" Stacie started.

"Was just leaving!" Beca cut her off, while pushing the taller Bella towards the door.

"Yep, what she said." Stacie motioned her thumb toward the surly brunette shoving her out of the room. Stacie managed to hold onto the doorframe and turned herself around before Beca could completely throw her out. "Alright there Pushy McPusherson, slow your roll, I'm getting out of your hair. Oh and Chloe," Stacie looked back towards the redhead, who she noticed was standing rather stiffly in the center of Beca's room. The redhead was watching Beca and Stacie in the doorway with an odd look. She did manage to form a tight-lipped smile on her face in response to her name being called. "Merry Christmas. I sincerely hope you both have a great trip!" Stacie said with all sincerity.

"You too, Stacie, Merry Christmas." Chloe responded with a forced smile and a little too much cheer, trying to mask the sadness currently flooding through her.

"Beca… remember what I said, okay?"

Beca nodded again, as she began shutting it on her tall friend. "Alright, well I'll see you guys in a couple weeks. Later." Stacie waved behind her and hastily made her way down the hall and out of sight as the door was shut completely.

Resting her head against the closed door for a minut, Beca silently tried to process everything that had just happened. She pushed herself off of the door, and turned slowly back around to face the object of her distress and affection. She grinned a closed-mouth shy smile, as she ran her right hand through her hair as she tried to gather herself. Beca stepped toward the redhead standing in the middle of her room.

A little embarrassed by what she had walked in on, Chloe looked about at the still messy side of the dorm room. The contrast between Beca's side and Kimmy-Jin's was stark.

"Chlo, hey. I wasn't expecting you for a few more minutes. I…"

"Yeah, sorry about that." Chloe cut Beca off. "I didn't mean to interrupt you guys. I probably should've called you first anyways. I just, you know, I wanted to surprise you with some breakfast, and now that I think about it, that is kinda dumb because I still could've called and told you I was on my way and…"

"Woah, Chloe, breathe! No. That's sweet. And I don't mind that you just came by. I-I-I was just gonna say that I was hoping to get all of this crap packed up before you got here so you weren't walking into a pigsty." She paused and gestured to the mess around them. "But uh, yeah… that didn't go according to plan, so… yeah." Beca tacked on half-heartedly, sporting a slightly embarrassed smirk.

Looking about at what Beca was gesturing towards, Chloe noticed something. There was a backpack on Beca's desk, that Chloe didn't recognize. There was also a small stack of DVD's. This caused Chloe to furrow her brows as she knew how much Beca didn't like movies.

Silence is rarely awkward between the two girls, but in this particular instance, both could feel the strained energy in the room. Beca, feeling awkward from her emotional unload and being caught mid-hug with Stacie; Chloe, feeling awkward walking in on said hug. Before the tension became so thick you could choke on it, Chloe cleared her throat to initiate any kind of conversation.

"I'm surprised to see you with these movies, Becs," Chloe said as she picked up the cover for 'Scrooged', and then one for 'Elf'. "It looks like you had a Christmas movie marathon."

"Oh, umm-that's Jesse's," Beca said without much thought. "He brought them over last night. He must have forgotten it last night."

"Jesse was here last night?" Chloe asked, a bit surprised. She set the DVD cases back onto Beca's desk as if they were scalding hot.

"Uhh-yeah," Beca didn't notice as she answered, as she was busy studying the floor. She didn't want to tell the redhead about Jesse's offer to go home with him. "He is bound and determined to give me a," Beca made air quotes, "a moviecation, whatever that is."

"Oh, so you two watched movies and ate popcorn on your bed?" Chloe was fighting to keep it light. This wasn't going anything like she pictured when she was picking up breakfast.

"Yeah," Beca shrugged. "They weren't bad, though I fell asleep during the first one-umm-Scrooged, I think."

"So… you and Jesse huh?" Chloe grinned toward the tiny brunette. She was opting for teasing her younger friend to mask the inner turmoil going on within her at the image of Beca and Jesse sharing Beca's dorm bed. "You two must be pretty close. I know how much you don't really like movies." Chloe kept her voice as casual as possible, trying not to allow the intense beating of her heart and the throbbing in her ears betray her own voice.

"Me and Jesse? Close? No, we… that was… I mean, technically, sure we were physically close sitting on the bed. I guess you have to be to both fit on these smaller beds, but he… I mean, he just-umm, he stopped by before his drive home to, you know, say bye and stuff." Beca stuttered awkwardly.

"And you and Stacie?" Chloe asked. "Didn't expect to see you in her arms when I came in," Chloe pushed.

"Well," Beca started as she rubbed the back of her head. "She also just stopped by on her way out of town."

Beca is a horrible liar when it comes to Chloe. The red haired Bella just brings out emotions in the DJ that she never thought could crack the surface of her hardened exterior, and unbeknownst to the redhead, she managed to do it without any effort.

"Cause that's apparently what normal people do. Or at least, so I've read in books." She laughed nervously.

"I guess I was just a little surprised." Chloe admitted. "Weren't you the one that said, 'Beca Mitchell doesn't do hugs?'"

"Yeah, well, unfortunately for me, it was her Christmas present, which all things concerned when it comes to Stacie, I think is actually rather tame.. And since I'm on a college student's budget, I had to get her something inexpensive. Lucky for me, a hug doesn't cost much."

"Just a small piece of your soul?" Chloe quipped, which caused Beca to laugh.

"Pretty much. In fact, I might need to go take another shower just to get the feeling off of me."

"Well, if you need some company for another impromptu duet, I'm available." Chloe offered suggestively, throwing a wink in the brunette's direction.

With eyes growing round, as memories of Chloe joining her in her shower, Beca grew beat-red with flush. "SO, um… you said something about breakfast?" Beca stated loudly, attempting to change the conversation and hinder the rising blush in her cheeks. Noticing the slight flustered nature in which Beca responded, Chloe grinned, receiving the desired effect on the younger girl. She was glad that the awkwardness that had permeated the dorm room had dissipated.

"Yes Becs. Sugar-y goodness at your service, milady!" She bowed slightly, as she presented the white paper bag to Beca.

"Ooooh, donuts!" Beca exclaimed with giddy happiness, as she grabbed the bag. Beca opened and stuck her face in it. "Did you get the…"

"Chocolate with bacon bits? Of course." Chloe beamed. "Two chocolate icing cake donuts with bacon bits sprinkled on top. Your fav."

Beca lifted her head out of the bag and smiled.

"You're the best!" Beca said as she reached into the bag to pull out one of the donuts. She moved to clear off some questionable smelling shirts hanging from her chair, sitting down at her desk to eat.

"I know. But still, it's nice to hear every once in a while." Chloe said airily, still grinning at the adorable girl sitting in front of her.

Having already scarfed down one of her donuts as soon as she sat in the chair, Beca looked up mid-bite of her second donut to roll her eyes playfully at the older girl. Unbeknownst to her, however, the younger girl managed to leave a smudge of chocolate and on the edge of her mouth.

Giggling, Chloe closed the distance between the two of them, and crouched down to Beca's eye-level.

"Becs, look at you. You've completely made a mess of yourself!" The lightness of Chloe's laughter filled Beca's senses, and the proximity of her face so close to her own caused a temporary short-circuit in Beca's brain as she stared, wide-eyed, as Chloe slowly lifted her hand up to Beca's face. "Here, let me get that."

The redhead's thumb brushed gently, but with a firm pressure to remove the offending chocolate from Beca's lips. The contact caused Beca's breath to hitch slightly, her eyes fluttered briefly before staring back into pure ocean blue.

Breathe, Mitchell. Inhale! Exhale! God, she's so close. Just another inch and I could feel those soft lips on mine.

The same pull was being felt by Chloe, who hoped Beca didn't notice when her eyes dipped to Beca's lips.

Be cool, Beale. Don't lean in. Don't do it. But she smells so good and I would only just have to barely move in to capture her―no! Just back up slowly and don't ruin anything.

Chloe shifted slightly back on her legs, allowing for a little more space between the two women. When she did, both women released their breaths, that neither realized they were holding. Of course, not one to miss an opportunity to tease the younger woman, Chloe slowly brought her chocolate-covered thumb up to her own lips, sliding her tongue out and licking the sweet icing off.

Beca's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open slightly as she watched this sudden―and very erotic―action the redhead was doing. An attempt to swallow proved impossible due to the lump in her throat. The petite brunette made the unfortunate decision to try and suck in air as she attempted to breathe, but ended up choking on absolutely nothing.

"Woah, Becs, are you okay?" Chloe asked worriedly, as Beca attempted to wave her off and control her spluttering as a slight blush tinted her cheeks.

Chloe moved back closer to her smaller friend, as she began to rub her hand up and down Beca's back. She was attempting to help Beca with her coughing fit, but the gentle contact on her back and the piercing blue eyes staring into her own was doing nothing to help control Beca's rapidly increased heart rate.

However, a few moments of inhaling slow breaths allowed Beca to regain her composure and settle the coughing.

"Geez… must have inhaled something." Beca replied , standing up to move past the kneeling redhead, trying to mask the still fading blush on her cheeks.

Having garnered another favorable reaction from the brunette, Chloe couldn't help smirking and cheering internally. The redhead rose from her kneeling position to face the tiny freshman.

Beca was standing in the middle of the room, surveying the remainder of her wardrobe that was strewn about.

"Right. So…" Chloe leads, "You um, need a little help with finishing your packing there, Becs?" Chloe asked a little bewildered, finally taking in the entirety of the room.

"What gave it away?" The brunette turned her head to face Chloe, wearing a wry smile.

"Smart ass. You know, with how anal Aubrey is about organization, if she saw this place, she'd probably have an aneurysm on the spot."

"Now that's an idea! Is it too late to call her over here?" Beca's eyes lit up.

"Sadly for you, she's already left for home." Chloe chuckled at the girl's enthusiasm.

"Darn. Next time." Beca responded , pouting ever so slightly.

"You dork."

"Words hurt, Chloe," Beca held her hand to her chest. "And actually, I'm almost done. Most of this is stuff that didn't make the cut. I just haven't put it away. Mostly I need a warm overcoat, and items for dealing with the cold.."

"So," Chloe continued, "What seems to be the problem with finishing your packing, other than your usual ill-preparedness and lack of decisiveness?"

"Again you wound me with your words, Beale." Beca dramatically brought her hand to her forehead , giving the redhead an offended gaze.

"Aw, big baby, does someone need a hug?" The older Bella teased.

"No no! You keep those insulting arms away. You've done enough damage to my ego, I don't need to be crushed by a Beale body hug too." Beca stated, holding out an arm in defense between the two girls.

With a mischievous glint in her eye and a small smirk rising on the edge of her lips, as a way of saying 'challenge accepted,' Chloe quickly grabbed a hold of the tiny brunette's arm, and pulled her into her own body and wrapped her arms around the petite girl.

Even though she emitted a small shriek of surprise, which she would later wholeheartedly deny doing, Beca found herself melting into Chloe's arms. She enjoyed the warm embrace and smell of the redhead's scent as the senior leaned her head onto Beca's shoulder. After a much longer hug than would be considered normal for even the closest of friends, the two girls slowly pulled apart with shy smiles. Chloe looked into the shorter woman's enchanting dark blue eyes and ran her palms softly up and down the younger girl's arms.

Chloe broke the comfortable silence. "Okay, let's get to it." She smiled, letting go of the brunette to help her get to work packing.

Fifteen minutes later, after a reminder of tips on wintertime apparel, Beca's suitcases were finally packed.

"Seriously Becs, skinny jeans and tank tops? Are you purposefully trying to freeze to death?"

"I'll be fine. We can go shopping if I need more," Beca said.

"Really?" Chloe asked excitedly.

"I may live to regret it," Beca said, but then she smiled at the redhead, "but yes, we can."

"Alright, I think we're good to go then.!" The redhead exclaimed.

Beca takes one last look around her dorm room, to make sure she hadn't left any necessities behind. She grabbed her jacket off the hook in her closet, picked up her keys from the nightstand and opened her door. Dragging one of the bags with her, Chloe slipped through the doorway first, followed by Beca carrying her shoulder bag and dragging the last of the suitcases with her. Shutting and locking the dorm room door, she turned to the excited red haired girl beside her in the hallway.

"Ready?"

"Of course, let's do it. Rhode Island, here we come!"

-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-

Notes: I hope you found this chapter as fun as I did.