Notes: Thank you everyone for all your kind words and thoughts; they are truly cherished and appreciated. It has been a reminder that life is short, so find those things that bring you some joy and happiness, and cherish them.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Best Christmas Ever
Chapter 10
Getting a Proper Christmas Tree
Leaning over the bed, Chloe, who had been up for about thirty minutes, tried to wake Beca by whispering in her ear.
"Beca, it's time to wake up," Chloe whispered as she placed her hand on Beca's shoulder giving the young woman's shoulder a slight shake..
There was no response whatsoever.
Sighing, Chloe tried again, "Beca." This time the redhead spoke a little louder as she poked the sleeping brunette's cheek a little, trying to rouse the girl.
While a grimace appeared on Beca's face at being poked, it did nothing else to wake the girl, who instead turned over and pulled the covers over her head.
With a sigh of frustration, Chloe tried to untuck the blanket and pull it off of the petite woman's shoulders, but the redhead met with very little success, as Beca had a death grip on the comforter.
Chloe gave a couple more tugs, but found the same result.
With a sigh of resignation, Chloe decided on a different tactic. She hit upon the idea to tickle Beca awake. The red haired senior went to the foot of the bed and slid her hands under the comforter, and over Beca's calves, fingers finding the backs of her knees and began to gently scratch there. Beca gasped and kicked, partially trying to get away from the offending hands and partially trying to kick the person tickling her hard enough so they would stop.
Chloe easily dodged Beca's halfhearted kicks. As soon as Chloe's hands started squeezing the area just above the knee, a part of Beca's subconscious must have decided getting away from the offending hands was a much easier option, and she tried to squirm away.
"Stop! Go away!" Beca groggily grumbled.
"You know, I wouldn't have to do it if you'd just get up," Chloe said as she skittered her fingers down Beca's calf to her right ankle, making sure to tickle one hand over the sole of Beca's left foot when it presented itself. At the same time she used her right to tickle the spot just below the bone of Beca's ankle that made Beca absolutely howl with laughter.
Between her bouts of body wracking laughter, Beca managed to toss a pillow Chloe's way. With the least bit of grace, the petite brunette managed to nail Chloe in the chest and throw the redhead off for just a second. In her current state though she wasn't quick enough to escape. After thirty seconds of continued tickling, the scrappy brunette tried a different tactic, and instead of pulling free, turned and grabbed the redhead. Chloe squealed as she was tackled into the bed but quickly recovered. Both women were laughing hysterically as they grappled for a minute in bed before Beca was finally able to pin Chloe on her back, Beca sitting on her waist with a look far too mischievous for the predawn hour.
"Time for payback Beale," Beca panted.
"You wouldn't dare Mitchell!" Chloe cried defiantly.
"Oh wouldn't I?" Beca asked, as she ran her thin fingers along Chloe's ribs. As the redhead bucked and squirmed trying to escape Beca's tickling, the brunette fluttered her fingers down the side of Chloe's taut stomach and the red haired senior tried weakly to twist away as she laughed hysterically. Her eyes were squeezed tightly shut as Beca's fingers scurried up and down Chloe's sides.
"Revenge is sweet, Red!" Beca declared, as she continued to tickle her friend.
She grew overconfident, and Chloe was able to overbalance the younger woman, and gain the upper-hand. Now it was Chloe's turn. Her fingers flew across Beca's waist and stomach a mile a minute, leaving the petite woman breathless and giggly within seconds.
"I tried to warn you, Ms Mitchell." Chloe laughed softly, her smile warm as she tickled her young friend. "Now, will you get up this morning? Or do I need to carry on?" Chloe's hands moved up to Beca's ribs, gently playing her fingers over the bones like the keys of a piano. Beca arched her back with a squeal, her cheeks flushing a soft pink, adding to her already doll-like appearance.
"Ha-ha-Ugh-ahh-ha!"
"Hm? What was that, Becs? Did you say tickle you here?" Chloe asked as she shifted targets for her fingers. She grinned mischievously as she savored the chance to touch Beca, though she kept her touch light and fast, drawing out the most infectious giggles.
"You're so adorable, Beca. I'm glad I finally get to hear that sweet laugh of yours this morning. Now, will you get up for me?" Chloe asked, her hands moving back to the petite woman's waist.
"Ahehehhehaeha! Ohohohokay! Ohohoohokhay! Ihiihmge up!" Beca finally laughed out as she gave in. She practically cried out for mercy, the tears of mirth in her eyes threatening to fall.
The redhead pulled her hands back, as she asked, "What was that?
Breathing deeply, Beca conceded, "Fine! You win! You win! Chloe! Stop! I give up!" Beca almost whined the last bit, but for the time of morning it was, she didn't care.
Face beaming at her vanquished adversary, the redhead rolled off of the petite woman and onto her back.
Beca greedily gulped down air, shutting her eyes as she did so.
"Don't be dramatic," Chloe admonished as she sat up, looking over at Beca.
"I wouldn't be if you fought fair," Beca countered as she sat up next to her red haired friend.
Chloe leaned over and kissed Beca's messy brown hair before making her way to the door of her bedroom. "Come on sleepy, come downstairs, Mom's making breakfast. Coffee?"
"Yes please."
"Hurry
"I'll be down in five, I'm going to take a quick shower," Beca said as she flopped back onto the bed.
"Just remember what I told you about my idiot brothers," Chloe called.
"I remember."
Her body feels tired out from the late night before and this early morning wake-up, but Beca forced herself out of the bed and towards the bathroom.
Beca set the water running in the walk-in shower, the sound of the spray splashing down had always been so soothing for her. She tied her hair up into a messy bun, before she stripped off her sleeping clothes so she could step into the shower.
She waited a minute, to let the water heat up, her hand reaching into the shower to test the temperature. When she felt it was sufficiently hot, she stepped into the shower, ready for the warm water to caress her. Between the heat of the water and the corresponding steam, Beca just enjoyed the envelope of warmth.
The hot water massaged Beca's back and she just stood there as you replayed last night's events and this morning's wake-up over and over in her head. This situation is so new, so different than anything she's ever experienced. It's a bit confusing for the teenager. She doubts however she'll find any answers this morning, so she simply allows the hot water to wash over her, comfort her, and to melt away the cold.
After a few minutes of just letting the hot water wash over her body, Beca realized time was getting away from her. She had no doubt if she wasn't done soon, a certain redhead with no sense of boundaries would come and chase her out. Reluctantly she finished up her shower and began to get herself ready for the day.
Once she was dried off, she put on a light touch of makeup, and then dried her hair. Looking in the semi-fogged mirror, Beca decided she was presentable. She threw on a pair of thermal leggings and then her dark blue jeans. She matched it with a black long sleeve tee-shirt, and then a dark red and black checkered flannel. One last look in the mirror had her cringing a bit, as she looked like a miniature lumberjack. There was no time to change though, so she shrugged it off. Beca grabbed her winter coat off the back of Chloe's desk chair, and made her way downstairs.
As soon as Beca stepped off the bottom step, her sense of smell was immediately enveloped with the aroma's of butter and maple syrup. She could feel a warmth that seemed to permeate the lower level of the house. It just filled her in an unexpected way, as she made her way through the living room towards the kitchen. Stopping just short of entering, Beca hung back to watch the interactions of those already up and moving about the space. She spots Lizzy setting up Colton in his highchair whilst Charlie sits reading something on his kindle. Chase is sitting next to them, or rather, napping next to them, his head laid atop folded arms, EarPods snug in his ears and hooked into the phone lying next to his arm. She can actually hear him snoring from her current position.
Smirking to herself, Beca turned to her right to look at the stove area and froze. Her gaze had fallen upon the stunning figure of one Chloe Beale. Currently Beca's favorite redhead was swaying to the Christmas music playing in the background, as she worked next to her mother at the stove. Beca realized Chloe had more of her Christmas mixes playing.
She couldn't help thinking Chloe was absolutely adorable wearing a classic white and blue striped apron that matched her mother's. At the moment the younger Beale woman was flipping a pancake. Beca doesn't think she's ever seen a more endearing sight as the overhead light bathes Chloe in a soft glow, the woman's head tilting backward as she lets out a melodious laugh in response to a comment made by her mother.
Standing blissfully content in her bubble outside the kitchen, Beca just enjoys observing the woman who in such a short amount of time, has completely captured her heart. She just looks so natural here, in her home, with her family, it makes the invitation to join her seem so much more special. So caught up in what she's watching, Beca is unaware of the figure approaching her from behind, She just continues to stare at the scene with an innocent smile highlighting her face.
Chad had staggered his way slowly down the stairs, yawning heavily while rubbing the remaining sleep from his eyes. He was careful not to tumble down the last few steps as he released another stifling yawn; he did not want a repeat of the Christmas break his sophomore year, when he ended up in the emergency room after breaking his arm tumbling down the stairs. He had just finished rubbing his eyes as he rounded the corner, all set to enter the kitchen and begin stuffing in his face with pancakes and bacon, when he was brought up short by the sight before him. There before him was Beca standing near the kitchen entrance, but just out of sight of those within it. He quietly moved closer to Chloe's 'friend', (he still didn't fully believe that story, he had eyes and could see the heart eyes they had for each other), until he could see what Beca was staring at so intently. It didn't take him long to deduce the direction in which Beca's gaze was so transfixed. He smiled devilishly when his suspicion was confirmed that the tiny brunette's attention was solely focused on his little sister. Grinning, Chad came right up behind the unsuspecting tiny Bella, slightly surprised she hadn't felt his presence yet.
He carefully leaned in lower to get closer to her level and spoke casually in her ear, "Enjoying the view?"
"Holy Freaking Hell!" Beca shouted in surprise, as she clutched her hand to her chest, breathing in and out frantically to catch her breath. The collection of people in the kitchen and breakfast nook turn their attention to the commotion at the doorway. At that moment Beca covered her mouth, mortified at what she shouted. She's sure her face is going to be permanently burned from the heat of her embarrassment.
"I-I'm sorry… I just uh, he um, startled me. That's all. Umm-Sorry."
"Morrrnnning." Chad dragged out in a humorous fashion as he straightened up.
If looks could kill, Beca's glare would have melted the laughing redhead on the spot.
"Hey you." Chloe walked over to her chagrined young friend, and wrapped her up in a quick but comforting hug. "If he starts annoying you at all, I find a good smack to the back of his head remedies the situation just fine." She fake-whispered conspiratorially to Beca.
"Like she could reach the back of my head," Chad scoffed good naturedly. "Oww!" He then uttered when his father scuffed the back of his head as he walked by.
With a wink to Beca, he said as he passed, "Don't worry, I can reach it for you."
Beca couldn't help the smile that formed towards the elder Beale, as he walked over to his wife and gave her a quick hug and kiss. "Good morning my children!" He turned from her, and said in a comically loud voice to the room. It boomed enough to actually rouse Chase from his sleep. "And my beautiful wife," He said in a much softer tone before leaning in to steal a second quick kiss.
The whole scene went a long way to settle Beca. Chloe's continued hug also helped to reduce her sense of embarrassment.
Chloe didn't make mention of it, as she gently released the hug, but then took Beca by the hand. "Now come on and help me with these plates. Pancakes are almost up." Chloe smiled brightly, before leading Beca to her promised cup of coffee. As Beca inhaled the rich aroma of the coffee, Chloe turned towards the cabinets and began to pull them out the dishes.
Taking a sip of the delicious hot drink, Beca savored the taste. She was a little surprised how spot on Chloe had managed to get the sugar and cream levels in her coffee; just a hint of both, enough to add a bit of flavor. With another quick sip of the dark delicious beverage, Beca set her cup down and accepted the stack of dishes. She helpfully went about setting the table whilst Catherine finished cooking up the eggs and the remaining pancake batter, and Chloe set glasses and silverware around each place setting.
"What were you up to, Pop?" Charlie asked his father while pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"I was finishing up getting the supplies ready in the garage, should be all set to head out after breakfast." As Charles said as he accepted a mug of coffee from his oldest son. "Hope you all are ready for a little manual labor this morning," Charles observed. He was met with the collective groans of Chase, Chad and Beca.
Being the eternally optimistic person that she is, Chloe merely shrugged off the unenthusiastic displays of her two brothers and Beca with her own excited response. "Absolutely Daddy, I can't wait to get out there!"
"That's my girl." Charles smiled, kissing the top of his daughter's head before sitting down and grabbing the newspaper that Charlie offered him.
"Chase, look sharp." He said, playfully whacking his youngest son on the head with the folded newspaper. The boy who had resettled his head on his arms again shot up in his seat and looked about a little disoriented. The rest of the family chuckled at the display as Catherine began to bring trays of food over to the large breakfast table, with Chloe assisting her.
As soon as all the food had been set on the table, chaos broke out. Much as Chloe had warned Beca, the three Beale boys immediately started piling food onto their plates as quickly as possible, Chad managing to shove food into his mouth at the same time, despite the admonishment from Catherine. The rest of the table sat back unfazed, while Beca stared at the sight, a little alarmed.
Leaning towards the redhead next to her, she whispered, "Damn Chlo, you weren't kidding. I wanna get in there, but I'm afraid I might lose a hand."
Just as she said that, the three young men finished up their onslaught and retreated to their seats to chow down on the food they had piled on their plates.
"My husband," Lizzy joked, "Might have graduated Magna Cumme laude from Harvard Law, but still a straight up Lost Boy when it comes to his mother's cooking."
"It's just so good hun," Charlie said around the bite of bacon in his mouth.
"I did truly try Lizzy to instill manners in these heathen," Catherine mocked, "I'm so sorry I failed you."
"So good Mom," Chad said between bites. "I mean really-really good. Top notch pancakes!" Chad continued through a mouthful of food.
"Yeah Mom, I haven't had pancakes this good in a long time." Charlie complimented the food.
"Hey!" Lizzy smacked his arm playfully. "I just made some Saturday."
"I uh, yeah... right, honey. Like I said. I mean last week can be a long time!" He replied with a sheepish grin. On seeing the look on his wife's face he added, "I love you?"
"You just eat your breakfast Charlie Beale. And the next time you want pancakes, you can make them yourself." Lizzy chided before scooping some eggs onto her plate for Colton. The whole table laughed at the couple's antics as they loaded up their own plates with food.
The rest of breakfast went by smoothly, everyone making pleasant small talk as they ate their food. Chloe notices Beca eyeing up the last piece of bacon on the table. As the brunette goes to reach for it, she's beaten by two large hands battling it out, one belonging to Chad and the other Charles.
"Dad, you live with the woman who made it. You can have this bacon any time!" Chad didn't care that he sounded very whiny, he really wanted that bacon.
The elder Beale just chuckled, "Sorry son, you snooze you lose."
"Come on, my youth and metabolism clearly need this more than you!" Chad protested.
Just as Charles was about to counter respond, Chloe dove in and snatched up the last piece of bacon from the plate while the two men were distracted.
"What the…" Chad started.
"Chloe Elizabeth Beale!" Charles exclaimed with a disbelieving smile as he watched his daughter place the piece of bacon on Beca's empty plate.
"What? You snooze, you lose, Dad." The young red haired woman laughed, sticking her tongue out towards her brother.
"You are so lucky you're across the table and I'm so full I can't move a muscle, otherwise you'd find yourself in a headlock right now missy!" Chad lamely threatened, his hand resting on his full stomach.
"Bring it, big brother." Chloe countered, with a sassy smile.
"Well you best get your butt moving soon bud, we got work to do and a lot of walking ahead of us. You kids get cleaned up and we'll head out in ten minutes." Charles informed everyone, as he stood up from the table. He leaned over to kiss his wife's cheek and thank her for breakfast before heading off to grab his coat and boots.
Beca simply watched the whole exchange, still a little surprised by Chloe's actions. Turning her head towards the aforementioned redhead, she finds the woman smirking into her cup of coffee.
"I fought valiantly for that bacon miss Mitchell, I hope you take advantage and eat it before Chad finds the energy to come take it back." She nodded towards the item on the plate before Beca.
"Valiantly fought for? Is that right?" Beca questioned humorously.
"Uhh-huh." Chloe grinned with a flirtatious wink.
"Pretty sure you just swooped in and stole it," Beca smirked. "Deception and thievery sounds more accurate."
"I like to think of it as strategic and opportunistic. Not to mention oh so sweet of your best friend to snag you the last piece of bacon that you were so obviously eyeing up."
"I. Was. So… Doing that. Yep." She said as she picked up the piece of bacon and took a bite. "Mmmm. So worth it, yep, thank you. You're the best." Beca said with eyes closed, just enjoying the glorious flavor of her gift.
"Wow Becs. Do you want me to leave the two of you alone, or maybe get you a room?" Chloe teased the younger woman.
"Not necessary." She said with a flick of the last bite into her mouth, giving the redhead a closed mouth grin. "Alright, let's get this over with." The brunette sighed, standing up from the table before moving to grab her coat off a chair in the living room.
"It's just a walk through the snow Beca, and pretty soon we'll have the perfect tree for Christmas. It won't be as bad as you think."
-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-
It feels as bad as I thought it would.
Trudging through the snow was quite the workout, especially for someone who is of a shorter stature. After breakfast the tree collection group, consisting of Charles, Chloe, Beca, Chase and Chad, had headed out through the backyard and made their way towards a small forest about three quarters of a mile off the right of the property past the small lake in the back. Chloe explained to Beca that this bit of forest was owned by her parents. She went onto explain as they trudged through the snow, that every year she and her family would come to this plot and find their Christmas tree.
Hence Chad and Chase were dragging a large sled to bring the tree back on. Each brother would occasionally swap pulling the sled. They all walk in silence, all eyes scanning the trees of the forest. The branches rustle and sway in the light breeze that had appeared soon after they had begun their hike.
After a peaceful thirty minute walk through the forest, till they came to a small grove of Balsam Fir trees. Chloe had spent an additional thirty minutes walking up and down looking at trees and examining the most minute of details about each tree. After circling each tree, Chloe would frown and shake her head towards her father and brothers and set off further down the line.
This was much to Beca's consternation. She was new to this whole process, but after being woken up at an ungodly hour of the morning, then slogging through the snow for what felt like miles in the cold, she was more than a little grumpy and tired. She already has to suffer through hours of Aubrey's cardio hell at Barden.
Also she did not sign up for hiking on her vacation.
Thirty more minutes of meandering another grove of fir trees, each dusted in fallen snow, had Beca ready to turn around and head back to Georgia when Chloe suddenly rushed ahead. "Oh, look at that one Dad!" Chloe said with excitement, as she pointed at a nearby tree. The tree was dusted with a thin layer of snow and its stump sinks into a drift that had blown around the base. Though it wasn't the fullest tree they had seen, Beca could see the charm that she was sure Chloe did.
The red haired woman started to seriously inspect each of the tree's branches as Charles and Chad followed close behind with their axes and Chase dragged the sled behind. Beca was bringing up the rear, but was genuinely intrigued, watching Chloe excitedly run her gloved hands through branches, scrutinizing each nook and cranny the tree could possibly have. As she caught up to the group now surrounding Chloe, Beca feels the telltale strong tingling sensation in her nose. It builds up until her whole body thrusts forward involuntarily.
"AH-CHOO!"
"Bless you, Becs" Chloe offered sweetly, as she glanced back at the young brunette.
Her father wished Beca, "Gazuntite."
"Wow! That's such a huge sneeze for such a tiny person." Chad joked.
"Scared the heck out of me," Chase added.
Beca gave both of Chloe's brothers a withering glare before letting out another impromptu sneeze.
"Hey Becs, are you okay?" Chloe asked, concern evident in her voice. She then took on a mischievous smirk as she continued, "You're not allergic to Christmas trees, are you?"
"What?" Beca was caught by surprise by Chloe's teasing, but recovered quickly with a bit of her natural sass, "No, don't be crazy. I'm just allergic to fresh air and sunshine. Much of which my body is absorbing, when it could be burrowed into a warm bed right now."
"Awww," Chloe said with mock sympathy, as she stepped over to her friend. "Sounds rough."
"It is! I could be sleeping peacefully, but instead 'm trucking through the forest, in two feet deep snow, searching for 'the perfect tree,'" Beca used air quotes to emphasize her words, "all because some annoying redhead wouldn't quit tickling me this morning." Beca stared pointedly at the girl in question, squinting to emphasize her irritation.
"Tickling, is that what the kids are calling it these days?" Chad asked out loud.
Both women gave the tall redhead scathing glares.
"Too early," grumbled Beca.
"Oh please, miss grumpy face. That wasn't the first time I've woken you up at the crack of dawn, and it certainly won't be the last." Chloe added with a wink for good measure, hoping to rile up the scowling freshman more.
Whether she thought Chloe meant it or not, Beca certainly heard a hidden meaning in that statement, one that caused her already rosy cheeks to deepen its shade and a couple choked coughs to erupt from her throat. Beca's sputtering at the comment caused a sly grin to creep onto the redhead's face as she turned back to the task at hand.
Circling the tree in front of her, Chloe carefully ran her hands through some of the branches and moved her face inward to breathe in the smell. Squatting low to see the base of the tree, she nodded resolutely before standing back up to face the group.
Her father and brothers, used to Chloe's crazy antics, simply looked at her expectantly.
"So?" her father asked.
Beca turned towards Chloe, sighing heavily and waiting for whatever response to come from the girl. What she wasn't expecting was the smile that lit up the redhead's face, one Beca would have sworn could make a blind man gasp at it's beauty. She watches Chloe's bright blue eyes bounce from each person's face before finally settling on Beca's own and confidently saying, "This is the one."
-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-
For a solid twenty minutes the two brothers took turns chopping away at the tree, occasionally stopping to bicker at each other for the slowness at which they were working or criticize the other's technique. All the while Chloe and Beca laughed and teased the boys for their efforts,
"You know, you two could help!" Chase finally huffed
"What, and embarrass you guys with our axing prowess?" Beca teased in an uncharacteristic surge of bravado. Something about the whole situation just brought out both her amenity with the situation and a bit of her brashness. She continued with her cheeky bravado, "I don't think you could handle the humiliation, right Chlo?"
"Oh yeah, Becs. It would shatter their testosterone enhanced egos for sure," Chloe observed as she leaned on Beca's shoulder.
"That's it!" Chad declared. He turned and presented Beca the handle of the axe. "Be my guess M'lady." He swept his other hand towards the tree.
Beca's eyes widened for a split second, but she noticed the smug look that Chad was adopting, and she decided to take the challenge.
Might as well go down swinging… Literally
Taking the axe handle, Beca shocked everyone.
"Beca, you don't have to," Chloe started.
"I know Chlo," Beca said with that smirk that Chloe secretly loved. "I got this."
Moving between the two younger Beale men, she shooed them out of the way. Setting the axe so the long handle was leaning against her, she pulled off her mittens and stuffed them into the pockets of her jacket. She wanted to make sure she had the best grip possible. Taking a hold of the axe handle, Beca blew out a breath of cold air. The scent of the pine trees permeates through the air around them, which just adds to the moment.
Setting her feet, similar to how she had set them when she played softball in high school, Beca eyed the spot she wanted to hit. For all the grief she and Chloe had given the boys, they actually had made good headway. Now Beca just wanted to make sure she didn't give them too much to tease her with, as a bit of her confidence waned now that she felt the axe in her hand. The petite woman's arms flex underneath the material of her jacket, as she tests the weight of the axe. It should pose no issue for her to swing. Now she needed to make sure she hit the right point. She was actually pretty decent at hitting fastpitch softball, so she felt confident she could connect with her target.
Tensing her muscles, and letting out a breath-expelling shout, Beca swung with all her might, Beca swung the axe similar to how she used to swing a bat in high school. It sailed directly into the spot of the tree she was aiming for. It slammed with a loud, meaty thwack, always a satisfying sound to hear, gouging out a large wedge of wood. There was a loud crack, almost like that of a gunshot, and the last bit of wood holding the tree upright snapped all at once and the tree began to tip over, creaking with increasing intensity as it collapsed under its own now-tenuous weight, falling to the ground, snapping at the weak points Beca had just introduced.
And with Beca's swing they finally managed to cut down their perfect tree.
Chloe let out a cheer and hugged Beca from behind, as she excitedly shouted, "That was AMAZING!" Beca couldn't help the smile of pride as Chloe leveled her praise.
"Hmmm, it seems I tasked the wrong person to chop down the tree," Charles observed to his sons.
"What?! That's not fair!" Chase whined.
"We did the majority of the work!" Chad complained.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, you're just jealous," Chloe teased back.
"Well since Chloe found it, and Beca chopped it down, so it looks like you two are hauling it back," Charles told the boys.
"What?! That's not fair!" Chase whined again.
"Sheesh, broken record, little brother," Chloe teased.
"Oh you're going down at the snowball fight," Chase challenged.
"Snowball fight?" Beca asked.
"It's an annual event at the Beale household," Chloe answered. "The brothers always ganged up on me. But now I got Beca and Lizzy on my side, you boys are going down!" Chloe challenged back.
"Umm-what?" Beca asked in confusion.
"You're of course going to be on my team," Chloe said to Beca, giving the younger girl her best puppy dog eyes. "I've always been outnumbered."
"Ughh-I'm tired Chlo…" Beca whined a bit, though it was more for show; she already knew she would cave.
"Don't worry Becs, we'll have a fun time decorating the tree," Chloe promised, "then the rest of the day will be relaxing, void of further physical activity."
"Okay," Beca conceded, "but I'm going to hold you to that."
"Of course you will," Beca deadpanned.
As all of this was happening, Charles had made sure the tree was properly strapped down; it would be a real pain if the twelve foot fir tree were to tumble off the sled on the way home. When he was satisfied he called out, "Okay boys, let's head back."
"I still don't understand why we have to haul the tree," Chad cut in. "What are you going to be doing, Pop?" Chad asked.
"Supervising," Charles answered. "Which is why I had two such strapping lads as you two. Now chop-chop."
"How did Charlie get out of this?" Chase asked.
"He had to call into the office, now quit doddeling."
The two brothers continued to grumble, but started to gather up the tree. As Chad and Chase worked on securing the tree onto the sled, Beca and Chloe stood off to the side, observing the beautifully calm winter morning at the forest's edge. Beca felt Chloe grab her left arm and tug her closer to the redhead's own body for warmth, feeling the redhead gently place her head atop her shoulder.
Beca's grumpiness had dissipated with the whole cutting down the tree. Bringing it down with one swing had definitely been a huge ego boost. As tired as she had been, one look at the beaming redhead after she swung the axe was an energy boost. Feeling the energy practically radiate off Chloe as she bounced in place, Beca couldn't help but feel her own spirits lift.
As they stood there silently, Beca really took in the surroundings. She gazed out towards the picturesque surroundings of the snow covered grounds and a frozen pond, it was straight out of a Norman Rockwell winter scene. It was so much like a moment she remembered as a little girl Beca felt a sense of nostalgia. She was surprisingly completely at ease as the winter chill settled on her face,as she found the cold refreshing.
"This is truly a beautiful place," said Beca.
In response she felt Chloe squeeze her arm gently, and nuzzled into her neck a little more before the redhead spoke, "Thank you for putting up with me this morning. It's just, ever since I was little, this has been our family tradition. Dad would take me and my brothers out into this forest, and we would find the perfect tree…" She thought for a moment then added, "Well, it has always been my job to pick out the perfect tree…"
"Because you demanded that it be your job," Chad chided.
"Because I happened to be awesome at it," Chloe said as she stuck her tongue out at her older brother. "Just like you were good at chopping it down, though now I guess we found out it could have been done better." She made a point at looking at Beca.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, keep saying it," Chad grumbled sarcastically.
"Dude, what can I say? One swing," Beca snarked happily.
"It's true," Charles interrupted, "and now it's time to bring it back to the house to decorate, so get hauling." He gestured to the sled.
"So going down in the snowball fight," Chad promised as he made his way over to the sled's haul rope.
Chloe giggled in her brother's general direction, but held Beca up as her father and brothers started back with the tree on the sled. She turned to Beca and said, "As I was saying, I really am happy you're here. It means a lot to me, and I know I was a bit of a dick to you during the wake-up this morning and I know how you feel about exercise and I just…"
Beca cut her off.
"Chlo." The brunette angled her head to the left to face the rambling redhead better, their noses centimeters from touching, the steam of their breaths mingled in the air. "Putting my aversion for all things cardio aside…" she snarked before softening her mouth into a warm smile. "I can tell how much this all means to you. I'm honored you want to include me in something so special," to emphasize her words, Beca squeezed the other woman's arm to let her know just how much she means her words.
"I'm really glad you agreed to come, Becs. There's literally no one else that I'd rather share this with," Chloe's eyes shined with pure joy and adoration.
In a moment of pure and overwhelming boldness, Chloe leaned and placed a soft lingering kiss on Beca's cheek. She moved in slowly, hesitantly, giving Beca the opportunity to pull away. She placed her lips carefully, a mere centimeter from the edge of the younger woman's mouth. Upon feeling the softness of Beca's skin, Chloe hummed softly in contentment, before she pulled her into another embrace. Continuing her boldness, Chloe burrowed her head into the crook of the brunette's warm neck.
All of this has Beca's head swimming. Her cheeks are warm with her blush, especially the spot Chloe lips just touched. Beca's breath had held as Chloe leaned in towards her, unsure of what exactly the redhead would do. It was such an intimate moment being shared between the two women that Beca honestly thought Chloe would kiss her right there. She was not completely wrong, and even just a simple kiss on her cheek left the petite woman feeling breathless. Fearing if she doesn't breathe soon she'll pass out on the spot, Beca exhales slowly to regain control of her emotions and her heart rate.
The two Bellas stand snuggled together for another moment before they hear Chloe's dad yell out. "Come on you two. let's go home."
-~Merry Pitchm as 2021~-
Notes: I just had to have Beca be a bit of a badass. Hope you liked it.