A/N: Quickie before dinner. Well, MY dinner. We are almost to the big dinner for the two of them. Posted fast so I apologize for any mistakes. H


How was the sun already setting? A warm, deep glow of orange splayed about the deck, splashing the white paint on the walls of the deck. Beca ran a hand through her hair. She had pulled it down, allowing it to breathe in the somewhat strong breeze of the ocean. Chloe was actually pleased with how long her hair was. It looked really good on the petite woman. Beca was leaning forward, allowing her elbows to support her against the railing. She looked to her right, watching Chloe trying to control her laughter–like a lady ought to. She was doing a poorer job though, as the time passed. Beca loved making her laugh. She couldn't get enough of the sweet sound. She couldn't get enough of watching Chloe relax more and more.

"What would you have me do, really, Chloe?!" Beca laughed.

Chloe shook her head, trying to breathe behind her polite hand over her mouth.

"That's okay, I'll wait." Beca said, smirking.

"Oh my, oh my heavens!" Chloe gasped, settling down slowly.

"Look, I blame the cheap beer."

"Or it was just in your nature, Beca!" Chloe shoved her gently.

"I'm taking offense to that, miss!" Beca snapped back.

"Oh, no offense, truly. But…"

"...But?!"

"You're like. You're like Mighty Mouse!" Chloe giggled again.

"Hey! I can handle my own with the burliest of them!" Beca said.

"You'll have to prove it–you're just so cute. And small. But I can tell you bite." Chloe winked.

Beca scoffed, crossing her arms.

"Well when some idiot is rude to you, don't get shocked when I set them straight." Beca said, side-eyeing Chloe who in turn, stopped laughing and looked out toward the water.

Something in that reply hit a nerve in Chloe. Beca wasn't quite sure what she had said wrong, but she had a feeling she definitely stepped in something. Rather than poking at it more, she remained silent for a little while–both looking out at the water.

They had been talking all day. Beca would tell Chloe tall tales of her adventures in her travels. Chloe would try to counter with the most exciting things that would happen in The Society…but she wasn't quite matching how charming and exciting Beca's stories were. They were fascinating and Chloe stuck around with more questions. It was nice. It was easy. It felt like they could carry a conversation with no stopping ahead. Even now, when it seemed they should consider wrapping it up–neither turned to leave. Beca swayed a little back and forth from the railing. Awkwardly.

"So." Chloe broke the silence.

"You really punched that guy, found his horse, and took off?!" She smiled back at Beca.

"Well yeah, I had to leave on a high note there. He wasn't using it." Beca replied, internally gasping in relief.

"I don't see how you could take off quickly though, how were you able to go so fast with both legs on the side?"

"What are you talking about? No, no no. One leg on each side. Then you can tell them to really go!"

"What? But, we're not allowed to do that–how did you…incredible." Chloe said with wonder. "M-mmaybe…you could show me how to do that sometime? I really enjoy riding but I've never…"

"Sure, if you'd like!" Beca smiled earnestly.

Chloe took this in for a moment. She grasped the railing a little harder, seemingly gaining some inner confidence. "Teach me to…to ride like a man!"

"And talk like a man!" Beca said sarcastically, wiggling her eyebrows. Chloe laughed.

"And…and spit like a man!" Chloe said enthusiastically.

"What, they didn't teach you that in Finishing School?" Beca joked.

"NO!" Chloe giggled.

"Well come on, I'll show you!"

Much to Chloe's shock and dismay, she was being pulled along to a clearer part of the deck where they were closer to the water. She was telling Beca 'absolutely not' and 'wait' however she still moved along with her. She was feeling such excitement. Adrenaline. She almost felt like a little girl again–but actually able to play with the other children.

The two laughed, and began sending those loogies over the railing. Chloe was desperately watching Beca's technique–as absurd and disgusting as it was. She felt as if she were learning something no one in her world even considered, as absurd and as disgusting. Beca seemed to really enjoy showing her this, and they were just having fun. That fun soon came to an abrupt halt as Chloe caught her mother's presence approaching. She looked like a deer in headlights. Beca didn't notice as she was pulling back and collecting her spit for another example. Chloe hit the side of her arm, and she swallowed it suddenly, turning to meet the several pairs of eyes on them. Chloe heard her gulp beside her, and internally Chloe made the very same noise.

There were four elegantly dressed women in their quarters now. The elaborate headdresses were enough to make Beca sick. Three women seemed curious, however the one on the end, with familiar fiery hair, looked at her with such disdain. Beca turned to look at Chloe, assuming she knew who this group was.

Chloe was dreading this. But there was nothing left to do.

"Mm-mother!" Chloe stammered. Her posture straightened. Beca could immediately see that the class switch had been hit. Chloe's voice even sounded different.

"May I introduce you to Miss Beca Mitchell."

There was a deafening silence. Beca had never been more aware of her clothing in this group. She could hop over the rail right about now. But she wasn't leaving Chloe.

"Charmed I'm sure…" Ms. Beale said sternly.

After a rather stiff conversation, and Beca nodding along rather than speaking much, suddenly a horn blew a few times.

"Why do they insist on announcing dinner like a damn cavalry charge!" The woman on the other end said, making Chloe and Beca laugh. As introduced prior, her name was Gail Abernathy. She seemed like someone Beca could relax around. Has she been in this environment long? She acted like someone she could be friends with.

"Shall we go dress, Mother?" Chloe said, beginning to step away.

Another outfit? Christ, these people. Beca thought. But before she could get too grumbly, she heard Chloe.

"See you at dinner, Beca." She smiled, before turning away and walking arm and arm with her mother. Beca just watched with a blush, unable to take her eyes off her new companion as she blended in with the rest of the First Class passengers slowly starting to move off the deck. She waved slightly, knowing Chloe couldn't see it, but she still did so.

"Hey bud?" Gail said, shaking her free from her trance.

Beca looked at Gail, confused.

"You're coming to dinner?"

Beca nodded.

"And…what are you planning to wear?"

Beca shrugged, looking at her worn, brown attire.

"Okay–not good. You're about to go into the snake pit. They will eat you alive…you need something a bit…more expensive? Cleaner…at the very least." Gail sighed, looking Beca up and down.

"I don't have much else, Miss Abernathy…" Beca frowned.

"I might have something for you actually."

"Oh no, no no. No thanks I don't really do…gowns." Beca grimaced.

Gail laughed sweetly.

"Understood. You're in luck. I only have a son. Maybe we can find some cleaner clothes there for you?" Gal suggested–but knowing the exact tuxedo he had stored with her, in mind.

Beca stared at herself in the mirror moments later, in Gail's lavish bunk. She felt the attire, and if felt good, and snug on her. She was now wearing a black and white tuxedo…the white vest pushing her generous cleavage up. Her collar is buttoned to the top, so as to not "give away the farm." Beca was a tad self-conscious of her large chest. But this suit seemed to acknowledge that for her. She blew out a shaky breath. She honestly admired how this made her look. Gail came back into the room and clapped her hands.

"My, my, you shine up like a brand new penny!" She exclaimed, taking in the view of Beca in the mirror. "How do you feel in this?"

"Actually…pretty great…" Beca said quietly, staring ahead, still.

"Well, it's about the same size, with the exception of your bust. But it works doesn't it?"

"I'll say." Beca smiled.

Gail smiled, placing her hands on Beca's shoulders. She developed a pensive look.

"What–I can still go to dinner right?" Beca asked nervously.

"Oh of course dear I was just thinking…what are we going to do with your pretty hair now?"