Chapter 5: How Much Is Too Much Eyeliner?

The next few weeks went better for Beca and Chloe. Beca was still her cocky self, and Chloe maintained her controlling ways. But they slowly figured out how to best work with each other. There were squabbles here and there, but they seemed to be finding a mutual respect for each other. Although, it still frustrated Chloe that Beca would flirt shamelessly in any environment, and she couldn't tell if Beca was serious or just messing with her.

"Good work today, partner." Beca swung her leather jacket onto her arms as she walked by Chloe's desk.

"I wish I could say the same, except I'm doing half your job with this paper work." Chloe typed away at the computer. Beca placed her hands on the desk and leaned in, close to Chloe's face as she took a peek at the computer.

"Ah, but you are SO much better at it than I am. I couldn't rob the world of your writing skills." Beca drummed the desk quickly as she backed away. Aubrey had slowly started approaching, watching the two agents interact.

"You're such a smartass." Chloe shook her head, doing her best to hide her smirk.

"Night, Chlo." Beca winked. "Night, Aubrey." She turned to leave as she saw Aubrey coming over.

"Be safe, Beca." Aubrey waved. She watched Beca leave before coming around to Chloe's side of the desk and sat on the edge. "So...what's going on with you and Beca?"

"What?" Chloe finally paused her typing and shot a confused look at Aubrey.

"Oh, don't play dumb." Aubrey rolled her eyes. "I've known you since your first day in training. You can't hide things from me. I mean you two flirt constantly."

"She flirts. But she flirts with any woman with a heartbeat."

"I think she actually has a crush on you. And she doesn't flirt with me." Aubrey laughed as she folded her arms across her chest.

"Well, consider yourself lucky, Posen."

"So you're saying you don't find her attractive at all?"

"No. Well, I mean, objectively speaking, sure, I guess she could maybe be considered...attractive." Chloe shook her head as she got flustered. "But she's so obnoxious and cocky and infuriating I just want to slap her."

"Sexual tension." Aubrey sighed. "And I mean, its not exactly encouraged, but there's no rules at the Agency about fellow agents dating. Or at least a good fuck to relieve that tension."

"Aubrey!" Chloe shot her an embarrassed look.

"Sorry, sorry." Aubrey laughed and held her hands in surrender. "But in seriousness, Chloe. I think you two-" She was cut off by Beca reappearing. Chloe's eyes widened, praying that Beca hadn't heard the conversation.

"Oh, hey, Beca. You come back to help your partner with paperwork finally?" Aubrey shot a sly wink at Chloe.

"Good one, Posen." Beca smirked. "I just forgot to ask if you two wanted to come to Harvey's tomorrow night. There's a karaoke contest. Since we all just finished assignments, I think it'd be nice to have a night out before we get new ones. First round is on me?" She looked expectantly between Aubrey and Chloe.

"I don't think-" Chloe started before Aubrey interjected.

"We'd love to! Its good to relax sometimes and...relieve tension." She smirked knowingly at Chloe who just shot daggers right back with her eyes.

"Awesome!" Beca nodded. "See you later, ladies."

"I hate you." Chloe mumbled as soon as Beca had disappeared again.

"You love me." Aubrey pushed herself off the desk and headed to her own office.

Aubrey had come over to Chloe's apartment so they could drive together. She was standing in front of the wall length mirror in the bedroom while Chloe worked on her hair in the bathroom.

"So are you going to sing at all tonight?" Aubrey asked.

"Probably not. I don't want one more thing for Beca to mock me about."

"She wouldn't mock. You have a lovely voice."

"Thanks." Chloe chuckled to herself. "How do I look?"

"Damn, girl, looking good." Aubrey gave her an exaggerated once-over. "Looks like you're trying to impress someone."

"I'm not trying to impress Beca." Chloe rolled her eyes.

"I didn't even say Beca." Aubrey's smile widened.

"Whatever." Chloe waved her hand. "You never know who I might meet that I want to bring home."

"Oh, please. The only person you actually want to bring home tonight is a vertically challenged brunette who really loves eyeliner." Aubrey said as she applied her lipstick in the mirror.

"Would you stop with that nonsense." Chloe shook her head as she adjusted her top. But she felt her cheeks start blushing. Deep down she couldn't deny to herself that maybe Aubrey was slightly right...maybe.

Chloe and Aubrey entered Harvey's side by side. Aubrey immediately led her over to the bar to get the drinking started.

"Well, hey Chloe Beale!" Stacie appeared in front of them and Chloe's eyes shot up in surprise.

"You remember me?"

"Of course! And Beca brings you up everytime she comes in here." Stacie shrugged. "So what can I get you two to drink. Beca said your first one's on her." She winked at the redhead, whose face was now close to the color of her hair.

"Two vodka crans, please." Aubrey leaned on the counter, looking at Chloe with 'I told you' eyes.

"Coming right up!" And Stacie disappeared. Before Chloe could say anything Beca had slid up next to them.

"Glad you guys came! So, you going to do any karaoke, Beale?" Beca had started leaning across the bar trying to be sly and grab a beer.

"I don't think so." Chloe brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Aw, come on. Live a little." Beca grunted as she almost reached the bottle. Stacie had reappeared and playfully slapped Beca's wrist.

"Nice try." She popped the top off and handed Beca the beer. "But that one's still going on your tab."

"Can't blame a girl for trying." Beca grinned as she stood back normally against the bar, looking at Chloe as they each took a sip of their drinks. Aubrey felt a little awkward, like she was the third wheel. Beca's eyes glanced down briefly at Chloe's low cut top, getting an eye full of cleavage, before quickly shooting them back up to Chloe's eyes. The glance didn't go unnoticed.

"Your eyes are really blue." Beca maintained her intense eye contact. "And beautiful." Her voice was actually sincere. It wasn't her typical over the top flirting. Chloe was taken aback and felt her heart rate speed up because of the compliment. She was about to respond with a mumbled 'thanks' but Beca had hopped away from the bar. "Alright, I'm going to go get ready for my solo! See you two later." She sauntered away toward the stage, and Chloe couldn't help but watch her walk away.

"Damn." Aubrey let out a breath.

"What?" Chloe came back to reality and glanced at her friend.

"She totally just undressed you with her eyes. And she was a few seconds of eye contact away from eye-fucking you."

"Shut up!" Chloe gave her a shove with a disgusted look on her face. "Let's go find a table."

A little later, Chloe and Aubrey started on their second drink. Beca was about to sing, and Chloe had put her own jacket on the third chair, unconsciously saving it for Beca. Chloe sat up straight when she heard the familiar intro to "Titanium" by David Guetta. Aubrey followed where Chloe's eyes were looking and saw Beca getting ready to start singing. Chloe couldn't take her eyes away. Beca started singing perfectly and saw Chloe watching her. As she got to the chorus they had yet to break eye contact. Beca flashed her a grin, but it wasn't her usual cocky one.

"Shoot me down! But I won't fall! I am titanium!"

"She's good." Aubrey nodded, impressed. Chloe didn't respond, she felt like there was a magnet refusing to let her look anywhere else than Beca. Aubrey looked back and forth between the two and smiled knowingly.

When Beca finished she came jogging over. Chloe had finally left her trance and felt a little nervous when Beca sat beside her.

"I had no idea you could sing so well!" Aubrey exclaimed.

"Thanks." Beca actually seemed a little shy for the first time ever, as she carefully scooted her chair closer to Chloe. Aubrey started chatting Beca up since Chloe seemed to be in a fog.

After about an hour, and some more liquid courage, Chloe had started talking a lot about herself. Beca's elbow was on the table, her head was resting in her hand, and she was fully engrossed in every word Chloe said.

"Excuse me." A tall blonde in a leather mini skirt and tank top interrupted as she hovered beside Beca. Chloe paused and looked at the girl in irritation. Beca turned her head to look at the intruder but kept her elbow on the table and her body stayed leaning towards Chloe.

"I just wanted to tell you that you have an amazing voice." The blonde stepped forward, holding her hand for Beca.

"Thanks…?" Beca sat a little straighter and took the blonde's hand in hers.

"Kaci. Maybe you could sing a duet with me tonight?" Kaci leaned forward, and casually rubbed her finger along Beca's arm. Beca stiffened and then leaned toward Kaci as well. Chloe saw this minor exchange and narrowed her eyes, looking between Kaci and Beca.

"That'd be fun. I'm Beca by the way." Beca was in her full on flirt mode.

"I look forward to it...Beca." Kaci winked seductively as she reached her arm slowly across Beca's body to grab a napkin. She scribbled down her number on it and slid it into Beca's jacket pocket.

"What song you wanna sing?" Beca's smirk became a full on smile as she immediately punched the number into her phone.

"Something sexy. You pick." And with that Kaci spun around and left the table. Chloe was scowling at the smitten-looking Beca and Aubrey was trying to hide her giggle as she lifted her glass.

Beca and Kaci appeared on stage, and Kaci never took at least one hand off of Beca. Chloe glared as the music started.

"I love it when you call me senorita." Kaci sang and ran her hand up Beca's shoulder. Within seconds they were dancing close and trading turns singing. Chloe felt her stomach churn and she was filled with so much annoyance at the little dance routine they were doing. Aubrey kept an eye on Chloe, half feeling bad for her, and half amused by her obvious jealousy.

By the end of the song, everyone could tell that Kaci was about to lean in for a kiss, but Beca quickly evaded it as she hopped off stage. Kaci was right behind her, whispering in her ear. Chloe could tell by Beca's reaction that she was super excited about whatever was said.

"Hey guys." Beca came back to the table, a little out of breath. Kaci grabbed her hand and guided it to hold her around her waist. Chloe watched the little move and gritted her teeth.

"So, thanks so much for coming. It was really fun hanging out with you guys. But Kaci here wants a ride on my bike, so I'm going to take her home. See you in the AM!" Beca waved as Kaci started dragging her out of the bar.

"Sorry, Chloe." Aubrey shrugged, genuinely sorry Chloe had to watch Beca be like that with someone else.

"Sorry about what?" Chloe downed her drink. "I'm super tired, ready to head home?"

"Yeah, sure." Aubrey smiled lightly and went to go pay the tab.

The next day, Beca and Chloe were in the mat room. In between missions they would work on their hand to hand combat as well as get a workout.

"Put a shirt on." Chloe rolled her eyes when she saw Beca come out of the locker room in just a sports bra and shorts.

"Why? Is it a distraction for you?" Beca kept walking closer and smiled when she saw Chloe inadvertently look at her stomach. "See something you like?" Beca had now stepped dangerously close to the redhead. Chloe grabbed Beca's wrist and yanked quickly, bringing Beca to her knees, groaning in pain.

"Put a shirt on." Chloe ordered again. Increasing the pressure on the brunette's wrist. "Its unprofessional."

"Alright, alright." Beca raised her free hand in surrender. "Be right back."

As they sparred, Beca could tell Chloe was being a little extra aggressive. At one point Chloe spun and kicked a heel into Beca's side, sending her to the ground.

"Damn, Beale!" Beca groaned as she was slow to get up. "You're not supposed to try and injure me before we get assigned a new mission."

"Sounds like you need to toughen up." Chloe waited with her fists clenched for Beca to get back to her feet.

"Alright, game on." Beca shook herself off and got back into position. She ducked when Chloe's foot flew at her head. "Hey! No head shots!" Beca shouted seriously; that was a known rule at HQ. Chloe held up her hands in apology. Beca spun away from an attack and snatched Chloe's wrist. She put Chloe into a hold with her arm behind her back, while their other arms battled to take the other down.

"You're pretty cute when you get all feisty." Beca whispered in Chloe's ear from behind her back. Chloe wriggled angrily and then Beca suddenly kicked Chloe in the back of the knees and shoved her to the ground on her stomach. Beca held one of Chloe's arms behind her back, the other was held down at Chloe's side, and Beca rested her knee on her low back.

"Gotcha!" Beca gloated for just a moment when Chloe slammed her head back, hitting Beca in the jaw. "Ow! Fuck!" Beca let go and suddenly Chloe had spun around and tackled Beca. She straddled Beca for a second as she held both of Beca's wrists in a painful position. Beca grimaced as she tried to wriggle free.

"How do you like me now, you cocky little shit?" It was Chloe's turn to grin smugly.

"I like when you straddle me." She tried to smile through the pain, hoping she'd fluster Chloe enough to release her grip. Instead, Chloe shot her forearm quickly into Beca's throat and stood up. Beca rolled over in pain, grabbing her throat and coughing for air. A few other agents looked over to make sure the little brunette having a coughing fit was actually okay.

Once Beca caught her breath, she stood to her feet and glared at Chloe. "Okay, what the fuck is with you, today, dude?"

"I'm just tired of your overconfident attitude! Just because sluts in bars who don't know how to wear clothing appropriate for their age or body like your whole persona doesn't mean I do." Chloe spun around to grab a towel from her cubby and headed for the locker room.

"Ahh..you're jealous." Beca followed her nodding knowingly.

"I am NOT jealous." Chloe shot her a look. "I don't care who you hook up with."

"I didn't sleep with her, you know? Hell, I didn't even kiss her. Literally just drove around on my bike for a bit before dropping her off at home. I mean I could've...but she's not really my type."

"Again. Don't care."

"Then why are you trying to kill me today? What's your problem with me?" Beca came to a quick halt as Chloe spun around to face her.

"You're cocky, over-confident, smug, a smartass, unprofessional, dangerous, make rash decisions, don't listen, drive a death mobile, don't do you fair share of the paperwork, trick people into doing what you want, and you're cocky!"

"You said cocky twice." Beca smirked.

"Well it deserved to be said twice." Chloe spun around to leave before turning on her heels with one more thing to add. "Oh! And you wear far too much eyeliner!"

"Hey, that was just unnecessary." Beca grabbed her heart, pretending to be offended. As Chloe stormed into the shower area Beca looked at her reflection in a mirror and touched around her eyes. "I don't wear too much eyeliner…" She mumbled.