Chapter 20: The DJ and The Dancer

Beca was about to leave her apartment when she glanced in the mirror. She was wearing a red v-neck, black leather jacket, and dark blue jeans. This was a typical going out outfit. But was she wearing the right clothes? Was this a date? Like did she need to dress nicer than usual? Or more casual? And her makeup? Chloe once told her she wore too much eyeliner; should she take it off? Did she need to bring something? Was it rude to show up empty handed?

"Chill the fuck out, Mitchell." Beca mumbled to herself. "You've gone over there before. Be confident. You're awesome." Beca firmly nodded her head in the mirror after her little self pep talk.

Chloe was hurrying in the bathroom getting ready, hoping she didn't burn anything in the kitchen while she got dressed. She thought of wearing one of her little dresses, but was worried that would be too fancy for just a simple dinner at home. A simple dinner. That's all it was, right? She changed into jeans and a light gray ¼ length sleeved blouse. She fidgeted in the mirror, deciding if she looked okay when she heard a timer go off.

"Shit." She mumbled to herself as she jogged to the kitchen to take care of the various pots and pans on the stove. She stirred the potatoes, put the vegetables in a glass bowl, and checked the steaks in the oven. She opened a bottle of wine to let it breathe. She took a step back and observed her food. It was going to be delicious, she knew, but was it good enough first date material? Date? Is it a date? And doesn't asparagus make you get gas or something? That's totally not attractive. Was there too much garlic? Does Beca even like wine?

She was half a second away from just calling a delivery place when she took a deep breath and left the kitchen. She lit a few candles on various surfaces besides the table. Then she blew them out, thinking it was too much. And then lit only a couple in compromise. She turned on her radio with her music set up and tried to decide on a playlist. She had an idea what kind of music Beca liked, but would it be appropriate for tonight? She just huffed in frustration, set it on shuffle and low volume, then ran back to the kitchen to take the steaks out. She glanced at her clock, knowing Beca would be showing up soon. Before she could let her mind stress her out any more she heard her phone ring.

Oh, great, its Beca cancelling. She figured it was a date and freaked out. Chloe grumbled in her mind as she snatched her phone, but saw Aubrey's name. She hesitated to pick up. Aubrey had given them a couple days off, and the last thing she wanted was to be called in with Beca for a mission. Taking a deep breath, knowing Aubrey wouldn't just stop calling, she answered the phone.

"Aubrey?" Her voice was short and cold, wanting to let Aubrey know if she planned on calling her in to work she'd be pissed.

"Chloe." Aubrey greeted. "We have some new information."

"What if I had plans tonight, Aubrey? I mean, I get it. We gave our lives to this profession, but you-"

"Calm down." Aubrey interrupted Chloe's borderline whininess. "We don't need you right this second. But we have a specialist here who's been analyzing this case. Fat Amy's gotten info from the mafia boy. We'd like to brief you and Beca first thing tomorrow morning. This could be big."

"Tomorrow morning?" Chloe bit her lip, wondering how late the night would go. She could end it early if she needed to. Beca would understand when she told her. "So I still have tonight off?"

"Yes." Aubrey seemed to switch from boss/agent mode to friend mode. "What plans do you have that are so important?"

"Nothing." Chloe responded quickly. "I just wanted some time to relax."

"So you don't have a hot date or anything?" Aubrey pressed with a smirk that could be heard through the phone.

"Goodnight, Agent Posen." Chloe refused to dignify Aubrey's teasing with a response as she hung up.

Beca parked her motorcycle outside the apartment complex and bent down to check her reflection in the small mirror. She nodded in approval and then looked at her watch that said 6:45. She wasn't sure if Chloe would be ready, since she did say 7 after all. So Beca spent five minutes sitting against her bike, playing solitaire on her phone. Then she wondered if ten minutes early was okay. She knew Chloe appreciated punctuality, but she didn't want to seem overzealous. So she waited five more minutes and walked up the stairs at 6:55.

Beca took a deep breath, feeling guilty that she didn't show up with anything in her hands. Flowers would have been...weird, probably. Wine? Chloe liked wine. But Beca had no idea what kind. So she just knocked hard on the door and put her hands in her pockets.

"Hi!" Chloe swung the door open and cheerily greeted Beca. Beca's eyes widened. She'd never seen the redhead act so...chipper. It was weird. She was trying not to freak out a little.

"Hey, Beale." Beca stepped inside and shrugged her jacket off. Chloe motioned her where to hang it and walked to the kitchen.

"Want a glass of wine?" Chloe pulled the glasses down as she poured her own. Beca followed and leaned against her counter.

"You know I'm more of a vodka gal."

"Oh, right." Chloe shook her head. "I actually have some." As she reached over the fridge to grab the bottle, Beca picked up the other wine glass.

"But I can start with a glass of wine. You know, maybe try to add some class to this sass." Beca smirked as she gestured her hand down her body.

"I don't think there's enough wine in the world to make you classy." Chloe held back a giggle as she set the vodka bottle on the counter and poured the wine into the glass Beca was holding. They did a little cheers as they each took a sip, looking at each other silently.

"So, something smells amazing." Beca broke the silence as she lifted her nose in the air.

"Oh, yeah. It's pretty much ready." Chloe set her wine down. "Go sit."

"So what meal are you feeding me that expresses a proper thank you for life saving actions?" Beca sat smugly in a chair, watching as Chloe grinned while preparing the plates to perfection.

"Steak and potatoes julienne, and asparagus. Cheesecake for dessert. Need steak sauce?" Chloe brought both plates to the table.

"I've heard that's an insult to the chef." Beca looked warily.

"It is." Chloe stood at the table with a hand on her hip waiting for the answer before sitting.

"Then I'm good." Beca grabbed her knife and fork, mouth watering at the food in front of her. She's had good meals at restaurants, but rarely did she ever enjoy home cooked food. Her fanciest dish was spaghetti and maybe frozen garlic bread if she was feeling fancy. This looked amazing, and she wasn't even a fan of asparagus.

"Good." Chloe quickly set the bottle of wine on her side of the table and the little bottle of vodka on Beca's in case they needed refills before sitting across from Beca.

"Holy shit, this is good." Beca took a bite of the steak as soon as Chloe got settled in her chair, and exclaimed her delight with her mouth full.

"Proving my point about class." Chloe giggled, but feeling flattered at the reaction. She didn't cook for other people very often, and when she did she really did love getting complimented on it.

"A leopard can't change its spots." Beca shrugged, happily moving on to try the potatoes, and hesitant about the asparagus. Chloe couldn't help but giggle watching Beca get so excited over food.

"Dude, even the asparagus is good." Beca groaned in pleasure.

"Okay, I get it. The food's great, I'm an amazing chef. Let's talk about something else." While Chloe loved the compliments, it was started to make her a little embarrassed. Plus there was only so many times you could feign humility before it got really old.

"Okay. And you're not just an amazing chef." Beca said nonchalantly. "You're a pretty amazing spy and woman." Chloe was completely caught off guard. Rarely did Beca give her compliments, at least, sincere compliments. And it obviously wasn't a line, because as soon as she said it she got squirmy and looked away from Chloe down to the food. Chloe felt herself blush and just smiled sweetly, saying thank you.

It didn't take long for Beca and Chloe get over the awkwardness that started the evening and relax into comfortable conversation. They had finished dinner and Beca gave one last quick compliment to one of the best meals she'd ever had. Granted, it wasn't the best she'd ever had, its hard to compete with some of the four and five star restaurants she'd been to. But as far as someone ever making her dinner? This easily took first place.

"So…" Chloe cut two slices of cheesecake, which she remembered Beca once mentioning was her favorite dessert. "If you didn't get started in the military and then joining the Agency...what do you think you would've done."

"Something with music." Beca replied quickly. "Maybe a DJ. I like mixing music. Or maybe even a music producer. But its such a make it or break it industry, I probably wouldn't have done too well." She shrugged as she moaned in pleasure at her first bite of cheesecake.

"So what made you join the military?"

"Um, well…" Beca shifted in her seat. "I graduated high school early. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life except to get out of my small town and away from my family. So I joined the military, planning to just use it to pay for college. But I was drawn more into it and realized I could really serve my country. And it was the best decision I ever made...while it lasted."

Chloe decided not press on that subject and thought for a moment before Beca asked her a similar line of questioning.

"What about you?" Beca looked at her steak as she cut through. "What do you think you would have done?"

"I like to think I would've been a dancer." Chloe answers wistfully, keeping her eyes down.

"Like an exotic dancer?" Beca asked suggestively.

"Funny." Chloe shot her a playful glare. "More like a backup dancer for some famous singer. Or a choreographer or music video producer. Something involving dance."

"You got the body for it." Beca shrugged, smirking. Chloe felt herself blushing and quickly changed the subject.

"Thanks. Unfortunately, my dad had other plans for me." Chloe took a bite of asparagus with a hint of bitterness in her voice.

"Parents. They suck sometimes." Beca shrugged, thinking back to her teenage days.

They had a mostly civil conversation the rest of desert, Beca throwing in little jabs or overly flirtatious remarks. Chloe would respond either with blushing or scolding. But really she felt herself feel a little tingly every time Beca paid her a compliment, whether it was sincere or over the top. She felt like a teenager again with a ridiculous crush that she couldn't seem to work up the nerve to confess.

The night continued on and Beca couldn't decide if she needed to leave or not. It wasn't ridiculously late, but it was pretty late to be staying if she had just been invited for dinner. Her inner turmoil raged when Chloe offered to make coffee. Beca let out an exhale of relief and agreed.

"Go sit on the couch, its more comfy." Chloe nodded her head as she got a pot ready. Beca did as instructed and plopped herself on Chloe's couch.

"How do you take your coffee?"

"Like the Irish." Beca peeked over the back of the couch to see a disapproving stare from the redhead.

"Lucky for you." Chloe reached into the fridge. "I have some Bailey's." She shook the small bottle as she held the coffee cups precariously, making her way slowly to the couch. Beca quickly grabbed her cup before everything spilled and Chloe plopped down on the other side of the couch and without warning propped her feet up on Beca's lap. Beca had to swallow hard, preventing her from choking as she was shocked by the abrupt touch from Chloe. Chloe wiggled down into the armrest on her side of the couch.

"So…" Beca took a cautious sip of her coffee after she filled it to the brim with Bailey's.

"You know what's funny?" Chloe giggled to herself as she looked ahead toward Beca and her legs that were comfortable resting in the brunette's lap. "I never thought I'd ever willingly have you over to my apartment to hang out."

"Yeah." Beca let out a laugh. "You really hated me there at first. I was offended when you stormed into Littner's office demanding a new partner."

"I was a little over dramatic." Chloe conceded. "But you were so frustrating and arrogant and you wouldn't listen."

"Oh my God, we are not arguing about this again. I saved your life, dude." Beca shot back with humor in her tone.

"Yeah, yeah." Chloe rolled her eyes. "Plus, you were the first partner I had since Price. You had to cut me some slack."

"Fair enough." Beca took another long sip. "You haven't told me that story by the way...about what happened with him."

"And you haven't told me the one about why you left the military." Chloe shot right back, with raised eyebrows. She really didn't want this night to be about talking about ugly bits from their past. While she really wanted to know Beca's story, and she even wanted to tell Beca her own, that's just not what she wanted to do tonight. But if Beca felt like sharing she wouldn't dare turn it down.

"Touche, Beale." Beca smirked, letting that conversation be for another time.

"So what'd you think of me at first?" Chloe grinned coquettishly.

"I thought you were an uptight bitch." Beca tried not to laugh as she said it and Chloe nearly spit out her fresh sip of coffee.

"Wow! Don't hold back, Mitchell." Chloe dug a heel into Beca's thigh.

"No, no." Beca waved her hand. "That was only after I spent some time with you. When I first met you…" Beca bit her lip. She had partaken in some liquid encouragement this evening so she wasn't as reserved with her words as she normally would have been. But she still paused for a moment, slightly worried about Chloe's reaction, before finishing the sentence. "I thought you were pretty intimidating...and hot...and I kind of wanted to kiss you."

"What?" Chloe nearly shrieked. Her heart started beating a little faster. Her skin felt a little warmer. And for some reason her mouth felt dry. She was surprised by her own question that followed. "Why didn't you?"

"Uh…" Beca squirmed, feeling like Chloe's legs were weighing heavier on her lap. "Well, I mean it didn't take long to realize you really didn't like me. I didn't want some sexual harassment charge filed on me on my first day." She shrugged like that would be an acceptable answer.

"Right…" Chloe squinted. "Or maybe you aren't as big of a cocky asshole as you think and you were a little scared."

"Me?" Beca's jaw dropped. "I'd have kissed you if I wanted."

"So you didn't want to?" Chloe cocked an eyebrow, thoroughly enjoying watching the usually cocky and confident Beca squirm and blush.

"No-it's just-I-you were-" Beca stuttered and stumbled, nearly spilling her coffee. "Let's see what's on TV, yeah?"

She found a remote and helped herself to the TV, desperately trying to end this line of questioning. She felt her whole face burning even up to her ears. She had her own self to blame for opening her big mouth. But it was okay. She glanced a couple times at Chloe who was giving her knowing grins and that look on her face might be worth the embarrassment she was feeling in the moment. She found a marathon of 'Friends' on and turned the volume down just to have background noise.

"This is probably the only TV show that I've seen every episode." Chloe replied, letting Beca off the hook.

"You really need to expand your movie and TV horizons." Beca shook her head as she let her hands absentmindedly curve around Chloe's shins. "Do you even have a Netflix or Hulu subscription?"

"Nope." Chloe said with a pop. "But I'm sure you'll let me use yours." She cocked an eyebrow as she glanced over the top of her mug.

"Hmmm…" Beca pondered dramatically. "You'd owe me a favor or two."

"Probably not worth it." Chloe let out a little giggle when Beca turned to playfully glare at her.

"So you don't watch TV or movies." Beca took a sip of her coffee after another generous pour of Bailey's. "What do you do for fun here?"

"Promise you won't mock me?" Chloe bit her lip, feeling self-conscious.

"I don't make promises I might not be able to keep." Beca was already biting back laughter.

"Then I guess you won't know." Chloe shrugged.

"Oh, come on. Share." Beca ran her hand up higher on Chloe's leg, just to her knee cap. "I'll only laugh a little."She didn't even realize her thumb was rubbing circles on Chloe's lower thigh. Chloe felt the touch, and glanced down. She felt her chest warm up and felt like Beca's hand, even though her jeans provided a layer between her skin, was sending little sparks of electricity through her body. It was concerning to her how much of an effect Beca could have on her, with such little effort. Again, she was confused why she was so hesitant about pursuing this attraction that she couldn't deny anymore. There were just so many problems she could see arising. But they all might be worth the risk. And now, with Beca's hand resting so comfortably on her leg, those risks felt like they might be worth the reward.

"Chloe?" Beca asked hesitantly, but didn't remove her hand.

"Oh, I um…" Chloe took a breath and ran a hand through her hair. "I do little watercolor paintings and give them to the children's center for foster kids, orphanages, or any kid that just needs some color in their life."

"Why would I laugh at that?" Beca sat up straight, no hint of a smile on her face, as her hand slid back to Chloe's shin.

"I didn't mean-" Chloe sat up too. "I didn't mean you'd laugh at the kids thing, just the watercolors. It just seemed like something you'd think is lame."

"I mean…" Beca was less offended than she was a moment ago. "I guess watercoloring is a little lame." She smirked at the slightly worried Chloe. "But donating them to kids is pretty cool."

"Thanks." Chloe glanced away feeling herself blush.

"I thought you were going to say you like did interpretive dancing alone in your apartment or something. The visual alone was amazing." Beca glanced up at the ceiling as if she was picturing it.

"Stop picturing it." Chloe gave her a light kick with her heel. "And who said I don't do that too?" Beca's eyes widened, the grin broadening on her face. "I don't!" Chloe clarified, annoyed by the over-eager grin on her partner's face. "I don't interpretive dance alone in my apartment. Stop picturing it."

"I can't help myself." Beca let out a little laugh. They were quiet for a moment, both grinning silently to themselves.

"Want to show me?" Beca asked nervously, keeping her hand moving aimlessly on Chloe's shin.

"What the dancing?" Chloe cocked an eyebrow.

"I mean...yes, definitely a yes to that." Beca smirked. "But I meant the watercolors."

"Show you the watercolors?" Chloe felt a little anxious. It wasn't like it was anything super personal or private. It was just a hobby. But suddenly she felt protective over her little hobby that she hadn't shown to anyone. But Beca had showed her her music. And one could argue that was even more personal. "Okay, come on." She took a deep breath and slid her legs off Beca's lap.

Chloe opened the door to the small second bedroom that she used as a study. And waved her hand for Beca to go in first. Beca stepped inside and examined the room. It was a quaint little art studio. There were watercolors, acrylics, some pastels and colored pencils for other drawing/painting. Beca was surprised and impressed. For such a professional and by the book spy, it was surprising to see such a creative outlet at Chloe's home.

"Damn, you're like an actual artist." Beca ran her hand along a very well organized case of art supplies. "Yet still anal about order." She shot a sarcastic look over her shoulder, receiving narrowed eyes in return.

"This is where I work on stuff." Chloe grabbed a blank canvas and set it on the square wooden table. "But I'd like to get a pottery wheel someday. Or learn sculpting. Other things that I can make with my hands that add some beauty to the world. But watercolors are my favorite right now."

"Let me see." Beca prodded, taking a seat on one of the nearby stools. Chloe took a deep breath and pulled out some supplies and set them by Beca.

"So since you've never done it, its recommended you use the fire and ice method." Chloe opened the color palette and grabbed a cup of water. Beca just watched her in awe, never seeing her actually interested and passionate about something. Yes, Chloe loved her job and she was damn good at it. But this was different. This felt vulnerable and pure. And Beca swore to herself she'd never been more attracted to someone.

"So fire is your reds, oranges, and ice is your blues, greens." Chloe demonstrated as she mixed some colors together. Fire and ice, Beca thought, sounded familiar.

"So do I get to draw something?" Beca scooted closer like a little kid in art class.

"You can paint something." Chloe corrected as she leaned down to pass the brush to Beca. Her face lingering inches away from Beca's for an extra second before backing away to see how Beca would do on her first attempt. Beca eagerly grabbed the brush and ran a focused tongue in between her lips. Chloe tried not to laugh at the look of determination. Beca made a stroke, followed by another, and then just started mindlessly brushing random colors across the canvas. She was frustrated that her intentions weren't being seen from her movements.

"Here." Chloe sat down next to her and put her hand over Beca's and the brush. "You're trying too hard to hold it like a pen...you need to hold it lightly." She moved Beca's hand up a couple inches. She then guided Beca into a fluid stroke of one of the bluish colors and it looked far better already than Beca's aimless attempts.

"This is pretty cool. You know, once you're good at it I bet." Beca grinned, trying to ignore the tingling that ran up her arm from Chloe's hand resting on hers. She turned to face Chloe who already had her eyes on her. Beca swallowed and her eyes, with a mind of their own, dropped down to Chloe's lips momentarily. Chloe wanted to just close the small distance between them. Beca did after all admit to wanting to kiss her when they met, who's to say she's changed her mind? They were so close their noses were almost touching when Chloe leaned back and groaned.

"Shit I forgot to tell you." Chloe put a hand on her forehead.

"What?" Beca's eyes darted around the room while her hand limply held the brush. She was confused by the sudden outburst.

"Aubrey called earlier."

"Well that's never good." Beca groaned as she set the brush down carefully to the side.

"We don't have the day off tomorrow. They have updates and want us in first thing in the morning." Chloe grimaced as she glanced at the clock. It was only 10:30, but with the way time had already gotten away from them tonight, she had to remind herself that there was an early morning awaiting them. And if she got to teaching Beca how to paint, it could be hours before she realized they needed to get some sleep. She, herself, could get lost in her artwork for hours on end when she had days off.

"Bummer." Beca sighed and ran a hand along the back of her neck. "I mean that's good that we have progress and everything, but shit...I was looking forward to some serious sleeping in." She smiled weakly and then stood up. Chloe looked at her questioningly. "I guess I should probably head out. Don't want to keep you up to late."

"Yeah." Chloe let out a huff and followed Beca into the living room. She was feeling frustrated that they had to be back at work so early and frustrated that she had to bring it up in the middle of a moment. She felt like she was sabotaging herself every chance she got to tell Beca how she felt. Or better yet, show.

"Tonight was fun." Beca slid her leather jacket on and slowly walked to the door with Chloe. Chloe bit her lip as she had a hundred thoughts racing through her brain and Beca was nearly out the door. Taking a deep breath, Chloe took a step in front and leaned her back against the door, preventing Beca from leaving.

"Yeah, we should do it again." Chloe grinned.

"I couldn't turn down another free delicious home-cooked meal."

"Are you sure you're okay to drive? Especially on that death mobile." Chloe's hand rested on Beca's forearm. Chloe was surprised to feel a little turned on by the feel of the leather.

"I didn't have that much to drink." Beca leaned her other hand against the wall. "And I'd hate to be an inconvenience on you."

"It wouldn't be an inconvenience. And I'd hate to be responsible for you getting in an accident because you had been drinking."

"I've had coffee." Beca argued..

"Yeah with more Bailey's than actual coffee." Chloe rolled her eyes.

"I'm a good driver." Beca stepped a little closer. "But I'd hate to make you feel guilty."

"Yeah." Chloe nodded. "That'd be really rude of you."

"Is your couch even comfortable to sleep on?" Beca smirked.

"Its actually pretty uncomfortable." Chloe swallowed. "But I wouldn't make you sleep on the couch."

"Then where would I sleep?" Beca asked innocently, pretty sure she knew the answer.

"You know, I have this amazing thing called a bed." Chloe replied sarcastically, while trailing her fingers on Beca's arm.

"If you want me to stay, you just have to ask." Beca leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Stay." Chloe's eyes darted back and forth between Beca's, and her grip on Beca's forearm tightened. They stared fiercely at each other before Chloe grabbed Beca by her shirt, and yanked her forward.

A/N: I understand if you hate me a little right now… Should I post a flashback next chapter before continuing this scene? ;)

FYI: I have the continuation mostly written so you won't have to wait too long. I hope it doesn't disappoint... R&R!