When are we supposed to take the next step?
Chapter 11
Beca was properly greeted with a big hug from Jim and an awkward one from James. It probably wasn't awkward from James's end but she definitely was being awkward and she doesn't know why. Beca was sure her whole body stiffened at the contact. She could see Chloe enjoying this but ignored her and thought it could've gone worse.
They were all positioned at the lounge area now with Chloe sitting next to James on the sofa and Beca and Jim were sitting across from each other in their chairs at both ends of the sofa.
"It's so good to see you Beca. Congratulations on the event last night." Jim started the small talk.
"Thank you. And it's good to see you too. Sorry if I haven't been able to meet you before today."
"Nah, don't worry about that. We were kind of busy too." James says.
Beca knew she was exaggerating a little about being terrified of James. Him and Jim were very nice but she knew how protective James was of his family and she happened to hurt his most precious one in the past.
"Congratulations too sir on the award." Beca said.
"Thank you. So how long have you two been living together?" James asked without being too concerned about the fact.
Beca chokes on her coffee and she could already here Chloe laughing.
Jim gives James a look. "What?" James asked innocently.
Chloe rubs Beca's back. "You good? Let me get you some water."
"I'm fine. But thank you."
"Dad. I would've told you if we were living together." Chloe says as she grabs water for Beca.
"So you're not living together yet?" James turns to look at Chloe who was in the kitchen. "It's no big deal Chlobear. I'm actually surprised you haven't moved in together. May I know what's stopping you two?"
Beca cleared her throat. "We just haven't been able to really sit down and talk about it sir. And there's just been so much going on."
James laughs dryly at that in Beca's opinion. Beca was still having difficulty breathing when James asked them further. "When will you guys ever slow down though? If you wait for that to happen then let me tell you you won't be living together in the next five years."
Chloe was back with Beca's water and Beca is glad that she's re-joined them and for the glass of water. "Dad you're exaggerating again."
"It's true and that's at least five years. You know this." James insisted.
"I still think you're exaggerating. Can we talk about something else. Daddy?" Chloe looks at her other dad, Jim.
"Right." Jim says after glaring at James, who still doesn't get what was so wrong with his questions. "Is that what you're wearing to brunch?"
"What brunch?" Chloe asked for them two as Beca was still struggling.
"We invited Linda and Ben for brunch."
"Oh. Where are we meeting them?"
"At the Perch."
"The Perch? Why there?" Chloe remembers it to be the same place they went to after the awards night.
"Well when we went there the other night, the bartender swore on his grave the food was great."
Beca was moving her head back and forth from Chloe to Jim as she watched and listened to their exchange. She wasn't sure how to react to this and Jim was being serious. She looked over to Chloe but Chloe didn't appear to be bothered by it.
Jim continued. "They even offered to pick up the boys from Chicago and Aubrey's place. They were very excited. Both the boys and your parents."
James felt the need to explain the change of plans and added. "I know we had plans for tomorrow but just like Cooper, we have to leave earlier than expected as well. Jim here has to perform an operation tomorrow afternoon. So we're taking the first flight out in the morning."
"Oh." Beca and Chloe said together.
"Sorry I wasn't able to spend more time with you. It would have been nice to catch up more."
"That's okay Beca. There's always next time. Besides, we haven't left yet and aren't you two visiting us soon?"
Beca shakes her head. She didn't know how soon she and Chloe was going to be able to visit. She looks to Chloe but she doesn't get much from her either. Chloe just looks back at her with the same smile.
"I'm visiting but I don't know exactly when I can visit." Beca says not really sure what James meant. Maybe he meant Christmas but they haven't really talked about their short-term plans too.
"Oh." Was all James managed to say. He looks to Chloe and Beca feels a little out of place.
"All right then. Should we get ready?" Chloe asked Beca all of a sudden. "You can take the shower upstairs and I'll take this one."
"Sounds good." Beca then made her way upstairs.
Chloe stayed behind a little and got her dad James' attention. "Please be nice."
"I'm not even doing anything Chlobear."
"Daddy?" Chloe looks to her dad Jim.
"I'll handle it. You go."
"There's nothing to handle." James protested. Chloe could hear them bickering a little when she left them and that was enough for her. It would be good to just have James talk it out with her other dad.
When Chloe followed Beca upstairs, Beca turns to her wondering what she was doing.
"Sorry if I startled you. I need to grab my stuff too."
"No you're okay. I wasn't startled."
"Okay."
Once they were alone in Chloe's room, Beca couldn't help but to ask. "Is everything okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know I have a weird feeling that I'm missing something." Beca finally gives up pretending to fix her things.
"It's not a big deal. We'll talk more when we can. Let's just spend time with our families first. Also please ignore my dad, I think he enjoys teasing you and I don't blame him."
"Chlo you know that doesn't help me at all. You're just making me overthink more."
Chloe was about to insist that they talk later until she saw the fear and panic in Beca's eyes. Then she sighed.
"Hey it's okay really." Chloe stepped closer to Beca and put reassuring arms on Beca's. "We're invited to Jessica and Mike's wedding. You've met them both before. Well I'm invited and you're my plus one."
Beca was relieved and visibly relaxed. She let out a huge sigh of relief. "Oh that's totally not what I expected but that's great news for them. When is it?"
"31st of October in New York." Chloe returned to fixing her stuff. "What were you thinking?"
"Something else entirely. It doesn't matter. Wait 31st of October of this year? That's less than two months from now."
"I know. And the Bachelorette is on the weekend of October 3rd but I don't know yet the details of that one cause I haven't had the time to catch up with the girls. And I haven't coordinated with work, I really want to be there for Jessica."
"Right. Will I be your plus one there too?"
"Of course if I can bring one. I told you it could wait 'til later. Anyway, now are you okay to talk more about this later?"
"Yeah sorry for panicking for no reason. Let's talk more later. I think we have a lot to talk about."
"Don't be sorry, Bec. Let's talk later then." Chloe was about to go back down to start preparing.
"There is one more thing." Beca said and Chloe turned back to look at her again. "Are you sure about this?"
"About what?" Chloe was slowly walking back to her.
"Us going out. What if we get spotted or photographed or something?"
"I already told you I'm not going to avoid you in public. Besides we're with family. It's not like we're going to be all over each other and making out in public." Chloe raised a brow at Beca. "Right?"
Beca shakes her head slightly. "No. Right. Of course not."
"Isn't this is a win-win for you? Weren't you the one who wanted the world to know we're together?"
"And I see that you don't?" Beca was now the one with her eyebrows raised at Chloe.
"Family and friends already know and that's all that matters to me really."
"So you don't want everyone else to know? Maybe I should make you jealous so you'll want to let the world know."
Chloe's smile falls and Beca sees it. "Too soon? Am I still not allowed to make jokes like that?"
"It's not that. It's just that as much as possible I avoid the thought of getting jealous cause I feel like it opens doors to other unwanted thoughts."
Beca wasn't expecting that serious of an answer from Chloe and she didn't really know how to respond.
"Anyway let's talk more later okay? The folks are waiting." Chloe smiled again at Beca.
Beca wanted to say something but didn't exactly know what so she just stands there.
"We're okay though right?"
Chloe just rolled her eyes at Beca.
"Right. Sorry I'll stop overthinking now and enjoy our family lunch."
It didn't take them long to get ready. Once they were all back in the lounge, Chloe suggests that they take her car and before Beca could offer to drive or have a chance to call Fred, Chloe already beat her to it.
"Jim you can take shotgun."
"Thank you honey, always the gentleman."
Beca heard James offer the front passenger seat to Jim so she goes to the seat behind Chloe. When James saw that Beca was a bit hesitant to sit with him at the back, he says to her quietly once they were settled in. "Jim gets motion sickness. So as much as possible I let him sit at the front."
"Oh. I didn't know that. That's very sweet."
"I'm sure you would do the same for Chloe."
Beca smiles at that cause of course she would and more.
Jim and Chloe talked about everything and anything. There was never a quiet moment. If they weren't talking, they were singing along to something. Beca, like James, was just listening to them. Beca stole a glance at James who was looking out the window. She knew he was just listening to them as well cause sometimes he would smile or shake his head at something Jim or Chloe said.
Then it hit her. Beca for some reason is suddenly hit with the realization as to why she was being so awkward and uneasy. She realised she never did hear anything from Chloe's parents when shit went down between them all those years ago.
This was also the first time they were seeing each other again and bless them both. They have been nothing but kind to her. That was why Beca was expecting some side comment or any coldness from either of them but nothing came and it was throwing her off. At the same time it was making her more anxious cause in her head she's waiting for them to crack. At this rate though, it seems that Beca was going to crack first.
Beca doesn't know how long she's been staring at Chloe through the rearview mirror when Chloe meets her eyes and wiggled her eyebrows.
It was not even past eleven when they arrived at the perch. It was slowly getting busy too. They appeared to be blending in well with everyone else. As time went by, Beca stopped caring at whether people were watching them or taking their photos. She was genuinely enjoying the company of her family. When she saw James heading to the bar, she excused herself and followed him. She thought this was her chance to get to have a one on one with him.
"Alright, let's drop the act for two minutes. I want you to be brutally honest with me now." Beca said as soon as she was at the bar with him.
"What are you saying? What act?"
"Just get mad at me or something, threaten me or hate me. Let it all out. I hurt Chloe, why don't you really tell me how you feel about that?"
"And what Beca? Would that ease my daughter's pain? You didn't hear anything from us because we knew that's what Chloe wanted. You're a parent too you would understand someday. I would never choose to seek comfort at the expense of my daughter's pain."
Beca was almost stunned.
"Look, we know you love her but if there's any doubt in your heart about Chloe's love for you I only have this to say." James paused to make sure Beca was listening. "You never really love someone until you learn to forgive. She loves you and all we can do as her parents is to be there for her no matter what."
Beca began to feel the shame and the guilt of what she did. "To this day, I don't know what I was thinking or how I was able to do it."
James shrugged. "All I know for sure is you pull another stunt like that and you will lose her."
They both looked at Chloe's direction who was in a very deep conversation with Nate. Chloe then looks their way and meets Beca's gaze. Beca smiles and nodded back.
Beca turns back to James. "I know that too and I might just lose both of them. Got everything? Are you ready to head back?"
James nodded. "After you."
Beca and James went back to their respective seats on the table, which were on slightly opposite ends.
"Everything okay?" Chloe asked Beca as soon as she sits back down next to her.
"Everything's perfect."
Beca wanted nothing more but to kiss Chloe and with all of her self-control, stopped herself from leaning in. Instead, she settled for giving her hand a squeeze.
"That's good to hear. Now we need you to settle something. Can you please tell Nathaniel that Tobey Maguire is the superior Spider-Man."
Nate then grabs Beca by the arm. "Mom no. It's Tom Holland. Remember we watched this together. Don't let mommy Chloe fool you."
No one but Beca caught on Nate's slip up cause Nate and Chloe are going back and forth at it again. It was amusing to watch but neither was really backing down.
Beca took a drink and cleared her throat before raising both her hands. "Alright alright. I'm going to settle this once and for all."
Chloe and Nate both looked at Beca expectantly. Beca looked at them in the eye and nodded.
"You're both wrong. It's Andrew Garfield." She smirked.
"Bec."
"Mom."
Both Chloe and Nate made a face before they turned away from Beca at the same time making Beca laugh so hard that heads turned towards their table.
Through out the rest of their lunch Beca would find herself just looking around and watching how everyone interacted. It made her heart warm knowing this was her family. Then almost every time she would be met by Chloe's blues and a squeeze on her leg or hand or a wink her way.
At the end of it, Beca's parents offered to drive Chloe's parents back to their hotel as Nate, Jamie, Beca and Chloe decide to have an impromptu sleep over and movie night at Beca's place.
Chloe said goodbye to both her parents since she wasn't going to see them off the following day. They were leaving first thing in the morning and optedto take a cab to the airport.
"You will be able to come home for Jessica's wedding right?" James asked Chloe.
"Of course. I'm sorting out the tickets this week so I will see you guys in a few weeks."
"We look forward to it Chlobear."
"I love you two." Chloe says as she gave both her parents hugs.
After dropping off Beca and Nate, Chloe and Jamie went home to grab overnight clothes. Aubrey and Chicago were happy to allow Jamie to sleep over. They always did appreciate their date nights when Chloe offered to look after Jamie.
They had another one of their movie nights but this time with Nate. They were finally complete. Nate chose to watch Klaus and Beca and Chloe did not have the heart to veto the movie choice since Jamie seemed to really look forward to watching it too. They hung out for a little bit after the movie before retiring to their respective rooms. Beca offered to tuck the boys in.
When they were all settled in their own rooms, Chloe was a bit anxious. This wasn't the first time Chloe or Jamie were sleeping over but it was the first time that they were both sleeping over at the same time.
"I loved tonight. Thanks for welcoming us to your movie nights." Beca says wrapping an arm around Chloe.
"Of course."
"I could get used to that you know."
"That's good to hear."
Beca then holds Chloe's face to her and leans in to kiss her. Their kisses were slow at first and Beca wanted to take it up a notch by pulling Chloe towards her more and deepening their kiss.
When Beca sensed Chloe was sort of hesitating, she pulled back smirking already. "You should get used to this you know."
"It's just weird to do it knowing the boys are here too."
"They're in their rooms. They won't hear anything. They're also sleeping already so don't worry about them barging in." Chloe went wide-eyed. "But I locked the doors just in case."
Chloe could only shake her head. Her response was cut short by more of Beca's kisses.
"You know when we live together it's going to be rare to have the house to ourselves. So you're gonna have to get used to this." Beca continued to tease Chloe.
"Is that your subtle not so subtle way of asking me to move in?"
"What if it is? What would you say?" Beca pulls Chloe on top of her and pulled the sheets over them.
Chloe knows what Beca is trying to do. She continues to stare at her in the dark and she really looks at Beca. It has been more than ten years and here they are. She saw how much Beca has aged and grown. She's not the same Beca she met and fell in love with yet she's exactly the same if that even makes sense.
"Chlo?"
Chloe takes her time to respond. "Yeah?"
"You're staring."
"I know."
"Should I be worried about that melancholic look you're wearing? I can't tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing."
Chloe just shakes her head. Beca leans into kiss her on the forehead then her nose as her hands started to roam under Chloe's shirt. When she was about to kiss her full on the lips again, they heard their door open and they froze. They didn't hear footsteps so whoever it was didn't step into Beca's room.
They both slightly jumped when they heard Jamie say. "Mommy Chloe?"
"Yes Babes?" Chloe peeked out from under the sheets.
"I can't sleep."
"Okay. Why don't you go walk back to your room and I'll follow. I'll be there before you know it."
"Okay."
When Jamie left, Chloe slapped Beca's arm as she pushed herself off of her. "You said you locked it." She hissed.
Beca was laughing underneath her. "I swear I thought I did. I haven't had much practice with these things you know."
Chloe was getting up now. "Oh my god you are going to drive me crazy. Don't wait up for me. Go to sleep."
"You know I'll still try to stay up."
"I know. I'll be right back."
"I love you." Beca said and to her amusement, Chloe just flipped her off without even looking back.
Chloe tiptoed her way to the boys' room. Jamie left the door slightly open. She looked at Nate's sleeping form quickly and could see his even breathing and Chloe knelt by Jamie's bed.
"Hey little man." She whispers.
"Thanks for coming."
"Of course. Are you okay? Did you enjoy today?"
"I did. We both did." Jamie says as he looks at Nate, which made Chloe look at the sleeping Nate too.
"Keep your voice down babe, we don't wanna wake him."
This made Jamie laugh. "Sorry but actually…" Chloe tilted her head.
"Doctor Chloe!" Nate suddenly jumped up from his bed.
"Jesus Christ! Oh my god." Chloe almost fell back but was able to hold on to Jamie's sheets. Chloe buried her face in her hands trying to recover from the scare. She could hear both boys giggling as she shook her head and clutched her heart.
Chloe then stood up and crossed her arms. "Alright you two, very funny. You got me good."
"Believe it or not we didn't call you here just to prank you." Jamie said.
"Really now? Cause I'll be honest I am slightly offended that you chose to prank me over Beca. I would've totally helped you guys."
"We will have to go back to that next time cause I would totally love that but we have more urgent matters we want to talk to you about." Nate said.
"Should I be worried? Are you two in trouble? I think Beca has to be here for this."
Jamie pats a spot on his bed for Chloe to sit. "No just you. Please hear us out first?"
Chloe nodded and sat at the edge of the bed facing the boys. "Okay. I'm listening."
"Me and my mom have been talking a lot about this so I know where she stands. Me and Jamie were talking after today and we really enjoyed it. The family brunch, the movie night, just being around each other."
Chloe nods trying to piece together where Nate was going with this. But she doesn't say anything. Instead she waits to hear everything the boys have to say.
"I for one would want this to be permanent and Jamie feels the same."
Chloe looks to Jamie.
"I do. I realised we can share both of you after all." Jamie said.
Nate nods with him. "Mom." He says nodding towards the door. "And Mommy." He said looking at Chloe.
Then there was silence. Chloe wasn't sure what she was supposed to say or what they were asking her, if there even was a question.
When it took Chloe too long to respond, the boys exchanged worried looks.
"Is it my dad then? Do you not like my dad?" Nate said.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't want you and mom to feel bad if I'm hanging out with him."
"Nathaniel no. She doesn't mind. He's your dad. You go hangout with him whenever you want. She wants you to spend time with him."
"But-."
"Hey listen. Your mom wants you to spend time with your dad as much as she loves spending time with you. She knows that makes you happy so it makes her happy too. Please don't feel bad spending time with your dad."
"But what about you? How do you feel about it? You're gonna be my mommy too."
"What do you mean? I'm the same. No matter what happens, Jesse will always be your dad and I don't want you ever thinking twice about spending time with him. He's a part of your life and I'm not here to replace him."
Nate considered it for a while and nodded. "Thank you. I just thought there was something."
"Your dad and I may not be very close but we are friends and we both want what's best for you always. Just like your mom. How about you? How do you feel about me being your mommy?"
"Happy and excited. When can I start?"
"I'm not going anywhere so call me whatever you want, whenever you want."
"This is all so new to me. It's not like my mom introduced me to other people who I could call mommy or daddy."
Chloe's heart melted a little. "I guess I'm glad."
This made Nate laugh with Chloe.
"But I'm serious. Nothing will change the fact that he's your dad."
She then stood up and fixed Jamie's bed first. "It's getting late. Do you two have any other urgent questions for me?"
Nate shook his head while Jamie had a cheeky smile on.
"What is it little man?"
"Are you going to marry Beca?"
Chloe laughed at him. "Nice try but I don't think that counts as urgent." Chloe tucked Jamie in and kissed him on the head. "Good night babes. I love you."
"Good night mommy Chloe. I love you too."
Chloe then walked around Jamie's bed to go to Nate's. She did the same and tucked him in.
"I love my mom and I always felt bad leaving her to go to dad's. We're lucky to have you. We all are."
"Me too." Chloe leaned in and gave him a kiss on the head. "Good night Nathaniel."
"Good night mommy Chloe." Nate yawned. "It has a nice ring to it."
Chloe fixed his hair before walking to the door. "I'll see you two in the morning." She said as she shut the door slowly.
When Chloe got back to Beca's room, she could see Beca was already sleeping on her side with her arms out waiting for Chloe to snuggle back into her.
She felt Beca wrap her arms around as soon as she positioned herself. "I love you Chlo. The boys okay?" Beca mumbles with her eyes closed as she nuzzled her face on Chloe's neck.
Chloe yawned and closed her eyes. "Never been better. I love you too." She whispers back and gave into sleep not long after.
Chloe's not sure how long she's been sleeping or what time it was but she was woken up again by Beca shifting and shuffling about. Chloe turns around to face her and wrap an arm around her waist. "Babe, what is it?"
"Sorry." Beca whispers back.
"I swear if you twist and turn and groan one more time, I'm sleeping in the guest room."
Beca suddenly grabbed Chloe's arm that was over her stomach. "No please don't leave. I just woke up all of a sudden and now I can't sleep."
"What time is it?"
"I'm not sure."
"Okay." Chloe kept her eyes closed as she started to rub her thumb on Beca's bare skin. "What's on your mind?" She whispers as she can feel Beca's heartbeat getting faster.
"You sure you don't want to go back to sleep? We can talk about this in the morning."
Chloe sighed. "I'm already up." Chloe sits up straight and leans on the headboard. Beca does the same.
"And why are we whispering?" She stops whispering and turns to face Beca.
"I don't know." Beca says still whispering and she clears her throat. She was also sitting up to lean on the headboard like Chloe but she didn't turn to look at Chloe. "Sorry again for waking you."
"You've been off since seeing my parents."
"Let's move in together. I don't care where. I just want to start living with you. What do you say?"
"I'd like that too but babe why would that be keeping you up?" Chloe kisses Beca's shoulder and keeps her chin on there waiting for Beca to turn to her.
"What are we waiting for?"
"What do you mean?"
"Taking the next step together. At this stage of my life, I know what I want. I want to know what you're waiting for." Beca finally turns to her.
"I don't think I get it Bec."
Beca leans in to kiss Chloe before pulling away and repositioning herself so that she's sitting down facing Chloe. "I know you've barely wrapped your head around us probably buying a house together and living together and taking the next step and stuff but, and uhm I'm not saying that we're old. But you know we're getting older."
Chloe doesn't move but just leans her head back on the headboard but kept it at Beca's direction. "Okay…?"
"I just wanted to put this out there. Do you want to have kids?"
"We already have Nathaniel and Jamie."
"I mean more kids. With me."
"Bec." Chloe puts a hand on Beca's leg. "That's sweet and I appreciate it but I've accepted a long time ago that I can't have kids. Maybe it's just not in my stars and I'm okay with that."
"But I can." Beca said carefully. "For us."
She can see how her words were slowly sinking in by the shift in Chloe's demeanour. Beca wasn't sure yet how Chloe felt exactly. She didn't give away too much.
"I can carry our child, Chlo. I want to do it if it's what you want too. I would love to do it."
Beca can see tears pooling in Chloe's eyes but no tears fell. Chloe blinked them away and sniffed a little but she started pulling on the covers and went back to lying down.
Beca panicked as soon as Chloe turned her back to her. She might have hurt her feelings or said the wrong things.
"Chlo I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
Chloe grabbed her arm and wrapped it over her waist as she snuggled into Beca.
"I'm tired. It's all just a little too overwhelming. Can I sleep on it?" Chloe said. She was still trying her best to blink back her tears.
Beca sighed and held Chloe tighter. "Of course. I love you. I'm sorry for being pushy."
"I love you too." Chloe whispered back and that was enough for Beca for now.
Beca kissed Chloe's hair and tried humming something in Chloe's ear. They both lay there with their eyes closed but neither spoke anymore. Eventually they both gave into sleep. Beca's not sure who fell asleep first but her panic was very real when she woke up the next morning alone.
From Chloe: Got called into work. Didn't want to wake you and the boys. Aubrey is picking up Jamie before lunch. Let's find time to talk on Monday after my shift? Love you.
STAR EXCLUSIVE!
BECHLOE'S RELATIONSHIP CONFIRMED? Before last week there have been no photos of Beca Mitchell and Doctor Chloe together in LA. After a surprise appearance by Doctor Chloe at Emilia Heart's album release party last Friday, it was the first time the two have been seen together in public. However Doctor Chloe brought a date. Here are a few photos from that night. Could that guy be her rumoured doctor boyfriend? We don't know about you guys but it's definitely not the time to abandon the bechloe ship as the two were spotted once more over the weekend. It appears that they were at an intimate lunch with their families. Here are a few photos from the lucky fans who were able to witness it and we agree, they do look like a happy married couple. There are also reports that they left together.
BECA MITCHELL AND REDHEADS. Not only was Doctor Beale's attendance a surprise, she also surprised everyone when she arrived all glammed up and donning her red locks again. After the successful release of Emilia's album, a thorough album review reveals that Emilia has feelings for no other than producer and co-writer, Beca Mitchell herself. The album revolves around songs about an old love, pining, heartbreak, unrequited love and moving on. Beca Mitchell and Emilia wrote most of the songs together. Rumours are that Emilia was not aware of Beca Mitchell's history with Doctor Beale and as soon as she came into the picture, Beca Mitchell only had eyes for one blue-eyed redhead.
The one question remains… BECHLOE: REUNION OF OLD FRIENDS OR OFFICIALLY BACK TOGETHER?
First thing Monday morning, Beca was on her way to a press conference for Emilia's album and she's glad she asked Fred to drive her today. They were halfway there when Stacie sent her a link to the Star's latest article. As soon as Beca was done reading the article, she is calling Stacie.
"It's not that bad." Stacie said as soon as she picked up.
"Yeah I'm not going to that press conference after reading that."
"I had a feeling you were going to say that."
Beca was about to explain herself when Stacie said she agreed.
"Wait you agree with me?"
"Yes. I think it is better if you're not here. We don't want to take any attention away from Emilia and her album."
"Exactly. I'm glad."
"I do have one other suggestion. Why don't you just confirm your relationship with Chloe? It's so obvious anyway. Control the narrative, remember?"
Beca smirks at that. "Well if it's so obvious then why does everyone keep asking me about it? Do they not have anything else to write about?"
"You know they're not going to stop writing and speculating about you two."
"I know but if I am to release a statement about us, it won't be as a response to the Star. I will do it our way. Anyway, I'll ask Fred to drive me back to the office now. I'm assuming you have everything under control there?"
"Of course. I'll see you back in the office after this then."
Chloe found herself walking into Indie Music Group. She knew Beca wasn't going to be here because they had that press conference thing that morning.
Katie stood up the moment she saw Chloe. "Doctor Beale?"
"Hi Katie."
"I'm afraid Miss Mitchell is not in the office."
"Oh no, that's okay. I know. I'm not here for Beca actually. I was wondering if Jesse Swanson was here."
"Mr. Swanson?" Katie asked Chloe.
"Chloe?"
Chloe turned around to find Jesse. "Jesse hi."
"I was just about to make coffee. Did you want one?"
"I would love one. Thank you."
"Come on then follow me." Jesse waited for Chloe before walking away.
"Thanks Katie. Oh and don't let Beca know yet that I'm here." Chloe says as she walks towards Jesse.
Katie could only nod. She didn't really know what to do or what to say. She never liked keeping things from Beca.
Jesse and Chloe were at the common area where there was a kitchen, dining and a lounge area.
"Please take a seat. I'll just make the coffees. Everyone else is out of the office by the way for the press conference."
"I actually came to talk to you. I'm sorry it took me so long."
Jesse looks back at Chloe to shake his head at her and then turned his attention back to the coffee machine.
"I'm happy for you and Beca, truly. You both deserve to be happy and I can see that you are."
"I hope you didn't feel like I was mad at you or something."
Jesse was walking back to her now and took a seat across from her as he puts down two coffee mugs between them.
"I don't expect us to be the best of friends Chloe."
"I know. Neither do I."
"And as much as we avoid each other, our paths are bound to cross."
"I won't deny I have been avoiding you for as long and as much as I can. But don't ever feel like you can't see or spend time with Nathaniel. You're his father Jesse no matter what."
"Thanks. I won't deny I was avoiding you too. And for the record, you never gave me a reason to feel that way. Did I do anything?"
"No no no. I'm the same. You never gave me a reason to feel like that too. I just wanted to say it out loud you know and put it out there."
"I do appreciate that very much. I never did get to apologise about what happened."
"I forgive you."
"Yeah but you know like you said I just want to put it out there."
Chloe nodded. Jesse continued. "I never meant for you to get hurt or get in the way between you and Beca."
"I know. I also knew what I was getting into when I said yes to Beca this time. You're his father Jesse, I'll never take Nathaniel away from you, I'll never get in between your relationship with him."
"He's lucky to have you, you know. They both are."
"You're a good dad."
"I'm really glad you two worked it out."
To Katie's surprise, Beca suddenly arrived back in the office. Emilia was busy with promos and Cynthia Rose and Stacie were with her. After the Star's article, she decided she was no longer needed there and would be more productive back in the office.
"Ms. Mitchell." Katie sounded a bit too surprised. "I didn't expect to see you today."
"Hello Katie. Yeah sudden change of plans."
Beca was about to ask Katie for some documents that were back at the storage and stopped whatever it was she was about to say when she heard the laugh she would recognise anywhere.
"Ms. Mitchell?" Katie asked.
Beca raised a finger to quiet her quickly. "Shh."
She hears it again and she's sure it's Chloe but that can't be right. "Do you hear that or am I going crazy?"
"Hear what?"
"Chloe." Beca says as she walks towards the direction she heard it from to investigate. Katie follows closely behind her.
"You're not going crazy. Doctor Beale is here."
"What? Why didn't you tell me that as soon as you saw me? Where is she?"
"I think she's with Mr. Swanson."
"Jesse?"
"She said not to tell you yet."
"Why?"
Katie shrugged and Beca was moving again. She was just following Beca around. Beca was like a mad person almost jogging around her office listening for anything Chloe and then she suddenly stops and Katie runs into her.
"Oof." They both said.
Katie couldn't believe she just bumped her boss. "I'm so sorry. This whole thing is making me anxious."
Beca just looks at her almost glaring but she hears it again and she can't stop a smile that she had to bite her lip. She whips her head and she could swear she can hear Chloe so close now. She rushes to turn the corner and…
Chloe gasped. "Oh my god."
Yep there's her Chloe. "Holy fuck you're actually here. But oh you're soaked. I'm so sorry." Beca says holding on Chloe's arms cause her Chloe is now covered in coffee.
Chloe was wearing a white shirt that was now drenched in coffee but she didn't seem too bothered that her shirt was now almost see through. Katie was too terrified to even move. Beca was on high alert mode.
"It's okay." Chloe just shrugs it off. "Hi Bec."
Katie couldn't believe how casual Chloe was being. Beca was only distracted for a little until she saw Jesse pulling out tissues from his pockets and was about to dab Chloe's drenched chest. Beca beat him to it by batting his arm away.
"What the fuck dude?"
"What?" Jesse says.
"Bec it's okay." Chloe then grabs the tissues from Jesse and gives him a smile back. "Thanks Jes."
"Hey again Katie."
Katie awkwardly waves and nods but doesn't dare look down.
"Okay." Beca takes off her coat and almost throws it over Chloe. "Alright. Let's cover you up. Come on I have extra shirts in my office." Beca grabs Chloe's hand and almost drags her to her office. "Excuse us."
Chloe was just laughing at Beca as she was being dragged to her office and locked the door as soon as they were inside. Beca then went straight to one of her drawers looking for clothes.
"I know you're probably wondering why I'm here today." Chloe starts while Beca was busy. She removed the jacket and left it on one of the chairs.
Chloe looks down at her shirt and frowned. "I hope it doesn't stain. I liked this shirt."
That made Beca look up to her and her shirt. "I'll get you a new one. The exact same one."
"Don't be silly. You don't have to do that."
Beca handed her a navy blue button up. "Here."
"Thanks." But before grabbing the top from Beca, Chloe pulled her own shirt over her head.
Beca instinctively looks away and Chloe could only shake her head at Beca's reaction as she reached for the top and put it on.
"Help me?"
Beca cleared her throat and stepped closer to help Chloe button up. "You never did like buttoning up."
"I just like it when you do it."
"Remember the last time you were here? You were so mad at me."
Chloe just laughs at the memory. Of course she remembers. Beca continued. "I want to think that you came here today to see me, but I'm sure you knew I was going to be out of the office."
"Not everything is about you, you know."
Beca was at the last button and finally looked up at Chloe again. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I heard you talking to Jamie and Nate that night. I didn't hear everything but I did hear something about Jesse."
"So you did hear it."
"I didn't mean to. I heard you scream and then the boys were laughing. I got curious. I was just checking to see if you needed back up or something."
"Well since that's out of the bag, there is one more thing I want to show you. Did you want to get out of here?"
"What are you planning?"
"You'll see."
"Chlo I'm telling you, whatever it is. My heart can only take so much after what you did for Nate today."
"Well you better brace yourself babe cause I did something for you too." Chloe winked and turned to leave. "Now come on. Let's take my car."
Chloe's rav4 was parked at the basement. There wasn't much paparazzi waiting outside that they were aware of but Beca decided to hide at the backseat of Chloe's car to be safe.
"Is that even necessary Bec?"
"I'm doing this for you and yes it is necessary especially after that article." Beca said. She wasn't sure if Chloe heard her.
Chloe definitely heard her but it wasn't the time to discuss that. She was focused on driving and turned a corner too sharp causing Beca to fall at the back.
"Ow! I swear you're doing this on purpose."
"I'm not I promise. But I'm not really sorry?"
When they were in the freeway, Beca slowly moved back to the front.
"You know we can get pulled over for what you're doing right now." Chloe says as Beca moved to the front passenger seat.
Beca ignored Chloe and looked around. She wanted to know where Chloe was taking her. "Where are we going?"
"I actually didn't have work. I was busy doing other things."
"What other things?"
"You'll see."
"So you're telling me you skipped out on family bonding to do other things?"
"Yup exactly." Chloe says as she took an exit. "We're almost there."
Beca kept looking around. The place was not familiar to her although she feels like she's been here before. "This better be worth it."
"Have a little faith in me Bec."
Chloe pulled up at a driveway next to another car. A woman in a blazer stepped out when she saw them and greeted them right away. Beca followed closely behind Chloe.
"Doctor Chloe it's so good to see you again. Miss Mitchell it's nice to finally meet you. My name is Leah Jay." When the real estate agent noticed Beca's reluctance to shake her hands. "I assure you my absolute discretion. I know Doctor Chloe. You can trust me."
"Beca Mitchell. Nice to meet you."
"Her son was my patient." Chloe added.
"So Doctor Chloe was here earlier and I've showed her around. I will leave you two to look around and wait for you out here. Please do take your time. If you have any questions for me, just holler."
"Come on Bec."
Chloe let Beca look around as she led her to the different areas and rooms in the house. It was two stories. They started at the second floor and worked their way down. She knew she could see it too. Beca had the same look that she had when she first saw the house. They could both see their future together, living and raising a family in this house.
"I know my parents might have sort of freaked you out but I guess I never did make myself clear before."
"Is this what I think it is?"
"Yes. If you like it as much as I do, I'll settle the deposit today and it's ours in three weeks."
"Wow."
"I'm in it for the long run too Bec. I don't know what the future holds for us but you are my endgame, I know that much. Whenever I think about the future, I see you in it with me every time. I know now that I probably haven't been communicating that well enough. I told you before that I was scared and maybe I'm insecure too sometimes I can't help it. But I love you and I do want the same things as you."
Beca grabbed Chloe's face and kissed her to shut her up. "I'm not used to you rambling. But it's kinda hot." Beca kisses her again. "I will admit I was freaked out and you really scared me the other night. But this is perfect."
"So yes to this house?"
"Okay wait I love it. You know I love it but my only issue is, don't you think it's too big for us? I mean five rooms?"
"Six rooms actually."
"Six? Do we really need six rooms?"
"We can turn one into an office or your studio or something and the rest is for more kids. If that's still on the table."
Beca had to pull back for a few seconds to stare at Chloe and really feel her. Was this really happening? Is it possible that she's dreaming right now.
When Chloe put a hand over her hand. "Holy shit. How the hell did you pull this off?" Beca throws herself to Chloe again and kissed her some more.
"So is that a yes?"
"It's a hell yes." Beca said in between kisses.
They made arrangements with the real estate agent to finalise the purchase of the house and all the other details. The drive back to Chloe's house was a blur to Beca, she was too excited about the house.
"Did we just buy a house?" She suddenly said.
"Yep." Chloe said proudly. She knew the moment she saw the house it was the one and she was glad Beca felt the same.
When they arrived at Chloe's, they went straight to the lounge and Beca put her arms around Chloe right away. She still couldn't believe what just happened.
"Are you happy Bec?"
Chloe always asked this question and it always catches Beca off guard. "Very."
She kisses Chloe on the side of the head but then she remembers the Star article from this morning and Beca took it as an opportunity to bring it up.
"Hey I hate to bring this up now but there was an article this morning. I wasn't sure if you've seen it." Beca tried to ask as casual as she could. She felt Chloe stiffen at the mention of it.
"I have but I feel sick just thinking about it. I can't even bring myself to ask you about it. It shouldn't matter anyway, it was before we got back together."
Beca knew Chloe was talking about her and Emilia. "Ask me anyway."
"It's okay I don't have to know and I can't be believing everything they write. You can't control what they write."
"Yes. But you can control your questions to me and I can control my answers to you. I want you to be able to ask me anything."
"It's stupid."
"Didn't they teach you back in med school that there's no such thing as a stupid question?"
"On the contrary, I'm pretty sure there are a lot of them."
Beca rolled her eyes at that. "But not when it comes to these things."
Chloe took her time in responding and Beca waited. "The truth is I'm scared to hear the answers. I'd rather not know especially if it has nothing to do with us now."
"But I do want to assure you about these things. Trust me. It's okay. Just ask me and they do have everything to do with us."
Chloe sighed and busied herself by playing with Beca's fingers. "Is it true?"
"What is?" Beca knew what Chloe meant but it was important that Chloe ask it clearly.
"What that article said about you and Emilia."
"No Chloe, never." Beca answered without missing a beat. "Although we did write those songs together but nothing happened between us. She's like my little sister really or maybe dare I say it like my kid."
Chloe was about to say something when Beca cut her off. "To be fair too, we wrote those songs thinking about other people not for each other. Chemistry on camera can be deceiving. There's a reason why they say a picture is worth a thousand words."
"I have to admit, you look good together. I can see why they would think there was something."
"Not when you compare it with our photos together. Do you see the difference?"
Chloe laughs at that. "Yeah you look so in love with me."
"It's cause I am."
Chloe laughs again. "You're right. I do feel better just talking to you about it."
"I want you to be confortable enough to be able to ask me anything especially about these things."
"Thank you Bec."
"No. Thank you Chlo. Now seriously, you have tell me more about how you found our house and make sure you use our joint account to pay for it."
While they were all snuggled up on the couch, Chloe went on to tell Beca how her Sunday and Monday went. All the while, Beca was playing with the buttons on Chloe's shirt and very very slowly unbuttoning them one at a time.
End Notes: Merry Christmas and happy New Year everyone! This is my continuous gift to you especially for those of us who are in lockdown once again. I hope this story brings you comfort during this time. All my love.
