Beca's comfort level dropped when she realised one key thing, Chloe knew how she felt. And she hadn't run. That was something at least. Beca could feel herself beginning to panic a little as she thought about last night, and the fact that Chloe would most likely want to talk to her about it. Which was perfectly reasonable, but Beca just wasn't sure if she would be able to do that. If Chloe started asking her about when she had a crush on her, Beca was pretty certain she would break. She would end up telling Chloe that it wasn't exactly a past crush, and that it was a lot more than a crush. Beca refused to allow her to think about it more than that, as she was almost certain that Chloe didn't see her that way. The girl left, clearly she wasn't interested in pursuing her little freshman friend – she literally flew across the world away from her. Beca knew that she wasn't exactly being fair to Chloe about that, but she also had a strong feeling that Chloe wasn't telling her precisely why she decided to go to Zambia. Beca made her mind up to ask Chloe about it when she left. Which, now she thought about it, Beca didn't know when that would be.
The rest of the day passed in a blur, with each of the Bellas going off to their classes and spending time with Chloe in between. Chloe was particularly keen to get to know Daisy a little, so she asked the girl to coffee that afternoon. Daisy had been shocked that this incredible person knew her name, let alone wanted to spend time with her. She just hoped that Chloe would like her. Daisy had arrived at the coffee shop a little early, as she figured being late wouldn't help her attempts to make Chloe her friend. She started to daydream a little thinking of how Beca must have become friends with Chloe last year.
"Hey Daisy?" Daisy blinked and saw the redheaded beauty in front of her that had been occupying her thoughts. She felt a blush spread through her cheeks as it occurred to her that she might come across as creepy if she didn't keep her thoughts to herself.
"Hi?" Chloe drew Daisy into a hug before sitting down opposite and chucking to herself lightly. Even her laugh was melodic and beautiful – a thought that ran through her companion's mind.
"You seem nervous. How are you?
"I umm.. Do I? I uh guess I am a little. Sorry about that."
"Awh sweetie why are you nervous? I just wanted to get to know the newest Bella that's all. I'm meeting jade later as well don't worry."
"It's just. You're a little intimidating. Cause you're…" Daisy gestured uselessly in front of her and tried to contain her blushing.
"Oh you poor thing. You shouldn't be intimidated by me! I'm just me. Chloe Beale." Chloe smiled warmly at the scared looking freshman in front of her. She couldn't help but notice the girl's natural beauty and effortless style. She wondered what an earth she could be intimidated by, and tried to think of ways to put the girl at ease.
"Exactly. You're Chloe Beale. The only person who truly understands Beca Mitchell, the only one she would trust with anything."
"Excuse me? Becs is my best friend, that's all. It's not a big deal." Chloe didn't quite know how to respond to Daisy, and started to worry where the conversation was going.
"It might not be a big deal to you, but you clearly mean everything to her. Her face lights up when she's talking about or to you. When I first met her at the activities fair she was scowling, but you called and her whole face lit up. And when you arrived she literally jumped on you. Before that I hadn't seen her hug anyone, not even her boyfriend. Ex now I guess. I'm rambling, but the point is you're special to Beca, and Beca's.. well Beca. Which makes you very intimidating, and I have a lot to learn from you." Chloe paused for a moment, deciphering her companions' jumbled thoughts. Suddenly things clicked into place.
"Do you like Beca sweetie? Sorry, I don't mean to pry, I just feel like you have a strong attachment to her and a desire to please her. Am I close?" Daisy felt her eyes glass over a little, this was the first time she had spoken to anyone about her feelings for her captain, and Chloe was so kind and such a good listener it was overwhelming. Chloe wasn't judging her, she was just trying to understand her feelings.
"I.. uhh. Maybe? I, well yes. It's just, she's so.. Beca. You know? Like she just has this vibe that makes me want to get to know her, and she's beautiful, obviously. And her body… well I would love to see what else she was hiding under those pajamas." Daisy raised her hands over her mouth, shocked that she had said all of that out loud. It was one thing for Chloe to know about her crush, but quite another for her to have to listen to a mere freshman objectify her friend.
"It's okay hun, you don't need to be embarrassed." Chloe smirked, a habit she'd picked up from Beca, and bit back a chuckle.
"What is it?"
"It's just funny how similar you and I are. Both used to getting attention from others for whatever reason, but both being overlooked by a tiny brunette who doesn't quite know how to love." Chloe smiled sadly as she spoke, well aware of what she was revealing to Daisy, but feeling it was necessary as the girl was being so candid with her.
"You have feelings for Beca? But then why aren't you with her? She clearly loves you, and if you feel the same way I don't understand why you're both single? Obviously my little crush is nothing compared to what you guys could have. I can't deny the chemistry you two have, it makes me kinda jealous if I'm being honest." Chloe was stunned.
"Of course she loves me, Beca's my best friend, and obviously best friends love each other. But she isn't interested in me romantically, if she were she wouldn't have chosen Jesse."
"But Chloe, maybe she didn't know that she was making a choice between you and Jesse? Maybe she just thought you weren't an option so went for the safest alternative? I'm sorry if I'm overstepping." Chloe gasped a little, feeling her heart drop. Daisy was talking a lot of sense, and it sounded exactly like something Beca would do. Of course Beca would be the only one to be unaware of Chloe's feelings towards her.
"Thank you Daisy, you've given me a lot to think about. I'll talk about it with Beca the next time I see her, I clearly need some answers."
"I, umm, wouldn't do that if I were you. Stacie would kill me if she knew I was telling you this, but the bellas kind of made a plan to get Beca to confess to you. So, uhh, would you mind waiting for that?" Chloe laughed, of course her sisters were doing all they could to help her cause.
"Of course, thanks for this Dais." Daisy blushed at the nickname, feeling like she had gotten a lot closer to the gorgeous girl in front of her in the last hour.
"It's nothing. The plan is happening tonight, so just wait til then kay?"
"Sure thing. Can't wait to see what they've planned. I'm sure alcohol and embarrassing anecdotes will be involved."
The girls finished their coffees and made their separate exits, both excited for the night ahead.
Chloe's coffee with (?) later was far less eventful, but still enjoyable, and Chloe thought the freshman was a wonderful addition to the Bellas.
It was late afternoon by the time Chloe headed back to Beca's apartment/dorm. She knew the girl would be either sleeping or mixing in there. Sure enough when Chloe opened the door - it honestly didn't even occur to her to knock - Beca was hunched over her laptop with her headphones on. Chloe spotted a worn looking notebook next to it, that Beca was clearly jotting things down in. She was incredibly curious about its contents, but figured that would come later. In the meantime she enveloped Beca in a tight hug from behind, laughing at the noticeable jolt of surprise and subsequent relaxed body language when Beca realised who it was.
"Ever heard of knocking Beale?"
"Of course I've heard of it."
"Well maybe try it next time."
"Oh Becs you're no fun, and even if I had knocked you wouldn't have heard me anyway. So it makes no difference really whether I knock or not."
"Ugh fine. But if you're gonna creep into my room can you at least let me see you rather than appear suddenly from behind?"
"You can see me whenever you like Becs. You've only got to say the word." Chloe winked at her friend, the insinuation very clear. Despite the awkwardness the night before Chloe still loved winding Beca up, after all it was just so easy. It never occurred to Chloe to consider why that was the case, although she did notice the sudden redness of Beca's cheeks. She felt oddly proud that she'd managed to invoke/evoke such a reaction.
"You always make it weird."
"You make that sound like a bad thing Becs." Chloe smiled widely as Beca scowled, unable to think of a witty retort.
"Becs you're already distracted so you might as well watch a movie with me now."
"Ugh fine. But you have to pick, and wait for me to get snacks." With that Beca disappeared into her kitchen, reappearing a few minutes later armed with chips, chocolate, and freshly microwaved popcorn.
"Awh Becs you got so much food!"
"I didn't know what you'd be in the mood for so figured I should bring you some options to choice from."
"You know Becs, for a badass you really are a cutie. Now come snuggle with me so we can start the movie." Beca hopped onto the bed next to Chloe, waiting for the movie to start. She was confused when Chloe continued to wait patiently beside her.
"Chlo? The movie?"
"I know. But you've forgotten a key thing. We can't watch movies without getting changed... sweatpants are just as important as snacks." Beca rolled her eyes dramatically, while secretly acknowledging the sense in what Chloe was saying. Without saying a word Beca grabbed two sets of sweatpants and oversized t shirts, tossing one of each to Chloe. Beca's jaw dropped a little of its own accord when Chloe immediately proceeded to change, stripping down to her underwear and stepping into Beca's clothes. Beca couldn't help but appreciate her friends body, which was even more toned and slender than she had remembered. Seeing it in person gave Beca an intense flashback to the many dreams she'd had about that body, and more specifically what it could do. She felt her pulse start to raise and her body temperature rise, particularly in a certain area.
"You're trying to kill me Beale." Becazs| muttered almost inaudibly to herself.
"What was that Becs?" Chloe smiled sweetly at her friend, completely unaware of the effect she was having on the sophomore.
"Nothing. I uh, it's just, that.. you, look good Chloe. Really good."
"Awh baby! You're the sweetest." Chloe swiftly closed the gap between them and engulfed Beca in a bone crushing hug. Beca instantly relaxed into it and nuzzled into the crook of Chloe's neck (although she would deny it if any of the Bellas ever found out - badasses do not hug like that). After the particularly lingering hug Beca quickly changed into her sweats and t-shirt, completely missing the way Chloe's eyes lingered on her body, and the subtle lick of the lips that followed the once over she was carrying out. In the past when the pair watched movies they started off side by side, but ended up cuddling by the end of it. As Beca started to get settled Chloe tossed another blanket over the two of them and pressed play.
She would never admit it, but Beca was terrified. She had been expecting another predictable romcom, that she would secretly enjoy, as she could at least watch Chloe smiling to it out of the corner of her eye. But this time Chloe had clearly tried to switch things up. IT was certainly a change. A horror film about a clown demon.. thing was proving too much for Beca to handle. They had been watching for all of five minutes when the clown cut off the majority of a little boy's arm. As soon as that happened Beca let out a little whimper and pulled the comforter up to cover her eyes, and ears. Chloe swiftly paused the movie and wrapped her arms around her friend.
"Come here Becs." She whispered gently. Beca responded immediately, rolling over so that she was almost on top of Chloe, with her head resting on Chloe's chest.
"I don't like clowns Clo."
"I know. But you always pretend to love horror movies so…"
"You were messing with me?"
"I couldn't help it Becs. Forgive me?" Beca grunted something inaudible and instantly relaxed as she felt Chloe's fingers run through her hair. Beca felt a wave of exhaustion hit her and she closed her eyes, falling asleep in a matter of minutes. Chloe heard Beca's breathing slow down and become a little deeper, and knew that the girl she loved had fallen asleep in her arms. That made her indescribably happy, but was also a bittersweet moment, as Chloe began to think of how much better this moment would feel if it were a romantic one, rather than just two friends cuddling. Chloe let herself daydream, eventually succumbing to sleep as well. The pair remained asleep in each other's arms for several hours, both getting a better rest than they'd had since they'd been separated a few months previously.
Stacie and the rest of the Bellas strolled into Beca's room, expecting to interrupt their captain while she was working on a mix. What none of them expected was to find Beca and Chloe fast asleep, in what looked like an incredibly intimate moment. Stacie swiftly took a few photos of the pair, knowing that capturing such a wonderful moment could be really important to both Beca and Chloe in the future. Seeing the two girls so openly affectionate with each other while not even being awake was what made Stacie become certain that they would become an item. What she didn't realise was how soon her prediction would come true.