Chloe could feel her heart rate increase the longer she sat nervously in her seat on the plane. She couldn't help but clasp her hands together, desperate to distract herself from her current predicament. Chloe Beale had never been the calmest of individuals, but right now she was panicking. As much as part of her wished it wasn't, Chloe's temporary escape was over and reality was setting in once more. It was time for her to go back to Barden, her favorite place in the world, but also the place that held so much meaning it was painful to return to. Chloe tried to focus on her breathing rather than a certain DJ who had been so frustrating over the last few months. Chloe allowed herself to think back to her surprise visit to Barden. Beca had been so thrilled she had literally thrown herself at Chloe and refused to let go. Chloe had loved it. Beca had openly shown her affection for Chloe in front of the Bellas, which she would never have done as a freshman. Beca had willingly initiated the majority of the physical contact between them, a remarkable feat considering how tactile Chloe was. Most importantly they had kissed. Twice. Chloe felt herself blush just thinking about their first kiss, even if it had happened under ridiculous circumstances. She would always treasure the memory of Beca gently showing her how she felt, and then confirming it soon after. Chloe's face fell as she thought of how Beca had tried to kiss her again, but just hadn't given her enough time to respond. Chloe genuinely hadn't seen it coming. She loved Beca with all her soul but had no idea those feelings were reciprocated. Beca was just so hard to read when it came to her emotions sometimes. She had reverted back to her freshman self and completely shut down after her confession. Chloe just hoped that Beca would hear her out once she arrived at the ICCA finals. She couldn't help but feel a little impatient at this point, she just wanted to skip past the awkward reunion and go straight to the conversation they both so desperately needed to have. They needed to either let go of their feelings or move forward with them, as this never ending wait wasn't fair on either of them.
Chloe managed to spend the duration of the flight conjuring up more and more obscene ways for her first interaction with to go, completely oblivious to the nervous glances she was getting from the poor guy next to her. Charlie felt nothing but concern for Chloe as he tried to preoccupy himself with anything but looking at the beautiful redhead beside him every five seconds. Chloe was clearly worked up about something, her eyes had glazed over slightly and she was gesturing emphatically with her hands at absolutely nothing. He could see her brain trying so hard to process something, but couldn't figure out what was worth such effort on her part. Chloe had been melancholic and clearly running from something when she had first arrived in Zambia, but Charlie had thought she had genuinely become happier during her time there. She had gone on dates with him, he had opened up to her and their kisses had been wonderful. Charlie knew that Chloe was a guarded person but he could see that she had grown to trust him and seemed to enjoy him company, even if she still wasn't ready to divulge her past to him just yet. When he had told her about his new job as a TA at Barden and that he had been given a place on one of their graduate programmes she had been genuinely thrilled for him. Charlie wasn't sure what Chloe would be doing when she landed in the US but was just thrilled when she had told him that she would be nearby so they could continue things when they left Zambia. Charlie had felt a twinge of sadness when Chloe had referred to what he had thought of as a blossoming relationship as "things" but was just grateful that such a wonderful person had allowed him into her life. He just hoped that eventually "things" would be a much more concrete thing between them. Chloe was such a kind person with a heart of gold, and he couldn't wait to get to know her better and progress at whatever rate Chloe was comfortable with. Charlie knew he was incredibly lucky to be in his current predicament, not just because he could see every person who laid eyes on Chloe admire her, but also due to her personality, or what he knew of it. Charlie had no idea how much Chloe would seemingly change once her environment did.
It felt like an age later when the flight landed and the pair headed to Barden together. Chloe had told Charlie that there was an event she absolutely had to attend at the university and that he would love it. Charlie hadn't asked any questions after that as he trusted that anything Chloe valued that much would be truly wonderful and he had been looking forward to finding out the surprise from the moment she had first told him a few weeks ago. Chloe had decided to warn Stacie that she would be attending the ICCAs and her place on a graduate programme there as Stacie had been a wonderful friend to her over the last few months, and she saw no reason to withhold such important information from the sophomore. Chloe had made Stacie swear not to tell any of the other Bellas, or that Aubrey would be there for moral support. Chloe knew that going to the ICCAs would make her feel like she had gone in full circle since her senior year, and would either provide her with a sense of catharsis and enable her to move forward, or would drive home a hard reality check that she needed to try harder to move on from what she was desperate to reduce to a simple crush.
Charlie was confused as to why Chloe had steered him out of JFK and into a cab rather than into the departures lounge. Chloe had assured him that they would fly to JFK because it was cheaper and significantly quicker, and then get a connecting flight to Atlanta that she had booked and sorted so she could use her airmiles to get a discount. Chloe babbled in the cab that they would be going to Barden but needed to stop in New York for a few days first. Charlie felt his jaw drop, maybe this was Chloe's way of ensuring the pair spent some quality time together before they both inevitably got busier once they got to Atlanta. The pair arrived at what looked to Charlie like a random street and were outside an apartment in minutes.
"Chloe? Why are we here? Did you get an Air bnb or something?"
"No silly. This is where my family lives. We'll be staying here for a few days and there's no point us dragging our suitcases all around the city."
"Okay, so which family members am I meeting exactly? Can't say I expected this to be your surprise but—"
Charlie's confused questions were interrupted by the apartment door being opened accompanied by two almost identically sounding high-pitched shrieks.
"CHLO!" "BREEEE!"
Charlie barely had time to blink before Chloe was completely engulfed by a blonde woman who looked remarkably familiar. Both women were crying, and were clinging to each other like their lives depended on it. Chloe felt all of the stress she had felt over the last few months lift from her shoulders as she clutched Aubrey and nuzzled her nose into the blonde's neck. Time seemed to stand still as the pair wordlessly comforted each other, feeling significantly happier than they had when they were apart. Eventually they were interrupted by Charlie clearing his throat awkwardly. Aubrey felt herself stiffen as she eyed the unbelievably attractive guy next to Chloe. He looked fresh out of an Abercrombie and Fitch catalogue, and was looking at her best friend with a level of affection that instantly roused Aubrey's suspicion. Chloe pre-emptively spoke to avoid Aubrey getting too protective of her.
"Bree, this is Charlie. We met in Zambia and he's been taking care of me since—" Charlie wondered what since meant, but had no time to dwell on it as the beautiful blonde glared at him before schooling her features into a tight smile.
"Aubrey Posen. Pleasure to meet you. Come in." Aubrey thrust her hand at Charlie, he shook it awkwardly feeling nothing but terrified. He had no idea who this person was but she clearly meant a lot to Chloe so he knew he would need to somehow get on her good side if he wanted any sort of future with Chloe.
Aubrey's apartment was surprisingly spacious for New York, Aubrey was certainly doing well in her grad job at one of the largest law firms in the city. Once Chloe and Charlie had put their suitcases down Aubrey showed them the bathroom so they get shower and change. An hour later Chloe felt like a completely new person, there's something almost sacred about showering after traveling for far too long. Chloe had slowly lathered her hair in shampoo and gently massaged her scalp as she thought of how important the next few days would be for her, and how Charlie would react to meeting the Bellas, and.. her. That had only really occurred to Chloe on the flight, that her two worlds would be colliding and Charlie would finally learn what had happened to her before Zambia. She knew this was a little dramatic, but when it came to tiny DJs Chloe had never been able to get any perspective.
Charlie felt his breath catch in this throat when Chloe emerged from Aubrey's room. She had clearly showered, he could smell her shampoo – a scent he had grown to love. Her luscious tresses had been styled subtly so her hair was falling in gentle waves across her shoulders, her make up completely flawless and drawing attention to the cerulean orbs he could never stop looking into. Her outfit was simple but highlighted her lithe frame and emphasised her curves and enviable physique. Chloe had always been beautiful to Charlie, but this was the best he had ever seen her, she was clearly making an effort for this surprise. Charlie was yet to realise that the effort wasn't for him.
The trio made their way to the Lincoln centre, with Aubrey and Chloe speaking animatedly at a speed that made it impossible for anyone else to understand, while Charlie trailed behind them awkwardly. The pair weren't deliberately excluding him, Aubrey had tried to the best of her ability to be nice to the handsome blonde that she very strongly suspected harboured feelings of some kind towards Chloe, but her sole focus was on catching up with her best friend and making her happy once more. So Charlie watched as Chloe became more excited by the second, and her eyes shone with an array of emotions that he realised he had never truly seen before. Charlie accepted on their journey that the Chloe he had gotten to know over the last few months was just a shadow of the actual Chloe Beale, who the intimidating Aubrey Posen clearly knew very well. Charlie wondered what else he would find out while the pair were together, and felt himself getting nervous that he might not have a place with Chloe anymore. He started to doubt whether he was good enough for the radiant beauty in front of him and tried to come to terms with that, so that he would be less devastated if Chloe decided she wanted nothing more from him than friendship.
The trio arrived at the Lincoln Memorial Centre and Charlie saw signs about an acapella competition. He had heard Chloe sing and it was truly one of the most beautiful things he had ever heard, perhaps she knew someone participating, or she just enjoyed watching acapella performances. Chloe's excitement changed to nerves as soon as they went inside, and she clutched Aubrey's hand. The pair had a wordless exchange as Aubrey wrapped her free arm around Chloe, trying to comfort her as best she could. They got seats a few rows from the front, directly in the eye line of the performers. The performances went by in a blur, Chloe completely zoning out until the only one she cared about was about to begin. The Barden Bellas walked confidently on the stage, Chloe couldn't take her eyes off Beca, who had clearly changed a lot since she had last been at Barden. The sophomore had somehow become even more beautiful, radiating confidence instead of awkwardness, and she was in unbelievable shape. Chloe was too busy appreciating the curves and muscles of Beca's body to notice when her friends started singing. The set was magnificent, and had Beca's signature style all over it. Chloe's heart dropped when she heard parts of a song she had been listening to obsessively come into the mix. "It's like thunder and lightening, you hurt me without trying." "How long can a love remain? Time never could heal this pain." Chloe felt Aubrey take her hand at this point, providing comfort with the simple action, as she knew exactly how much Chloe was relating to the lyrics. Charlie noticed the action and wondered who had broken Chloe's heart and made her so vulnerable during this performance. He vowed to try and make things easier for the girl who he truly thought deserved the world.
The winners were announced shortly after – the Barden Bellas. Charlie felt the joy emanating from Chloe and Aubrey as they leapt to their feet and yelled loudly in support. Charlie noticed the main soloist from the group looking right at Chloe and felt himself blush. Other than Chloe, obviously, she was one of the most beautiful people he had ever seen. He noticed the intensity in the eye contact and wondered if the pair knew each other. From Chloe visibly stiffening besides him Charlie figured they must have, but couldn't determine much aside from that. Chloe was busy trying not to cry as she locked eyes with the most important person in the world to her. Beca was looking at her in total shock, and with an intensity that made her feel things she had been trying to ignore for months. Aubrey quickly grabbed her by the wrist, gesturing to Charlie, and the trio made their way backstage. Beca could feel her heart racing the second she set eyes on Chloe, the redhead literally took her breath away. Beca was just grateful she was hugging Stacie, as that was the only thing that kept her upright. Chloe looked stunning, beautiful, amazing, hot.. pretty much every positive adjective Beca could think of. It was hard to pretend to move on from Chloe when she looked like that. Her eyes locked onto Beca's as if she was scared she would disappear. Beca was snapped out of her reverie when Stacie let go of her, when she looked again Chloe was gone. Beca felt a lump in her throat at the thought of missing the opportunity to speak to her former best friend once more. Chloe was in the US, in New York no less, and she hadn't bothered speaking to Beca. She couldn't stop herself from feeling bitter at that thought.
Beca's depressive spiral was interrupted by the Bellas heading into their "dressing room" – simply a large meeting room, and the constant excited chatter around her. Beca was too zoned out to hear the knock on their door, and only registered something happened when the Bellas all moved to greet whoever had entered. Beca couldn't see who was there as they were being ambushed by all the Bellas at once. She didn't have to wait long to find out, as the Bellas all recognised the newcomers and she felt a silence come over the room. Daisy had felt her heard drop when she saw Chloe come into the dressing room, she was in complete awe of her and knew Beca would be too. She had been greeted warmly by the older girl, taking note of the intimidating blonde next to her who was being almost crushed by a hug from Stacie. Aurora wondered whether maybe she was one of the hunter's many acquaintances. Daisy noticed how there was a stupidly hot guy behind the pair standing uncomfortably and giving Chloe longing looks every two seconds. Daisy wondered if they were dating, and couldn't help but hope they were so Beca would look at her the way she had seen the sophomore look at Chloe during her visit. The Bellas were all overwhelmed with excitement with their victory, combined with the visit of their former captains. They parted slowly to reveal Beca looking incredibly confused, until she could see the source of all the uproar.
Chloe Elizabeth Beale. So she hadn't forgotten. Beca felt warmth flood across her entire body as she saw the redhead up close for the first time in months. Time seemed to stop for Beca as she processed what was happening at a painstaking pace. Unlike last time Beca didn't throw herself into Chloe's arms, instead she looked nervously at Chloe, opening her arms in invitation. She wasn't sure where she stood with Chloe and didn't want to push her away by being too clingy. She was painfully aware of how things had backfired the last time she had been affectionate. Chloe was shocked by Beca's reaction to seeing her, she hadn't expected the DJ to just stand there staring at her. She could literally sense Beca's brain trying to process things, until she eventually opened her arms. Chloe didn't need to be told twice, she strode across the room gracefully and quickly, into the arms of the girl she loved. Beca felt herself melt into Chloe the second they made contact. She buried her head into the crook of Chloe's neck, wrapping her arms protectively around the girl's waist, while she felt those wonderfully toned arms make their way around her neck. Chloe felt the same as always, like home. Beca closed her eyes and just let herself enjoy this moment, savouring every second she got to spend this close to her favourite person in the entire world. She was barely aware she was speaking until she heard the words come out.
"Chlo. I missed you so much."
"I missed you too Becs."
"Please don't leave me again."
"I won't so long as you don't shut me out again."
Chloe's whispered response cut Beca to the heart and broke her out of her reverie. She leaned back slightly, staring directly into those devastating eyes for the first time in months. She maintained eye contact as she replied with absolute certainty. She did not hesitate when she assured Chloe that
"I'll never shut you out again Chloe. The last few months have been way too hard."