NOTE: Written for horsegurl03's birthday (it's today, 11/22). Happy Birthday! I hope you like it.
John Smith and Gail Abernathy-McKadden-Feinberg, members of the Collegiate Acapella Commission, had just informed the Barden Bellas that they were suspended from competing in this year's acapella competitions due to Fat Amy's "Muffgate" incident.
"It says we can't hold auditions, or do the Victory Tour," Chloe Beale said as she read the documents given to them regarding their suspension. "Who's going to sing at the Puppy Bowl?"
Beca put a comforting hand on Chloe's arm and looked at the Dean, John, and Gail.
"The most recent winners of the World Acapella Championships," Gail said. "They call themselves DSM."
"Wait!" Chloe said. "It doesn't say anything about stripping us of our title, which does not preclude us from competing in the World Acapella Championships."
The Acapella Committee Reps laughed in their faces and said the U.S. has never won the World title.
"What if the Bellas win it?" Beca asked. "Will we be reinstated then?"
"If you win, little missy," John said. "I will personally see to it that the Bellas are reinstated. But, don't get your hopes up, because you'll never win Worlds."
"Come on girls," Chloe said, ushering the Bellas out of the Dean's office. "We have a lot of work to do."
The Bellas all filed out behind Chloe; Beca stopped them and told Chloe, "I have to go to the radio station. I'll meet you back at the house."
"Don't be too long," Chloe said. "We need to start strategizing."
"I won't," Beca said and hurried in the opposite direction.
Chloe turned and the girls followed her back to the Bellas House.
~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~
"What are we going to do?" Stacie asked as they entered the house and gathered in the living room.
"We'll figure it out as we go," Chloe said. "First, we have to fill out the entry form for the Worlds. Second, we'll have to make sure our passports are all up to date. And, third, we'll need to make our reservations. After that, it will be up to Beca to put together a setlist so we can start working on choreography and vocals."
Chloe started pacing back and forth, anxiously biting her lip. She stopped and looked at the other Bellas.
"Did I forget anything?"
"It sounds like you hit on everything," Stacie said. "Let's look up the registration and get that out of the way."
"Sounds like a plan," Chloe said. "My laptop is in the kitchen."
Stacie followed Chloe and sat next to her as she registered the Bellas for the World Acapella Championships.
"Okay, done," Chloe said. "Find and update your passport, Stacie, because we're going to Copenhagen."
~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~
It was late when Beca returned from the radio station.
"Chloe's going to kill me," Beca muttered as she entered the Bellas House.
"You're safe until the morning," Stacie's voice said from the living room.
"Oh, hey, Stace," Beca said. "I didn't know anyone was still up."
"I'm studying," Stacie said. "Everyone else went to bed. And Chloe was exhausted so she was the first to call it a night."
"I'm sure she's probably mad at me because I got back so late," Beca sighed. She sat down across from Stacie and looked at her. "Um, Stacie, can I talk to you about something?"
"Sure, Beca," Stacie said, setting her book aside to face Beca. "What's up?"
"I really like Chloe," Beca said. "As in like, like her."
"I know," Stacie said, smiling.
"You do?" Beca asked. "How do you know that? It's taken me months to figure it out."
"It's the way you two look at each other," Stacie said. "You look at her like she's the only person in the room. And she looks at you like you hung the moon and the stars."
"She looks at me like that?" Beca asked. "I've never seen it."
"Just because you haven't caught her looking at you, doesn't mean she isn't," Stacie said.
"I want to tell her how I feel about her," Beca said. "And, I want to hear her say she feels the same way."
"I think that's great, Beca," Stacie said. "I'm glad you're going to tell her. I can guarantee you that Chloe likes you, too."
"What?! How in the world can you guarantee something like that?"
"Because she told me. Besides, you and Brey are the reason Chloe and I stopped hooking up," Stacie said, nonchalantly. "Chloe likes you, and I like Aubrey. It didn't seem right to keep doing it."
"You and Chloe hooked up?" Beca mumbled, shaking her head. "Did not see that coming."
"It only happened twice and was just a Friends with Benefits type thing," Stacie said, shrugging her shoulders. "That's all. It was no big deal."
"So, you don't have any romantic feelings for her?" Beca asked.
"No," Stacie said. "I just told you I like Aubrey."
"Riiiiight," Beca said, sounding unconvinced. "I'm going to head up to bed. Goodnight, Stacie."
"Goodnight, Beca," Stacie said, as she opened her textbook to continue studying.
~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~
Beca made her way slowly up the stairs, stopping outside Chloe's room. She debated on whether to let Chloe know she was home and decided against it.
"Stacie and Chloe?" Beca thought. "Even on my best day, I can't compete with Stacie. This changes everything."
Beca hung her head and slowly continued making her way to her room.
After a restless night thinking about Chloe and Stacie, Beca woke early and decided to get dressed and leave the Bellas house before anyone else was up. She showered and dressed and was quietly making her way downstairs when she heard Chloe's door open behind her. She hesitated and looked up to see a giggling Stacie and Chloe coming out of Chloe's room. She sprinted down the last few steps and out the door with the sound of Chloe calling after her.
Beca didn't stop; she kept going and hurried to her car. She jumped in and drove off before Chloe could catch up to her. She looked in her rearview mirror to see Chloe standing on the front sidewalk watching as Beca's car drove away.
"Dammit," Chloe muttered, stomping her foot.
She ran a hand through her hair and went back inside the house.
A couple of hours later, Stacie was looking for Beca. She saw Chloe and asked, "Hey, Chloe, where's Beca?"
"I don't know," Chloe said. "I haven't seen her since she left this morning. Or rather since she ran away from me. I was going to ask her to breakfast because I wanted to talk to her about something."
"Maybe you can ask her to dinner at rehearsal," Stacie suggested.
"That's if she comes to rehearsal," Chloe mumbled. "You know how she is when she gets into one of her moods."
"Why don't you call her to find out where she went?" Stacie asked.
"She's obviously ignoring me for some reason," Chloe said. "I'm not entirely sure she would answer my call."
"Do you want me to call her for you?" Stacie asked.
"Would you? Maybe she'll actually answer for you."
"Sure," Stacie said, pulling out her phone and placing the call. "Huh, she's not answering. I"ll send her a text and ask if she's coming to rehearsal."
Stacie sent the text and told Chloe not to worry because Beca is always good about answering texts.
"I just wish I knew what I did for her to run away and avoid me," Chloe said sadly, wiping a tear from her eye.
Stacie reached over and pulled Chloe to her in a hug.
"Calm down, Chloe," Stacie said quietly as she rubbed her hand up and down Chloe's back. "I'm sure Beca will come to talk to you when she's ready."
Unbeknownst to Stacie and Chloe, Beca chose that moment to walk in. Seeing Stacie holding Chloe, and whispering to each other, Beca turned and immediately walked back out again.
"So much for there being nothing between them," Beca mumbled, as she stood on the porch, wiping a tear from her eye.
Beca pulled her phone from her pocket as she turned to walk down the porch steps. She was surprised to see a text from Stacie asking about rehearsal. She wanted to say she wouldn't be at rehearsal but knew everyone would be after her if she didn't show up.
I'll see you at rehearsal Beca texted back. She quickly made her way down the steps and into her car.
Stacie's phone pinged and she checked it.
"It's from Beca," Stacie told Chloe. "She said she'd see us at rehearsal."
"That's good," Chloe said. "She can't avoid me if I'm standing right in front of her."
~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~
Beca waited until all the Bellas had entered before making her way into the Auditorium. She saw Stacie sitting next to Chloe and hurried to the front where she dropped her bag on the floor before taking the vacant seat between Jessica and Cynthia Rose.
Chloe watched Beca and frowned when she didn't sit next to her. Beca crossed her arms over her chest and stared down at the ground.
"So, um, Beca," Chloe said. "Do you have anything you want to say before I start?"
"No, I'm good," Beca said quickly without looking at Chloe.
"Okay, so, um," Chloe stuttered as she looked at Beca. "I've registered us for Worlds, so everyone needs to make sure their passports are up to date as soon as possible. I'll check airfares and lodging and make all our reservations this week. Then we'll be set until we get closer to the Worlds."
The girls all clapped and squealed with excitement. Beca just sat there staring at the ground.
"Becs?" Chloe called out, causing Beca to finally look at her. "We'll need to discuss the set so we can get started on choreography."
"No problem," Beca said, shifting in her seat.
"Okay, let's call it for now," Chloe said, looking around at everyone.
"Aw, yeah," Fat Amy yelled. "Let's go out tonight and celebrate."
"You mean, let's go out and get drunk tonight," Jessica said.
"That goes without saying," Ashley said.
The other Bellas shouted in agreement as they gathered their stuff to leave. Fat Amy shoved Jessica, who fell into Emily, causing both to fall to the floor. They laughed and stood up to follow the girls out of the Auditorium.
"Hold up for a second," Chloe called out, stopping them. "For now, be careful and try not to kill yourselves, or each other, okay? And, I'll let you know when our next rehearsal will be scheduled."
"You got it, Captain," Fat Amy said, saluting Chloe.
Beca took the opportunity to leave while everyone was distracted. Chloe watched the girls leave but didn't see Beca.
"Hey, Stacie," Chloe called out, racing to catch up with her. "Did you see where Beca went?"
"No, Chloe," Stacie said. "I didn't even see her leave. But, don't worry, I'm sure you'll catch her at the house."
"I'm sure you're right," Chloe said.
~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~
Beca had been in the house for about ten minutes and was sitting at her desk in her room. She heard the Bellas returning, excited about going out that night. Beca put her headphones on and stared at her computer screen so she looked like she was working.
"Are you going to get ready?" Fat Amy asked when she saw Beca just sitting and staring at her computer.
"I'm not going," Beca said. "I really need to start working on the set for Worlds."
"We have months to worry about that," Fat Amy said. "Come on, we all need to unwind a bit."
"Maybe next time," Beca said, randomly moving her mouse and clicking the screen, hoping Amy would take the hint and leave her alone.
Fat Amy shrugged her shoulders and got changed to go out with the Bellas. Beca continued to act as if she was working on their set.
When Fat Amy finally left to join the other girls, Beca breathed out a sigh of relief.
"Where's Beca?" Chloe asked when she saw Fat Amy coming down the stairs alone.
"She's not coming," Fat Amy said.
"What?" Stacie asked.
"Why?" Chloe asked.
"She said she needed to start working on the set for Worlds," Fat Amy said.
"You girls go ahead," Chloe said as she started up the stairs. "I'll let you know if I'm going to join you or not after I've had a chat with Beca."
"Go easy on her, Chloe," Stacie said with a laugh. "We need her to do the set before you kill her, okay?"
"I don't have any plans to kill her," Chloe said, stopping midway and looking down at Stacie. "At least not yet anyway."
"Come on girls," Stacie said. "Let's go."
Stacie and Fat Amy led the girls out the door and Chloe thought for a moment and went into the living room and sat down. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited.
The door slammed closed as the last Bella made it out the door. Chloe smiled when she heard Beca coming down from her attic bedroom. She patiently waited until Beca walked toward the kitchen.
"How's the set for Worlds coming along, Beca?"
Beca squealed, jumped, and grabbed at her chest. "Jesus, you scared the shit out of me!"
"It's just you and me now," Chloe said, standing and walking over to Beca. Beca took the opportunity to check Chloe out as she walked toward her. Chloe looked hot, but then again Chloe did know how to dress to impress.
"We need to talk."
"That's never good," Beca said, pushing past Chloe to continue into the kitchen.
Chloe grabbed Beca's arm and pulled her back. "Just tell me why you've started avoiding me and the conversation will be over."
"I'm not avoiding you," Beca said, jerking her arm out of Chloe's grasp.
"Okay, then," Chloe said. "Tell me why you're suddenly going out of your way to make sure you don't occupy the same general area or space I do?"
"No matter how you dress it up," Beca said. "I'm not avoiding you."
"Then why does it feel like you are?" Chloe asked, frowning.
"I'm not," Beca whispered.
"Will you talk to me?" Chloe asked. "Or at least tell me what's going on with you? Did I do something? Did something happen to you? Please, tell me."
"There's nothing to tell," Beca snapped. "Could you cool it with the inquisition? I've got work to do."
Chloe's face fell; Beca's words stung. Chloe turned and stomped toward the door, grabbing her things. She turned to look at Beca.
"Fine!" Chloe said. "I'm sorry to be such a bother to you."
Chloe opened the door and walked out, slamming it behind her. Beca stood there, speechless. She ran a hand through her hair and slid down the wall so she was sitting on the floor.
"Way to go, Mitchell," she mumbled.
~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~
Chloe walked into the bar and found the Bellas.
"Chloe!" Stacie called out. "Where's little Miss Grumpy?"
"Don't know," Chloe said. "And don't really care."
"What happened?" CR asked.
"Just Beca being Beca," Chloe said. "And not giving two shits about how her words can cut right through someone."
Chloe wiped a tear before it could fall. Stacie pulled Chloe into a hug and Chloe sniffled against Stacie's shirt.
"Why do I let her get to me so much?" Chloe cried.
"Because you have feelings for her," CR said. "The ones we love always hurt us more than someone we don't care so much about."
"Here, Chloe," Fat Amy said, handing Chloe a shot. "I think you need to get drunk so you can forget about Beca for a while."
"Thanks, Amy," Chloe said, taking the drink and downing it. "Keep 'em coming. I want you girls to have to carry me out of here."
"YES!" Fat Amy cheered.
The other Bellas cheered and toasted each other with a shot. Chloe downed her shot and slammed the glass down on the table. Chloe kept downing shots and it wasn't long before she was really feeling them. She sat at the table with her head on her arms.
"Chloe?" Stacie said, causing Chloe to slowly lift her head and look at her.
Stacie nodded her head in the direction behind the Bellas; Chloe turned to see Beca standing there. Chloe sighed and looked at Beca. Beca moved closer to the table.
"I thought you were too busy to come out with us," Chloe said, downing another shot.
"I came to apologize. . . to you," Beca said. "Can you come outside with me so we can talk?"
Chloe looked around at the Bellas and saw Stacie nod her head. "Go ahead, Chloe."
"Fine," Chloe said. "This had better be one hell of an apology."
Beca turned around and walked toward the door without saying anything. Chloe stumbled after her, barely managing to stay on her feet. She stopped and stared at Beca once they were outside.
"I'm sorry I was such a dick to you," Beca said. "I, uh, I found out something about you and it messed with my head. I didn't know how to process it."
"What did you find out about me?" Chloe asked, slurring her words.
Beca took a moment to really look at Chloe. She frowned when she realized Chloe was swaying a bit.
"You're drunk?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yes, it matters," Beca said. "Let me take you home and then we can talk, okay? I want you sober when I tell you what I have to tell you."
"I'll have to let the girls know I'm leaving," Chloe said as she turned to make her way back into the bar.
Chloe stumbled and Beca grabbed her before she fell.
"I'll tell them," Beca said, guiding Chloe to a bench where she could sit down. "Stay here and I'll be right back."
"M'kay," Chloe said.
Beca went inside and found Stacie.
"I'm taking Chloe home," Beca told her. "She's drunk. I know it's my fault she's like this, so I'll take care of her."
"Okay," Stacie said. She picked up Chloe's purse and phone and handed them to Beca. "I'll text you when we're on the way back to the house."
"Okay," Beca said. "Be careful."
With that, Beca turned and went back to Chloe. She sat next to the redhead and called for an Uber.
"Our ride should be here in about three minutes," Beca told Chloe.
"Okay," Chloe said, snuggling against Beca's side.
~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~
The ride back to the Bellas house was quiet; Chloe continued to snuggle Beca. Beca tried to keep Chloe from falling asleep.
"Come on, Chloe," Beca said, shaking her best friend. "We're home."
Chloe mumbled something and Beca got out of the car. She helped Chloe out of the car and managed to get her into the house. She didn't think she could get Chloe to her room so she laid her on the sofa in the living room.
"I'm going to get you some water, okay?" Beca said and turned to leave.
"Don't go," Chloe said, as she grabbed Beca's arm.
"I'll only be gone for a minute," Beca said. "I promise."
Beca went to the kitchen and came back with two bottles of water.
"Here," Beca said, handing one of the waters to Chloe.
Chloe drank down about half the bottle before handing it back to Beca.
"Thanks," Chloe said, clearing her throat. "I recall you saying something about an apology."
"I did," Beca said, as she sat on the edge of the sofa next to Chloe. "I'm sorry I was such a dick to you earlier. I found out something about, um, about you that really surprised me. I didn't know how to process it and I lashed out at you. I'm really sorry."
"What did you find out about me?" Chloe asked.
"It doesn't matter," Beca said. "It's really none of my business. It all happened before I knew how I felt about you."
Chloe furrowed her brow. "And how do you feel about me?"
"I like you," Beca said. "As more than a friend. And I wanted to tell you but I got scared when I found out that you and-. Um, you."
"I what?" Chloe asked. "And don't say it doesn't matter, because obviously, it matters to you."
"I, uh, found out that you and, uh, Stacie hooked up a couple of times when you were drunk," Beca said.
"Oh," Chloe breathed out. "And that bothers you?"
"Yes. No," Beca said. "Yes. I mean, you've seen Stacie. I can't compete with that."
"Then don't," Chloe said. "It didn't mean anything."
"Stacie said it was a Friends with Benefits type of arrangement," Beca said, looking down at her hands.
Chloe nodded and said, "It was. And it only happened a couple of times. We both liked someone else and it didn't feel right to keep doing it, so we stopped."
Beca looked up at Chloe. "So, I know Stacie wanted Aubrey; who did you want to be with?"
Chloe decided to take the bull by the horns and pulled Beca to her and kissed her. She pulled back after a moment.
"Does that answer your question?"
"Are you going to remember this in the morning?" Beca asked.
"Can you help me upstairs to my room?" Chloe asked. "And stay with me so we can cuddle? Then we'll see how things go in the morning."
Beca smiled and did as Chloe requested.
~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~
Beca woke the next morning when she heard someone knocking on Chloe's door. She looked around and quietly got out of bed to answer the door.
"Shhh," Beca said as soon as Stacie opened her mouth to speak. "Chloe's still asleep."
"Is she okay?" Stacie asked as Beca stepped outside the room. "Oh, did you two finally get together?"
"She's fine," Beca said. "She was still pretty drunk when we talked. I did tell her I liked her, but I wasn't sure she'd remember it this morning. So, I put her to bed and we said we'd talk more this morning."
"So, do you think she'll remember what was said last night?" Stacie asked.
"I hope so," Beca replied.
"Becs?" Chloe's voice called out.
"I'd better get back to her," Beca said and left Stacie standing in the hallway.
"I thought you went back to your room," Chloe said.
"I said I'd stay," Beca told her.
Chloe patted the bed beside her and Beca laid down. Chloe snuggled into her.
"Please tell me I didn't dream last night," Chloe said.
"What do you remember?" Beca asked.
"I remember me telling you that I liked you," Chloe replied. "And you told me you liked me, too."
"That wasn't a dream," Beca said. "It really happened. So, are things different in the light of day?"
"Yes," Chloe said, causing Beca to stiffen and look at her.
"How so?" Beca asked softly.
"Well, last night I said I liked you," Chloe said. "But what I should have said was that I love you."
Beca's eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes, I really do love you," Chloe said, turning on her side to face Beca.
Beca did the same and was now facing Chloe.
"I love you, too," Beca said smiling.
Chloe smiled back and leaned in to kiss Beca. Beca met her halfway and pulled Chloe closer to her. The kiss broke naturally and they smiled at each other.
"Can I take you out to breakfast?" Beca asked.
"Can we make it lunch, instead?" Chloe countered. "I just want to stay here like this for a while."
"I'm good with that," Beca said and snuggled closer to Chloe.