Chapter 16

Later, Babe

"Saying I love you is like hearing a death sentence. Words so overused that many have refused to believe it, fear it even. Impossible to utter unless given proof. But is it really just the words that have failed us or is it the careless society who ruined it? Well, fuck that. I love you,"

December 2018

Beca hates mornings. They always gave her anxiety and dread. Always reminding her to that it's time to come out of hiding in all her misery and face the mocking smile of the sun. To get up and out of the sweet comforts of her bed. The bed that could fit three people in it. She never really thought of the size to be honest, she had been drawn to the cozy aesthetic it brought and the health benefits the sales guy had babbled about—she blames Aubrey for scaring her with facts about how her unhealthy lifestyle will leave her crippled and slowly dying.

Beca had and always been a night person. Mornings are just not her thing. Not for a year. Mornings reminded her of sweet and warm things. The very things she lost a year ago. Her choice of solitude wasn't warm and sweet. It was silent and… blue. The universal language for sad and alone. There was even a damn song about it.

Bluer than blue. Sadder than sad.

Now don't even get her started about the significance of Friday. That's a heartache to discuss. Yes, not headache but…

Heartache.

Which was why, waking up on what is supposedly a blue Friday morning with a smile on her face is strange.

But can anyone blame her?

Today there's warmth draped all over her, perfectly snuggling her from behind, making her feel electric. Alive and energized. Warm breath slowly tickles the back of her neck from supple lips that are inches away from her nape.

It's calming.

She brushes her hand on the arm around her waist, fingers tracing soft skin until she slips them around a hand which she presses closer right on top of her heart.

She closes her eyes to revel in the feeling. Just being in that quiet moment of comfort and bliss makes her happy. Truly happy.

A deep inhale from behind disrupts her silent musings and she feels the hold around her tighten, a body pressing further against hers, those supple lips now connecting with skin.

She takes it as her cue to shift her position, rolling over to her back with an arm open to accommodate her favorite person.

She can hear that familiar sigh of satisfaction and contentment as Chloe buries her head in the crook of her neck, half her body already on her.

Her girlfriend loves cuddles. Craves it, actually. Especially on mornings when she sleeps over. It's a mandatory thing now.

Beca doesn't complain though. She'd never. Not to the person who made her love Fridays and mornings again. To the woman who gave the color blue a new meaning.

She wraps her arms around Chloe, nose deep in red locks that smell like flowers and something sweet.

It just makes her want to drift back to sleep. Except, Chloe wouldn't let her.

"We need to be there early, Becs," Chloe sleepily mumbles, voice slightly muffled with the tight embrace Beca is giving her.

"Ten minutes," she mumbles back and gets a sigh in return. One that has heard the same line before and knows that ten minutes isn't really going to be ten minutes.

"I'll be counting."

Beca snorts at the sleepy response. She's already made a list of adorable things Chloe says— usually either when sleepy or tired or tipsy – and even including those random sentences she suddenly bursts out singing to. It's all these quirkiness that's the reason why she's changed Chloe's name on her phone from 'Cute Psycho' to 'Captain Cutie'—which may or may not have also been because when they had went to see a movie, Chloe kept crying out 'No!' whenever Captain Marvel had any slight inconvenience whilst reaching out to the huge screen with a pout.

"Today's the event," Chloe reminds her before yawning.

They've spent all night making sure that everyone involved will deliver and that the social media hype remains strong. It may not be as big as their annual music festival but the stress it brings is pretty much the same.

"I know," she breathes out in reply, shutting her eyes close, hoping to stay in their comfortable bubble of bliss for a little longer.

In a few hours, she knows that they won't be likely to spend time as intimate as this until midnight.

They've been together as a couple for a week now. A week where only Aubrey and Stacie knew of the change of their relationship. Friends to lovers is still quite a high jump to make considering all of the factors that had almost led her to believe that having this moment wasn't possible.

But it is and here they are now. Bodies pressed together, limbs twisted all over each other underneath the sheets and soft kisses being given whenever they desired.

"Six minutes," Chloe croaks out and Beca groans.

"Seriously? It's only been a minute," she protests even though she's sure to lose.

"Six minutes and ten seconds."

Guess it's time to pull out the big guns.

Before Chloe could continue she immediately rolls on top of her, lips on Chloe's cheek as she runs her hands on her favorite redhead's sides, knowing the exactly where she finds it ticklish.

A yelp followed by a string of giggles erupts from the room and Beca's lips split into a smile. There's protesting, begging, total retaliation and, at one point, Bella jumping on the bed, amidst the laughter when Beca realizes something.

She wants to have mornings like this for the rest of her life.

"Lights?"

"Just a few adjustments."

"Sound system?"

"We'll have one final sound check with some chosen fans. Probably going to be a couple of tweaks here and there."

"Visuals?"

"CR's working on it as we speak."

"Cameras?"

"The crew is still repairing camera 3. Hopefully, it'll be done in an hour."

"They better get it done in less than that."

"I'll… let them know that then."

"Artists?"

"All on their waiting rooms, having hair and make-up done."

"The media? The sponsors?"

"Chloe is working on it."

"Where is she?"

"She's currently with Playlist magazine's representatives."

Beca lets out a heavy breath, head deep in thought as she looks at the elevated stage in the middle. Blue Christmas lights hang down from above like cascading snow flakes encircling the yellow spot lights. The walls around the venue are lined with slanted red and violet long led light bulbs. They look like glowing laser beams.

The DJ's equipment stands just behind the main stage while at the opposite corner of the room lies the glowing neon red and green bar that serves both coffee and alcohol— mixed together if that's what you prefer. Bartenders wearing Santa hats are already preparing their perfect potions.

Beca has already contemplated grabbing a drink earlier but coffee makes her take several bathroom breaks and drinking alcohol seems unethical to do when she's on the job.

So, maybe after the event then. There's an Amplify Christmas party after the acoustic concert and unfortunately, she's required to attend it. Her bosses will all be there and surely, her name will be slipping their lips.

Her vision catches red hair entering the venue followed by two photographers and whoever Playlist Magazine has sent to do an interview.

The interviewer seems to be scribbling on his notebook every now and then as Chloe explains everything about the work behind the scenes.

Beca's silently eyes follow her. Her attention captured so easily by an unmeasurable charm only Chloe can produce.

"There will also be a TV feature with one of our artists for Station Live," Jesse reminds her and Beca almost forgets that he was standing there all this time.

"Who's the artist?" she asks after clearing her throat and with the lack of response, she senses Jesse's hesitation.

Curious and impatient, she looks over at her assistant, his necktie already on Christmas mode with reindeers and Frozen's Olaf on it.

"It's Paris Blake," he finally reveals.

"Oh," Beca nods at that, forgetting that her ex-girlfriend is again part of her event.

Rachelle's album has topped charts all over the world and having her at Amplify's year-end special is inevitable due to the fact that her album happens to be the most listened to in their app.

However, Rachelle's presence doesn't bother her anymore for the reason that not only have they gotten closure but also due to the fact that her heart is filled with a person that reminds Beca of the warm morning glow of the sun. A fact that most of her friends are still clueless about.

Also, said beautiful glowing sunshine is currently giving a quick tour of their venue and Beca doesn't feel too good about how the interviewer keeps smiling and leaning closer to her sunshine. Like a stupid rain cloud hovering in between, keeping the light all to himself.

Stupid rain cloud

If there was ever a rain cloud hovering around Chloe, it should be her.

She clenches her jaw at the light touch he places on Chloe's shoulder and god help him if he touches her again because Beca is just about to do something unethical, alcohol in her system or not.

"Beca?"

Jesse's voice breaks her glare and honestly, she was glad he did because this jealousy thing is for children and might eventually cause her this very important event. Punching media representatives is not good press nor does Amplify need a scandal just before the year ends.

Reluctantly, she looks away to look at Jesse's puzzled look. He reminds her that she will be giving a small thank you speech later at the Christmas party and she internally groans because she hates speaking in public. Especially when said speech contains cheesy words of gratitude to Amplify's big bosses— for giving us all this opportunity to blah, blah, blah.

"And this is the woman behind all of this. Our team leader. Our overall-producer of events, Beca Mitchell," she hears Chloe say as they walk over to where she and Jesse stand.

Glancing towards their direction, Beca takes the hand extended out to her like clock work, already on business mode as she faces the guy, a practiced smile on her lips.

Maybe she gripped his hand a bit harder than usual though. She's human after all and being petty is part of it.

Oh what she would give to tell him— 'Beca Mitchell, Amplify's over-all producer of events. I see you've met my girlfriend, Chloe.'

But she can't and for now, she maintains her professionalism. For now, she settles with the soft yet assuring touch Chloe leaves on her wrist.

For now Chloe will be her most precious secret.

For now

To say that the event is going smoothly is almost laughable. Everyone is basically running around carrying stress and anxiety on their shoulders. Camera 3 is finally running without any glitches but now technical problems with the microphones are arising. The sound checks are done, the room is now filled with excited fans and the concert is starting after a thirty minute delay. Chloe's lips are hurting from smiling too much now. But it's really nothing to the responsibility Beca must be feeling right now.

Still, Chloe stares at her in awe because despite all the sudden problems popping up here and there, her favorite person in the whole world still manages to fix whatever needs fixing. Which is not the easiest job to do because when shit happens they all look to Beca for a solution yet no matter what comes, the brilliant producer always rises above it all. Beca who has been massaging her temples every now and then, ordering people so confidently and quick to think of the next step to take. Her Beca.

Chloe has never been more proud. She just wishes that she can openly give her a hug right now. That, and to let everyone now just how awesome her girlfriend is. It was after all one of the billion things that she finds so attractive about Beca. Her passion and drive for excellence is just so inspiring.

For now she stands next to her, by the technical crew backstage, ready to go do whatever Beca asks her. Ready to give as much support as she can.

"Fans are pushing each other near the barricade. We cannot afford any accidents today! Get security over there! Now!" Beca yells as people scramble around to execute her commands.

It's also noticeable how Chloe could easily tell the exact moment where Beca tips over to her stricter 'I don't care about anyone's feelings at this point' side, with the way her words are now stinging stronger than earlier.

Jesse is already sweating and adjusting his tie nervously and everyone is just trying not to be called out harshly by trying to stay invisible— if that was even possible.

Moreover, the strain Beca keeps massaging on her neck and shoulders becomes noticeable, at least to Chloe.

Instinctively, she reaches out, finally being unable to remain silent any longer. Her fingers wrap around Beca's arm as she faces the brunette.

"Beca, I need to talk to you for a second."

She gets a finger held up near her face as a response while the distracted producer points out things on the screens that they need to watch out for.

"I want those wires fixed. Somebody is going to trip and die! I do not have time to make arrangements for a funeral right now."

Okay. Chloe takes that as her cue to forcefully intervene. Her grip on Beca's arm tightening.

"Beca. Now," she demands, looking straight into dark blue eyes.

For a second there she fears that Beca would unintentionally snap at her or pull the boss card but all that snaps is Beca's intense focus on the screen.

She wordlessly lets Chloe pull her aside and into one of the empty equipment rooms. Obviously, looking impatient as she fidgets around a bit just before Chloe turns to her.

"Please tell me that none of our artists are having one of their diva moments and are refusing to perform unless we get them one of those Starbucks Christmas Frappuccino's to get into the Christmas spirit, find their zen and sing," Beca goes off while Chloe pauses with a frown on her face in order to slowly replay all that in her head.

"What? No!" she quickly dismisses as soon as it sinks in.

"Is it the exes? Are they fighting? Has one of them walked out?"

"No. No! And no!" Chloe sighs frustratedly before taking hold of both Beca's hands to stop her from whatever rant she's about to go off on about.

"Then what's the problem?"

"Nothing! There's no problem."

"Then what are we doing here?"

"We're about to do breathing exercises," Chloe deadpans and Beca groans.

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not. Have you even eaten anything yet? And no, those energy drinks aren't lunch."

"I don't have time to— there's going to be a feast later anyway!"

"Okay, how about this then," Chloe starts to suggest as she unzips her hand bag and takes out a carefully wrapped sandwich. She forcefully hands it over to Beca who reluctantly takes it, scrutinizing the contents.

"Just two big bites and I'll be out of your hair. You can go back to yelling at everyone afterwards," she offers, arms crossing over her chest and an eyebrow arched challengingly.

"Seriously? But—"

"No buts, babe. I'm not letting you out this room until you're swallowing two bites of that sandwich," she says determinedly.

Beca, of all people should know by now just how determined she could be.

"Did you just… call me babe?"

"No…," she blurts out before following with a small, "Yes? I didn't know why I said that. Do you want me to call you that?"

"Well, I don't hate it and I don't mind. Do you want to call me that?"

"I—Stop changing the subject! Please just eat the damn sandwich," she breathes out, eyes back to staring at the brunette sternly.

"Fine," Beca breathes out and as soon as she unwraps the snack to take a bite, Chloe sighs in relief.

It turns into a sharp inhale pretty quickly however, when Beca slowly takes a second bite with those intense deep blues staring at her. It's a very familiar look, having been exposed to it all week, and Chloe knows that she's receiving one right now as some sort of punishment.

This must be why they don't allow relationships in the office. Because now the room has seemingly gotten small and possibly even hotter.

That damn smirk!

She blinks away from the gaze and exhales before nodding her head.

"Okay, so that's it! You can go now and be amazing again," she quickly says, averting her eyes to look at the door.

Because if this continues on, she's absolutely sure to violate a lot of work protocols and rules. Also, this event needs their producer to function and Chloe does not want to be held liable for its failure.

She starts marching to the door when a hand wraps around her wrist to stop her. She pauses only to feel lips lovingly pressed on her cheek and appreciative dark blue eyes.

"Thank you," Beca sincerely says.

"For being the energy pill I can always rely on. You've always been the best," she continues with a smile that makes Chloe's heart expand with joy.

She smiles back at Beca, lips curving up into a huge smile when the brunette slyly adds before walking out the door,

"Later, babe."

The event, as of the moment, is starting to become a success. The ratings will be definitely soaring once it airs and everyone is starting to relax.

Chloe has just finished talking with the sponsor's representatives and now she slowly makes her way to one of the waiting rooms. This time, it's not for business purposes but rather, something personal.

She opens the door after a brief knock, entering to settle comfortably at one of the plush sofa seats by the vanity mirror and nonchalantly placing a box of mints at the vanity area's table, in front of Paris Blake herself.

The singer, pauses from fiddling with her phone to eye the small gift in amusement.

"Is this you trying to subtly but not so subtly tell me that I have bad breath?" she asks, straightening in her seat, elbow on the chair's arm and knuckles underneath her chin to watch her with rapt attention.

"Because that's impossible."

Chloe sighs, gaze turning from the flat screen television of Rachelle's very comfortable waiting room to playful emerald green eyes.

"Or I'm subtly but not so subtly telling you to quit smoking and eat candy instead to curb the addiction," she finally answers, words hanging before adding a defeated,

"Also, those cigarettes are terribly expensive! Why waste money on shit that is slowly killing you?" she bursts out, staring back into Rachelle as if they are in some contest where the loser is the first to blink.

"I thought you preferred to watch me suffer? Are you going soft on me now?" Rachelle teases.

"Oh I do. And no, definitely not but the kind of suffering I was aiming for is bad camera angles, flat tires and broken high heels," she replies without missing a beat.

They settle for a moment of silence until their lips stretch into knowing smiles.

"You seem way better than last time. I actually wondered how everything went but seeing her was enough for me to know it worked out well," Rachelle says as she dips her head down to inspect her nails.

"You talked to Beca?" Chloe asked, trying to sound as natural as possible yet unable to help feeling a little… protective.

It's not because of the threat of ex-girlfriends coming back with the intent to steal her girl, nope, Chloe's not worried about that, but because of the fact that no matter what, Rachelle had been someone Beca had once loved so much. What they had was something deep and despite having no need to compete against the past, Chloe can't help but feel a little tinge of jealousy flaring up.

Which is probably natural what with her relationship with Beca being new. Totally far from the three, almost four, years Rachelle had with her. Not to mention, the knowledge that the woman in front of her had almost came close to swearing forever with Chloe's forever favorite person, truly makes her feel uneasy. Intentional or not.

"Not really. Just the casual greetings here and there. But I know Beca and I can easily tell even from a far. Despite the stress, she's glowing and… so are you," Rachelle admits, eyeing her with a knowing smirk.

Her words come as a surprise and Chloe hadn't really been conscious about her actions these past few days. Now she wonders if she'd been obvious from the start and the curious looks her friends have given her since Monday morning were because of that very reason.

"Don't worry, it's a good look. I prefer this," Rachelle motions at her with her fingers moving up and down her direction, "More than the depressing loser aura you've probably been wearing for weeks," she admits and Chloe should be pissed at the blatant attack but she isn't.

Maybe she's getting the hang of this frenemies thing now.

"Look who's talking," she mockingly teases back, yet Rachelle's small smile just lets her know that no offense was taken.

"Shut up, bitch. Everybody knows I am always fabulous," she confidently says before tossing a magazine in front of her.

Velvet magazine in all it's glossy glory. Of course, Paris Blake is posing as their cover model for this month. She shakes her head at the photo because of course it's expected.

"Page 52," Rachelle tells her and Chloe's brow arches in curiosity.

Nevertheless, she flips it to the specific page finding, what is apparently the second part of the article about the singer. Her eyes skim down the interview, immediately drawn to the Italicized sentence written cursively.

'People always assumed things of me, my relationships included. Under the heavy weight of the spotlight, I've always struggled to please, to become the perfect picture they asked of me, and in the process I have seemed to hide who I truly am. To suppress my identity in order to gain acceptance,'

Chloe takes moment to look up and find Rachelle give a brief nod at her, egging her to read on. This time the words written underneath it, un-italicized yet still so incredibly raw and filled with so much heart.

'But I've realized that I should've never been afraid. To do everything I desire to do. To love who I want to love and to be unapologetic about it. This is who I am and I am beyond grateful of all the opportunities I've been given but I seem to have lost myself along the way and these achievements are nothing if I keep living like a puppet, chained to the expectations of society,'

Chloe traces a finger on every word, slowly sliding down towards the bottom, reading with bated breath.

'Yes, it's true, I loved a woman and she'd always be my great love. Was my relationship with Ryan real? Yes it was and he is simply one of the most genuine souls that I've ever met. It's unfortunate how it ended and I don't regret it. But some things are just not meant to be and he will always be dear to my heart. Do I want to be defined by the people I date? Absolutely not. I am who I am and I love who I want to love because I believe that's how it's supposed to be. Life is too short to focus on all the negatives and I think we have to strive to live like it's our last,'

Chloe carefully turns a page, finding the last part of the article. Unbeknown to the small surprise at the end.

'All I'd say to my fans is, and I know they've heard this a million times but still, thank you. Thanks to the unwavering support all these years. Always remember, you're valid and you're loved. It's okay to make mistakes and all you have to do is always get back up. Also, don't smoke! I've actually decided to quit after an annoying friend threw my last pack of cigarettes. And I'm glad she did because she's right, I don't need it and it's not going to do me any good. Healthy is beautiful and I think everyone should put that on their beauty regimen. You're all beautiful and handsome, so stop listening to those unhealthy diets from models who surely have doctors to make them look pretty. Be confident, do what you love and be healthy instead. For me, that's what beauty is,'

There are details about the album and an upcoming concert tour but Chloe pays no mind to that because at this point, her heart has grown a couple of inches larger and the genuine happiness she feels just reading the soul of what the interview has successfully captured almost brings her to tears.

It was absolutely empowering and incredible that she looks at Rachelle in awe, sincerely proud at the huge step she just took. It's inspiring and with their rivalry and teasing aside, she's honestly proud of her.

"What? You weren't the only one knocking on doors of the unknown," the wildly famous singer tells her with a smirk.

It takes a moment to sink in the pleasant feeling of the moment but when it does they both laugh, unspoken words passing between them yet rings loud enough for the both of them to understand.

They made it. Despite the hiccups, the bumps along the way and the mistakes made. They've grown, and honestly still growing, and now they're each welcoming a new chapter in their lives.

"Some of the world is still not ready for people like you and me," Chloe says after some time, the magazine in her hands now with a golden signature and a note. Go buy me some more candy, bitch.

"I've lost fans, I know but," she smiles, checking her nails as she does. "I've also gained new ones and I'm pretty sure these are the ones that would stick till the end. We've got one powerful community after all."

"Ah yes," Chloe sighs, giving out a smile of her own. "The gays will definitely take care of you until the end," she says with much certainty.

"Aww, look at you slowly starting to leave the baby gay status. I'm proud of you," Rachelle compliments teasingly while Chloe rolls her eyes.

"Tessa says I still need to go get the flag and kiss a girl at Pride before graduating," she sighs, shaking her head at the thought of her friend. Rachelle agrees to that before looking deep in thought.

"Tessa is… that friend of yours who worked on some of my events, right? Lovely dark curly hair, gray, sort of brown, eyes, cheeky smile and really nice hips?" Rachelle asks and Chloe takes a pause at the very colorful description because she's almost certain that Rachelle wouldn't remember most of the staff running around her photoshoots and live events.

"Yeah… that's definitely her," she slowly says, her brain suddenly working overtime.

"She's nice," Rachelle muses before launching into a really unrequired explanation. "She got me the medicine I needed and some really delicious tea when I had this bad cold one time. I actually haven't gotten to thank her yet—Is she here?" she asks and despite the casual tone, Chloe could easily detect the hint of eagerness underneath those green orbs.

It makes her wonder. Like really wonder. That perhaps, there might be something there. Something familiar, that's for sure.

What's more surprising is, given that Tessa Marie 'please be sick at a safe distance because I don't want no virus' Shannon, with her usually very vocal, no secrets between us, friendship, hasn't really told her about this interesting story, one that is totally worth gossiping about. It's almost as if she was… keeping it to herself.

Like a secret crush?

"Oh my god!" she exclaims, eyes filled with mirth and a smile creeping on her lips.

Rachelle looks at her in confusion and Chloe suddenly feels powerful.

Deciding to finally to enlighten her, Chloe leans closer to excitedly whisper, "You have a thing for her! For my friend!"

"What? No!" Rachelle quickly replies, her tone indignant. However, her avoiding eyes easily give her away.

Taking that as a challenge, Chloe begins typing furiously on her phone which visibly brings discomfort to the singer.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing."

"That doesn't look like nothing."

Chloe looks up at her, a glint of playfulness in her eyes.

"What?" Rachelle asks with a frown, totally suspicious of her.

"I just think that you need assistance," she simply answers after a minute.

The frown deepens. "What do you—"

A knock is heard at the door and when one of Rachelle's assistants opens it to reveal Chloe's good friend, Tessa herself.

If there are moments in her life that she is very proud of and would like to repeat again, this would be one of them.

Rachelle gives her a look of disbelief before telling her assistant to let Tessa in. She looks just as confused at the 'super emergency' Chloe messaged her about yet as soon as she sees her, her eyes light up in surprise then suspicion.

"Is there anything I could help you with?" she asks Rachelle and Chloe knows her well enough to figure out that this crush is mutually shared.

What with the way she looks at Rachelle. Well everybody would, given that Paris Blake is a household name with the millions of fans worshiping her all over the world. But if someone would be highly immune to the famous superstar aura Chloe knows that Tessa is that person. With her no-nonsense attitude and her unfiltered personality, it's always a wild ride with her. She even thinks of Hollywood as a puppet master controlling everyone involved in it. So this is quite… contradicting to that belief.

There's an invite for coffee or dinner in between the conversation—as just a 'thank you' of course, as Rachelle had emphasized with the pointed look she throws at Chloe. The feeling is pleasant and maybe it's another door opening to something beautiful.

She slips out the room with a smile, relief filling her chest in the fact that playing cupid is still not lost to her. She'd been so good at it back then that she had once thought of making a business out of it. Ironically, she used to think that she was so much better at knowing someone else's match than finding herself one.

And maybe, she had been so scared of failing to connect with someone that she hadn't realized that she was too focused on finding love rather than falling in love.

Her eyes land on Beca nodding about something with one of the event coordinators. Her heart instantly picks up its pace, her gaze unable to waver amidst the flurry of activity around them, a reaction only Beca Mitchell can evoke out of her.

She looks gorgeous even from a distance, even when she's serious, deep in thought, distracted or just, all the time. How can one not be attracted to her? Especially when she is this focused in the one of the many things she does so brilliantly.

Dark blues land on her and Chloe's lips instinctively curve into a smile.

Actually, it's funny, how just when she stops looking for something to hold on to does this amazing human being crash right on her path, knocking her down all of a sudden and out of the blue.

Life is a funny thing after all.

And love? It found her and Chloe isn't letting it go.

Not this one.

Never.

Maybe she gets it now. The thrill of something forbidden or something to be kept secret of. The nervousness and the delight of it all rolled into one.

But kissing Beca behind curtains and loads of equipment right after the event ends is too good to think about work ethics and the dangers of being caught.

How could she even resist? Her girlfriend is insanely good-looking in that buttoned up suit whilst taking command of such an upscale event. No, Chloe is too weak to fight against this.

"Another night. Another success," she proudly says, smiling brightly as she wipes the smudged lipstick at the corner of Beca's lips.

"It's past six in the evening and I blame you for getting me into this routine," Beca complains yet her hands remain around Chloe's waist.

"Exactly, it is past six already so, can I please just take my girlfriend now and go home?" Chloe softly pleads, the one that makes Beca give in to anything she asks.

"We can't. We have to be at the after party slash Amplify Christmas party," the producer sighs, looking very unwilling to go to said party which will be held at another hotel, the Strada Empire.

"But can't we just call in sick? We just finished an event, for god's sake. Please?" she pushes on, placing her arms around Beca to plant soft kisses on her cheek.

"Chlo, I am required to give some sort of speech later," Beca reasons, looking at her apologetically. "We'll just go there for a couple of hours, eat a bit, say my speech, hang out with executives and important music industry people then we can go home."

It all sounds exhausting and boring. How she found it exciting back then is now lost to her.

So she leans in closer, lips trailing down Beca's jaw line where she gives all of her attention to, lips parting to accommodate soft skin.

"Okay, after my speech we'll leave. Just… two hours tops," Beca says distractedly but it's not enough and Chloe hums her disapproval.

Her hands trace curves as she continues her way down to Beca's neck, tongue swirling on flesh before she tenderly sucks on it.

"One. Just—just one hour," Beca quickly corrects and maybe leaving love bites on her girlfriend's neck is not a good idea if she is to go up on stage for a toast to the big bosses.

"Fine, an hour it is then," she says, proud of herself and the mess she can turn Beca into.

"I hate you," the brunette says just before she kisses Chloe, not really caring about the lipstick smudge she's creating yet again.

Resting her forehead against Beca's, she contemplates on the words circling around the back of her head all day. Add in the realizations she made a while ago.

"Becs, I…" she starts, looking into lovely shades of deep blue. "I want to tell them," she breathes out.

"About us," she finishes, her thumbs tracing the dips and curves of Beca's neck.

The silence prompts her to clarify even more. "I want to tell the rest of our friends about our relationship because… I sort of hate the fact that I can't get to say that you're mine, that we're together and that you're not single anymore, especially at the club," she explains, focusing on the fabric of Beca's suit which she's currently toying at the hem.

"Sort of?" Beca inquires, an eyebrow arched up as she searches for Chloe's eyes.

Exhaling in defeat, she finally blurts it out, "Okay, I hate it a lot and besides, this is getting hard to keep from CR and Jesse because we work with them almost every day and it's hard to keep making up excuses about my table full of blue roses or this necklace!" she says, lifting up the blue rose pendant hanging around her neck which Beca gave her one morning, two days ago.

"So we should tell them," Beca nods, gently brushing a strand of her hair.

"Really? I mean, I'd understand if you say no," she starts to say but Beca hushes her.

"I actually wanted to tell you something too," Beca confesses.

"I hate it a lot too," she whispers, lips curving into a smile.

"I was just so close to punching that guy earlier,"

"Yeah I know, I felt it," Chloe laughs before admitting, "He actually asked for my number which I didn't give, by the way," she says, soothing Beca's sudden stiff posture by caressing soft cheeks—just like a kitten.

"Because, I have this really adorable, cute-sized, stunningly gorgeous girlfriend," she says just as Beca groans at her choice of adjectives.

"I am not cute-sized, you psycho."

"Shut up, you'll always be cute-sized to me," she giggles before capturing Beca's pout with her lips, the most effective way to win any argument.

Chloe lets herself get lost into the kiss, slowly deepening it as she contentedly sighs until she hears something loudly drop to the floor.

Both of them almost jump in surprise, quickly separating with their eyes wide at the source of the noise behind them.

"Oh god," Jesse repeatedly mumbles in panic as he fumbles for his yellow water bottle and his notebook while CR stares at them, eyes just as wide and body frozen in place.

When Jesse stands back up, fussing over his necktie before CR distractedly slaps his hand away, the four of them stay in awkward silence. Jesse avoids their eyes, looking down at the floor then at the walls like a child caught doing what he was told not to do. CR, on the other hand, looked like she saw Jesus or Drake, whichever of the two, with her eyes growing wider with every second and her mouth gaping open as if she was trying to say something she can't find the words for. Which is probably the most accurate description for what is happening.

Chloe tries to speak up and break the silence because again, awkward silences will be the death of her, but CR beats her to it.

"Really, Becs? Chloe? Of all the women you can take advantage of? How dare you lure and seduce her just as she's come out of the motherfuckin' closet? She's just a baby!" she hisses to which Beca throws her hands up in disbelief.

"You can't be serious now!" Beca says in protest.

Jesse grabs his necktie and pulls it off muttering dramatically, 'I can't with this family anymore!'

CR grabs her phone because 'I'm calling everyone—nah, I'm calling Lilly. This shit's on a crazy ass level!'

Beca literally just gives up on trying because, 'Why is it always me? I was the innocent victim in the first place!'

Chloe sighs because, 'Again, it was just that one time! I did not mean to touch your boobs! ...they are absolutely amazing though,'

Guess, they got what they asked for in the end. The secret's finally out.

January 2019

It's cold.

The winter season is making it cold or maybe it's just her and her nervousness messing with her senses. Chloe is anxious and it's not really a good combination to have. Her leg keeps bouncing and even if she tells herself that she's done this several times before, the anticipation swirling in the pit of her stomach doesn't lessen.

She looks back down at the paper in her obviously shaking hands, repeating the lyrics and the melody in her head for the millionth time. She knows it by heart at this point but still, you can never be too sure.

Slowly letting out a breath, she thinks only of the positive things. It's just an audition like any other. She might get it. She might not. Who knows? That's just how it is in this line of career. At least she'd finally meet the great Lilly Okanakamura—who actually happens to be part of their group but prefers to linger quietly in the background which is why she had no idea.

On another note, she reminds herself to treat all her friends with pizza and beer after all this is done, no matter what the outcome may be. They've all been very encouraging with their support.

Flo has gotten her herbal juice for her throat, Amy had given her Vodka for extra confidence, Stacie dragged her to the spa to get a full body massage to ease the stress and tension, Aubrey introduced her to a vocal coach and relentlessly pushed her to keep herself fit, Jesse kept sending her musicals to watch and sweet Benjie gave her a hug and a lucky bracelet charm which she wore today.

Anyway, she's here and chasing her dreams again for the first time in years. It's a good step and whether she gets it or not, she can settle with the fact that she tried and she's not giving up even if she fails today.

"Just imagine it's only you and me," Beca's voice breaks her thoughts as she quickly looks up in surprise.

"Hey," she greets, smile widening as she lets out a breath of relief. "What are you doing here?" she asks as soon as she embraces her, arms tightening around her girlfriend.

Her surprise comes from the fact that it's a Wednesday afternoon and Amplify's work schedule operates mainly on the weekdays. As a matter of fact, Chloe had to take a leave of absence today which Beca had immediately signed, knowing what this particular Wednesday means.

"Where else am I supposed to be?" Beca asks with a smirk and all Chloe wants to do is kiss her. But they aren't alone and the few people auditioning with her are already looking their way. As much as she's proud to do so, she doesn't feel like suddenly coming out to a bunch of people in the room.

"I really meant to come here but not for another hour. The thing is, I can't focus on anything so Jesse kicked me out of the office," she admits and Chloe shakes her head in disbelief.

"I'm actually glad you're here," she truthfully says and Beca lets out a sheepish smile.

"I'm not actually allowed back here but," she glances around, "Well, I had to sneak in to see you before you go up there."

Chloe had always known that she'd been lucky having Beca in her life but it astounds her how she finds herself being reminded of it every single day. No matter what, Beca would always go an extra mile for her.

Always.

Looking back, she would've realized that this was the moment she knew.

Beca is the one.

An announcement for the audition to start in five minutes comes shortly and Beca looks at her, holding her hand and squeezing it lightly.

"I'll be sitting there, right side, third row and I may or may not have an embarrassing little banner with your name it on," she informs her and Chloe shakes her head in disbelief.

"Hey," Beca says, making Chloe look at her. "You're already a winner to me and no, it's not because I bribed Lilly," she sighs and Chloe lets out a laugh. "But I just want to celebrate after this. Whatever happens, just have fun out there."

Beca smiles at her and it's those words paired with those calming blues that urge Chloe forward. Everything be damned, she's going to kiss her right this very second. Because it's all she wants to hold with her. She wants to sing while remembering this feeling, this moment, Beca's heartbeat and this kiss.

She carries it with her as she makes her way to the steps at the corner of the stage, pushing her forward and wrapping around her like the warm sunny morning. Taking a really deep breath and letting it out, she is finally beckoned to stage.

And just before she begins, she closes her eyes before opening them to the blaring spotlight, an old friend. Her lips part to suck in air and in the silence that almost reminds her of the years she's spent suppressing the desires of her heart, she finally opens her soul and sings.

Author's Note:

Uh so this is awkward. First of all, let me explain my absence last Friday! Basically, I just got stuck writing this chapter due to lack of inspiration and motivation. I didn't want to push through it because I'm sure it's going to be shit and I don't like presenting stinky poo to all you lovely readers just for the sake of 'meeting the deadline'. So it took me one more week to write, my apologies. I had to honestly watch Captain Marvel again just so I could find inspiration! Thank you, my love, my wife. I ate a lot, read amazing Bechloe, (and Clexa, and Hollstein and Supercorp) fanfics and drunk so much coffee just to get my brain to work. And it finally did! I finished this one just about an hour ago and I'm very satisfied with it. Even got emotional writing it (the last part, dude). There might be errors on grammar and spelling though because I haven't really completely re-read it and did some intensive reviewing but I wasn't going to make you guys wait any longer. I will get to the editing later (baby) but first, I have to sleep. So that's what happened and I really appreciate the concern (I'm alive and well, I swear).

There's one more chapter left and I'll try my hardest to make it next Friday (guess I'll have to watch Captain Marvel again) but if it doesn't feel right, then it's absolutely not going to make it. Quality first, always.

Thank you for all your birthday greetings and your patience. You guys are amazing.

kimmania : Honestly, I feel much more relaxed here than in AO3 mainly because I started writing here so I tend to share more personal stuff. Where as, in AO3 I am like, testing the waters a little bit and then I get so confused with writing the note at the end because sometimes it posts the last one so there's like two notes now and I don't know how to erase the previous note? It ruins my aesthetic lol. Ugh, I'll figure it out soon.