A/N: Hey guys! Here's the next chapter. Thanks for the reviews and the kind words.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pitch Perfect or really anything.

Chapter 2

***Beca Sets a Club Afire***

Beca is buzzing with nervous energy as she and Chloe make their way towards the club where she will be spinning records for the night. It's both exciting and daunting because she's been given this chance to DJ at Club Exchange, one of the more popular clubs in LA. Granted she'll be pulling the seven to eleven shift on a Thursday, but she should catch the bigger crowds in her last hour. This is by far the best venue she's played at since moving to Los Angele. If she does well tonight it could really move her career forward.

Or set it back if I screw this up. The unwanted thought rises from that box of insecurities that try as she might, she's never been able to get rid of. Most people who know her would never know she has this, she affects such shows of confidence, and built a badass persona that she wears so well. But then most people don't really know her; they're just acquaintances. Those that really know her is a pretty exclusive club, and it's only two who are close enough to understand the self-doubt that sometimes plagues the talented DJ.

Part of her nervousness comes from not knowing how this deal came together, and so fast. One day she gets a call out of the blue asking if she could fill in for a slot that had come open, the regular house DJ performing at a fundraiser in Las Vegas, and Club Exchange in need of a DJ for one night.

When she broached the subject with the talent managers at Residual Heat they had jumped at the chance to get Beca the exposure. They had made it perfectly clear that this would be her one shot at a first impression.

Don't blow it! What the f… Who leaves a conversation on that note? A pretentious little shit, that's who… but he's right. I have to nail this… What if I don't nail this?

Beca slows her stride and shakes her head to clear the spiraling conversation that was only feeding her insecurities. She tries not to dwell on the potential bad, and instead focus on the positive.

As in I have the opportunity to DJ this night at one of the most popular clubs in LA.

Chloe notices Beca slowing pace, and automatically reaches for her friend's hand. From years of practice she easily captures Beca's hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.

Beca has always marveled at how Chloe can simultaneously take hold of her hand both gently and firmly. It's no death grip that Chloe offers, yet somehow Beca can't ever break her friend's grip unless the redhead chooses to release her.

The very act of taking her hand does wonders for Beca's peace-of mind. Suddenly she's grounded, and the cacophony of thoughts are quieted by a single voice that sounds remarkably like Chloe's; and it's reassuring her that she's going to shine tonight.

Beca looks up to see Chloe smiling at her, and she seriously considers the idea that Chloe has the power of ESP. Chloe's right eyebrow arches and smirks in such a way that the possibility seems even more probable.

Beca smiles in thanks which slides to a smirk of her own as she tries very hard to project her persona. Chloe doesn't say a word, just raises her eyebrows and nods towards the club. Beca follows Chloe's nod and her smirk returns to a smile and nods that she's ready.

Together Beca and Chloe turn and again make their way towards the club. Beca looks over at Chloe in an effort to keep herself distracted. Looking at Chloe is an easy distraction on any given day, but tonight she's taken it to a whole other level.

In truth both best friends are dressed to impress this evening; each in their own unique way, befitting their respective personality. Chloe insisted that Beca needed to really sell herself tonight, which of course lead to numerous snarky comments from said tiny DJ. The reality though, was Beca really didn't need much convincing. Beca's dressed in a well fitted red silk blouse that Chloe picked out, buttoned halfway up so that a tease of her silky black bra can be seen. Over this she's wearing her favorite short black leather jacket that Chloe says hugs her waist perfectly. To finish her ensemble Beca's dressed in her signature tight black skinny jeans and wearing her favorite hi-top, black Converse sneakers.

She had also consented to allowing Chloe to do her look, so tonight Beca's hair is down and in big loose curls, and her eyes are perfectly highlighted with a smokey black mascara and a winged out design that the redhead has perfected over the years. Remembering how she looked in the mirror, Beca smiles just knowing she looks hot.

But as good as she looks tonight, in her opinion, she pales in comparison to her best friend. Chloe really pulled out all stops tonight; dressed to impress, wearing a green halter dress with splashes of blue that molds Chloe's body to perfection. It's hugging her curves in just the right ways, and ends a few inches above the knees showing off her amazingly shaped legs. Chloe has great legs, always, it's just a fact; but tonight they are enhanced by four inch black stilettos.

Beca casts a sideways glance at the redhead walking next to her, just impressed with the sight.

Chloe's done her hair in a way which manages to attain a measure of perfection in curls, that gives her hair a fierier red color. Her makeup is flawless as always, though a little edgier than normal.

In a word the two best friends look HOT and ready to conquer the world, or at least Club Exchange.

It's not quite 6:30 in the evening so there's not many people near the entrance. The bouncers haven't even set up their station for checking ID's as they approach the entrance. Beca's nervousness inches higher with each step, and needs a diversion, so asks, "Stacie's coming, right?"

"Yep," Chloe emphasizes the 'P', making it pop. "She's bringing some friends from school."

"Cool; how's she liking UCLA?"

"She loves graduate school."

"Who would have guessed from her first audition for the Bellas that Stacie was like an amazing genius."

Chloe giggles as she remembers that particular afternoon. Stacie's audition for the Bellas had been memorable; not the most memorable, but definitely one for the books. "I think she likes people underestimating her. Gives her an edge."

"I'm still trying to figure out where did she find the time to study back at Barden?"

Chloe shrugs and with a smirk she says, "

"Maybe some of those 'trips to the library'," Chloe does the air quotes with her hands, "were like actually trips to the library."

Beca smiles and shakes her head. "Stranger things have happened, Fat Amy's with Bumper. Bumper won the Voice. Flo is working on helping immigrants in New Mexico." Beca lists off looking thoughtful.

Chloe can't help but grin at her smaller friend. Beca has this habit of getting into strange conversations just before performing. Chloe has always figured it to be a stress reliever.

"Any idea of when she's getting here?"

Chloe held up her iPhone and said, "When I texted her earlier she said she'd be here probably sometime before eight; she wants to make sure she's here to catch the beginning of your set."

Chloe can feel the nervous energy pouring off Beca, so she throws her arm around the smaller woman and pulls on her shoulder, drawing the tiny DJ tight against her. "You know that tonight is going to be great right?"

Beca shrugs in answer, so Chloe presses forward, "Come on Becs, you know it's going to be amazing!"

Trying to deflect her redheaded friend Beca says, "Maybe you'll meet somebody amazing."

Chloe hides her disappointment with a bigger smile, "I've already met someone who's amazing, I arrived with her."

"True," Beca deadpans with a smirk and wink, "but maybe you'll meet someone almost as amazing as me."

Chloe smiles and opens the door for Beca and follows her into the club, "Yeah I suppose, but first a certain ginger needs some of her famous jiggle juice!"

Walking into Club Exchange, both women are suitably impressed.

Beca hesitates for a heartbeat and asks "Can I confess something Chloe?" Chloe smiles with a nod of her head, saying of course. Beca whispers, "Sometimes I feel like I don't belong in a place like this." Beca sweeps her hand as she indicates the entirety of the club.

Chloe's shocked at this admission, it never occurs to her that her tiny brown haired DJ is anything but confident in her talent and abilities. "Of course you do, don't be silly," Chloe says. "Don't you ever forget you are Beca Effin Mitchell." She still sees the apprehension in the shorter woman's smokey blue eyes. "Hey, where's my badass DJ?"

Chloe squeezes Beca's hand. She can feel the tension pouring off the smaller friend, so decides to break the tension. "Hey, do I have to get Fat Amy down here? Do you need some of her 'Butt-Confidence'?"

Beca whips about and asks in a hushed voice, "She told you about that?"

Chloe smiles into her blush and quietly admits, "I was kinda the recipient too."

Beca's face softens and she giggles as she says, "Oh, well that's not so bad."

Chloe smiles and again takes Beca's hand and states confidently, "Don't you ever forget you are Beca Effin Mitchell, my badass DJ!"

"Yes ma'am," says Beca, just feeling the confidence Chloe is transmitting at that moment. With a deep breath, Beca and Chloe again turn and descend deeper into the club.

As they descend the steps, Beca looks over to the bar and catches sight of the owner. She had done some research on the place, seen some reviews and got a feel for the clientele. In the process she had googled the owner and seen his picture.

She notes that he's talking to a couple people that look to be staff, probably the manager and the hostess. She gestures over to the bar and says, "I think that's the owner and the manager."

Chloe follows the line from Beca's hand to the bar. She spies the tall tan man dressed impeccably in a designer suit.

Chloe can't help but exclaim, "Wow, he's hot!"

For some reason Beca's a little annoyed hearing this, she shrugs and says, "You've been hanging with Amy too much."

Chloe smacks Beca in the arm while making a hurt sound. "If I was suffering from some post Amy syndrome, I would be saying something like he can be my popsicle on a hot day…" Beca gags lets out an ewe sound. "Or how he could get me moving like a dingo eating baby…"

Beca breathes out, "Even worse."

Chloe grins at Beca, "Are you saying that he's not like the Bachelor hot?"

"He's alright," the DJ answers with a noncommittal shrug of the shoulders. "Maybe it's Stacie you've been spending too much time with?"

Chloe shakes her head no again. "Nah, if that were the case, I would already be over there using him like a stripper pole."

Beca pivots abruptly and smacks Chloe on the arm, as she cries a strangled. "Dude!"

Chloe can't help but giggle as she watches Beca blush furiously.

Taking a deep breath, Beca collects herself, sees there's an opening in the owners conversation, and confidentiality walks up to the trio. "Mr. Belio, it's a pleasure to meet you," says Beca, extending her hand to shake.

The club owner turns, caught off-guard at the size of the person speaking to him he actually looks over her head at first. He lowers his eyes and then gives the tiny DJ a very blatant once over. The smirk he assumes leave both Beca and Chloe feeling a little queasy. Beca however sucks it up and keeps her smile plastered to her face and her hand extended.

The Club owner continues to ignore the proffered hand. "And you are?"

A little confused by this reaction, Beca straightens her back, lifts her chin and holds his look as she states, "I'm Beca Mitchell, the DJ for tonight."

Before Beca can continue the owner cuts her off. "You're the DJ? No wonder Arianna raved about you. She must be three inches taller than you. Are you even old enough to be in here?"

All sound gets caught in Beca's throat, and though her mouth is moving, no words come out. She seriously can't believe what she just heard.

The owner is on a roll though, "Look, I don't usually hire the DJ of teeny-bopper beach party. We usually employ real DJ's, not birthday party entertainers." Beca inwardly cringes, her eyes rolling to the left as she feels her face redden. She and Chloe had as usual been tight on funds and she needed to start booking some gigs. Of course spinning for a bunch of high schoolers at a giant beach party wasn't ideal, but the money had been good and helped her make rent. Still she hadn't told Chloe or Jesse about that job because she wanted to maintain some semblance of badassitude with Chloe and she really didn't want to be teased by Jesse.

The owner was still going, "I love my niece, and she just couldn't stop raving about you, so here you are. I make her happy and you make me happy by not botching this too much." With that he walked away towards a back hallway, and the manager was gesturing toward the DJ booth, mumbling something about getting setup. Beca's just rooted to the spot, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

It had come so fast and unexpected that Beca had been unprepared. Now she's thinking of a hundred and one things she should have said, retorts and quips she could have used. Part of her wanted to turn around and flee the club, but this is a well paying job at a popular LA establishment. These opportunities just don't come around every day. One thing she's learned over the last few months is that breaking into the club scene is a lot harder than it looks. If she ran the owner was sure to trash her more, making future gigs that much harder to secure.

"I'm screwed," says Beca as she turns towards the DJ booth. Her steps feel heavy and her mind is a jumble of thoughts. This job had seemed too good to be true. It had felt like a miracle out of the blue when she had received the call. Beca had thought that they had heard one of the many demos she had sent out, or heard her at one of the lesser clubs she had played at. There hadn't been a lot of those gigs, but enough that she might have been noticed.

Now Beca had learned that she only got this gig because the niece of the owner had liked her at a teen beach party, and she wasn't sure what to do. Her mind was of no help at the moment, so her body had gone on autopilot. She followed the manager, not really listening to what was being said. She isn't even sure when he peels off in another direction, as she is so focused on putting one step in front of the next. It seems to take forever, but slowly she makes her way to the DJ booth which sits up high in the middle of the dance floor; Beca tries to ignore what the owner has just said, but the truth of the matter is that he hit every insecurity she has.

Chloe couldn't believe what she had just witnessed, much less what she had heard from the club owner. Her eyes follow Beca as she moves towards the DJ booth. Beca's step has lost a little of the pep that had been there as they came in. She knows her friend is tough and can be every bit the badass, but Chloe also knows that Beca is fragile under her hard exterior.

She turns to watch the douchebag owner walking away and feels the heat of her anger rise. Beca didn't deserve that treatment. Chloe narrows her eyes and she makes a decision. She wants to be there for Beca, she wants to take her into a hug. She wants to make it all go away for Beca, but she can't. It's not the time or place for that. Beca is a professional, despite what in Chloe's mind, 'the bag of ass' thinks. Chloe knows she can't really help her friend in the booth, but there's something else she can do. She looks back and gives Beca one last appraisal before heading off after the club owner.

Chloe hangs back as the owner continues to speak with various staff members. When she notes the owner turn down a dark hall near the back Chloe begins to follow; she doesn't want to run but she definitely wants to catch that asshole. She notes that he's alone, and she figures that it's now or never.

Taking a deep breath Chloe storms into the dark hallway and spots the owner about twelve feet ahead. She marshals all her anger and loudly calls out, "Hey JACKASS!"

.

.

Beca trudges up to the DJ booth, each step seems heavier than the last. She reaches the actual booth with a sigh, and sets her computer case down a bit harder than she wanted. "Damn!"

Looking behind her, Beca realizes for the first time that Chloe isn't with her anymore. Looking around she can't see Chloe anywhere in the club, and from this vantage a person can see pretty much everything. She wonders if Chloe is in the ladies' room. Beca's positive that Chloe wouldn't have left.

Would she?

.

Beca is Chloe's best friend and has been for a while. To say that her feelings run deep for Beca would be the understatement of the decade. Her feelings are deeper than she's willing to tell anyone. They are the sort of feelings that can push someone to do extraordinary things; like now when they have pushed the fiery redhead to confront a man who stood a good six to eight inches taller than her without a hint of fear.

No, there's no fear, for Chloe Beale has entered into a state of what Fat Amy once dubbed the 'the fiery red-haired terror'. This after one of the blonde Aussie's pranks had misfired. All of the Bellas had learned that day that no one ever wants to deal with the red hair terror that is an angry Chloe Beale.

Storming down the narrow hallway, Chloe is the very image of determination. She's unsure if he heard her the first time, so she calls out again in a raised voice that just drips with anger and contempt, "Jackass!"

This time she can see he's heard her. He's been talking on his mobile phone, but at the sound of Chloe's voice he stands a bit straighter. Turning with the phone still to his ear, he's caught off guard by the sight of the angry redhead storming up towards him. His eyes widen in shock as Chloe comes to a halt directly in front of him, standing just inches away.

She stares up at the man with such fury, the owner takes a step back. Chloe crosses her arms and strikes a pose that would tell anyone watching that she is contemplating kicking this guy's ass, no matter the eight inches and eighty pounds he has over her.

After a second though the owner takes a good look at Chloe, taking in her attire, her makeup, how her hair is done up. He really appreciates her overall appearance for the night. She can tell that he likes what he sees. It annoys her as he visibly relaxes and gives Chloe another once over. A smirk firmly fixes its place, and he arches his right eyebrow. Chloe knows his type, smug and full of himself, used to women swooning at this look, which she's sure he thinks is suave. His voice is smooth as he asks, "And you are?"

"Not someone you want to mess with right now! I don't do jackasses or idiots; of which you are both right now!"

"Huh?" The owner is actually confused.

"You're an idiot! And a jackass! Was I not clear? Are you stupid too?"

"Wait now..."

"NO!" Chloe shouted, cutting off any protest from the owner. "What kind of idiot hires a DJ just to make his niece happy? Really, you're putting your club into the hands of someone you never bothered to hear or vet? Then to prove you're an even bigger imbecile, you decide to denigrate the DJ without hearing her and in front of a handful of people! Seriously, what kind of idiot tears down the confidence of a performer just before she's about to go on? Do you want a bad night? Are you trying to destroy the rep of your club?"

That the owner is shocked is an understatement, as the fiery redhead continues to berate him. It's been a long time since anyone has challenged him, especially in such a direct manner; and never in one of his own clubs. To top it off he's being berated by a gorgeous redhead, who could be a model for Victoria Secrets. Then the music changes...

Beca closes her eyes and pictures a blank space, all the while counting backwards from ten. She's not sure where she learned this skill but it's come in handy over the last few years, especially when performing. By the time Beca reaches one she's at peace, and all is calm for just a moment before her eyes snap open. One moment Beca Mitchell seems to be at peace with the world and the next she's a flurry of motion as her fingers fall onto the mixing board and her music starts.

There's no introduction or words to the crowd. That's not how she wants to introduce herself. Words and her have never been friends. They have always been something difficult for her to articulate. So, the words will come later; she starts instead with her oldest and dearest friends, her music.

Music has always been there for her, through every drama and heartache to every victory and joy. Music has been her life and over the years it's revealed its' secrets to her. Music has shown Beca how it can bend and twist and be manipulated so that new sounds can be brought forth, and that when done right it can get people to do anything.

Beca easily falls back into her magical world of music that she's been creating since the first day she got a mixing program. The early crowd takes notice of the change to the sound and cheers can be heard as more people begin to hit the dance floor and move to the beats that she's creating right in front of them.

Of course gets lost in it. Swaying and dancing slightly to the beats she's creating as her audience begin to dance the night away.

Chloe lets a smile flit across her lips as she hears Beca take over the music She instantly recognizes her favorite DJ's sound. She knew her best friend would push past the words of this moron, and do what she does best. Beca always brings it; she can't help it, music is her very soul.

The smile though passes like a brief respite in a thunderstorm. Anger and menace again dominate the scowl she directs at the jackass before her.

"You hear that? That's the sound of the best damn DJ you are ever going to hire. Your asinine words aren't going to derail Beca, because in her sleep she can out spin anyone you've ever had play here. Beca lives for music, hell I don't think there's a waking moment where she's not thinking about music, and if we could see her dreams we would see her putting together sounds to make the most momentous music ever heard"

Pulling out her phone, Chloe waves it under the owner's nose and continues. "Do you have any idea of what's about to happen now?" Chloe doesn't even care that the taller man shakes his head no. "Your patrons are being wowed, literally blown off their feet! And they are going to pull out their phones," again she shakes her phone at the man to emphasize her point. "And they're going to send Instagram's, Tweets, Facebook entries, hell some may actually use their phones to call other people; and every one of them is going to be raving about the hot, and I mean HOT new DJ who's laying down an amazing sound at Club Exchange!"

Chloe lapses into silence and lets the music wash over her. The owner is struck silent, and he too feels the music, and he knows it's finishing the fiery redhead's argument.

The owner isn't stupid, he hasn't had all the successes over the years by not recognizing talent when he hears it. The owner can't help but think that though the woman is obviously as crazy as she is beautiful, she's also right, the young DJ has talent. He's never had anyone seize a room like the tiny DJ is currently doing; and he's been in the business for a few years now.

Hooking a thumb over her shoulder to indicate the dance floor at the other end of the hallway. "I'm going to go back to the main room and listen to my friend rock this place, and dance my ass off," Chloe says, giving the owner a pointed look. "I think you should seriously consider what your apology is going to be. It's going to need to be great."

With that Chloe turns on her heels and begins to make her way back down the hallway.

"Wait…" Chloe turns her head and looks over her shoulder. "Wait, what's your name?"

Chloe pauses and turns fully around. "My name is Chloe. Chloe Beale."

"You're right Ms. Beale." Chloe raises an eyebrow at the club owner's admission. "Your DJ is fantastic; I can hear that clearly. I should have listened instead of being a dick."

Chloe chuckles and says, "You've got that right!"

"My name is Marcus, Marcus Belio. Tell the bartenders that you and your DJ drink free."

"My friends too." She sees him raise an eyebrow. "Call it penance for being an ass."

"Fine, friends too. And I will speak to your DJ before the end of the night."

Chloe turns her back on him and walks away, but she does toss a "Good!" as she walks away. She feels his eyes on her as she moves, and she can't help but feel great, powerful, sexy even; it's been too long since she felt so confident about all this.

Ironically it was meeting Beca that has stolen her confidence. Beca has more talent in her pinky than most people will ever have. How can one not feel a little less bright when standing next to a star? The only thing worse would be to fall for that star, to feel a gravitational pull so strong that you have no choice but to remain near that star, but also know you will be burned if you ever get too close.

Chloe emerges into the main and any thoughts of inadequacy are washed away. She turns to the DJ booth as Beca's sultry voice comes over the speakers, and the redhead's knees nearly buckle. Beca has let her voice drop a little bit so it sounds huskier, sexier. She's introducing herself to the crowd, but like her music, she has blended her voice into the overall sound of the room, and it's one more part of the entire performance.

Chloe has heard Beca a number of times over the years, but this by far is her best performance. Tonight's important for Beca's career, and her DJ friend is so nailing it.

The redhead is bought out of her reverie by another beautiful voice from behind, "Hey Chloe, where've you been?"

Chloe looks up to see Stacie in a short tight blue dress leading a half dozen young women towards her. "Hey Stacie, when did you get here?"

"Just before our favorite tiny DJ started. I was surprised to not see you here," states the leggy brunette, then she spies Marcus emerging from the same hallway that her favorite redhead had just come from. "Oh I see where you've been. Nice catch red. I always pegged you for shorter brunettes, but tall dark and handsome is definitely a catch."

Chloe follows Stacie's eyes till they land on Marcus, not really listening to what Stacie is saying. As her eyes meet Marcus's, he smiles and nods at her. Chloe answers Stacie, "Oh that's Marcus, the owner of this club."

"This gets better and better red."

"Not like that! He simply made a mistake, a manners thing, and I corrected it," says Chloe, still feeling the confidence flow through her.

"Was he a bad boy? Did he need a little discipline?" Stacie asks with a wink.

"Maybe a little," Chloe answers with a smile. "Now I need your help; you and your friends."

"Kinky! I like it," responds Stacie. She says it so quickly that Chloe has to wonder if Stacie really does think she's asking for an orgy. Part of Chloe wonders what would happen if she did go down that path.

The redhead decides not to test her hypothesis, and instead says, "Not like that. I need you and your friends to start texting everyone you know and rave about Beca. Use Instagram and Twitter. I want this place filled. Becs has it going on and I want as many people as possible to hear her play!"

Stacie nods and smiles as she pulls out her phone, Chloe seems more confident than she has been for a while. It's good, it suits the redhead. "Still I would have used him like a stripper pole."

Chloe lets out a laugh. "That's exactly what I told Beca! So Marcus promised we drink free tonight."

"Well then let's get this party started!" Stacie spoke up as she walked over to the bar and ordered rounds of shots and drinks for Chloe and her friends.

"Oh, and they're on Marcus," Chloe tells the bartender, who had shot over the second Stacie arrived at the bar, leaving some poor frat boy in mid order.

The bartender had trouble diverting his eyes from Stacie's ample cleavage, though he found the redhead nearly as enticing a view. Still as the redhead's words sunk in a smirk appeared on his face. "Oh really? I don't think so..."

"Yep!" Chloe made sure to really pop the 'P'. Turning she found Marcus again, a bit flattered that he was still watching her. She gave a wave and then pointed to the bartender.

The bartenders smirk falls away and his mouth hangs open as his jaw drops to the floor. Marcus tilts his head towards Chloe and then gives a quick nod to the bartender, who quickly says, "So drinks are on the house. What did the ladies say they want?"

It's a short while later, Chloe smiles at her best friend as she ascends to the DJ booth. Her heart is pulsing in time with the dance music reverberating throughout the large room. Reaching the top step, she pauses and just watches her best friend; she smiles, just admiring the DJ as she moves to the music she's playing. Beca is really into the moment. Chloe knows that though her eyes are closed, Beca can feel the energy of the ever growing crowd feeding into her natural high. Beca's seamlessly mixing her songs; moving from one song to the next. She's effortlessly setting the dance floor afire with her mixes.

Chloe is ecstatic for her best friend. This is where Chloe feels most happy, seeing Beca without a care in the world. No stress. No worries. No responsibilities. Just the music. Because Beca happiness is Chloe's little piece of heaven.

Her tiny DJ turns and smiles as Chloe steps fully into the booth. Beca immediately crosses over and gives her best friend a warm hug, catching the redhead a little off guard; but again she takes advantage of the opportunity and let's her body relax into her smaller friend's.

They hold each other for a few seconds then step back, Chloe holding up two bottles of beer. Beca grins ear to ear and mouths something like Chloe being a life saver, as she readily accepts the offered bottle of beer. Still smiling Chloe raises her bottle in toast and Beca taps hers against it. Both girls say "Cheers!" at the same time.

"Great opening. You totally seized the room." Holding her beer up high, Chloe declares, "Here's to the best damn DJ in this city, who's well on her way to making one big asshole eat his words!"

Beca has to smile at Chloe's words. She knew she could always count on her best friend to have her back. Chloe always knows just what to say to cheer her up.

"You good?" At Beca's nod, Chloe shares a warm smile and looks to the dance floor, and says, "I'm going to go back down, get me some jiggle juice and shake my thang!" With a quick shake of her hips Chloe spins about, throwing a wink over her shoulder and one last hip swish, the redhead starts down the steps.

"Make good choices," yells Beca with a laugh.

From her vantage Beca keeps an eye on Chloe. She kind of feels like the redhead's guardian angel, observing from above. She really wants her best friend to have a great night, as a kind of thank you. Beca is really grateful for Chloe's friendship, and especially because of all the things that she's been doing for Beca since they moved here in February. So though it's unspoken, this night has been dedicated to her favorite redhead.

Watching said redhead the young DJ has to smile. Chloe and Stacie are singing their hearts out and dancing like crazy, just lost in the moment. facing each other each having guys come up behind them to dance. Over the course of the last thirty minutes a rather impressive number of men had approached her friends and begun to dance behind them. A small crowd had actually formed around Chloe and Stacie, who just continued to move and sway to Beca's jams.

Chloe especially has been caught up in the rhythm of the music. Her hip movement catches every beat, her shoulders sway in perfect harmony to the sound, and every movement is perfectly timed. Stacie isn't too shabby either. Other club goers, both men and women, who are near Chloe and Stacie are starting to watch as these two incredibly sexy women dance and sing together.

As the DJ watches her, Chloe looks up and starts to search for Beca. When Chloe finally spots her she catches Beca's gaze and they exchange smiles. Chloe looks straight into Beca's eyes, and the brunette's entranced by her gaze. As Beca watches, Chloe's smile grows and the DJ licks her suddenly dry lips and swallows to try and restore her equilibrium, because that's what a Chloe smile can do.

Knowing she has to keep it together, Beca holds up her latest beer that Chloe delivered and mouths the word 'thank you'.

Even from a distance Beca can see Chloe light up even more, and a twinkle in her eye. She's so happy for her best friend, this really is the best night in a long time.

Later in the evening Beca spots Jesse in the crowd and waves at him, he is looking at her with such pride and joy. Even from a distance she can see how big a goofy grin he's wearing. When he sees Beca wave, his grin actually gets bigger, though Beca is unsure how. He shouts her name over the music as he makes his way towards her, and he's heard by the people dancing around him. Some in their semi-intoxicated states also yell Beca's name which in turn invites more people to shout her name, and then even more to take up the chant.

Beca's jaw drops as within seconds Jesse has accidentally started a chant of her name by a couple hundred people. The chant is steady and strong and it has a beat that Beca recognizes and instinctively she pulls up one of her layering pieces that matches the beat. Instantly the crowds chant has become part of the sound they are all jumping to. They're all a part of the music; it's amazing.

Looking down at Jesse, Beca can only smirk as he shrugs while giving her his patented lopsided grin. Beca shakes her head and mouths the word 'weirdo', as she fights to keep from laughing.

It takes a few minutes for Jesse to navigate the dance floor, it's so packed, and Beca is wondering when the club got so crowded. Jesse finally makes it to the stairs leading up to the DJ booth, but a bouncer stops Jesse from ascending, and Beca is then trying to figure out when a bouncer was stationed at the bottom of the stairs.

Beca signals the bouncer and points to Jesse and gives a thumbs up. Jesse smiles even bigger and takes two steps at a time. Beca is at the top of the stairs waiting for him and in one motion he wraps his arms around her waist and lifts her up. He presses his lips into hers and they share a warm kiss. In fact, it's the best kiss they've shared since she moved out to LA.

Jesse carries her to the middle of the booth and twirls the tiny DJ around before setting her back on her feet and leaning in for another kiss. Beca smiles into the kiss and whispers, "You're such a weirdo!"

.

Taking a break from dancing, Chloe had decided that it was again time to make sure Beca wasn't too dry. Throughout the night so far, she had been bringing Beca beverages of an alcoholic nature and bottles of water, alternating between the two. Knowing Beca, Chloe was sure the diminutive DJ would want to keep a slight buzz going. At the same time Chloe, as Beca's best friend, wanted to make sure that the younger woman didn't get dehydrated.

So far, after the one little blip with the owner at the beginning, this night has been perfect, and Chloe had already made sure that incident was fixed. Yes, tonight is perfect; first and foremost Beca is really hitting it with all cylinders. Hell a chant of her name had just spontaneously started among the crowd on the dance floor. But also it's going perfect for Chloe; she's feeling both sexy and powerful. Stacie's being her usual awesome self and her new friends have been really cool to Chloe. She's danced with dozens of people and she's seen lust in the eyes of a number of men and a few women directed her way. Chloe's feeling more alive and beautiful, and way more confident than she has in a really long time.

She's in the midst of navigating between two groups of people on the dance floor with two Vodka Tonics when the song changes. Chloe recognizes it as the mix Beca had let her listen to the other night on the couch. Her smile grows because Beca's mix sounds even better in the club. She can't wait to tell Beca when she looks up and stops dead in her tracks. She spies Beca kissing Jesse in the DJ booth and just stops. Her feet literally lose the ability to move forward, because it's not just some random kiss she's witnessing, no, this was like a 'Princess Bride' type kiss; full of passion and love. Without a conscious thought Chloe raises the drink in her right hand and gulps it down in one swallow. Unable to look away, Chloe's eyes remain locked on her best friend as the small DJ is spun about and then shares another kiss with her boyfriend. The second drink is at Chloe's lips and is downed even faster than the first.

With a dejected look, Chloe turns back and heads back to the bar.

.

Beca looks up into Jesse's sincere eyes and can't help but feel warm as he gushes about her.

"Yeah, it's been a great night. The crowd is really energized. They were primed, they just needed a little push."

"Oh, don't be modest Becs; that crowd is feeling your energy."

"Well I'm just glad it worked out. The beginning left me worried."

"Beca, I've seen you DJ, your intros are always spot on."

"I'm not talking about the intro. Before that, this club's owner basically told me that I was hired for one night to please his fifteen-year-old niece. Let's just say the conversation went downhill from there.

"What!?" Jesse looks at her incredulously. "Why would he do that?"

Beca shrugs.

.

.

"Shots for everybody!" Stacie says as a waitress arrived carrying a tray full of shot glasses to the table Stacie and her friends have commandeered. Of course Stacie has taken full advantage of the drinks for free special.

"To Beca Effin' Mitchell!" Stacie yells and Chloe smiles and downs her tequila shooter. Chloe grimaces at the taste, it was definitely strong. She thinks about Stacie's toast and mentally says it again, because this is Beca's night, and of course Jesse would be here for her, be here with her, and of course they would kiss. Chloe grabs the last tequila that no one has claimed, and downs it fast to stop that track of thoughts.

A group of well-dressed men approach the table with Stacie and all her friends and ask them to dance. Stacie readily agrees which in turn convinces her friends. Chloe notes that Stacie is definitely the alpha of this group, and is happy that her tall friend is stretching her wings out here on the west coast.

A rather handsome man approaches Chloe. She sees him coming and gives him the natural appraisal that she's developed over the years. It's an automatic response, and she quickly takes his measure. He's definitely a striking man in great shape, with dark well-kept hair and what Chloe has always considered a Mediterranean look. He's very handsome with a well-kept mustache and two days' worth of stubble, and dark brown eyes filled with lust for her. He asks her to dance and for a second she considers, but it's not brown eyes that she wants to get lost in. Chloe gives him a genuine smile, but declines. She had danced with this man earlier, and while he was a good dancer, and he is quite handsome, she's just not in the mood anymore.

"Come on red, dance with me some more," the man says as he grabs onto Chloe's arm.

Annoyed, Chloe fights to remain calm. She looks at her arm and then stares hard. This guy has definitely stepped over a line. She tries to give the guy the hint that this wasn't happening, while giving him an out. Putting on her best fake smile Chloe counters, "I'm good here, but you should go have fun."

Chloe pulls her arm free and spins on her stilettos and proceeds to make her way to the bar. She ignores the fact that the guy is following her. She figures at some point he'll get the hint and look for more promising prospects. Her plan is to sit at the bar drinking; since the owner has hooked her up with free drinks for the night she figures she can sit there, keep a nice buzz on, and not deal with anybody for the rest of the night.

Beca slowly turns about the DJ booth, surveying her realm. It is her realm, she's claimed it, and she feels like a queen, standing up here above the crowd, above her subjects, dispensing music to all. She can't help but wonder if this is what Stacie feels every day standing above everyone since she's so tall.

She can't see Jesse, and she's a bit worried that her nerd has up and gotten himself kicked out of the club. Beca is both flattered and irked that Jesse has gone off half-cocked to defend her honor, but Beca really doesn't want her boyfriend coming to her rescue. This isn't a cheesy rom com no matter how much Jesse insists. But he had rushed off, because that's what the leading man does, she's quite sure. She'll definitely tease the hell out of him if he does get kicked out of the club. As long as he hasn't ruined her future prospects; if he has then she'll kick his ass.

Scanning the dance floor Beca spots Stacie and her classmates really shaking it. They're hard to miss, for while the leggy brunette is still the most gorgeous creature out there, her friends definitely give her a run for her money. This of course leads to a wall of horny young men who have surrounded the girls. Each guy vying with the others to be noticed by these seriously beautiful women.

Beca can't help but smirk, but the smirk turns into a frown when she realizes that she can't see a certain fiery redhead. She looks about again, then smiles when she sees her redhead at the bar.

The smile again turns into a frown when Beca takes note of Chloe's demeanor. Over the last few years Beca has learned how to read Chloe's mannerisms. She knows how the redhead is feeling by how she stands, how she sets her mouth, how she crinkles her forehead and how much light shines from her eyes. Looking down from her perch on high Beca quickly surmises that the guy standing near Chloe is making her uncomfortable. The man leans in a little more and Beca recognizes fear in Chloe's features.

Thinking quickly the tiny DJ queues up a half dozen songs to keep playing as she heads down to the bar to rescue her best friend.

.

"Come on Red, what's a guy gotta do?!"

The plan of ignoring this guy had not gone well. Not only had he followed Chloe to the bar, he had continued to pester her, and again he had had the temerity to grab her arm. She yanked her arm but he held on.

Turning to the guy she glares. "You can just leave," states Chloe, her voice ice. "Let go of me!" She again tries to pull her elbow free, and though the guy is pretty drunk he still retains a really strong grip. In fact, he starts to painfully squeeze Chloe's arm. For the first time Chloe feels a bit panicky as she realizes that this guy could be dangerous. She again tries to break her arm out of his grasp, but to no avail.

"Look I get the play hard to get act, you're not the first…" The mans breath reeks of alcohol.

"Not an act. Let me go…"

"Come on, don't be a fucking tease…"

"We're done! Ow… that hurts… now let me go!"

"You heard the lady, time to take yourself someplace else," says Beca as she steps forward to intervene.

"Beca?" Chloe's shocked to see Beca away from her booth. She then winces as the man squeezes her arm even harder, and pulls her closer.

"I don't think this has anything to do with you bitch," growls the guy as he looks contemptuously at Beca. "This is between me and red here, bitch!" He yanks Chloe harder.

Anger flares in Chloe's chest and suddenly she finds the strength to pull her elbow free. She turns on the asshole and pushes on him, "What did you just call her? Nobody calls her that!" Chloe isn't a fighter, she's never been in a fight, but no one disrespects her DJ.

"Feisty? I like it. Bet you're just a freak in the bed." The drunk leers at Chloe running a finger along her jawline. Chloe tries to backup but is trapped by the bar.

"Leave her alone!" Beca emphasizes her words with a shove to the guy's shoulder.

"Look bitch, the red here just hasn't realized that this is what she really wants…"

"I said leave her alone!" Beca readies herself to fight, setting her feet, and preparing herself mentally.

The drunk either doesn't notice or care as he sneers, "Or what?"

Before Beca can punch the jerk, a calm deep voice comes from behind her. "Or she'll kick your ass. And I'm pretty sure she can do it easily. Thing is she doesn't have to. You see I pay all these rather large men who have a proclivity for mixed martial arts to take care of such things."

The owner of the club steps up so that he's even with Beca, gives her a reassuring wink and smirk, then turns back to the would be Romeo. "It's time for you to leave."

Beca and Chloe are both surprised by the arrival of the owner. Beca is confused why the jerk is now playing the knight in shining armor.

"Do you know who I am? Who my father is?" The man actually splutters as he tries to maintain his bravado.

"Yes, I know exactly who you are, and I've had plenty of dealings with your father. We both know he would not approve of your behavior to this lady." Marcus gives a slight nod of the head towards Chloe.

"Further if I was to inform him of this, we both know you would be cut off from your allowance as punishment. So here's the deal, you're going to walk out with my two associates here," Marcus hooks a thumb at the two linebacker sized men dressed in all black who had silently approached from behind. The drunks eyes grew twice in size as he takes in their impressive frames. Marcus smiles knowingly as he continues, "You're not going to say anything, you're going to get into a car that I have waiting because you are in no condition to drive. If you say anything or do anything other than what I just laid out, then I will permanently ban you from all my establishments, and I mean all. I will also have my associates make sure all their buddies who work other clubs get the 411 on you. You will then find it very hard to go to any club or bar. And again, let me be clear, I don't mean just LA, I'm talking Vegas, Miami, Cabo; you name the place, you'll find you are persona non-grata. Do I make myself clear," he held up his hand, "don't speak, just nod?"

Beca smirks at the drunk asshole, enjoying his discomfort. No one messes with her best friend.

With eyes the size of saucers the man seems to have fallen into a daze. Shocked to be spoken to in such a manner. He's never talked to in such a manner. And he's never rejected by a woman! For a brief moment he considers resisting, but the two large men in black step forward and all resistance crumbles. In the end he simply nods as the two bouncers each take an arm and firmly lead the drunk away from Chloe and out of the club.

Beca instantly steps up to Chloe and gives her a hug which the redhead readily accepts. "Are you okay?"

"I am now…"

"My apologies Ms. Beale," says Marcus stepping up behind Beca. He signals to a blonde waitress walking by, "Tina, please take this woman back to the employee's restroom, so she can collect herself. Get her anything she wants or needs."

Chloe looks up at Marcus and mumbles a thank you. With her arm still around her best friend, Beca starts to walk with Chloe.

Marcus holds up his hands and asks Beca to remain. Beca and Chloe share a look, and as much as Chloe wishes Beca would go with her, she knows that it's important for Beca to stay. She has a feeling about what is coming, so she smiles at Beca and assures her younger friend that she's alright and impresses on Beca that it's important for her to stay.

Beca starts to protest but Chloe gives her warmest smile and gives her DJ a quick peck on the cheek, which always shuts Beca up. With another reassuring smile she heads off with the young waitress. Beca's eyes follow Chloe for a second still considering following after her best friend to make sure she's okay when she hears the club owner clear his throat.

"She'll be okay, I assure you," says Marcus having just returned from giving the waitress some more instructions.

Beca is surprised at the genuine concern in the owner's voice. Looking up at the much taller man she's ready to give him a patented hard look when she notices for the first time that Jesse is standing next to him.

Beca is completely shocked at the next words said by the club owner, "So I owe you a major apology." She arches her right eyebrow in question as he continues, "It was a dick move on my part."

Beca has to fight from smirking, those words sounding so similar to the apology she once made, but it's going so well she doesn't want to ruin the moment. A tiny part of Beca realizes that eighteen-year-old Beca would have said something snarky at this moment, and she's proud to be able to keep her cool. Instead her eyes grow as the guy continues, "Your friend was right you can lay some serious sound."

Beca looks over at Jesse who is wearing his typical but lovable grin, and she can't help but smile. Like Chloe's, Jesse's smile is infectious. Beca fights to calm her features as she refocuses on the much taller man. Trying to keep her features cool and neutral Beca answers, "Thanks Mr Belio, I try."

"Call me Marcus."

"You do more than try." Marcus flashes Beca his too perfect smile and hands her his card. "So, I can admit when I'm wrong, and I couldn't have been more wrong. It was obvious in the first seconds of your set. You really do seize the room, just as your friend says."

"Yeah she does!" Shouts Stacie, who had made her way over from the dance floor when she noticed the commotion. She missed the drama Chloe had faced, but had caught the owner's apology. Beca looks over and blushes as a chorus of agreement is heard from people who have gathered around.

Marcus nods to the growing crowd, his well-practiced smile telling Beca she may have just experienced the breakthrough she's been looking for. Marcus extends his hand and asks, "What do you say DJ? Do you think you'd be free tomorrow to stop back here and discuss your future?"

Jesse is grinning from ear to ear as he watches Beca accept Marcus's business card, and handshake. He's already moving to her as he hears her say yes. In one motion Jesse steps forward and sweeps his tiny girlfriend up as Beca was saying something about talking to her studio. Usually Beca would resist this much public display of affection. Even after all these years she's still not comfortable with hugs. In fact, Jesse and Chloe are the only two people who could get away with this much physical contact. However, Beca's excitement has her swept up in the moment and she returns Jesse's hug and kiss. Beca laughs as she feels Jesse lift her up into the air and spin her around joyfully.

Stacie rushes in and joins the hug and then some of Stacie's friends who are all caught up in the moment.

"Shots for everyone!" Stacie yells and the crowd around her all cheer.

Marcus looks down at the busty brunette who smiles at him sweetly. He returns her smile and yells, "Doubles!" The crowd explodes even louder.

Beca takes advantage of her small stature and is actually able to squeeze out of the crowd. Jesse had lost a hold of her when people rushed in, and Beca was glad to escape the press of people. Besides she was going to have to get back to the booth.

She spies the blonde waitress who had led Chloe away coming back over. "Hey, you're Tina right? Do you know where my friend is?"

The blonde waitress turns to Beca and flashes a smile. "The redhead?"

Beca nods.

"Oh, your Beca. Yeah Chloe asked me to let you know she heading home. She looked a little sick when we returned from the back and thought it best to head home. Mr. Belio had told me to take care of her, and that he had made a car available to her if she needed it. She said she didn't want to trouble you, and she'd see you tomorrow."

Beca feels her face fall. Chloe isn't here? How is Chloe not here for this big moment? Chloe who has done so much to help Beca get to this moment. She should be here to celebrate too.

Beca begins to feel bad that she hadn't been there for her best friend. She should have gone with Chloe, but the redhead had somehow known what was about to happen, and made sure Beca was here for it. Chloe was always putting her first.

Suddenly she feels an arm around her waist and Jesse is pulling her into another hug. She can hear him gushing about her, and feels him leaning into another kiss. She keeps this one a bit more chaste, and then pulls away. His face shows his question and Beca smiles and points to the DJ booth. He smiles and nods as she turns and makes her way back to the elevated platform.

Now Beca feels badly for pulling away from Jesse, but she wants to make sure Chloe is okay. Besides she's pretty sure this is the last song that she queued so unless she wants an embarrassing lapse in music she needs to get back.

Once she set her next queue of songs, she talks into the microphone and says something to the crowded dance floor. Honestly she's not even sure what she says, but the shouts of approval from the dance floor suggest it's well received.

Pulling her iPhone out Beca sends a quick text.

TinyDJ [10:11PM]: Hey R U OK?

SweetGinger [10:12PM]: I'm fine, Jackass ruined the vibe! :-(

TinyDJ [10:12PM]: Will finish gig and B home ASAP

SweetGinger [10:13PM]: Don't B silly. I'm fine. I'll be asleep before you get home ;-)

TinyDJ [10:14PM]: I have news! Owner spoke 2 me!

SweetGinger [10:14PM]: Aca-awesome:-). Did the owner apologize? :-D

TinyDJ [10:15PM]: Not only that! he wants 2 talk tomorrow about future job!

SweetGinger [10:16PM]: OMG!

SweetGinger [10:16PM]: Now you definitely can't come home! You must celebrate! ;-)xoxox

TinyDJ [10:17PM]: Not that big a deal

SweetGinger [10:17PM]: Seriously Becs, I'm good. Celebrate! You earned it! :-) :-)xoxox :-)

TinyDJ [10:17PM]: OK OK Thanks! Take care and Good Night

SweetGinger [10:18PM]: love you Becs

TinyDJ [10:18PM]: Love you too Chlo!

Chloe wipes the single tear running down her cheek. She whispers, "If only that were true Beca Mitchell." She leans her head against the car window and silently watches the city pass by.

She has this moment to let her heart ache and her mind to wonder why it's not her celebrating Beca's success; because in the morning she must return to being Chloe Beale, best friend extraordinaire, and not love sick puppy.

So she lets another tear run down her cheek, lets her mind picture what it would have been like to kiss Beca in the DJ booth, and then she counts down from ten to one, and pushes it all away.