A/N: Hello Everyone! Here's the next chapter, sorry this one was delayed, but life sometimes gets in the way.

I hope you all enjoy it, this one was a bit tougher to write. This is still a set-up chapter, bringing together more of the characters, and getting them into place.

Thanks everyone for the reviews and the really kind words.

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

Chapter 4
Amy & Bumper's Party

There are moments in time you just know you're going to remember for years to come. Something about the scene that just etches itself in one's mind. Sometimes they are a treasured memory, sometimes they are a shocking memory, and sometimes they are they are something one would rather forget. Yet whichever category they are, each leaves their mark like indelible ink.

For Beca this has all the hallmarks of one of those moments; and it definitely falls in the treasured category.

She can just feel it.

"Ms. Mitchell, has anyone ever told you that it's impolite to stare?" Chloe asks with a satisfied smirk as she approaches her younger friend, having just emerged from the bathroom.

Beca only stands and stares at her redheaded friend who is dressed to kill this night. Her red hair has more curls, and she's spent extra time creating a wing look with her mascara which really makes her eyes pop. It takes a half a second for Beca to register what Chloe had just said. She shakes her head and smirks, "Pretty sure it's your fault Beale for looking so utterly gorgeous."

Wait what?

Chloe's smile seems to explode from her face, it's so dazzling. Even so, Chloe manages to come off almost casual as she as she asks, "Why Ms. Mitchell, are you saying I'm gorgeous?"

Beca tries to come off as nonchalant with her response, but taking in Chloe's beauty has left her mouth dry, and her brain a bit sluggish. She let's her eyes drop, breaking contact with Chloe's amazing blue ones, and takes in the totality of the ensemble that Chloe has put together for this evening. The Shopping trip on Wednesday was well worth the time. Chloe's wearing a sexy little blue dress that falls just above her mid thigh. It really highlights her long legs, which are on full display as Chloe has paired the dress with a pair of four inch black stilettos. Beca can only appreciate how extremely tight the dress is in all the right places, and that the cut is super low in front leaving a fair amount of cleavage.

Her redheaded friend really has learned from Stacie, who is the master of putting together a look. Her makeup is nicely done, but not too much so it only enhances her lovely features. And she has perfected the balance of how much skin to show. This outfit shows off her toned arms, her firm legs, a bit of her back and a little more of her cleavage, showing just the right amount of skin to be truly sexy without looking trashy.

Beca's eyes travel back up her friend's body, and her face tells how much she really appreciates the effort Chloe has put in.

Chloe swallows and seems to demure under Beca's appreciative gaze.

"You really need to close your mouth Hobbit. You're beginning to drool; it's not an attractive look," says Aubrey as she follows Chloe out of the bathroom. Aubrey has also brought her 'A' game. Her hair is up with a few loose curls to frame her face and she has chosen a shimmery mid thigh silvery dress that also highlights her legs, as she too is rocking a pair of stilettos.

Beca snaps her mouth shut and fights the urge to rub her mouth with her hand, just in case she really is drooling. She exaggerates her eye roll and is about to come up with a suitably snarky retort when Chloe speaks up. "Don't listen to her Becs. You're looking incredible tonight. Really hot."

Beca feels her face warm with blush, but she isn't sure why. She stumbles over a thank you, and begins to stammer more until her best friend takes her elbow. Chloe's smile is warm, and her ocean blue eyes even warmer. "Do you really like how I look?"

Beca looks into her best friend's incredibly pure blue eyes and is only able to breathe out a whispered "Yes." She feels her skin flush further till she's sure her face is as red as Chloe's hair. Belatedly she realizes how weak her response had been.

"You look really good in blue," Beca says, with a confidence like she might have thought about what colors look best on Chloe once or twice, or maybe more. "Not that you don't look good in everything…" Beca starts rambling and rubbing the back of her head. "I… I just like blue the best."

Beca blushes as she stammers. What Beca doesn't notice is the redhead also blushes, her skin turning a healthy shade of pink.

"I'm sorry. I just think I'm a little underdressed" Beca says, gesturing to herself.

Chloe shares a sympathetic smile before snatching Beca's hand and replies, "You look beautiful, Becs. Amazing in fact!" Beca immediately believes her best friend because it's Chloe, and Chloe doesn't lie.

Beca has dressed herself up quite nicely, but nothing compared to Chloe. She's wearing a black jacket with a silver gray sleeveless tank top underneath. The blouse is designed to show just enough cleavage to entice, but not look slutty. She has on her favorite black skinny jeans, the ones that give lie to Fat Amy's assertion that she has a flat butt. To finish her ensemble she's wear black heeled leather boots that end just below her knees. The boots give her three additional inches, but she feels even shorter as her friend's have donned even taller heels.

Beca has put some effort into her chocolate brunette hair. She's curled it and it's pinned back on the left side to reveal her piercings. Around her neck is a silver necklace with a heart shaped pendant hanging from it. The pendant has a music note set against aquamarine stones. It's a necklace Chloe had given Beca on her last birthday. It catches Chloe's eyes and Beca notes the pleased look the redhead exhibits.

"Don't worry it Hobbit, it's tough finding the right outfit, the selection in Jr. Miss is much more limited."

Beca's jaw drops and she flips Aubrey the middle finger.

"Or are you still shopping in the toddler?" Aubrey smirks at her smaller friend.

Two middle fingers is the only reply.

"Be nice Bree. Remember Beca was gracious enough to allow you to stay here."

Beca is suddenly reminded of how just twenty four hours ago everything was just perfect, just Chloe and her, and then…

"Anything Chlo, just name it."

"ItoldAubreyshecouldstaywithusallnextweek." Says Chloe in one rushed breath.

Beca steps back and asks, "What?"

"I told Aubrey she could stay with us all next week. She asked this morning and I just automatically agreed, sorry I didn't talk to you first," Chloe whispers.

"Shit!"

"Oh come on Beca, it won't be that bad. You and Aubrey are friends now."

"No…" Chloe's blue eyes widen at Beca's answer, and the brunette rushes to explain. "That's not the issue; it's that I told Emily this morning that she could crash here too."

Chloe takes in this information and processes it for a second. Beca can literally see the gears processing in the redheads' brain. Looking into Chloe's eyes she is fairly certain she can see the response being formulated. Beca attempts to intercede, "Chloe, no…"

"This is awesome!"

"Chloe…"

"It'll be a week long sleepover!"

"I knew you were going to think that!"

"Beca this'll be amazing!"

"Chloe, be reasonable…"

"Why would I do that?"

"It's just that, look around, we don't have that much room."

"That'll make it cozy."

"Where'll everybody sleep?"

"Emily will sleep in the living room on the couch bed. That's why we got it. Aubrey will take my room, and I will share your room."

"Wait, what? Why?"

"It's the logical choice."

"How's that?"

"First, Aubrey and I don't sleep well in the same bed. Trust me; she's too stiff, demands my side of the bed, takes all the blankets, and her feet are always cold," Chloe actually shudders at the memory.

"Where as you Beca, have a larger bed, sleep on the right side of the bed, share the blankets, and are always warm and soft."

"But…"

"Do you want to give your room to Aubrey?'

Beca blanches at the thought. "Ugh! No…"

Chloe flashes a huge smile. Beca can feel the girl's excitement. Chloe states emphatically, "Then, it's settled."

Beca's still not sure. "Um?"

Chloe now flashes a smirk. "You said, and I quote, 'Anything Chlo, just name it'. At least that's what I distinctly heard you say."

Beca groans as she sees the triumph in Chloe's eyes. "Damn, I did say that. I guess you're right Chloe," concedes Beca.

Chloe's face lights up with a huge smile at Beca's acceptance, and then morphs into a smirk. The redhead leans in and says conspiratorially, "Of course I am; I've nearly twice as much college education as you."

Beca smiles as she recalls how easily she was convinced by Chloe. What's amazing is that Chloe didn't even have to pull out the truly big guns. No puppy dog eyes, and still she had somehow moved herself into Beca's room.

It's at this moment when Emily walks out of Beca's bedroom where she's just changed. A smile that stretches from ear to ear splits her face as she takes in her three older friends. She squeals and stutter steps over to her three dearest friends. Emily may have only known these three for roughly two years now, but they had become role models, mentors, sisters, and confidants, that it was sometimes difficult for Emily to remember a time when they weren't in her life.

"OhMyGodICan'tBelieveHowAmazingYouAllLook!" Emily excitedly jumps into the women, arms spread wide as she takes her three friends into a giant hug, almost knocking them over.

"Oh my god! I can't believe I'm here! You look so amazing! Oh MY GOD, OH MY GOD!" Emily's excitement is in a loop, and she's speaking faster, louder, and in a higher octave. It's adorable, but also bordering on painful.

"Emily!" Beca says, holding her hands up. "Calm down..." She says it with a smile and a wink. Over the last two years, Beca, Chloe, and later Aubrey learned that when it comes to the Legacy, one needs to take control of the moment, to help keep the girl's natural excitement at reasonable levels. Her enthusiasm possibly being even more than Chloe's.

Emily nods and blushes. "Sorry. You know, I sometimes get so excited, and I'm so excited, I mean really excited; so I, you know, begin to babble which makes me nervous, which also causes me to babble, and I'm, I mean I seem to be doing it again and I don't kno-"

Beca raises her right index finger and effectively cuts Emily off by placing it on her lips. "Breathe, Legacy. We get it, and we are happy to see you too."

Emily slowly nods her head and says around Beca's finger, "Yeah, breathing is good. I'm breathing. Yeah totally breathing."

Chloe smiles at her younger friend and says encouragingly, "We've a long night ahead of us. You might want to pace yourself."

Emily nods and smiles. "Sounds good."

"We totally should do a shot before going," came Stacie's voice from the front door, as she let's herself in. The tall brunette had just caught the Legacy's excitement burst.

"Stacie!" The women all chorus together.

Beca and Chloe had given Stacie a key to their apartment when they first moved it, so their tall friend always just let's herself in. The four friends look over at the statuesque brunette as she enters the hallway and can only admire how great she looks as she walks towards them with her easy smile. For this night she's wearing a spaghetti strap, tight-fitting black and white dress that covers her like a glove, and sits a couple inches above her knees, exposing an impressive amount of her beautiful long legs.

Beca has always appreciated that Stacie is a very beautiful woman, and at times has tried to figure out what is her most appealing feature. Of course she has a beautiful face, which has helped her get a number of modeling gigs, both back in college, and even more now that she's in Los Angeles. Then there's her always impressive chest and it's ever present cleavage, which definitely brings the boys to play. However Beca always felt that it's Stacie's legs which standout the most. She has wondered if this is because Stacie has really nice legs, heck great legs from years of Chloe's cardio, or if there might be a bit of jealousy that Stacie's legs sometimes seem taller than Beca in her entirety. Beca shakes her head as she takes in Stacie's legs again. Positive that it's not jealousy, they're just really great legs - long and shaped, going on forever, and ending in what is undoubtedly a new pair of killer five inch black heels

This is one of those nights where Stacie is just sexy heaven. Stacie's dress leaves her shoulders and long neck bare, exposing all the intricacy of her collarbone, which is being highlighted by a beautiful choker-necklace. The thin shoulder straps of course lead down to a low neckline showing her ever present and ample cleavage.

Stacie asks in a cute voice, "You like?"

The four friends show their obvious appreciation of Stacie's look. Aubrey and Beca's mouth actually agape, shake their heads yes. Emily and Chloe actually manage to formulate the word "Yes."

Stacie lets out a charming chuckle. She lives for these moments, especially when they come from her friends, who know she's more than her outer appearance. Laughing lightly she does a quick twirl. This shows that the back of her dress is cut down to just where the flare of her hips starts; revealing more of her beautiful tanned skin and shapely back. Her long brown hair cascades down her back and spills over her shoulders. It flawlessly outlines her perfectly made up face.

Aubrey manages to finally answer the tall brunette's question with a yes of her own.

Basically Stacie's attire proves to Beca again that her 'A' game, and the 'A' games of Chloe and Stacie are two entirely different universes.

"Now I'm sure that I'm way underdressed" Beca whispers.

She didn't mean for anyone to hear her, so she flinches when she feels Chloe's soft whisper on her ear, and hears the redhead say in a decidedly breathy voice, "No, you look HOT!"

"So shots sounds like an incredible idea." Beca's voice kind of catches and there's an almost squeak to it, and she's sure she sounds like a prepubescent boy, so she races to the kitchen to get the suggested shots. She calls out, "I'll get the tequila!"

Once safely in the confines of the small kitchen, Beca feels the blush fading from her skin. She quickly realizes that this is more a two person job, and calls out to her best friend, "Chloe can you come and help me?"

"Sure Becs," answers Chloe and walks into the kitchen to see Beca pulling out a serving tray that Chloe had snitched from a particularly rude waitress on a dare from Beca. Chloe is intrigued and arches her right eyebrow in question and asks, "You have a plan?"

"Yep!" Beca really pops the 'P' in her answer and then flashes Chloe a most devious smile. "Here," she hands the redhead a bottle of gold tequila. "You pour out gold shots." Beca holds up a second bottle. "I'll pour out these silver shots. Two shots of each for each."

Chloe's eyes widen, and she swallows in surprise. "You mean we're going to do four shots of tequila before we even hit the door?"

Beca laughs. "Yeah, I think I'm going to need it."

Chloe laughs with her. "It is a Fat Amy slash Bumper original party."

"Exactly! Oh my god! Emily is going to be blitzed!"

"It should be a fun night!" Chloe merely smiles.

Beca sets all of their shot glasses on the tray, and she and Chloe go about filling them.

Beca carries the tray in and Chloe hands out the shots. Each woman gets one silver, and one gold to start. Beca sets the tray with the remaining shots on the coffee table.

Aubrey looks at the remaining shots on the tray and does the math quickly. "Four shots!"

Beca smirks, "Yep, unless you're too much of a lightweight now."

Aubrey rises to the challenge. "Oh I can handle my liquor; I'm just worried about Legacy."

"I can too!" Emily's voice definitely squeaks as she defends herself. "I survived my Freshman year with Fat Amy and Cynthia! And I just finished my sophomore year!"

Chloe finds Emily's pout adorable, but can't help but tease. "I don't know, it might be too much for a baby Bella…" Chloe throws an arm around her taller friend.

Emily's blush is adorable as Stacie adds her arm I from the other side. "That's okay," Stacie smiles at her younger friend. "I've got your back tonight Emms!" The flirty brunette takes an exaggerated glance behind Emily and says, "It'll be a pleasure to watch that backside"

"Stacie!" Emily goes beat red.

Beca laughs wholeheartedly, silently thankful that she's not the target of this playful teasing. Sensing this Stacie declares, "Oh don't think the back of your skinny jeans isn't going to be shamelessly gawked at Becs…"

Beca's laugh becomes a cough, as her face now heats up with a flush. Even after all these years, Stacie's teasing can still fluster her shorter friend.

"... When I'm not totally checking out blonde's legs here." Stacie quips as she throws a very sexy wink at Aubrey. Aubrey's shade of red is somewhere between Beca's and Emily's.

"Oh, I see. No love for the ginger!" Exclaims Chloe in mock indignation.

"Oh red, nobody could ever forget you. Let's face it, I was saving the best for last. I just don't think I'm going to be able to go to this party. There will be just too many hotties for me to properly ogle, all the while making poor little me look like a mere beggar woman in comparison."

All five women burst into laughter at Stacie's over dramatic voice. When the laughter dies down Emily asks, "So which are we drinking first?"

Chloe answers first, "Silver, gold, silver, and finish with gold."

"And these are shots! No sipping! We finish as fast as we can. The über will be here any minute." Beca orders.

Aubrey shrugs and says, "Sounds like a plan."

"On three," says Chloe.

"Wait, is it one, two, then drink, or is it one, two, three, drink?" Stacie smile is all mischievous as she throws Aubrey a wink.

Aubrey's smile belies her "Bitch," retort.

Emily, not getting the joke speaks up, "Wait, which is it?"

Beca rolls her eyes, and says, "It's one, two, three, and drink."

Chloe laughs and begins the count, she pauses a second before saying "Three!"

Emily almost jumps the gun, which elicits a chuckle from the group, and then everyone is throwing back their shot. Emily lets out a cough, which causes everyone to laugh.

Five minutes, and three more shots of tequila each later, and the five friends are all piling into their über car, which had just arrived a few minutes before.

As they are getting in, Chloe turns to Beca and says, "Tonight's going to be epic! I can tell. Trust me."

Beca smirks, "Is this some type of Spider-sense?"

Chloe winks as she nods and says in all seriousness, "It's my Bellas-sense, and it's telling me tonight's going to be be life changing!"

"You're such a nerd, Beale."

"And still you love me."

"Always Beale."

Beca and Chloe follow Aubrey and Emily into the club arriving just fashionably late; Stacie had run into an acquaintance outside and stopped to talk. Chloe is suitably impressed; the club has an amazing set-up, with a large main room that is dominated by a dance floor that is already teeming with people. The sound system in the place has to be top of the line as the music is loud but not so that it's uncomfortable. Chloe can't help but give her hips a little shake to the music, which brings something between a smirk and a smile to Beca's face. This of course elicits a chuckle from the redhead.

Chloe's also quite dazzled with the lighting system that the owners of this club have invested in. Chloe has always really appreciated a great light show being a part of the overall entertainment factor of the club. This place has an amazing set-up, and already are in full use. The lights are flashing and well timed with the music, making dance floor seem to be another world of lights and shadows. Watching the people dancing is incredible, and a bit hypnotic.

Chloe pauses to watch the show, until Beca steps back and takes her hand and guides the redhead past the bouncer monitoring the entrance to the VIP Room and up the stairs. As they arrive in the private VIP Room where Amy and Bumper's party is being held, they can see it's in full swing. Chloe's a bit surprised at how many people are already in the room; some she recognizes, a whole lot more she doesn't. The look on Beca's face, suggests to Chloe that her DJ is feeling the same.

Chloe let's out a whistle; it's an impressive room, with two private bars, scores of tables and various couches and overstuffed chairs scattered around the room. There are a couple sliding glass doors, one set she's heard leads out to a hidden garden, while the other on the opposite side of the room, she can see leads out to a balcony with a railing that looks down upon the club's main dance floor where already there's an impressive number of bodies moving and gyrating to the club beat.

"Captain! Legacy! Shawshank! Ginger!" Fat Amy hollers at the four women, as she detaches herself from Bumper, who's animatedly talking at some former Trebbles. Fat Amy comes over and gives each woman a huge hug. "Welcome! We were wondering when you all were going to show!" Amy laughs, "What's up my twig bitches?"

"Amy, this place is amazing!" Says Emily as she looks about in wonder. Emily emits a high frequency 'Eeek', as Fat Amy lifts her off her feet while hugging her.

Aubrey's next and stiffens within Fat Amy's hug, but manages to keep her tight smile, and grit out, "Thank you for the invite, Amy. It's great to see you too."

"Sure thing Cap! Couldn't have a party without our original fearless leader!"

Beca holds her hands up to ward off her large self-proclaimed best friend as Amy comes at arms wide. "SHAWSHANK! Come 'ere!"

"AMY! No! N…" Beca's cut off as she's literally engulfed by Amy. She's positive that Amy made sure to smash her face into the blonde's impressive cleavage. This feeling seems only confirmed as Fat Amy rocks her back and forth a good couple of times.

Beca gasps for breath as Amy releases her from what Beca has dubbed her 'boob prison', as sputters, Dude! Not cool!"

"What? I'll have you know there are many a fine lad who give their right hand to be where you just were; and have! Besides it only proves that you're my best friend, 'cause only my little Bump has been there since he and I became, you know like official. Which is okay 'cause he does this thing…"

"Okay! I get it Amy! And...GROSS!"

"And you Ginger…"

Chloe decides to take the initiative in this case, just in the off chance Amy was planning on giving her the same treatment as Beca. Before the blonde Australian can hug her, Chloe initiates the hug, because let's face it, there's no one on earth who's a better hugger. It's Amy's turn to give a squeak as Chloe lifts her feet off the ground. "Damn Ginger! I knew your twig body was fit, but damn that was impressive. You're stronger than me Uncle Rory's homemade whiskey straight off the still!"

Chloe smiles proudly as she sets her larger friend down. Aubrey steps up and whispers, "You're going to feel that in the morning."

Chloe can only nod, as she fights the urge to wince. To get attention off of her she scans the room and asks Amy, "Who all's here?"

"Well Flo couldn't make it, she's in El Paso, and has a huge caseload. I haven't seen Stacie or Cynthia yet. Ashley and Jessica arrived about fifteen minutes ago. Denise a little after that. Not sure when Lily here arrived." Amy said pointing at the silent Bella who had somehow managed to appear between Beca and Emily.

Chloe giggles as Beca and Emily both jump at the realization that Lily is now right next to them. Chloe thinks she may have heard Lily says something, but isn't quite sure what, though she thinks the word teleportation might have been mumbled.

Before anything more can be said though, Jessica, Ashley, and Denise all flock over. "Chloe, Emily, Aubrey, Beca!" Ashley and Jessica cry out in unison

"Denise! Ashley! Jessica!" Responds Chloe and Emily. Ashley hugs Chloe, Jessica Emily; Beca gives a little wave, but Denise will have none of it and scoops up the tiny DJ into a big hug.

Squeals of delight, hugs, and easygoing banter start up immediately.

"Wow Chloe, you're looking terrific," says Ashley as she steps back from her hug of the redhead.

"Thanks Ash! You too! It's just so good to see you and Jessica," Chloe responds to Ashley's pleasantries, and it's so true. These women aren't just friends, they're family, and it's been way too long since she's spoken with many of them.

"Sorry I'm late," says Stacie as she comes bounding up to the group. "But look who I found."

"Legs! CR!" Hollers Amy as she spies Cynthia Rose and her wife Maria stepping up behind Stacie. "I'm happier than a dingo in a nursery, to have y'all here."

"Amy!" Cynthia Rose calls out as she and her wife join the growing circle of friends. Cynthia Rose is sporting the biggest grin any of her friends have ever seen, save for her wedding day. The young black woman is dressed in a very fashionable purple suit jacket over a white blouse, and is sporting a fedora that matches her jacket.

CR's arm is around a gorgeous woman's waist, her wife Maria. Not for the first time Chloe thinks Maria could be Stacie's long lost Latina cousin. The two women share many similar characteristics, from stature and build, to hair color and eyes.

Every Bella knew there had always been a crush on the part of CR on the leggy brunette, so when Cynthia had introduced her fiancée to her friends, there had been a combination of shock, delight, and amazement.

Cynthia Rose had not waited long after graduation and the Worlds to get married. It had seemed wise since all the Bellas were still available, having not yet scattered to the four winds to start the next phases of their lives.

Chloe remembers fondly that weekend last August. It was the last time the Bellas had all been together.

"Now this is what I'm talking about! Amy and Bumper got it going on," Cynthia Rose declares as she looks about the room. Chloe smiles at Cynthia's enthusiasm. She's always appreciated that CR has such zest for life, and wears her emotions on her sleeves. From the look of adoration on her wife's face, Chloe assumes she's not the only one to appreciate it. Maria's smile for her wife is both warm and endearing. She can only agree as she looks at the growing crowd. "Amy, you've seem to have met or befriended half of Beverly Hills."

"Aca-believe it my Pitches." Answers Amy proudly.

"This is impressive Amy," agrees Aubrey. Do you and Bumper really know all these people?"

"Yeah, more or less…" Answers Amy. "I wouldn't say well, and a lot of them are as boring as a walk-about on Kiwi Island, but we've met a fair amount."

Emily follows up with a question, but the noise in the room is making it harder to hear in the larger group, and a lot of side conversations start. Beca is talking to Denise and Lily, so Chloe shifts over to her left and listens to Stacie, who is currently catching up with Ashley and Jessica. "Yeah I'm working on my Masters of Science in Botany at UCLA. Specifically I'm looking at EGTA's water solubility."

Ashley asks tentatively, "EDTA?"

Stacie smiles and corrects her friend, "E. G. T. A. It stands for Ethylene Glycol-bis Tetraacetic Acid."

Jessica scrunches her eyes and asks, "What's EGTA?"

Stacie smiles and goes all 'nerdy' as Beca calls it, though Chloe thinks it might be when Stacie's at her hottest. The tall brunette's voice takes a different pitch when she starts talking about her studies. Chloe has long studied it, but she has never quite put a finger on what the exact change is. She listens as Stacie explains, "It's an inhibitor that binds to zinc, deactivating a component of a cascade that leads to the formation of these cavities in the vascular tissue in plant roots that have been flooded. So they can breathe even when flooded."

Chloe thinks it's in part a matter of confidence, but that really doesn't capture it, because Stacie exudes confidence in her every action. Chloe has a theory that the difference in this confidence is born of being Stacie's true self. She's a brainiac, and proud nerd, but she's also pretty, hell she's gorgeous, and growing up girls with looks weren't supposed to be smart, they're supposed to be into the E Network and nail care. So Stacie has sometimes affected a mask to hide her incredible intelligence, especially when first meeting someone.

Chloe's always thankful that Stacie joined the Bellas. Because she got to see beyond this mask, the pretty face, and now has a friend who can speak comfortably about the pH levels required to make a specific solution, that just flies right over Chloe's head.

Ashley's face shows that she's in the same boat as Chloe. She definitely didn't follow all of what their tall genius just described, but Ashley is trying to keep up; she asks,"What're the possible uses of this?"

Stacie continues to smile, and not for the first time Chloe notes that this smile is completely different from other smiles the tall brunette flashes. This smile is one of pride and hope, at least that's what Chloe has come to believe. "My professor feels that, when the pathway is fully understood, then it could lead to ways of preventing loss of crops to flooding. I don't know if you remember, but my family's farm lost that crop of soybeans our sophomore year due to flooding. Well that wasn't the first time, and flooding has affected my grandparents and aunts and uncles, so it's something I hope to help fix."

It's Chloe's turn to smile, because she can see the utter amazement shining in the eyes of both Jessica and Ashley as they listen to Stacie. Because of proximity here in Los Angeles, Chloe has had numerous opportunities to listen to Stacie talk about her Master's program before. Chloe has no doubt her face would have mirrored those of her two friends the first time Stacie had described her thesis idea, or the second, and third. Even today she has to work to decipher Stacie's explanation of her project, going so far as to google a number of words Stacie has said, but she feels now at least she has the basics.

"My project looks specifically at MMP, Matrix metaloprotinases..." One of those words Chloe had to look up. "... which could be an important step in activating the formation of the cavities in the roots of specific crops. MMP is actually found in a lot of places, so I have high hopes for the potential of this concept."

Jessica and Ashley both just say, "Wow."

Stacie just smiles and says nonchalantly, "My personal objective right now though is to get a published thesis so I can graduate."

Chloe looks over to Ashley and Jessica, and asks, "What about you two?"

Now it's Jessica and Ashley's turn to beam with pride. Jessica says, "We decided to use our business degrees, but do something we really love."

"We started our own business," adds Ashley. "We started a Wedding Planning business."

"Ashley and I are wedding singers, though the band we put together also take other gigs."

"You remember Christina, in our East Asian Studies?"

Chloe thinks back, and answers Ashley, "Tall blonde with the pixie cut?"

Ashley nods, "Yeah, that's her. She turned out to be an amazing baker. She's our cake chef."

"We also managed to secure a great up and coming caterer." Adds Jessica excitedly.

"We're really making a run for it," says Ashley.

"That's so awesome!" States Stacie, truly reveling in her friend's enthusiasm.

Chloe asks, "Do you do more than weddings?"

Both girls say sure.

"My parents fortieth anniversary is coming up next December. I would love to hire you." Chloe says excitedly.

Jessica and Ashley again answer simultaneously, "That would be great!"

Something catches Chloe's attention and she looks over to Fat Amy. She notes the boisterous blonde signalling for something. A waitress comes over to Fat Amy with a tray of shots. "We need a toast! Grab two glasses each."

Aubrey asks, "What are these?"

"Kamikazes, of course!"

Beca whispers over to Chloe as she takes two small glasses from the proffered tray, "Since when are Kamikaze's an 'of course'?"

Chloe can only shrug her shoulders, and give a slight shake of her head

"To friendship and sisterhood! Cheers Pitches!" Amy offers, before she drinks the first and then the second shot in rapid succession. She smiles broadly as she watches the girls downing theirs at the same time.

Amy sets her now empty glasses on the tray of the waitress and then looks about the room as more guests arrive. She's actually a little surprised at the turnout. She knows people see her as a confident and sexy modern woman, but they would be surprised that she's actually a bit self conscious. So she's not been confident that anyone would actually show tonight.

But people have come, and more than she could have hoped for. It's now a pretty steady trickle of people coming into the room, but to be honest the only people she really cares about are already in the room.

Bumper of course. He's the love of her life, the partner she never expected, and her best friend; though she would never tell Beca, it would break Shawshank's heart.

And her Bellas, whose friendship is also just as unexpected, and nearly as dear to her heart. She's astounded that all the Bellas, save for Flo, were able to make it tonight. She loved that on such short notice her friends were able to get to Los Angeles, to share in the celebration of Bumper's victory. It showed just how good of friends they truly are. She's even more excited they will be here for her announcements she has planned for later this evening.

The blonde Australian thinks about everything that's happened since she and Bumper had moved to Los Angeles. Bumper had managed to get himself onto 'The Voice', and more amazingly he had won it. At the same time the couple had managed to start to carve out a place for themselves. Amy and Bumper are not big names by any stretch of the imagination, but they have hit Hollywood, running, and have between the two of them started to make connections. As such the people coming in are up-and-coming producers, music video directors, aspiring B-Level actors, and managers.

Not bad, thinks the blonde to herself. She turns her head towards Emily, when she realizes Legacy had asked her something. "What's that Legacy?"

"Where are you living now?"

"Oh, we of course took over my parents Beverly Hills home. It only made sense."

Aubrey looks at Amy in shock. "Wait, your parents have a Beverly Hills home?"

"Yeah, didn't I ever mention that."

"No," answers Aubrey straight away. "No you didn't."

Fat Amy scrunches her eyes, as if trying to remember something. "Pretty sure I did."

"No Amy, I'm pretty sure you didn't. I wouldn't have had to have the Bellas do singing telegrams, if I knew you were rich."

"Huh… Now that you mention it, Bumper seemed pretty surprised too."

Amy notices Beca slide over and ask, "Wait… You're RICH?"

"Well, my family' only the seventh richest in Australia, but we are the richest in Tasmania…"

"That's amazing!" At least that's what it sounds like when Emily squeals and claps her hands.

"Oh my god! What!?"

Amy looks a Aubrey, "Wow Cap'n that's exactly what Bumper said. Fact that's a pretty damn good impression of him."

"AMY! You like stole twenty dollars from my purse every week for like two years!"

"Shawshank… Is it really stealing if you don't know about it?"

Beca rolls her eyes and throws up her hands. "That's actually the textbook definition of stealing!"

Fat Amy looks around sheepishly, then notices someone she actually wants to introduce Cynthia Rose and Maria to. So Fat Amy looks around at her best friends and says, "Well, it's been great talking to you flat butts, but I'm afraid I'm the hostess with the mostess…" Fat Amy feels this statement requires a good squeeze of her boobs to accentuate it. "...Which means I do have some…" Amy pinches one eye closed while staring at the ceiling with the other as if she's searching for the right word. "...Responsibilities! CR, Maria, there's someone I would like to introduce you to. If you'll excuse us, Pitches, I'm going to go make the rounds and see how everyone's doing, and introduce the Rose here to a new friend. I'll catch up with you lot later."

Amy takes Cynthia and Maria by the arm and leads them away as Beca says, "I want my money Amy!"

"You have to stop living in the past shortstuff!" Replies Fat Amy over her shoulder as she leads the newly weds around the room to introduce them and say hello to her new friends and acquaintances.

With Fat Amy's hasty retreat, Beca notices the circle of friends break up even more. Lily has completely vanished, but that's nothing new; though the word 'teleportation' keeps echoing through Beca's mind. Denise is now talking with Aubrey, Ashley and Jessica, of course. Some guy, trying too hard to impress in a power suit is talking to Stacie and Emily. Beca can tell from his face that he thinks he's getting somewhere with the two tall beauties, but Beca can also read Stacie, and Stacie's in the the I'll listen to you to be polite but this isn't happening stance. And Emily only has eyes for Benji right now, so overachiever is going to be sorely disappointed.

Beca shakes her head and leans into Chloe. "This really feels like a reunion. I need a drink. You with me?"

Chloe smiles and nods, "Always."

Before the two take three steps they hear, "Chloe, Chloe Beale? Is that really you?" The redhead turns from to see Donald coming over, while Beca rolls her eyes.

"Yeah, it's me," answers Chloe flashing her dazzling smile. "Hey Donald, how have you been?"

Beca groans under her breath. "When did this become a reunion?"

Chloe giggles and whispers back, "Be nice Becs."

Beca whispers back, "I'm ALWAYS nice." Chloe gives her a look which turns into a smirk, and even Beca has to chuckle at that one.

"And you, Donald," Chloe says, refocusing on the former Trebble. "What are you up to now?"

Chloe falls into lite conversation with Donald and then two other Trebbles that seem familiar to Beca but she can't remember their names. Beca's still amazed at how easy it is for Chloe to start conversations or join a group. She has no fear in such situations.

On the other hand, these situations are hard on Beca, never feeling comfortable just joining a conversation or knowing what to say to start a conversation. Memories of school dances flood Beca's nervous brain. Standing there the ever consummate wallflower watching her classmates dancing, never being asked herself, probably because of the scowl. She only ever went because her mother made her.

Beca excuses herself from the small group forming around Chloe, telling the redhead she's going to get those drinks, and asking if she wants anything. Chloe frowns a little when Beca excuses herself, but says she would love a drink, and to surprise her.

Beca smiles as the drink order for Chloe pops in her head. She turns and starts to make her way to the bar, which is no easy task. There are a lot of people here now, a lot.

Because of the swirl of the crowd, Beca's only made it about fifteen feet in the last fifteen minutes; her destination, the open bar another good twenty-five feet away.

"Becaw!"

Beca rolls her eyes, amazed that Jesse still uses that opening after all these years. She has always hated it, but he thinks of it as endearing, so no matter what she says or does, it somehow keeps coming back. She had once thought about just accepting it, and maybe it would grow on her; it didn't.

Still she gives him a tight smile, the best she can in this uncomfortable space, and accepts his hug and kiss. She notes that two of his buddies from USC are trailing. She knows that she's met them before, but for the life of her she can't remember their names.

"You look amazing," says Jesse, pulling Beca's attention back.

"Thanks, Jesse. Pretty crowded huh.?"

"Yeah. I managed to get to the bar," Jesse answers. "Here's your beer. Consider me your savior."

"Thanks, you're a savior," Beca answers, gratefully accepting the beer.

"There must be a reward for that," Jesse says, giving Beca a meaningful smile.

"We'll see, Romeo, but I still need to get Chloe something."

"Well follow me my darling, and I will carve a pathway for you."

"You're such a strange weirdo."

"So Beca, are we tying one on tonight?" Jesse asks with one of his goofy grins.

"Oh, I definitely feel the urge to party," answers Beca, giving a sly smile.

Jesse smiles, happy that his girlfriend's in such good spirits. He looks over to his USC buddies and deadpans, "Lucky for me she's quite easy to carry."

Beca pulls back with a shocked expression. "One time! One time," she says vehemently. "You had to carry me home one time."

Jesse gives her a look and asks, "Seriously?"

"Okay, twice…" Jesse just continues to stare. "Maybe three times…"

"Keep telling yourself that Mitchell," says Jesse as he makes his way through the crowd. Beca again rolls her eyes, but let's out a chuckle. She pushes up directly behind Jesse, because part of her is actually a little nervous in crowds like this. She could literally die! Or at least that's what Beca thinks.

With Jesse's help Beca is actually able to make it to the bar in under five minutes, and she's able to get her drink order in. For some reason she's thinking Chloe's in a more fruity tasting drink, so she orders Chloe a Bahama Mama.

"So Beca, you remember Mitch and Jodie?" Jesse points to his two buddies.

"Uhh, yeah," answers Beca as she accepts Chloe's drink. They look familiar, but if she was asked to identify them in a lineup, she's pretty sure she'd fail, even if it was a lineup of two. Still she gives a shy smile and a little wave. Dropping her eyes to the drink in her hand she misses their responses. She mumbles, "Uhh, I should get this to Chloe."

"Oh, here let's get Lily to take her the drink," suggests Jesse as he takes the drink from Beca, and hands it to the silent Asian girl. Beca again jumps back as she notices her quiet friend. "Let's talk, I don't want to spend the night just delivering drinks."

While Jesse's puppy dog eyes are nowhere near the same league as Chloe's, they're still pretty decent, so Beca relents and asks Lily, "Can you take Chloe her drink?" Lily nods, and Beca turns back to Jesse and gives him a face that asks, 'are you happy now?'

Jesse smiles holds out his beer, which Beca taps, he then drinks down the rest in one long swallow. "Guess I'm not the only one who's thinking about letting loose tonight?"

"Yeah! We're celebrating!" Jesse waves his arms around excitingly. "Mitch, Jodie and I found out our project was selected by the University. We're going to be doing the sound for an indie movie that Spielberg is an executive producer on. Can you believe it? Mother Effin' Spielberg! I mean it's a low budget, give young up and comers a chance to shine project, but it's freakin' Spielberg, and I'm going to be scoring it!"

"Jesse, that's Amazing!" Beca says with all her enthusiasm, as she gives him her best impression of a Chloe hug. She's really happy for him, and she knows he's really worked hard for this, though she's not entirely sure who this Spielberg is, sure she's heard the name, pretty sure Jesse has said it to her, but beyond that…

"I know, I know," Jesse happily says, pulling her in tight. He's a child on Christmas morning, and his excitement is near Beale levels. "See Becs, I told you everything will work out. Our dreams are coming true."

"Yeah they are!" Yells one of the USC buddies, Beca thinks his name is Mitch, who comes over with two shots of tequila. Jesse's attention diverted, he doesn't see Beca's face fall as he talks about their dreams, though Beca covers quickly.

Jesse and Mitch each down their shot, with Mitch letting out a whoop as he downs his. Beca can't help but roll her eyes. Before anything else can happen, the other USC Buddy is there with shots of Jägermeister. "Oh yay… you're friend has more…" Says Beca, basically to herself as Jesse and his new buddies down the liquorice tasting shots quickly.

This time all three of the friends let out a whoop after downing their second Jägermeister. Beca raises her beer in salute but the guys are all talking so fast she can't understand a word of it, and they don't notice her really anyway.

A fourth guy, that Beca actually recognizes comes over balancing four shots. He's a Trebblemaker who came out to USC a year before Jesse, named is Johnny. Beca knows him at least a little bit. He sees her, and gives an apologetic half smile. "Oh Beca, I didn't see you there. Sorry, I only brought four shots."

Beca holds up her beer and says, "I'm good."

Jesse notices Johnny's shots, and asks, "What are we drinking?"

Johnny passes out the shots while answering "Goldschläger!"

Jesse and his buddies groan, but it's good natured, and each grabs a shot. Beca again rolls her eyes. Jesse has his arm around her waist, so she's there in this new circle of people, but she's not really a part of this group. She feels kind of trapped.

Beca often felt this way back at Barden, when she would be over at the Trebble house, especially during a party. Jesse would want her there with him, and why not, she's his girlfriend. Yet she never truly felt a part of the conversation, truly a part of the group dynamics. It's even more pronounced here in LA. Jesse has picked up a whole new crew of friends out here in California. His USC Buddies as Beca has dubbed them. For the most part they're good guys, they remind Beca of the Trebblemakers, save maybe even more wild and nerdy. The thing is, with the Trebblemakers, Beca had music in common with them. Here with Jesse's new friends, she doesn't have that same connection. Worse, the USC Buddies are all like equal or greater than Jesse movie nerds. She once told Jesse she was going to punch out the next one of the USC Buddies who made a big deal about her not liking movies.

Trying to get in the swing of things, Beca leans closer to Jesse and asks, "So is Benji here yet?" Jesse goes to answer, but Beca answers for him. "Wait why am I asking? Emily would have definitely let the entire club know if he had."

Jesse is about to answer when a high pitch squeal cuts through the noise, causing both Beca and Jesse to turn in that direction.

A huge smile creases Jesse's face as he watches his best friend stumble back as Emily excitedly jumps into his arms. "You got that one right."

Beca to chuckles at the sight and says, "I'm going to go over there." She feels Jesse tighten his hold as he gives a groan. "Don't be like that, I'll be right back and bring them over."

Jesse still has an exaggerated pout face, so Beca leans in and gives a quick kiss to the cheek. He smiles and let's go. He looks like he's going to say something more but Mitch brings more shots, tequila this time, at least that's what Beca surmises since the USC Buddies are chanting 'TEQUILA'! When Jesse joins in, Beca uses the distraction to escape the group.

Moving over to Emily and Benji is a whole lot easier than it was going towards the bar. The crowd has dispersed throughout the room and the club in total. As Beca moves towards Emily and Benji she passes Bumper who is holding court with a good sized gathering of Trebbles and their dates. Beca can only chuckle as she hears Bumper regale his audience with how he never considered any of the other contestants as real competition, or what it was like to work with Christina Aguilera. Still the same Bumper. Always ready to blow his own horn.

Coming up to Emily and Benji, the latter notices Beca approaching and calls out to her pulling back from his girlfriend. "Hey Benji! It's been too long."

"Beca! Yeah, way too long," Benji pulls her into a quick if awkward hug.

Beca smiles up at her goofy friend, who had kind of taken up the role of little brother. Little being relative considering he has five to six inches on her. Still there's something about Benji's honest earnestness that just makes you want to hug and protect. Beca's always so happy that Emily took a chance and kissed the loveable dork at Worlds. Frankly the two are supremely made for one another. Beca asks, "How's your Masters program going?"

"Georgia Tech is great! I really like their cyber security program. One more year and I will be all done." Answers Benji as he puts his arm back around Emily's waist.

Legacy is giddy and kisses her boyfriend on the cheek. "He's being modest Beca. My Benji here's top of his class, and he's got an internship at Verizon Digital Media for the summer."

"Congrats dude!" Beca is impressed at how much her awkward friend had grown since their freshman year. He's so much more confident and assured of himself.

"Yeah, it means I get to spend my summer out here. Jesse said I can use his pull out couch."

"Wow, guess we'll be seeing a bunch of you this summer." Beca notes Emily's face fall, as it hits her that Benji will be away from Georgia for the summer. Acting on impulse Beca says, "Lucky for Emily she has use of our couch anytime she wants it." Immediately Beca begins to question what she had just done and where that had come from, but the look of joy on Emily's face keeps her from taking it back.

Emily of course feels this warrants a hug, and her long arms latch onto Beca with such speed, it kind of makes her dizzy. "Jeez Emily, you're as bad as Chloe…"

"Then that means I'm great," answers the younger girl.

"True."

Beca shrugs out of the hug and asks Benji, "So did you just get in?"

"Yeah, dropped off my bags at Jesse's and came right over."

"There's my favorite Galea wannabe!" Shouts Amy as she comes up and throws an arm around Benjii's shoulder.

Beca raises an eyebrow in question and mouths, "Galea?"

Benji smiles and responds, "James Galea. He's an Australian magician. Pretty good one."

"Pretty good? Pretty good? He's the best magician in Australia; and hence the best in the world."

Before Benji can respond to this, another voice calls out to him. "Hey Benji, glad you could make it," says Aubrey as she joins her friends.

Benji gives a wave. "Hey Aubrey. Thanks again Amy for the invite."

"My pleasure magic man. Just glad you and Legacy were able to make it. Though please hang around till Bumper and I make our remarks before you go knock boots." Amy says with a knowing wink.

"Amy!" Emily chokes out. "We… We… Are… Not…"

"It's okay Legacy." Amy pats the taller brunette on the back. "You're two young healthy kids in love. It's only to be expected that you would want to go all dingo style lovin"

"Amy!" This time it's Aubrey trying to derail Amy's train of thought.

Amy is on a roll though and just powers on through. "It's like me and Bump. There was something right from the beginning. An animal attraction, which kinda leads to animal like sex; but I'm sure you know what I mean, huh Em."

Emily is a deep shade of scarlet. She squeaks, "Amy!"

"I mean there was, I think it was the third time Bumper and I had…"

"Amy!" Beca interrupts her boisterous friend, putting her hands up in front of her, as if to ward off whatever else Amy were about to say. "Please don't. I really don't think I…" Beca looks around the circle of friends, "... we can handle hearing any of Bumper's and your sex escapades right now."

"Or ever!" Adds Aubrey, already feeling a queasiness in the pit of her stomach.

Amy looks at her friends in puzzlement. "Are ya sure? Because I've got quite a few stories I can share."

"No!" Beca and Aubrey shout in unison.

Benji and Emily can't help giggling at their two friends. Now that Amy's attention is off of their sex life, Emily and Benji can actually laugh at the situation, and Amy's antics.

"I'm good," Beca and Aubrey continue to say the same thing simultaneously. They turn and look at each other shocked.

"Jinx!" Says Beca with a grin. Aubrey blushes and Benji and Emily are in full laughing mode now.

"There some really great stories," interjects Amy once more. This causes Benji and Emily to laugh even harder as Beca and Aubrey blush more.

Beca again raises her hand. She directs a question to Aubrey, "I think you owe me a drink. Do you want to hit the bar?"

"Yup!" Aubrey replies quickly, turning immediately to leave for the bar.

Amy has a total shit-eating grin as she calls after her two retreating friends, "Like this one time Bumper and I went to the movies..."

"Not listening!" Beca calls out without turning around.

"Or how about that time Bumper and me went on tour bus in Hawaii..."

Aubrey shouts, "I can't hear you!"

About thirty minutes pass, and Beca is back over with Jesse, though she now has Emily and Benji with her, so it's better. Jesse had come over and guided her back into his circle of friends. He's so excited and is feeling very handsy this evening. Beca notices that, along with the fact that he's more inebriated than she's seen him in a long time. She can't blame him, it really is great news about the project, and the drinks are free tonight, so good for him. Yet he again has his arm about her waist, so she

is anchored to this spot. Not that it's unwelcome, it's just not the norm.

Other than actually physically being in the middle of this group of people, Beca's still not really feeling a part of this group dynamic. Some more Trebbles have joined the group, men that she's had conversations and classes with, but she still feels like the outsider caught here in the middle.

Beca glances around the room, not really looking for anything in particular, but settling on her redhead. She bites her lower lip to keep from smiling as she watches Chloe make her way around the room catching up on people's lives and what they are doing now. Beca can see that Chloe's in her element as she goes around striking up small conversations, talking about the basics of the past year with people she knows, and introducing herself to those she doesn't.

It's a skill that Beca recognizes will never be in her toolset. That's okay though as long as she has Chloe in her life. Chloe can handle that chore for her.

Since she isn't really a part of any of the conversations going on around her, Beca just continues to watch the redhead. Which leads her to wonder what Chloe is actually saying, or telling people. Are there embarrassing Mitchell as a roommate stories, or is she telling them about her new job, or is it more along the lines of how she loves the new life in California variety? Beca can't help but wish she was over with Chloe, because Chloe always has very interesting things to say, keeps the exchanges lively, and always ensures Beca's a part of the conversation.

What Beca doesn't realize is how long she's staring off at Chloe, or that Jesse has noticed.

Chloe makes her excuses to a new couple she's been having a delightful conversation with. Mary and David are videographers, who own their own business, and are new acquaintances of Bumper and Amy's. Mary still can't get over how Amy calls herself Fat, or that she was called a twig bitch to her face. Chloe can only assure her that yes it did happen, and many in the room can probably retell a similar story, but that Amy has a heart of gold.

As Chloe moves towards the bar to get a refill, she looks about taking in the entire party. Amy and Bumper must really be proud. The turnout has been amazing. Of course Bumper is quite proud of himself; Chloe hears him as she walks by, retelling what it was like to be backup for John Mayer. Chloe is amazed at how much mileage Bumper has been able to get out of that job. Still their former nemesis has over a dozen people hanging on his every word.

Chloe continues to scan the room. If anyone were to ask what she was looking for, she would defer and claim to be just taking it all in. But deep down she knows she's really looking for her roommate. Beca has mellowed a lot in the time Chloe has known her, and isn't quite the alt-girl badass Chloe first met at the activities fair; and with regards to social interactions, Beca has grown so much in that same time, but she's still not the most comfortable in crowds.

Chloe on the other hand has no problem meeting new people, making small talk, and being an attentive listener, so she tries to be there for her friend. To protect her when the crowd gets to be too much, and keep her included in the conversation.

Out of the corner of her eye, Chloe notes Beca. She turns and studies what's happening with her friend and she can see all the telltales that a rescue is in order. First her small friend keeps glancing around, as if looking for a reason to flee. She's nervously playing with the straw in her drink, and if Chloe were to bet, she would lay even money the straw is all chewed up. Even the smaller brunette's posture screams 'trapped and ready to bolt' at the first chance.

Chloe shakes her head as a small smile flits across her lips. What are friends for, if not to help each other out of uncomfortable situations?

The redhead steps up to the bar, and leans in enough to flash a tantalizing amount of cleavage, which definitely gets the bartender's attention. The bartender is over in a heartbeat, and Chloe gives him a sexy smirk as she orders two Moscow Mules.

The bartender starts to chat Chloe up, and she has to admit she's flirting right back. He's not a bad looking guy, tall, handsome, looks like he works out regularly; probably an aspiring actor, who does the occasional modeling gig. Maybe in another time she might have seen where this might go, but now it's a different day, and her heart is someone else's, and she has no interest in a meaningless fling.

Chloe bites her lip and taps her fingers idly on the bar as she watches the bartender make her drinks. Maybe it's stupid to not pursue this. It's not like she would be cheating on anyone. Besides, from the way Jesse has kept his hands on Beca this evening, she was probably spending the night at his place.

So why should I have to be alone?

The thing is, she just can't not feel it would be wrong and a mistake to pursue anything else. Chloe doesn't want cheap and meaningless. Even if that means more lonely nights.

The truth is, the only thing that will fill her heart is something she can't have. So Chloe accepts her drinks leaves a nice tip, and walks away from a very disappointed bartender, and towards the most important person in her life.

Beca takes a sip of her beer, frowns when she realizes it's empty and sighs. Refocusing on the guy in front of her, she tries to remember his name. She's positive that he's a former Trebblemaker. At least she thinks he is, with his short brown hair and thick glasses that remind Beca of Harry Potter's, he's vaguely familiar. Beca sort of remembers him from Barden, so she attempts to make small talk. "I'm sorry, you're Charles, right?"

The guy's face falls at Beca's question, he pushes his glasses back up the bridge of his nose and shakes his head no. Beca tries again, "Chuck?"

"Actually it's Jake. I was in the room across the hall from Jesse and Benji. We had music theory together. We were also in Algebra, Comparative Lit, History of the Renaissance, and Philosophy 101…"

"Hey Becs," Chloe announces her presence as she steps up to Beca's side and gives her best friend a gentle nudge with her elbow. "I got that drink you wanted." Beca practically leaps for the drink, that Chloe is holding out to her.

"Moscow Mule?" Beca arches her eyebrow in question.

Chloe blows a curl from her forehead, and gives a look as if she won't dignify the question with an answer, then smiles and says, "Of course! Would I get your order wrong."

"You wouldn't dare." Answers Beca playfully.

Jesse notices Chloe handing Beca her new drink. "You needed a new drink Beca?"

"Oh yeah," answers Beca after taking a gulp of her drink.

"You should have said something, I would have grabbed you one."

Chloe waves Jesse off. "No worries Jesse. It was kind of a psychic roommate call." She raises her glass to Beca, who returns the salute and taps her glass. Both women miss Jesse's frown.

"Thanks Chloe. By the way, you remember Chuck, Jason, and Robert." Beca signals the three former Trebbles before her.

Chloe smiles cheerfully at the three befuddled men. She knows for a fact that their names are Jake, James, and Richard.

If that's not a sign that Beca needs rescuing, then Chloe's not sure if she's ever seen one. She says hello to the three men, making sure to use their correct names, then she makes her apologies for stealing Beca away while she grabs Beca's hand and pulls her towards the Bellas, who are all gathering in the center of the room again.

"Beca I need you over here with the Bellas."

Beca rolls her eyes, but smiles as she allows Chloe to drag her across the room to where the Bellas are.

Jesse goes to say something, but Mitch shows up with another round of shots. Benji accepts one of the shots and closes the circle, while Emily follows her former Captains.

The Bellas all end up in the center of the VIP room again. Liquor and laughter flowing easily and everyone in a great mood. Time apart has made them all wistful of their Barden days, so they feel a gravitational pull back to one another.

Beca is feeling better. The sounds of her friend's laughter, the chatter of their excited conversations, all blending with the background music the club DJ is playing, creates a magical sound that she loves. This incredible sound fills the air and envelops Beca in a warm security blanket, which has greatly improved Beca's mood.

It also doesn't hurt that Chloe is by her side.

The Bellas being the Bellas, the conversation turns to discussions of sex. Of course when said group of people has Fat Amy and Stacie helping to guide the conversation it's pretty much inevitable.

Stacie laughs. "You know Amy loves my Sexcapade stories. I'm thinking maybe I should write a book. I'm thinking "Confessions of a Liberated Woman" for a title."

Aubrey laughs but then stops. "That's actually not a crazy idea."

"I would definitely read it," adds Chloe, with a sincere smile.

"You do realize there would be a chapter or two about you…"

Chloe feels a bit of a blushes heat in her cheeks, mental images of the night of their second second ICCA Championship, and then the weekend trip to Panama City…

"Wait, Chloe might have a chapter in your book?" Aubrey's shock easily heard in her question.

Beca about chokes, "What!?"

Aubrey and Beca's reaction pulls Chloe out of her delightful trip down memory lane. Her best friends showing their shock at this revelation.

Amy can't help jumping in, "You and the ginger, eh legs?" Amy absolutely loves the face Beca is currently making; it's an intriguing combination of shock and incredulity.

Stacie makes sure to pop her 'P' as she says, "Yep."

Eyes turn to the blushing redhead, but the only eyes Chloe feels belong to Beca, who is standing, mouth agape.

"Definitely, though Chloe Beale might merit two," Stacie allows her voice to drop into a very sexy sounding husk.

"Might? I damn well earned two chapters," Chloe says in mock outrage.

Beca still shocked into silence looks like she's going to have a heart-attack. Chloe absently reaches up and starts rubbing the small of her back. This small act seems to do the trick, and color returns to Beca's cheeks. She tries saying something, coughs and clears her throat and then manages to say, "You and Chloe?"

Stacie gets this Cheshire Cat like look, something more than a smile, but almost predatory, as she hums an affirmative.

"Damn Stacie. How many Bellas did you knock boots with down in the Sheila pond?"

Stacie nonchalantly looks over at Fat Amy and without hesitation answers, "Three."

All eyes turn towards Aubrey, who's already pink complexion turns a deeper shade of red. "Why would everyone assume I'm one?"

Stacie is still in full on flirt mode, practically purrs, "Because it's such a natural fit, love. We would be amazing..." Aubrey's skin invents whole new shades of red.

"Quick cover Legacy's ears! We may yet save her innocence," Interjects Amy.

"Guys! I'm not that innocent!" Emily actually stomps her foot. This causes a round of giggles from the group.

"Yeah you're regular Britney Spears," says Amy, before turning back to Stacie. "So not with our former tall blonde tyrant, sorry captain. Hmmm, looks like I owe you twenty, CR."

Aubrey's eyes bulge, "What!?"

Amy shrugs off Aubrey's death glare and says, "Sorry Cap, it seemed like a safe bet." She looks around the circle and asks, "Then who?"

Stacie shrugs. "I'll let them say."

"Lesbihonest!" Amy coughs.

Lily raises her hand, saying something inaudible. No one notices till they all realize Stacie is focused on Lily, with a warm appreciative smile.

Lily mumbles something more in her hushed tone, but she seems to say, "It was nice."

"It was," confirms Stacie. Glancing around the circle she continues, "I was thinking about getting a tattoo, and Lily showed me hers. She has an amazing dragon tattoo..."

Lily mumbles, "My Grandparents are dragons."

Stacie shrugs, "One thing led to another, and... It was quite athletic."

All eyes again turn as one, this time to Lily, who keeps her head down, but lifts her eyes so everyone can see that she has a very proud smile.

"There goes Legacy's innocence!"

"Amy!"

"Wait! You're not number three are you Legacy?"

Stacie interrupts here, "No Amy. That would be like kissing my little sister."

Another stamp of the foot from the tall young woman. "No it wouldn't!"

Aubrey has found this conversation much more compelling than she would readily admit, asks, "Then who?"

It's Maria who answers, "That would be my wife."

Again all eyes move as one, this time landing on Cynthia Rose, who suddenly has taken a keen interest in the ceiling.

"Aca-awkward!" Amy says under her breath, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

Maria shakes her head no, "Not at all. The first few times…"

"First few?" Aubrey's shocked the words come before she can stop herself.

"... Yes the first few times were before I met my chocolate bunny." Cynthia Rose tries valiantly to win this impromptu game of who can blush the most.

Legacy is the first to ask about what is implied in Maria's answer. Now it's Maria who adopts the Cheshire Cat look. Her smile as she looks over at the tall brunette with a fond smile, as she recalls intimate moments. "I would assume our wedding gift also makes the book?"

Cynthia Rose actually blushes more at her wife's question.

Stacie smiles warmly at Maria. "Oh yeah." Again it comes out as a purr.

This time it's Chloe who asks, "Wedding present?"

"Si," answers Maria quite confidently.

Chloe, not for the first time, thinks that if Stacie had a half-sister from Mexico, she would be Maria.

Maria continues, "Stacie's wedding present helped me with my gift, which was to indulge one of Cyn's fantasies…"

"Cover Legacy's ears again!" Says Amy as Emily asks, "Fantasies?"

Amy shakes her head as she laments the loss of Emily's innocence.

Maria smiles at Emily and answers. "Yes, my Cyn had a roleplaying fantasy that I wanted to indulge." Again she looks fondly at Stacie. "Stacie helped me fulfill it."

It's Chloe this time who asks, "What was the fantasy?"

Cynthia looks down and does a great Lily impression. Maria smirks mischievously and asks, "What was that Cyn? Don't be shy, you definitely weren't shy that weekend." She shoots a wink at Stacie, who's smile is warm and sexy, and everyone can tell they are sharing a fond memory.

Cynthia Rose however looks like she would rather be getting a root canal. She looks to her wife, eyes pleading, but Maria is having too much fun, and returns her wife's pleading with a pout. Cynthia holds for a grand total of two seconds before caving. "A harem." She looks up to see perplexed looks from everyone. With a sigh she says, "I had a harem fantasy."

Beca points to Stacie and asks, "You had Stacie serve as a harem girl?"

CR nods and again starts studying the floor again. Maria on the other hand is loving this, and playfully teases her wife, "Oh my Cyn had two harem girls waiting on her hand and foot."

Emily scrunched her forehead as she asked, "Two?"

Realizing that there was no escaping this embarrassing moment, Cynthia Rose lifts her chin and says, "Yeah, my wife and Stacie surprised me, and were my harem girls."

"Yes! Cyn was my beautiful Sultan, and we served her every wish." Maria's voice is sultry, and everyone listening can feel a bit of the thrill. She leans over her wife and gives Cynthia Rose a quick kiss on the cheek.

Beca swallows before asking, "Are you like Stacie's long lost twin?"

Stacie smiles, "Pretty sure not, or we've been really naughty." Stacie matches Maria's pitch as she draws out saying naughty.

Chloe asks, "So, was it fun?"

Stacie flashes a smile as Cynthia Rose and Maria say yes together. Stacie adds, "Oh totes. We had matching 'I dream of Jeannie' costumes."

Chloe's mouth quirks up in a smile at Stacie's frank answer.

Stacie looks around at her friends who, despite having known her for five years can still be surprised by her. Stacie shrugs and says, "What? I wanted to give Cynthia something special for her wedding."

"Oh you did!" Both Cynthia Rose and Maria say together. They look at each other and grin.

"Well I need more booze," says Aubrey.

"Me too!" Declares Beca as she practically sprints towards the bar, pulling Chloe behind her.

******

A couple hours in and the party is going great. Fat Amy and Bumper can't be more pleased, as they watch friends and family drinking, talking, and generally having a great time. The crowd of Bellas and Trebbles are especially enjoying themselves. Almost everyone there's at least a little buzzed, even Legacy, though she still has a half dozen mama hens monitoring alcohol consumption.

It's at this point that Fat Amy and Bumper make their way to the front of the room. At first Bumper tries to get the crowds attention but to little avail. Fat Amy watches for a moment or two, but then takes it upon herself. Cupping her hands around her mouth, she shouts, "Cheers, pitches!"

Fat Amy yells at the top of her lungs, and every person in the VIP Room stops and turns towards Amy and Bumper.

"Alright ya lot of flat butts! Tonight is all about celebrating my favorite dingo wrestler, and newest winner of the Voice! Bumper!"

Everyone cheers at Amy's pronouncement. Of course this isn't enough for Fat Amy who pumps her arms up in the air, entreating the crowd to get loud, and raise the level of excitement and volume.

Amy has always been a master at playing to the crowd, and now is no different. Where others are able to pull out a cheer or two from an audience, the boisterous blonde from down under is able to inspire the crowd of spectators to continue to scream and shout, building upon their enthusiasm and continuing their applause. Amy continues to entice more from the crowd, encouraging more, and then suddenly she cuts them off. The drop in noise is jarring, and even the club mix piped in through strategically placed speakers seem muted.

"Crushed it!" Exclaims Fat Amy as she punches her right fist into the air.

Amy' all smiles, very satisfied with herself, as she gestures to Bumper that the floor is his to talk. Bumper gives an elaborate bow to Amy, and then calls on the crowd to give a hand to his lady love. Of course the audience already revved up by Amy are happy to oblige Bumper and give Amy a thunderous applause.

Bumper has the biggest grin as he scans the room, taking in all the people who are now focusing on him. He's in his element here, at the center of attention, loving the consideration from both friends and those he plans to be peers with.

Amy and Bumper have come to Los Angeles with every intention of conquering it. They are here to mix with celebrities and be celebrities. They plan on being players in the entertainment business, and tonight is a big part of it.

Yet he's also a bundle of nerves, deep down concerned that he and Fat Amy will fail. This is actually one of the things that Amy likes about Bumper. He is in so many ways so similar to her, outwardly confident to the point of egotistic but in truth every bit insecure inside. But every insecurity is just fuel for their bravado, and tonight their bravado is on full display.

"Well I have to say this is one hell of a turnout. I'm freaking amazed! I'm also glad you all could come. Though I'm sure many of you are thinking that a free bar is worth having to deal with me." This elicits laughter from the guests, which helps calm Bumper.

"Well, almost free; I do have one request. I want you all to do Amy and I a big favor. I need you all to be witnesses, and to raise your glasses in toast, as I have the great honor to tell everyone…"

"We're getting MARRIED PITCHES!"

The whole room starts to cheer in a drunken burst of energy.

Bumper's facebetrays how crestfallen he is "Amy! I thought I was going to tell them."

"Bumper, my luv, you're taking too long, besides you know weddings are all about the bride." Amy gives Bumper her most dazzling smile, but seeing his puppy dog hurt expression, she offers, "You do still get to tell them the other news."

Realization dawns on Bumper's face and he leans in and kisses his fiancée. "That's right, I do get the pleasure of announcing that I have been in talks with executives with NBC and the producers of the Voice about a new show. A show that will pit A cappella groups in ultimate riff-offs!"

Bumper pauses as the gathering of friends and family give a loud and boisterous cheer. These truly are the moments that Bumper lives for. Again the center of attention, able to deliver something AMAZING. "And that's not all; I get to pick the first season's lineup. Which means we are inviting the Tonehanges, the Trebles, the Bellas, and like nine other groups I've never heard of and frankly don't care about. You're going to be on TELEVISION!"

A/N: Again thanks to everyone taking the time to read this. I have never written anything like this so it's been a fun exercise. This is the first time attempting to write humor, so I'm really hoping that you find the comedy in this fun. Please review!

I now understand why authors on this site ask for feedback. While writing, I'm sure I'm putting together a good story worthy of your time, but when it comes time to post, I worry that it doesn't make sense or isn't quite good enough. Hopefully you all still think this story isn't a waste of time. Hopefully life settles down and I can get back on track. Till next time.