A/N Hello Pitch Perfect Fans!
Here's the next chapter. Thanks for your reviews, follows and favs!
It really makes me happy to read a review.
In this chapter there's some back and forth with flashbacks, which are bolded and italicized. I hope it's not too confusing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Pitch Perfect or anything in Idyllwild California, which is a really amazing place, and I would highly recommend as a vacation spot.
CHAPTER 13
***Beca Plans a getaway ***
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Beca enters the apartment with a huff, dropping her bag where she stands, just letting the strap slip off her shoulder.
"Well that could have gone better," she says to an empty room, as she throws her keys into the bowl Chloe keeps by the door.
Looking about she calls, "Chlo?" but receives no answer. She pulls out the earbuds in her ear, and hears something from the kitchen, and starts to walk that way. "Chlo?"
The sound becomes clearer the closer to the kitchen Beca gets, and she smiles as she recognizes her favorite redhead's voice singing away.
You light me up inside
Like the 4th of July
Whenever you're around
I always seem to smile
"Chlo?"
And people ask me how
Well you're the reason why
I'm dancing in the mirror and singing in the shower
Walking to the kitchen, Beca calls again only to stop in her tracks at the sight before her. Chloe is facing the open refrigerator singing and dancing in the middle of their kitchen.
La-la-di, la-la-da, la-la-daaa
Singing in the shower
Beca's eyes widen at the sight of the redhead, half naked, dressed only in a plush pink towel wrapped tightly around her torso, and a blue towel wrapped around her head.
La-la-di, la-la-da, la-la-daaa
Singing in the shower
Chloe's lost in her song, completely oblivious to the fact that her roommate has returned. She's moving her body in what appears to be a simple motion, but upon really studying it's quite complex. Her head is nodding to the beat, her shoulders swaying just so while her hips are moving in a way that would make a belly dancer blush. Beca was having fun watching Chloe,
All I want, all I need is your loving
Baby you make me hot like an oven
Since you came you know what I've discovered
Baby I don't need me another
Beca spies a set of earbuds in the redhead's ears, which explains her not answering. She finds it adorable the redhead is singing into her phone as if it were a microphone.
No, no all I know (know)
Only you got me feeling so (so)
She's not sure why, but Beca stops attempting to alert Chloe in any way. Maybe it's just how adorable Chloe is as she really gets into the song. Maybe it's the sheer bliss on Chloe's face as she sings with eyes closed, as if the redhead is picturing the person she's singing about. Or maybe Beca's just enjoying the floor show too much. She leans against the wall just watching the Chloe's moves. She can't help but admire the little shake of the butt and swing of her hips that Chloe's doing to the rhythm she's hearing through her earbuds.
And you know that I got to have you
And I don't plan to let you go
Beca's particularly enjoying a little shimmy Chloe has added to her dance move, till the realization hits the petite brunette that her best friend is currently clad in only a towel; one of the plush pink bath towels Chloe had insisted they buy. That the butt Beca continues to stare at is naked under said towel, and the towel barely reaches past Chloe's butt, and that with each move, the towel seems at risk of not covering it.
Think of you when I'm going to bed
When I wake up think of you again
You are my homie, lover and friend
Exactly why
Face flush with embarrassment Beca suddenly feels guilty for watching her crazy best friend. She needs to stop, to look away, to let Chloe know…
You light me up inside
Like the 4th of July
Whenever you're around
I always seem to smile
Lost in her song the redhead spins about.
And people ask me how
Well you're the reason why
Chloe opens her eyes as she raises her voice.
I'm dancing in the mirror and singing in the show-AAAAAAAHHHHHHHhhhhhh!"
Chloe shrieks! She hits a pitch Beca's never heard before.
Simultaneously jumping what seems nearly three feet in the air in her surprise. Completely and utterly startled to realize she's no longer alone. Chloe's feet land hard on the kitchen floor, but this goes unnoticed as Chloe's eyes are locked on the intruder standing just a few feet away in the entryway.
It takes her a full second to realize it's Beca, who is now standing straight staring at Chloe. The redhead's shriek seems to have frozen the brunette in place.
"Beca? It takes another second for Chloe to find her voice.
Beca still just stands there silently staring.
Chloe can't tease though, she's only now remembering she's in the middle of their kitchen, just a few feet from her strangely silent DJ.
"Jesus you scared me," Chloe says, clutching her chest. "Your home!" She smiles though, happy it's Beca. "How long have you been there?"
Beca just stands frozen, her stormy blue eyes growing to the size of saucers.
The smile fades into a frown as it clicks in Chloe's head that Beca's here in their kitchen. "So…. You're here!?" Chloe exclaims, but gets no response. She slips the headphones from her ears and smiles, "Uh, um, I was just listening to some of your mixes," she stammers an explanation, she doesn't know what to say, it's only Saturday. Finally she decides to ask, "What are you doing here?" Beca wasn't due back till Sunday evening.
Beca doesn't respond.
Chloe stares back willing her heart to slow down. She presses her hand to the smooth skin of her chest and can just feel the heavy pounding through the palm of her hand.
Beca doesn't answer, just continues to stare.
"Beca?"
Beca remains stupefied.
Chloe drops both her hands to her hips, resting her knuckles on the smooth skin. She's not sure if she should be worried or annoyed that Beca's not responding.
Stepping forward, Chloe stops instantly as two things happen, Beca jumps back as if Chloe's holding a tarantula, and Chloe feels her foot kick some soft cloth-like material.
The redhead swallows, trying to moisten a suddenly dry mouth, as she brings her left hand back to her hip, running it lightly over the skin, up to her abs. It takes a moment for Chloe to process this input, a good portion of her brain is ringing alarm bells, and flashing red emergency lights. It can't compute that her hands are on the smooth skin of her abs. Her mind is in overdrive, so much so she can't fully comprehend the implications of what her hand is telling her.
Another second goes by before her brain is able to process the sensory information she has received from her right foot, and she realizes the cloth she kicked is a towel around her feet.
Still more heartbeats pass as her brain decides it needs more confirmation. Slowly Chloe's eyes travel down, and she notes her breasts are completely uncovered. This seems to tie her brain up more. She cannot process this data. She continues to lean forward and confirms yes there's a towel at her feet.
A pink towel.
Chloe's left hand immediately shoots to her head praying she will touch wet hair, cringing as she feels the soft cotton of the blue bath towel wrapped around her freshly washed hair. She giggles as she realizes she truly hoped the towel on the floor was the one from her head even as she was looking down at a completely naked body.
"Beca! I'm naked!" Exclaims Chloe as she straightens up, somehow her feet firmly rooted to the floor.
Beca slowly shrugs, unable to take her eyes off Chloe's abs. The brunette's dark blue eyes unable to move up or down without overloading her fried brain. For the first time since Chloe's scream, Beca manages to make her voice work. "It's 'kay."
Beca cringes, she can't believe the first thing out of her mouth in this moment is 'It's 'kay.'
Beca finally is able to move some part of her body, and in her head she cheers, and then groans as that movement is her right hand mechanically moving up and pushing some loose strands of her hair behind her ear. She would roll her eyes at herself, but literally she has no other control of her body. Beca's thankful that breathing doesn't take conscious thought, or she would be in trouble. But this thought gets her mind wondering if she is in fact breathing at this moment. Beca can't tell if she's breathing anymore, and she begins to panic, which causes her to freeze even more.
Beca wants to look away, but at this moment she can't help staring at Chloe's bare body. She's trying to avert her eyes, she really is, she's trying to look away, but she can't. All control has ceased for the brunnette.
Chloe is just as frozen, unable to move to hide or cover herself. The redhead tries to break this. "So you're home early?" It's said as a question.
Beca manages to get her mind working enough to answer. "Uh yeah."
Getting this answer out though, does seem to dislodge something inside Beca, and she is able to moisten her mouth, and drop her eyes, which she realizes was a mistake, a half heartbeat later. Yet something catches the brunette's eye, a design, black and red ink appear, not too large, discreet, easy to hide under clothing, even the smallest bikini bottom. Beca's eyes automatically focus on it, which is a whole new level of problems because it's strategically located near…
"Is that a tattoo?" The question slips out of Beca's mouth before she can stop the words, because she desperately doesn't want to ask this question. Because asking it, even though she clearly sees that it's a tattoo, means admitting she's looking at it, which means her attention is… down there… and that would mean she's seeing Chloe's…
Beca's mind goes blank as her brain catches up with her eyes and she realizes she is again staring at Chloe's most intimate…
Again.
Beca's mind is close to overload as her eyes dart back to the most obvious change on Chloe's body since that fateful day in the shower. She uses all her will and brainpower to formulate the next sentence, and though it's a struggle she manages to say, "You got a tattoo?"
Chloe's brain is in a similar state. "Yeah, I did… I got it a few years ago," a blush creep on her cheeks.
"When?" At least that's what Chloe thinks Beca asking, it's more of a croak.
"Just after our first win at Nationals." Chloe shrugs. Really? A shrug, I somehow get one motor function to work, and it's a SHRUG! Lost in these thoughts, Chloe isn't paying attention as words keep falling from her mouth. "It was my consolation…"
"Consolation?! What? We won!"
"Oh! No, I mean reward for winning… Uhhh, umm, consolation… for… consolation for… Not passing Russian Lit… Yeah, for not graduating…"
Beca nods, her eyes still locked on the tattoo. "What's the design?" Beca keeps her focus laser like on the tattoo, and says casually, "Oh, it's a musical design."
"Yeah. It's a treble clef, with two notes, overlaying a heart."
"I like the design."
"Really?" Chloe smiles.
"Yeah I kinda love it."
Chloe's heart feels light. She's so happy Beca likes it.
"Did you see it somewhere?"
Chloe shakes her head no, "Uhh, I kinda designed it." The redhead is actually quite proud of it. It started as a doodle in class, or when ever she was randomly thinking about a certain alt-girl. If anyone were to ask, she would say the tattoo represents her love of music, but if someone were to really study it, they would note the notes placement as B and C major.
"You did?" Beca asks as she steps forward, her hand automatically coming up. Her finger touching the heart.
Electricity…
Chloe feels it, Beca's touch is like electricity coursing through her body; like a defibrillation unit shocking Chloe, resetting her heart rhythm back to its normal, regular pattern. Chloe jumps back and behind the refrigerator door that still stood open.
Electricity…
Beca feels it, it's like she stuck her fingers in an electric socket. Her hand shoots back, her head flies up, eyes wide and she backs away, apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry; so, so sorry…" she sees Chloe jump behind the refrigerator door, and suddenly she has enough control of her legs to begin to back out. "God, I, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Chloe!"
Chloe looks out from behind the door, a strained smile etched on her face. "It, i-i-it's o-o-okay…" Chloe clears her throat, "It's okay Beca."
"Ummm, yeah, no, not." Beca throws her shoulder back and kind of uses the body gesture to point behind her. "I'm going to go take care of my bag, and…" Suddenly Beca's brain is blank again and she can't come up with anything else to suggest. "So yeah, I'm going to get to that."
With that Beca is out of the kitchen, and Chloe let's out a breath, she didn't even realize she was holding it. Chloe's eyes blink rapidly as she tries to get a handle on what just happened, her mind reeling as she keeps returning to the thought that Beca just saw her naked.
Seriously Universe!? What the Aca-Hell!? Okay think Beale… How do I play this? I mean it's not the first time she's seen me naked… Though Becs reaction kinda felt like a first time… Do I ignore this? Do I make light of it? I mean I'm pretty confident about all this… Do I use it in a flirty way? No, definitely not that route… I don't think we can ignore it, so maybe some light humor, and then rational conversation? Though this is Beca, avoidance is a strict possibility...
Leaning back, the cool air of the open refrigerator on her still naked butt reminds the redhead she's still bare-ass naked in the kitchen. She quickly bends down and snatches the towel off the floor.
As she does so a giggle escapes. Her hand flies up to her mouth to help stifle it, and she realizes she's still holding her iPhone. This elicits more giggles as it dawns on her the site she must have made; completely naked, save for a towel wrapped around her head, and her iPhone in hand. She quickly sets her iPhone down and rewraps the pink towel around herself, all the while fighting to stifle the giggle fit threatening to overtake her.
As she pictures it, the giggles evolve into full fledged laughter. Desperately trying to muffle, her inappropriate response, Chloe presses the palm of her hand tightly against her mouth.
"Are you actually laughing?"
Beca's question causes more laughter even as Chloe desperately attempts to stifle it, and for a fraction of a second she's successful, but then the laughter breaks through louder and more full throated than ever.
"It's not funny Chlo!" Beca calls from the front of the apartment, though Chloe is certain she hears a note of mirth in Beca's voice.
Chloe tries to respond, but the only sound that escapes her mouth is more laughter. She's laughing so heartily, her whole body is shaking with them.
"It's NOT!" Beca reiterates, though Chloe recognizes the brunette's tone is less severe and more whine, as she fights her own giggles.
"I know," Chloe whispers between guffaws.
Yet all she gets in reply is the sound of Beca's laughing, because what else are they to do?
Laughter is the best medicine. What else can we do?
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Beca continues to backup until she backs into the front door. It's only then that she stops moving her legs. She's pretty certain if the door hadn't been there, she would still be moving backwards. Now she just stands there, eyes actually uncomfortable from being so wide for so long.
What the fuck was that? Seriously what the fuck Universe? Okay think… How do I play this? I mean it's not the first time I've seen her naked… Though it kinda felt like a first time… Do I ignore this? Of course I'm fucking ignoring it! Chlo on the other hand, she's always been all confident about that…
Images of Chloe's nakedness cascade through Beca's mind.
She should be… Damn those memories are there for life… Maybe not so bad… WHAT? WTF?! Yes bad… Maybe? Right? I mean, yeah I saw Chloe Beale nude; again...
That thought doesn't depress Beca, in fact she kind of feels a warm contentment, but she chooses to ignore that sensation.
So I am going to ignore it… Chloe's not… Of course she's not-Wait is she giggling in there?
"Are you actually laughing?" Beca's hand flies up to her mouth. She didn't mean to say anything. It'll only make things worse. Yet as she hears more giggles, she finds the butterflies in her chest and stomach are pushing a giggle from her.
She fights this by declaring, "It's not funny Chlo!" However her attempt to sound intimidating is undermined by the joviality in her voice.
Hopefully Chloe doesn't notice... She actually seems to be giggling louder…
"It's NOT!" Beca whines though she's now succumbed to a fit of giggles.
Oh no! A giggle loop!
Beca attempts to hold her breath, trying to keep from laughing, but it's a losing proposition. Suddenly she' laughing out loud and she hears Chloe doing the same.
Because what else can we do?
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Chloe looks up from her book and over at her clock and sees that it's 4:05 pm, and let's out a sigh. The two best friends had been tiptoeing around each other all day, both self-exiling to their respective rooms.
I still don't even know why Beca is back early… Why is she home so early? Oh God, I'm such a crappie friend; I should be there for her...
Making a quick decision, Chloe gets off of her bed and heads for the kitchen, making a quick stop at the freezer, before heading to Beca's room. She knocks lightly on Beca's door, but doesn't get a response. Taking a chance, Chloe tentatively opens the door, and sees her best friend in the exact state she expected; hunched over her laptop, headphones in place, making mixes.
Chloe can't help but smile, Beca is so adorable as the brunette scowls at the screen of her laptop, still unaware she has an audience. There's something about seeing Beca at work on her laptop that just calms Chloe, and lets her know everything is okay.
Moving into her best friend's bedroom, Chloe is sitting herself on the bed next to the brown haired DJ before she even notes the redhead's presence.
Well some things never change.
Beca quirks an eyebrow up at Chloe, "What's this?"
Chloe holds up two cartons of Ben and Jerry's. "Ice cream."
Beca only stares at her best friend in disbelief; as if she can't comprehend what Chloe just said. Enough so it makes Chloe reconsider her actions.
But as they say, in for a penny, in for a pound...
Chloe wiggles the small tub of ice cream she's holding out to Beca. "So I brought you Ben and Jerry's."
A small smirk forms on Beca's lips, and a smile touches her gray-blue eyes. "What flavor?
Chloe spins the offered ice cream around in her hand so the name is visible to her DJ, as she says, "This seems like a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough kind of situation."
Beca asks a little too hastily, "What situation?"
Chloe raises an eyebrow and fixes Beca with such a look, the petite brunette actually feels it.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry for walking in on you this morning, and you know…"
Chloe just smirks, "I know?" Unable to resist a little teasing. Flustered Beca is totes adorable in Chloe's book and she loves her.
Beca blushes from head to toe as she says, "Yeah you know," while waving her hand up and down; gesturing to Chloe's body.
Chloe smirks, "Did you at least enjoy the show?"
"Obviously," Beca deadpans, though her skin seems to have taken a very deep shade of red.
Chloe senses that her best friend is about to become truly flustered, and takes pity; though she is thoroughly tempted to continue to tease, it's not why she's here. There's always tomorrow for that. "Oh that, pffssshh," Chloe waves that away as she blows out a puff of air. "That's not a big deal. As you know, I'm all confident about all this."
Chloe's smile only grows as she hears Beca mutter for the second time in her life, "You should be."
The redhead continues as she hands Beca the ice cream, "No, I thought it was high time I found out why my best friend is home a full thirty six hours early from her romantic getaway with Jesse." She raises an eyebrow and asks in a quieter voice, "Especially if this is an ice cream type of situation?"
Beca smiles shyly as she takes the offered ice cream and spoon. Chloe's always has this way of doing things that make the petite brunette just feel, well, cared for. Her smile drops however as she thinks back on her failed weekend getaway, and how things went with Jesse. Beca loves Jesse and he definitely loves her, but he just has never been able to do the little things the way Chloe has.
To cover her mood swing, pushes Beca pushes herself backwards so that her back is resting against the headboard. Making herself comfortable, the petite brunette quickly opens the tub and digs into the ice cream. After devouring a couple bites, Beca looks up to see Chloe still seated at the foot of the bed. The brunette smiles softly and pats the space next to her.
Chloe returns the smile, and scampers to the offered spot, then opens her own tub of Ben and Jerry's. A bit more calmly, Chloe takes her spoon, and scoops up some ice cream for herself.
"What'd ya got?" Beca asks around a spoonful of cookie dough ice cream.
Chloe shows hers as she answers, "Tonight Dough."
"Good choice."
Chloe holds the container so Beca can scoop some, which Beca happily accepts.
For the next five minutes the two friends sit there eating ice cream but not talking. It's a comfortable silence, the kind which develops between two friends who spend almost all of their free time together.
The two of them have spent many afternoons and evenings just like this, doing their own thing but enjoying the other's company in companionable silence. It's nice, and still a somewhat rare thing for the both of them; Beca sharing her quiet time, and Chloe remaining so quiet for extended period of times. But it works for the two of them, when together.
This time is a little different for Chloe, who is trying not to think what it means that Beca is sitting here, with her, but she can't help it. "So you're home early, and not with Jesse. Do you want to talk about it?" Chloe asks cautiously.
The brunette lets out a weak laugh but then she just looks down at her ice cream.
"You don't have to say anything." Chloe looks more closely at Beca, even though her friend seems intent on only staring at her tub of ice cream. Chloe sees a familiar set of her shoulders, the one where she is conflicted and isn't sure what to do.
Beca groans and leans her head against Chloe's shoulder. There's not much she can say without saying too much. She's not sure she's ready to rant yet.
Especially to Chlo.
The redhead is too intertwined in this whole mess.
Chloe just watches her best friend, letting her take her time, not pushing. Then in an instant, Beca raises her head and smiles at the redhead, like her tiny DJ always does when she is desperate for Chloe not to worry, which only makes the redhead worry more.
Chloe puts her arm around Beca's shoulders, and pulls her tiny DJ's head back to her shoulder. "You don't have to tell me anything, I'm just here for you."
"Thanks Chlo. You know you don't always have to get me ice cream." Left unsaid is that the petite brunette really loves that Chloe does though.
Chloe knows this, it doesn't need to be said. "I know, but then I couldn't do this," answers Chloe as she scoops a spoonful from Beca's tub of ice cream.
"Hey!"
"What? Your ice cream always tastes better."
Beca can't help the small smile that peeks out. She's never been good at words, but for as long as she has known Chloe, she's appreciated the redhead for bringing her ice cream when she needs a pick-me-up. It's a comforting ritual that Beca wouldn't know what to do without.
"So?"
Beca remains quiet, scooping another spoonful of ice cream. Chloe leans into Beca, nudging her. She tries again, "So?"
Beca deadpans, "So?"
"Beca…"
"Okay…" Beca huffs, but then sits quietly.
"Usually this is where you then speak Beca."
"Uh, yeah, so as you know Jesse and I went off for a romantic weekend getaway…"
"Yeah, but that's about it, I don't even know what you planned."
Beca sighs, "Yeah, I was kinda keeping it under wraps, didn't want to jinx it." She sighs again. "Guess that didn't work so well."
"Sorry…"
"Don't be Chloe, not your fault. So Jesse's been feeling neglected, and has wanted some couple time…"
Chloe keeps her features neutral, but she really doesn't want to hear this. She has a twinge of jealousy mixed with trepidation at where the story will go. But still she knows she needs to be there for her best friend.
"So I thought I would plan something special, different, romantic…"
Keeping her mask on, Chloe internally cringes at Beca's words.
"And I planned a trip to Idyllwild..."
Chloe's intrigued by th"Wait, what's that?"
"It's this quaint little mountain town."
Chloe giggles, "Did you just use the word 'quaint?'"
Beca rolls her eyes, and tries to sound tough, though Chloe only finds it adorable. "Shut it Beale, and yes I used the term quaint, because it was frigging quaint."
The redhead giggles some more at her little badass and replies, "So what makes it quaint?"
"Well, for one it's in the mountains, two there are enough pine trees that you might think you're in some northern woods, even though you're actually south of Palm Springs."
"Sounds delightful."
"It actually was."
Beca gets out of the car, stretching her back to loosen the stiffness garnered over the last two hours. The last hour of which Beca had driven on a very windy road, slowly gaining altitude, as she navigated their way up into the mountains of Southern California.
Jesse steps out of the passenger side, and mimics Beca's actions as he too stretches his lower back. With hands on hips he uses the stance to take in the majesty of the rocky mountains towering above. Letting out a low whistle he turns about, taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
From his demeanor Beca is guessing he's impressed, and possibly surprised. She feels a bit proud of herself.
Looking around the scenic overlook, Jesse asks, "Is this our detonation?"
Beca shakes her head, "No, I just thought it looks pretty. A great place to really start our weekend getaway…"
"Our ROMANTIC getaway," Jesse interjects with his goofy grin and suggestive wiggle of his eyebrows.
Beca rolls her eyes, but her smirk gives way that she's kidding. "Yes our 'ROMANTIC' getaway," she mimics his exaggeration of the word.
His grin grows as he yells, "GREAT!" Running to the back of the car her pops the trunk and pulls out his backpack. Closing the trunk and quickly walking up to her, Jesse offers Beca his arm and quickly escorts Beca past the guardrail and towards a picturesque picnic area.
Beca can't help but blurt out, "Nerd." Even as she's truly touched.
Choosing a quiet spot that has a great view, and looks comfortable to sit down, Jesse halts them. "Here you go Becs," Jesse says as he reaches into his backpack and pulls out a blanket.
"What's all this?" Beca asks as Jesse lays out the blanket, and then offers a hand to help her sit.
"Picnic," Jesse answers as he reaches into the backpack again and retrieves a bag of Taco Bell tacos, then some juice pouches, a bag of Doritos, a couple apples, a bag of grapes and of course, a bag of popcorn.
"Seriously Dude, exactly how much can you fit in that backpack?"
"It's a secret, but I guess I can share with you that this backpack is magic."
Beca smiles and as she takes in Jesse's grin, she feels warm and happy, glad she decided to plan this trip. "Is that so?"
"Yep, snitched it from Benji, I was always amazed at how many DVD's I could carry, plus school work, notebooks, and still have room for Taco Bell and juice pouches for m'lady," he replies as he hands Beca said juice pouch.
"Well, it's a good thing you did, because I was only with you for the juice pouches." She replies with s devilish smile.
"Is that so?" He asks as he leans in.
She leans in too, "Maybe."
He moves so he's just inches from her lips, "Maybe?"
She moves in and kisses him deeply, then pulls away, and with a smile holds up a taco. "I was also in it for the tacos."
Jesse grins and recaptures Beca's lips, before he begins his tickle attack.
"Jesse!" Beca laughs out loud.
"Well it started off sweet." Chloe concedes, giving her best friend a reassuring squeeze, even as every word seems to deepen the icy pit where her stomach should be.
Beca shrugs, and swallows another bite she had snagged of Chloe's ice cream. "Yeah it did. I think I truly outdid myself, not to toot my own horn."
Chloe grins and nudges her petite friend. "Oh, come on. Give in a little. You planned a perfect getaway."
"You would think…"
A few hours later Beca pulls into the parking lot of a really nice looking hotel. "We're here," she declares as she jumps from the car. Looking around at the Bed and Breakfast, the town, and the mountain above, all Beca can think is that Idyllwild is gorgeous!
"Becaaw! This place is gorgeous!" Exclaims Jesse as he gets out of the car. He continues to turn until he's facing the sign of the Bed and Breakfast they're parked in front of. "The Strawberry Creek Inn. I have to say Beca, I'm surprised."
Beca looks at him perplexed. "Is that a good thing?"
"Yeah, it's good, I guess,? I mean yeah it's good, great." He looks up realizing he's babbling, "Just surprised…"
"Why surprised?"
He shrugs, "Figured you would plan something at the beach, Santa Barbara, or Catalina."
It's Beca's turn to shrug. "I love the mountains, and we can go to the beach any day of the week."
"When do you get to the beach?"
"Oh, you know once or twice a month. When things get really stressful, Chloe'll drag me to the beach, and we'll just walk along the beach listening to the waves."
Looking up at the rocky face of the mountain, Beca misses the look on Jesse's face. "Why don't you ever call me?" His question is soft, but there's a tinge of hurt underlying the words.
"Huh?"
"When you're having one of those stressful days?"
The question actually perplexes Beca, she pauses, trying to formulate the best response. "Oh... I do... sometimes... often you're busy, or it's late, or I really didn't even realize just how stressed I am until I get home and can't unwind…"
Jesse comes up to Beca and sweeps her up into his arms, planting a kiss on the lips. "Well next time you need to unwind, you should definitely come over." He kisses her again to punctuate his suggestion.
Beca smiles and say, "Oh is that so?" She returns a quick kiss.
Yeah."
Beca smiles up at Jesse. This feels nice, like old times. Maybe this was just what the doctor ordered. Giving Jesse another quick kiss, she turns towards the inn and suggests the go get checked in.
"Man Becs, that Bed and Breakfast sounds so cool."
"It really was. They actually leave a little picnic basket outside the doors of the guest rooms each morning…"
"Oh goodie-That's so cool! What was in it?"
"It was full of muffins, scones, homemade jams and fruit."
"Sweet! That must have been perfect…"
"You would have thought…"
Later, having all checked in, Beca is out on their private balcony just taking in everything about this place, from the majestic rocky mountain of Tahquitz Peak steeply rising above her, to the scent of sweet smelling cedars, and
the sound of Strawberry Creek flowing by, this place just feels perfect. Yet as Beca thinks this, her eyes furrow and frowns, because it's not right, it's not perfect, something is off.
"Becaw!"
She can only shake her head as she asks, "What's up, nerd?" It comes out more caustic than she means.
If Jesse notices he doesn't show, as he excitedly exclaims, "This town elected a Golden Retriever Mayor! This is so cool, check it out! The Mayor of Idyllwild…"
"Idyllwild elected a Dog as its mayor?!"
"That's not the important part of this story, Chlo."
"Still it's so cool, I want to go!"
"Do you want to hear this story?"
"Yes… sorry Becs…"
Beca sighs, "It's okay…"
"It's still cool…"
Beca can only look at her over caffeinated boyfriend with a blank expression. "What are you talking about?" She really doesn't know what to do with this information.
Jesse on the other hand thinks this is proof that Idyllwild is the greatest place on earth. "The Mayor of Idyllwild, Mayor Max, he's a DOG!"
Beca squints at her, and tries to determine what's her best course of action."Are you sure? This seems like an Onion episode."
"Yep, I'm sure; says so right here on this town brochure." He holds up the glossy paper. His grin is endearing, and Beca can't help but thinking how much this reminds her of that first summer, after their freshman year; when everything was fresh and new.
She reaches for him, clasping her hands around the back of his neck. "You're such a nerd," Beca sighs melodramatically as she pulls him in for a kiss.
"You love me though." He mumbles as their lips connect, and Beca can't help smiling into the kiss.
Jesse shifts down and wraps his arms around the petite brunette, lifting her easily. Beca responds by wrapping her legs around his hips as she maintains the kiss. It's more heated than any they have shared of late.
She feels him turning and beginning to walk her back through the open sliding door and back towards the bed.
"Mayor Max, of of Idyllwild California. Yep, here it is…" says Chloe as she waves her phone. As much as she wants to be there for her best friend, details concerning Beca's intimate interludes with Jesse are a step too far.
Even for her.
Chloe's outburst concerning Mayor Max jolts Beca, and she realizes she was about to share more than she really wants to; especially with Chloe.
"So Beca… since you were at a B&B, did they have a restaurant, or did you eat out someplace else?" Asks Chloe, wanting to desperately change subjects.
"Uhh, yeah, uhhh we went out… No restaurant at the B&B. Umm… Actually we went to this really nice place… Café Aroma, it was amazing-you would love it."
"Wow Becs, this place looks amazing!"
"I thought so when I found it online. The description sounded awesome."
A pretty blonde hostess met the young couple as they entered the establishment. "Good Evening. Welcome to Café Aroma." She said her voice warm and welcoming.
"Hello, I made a reservation for two under the name Mitchell."
The woman looked down at her book, running her fingers over the names, till she landed on Mitchell. "Ahh, I see you reserved a table on the deck; if you will give me just a few minutes, I'll make sure the table is ready." The young woman flashed a warm smile and stepped away.
Beca felt Jesse's arms encircling her from behind. A quick peck to the back of her head, and a gentle squeeze brought her a warm feeling. "This place looks incredible Becs, and smells even better."
Beca nods, smiling at how well everything is going, but before she can say anything the blonde hostess is back. She flashes the couple an appreciative smile and asks them to follow.
Jesse offers his arm to Beca like a chivalrous nobleman, to which Beca rolls her eyes and mutters that he's such a weirdo, but she does it with a smile as she takes the proffered arm.
The hostess leads the couple through the main room and out a door onto a rather expansive deck. It's everything Beca was hoping for when she found it online. The view is spectacular, the aroma is mouth watering, and the sound of classical guitar fills the air, just loud enough to blanket the bustling of the wait staff, and the dinner conversations going at every table.
The hostess indicates a table in the corner, set for two, with a candle burning in a decorative centerpiece. Jesse drops Beca's hand and steps forward to pull her chair out. The gesture doesn't go unnoticed by the hostess, who gives Beca an appreciative smile. Beca smiles back in acknowledgement, and gives Jesse a quick kiss on the cheek before taking her seat.
The hostess wishes the couple a good night, and hopes they enjoy their dining experience. Jesse sits across from Beca, but both watch the pretty blonde woman walking back into the restaurant. "You know Jesse, I think she was impressed. I think you could totally get with that." Beca says with a sly smirk and a wink.
"Oh you do, do ya? Hmm, afraid she's going to be sadly disappointed, because this guy only has eyes for one girl."
"Really, do I know her?" Beca asks with a straight face.
Jesse smiles, "Possibly, she's beautiful, sexy, talented, smart…"
Beca smiles, "Go on…"
"...Blonde with a penchant for being a drill instructor." Jesse's smile takes on an impish quality.
"Ass," Beca huffs, though her smile belies any animosity. Her face takes on a more thoughtful demeanor and she says, "Though to be perfectly honest, I could see you with Aubrey. You two would make a very handsome couple."
Jesse blanches, "Ugh! I don't think so."
"What? Don't think you could handle General Posen?" Beca asks.
"Oh I could handle it," assures Jesse.
"Yeah, I think you could. Jesse Posen, has a ring to it…"
"Wait, what?"
"Oh please Jesse, let's face it, you so would take her name before she's taking yours." Shot Beca, sticking her tongue out.
Jesse holds his hands up in surrender, "Yeah, you're probably right. Have to say honestly, and sincerely, I only see myself as Jesse Mitchell…"
Beca coughs into her drink, suddenly witty banter just got real. At that moment Beca wonders if Jesse has a ring, and if he's considering springing it on her. Fighting through her coughs, Beca blushes and apologizes profusely.
Jesse waves it away, deciding to take the conversation in another direction, "I have to say Becs, you really came through. This is the perfect place to come to get away from the congestion, traffic jams, and the hustle and bustle of city life in LA."
Grabbing the lifeline Jesse's tossing her, Beca looks around and honestly can say, "Yeah it's nice, peaceful…"
Jesse nods, "Serene…"
"Yeah. I love the music."
"It totally adds to the ambiance."
"This place is known for the local musicians. It was one of the things that attracted me, and why I chose this for our getaway."
"Romantic getaway…" Jesse corrects her with a grin.
Beca blushes as she rolls her eyes, "I think we established that…"
"Yeah we did…"
"Don't perv out on me."
"Just a little…"
Beca laughs out a "Nerd."
The waiter arrives and the couple scramble to make their drink and food choices, and then settle into an easy conversation, till their food arrives.
Jesse looks at her sincerely. "You know I miss this…"
"What?"
"Us just talking. Like we used to, where we share everything and anything."
Beca looks at Jesse across the table, perplexed. "Come on Jesse, we still do."
He shakes his head, "No, we rarely share. Anymore."
"Jesse…"
"Seriously Beca! You never tell me anything, good or bad…"
"Well I'm here right now aren't I? I'm here trying to change that." There's a bit of heat in Beca's words.
Knowing the tiny brunette as he does, Jesse realizes that her accusatory tone is her usual defense mechanism, an act to avoid topics she's not comfortable with. He knows he has to take a more conciliatory approach, "And all I'm looking for is more…"
Beca's uncomfortable where this line of conversation is going, so tries to keep it light. "Well you know, life's been busy…"
He nods his head in agreement. "And only going to get busier…"
Thoughts about her new DJ gig, work at the studio, and Fat Amy's and Bumper's project flash in Beca's mind. "Yeah, it seems like too much…"
Jesse continues to nod, "Precisely, which is why I really want us to move in together…"
"Jesse…"
"Beca…"
"I…" she just lets her words trail off as the waiter arrives with their food. Through silent mutual consent both cut off conversation as the food is laid out.
Looking at the waiter Beca says, "This looks and smells divine." The waiter smiles and thanks her. Looking down at the food, Beca doesn't want to continue the conversation they were having, so picks up her fork. "Lets eat! I'm starving." And she digs in, letting out a moan as the scallop she's eating practically melts in her mouth.
Jesse studies his girlfriend for a heartbeat, but chooses to pick up his own fork and dig into his linguini. He knows the direction their conversation was headed, so why ruin a perfectly great meal?
"That restaurant sounds perfect." Chloe decides to follow Beca's preferred strategy of ignoring the potential elephant in the room. In this case that Jesse had again suggested Beca move in with her.
What if she said yes? What if she's not here because things didn't go well with Jesse, but actually went great? What if Beca's going to break the news to me that she's moving out?
"Yeah Chlo, you would have loved it. Live music, local art up on the walls. Really great seafood."
Not hearing anything bad, maybe I should probe? Chloe gently pushes some loose strands of hair behind her ear as she softly smiles, "We should go there some time."
Beca smiles wanly, says "Yeah, that would be cool." The petite brunette drops her head to Chloe's shoulder. "It seems like an amazing place…" Beca sighs, and Chloe is torn as she hears her best friend say, "Wish it had better memories…"
Taking a bite of shrimp, Jesse enjoys the flavor of the dish. He's always loved seafood, but this may be the best seafood linguine he's ever had. Taking another bite, he just savors the taste of this well prepared meal.
Lifting his glass he studies the wine he had chosen for them, before taking another sip. He feels he's really getting the hang of choosing good wines, and this is an excellent vintage, if he does say so himself. This being his fourth glass since he and Beca had taken their seats being any testament.
In college he'd been strictly a beer guy, but since coming out to California he's found a real taste for wine. Not for the first time, Jesse feels that his time in California, at USC, and with his new friends have brought out a greater maturity.
Maybe it is him growing up, or just becoming more refined, but his pallet has definitely matured. He finds himself rather enjoying the finer things, so he really appreciates what Beca has done here. It means a lot to him, and makes him feel more confident in going forward with his plans.
As he sits studying the wine he's also been mulling over a question for the last fifteen minutes, though it's really been on his mind all week. It's a question he knows could upset Beca, but he really thinks it's important for them as a couple. After going back and forth on the merits of asking his question, he finally decides that nothing ventured nothing gained, so he asks, "What if we mix up the groups some?"
Beca isn't fully listening, instead her attention is on the guitarist playing over on the small stage. The woman's music she has given Beca an idea for a sound she wants to incorporate into Emily's album.
Looking up at Jesse, she hums, "Hmm?" Well she kind of asks, mumbling with her mouth full of scallop.
Jesse sighs, exasperated, knowing Beca's lost to the music. "I asked what if we shake things up? Maybe mixed up the groups?"
Beca arches her eyebrow in question, not quite understanding the suggestion Jesse is making. "What are you talking about?"
Jesse decides to lay on his charm, giving Beca his most winning smile. "I've been thinking about the show; Bumper and Fat Amy's show. What if we mixed up the groups?"
Beca's eyes widen, and she can only stare across the table, trying to comprehend the suggestion her longtime boyfriend is making.
Jesse see that his suggestion isn't going over well, so decides to try a different tact. "Wouldn't it be great to be on the same group? You and I singing together? We've never competed together…"
Beca can only ask dumbfounded, "You want me to leave the Bellas?"
"Well maybe a couple would come over with you, like Emily and Stacie. A few Trebbles could jump over to the remaining Bellas. I'm sure Aubrey and Chloe could be persuaded to take them."
Beca's face pales as she asks, "You want me to leave Chloe?"
Jesse feels a pang of annoyance, but chooses to keep it light, even as the pain in Beca's question cuts him to the core. "Well it's not like I'm asking you to break up with her. I mean you'll still be roommates." He gives her a goofy grin to cover his true feelings. "I mean there's no way Chloe would leave Aubrey, but Emily might jump at the chance to sing with Benji. She might think it romantic to compete with her boyfriend."
Beca looks at Jesse in silence, and can see how much he wants this, but the idea of not singing, competing with the Bellas, with Chloe, just doesn't feel right. As she watches him she can see Jesse beginning to sweat a little, yet all Beca cans do is just stare at him as her mind races through all the information.
"Look Jesse, let's talk about this later. We don't even know if the show is going to be picked up by the network."
"But if it is, let's perform together, instead of competing…"
"I'm not sure if the girls would go for it…"
"They would if you did it. Let's face it, you were the leader of the Bella's, just like Aubrey, Chloe's co-captain title was almost honorary…"
"Jesse!"
Jesse has the decency to look chagrined, realizing he's stepped across a line. "Look, I'm just saying, if you lead, the girls will follow."
"But it's not that easy, Jess."
Jesse looks at her incredulously, "Yes it is. Look, Beca, excuse me for actually wanting to spend time with my girlfriend. You aren't ready to move in together, I get that, but like you said life's only going to get busier.
"We never had the chance to compete together. We've only ever been able to perform together at Karaoke bars. I really want to do this."
Beca can only stare at her hands, still holding a fork and knife, she had actually forgotten that they were dining. The silence drags on, she can't figure out what to say, because she really doesn't know what to do. She tries to smile, but it's physically impossible for her at the moment. She looks up and into Jesse's brown eyes, which have taken on their puppy dog quality. She sighs and says, "Please let me think about it."
Jesse's silence is the only response to her suggestion. His expression is one that Beca can't read, and it's oddly serious.
"Jesse," whispers the young brunette.
Jesse scoffs. Under his breath he mutters something about Chloe.
Beca makes a face. "Chloe? What does she have to do with any of this?"
Jesse rolls his eyes. "Nothing," he mutters.
"It doesn't sound like nothing."
"Look, you're right. Let's talk about this later."
"Okay…"
An awkward silence settles over the table, both Jesse and Beca avoiding each other's eyes as they contemplate what they have just heard.
"Jesse wants to break up the Bella's?"
Beca shrugs, "He suggested it…"
Chloe sighs, "It's okay if you decide to join Jesse. I'd understand…"
"What?"
"Well, he is your boyfriend; and Emily probably would love to perform with Benji…"
"No, I mean maybe, but…"
"It's okay Becs, I totally get where Jesse's coming from…"
"No, no it's not okay…" Beca assures Chloe, "Besides my troubles this weekend weren't just about performing in Fat Amy's show."
"Really?"
The couple sit and eat in silence for awhile, letting the tension ease as they enjoy the culinary delights before them. Truth is the food is really that good that it can provide the distraction they need. Both knowing in the back of their minds that the conversation is needed, but now is neither the time nor place.
Jesse orders a second bottle of wine, and the conversation begins to flow smoother as they share, each coming up with silly things to toast.
"So what's on the agenda next?" Jesse asks, again waggling his eyebrows in a gesture Beca has definitely come to realize is Jesse's go-to gesture for intimacy, which is both dorky and… cute, she'll concede.
Yet, that's not quite what's next on her itinerary. "I want to hit this other bar, IDYology, have a nightcap, listen to the DJ, dance a little…"
Beca sees Jesse deflate a little, so she adds, "We haven't danced just you and I in a while. Remember that night in New Orleans?"
Jesse perks up, "After the semifinals our Junior year?"
"Uh huh…" Beca nods, a sly smirk.
Jesse returns the smirk, memories flashing through his head. That had been a really great night. "Okay, let's go."
There's a brief argument over the bill, but Beca wins, saying this is her trip, that she's treating him, and he finally relents.
As they are leaving Beca stops at the hostess station and inquires how far IDYology is.
The blonde smiles brightly. "Oh, that's just a short walk. Where did you park"
Jesse indicates across the street, and the hostess assures them it will be fine to leave the car and enjoy a night stroll.
"Thanks," says Beca, "Do you know if they have a DJ tonight?"
Nodding her head the woman replies, "Oh yeah, Dizzi, he's great! I love his stuff, I'll be going there after my shift." The woman pauses and looks at Beca a little closer. "Excuse me miss, do I know you?"
Beca shakes her head, and the woman says, "You just look familiar…"
Jesse laughs, "Well if you were at ClubExchange in LA the last two Thursdays, you might have seen her DJ…"
"That's it," the blonde snaps her fingers. "You're DJ BMitch!"
Both Beca's and Jesse's jaws drop simultaneously. "You were there?" Beca asks tentatively.
"I WISH! No I saw your videos on YouTube. My older sister goes to UCLA, she was there and raved. Sent me a link to your YouTube channel…"
"My what?"
"Your YouTube channel. Here," the blonde excitedly reaches back into her station and pulls out her mobile phone. "I was watching your newest video on break. It went up a couple hours ago…"
The girl pulls up her YouTube app, and sure enough there's a video of Beca performing from the night before. It's weird for Beca to be watching herself, and of course it's the Titanium/Bulletproof, mix she made for Chloe.
"This is so cool! Can I get your autograph? My sister is going to be so jealous. She told me she would take me to your club for my twenty first!"
Beca's flabbergasted, she can't believe what she's seeing. She agrees to sign an autograph, or two, not believing what's happening.
Thanking the hostess again, Beca pulls out her iPhone as she steps out of the restaurant, followed closely by Jesse. She quickly pulls up the YouTube channel the girl had just shown and is amazed to see it's been populated with over thirty videos, all of her performing as a DJ.
Looking over Beca's shoulder, Jesse asks, "Did you know about this?"
Beca shakes her head no, as she says, "Uhhh, no, I mean, umm, Chloe mentioned something…"
"You mean she did this without your consent?" Jesse can't help the accusatory tone to his question.
Beca picks up on it, and looks up from the video she just clicked on. "What? No, I mean she did tell me about it. She was reading something about social media and advertising one's brand…"
Beca's 'Just 'The Way You Are'/'Just a Dream' mix is playing on her phone, bringing a smile to her lips, but it falls as Jesse says under his breath, "Of course she was…"
Beca considers challenging Jesse about this, but something clicks as to what she's looking at. "This is last night's performance!"
Jesse nods, having recognized the club. "Yeah?"
"Look at this angle, how did she manage that?"
"What do you mean?"
Pointing at the screen, "She would have had to have been on the scaffolding near the ceiling to get this video…"
"You're right…"
"How DID you get those videos?"
"You know Beca, a YouTube Director doesn't reveal her secrets…"
"That's magicians you nerd…"
"Oh, right… I convinced Marcus to use the camera system at Club Exchange to record your show, and I spent last night editing it into these videos…"
"That's… That's amazing Chlo. Thank you…"
"Oh, it's nothing…"
"It's not nothing…"
"Becs I'm happy to help…"
"I know Chlo, and that's what makes you so special to me."
"I'm just saying, don't you think it's a bit presumptuous?"
"What Jesse? That my best friend is supporting me and my career?" Asks Beca as she storms into their room at the B&B.
The young couple had ended up only staying at IDYology for about thirty minutes. Jesse's mood had gone downhill quickly after learning about Chloe's YouTube project, and his increasingly snide comments and snarky remarks had driven Beca to distraction.
Finally after grumbling that maybe Beca might have had a better time with Chloe on this trip, Beca had had enough. She spun on her heels and stormed out of the club without another word. This of course only fueled Jesse's irritation. Who followed, not ready to let the matter drop.
All the way back to the Strawberry Creek Inn, Jesse had kept up a commentary about the need for boundaries and space. "I'm just saying,j Chloe needs to get a life! She's latched onto yours. It's just like Barden, how many times did she fail Russian Lit?"
"What?"
"Look I like Chloe, but let's face it she has no ambitions, no dreams of her own. Her greatest accomplishment was winning ICCA's and the Worlds, but everyone knows it was all you…"
"Jesse, I can't believe you just said that…" Beca states emphatically, actually rising to the challenge Jesse is issuing.
"Well, you aren't exactly denying it, now," Jesse angrily retorts.
"No, no, no! Just no!" Beca's mad now. "Of course it isn't true! Of course she has dreams and goals. And she hasn't latched onto my dreams Jesse, she's just my best friend, and she's trying to help me make my dreams come true," Beca says while determinedly shaking her head.
Jesse doesn't buy it though, "She dominates your time!"
"She's my roommate, for heaven's sake." Beca states with emphasis. Jesse goes to say something else but Beca cuts him off. "Jesse! Chloe's my best friend. She's doing this to help me with my career." Beca says forcefully , shaking her head.
"She wants mo…"
Beca desperately doesn't want to hear the rest of Jesse's rant. She forcefully interjects, "Okay, I'm done with this topic!"
This infuriates Jesse even more. "I'm not done!"
"Well I AM! You can talk to the door."
Jesse laughs roughly as Beca enters the bathroom and slams the door. "That's right Beca, cut and run. Don't face disagreement. Good to know you've grown up from our freshman year."
Beca can still hear him talking as she locks it for good measure. Turning to the shelf she notices a radio, which she turns on. It's tuned to a crappy country music channel, but Beca just leaves it. She's more interested in the noise, than what is actually playing. Turning about, the petite brunette goes over to the shower and turns on the water.
Soon there's enough noise to drown out Jesse, though he may have given up, and stopped railing against the door.
Taking a deep breath, Beca leans against the sink. Closing her eyes she tries to calm down, but it's proving difficult. She is furious and upset and distraught and feeling a hundred other emotions at what had just happened. What should have been a great night had quickly devolved into… this. What is this?
Beca inhales shakily, trying to quiet her mind, and compose herself, but it was proving difficult. She kept asking herself 'How had this night gone so far off the tracks?'
On autopilot, Beca begins to undress, the sound of the shower and the desperate need to wash away these feelings, make her desperate to take a shower.
Stepping in tentatively, she lets her body get used to the steaming water. It takes her a few moments to get fully under the spray. The heat being what she craves, but still requiring time to adjust.
Once fully immersed, Beca stands under the shower for a half an hour, just letting the hot water flow over her body. She's always enjoyed the feel of truly hot water cascading over her skin, especially when wanting to escape the pressures of the world. Something about letting the heat of the water loosen her muscles, and the sound of the water drown out the noise in her head, taking a near scalding shower is just what she needs right now.
Beca starts to feel the water getting cooler, so she shuts it off. Another crappy country song from the 70's is playing, so Beca shuts off the radio. The bathroom is suddenly plunged into silence, and Beca realizes just how loud she had made her surroundings. She can't help but think they're probably lucky the owner isn't throwing them out on their proverbial butts.
Listening for Jesse, Beca doesn't hear anything, so she wraps a plush white towel around her body and peeks out into the main room.
The lights are all out and Beca can just make out Jesse's form in the light that's filtering through the windows from the outside. In the stillness of the room Beca can just hear the gentle snore Jesse has when he falls asleep after drinking.
"That's just great," states Beca with a sigh, though in reality she's rather thankful. She really doesn't have the energy to argue with Jesse anymore tonight. Turning to her bag, she grabs her sleep clothes, and her hair dryer and returns to the bathroom.
"So last night ended with a fight and you taking a shower?"
Beca hesitates before saying, "Yeah…"
"That bites Becs, I know how much thought and planning you put into this weekend."
"Yeah… I kinda wanted it to be a special weekend…"
"What were you fighting about anyway?"
Again Beca pauses, not wanting to lie, but also not wanting to tell Chloe that she figured prominently in the argument. "Miscommunication is the simplest answer, Chlo."
"And the more complex, Beca?"
"Doesn't matter."
Chloe sighs, knowing there's more to the story, but also judging that Beca's not ready to share more.
Instead Beca decides to go in a different direction. "Of course I couldn't sleep after the shower."
Chloe blanches, "Oh that sucks."
"The really sucky thing is I didn't even bring my laptop…"
"What?"
Beca can only smile at Chloe's look of disbelief. "Yeah; I wanted to focus on the weekend, didn't want the distraction."
Chloe gives more words of consolation, as Beca thinks back more on the night before.
It's another ten minutes before Beca steps out of the bathroom, dressed in one of Jesse's Barden t-shirts she had stolen during their sophomore year, with hair mostly dried.
"Beca…"
"Jesus!" Beca nearly jumps at the sound of Jesse's voice. She manages to arrest the jump of surprise before it can be executed, keeping it internal, but her fingers clench into fists as she readies to defend herself. Seeing that it's only Jesse, she relaxes while hissing, "God damn it Jesse, I thought you were asleep."
"I was, sorry to scare you…" Jesse looks at her sheepishly, rubbing his hand on the back of his head. "Umm… I'm also sorry for the fight."
"What was that Jesse?"
"I," Jesse begins carefully, not wanting to end up back in another fight. "I actually don't know for sure. But the truth is I'm feeling less and less like your boyfriend."
"Jesse," Beca says slowly, exasperated. "Are you serious?"
He fixes her with a look, and says, "Yes Beca, I'm being serious; and I'm trying to be honest here. I have felt less and less like your boyfriend since you came to California, and I've been increasingly jealous of Chloe."
"Jesse…"
"Hear me out…" Jesse pauses as she raises an eyebrow questioning the tone and decibel level. He raises his hands in surrender, "I mean," he swallows and then chuckles awkwardly, "don't you think it's just a little weird that you guys shared a bed all week…"
Now it's Beca's turn to chuckle without mirth. Her cheeks grow war, and she knows it's not helping her case. She decides to go with a little levity. "Well, to be honest I spent most of the nights up working on my sets for Club Exchange…"
He gives her that piercing stare, the one when he's being completely serious and says, "Still you're more comfortable sleeping with your best friend, than you are with your boyfriend. What am I supposed to think?"
She again can only stare.
"I love you Beca, I've been in love with you pretty much since the day we talked at the radio station. I want us to move forward, I want us to be together, but I have to wonder if you want the same thing."
Beca starts to speak, but Jesse holds up his hands, cutting her off. "You don't have to say anything. Just think about it."
He looks about the room, and makes a gesture at everything. "Look Beca, I'm truly sorry about tonight's fight. This weekend you planned is amazing, and I fucked it up. But maybe we-I needed to get some things off my chest…" Jesse steps forward and kisses her on the forehead, and whispers, "I'm truly sorry, and I love you. Please think about what I said." He then turns and goes back to bed.
Beca stands there for a long time, confused, sad, angry, and a host of other emotions. It takes some time till she summons the willpower to go to the bed, and get in opposite Jesse. He's asleep again, but she can only lay there, unsure what just happened and what she should do next.
"I'm sure things will work out just fine in the end. Last night was just one of those moments Becs."
"I don't know…"
"You know that he loves you right?"
"Yeah, I know he loves me…"
"Then it'll all work out in the end."
Beca looks at Chloe meaningfully and says with a smile, "You know I'm really glad we're friends, Chlo. I would never want to lose you."
"Awww Beca, you don't have to worry about that." Chloe laughs good naturedly and leans in and kisses Beca on the forehead.
Chloe smiles, "So when did you decide to come home, Becs?"
"Funny thing that Chlo, it didn't have anything to do with our argument."
"Why, what happened next?"
It starts with a phone call, first waking Beca from a deep sleep. Then it's the rustling as someone gets out of bed, along with hushed but excited speaking rousing Beca from sleep's embrace. Never to be confused with a morning person, the petite brunette makes a concerted effort to fall back into the depths of slumber, however movement about the room awakens her to consciousness. Mumbling to herself, Beca rolls over, bound and determined to ignore the noise, wanting instead to stay here under the warm comforter and go back to sleep.
More movement, and the sound of someone running into something solid proceeds Jesse uttering a loud, "SHIT!"
Jesse's curse is the final straw and Beca wakes up, or at least to the point where she can't not see what's going on. Cursing under her breath she sits up and looks around the room. She almost laughs when she sees Jesse hopping on one foot, bent over holding the other foot. He's muttering, "Shit, shit, shit…"
"Jesse?"
"Hey Beca! Sorry, something's come up and I've got to go…"
"What!?"
Jesse has the decency to look chagrined. "Yeah… Uhh… That was… Uhh Mitch and Jodie…"
"Mitch and Jodie called?"
"Yeah, Mitch and Jodie called. We have a meeting with Steven Spielberg today. Can you believe it? Spielberg, Beca, Spielberg!"
"Whaaa…"
"I'm going to meet fucking Steven Spielberg, Beca!"
"Wait, when, where, how?"
Jesse is giddy like a kid on Christmas morning. "Spielberg's people called this morning. He has time unexpectedly on his calendar, and he wants to meet with us!"
"Geez Jesse, you're such a child!"
"Well that might be true," Jesse confirms, "but this is freaking STEVEN SPIELBERG!"
"I know that sounds important when you say it like that…"
"It's important no matter how I say it; he's the greatest filmmaker of our time!"
Beca's eyebrows rose, quizzically. "Okay, so?"
"So, Jodie is driving Mitch down here as we speak, and they're going to pick me up and we'll drive to Palm Springs!"
"Um, what?"
"Yeah, it's serendipity; Steven Spielberg is in Palm Springs! That's just down the mountain. The guys can pick me up and get us to Palm Springs."
"So you're leaving?"
Realization comes to Jesse, and he loses some of his boyish excitement, and Beca actually feels disappointment that she's the cause of this. He sits down next to her and says, "As a matter of fact, I kinda do want to go, Becs."
Beca leans over and kisses Jesse on the cheek. "Hey, I get it. It's fucking Steven Spielberg, and while I'm sure you'll have numerous meetings with him in the future, because you're going to be so amazing; that might not happen if you miss this meeting…"
He turns to her, suddenly torn, it's easy to see in his brown eyes. "Beca..."
"Come on, you can't miss the opportunity to meet the man who created Jaws, ET, Schindler's List, and Jurassic Park. This guy is your hero, idol, I can't stand in the way of that…"
"But you planned such a great weekend…"
"And I will plan another…"
His voice is heavy, "And I ruined last night…"
Beca chuckles, "Well you definitely didn't make it a fun night…" Beca leans into him with her shoulder, but you were honest at the end last night…"
He looks at her, trepidation clearly in his features. "What does that mean for us?"
"Well for now, you go and have an amazing meeting with Freaking Steven Spielberg," she says with a smile. He can't help but smile back, though it's definitely strained. Reaching up she pushes her hair behind her ear, a nervous habit she does when unsure of herself. "I'll head back to LA. You give me a call when you get back, and we'll talk."
"Beca…"
"It's okay Jesse. You get going. I'm going to try to get some more sleep and then head home."
He looks at her for a long moment. She leans in and kisses him, and then his phone rings. "That'll be Jodie and Mitch. You should get going…"
"Yeah…" Reluctantly he gets up, finishes getting his things together, and with one last glance, leaves the room.
Beca falls back into bed, wondering if she's more upset that he's leaving, or that she has no tears that he's gone.
"So Jesse's meeting with Steven Spielberg?
"Yeah, probably as we speak."
"Wow…" Chloe looks over at her friend, and can only say, "I mean, just wow."
"Yeah, yeah it is…" Beca looks up to her best friend and says, "Which is why I can't be upset with Jesse. Heck I pushed him to go. It's important for him… To him…"
Chloe pulls her friend in a comforting hug. "I'm sorry the weekend didn't go better."
Beca freezes as she feels Chloe's arms encircling her. She finds herself not breathing, not thinking, just feeling her friend's nose nuzzling into her neck. Images of Chloe standing naked before her, flash through Beca's mind. She doesn't want to see this, it's embarrassing, but she also finds a sliver of enjoyment, and it makes her consider Jesse's words.
Beca feels a slight shiver coming from Chloe, and the redhead pulls back from the hug. Beca can see her friend is blushing, and imagines it matches her own blush.
"Feeling better?" Chloe asks, trying to make her hair cover her blushing cheeks.
"Yeah…. Yeah much better, thanks Chlo." She smiles at her best friend. "Everything is so much easier with you, you know that?"
Chloe just grins and asks, "What do you mean?"
"Everything is just easier with you," Beca whispers as she pulls Chloe into another hug, causing the visible blush on her best friend's cheeks to darken even more.
"I'm glad," Mumbles the redhead into her best friend's shoulder.
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A/N Hello Pitch Perfect Fans. Thank you for your patience. Sorry it takes so long to update. Hopefully you enjoyed it.
This chapter is actually getting me back on track with my original outline, but even still it's a bit different than I originally imagined.
At one point I had Jesse not apologizing, but it didn't feel right, so I rewrote it a few times. I'm trying to walk a fine line with Jesse, he's a guy that is losing something, knows he's losing something, but not sure how to stop it.
Please leave reviews! They are really helpful, and appreciated.
As always I do not own any of the characters from the Pitch Perfect franchise, but I love writing about them.