A/N: Hello Pitch Perfect Fans! Here's is the newest chapter. Sorry it took so long. It's been a combination of lack of time, and just so much I've wanted to write. I decided, I would post the first half of what I had written. It's a bit of a filler chapter, but there are some important set-up moments. I hope you like it.
Thanks to everyone for reading, and please leave a review; they really are helpful. I really appreciate the response to this story. It has made writing it so much better.
Disclaimer: As always, I do not own any rights to Pitch Perfect or any of the characters, but I do love them.
CHAPTER 29
***Of Friends & Competitors***
"Okay, we have your equipment setup over here," says Ashley as she indicates a rather impressive replica of her DJ booth at Club Exchange!
Beca, who had been hustling to keep up with Ashley, stops in her tracks and asks, "How?"
"Jessica worked with Marcus; J-Michael Ray put her in touch with him," Ashley explains, pride quite evident in her smile.
Beca looks at her incredulously. "How did you get in touch with J-Michael?"
"Patricia," answers J-Michael Ray. Beca turns to see her boss, dressed impeccably in a tailored burgundy suit and, for some reason, sunglasses despite it being actually rather dark back here behind the stages. He's walking with Jessica on one side and Sam on the other. Sam gives her an enthusiastic wave, which Beca hesitantly returns.
"Hey boss," Beca says with some trepidation, as this is the first time she's seen him since her unscheduled trip to New York. "About New York…"
J-Michael waves it away. "Good job landing the client." A sense of relief washes over Beca, she had been really worried about the consequences of her actions.
"We received the signed contract yesterday," reports Sam. "Everything is in order; signed, sealed, and delivered."
J-Michael nods at the recently promoted blonde. He continues, "Great job. A little unorthodox, but you got the job done." He pauses, looks at her over his shades, looking her directly in the eyes. "We will talk more later."
Beca swallows, her trepidation back. She decides to change the subject. "So, umm, you're here…"
"Course I'm here," J-Michael replies, his demeanor suddenly cheerful and excited. He looks at her as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "Patricia and Boner have invited all the who's who of the LA scene, some deals are going to be made here tonight, let me tell you…"
"Bumper," Beca can't help correcting her boss.
J-Michael looks at her, confused, and a little annoyed at being interrupted. He pulls his sunglasses down so he can look at her clearly. "Uhh-what?"
"Fat Amy-Patricia's fiancée, his name is Bumper, not Boner," says Beca.
"Are you sure?," asks J-Michael. "He seems like more of a Boner, than a Bumper."
"You can say that again," mumbles Jessica. Beca is sure she sees her blonde friend shiver involuntarily.
J-Michael points at Jessica. "See, Jeshley agrees."
"Ashley," says the blonde pointing at her friend and partner, just as the brunette says "Jessica," while pointing back.
J-Michael waves his hands as he shakes his head. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that Evermoist is getting some great exposure tonight. It was a stroke of brilliance making them part of tonight's entertainment."
Beca shrugs, as she says, "Yeah, well Ashley and Jessica were in need of entertainment, and a break from Fat Amy." Both Jessica and Ashley nod their heads vigorously. "Chloe suggested I might be able to put them in touch with some entertainment, and you had just inked them to the studio."
From the second stage Evermoist can be heard playing. J-Michael points up, as if pointing at the sound. "That's an interesting mix you gave them."
Beca feels a little bad, she cheated a bit giving the all-female band a set she had created for Chloe a couple years ago. She was just so overwhelmed with all of her responsibilities, had a ton of gigs, and just a little drama in her personal life. Still she can honestly say, "I think they have a ton of talent, and can only benefit from stretching themselves."
Her boss nods in agreement. "I can see that. They have a bit of an attitude. I like it, it's what will sell them, but it's still something you have to get past."
Beca shrugs. "Tell me which talent that has ambitions of being big-time doesn't have a bit of attitude."
"True," says J-Michael, scratching his chin. "I like their attitude. They have a sexy coolness about them, and their individual names are a great hook."
Now it's Beca's turn to nod. "They're smart, especially Calamity and Serenity, and both have egos. There's no way they were going to back down from a challenge." Beca smirks thinking back to their time in the studio. Evermoist had originally balked at the set Beca had presented to them. But after a rather heated back-and-forth, she had been able to prevail.
She smiles as she hears Evermoist transition to the Black-Eyed Peas. In the month since she had given the band the set, they had worked hard to make it their own, and it showed in their mastery of it. She felt bad that she had been so absent for much of the month, she should have worked with them more. It's just one more reason she has to get her life back under control. With firm resolution, she knows that that starts tonight.
J-Michael is also listening to the band play, Serenity is performing a guitar solo, a satisfied look is on his face. He looks down at Beca and says, "Thanks again for putting together their set. It's creative and challenging. It's bringing out their best. The right people are going to see them tonight, and more importantly hear their sound. I'll be sure those same people recognize your talent in this equation. Big for us, Reggie. BIG."
He pauses, then points to Beca's equipment setup. "Then you are going to keep the party going and showcase your other talents."
"That's the plan," replies Beca, her face breaking into a strained smile. She really hasn't thought much about her performance, and so isn't in that mindset at the moment. Truth is she isn't prepared to perform in front of an ever-growing crowd of people.
Now she's getting nervous.
J-Michael waves all that away. "You're going to be great, Reggie…"
Before her boss can say more Beca hears, "Hey, Beca! Becaaw!" Beca cringes as Jesse calls to her from behind.
Reluctantly Beca turns about and says, "Umm, hey Jess." She gives a little wave at her rapidly approaching boyfriend. "I'm kinda busy right now."
Sam sees that her boss doesn't look happy to see her boyfriend and instinctively moves to cut him off. "I'm sorry, we have to ask that this area only be for performers." The petite blonde steps in between Jesse and Beca, holding her hand up, palm towards Jesse, forcing him to stop.
He looks at the blonde incredulously. "I just want to speak with my girlfriend." He looks over at Beca. "Tell her Beca…"
Not happy with the interruption, J-Michael turns on Jesse. "Excuse me, can you not see I'm talking with my colleague?"
Jesse is shocked by this. "But…"
J-Michael shows his impatience. "Who are you?"
"I'm Jesse…"
"I don't know any Jason." J-Michael waves Jesse away, turning back towards Beca.
Jesse is at a loss. "It's Jesse… Beca…"
Beca isn't in the mood for this but she tries to keep her response civil. "Jesse, now isn't a good time…"
"In fact, there's no time, Jesse," says Jessica who steps up next to Sam, creating a barrier between her friend and estranged boyfriend.
"I'm sure she can spare me a couple minutes," says Jesse as he tries to maneuver around the women blocking his path.
Beca is annoyed at his pushy behavior, and still not over the blatant lies he told in front of everyone. And don't get her started about the whole Chicago affair. She lets her irritation be heard in her voice. "Seriously dude, now's not a good time." She takes a deep breath to settle herself, then asks in a softer voice, "Please, Jesse."
"Come on, Beca, we need to talk," he says, his own irritation taking over, especially as Sam and Jessica slide into his path.
Ashley takes Beca by her forearm. "Sorry, Jesse, we've got to get her ready for her set."
"Wait! You're performing!?," Jesse calls out incredulously.
"Uhhh-yeah," says Beca over her shoulder as she allows Ashley to pull her towards the portable DJ booth.
"Of course, she's performing, Jason." J-Michael turns towards Jesse, while stabbing a finger at Beca. "Reggie's the hottest up-and-coming DJ on the West Coast." He shakes his head and turns back to Beca. "Course she's playing," the tall bald man says as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
Ignoring J-Michael, Jesse calls after his estranged girlfriend, "We need to talk, Beca." Even as he calls out, Sam and Jessica nudge him in the other direction.
"We will," Beca assures him. "Later!" She suddenly is looking forward to that particular discussion.
She's quite confident Jesse shouldn't be.
o0o
A few minutes later, Beca finds herself seated in her mobile booth. She is upset by Jesse's sudden appearance, and his behavior, so she starts checking her equipment as a way to clear her head. She's probably striking the keys of her laptop harder than she has to, but it feels cathartic. She was surprised to find it already hooked into the setup. She momentarily wondered how it came to be there, but then one word came to mind.
Lily.
And just like that, she decided it really doesn't matter. Best not to dwell on these things. Like how she didn't dwell on the news that a cosmetic company close to Barden lost all their test animals, and for a week there was a lot of chirping and other animal noises coming from Lily's room.
Some mysteries are better left unsolved.
So raise your glass if you are wrong,
In all the right ways,
All my underdogs,
There isn't really much for her to do, which maybe isn't the best thing for Beca at the moment. Jessica and Ashley actually hired a solid stage crew for this gig, and they are taking care of all the setup. Currently, they are slowly pushing her and the entire DJ booth into place, even as Evermoist is finishing their set.
We will never be never be, anything but loud
And nitty gritty, dirty little freaks
Won't you come on and come on and raise your glass,
The whole setup goes relatively unnoticed as the booth is maneuvered into place. Stage hands work quickly securing the mobile platform and plugging the equipment into pre-placed cables. She notices a few people glancing her way, but doesn't pay them any attention as her eyes are scanning the crowd for a particular redhead.
She needs Chloe at this moment. She needs her calming presence.
Finally, she spots the red hair of the woman she's looking for, and instantly she feels better.
Just come on and come on and raise your glass
Chloe and the other Bellas she's with are singing along. Not just singing, but belting it out with passion. The sight of it makes her feel warm and happy.
Raise your glass!
Despite her agitation, Beca smirks as she watches the redhead sing with so much joy and abandon. It's one of the many things she loves about Chloe, her zest for life. What she can't figure out, is why such a woman would be attracted to her.
Won't you come on and come on and raise your glass (for me)
She wonders for a second, only a second, if Chloe recognizes the mix. Watching her best friend sing while pulling Legacy tight against her, there's no doubt in Beca's mind, the redhead recognizes the set.
Just come on and come on and raise your glass (for me)
Beca watches as the song comes to an end and the lead singer, Calamity, steps up to her microphone. Beca thinks there's a really good chance Calamity and her band-mates are going to be a major hit for Residual Heat. One reason why, Calamity really knows how to play to the crowd. For example, she goes all sexy sultry and whispers, "We are Evermoist," before she raises her voice and points at Beca, "... and this is our new producer and the hottest NEW DJ in LA, BECA MITCHELL!"
The crowd turn as one to where Calamity is pointing, just as the main stage erupts in light, momentarily dazzling the onlookers. And in the middle of it Beca sits, ready to rock this room.
She's now sporting her oversized headphones and starts the first tune that she has in the queue; her head automatically starts bobbing to the beat.
She's starts soft, a contrast to how Evermoist ended; slowly bringing her tune to the fore. She knows she had set a theme with Evermoist's set, but Beca has a message for one particular person in the crowd, so she begins her set with 'I Need Your Love' by Ellie Goulding.
I need your love
I need your time
When everything's wrong
You make it right
Beca looks up and her eyes connect with Chloe's, she smirks knowingly as she shouts, "What's up Beverly Hills!" The crowd, already revved up by Evermoist, shout out their approval. "Alright! That's what I want to hear! Now this goes out to all the lovers in the room!" And with that Beca is performing.
I feel so high
I come alive
I need to be free with you tonight
I need your love
Even across the distance of the room, Beca can tell her message was received.
I need your love
o0o
Good enough to make the ocean look like it's a pond
Good enough to turn the valleys into mountain tops
And we live like legends now, know that would never die
Oh, we got love, we got love
Beca's into her fourth song, Got Love by Tove Lo, and Chloe, Aubrey, Stacie, and Emily are huddled around the drinking table, leaning close to each other, discussing Beca's performance so far.
"She came out slammin'," observes Stacie, who has her hand on the small of Aubrey's back. Chloe couldn't help notice Stacie's hand had rested there a lot since Aubrey admitted the two of them were in a relationship. She found it cute.
"She was pissed about something," says Chloe.
"What do you mean?," Emily asks.
"Chloe spotted something in Beca's demeanor," answers Aubrey matter-of-factly. "Chloe is a Hobbit expert."
"I didn't see anything," says Emily, turning to look at her good friend and mentor. "I thought she sounded," the tall young Bella thinks for a moment, then says, "like Beca.
"That's because you're not the Hobbit whisperer that Red is," says Stacie with a mischievous grin.
Chloe rolls her eyes in her best Beca impersonation, but ruins the effect by chuckling and breaking into a smile.
"May I join you?"
The four women turn as one to look at the person posing the question. They are all shocked to see the beautiful DSM captain. Kommissar is standing before them, just a couple feet away, sporting a smirk, which makes the redhead a little of uneasy. The beautiful blonde shows her teeth in a bright smile, and Chloe has to admit, they are an impressive array, perfect in every way. Chloe is not sure if the smile is meant to be a smile, or a challenge. To those around it probably looks like a smile from one competitor to another; yet Chloe wonders if what it truly is, is a threat, through and through.
Chloe looks down at her clenched hands before looking back at the DSM captain. She forces herself to smile back, and hopes nobody can tell how nervous she is.
Before any of the women at the table can say anything, Kommissar steps right up to their table. She holds up a bottle of Scotch and asks again, "I am wondering if I may join you?"
Eyeing the rather vintage label, Aubrey nods appreciatively. She then looks to her friends, who all shrug, unsure. The former Bellas captain considers the tall German woman for a few moments before she replies, "Be our guest, Kommissar, seeing as you're buying."
"Private stash actually," replies the German blonde with a tight smile as she places the bottle of Scotch in the middle of the small round table. "And, please, call me Luisa," she continues. "Kommissar is a persona for the audience of DSM." Even as she's speaking she produces a collection of small glasses. With a few quick motions, and quite dexterous moves, Luisa sets down the five glasses, one in front of each of each woman.
Emily looks nervous as the glass is set before her. Stacie and Aubrey give her reassuring looks.
Chloe on the other hand is keeping her eyes on Kommissar, she's not ready to call her Luisa. The woman makes her nervous, especially because of the effect she has had on Beca. Yet there is nothing menacing about the tall German as she goes about opening the bottle of Scotch, breaking the seal. Luisa must feel the intense stare of the redhead because she meets Chloe's eyes with her own. Many would wilt under such scrutiny, but the confident leader of DSM holds the redhead's eyes with her own and smiles reassuringly as she proceeds to pour the Scotch evenly into all five glasses, never once looking down.
"You've done this before," observes Stacie.
Kommissar shrugs. "I may have worked the bar at a club or two in my time. A career in music isn't always the best paying, especially early on."
Picking her glass up, Aubrey raises it to eye-level and studies it. The liquid in it gleams golden in the light, as if it knows it is expensive. She then lowers the glass to inhale the aroma and smiles appreciatively. Setting it back on the table, she raises an eyebrow in question to the German woman.
The DSM captain merely shrugs as she answers, "Thought it best to come bearing gifts."
"Beware Germans bearing gifts," mumbles Chloe, not loud enough to fully be heard.
"I'm sorry," Kommissar says. "What was that?"
Chloe can no longer contain her curiosity, nor her suspicions, so she asks, "Are you here to mess with us?"
Raising an eyebrow of her own, Kommissar shrugs and asks, "Why would I want to?"
"Well, we have been competitors, and, technically, we are again," answers Stacie.
"We were once. Now, not so much." Tilting her head slightly, Kommissar shrugs again. "I have to admit, winning this television competition isn't all that important to us."
"Then why did you agree to join the show?," asks Emily.
"We thought it could be amusing. Plus, we get to visit Hollywood, California, and maybe get some new fans," answers Kommissar honestly.
"What about how you mess with Beca?," Chloe demands. She's not ready to trust this imposing woman. Her eyes involuntarily flick to the petite DJ.
The German blonde's eyes follow Chloe's, landing on Beca who is making some change to what she's playing. "Ahh, the tiny maus," Luisa chuckles, even as Chloe bristles that the woman has a pet name for Beca. "She is fun to mess with, tease, because she says the most interesting things when she is, how do you say, all flustered."
"That's the truth," observes Stacie. Chloe shoots the tall brunette a glare, but Stacie is nonplussed. "What? It's the truth."
Emily places her hand on Chloe's, giving the redhead a reassuring squeeze. "It is true, Chloe." Emily giggles as she thinks about some of the things Beca has word vomited around the DSM captain. Her eyes grow round as she realizes she chuckled out loud. She looks apologetically at Chloe, even as she covers her mouth. Stacie chuckles too, then Aubrey joins. Chloe tries to maintain her stoic stance, but the light laughter of her friends is contagious, and then some of Beca's miscues bubble up in her memories, and she too begins to laugh.
"I come in friendship," Luisa assures the table. "We're here for fun, both tonight, and the duration of our stay in California." She then focuses on Chloe. "Yes, it's been fun to mess with your Beca, but it's quite clear where her heart belongs." The German's smile takes on a playful edge. "At least if the demonstration you two gave in kissing earlier was any indication."
Chloe feels the heat of her blush from her temples to her toes. In an attempt to deflect attention from her embarrassment, Chloe lifts her glass up and raises it high above the middle of the table, and says, "Well then, to old adversaries."
Mirroring the move, Luisa holds up her glass as she says, "And to new friends."
The three remaining women at the table raise their glasses, too. Then on an unsaid signal all five clink their glasses together and down their shots in a single swallow.
Chloe marvels as the flavor rolls around her tongue and caresses it. She then enjoys the slight burn in the back of her throat as she swallows it down. For the first time, she understands Aubrey's love of this drink. Chloe lets out an audible gasp. "Oh, that's good."
"Very good," Aubrey agrees with a slight nod of her head.
Emily's gasps are a bit deeper and Stacie starts massaging her back, instructing the younger woman to breathe deeply. This elicits another round of good natured laughter.
"So, the tiny maus is quite good," Luisa gestures towards Beca with her refilled glass.
They all focus on Beca's performance, and realize the tiny DJ has transitioned to a new song.
Away, away
I love you like you've never felt the pain, away
I promise you don't have to be afraid, away
The love you see right here stays so lay your head on me
"She's the best," replies Chloe in all honesty. She notices something about the new song, and not just it's a remix of 'Little Do You Know' by Alex & Sierra into a much faster tempo club mix.
"I would think you are, how you say, biased, but my ears suggest there is truth in your words," counters Luisa.
All my mistakes are solely drowning me
Little do you know
I'm trying to make it better piece by piece
Little do you know
I, I love you till the sun dies
Emily picks up on something. "Is that?"
Chloe's face splits into a huge smile. "It is."
Luisa shows her confusion, slipping into German as she asks, "Was?"
Chloe looks at her smugly. "Listen to the singer."
Away, just wait
I love you like I've never felt the pain, just wait
I love you like I've never been afraid, just wait
Our love we see right here stays so lay your head on me
The DSM captain cocks her head and listens carefully. To be honest she is enjoying this song coming at a faster pace. The underlying instrumentals have really livened it up. Then she catches what the red-haired Bella is hinting at.
I love you like I've never felt the pain, just wait
I love you like I've never been afraid, just wait
"Is that?," Luisa asks, her eyes growing round.
Lay your head on me
So lay your head on me
"You bet your sexy ass it is," says Stacie, who secretly loves the flash of jealousy Aubrey shows.
'Cause little do you know
I love you till the sun dies
Chloe nods. "It's Beca. She sang the vocals again at a quicker pace for this remix."
I love you like I've never been afraid
"She is good," Luisa breathes. A mischievous gleam flashes in her eyes as she says, quite innocently, "Maybe I was too hasty in my decision not to pursue mein feisty maus." She winks at Chloe, letting the redhead know she's only teasing.
"Oh, you're going to fit right in with this group," says Stacie, while giving Chloe a nudge with her shoulder.
"So, not that I'm complaining about someone being willing to share a great bottle of Scotch," says Aubrey, "but is making new friends the only thing that brought you over?"
The tall German woman sizes up Aubrey and judges her to be a kindred spirit. She pours more Scotch into Aubrey's glass as she answers, "I like you. No nonsense, a get to the point type of woman." She holds up her glass towards Aubrey.
Aubrey looks at the glass for a heartbeat, then holds up her glass and clinks it against Luisa's. "You didn't answer the question though."
Luisa chuckles. "True; my apologies. I was not meaning to. When we first met, it was under odd circumstances, and as you said, we were competitors. What we learned though, is that though highly unorthodox, you Bellas are worthy competition. I wanted to tell you that, before the riff-off later this evening."
"There's a riff-off tonight?," Emily straightens.
"There's always a riff-off, Legacy," says Stacie.
"Ja, a riff-off, and knowing our two groups, when the competition starts we will both give it our best, but before that I wanted to extend the hand of friendship."
Chloe holds out her glass. "Give me a refill and I'll think about it." Her smile, however, conveys a friendship is in the cards.
A grin tugged at the corners of Luisa's mouth. "All right." She pours everyone another glass, and then holds up her own. "To amazing DJs and better friends."
They all clink glasses as they say 'Here, here." Each throwing back their drink, save for Emily, who wisely sips at it.
Looking over, Chloe can't help but notice that Beca looks like she's swallowed a bug. Chloe flashes her a smile, trying to convey that she's loving the set. It hasn't gone past her that the songs all have a theme of declarations of love. Beca's face seems to settle and regain the smirk Chloe loves so much.
Turning back towards the women at the table, Chloe tries to reintegrate into the conversation when a new mix begins to play, and Chloe almost snaps a vertebra swinging her head back towards Beca.
Beca's smirk is as sexy as it is mischievous.
o0o
Beca never feels more at ease as she does when she is inside her DJ booth working her mixing boards for a crowd at the club. The world always makes more sense to her there. From the booth, she can be among the crowd, but not in the full mix, because at the same time that she's up above it all, she is alone with the music.
Good enough to make the ocean look like it's a pond
Good enough to turn the valleys into mountain tops
As much as she loves producing, and she has ambitions for the studio, and even her own label one day, her comfort place is truly the DJ booth.
And we live like legends now, know that would never die
Oh, we got love, we got love
If it wasn't such a calming place for her, there would be no way she could look out at the sea of people spread before her without freaking.
Perfect like a picture
I know we are one in the same
Perfect like a picture even when they look through the grains
She can't believe the number of people Fat Amy and Bumper have invited to this gala. Leave it to those two not to have a simple Bachelor-Bachelorette party. No, those two have to go all Hollywood and have some ginormous extravagant affair.
Good enough to turn the valleys into mountain tops
And we live like legends now, know that would never die
Oh, we got love, we got love
She transitions to another song, and with the faster beat a series of lights begin to flash along with the music. She hits a button, and a kaleidoscope of dazzling lights permeate the room. It's truly an amazing display.
Again, she suspects Lily is the culprit.
Not for the first time this night, Beca is struck by what Ashley and Jessica have managed to pull together with this setup. The lighting system they had installed is top quality, and allows Beca to deliver a visual performance nearly as good as her audio one. She looks out as the lights dance over the swaying bodies of the crowd as they move to her mixes, and she feels a sense of control that is absent from the rest of her life.
With one eye, Beca watches the crowd, judging how they are enjoying the set, while the other remains focused on her mixing board and computer. Subtly she makes changes to the music playing, increasing the tempo while decreasing the bass, till she's happier with the sound. Over the years, she's become quite adept at reading the crowd and adjusting her music to meet their mood.
The other thing about the DJ booth, is that it's always higher up than the dance floor; affording her the best seat in the house. It allows her to stay atop of the situation, a part of the party, but still away from the people. As an introvert at heart, it's important for Beca to have this space. Again, it gives her a measure of control; if a song isn't working, she simply changes it.
Take for example, at this moment she wants something a bit faster, so she puts on a remix she's done of 'Little Do You Know' by Alex & Sierra. The crowd seems to appreciate her choice of songs, and the changes she's made to it.
So much of Beca's life lately has been out of her control, yet when she's mixing, she can leave all that pressure behind. There's just something about spinning before a room full of people. And when the crowd is really getting into what she is playing; it's nirvana.
As Beca lets herself be engulfed in her mixing, she holds one headphone cupped to her ear leaving the other free to listen to the room. Instinctively she taps out a beat on a pressure pad, one of her boards has, adding a new layer of percussion to the song. Then once it's been recorded and put into a loop, Beca's hands smoothly dance over the many buttons in front of her, making minor adjustments to the music, all the while her foot is tapping an entirely different rhythm on a small box with pedals, which corresponds to an electronic beat, which she blends seamlessly into the song, to the point she doubts anyone outside of Chloe and a few of the producers in the audience even know she's doing it.
Thoughts of Chloe bring Beca out of her music bubble, and she looks to the table where Chloe is sitting with Emily, Aubrey, Stacie and Kommissar. The petite DJ smiles, because they all look like they're having fun. They're even toasting.
It's nice seeing Chloe and Kommissar at the same table, Beca's pretty sure Chloe has plotted out how she could bump-off the DSM captain and get rid of the body. Beca's pretty sure, Lily plays a prominent role…
Chloe and Kommissar are at the same table?
Chloe and Kommissar are together?
Beca is lucky that she has her song all queued up, and her extra beats are not necessary, because she seems to have forgotten how to spin.
Jaw hanging open, eyes bulging a wee bit, she can only stand there trying to discern what's going on. Her breath hitches in her throat as she watches Chloe and Kommissar laugh together.
What is going on? It's all she can think about.
Chloe must sense something for she looks up and flashes a patented Chloe Beale full-on dazzling smile. It's amazing how much the redhead is able to convey over time and space with just her eyes and smile. Just seeing the beautiful confidence and love the redhead is projecting is enough to set Beca's trepidation at ease. Chloe gives Beca a wink before turning back to the table.
Beca loves it when Chloe winks at her. There's something charming about it, that Beca finds endearing.
Beca returns Chloe's dazzling smile with a lopsided grin, and she feels better. Whatever is going on at that table, Chloe is okay and not worried. She can't do anything to change what is happening there. She just has to trust Chloe. Besides, Aubrey and Stacie are there to protect Chloe and Emily.
For now, Beca queues up her next song, something to tell Chloe she's there for her and thinking about her.
This time, baby, I'll be
Bulletproof
I'm bulletproof nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Chloe's head snaps towards Beca, as the redhead recognizes the mix Beca has pulled up.
You shout it out
But I can't hear a word you say
This time, baby, I'll be
Bulletproof
It's one of the first mixes Beca ever made for Chloe, and the dazzling smile the redhead is shining towards her makes playing this song so worth it.
I am titanium, I am titanium
o0o
I am titanium, I am titanium
"God, I hate that song," grumbles Jesse. He's never been able to wiggle the story out of Beca, yet it's obvious that there is a story behind that song. Especially considering how Beca blushes any time she hears it.
And there was that one time their Freshman year when he stopped by for a surprise moviecation. Beca took forever to answer her door while that song was playing. She had been so flushed and quite grumpy when she finally answered; even more than usual. She had literally slammed the door in his face and restarted the song, even louder than before.
With a deep sigh of frustration, Jesse tears his eyes off his DJ girlfriend, and looks around. Things are not going according to his plan. Beca isn't making it easy for him; and he's still not entirely sure why things aren't going smoother. The Bellas almost seem to be actively conspiring against him.
But that's ridiculous, isn't it?
He thought for sure bringing Chicago would have a more positive effect on Chloe. Among the Trebles she had a bit of a reputation, though he himself had never seen anything to back it up. Still Chicago seemed perfect. The young Marine is perfect for the redhead, on paper at least. He's handsome, smart, in great shape, and from her hometown. He's in every way, an officer and a gentleman.
Maybe if they had some more time together, it would begin to click. Looking around, he spots the young officer at the bar. He's having a drink with a couple of people Jesse doesn't recognize.
"Chicago!," Jesse calls out. The young Marine turns from the couple he's been talking to, and smiles at Jesse as he approaches. Jesse asks, "Hey, man, are you enjoying yourself?"
"Hey, Jesse," answers Chicago. His smile is from ear-to-ear. "Oh yeah, man, this party is over-the-top. I've never been to anything like it." He reaches out and shakes his young friend's hand.
"I know, Bumper is going all out. Him and Fat Amy have always been larger than life. This is just another example of it," says Jesse looking around.
"Well, I appreciate the invite," says Chicago.
"So, did you have a chance to talk with Chloe?," probes Jesse.
"Oh, yeah," answers Chicago with a big smile. "She's great." At this declaration, Jesse feels a sense of elation. Maybe his plan was actually working. It doesn't last though as Chicago continues. "Yeah, I think we can be good friends."
"Friends? Why friends? Don't you find her attractive?" Jesse sputters out the questions in rapid succession.
Chicago gives his new friend a perplexed look. He's really not sure why, or if he's comfortable with the interest Jesse is showing in his dating life. "Ummm-yeah," he answers slowly, "I totally find her beautiful." The young soldier can't help the smile he wears as he thinks about how utterly charming the redhead is. "Too be honest, I could totally fall for her."
"You should go for it then," Jesse eagerly says.
"It's not that easy," Chicago replies.
"Come on, man," Jesse says, "You're a handsome guy. Literally an officer and a gentleman. I'm sure you could win her interest."
"Yeah, I wish, but 'fraid not," answers the young soldier.
Jesse looks at his friend with confusion. "So, what's the problem, man?"
"It's a two-way street, Jesse."
"What do you mean?"
Chicago looks over towards the table Chloe is standing at. He looks wistful as he says, "She's in love with someone else."
Jesse feels his blood grow cold. He's glad Chicago was looking the other way or he might have noticed Jesse blanching. "Chloe is in love with someone?"
"Yeah, and the way she talks about her, it's clear that it's true love," replies Chicago, not realizing how his innocent answers are being received.
"Her?," Jesse manages to get out.
"Yeah," Chicago says, his shoulders slump as he deflated a little. "I know it's not right, but I couldn't help thinking she's too pretty to be gay." The young Marine looks abashed, made worse by the incredulous look Jesse is giving him. "I know, it was a terrible thing to think. I shouldn't stereotype people. It's not like every lesbian wears a lot of flannel or has numerous piercings and tattoos."
Jesse's eyes are practically bugging out. He's trying to keep it cool but images of how Beca looked their Freshman year suddenly pop into his head. This invariably leads to images of Beca with Chloe. He fights to keep his voice steady. "Come on man, a great guy like you. I'm sure if you were to give it a try, you could woo her."
Chicago grins but shakes his head no. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, but one thing I've learned is that's not how life works. When you see that kind of love in somebody's eyes, there's nothing you can do but wish them well."
"Well, if you don't try," says Jesse. "But if you lay your heart on the line, and put together an amazing display of your love, it has to sway them." Even as Jesse says the words, they don't sound right. With a tinge of desperation, he asks, "Right?"
Chicago chuckles, shaking his head. He likes Jesse, but he thinks the movie nerd has watched one-too-many romcoms. "Jesse. Big gestures are great, once you're in the relationship and you truly know what your significant other likes and dislikes." The young soldier's voice takes on a more serious tone. "They are terrible for trying to save a relationship, and even worse for trying to win a relationship."
Jesse realizes it's a lost cause, Chicago isn't going to help him with his Chloe issue. Still he wanted to keep the young MBA student as a friend, so he flashes a false smile, and says, "Guess you're right. Luckily for me, I already got the girl."
"Yeah, what little I know of her, Beca seems like an amazing woman." He nods his head towards the tiny DJ in her booth. "You're a lucky man, Jesse." Chicago holds up his beer.
Jesse taps the beer bottle with his own, as he says, "Don't I know it. And tonight, I'm going to show you that a well-timed romantic gesture can win you the girl."
o0o
As Beca's final song is winding down, Brightslymoore rolls out on his Segway. "Give it up Ladies and Gents for LA's hottest up-and-coming DJ!" The audience shows their appreciation with a loud ovation.
When the noise of the crowd settles, Brightslymoore starts again, "Now, because this party needs to take it up a notch, Bumper's good friend John Mayer is going to play a couple songs!" The audience lets out a gasp, and then gives an even louder ovation.
Brightslymoore points to the stage that Evermoist had been playing on. The spotlight shines and there's John Mayer standing alone with his guitar.
Without a word, the famous singer starts playing his guitar, and after about thirty seconds of just playing his guitar, John begins to sing.
We got the afternoon
You got this room for two
One thing I've left to do
Discover me
Discovering you
Mayer smiles as he continues to strum.
One mile to every inch of
Your skin like porcelain
One pair of candy lips and
Your bubblegum tongue
Beca watches from her seat for a couple moments, catching her breath. It's amazing how much spinning takes out of a person. She then then slips out the back of the portable booth and disappears into the back area. It's time to catch up with Chloe. She needs to feel her redhead close to her, and she still wants to know what's the deal with Kommissar.
Your body is a wonderland
Your body is a wonder (I'll use my hands)
Your body Is a wonderland
Beca quickly makes her way around the stages. She spots Jesse, who is looking about, probably for her, and heads in the other direction, maneuvering around so she's shielded by a crowd of people. With a little bit of luck, she's able to approach the table where Chloe is sitting.
I know you're mine all mine all mine
But you look so good it hurts sometimes
"Hey," says Beca as she steps up to Chloe's side.
Your body is a wonderland
Your body is a wonder
"Becs!" The redhead turns and leaps forward engulfing the petite DJ in a hug. She showers the young brunette with kisses on her cheek. "I loved the set!"
"Thanks," Beca whispers into Chloe's shoulder, just allowing herself to relax in Chloe's embrace.
"I want to kiss you properly," whispers Chloe.
"Me too," Beca answers simply, as she hugs a tad tighter. They both resist the urge though.
"Kleine Maus!," shouts Luisa, demanding Beca's attention. "You're quite good up there!"
The petite brunette reluctantly pulls back from the redhead, and slowly turns towards the beautiful blonde German. Beca is perplexed, really not sure why Kommissar is here, but nods. "Danke Schön, Kommissar."
"Nein, as I told your friends, Kommissar is a stage persona. My name is Luisa," replies the tall German blonde, and she flashes a brilliant smile.
"Okay, Danke Schön, Luisa."
The German woman's smile grows wider. "I must say, you were quite good." The look she gives Beca sends chills down the petite brunette's spine.
"Uhhh-Danke, again," replies Beca, still trying to get her bearings, that she's having a civil conversation with Kommissar at the same table as Chloe.
"Your redheaded friend and I both thought you were amazing," continues Luisa.
"Ummm-Danke Schön," Beca responds, her eyes dropping to her hands, which are playing with a red, white, and blue coaster.
"So, we decided to arm wrestle for you and I won," Luisa's smile takes on a very predatory, cat that caught the canary look.
"What!?" Beca's head shoots up, eyes wide as she first looks to Kommissar and then to Chloe. She chokes out, "Is that true?" Kommissar just smirks.
Chloe shakes her head. "Of course not." Beca visibly relaxes. "I won," says the redhead with a wink, holding her toned arm to show off her bicep. "So, you're mine, Mitchell."
Beca blushes but her smile shows she's not upset by the prospect. Her blush only grows as the women at the table all laugh.
"Told you that you would fit right in, Luisa," says Stacie through her laughter.
"Ich entschuldige mich, I mean, I apologize Kleine Maus," Luisa says as her laughter subsides. "You are just so fun to tease."
"It's what everyone seems to believe," snarks Beca, ready for someone else to be the center of attention. Chloe must sense Beca's unease because she reaches out and begins rubbing the small of Beca's back. It does help Beca. She smiles her thanks to the redhead, then asks, "So, ummm, anyone want to tell me the story of what's going on?"
"Yeah, Becs," answers Chloe, and Beca feels herself losing herself in cerulean blue. "Everything is…"
They're cut off by a loud shout of "Becaaw!" Both Beca and Chloe are startled out of their tiny bubbles. As one, they look up and see Jesse bounding over.
Chloe drops her hand and Beca instantly misses the contact. She swallows as she sees her nominal boyfriend bounding over. He looks so eager, and Beca prays for an intervention. She doesn't want to have the conversation here and now.
As if in answer Lily is suddenly at the table. "Don't worry, it's taken care of."
Beca furrows her brow, wondering if Lily can read minds. The smirk the silent Asian woman gives Beca only makes her wonder more.
Beca's attention is pulled back to Jesse just as Benji intercepts his best friend.
"I hope you don't mind, Emily," says Lily. "I recruited your boyfriend to help."
"Ummm," answers Emily, who watches Benji insert himself directly into Jesse's path. "Yeah, it's fine." She doesn't know what else to say.
Aubrey asks, "Should we move?"
Lily shakes her head. "We'll be collecting you for the next part of the night's entertainment in a minute."
Beca looks confused and Chloe answers, "Riff-off."
o0o
"Jesse," says Benji. He hopes the trepidation he feels isn't heard in his voice. He really has no idea how it's come to this. Jesse is-was his best friend, but Jesse is different now. Hollywood has changed him. "Hey, can we talk?"
Jesse gives his longtime friend an annoyed look. "Uhh, now is not a great time. Maybe a bit later," says Jesse as he tries to slip past.
Benji subtly moves to his right, blocking Jesse again. "I really need to talk to you, Jess."
Jesse exhales noisily. "Come on, Benji, now isn't a good time. I really need to speak with Beca."
"Yeah, well I've tried to speak with you a couple times tonight," retorts Benji. "I thought we were friends." There's real vehemence in the young man's voice.
This gives Jesse pause. He's never heard Benji raise his voice, much less talk to him like that. "Whoa, ummm, sorry man, I didn't realize it was that important…"
"Why would you, Jesse?," Benji asks. "When was the last time we really talked?" Before Jesse can answer, Benji continues. "When I came out to California, I thought I was visiting my best friend…"
This shocks Jesse. "You are…"
Benji is on a roll though, the dam holding back a ton of repressed feelings and grievances begins to spill forth. "Am I? At best, I feel like an afterthought, at worst I feel like the butt of a joke for your new so called friends…"
"Benji, you're not…" Jesse tries to cut in.
Benji crosses his arms, and fixes Jesse with such an intense stare, "Oh, so they don't call me Doctor Strange, or Dumb-ol-dork, when my back is turned, or think I might not hear?"
His friend's intense scrutiny makes it difficult for Jesse to turn away. He wants to deny the accusation, but he has heard the jibes, and to his shame he did nothing. He gives a weak answer, "Maybe, but it's all just joking around, nothing serious."
Benji is having none of it. "Do you know I can't trust leaving Emily with your friends? Do you know Emily is scared to be around them? Have you noticed she no longer goes to practice?"
"Well, I thought…"
Benji points an accusatory finger at Jesse. "You've known how they act towards her and not once have you interceded…"
Jesse holds up his hands, as if in surrender. "Benji…"
"You know what, I quit!," Benji says suddenly. He actually looks surprised by this statement, but he's all in now.
"What!?," Jesse can't believe his ears.
"I'm off the team," Benji says resolutely, "and I bet Emily will join me. And tonight, I'm doing the riff-off with the Trebles!" And with that, Benji spins away from his once best friend and storms off in the opposite direction.
"Benji…," Jesse says weakly to the back of his first friend at college. He finds himself conflicted and torn. Does he follow Benji or does he try and reach Beca. He really needs to talk with Beca, but the need to make things right with Benji may be higher priority now. He is drowning in indecision, which leaves him standing perplexed, and unsure of what to do.
The answer is kind of taken away when Fat Amy and Bumper retake the stage. Bumper calls everyone's attention first, "Ladies and Gents, may we have your attention?" Bumper shakes John Mayer's hand. "Let's give it up for my good friend John Mayer!" The audience roars their approval as the famous singer waves to the crowd, then accepts a hug from Bumper, and then a second. He finally extricates himself and walks off the stage, waving to the crowd.
Bumper wipes away a tear as Fat Amy takes the lead at the microphone. The boisterous blonde shouts out, "All right ya flat-butts, now you're in for a real treat." She looks about as if conspiratorially. "This is what Bumper and I have been waiting for, ever since we dreamed up this good ol' shindig." She smiles at Bumper and asks, "You want the honors?"
"Of course, Snookums, we're going to do something a bit different than anything most of you have ever seen, it's called…"
Bumper pauses as Fat Amy shouts out, "A RIFF-OFF!"
o0o
A/N: This chapter just kept getting longer and longer, and at a certain point I figured I just needed to publish, again. It had been too long since the last posting.
So, the Stag and Hen Party will now be three chapters.
Songs for this chapter:
I Need Your Love by Ellie Goulding.
Got Love by Tove Lo
Little Do You Know by Alex & Sierra
Bulletproof/Titanium mix
Your Body is a Wonderland by John Mayer