A/N: Hello Pitch Perfect Fans! Yes, there is an update! Merry Christmas!
I am truly sorry it took so long to publish this. To be honest, I had just hit a wall, where I didn't have any words to share.
Thank you to BeChloeIsLegit for her continued help and support, you are a true writing friend, and to my other writing friend, I am so glad you have returned. You are another friend, who I value greatly. In many ways this is for you.
To all the readers, I really appreciate the response to this story. It has made writing it so much better. I hope you take this as a surprise Christmas present.
Thanks to everyone for reading, and please leave more reviews; they really are helpful.
Disclaimer: As always, I do not own any rights to Pitch Perfect or any of the characters, but I do love them.
CHAPTER 32
***A New Normal***
She is happy, truly happy with her life. For the first time in a long time, Beca is just happy. Everything has been coming together in such an unexpected way, and Beca isn't sure how it happened. Scratch that, she does know how it happened. It's just hard to believe how one act on her part could have such a ripple effect on the rest of her life.
Take for example today, she had, with Sam's help, managed to resolve a billing issue with a vendor, and managed to get them to agree to fix a couple issues they were having in studio three. She had come into work this morning full of energy, and feeling quite happy. This had allowed her to be her badass self in the meeting; which might seem incongruous, but really does make sense as she went in quite confident and focused.
Getting the vendor matter cleared up before 11:00 allowed Beca time to meet with the new Social Media team she had setup just a few days before, which had been the brilliant idea of her super smart girlfriend. Beca blushed a little at the thought of the redhead. They were only a week and a half into their relationship, so it still seemed surreal to her that Chloe Beale is her girlfriend.
The transition from being best friends to girlfriends had been much more natural than Beca could have ever wished for. It has made her whole life feel better, because things are actually going more smoothly than Beca could have ever expected at the office too.
It's amazing how fast things can change.
Just two weeks ago, Beca had all but decided to step down as head of this studio. She had been so disheartened at work, and felt like she was drowning. Yet thanks to both Sam's intelligence and efficiency, and Chloe's seemingly bottomless supply of energy, enthusiasm, and rather surprising social media creativity, those thoughts were completely banished from her consideration. Chloe's endless love and enthusiasm had also proven a great source of inspiration for Beca; both in running the studio and as a music producer.
Just yesterday afternoon she had put in two solid hours with Emily in the recording booth, and made serious headway on the younger woman's album. She already could tell it was going to be a star maker. Emily had also helped Beca to begin penning her own songs. The petite music producer hadn't really considered herself a music writer, but words and music seemed to be welling up in her.
All this because Beca had finally let go of her inhibitions, accepted the truth about her feelings, and kissed Chloe Beale. Memories of that first kiss cause her to smile, and she swears she can still feel the tingling of her lips.
"You're doing it again," Sam's wry tone brought Beca back to the present.
She looked at the woman with a quizzical look. "Doing what, Sam?"
"You're thinking about my cousin," Sam replied as she closed her planner with a deliberate economy of movement.
"I still can't believe-no scratch that-I totally believe you two are cousins," Beca said with a laugh.
"I know, isn't it amazing! But quit quibbling, and fess up," Sam said with faux-seriousness.
Chuckling softly Beca holds up her hands as she says, "You caught me."
Sam laughs, and asks, "So anything in particular, or just general Chloe thoughts?"
Beca blushes as she answers, "Just, how I'm really happy right now."
Sam looks at the petite brunette and says earnestly, "Well, I think you deserve it. I'm not kissing ass when I say you're the absolute best boss I have ever had." The earnest nature of Sam's words make Beca blush more, but also fill her with a sense of pride.
"Well, I don't know about that," Beca said deferentially. "I've just been winging it, but I have to say, a big part of my success lately has been my partnership with you. I'm so glad you came to work here."
"Aww-you're going to make me blush," Sam countered.
Beca shook her head. "So, Sam, what else do I have today?"
"Just a meeting with Jay-Michael Ray," Sam replies as she looks at the calendar on her iPad. "Then you have more time with Emily in the booth."
"Any idea what he needs? You don't think he wants to take back the studio? I mean it was pretty rough..." Beca suddenly begins to panic. "Life has been going too well. Life is never this perfect; it's the universe rebalancing."
"I don't think so," Sam assures Beca. "I think it rebalanced when you and Chloe got together. It was meant to be."
"But what about…" Beca started.
"No 'what abouts' Beca. Just breath, everything is fine. Don't worry about nothing," Sam cut her off. She gives her boss a serious look as she says, "Don't make me call Chloe." The smile she cracks a second later actually reminds Beca of Chloe's. Sam's smile grows, "I'll do it."
Beca held up her hands in surrender, a smile growing on her face. Sam reached out and took Beca's right hand. Being touchy-feely is definitely a 'Beale' thing, Beca thinks to herself. She focuses on what Sam has to say though, "Even when things were at their worst, you were staying on top of this place. I was actually kind of amazed by you." Sam gives Beca's hand a squeeze. She then holds up her other hand and counts off all that Beca has had going for her. "For one, you've kept on top of your recording schedule, two you kept up your DJ schedule, all the while you kept this place running pretty smoothly, even adding to our portfolio. You did an amazing job boss." The blonde woman's eyes soften, and she looks at her boss with care. "Though I'm pretty sure it was at the cost of your health."
Beca wanted to argue, but she had to shrug; there was truth in what Sam was saying. She decides to change the focus of the conversation. "But then what does Jay-Michael Ray want?"
Sam shrugs, but offers, "Maybe he wants to go through the financials."
Immediately the brunette starts to look over her desk. She had printed out a spreadsheet report on the Studio's financial situation. "I have all the budget information, right?" Beca asks as she pulled up the file.
Sam nods, stepping around Beca's desk. She indicates the keyboard, and gets a nod of approval. With a few clicks on the mouse, and a couple keystrokes, the financial files appeared on the computer screen. "There you go."
"You're the best," breathed Beca.
"Yeah, I know," the blonde answers confidently.
"Is there anything else I have for today, Sam?" she asked her assistant manager.
"That's all for the studio management, this afternoon you're booked into sound booth 'B' with Emily," the petite blonde woman replied, peaking at the schedule.
"Thank God," said Beca, leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes. "I need producing time." When she hears the blonde woman giggle, she opens her eyes and says earnestly, "No, it's true, my body was in danger of going into withdrawal."
"Well we can't have that. I'll make sure nothing interrupts your recording time with Emily," Sam says with a smirk that totally screams Beale.
"I'll say it again, you're the best," Beca responds.
"And don't you forget it. Okay, I'm going to go work with our media team now, if that's cool with you." Beca gave her a nod as she started to read through the numbers. Sam smiles and continues, "You let me know if you have any questions." She then gathers herself and heads out.
"Thanks, Sam," Beca says as she starts focusing on the numbers. She then mumbles, "I definitely need to sit down with Aubrey again."
"Thanks again, boss," Sam said over her shoulder.
"Don't call me boss."
"Sure, boss."
{(0)}
For the next hour, Beca sat behind her desk, cross-referencing her hard copy of the Studio financials to the online system Sam had set up. While she gets a lot of it, there are definitely questions she is going to pose to Posen. She really appreciates how her former blonde nemesis has been willing to sit down with her, and help Beca understand the numbers she is forced to look at. Reaching the end of the report, the petite brunette slumped back in her chair as she gently massaged her tired eyes with the tips of her fingers. She never expected being the manager of a studio to be an easy job, but sometimes the nature and volume of duties beyond the producing threatened to overwhelm her.
Luckily for Beca, she was surrounded by brilliant women, who surprisingly care a great deal for her, and support her unconditionally. For example, for the last hour, she had been making sure everything matched up correctly in the financial reports, though she was confident Sam had done excellent work. The woman was actually quite amazing, and genuinely wanted to do a great job for Beca.
For that, Beca was enormously grateful. She could imagine that Sam could get a job anywhere. Beca is sure many would judge Sam by her looks at first, only seeing her as a blonde bombshell. But, in time they would quickly discern she's a certifiable genius. Much like many of the women Beca was fortunate to have in her life; Stacie, Aubrey, and Chloe. These women are all quite brilliant in their own way.
This is one of the reasons Beca is constantly pushing herself. She always feels as if she has to prove she's worthy of their support, and on an equal footing with them. Thus, she sets aside the completed report, and pulls up the next, which has projected costs. She needs to make this place a success.
Beca is just about halfway through these new numbers, with just a little concern for the studio's cash outflow, when Allison, Sam's replacement at the front desk called her on the intercom. She informed Beca that Jay-Michael Ray had arrived, and was ready to see her.
Beca hit the button to answer. "Thanks for the heads up. Is he in the usual office?"
"Yep."
"Okay, let him know I am on my way." With a steadying breath, Beca picks up the papers detailing a brief synopsis of the meetings for the last week Sam had put together. She rises, straightening her jacket, a new stylish blazer Chloe had got her. This moment allows her to steady herself. With a deep calming breath, the petite woman makes her way across the building towards the office where her boss had set up shop for the day. For some Feng Shui reason that Beca didn't understand, Jay-Michael had taken over the office in the northwest corner of the building.
Still a bit nervous, Beca walks quickly down the corridor to where Jay-Michael Ray is waiting. She tentatively peeks in to see if he is available. The tall African American man is seated behind a large wooden desk, with his feet up, and his hands clasped behind his bald head. He has his signature solid black sunglasses on, so she isn't even sure if he can see her. She can see Jay-Michael is on the phone, talking into his Bluetooth headset; which stands to reason as she's pretty sure this is his natural state. Beca would not be surprised to find out he sleeps with the Bluetooth on.
Not sure what to do, Beca stands there, looking about the room, wondering if she should go in, or wait. This is the office of the new accountant that Sam had convinced her to bring on part time. Sam's reasoning had totally made sense, and the young man really seemed to know his job. Still, Beca had to wonder if there was some message Jay-Michael Ray was trying to deliver with his choice of offices. Did Feng Shui really dictate that her boss should be in here? Was he really upset she had made the hire without consulting him? Was he going to demote her?
Beginning to feel ridiculous waiting at the door, the petite brunette squares her shoulders, draws herself to stand as tall as she can, and walks further into the office. Her boss glances up at her, answering the question of if he can see her. He didn't smile, which set off alarm bells in her head, instead he just nods for her to take the empty seat.
Fearing the worst, she closes the door. She doesn't need anyone seeing her be dressed down, or demoted. With her back to him, Beca takes another deep breath. Her eyes are closed, so all she can see is the image of Chloe, or rather images. It's like a fast-paced PowerPoint running in her head, image after image of the redhead from over the last few years. One being Chloe standing in the kitchen, smiling as she handed Beca a lunch she made for her, the next was a memory of Chloe at the beach, holding Beca's hand, smiling at her. Memories from Barden, and their life when they moved to LA. The last memory is Chloe laying in Beca's bed, head propped up on her hand, just smiling at Beca. Warmth flooded Beca, but not from a blush. This was a flood of confidence, there was nothing embarrassing about it. It was, Beca realizes, the residual of all the confidence Chloe has been pumping into her for years. It is Chloe's love, which she finally has accepted and now returns tenfold.
Suddenly, Beca doesn't feel any trepidation anymore. She whispers to the universe an 'I love you' for Chloe, then performs an about face, and walks confidently over to the empty seat, and sits down. Looking at her boss with this new state of mind, Beca finds that he actually looks pretty upbeat, and is kind of relaxed.
Still Beca has never been one to sit quietly, unless she is mixing music. Now as she waits for her boss to end his call, she finds herself unable to sit still.
Jay-Michael sits watching Beca fidget with the slight hint of a smile on the curve of his mouth, which just causes the petite woman to fidget more. After another minute of what Beca thought sounded a lot like chit chat, Jay-Michael hung up, and gave a big sigh. "Hey, Reggie, thanks for coming in. I just wanted to go over some of the things again to make sure we're on the same page."
Beca wasn't sure what that meant. "Same page?"
"Yeah, before I head back to Atlanta,"
This came as news to Beca. "Wait! You're going back to Atlanta?"
"Yeah, I've got to make sure the kiddies back there haven't burned down the place. Besides you're doing a bang-up job here, so I'm not really needed for day-to-day operations."
Beca was floored. If a feather was to land on her, she's sure she would fall over. "Really?"
Jay-Michael actually is perplexed by Beca's surprise. "Uhh, yeah. You've got this place humming."
"Well, a lot of that is Sam…" Beca volunteers.
"Which is why I tried to convince her to come back to Atlanta with me…" Jay-Michael Ray cuts in, as he rests his elbows on the desk before him.
"You tried to poach SAM?" Beca all but shouts.
Her boss, realizing they were beginning to talk over each other, held up his hands to signal they needed to dial it down a notch. "Hey, can you blame me? She's, surprisingly, like a certified genius…"
Beca has her dander up now. She gives the man a sharp look. "Why surprisingly?"
"Ummm, have you seen her?" The look on Jay-Michael's face tells Beca immediately that he knows he's just put his foot in his mouth.
"What!? A beautiful woman can't be brilliant?"
Shaking his head 'no' Jay-Michael Ray tries to cut back in, "No…"
"I'll have you know my best friends are absolutely gorgeous, and like genius level smart!"
"I-mean-yes…"
"Stacie has literally done ads for Victoria's Secret, and is currently working on her Doctoral thesis for her PHD."
"Umm. Who?"
"Aubrey is stunning and is being recruited to be a motivational speaker, while successfully running her own business."
"And that's…"
"And my girlfriend's the most beautiful of them all, and is the most creative person I know!"
"Wait! You have a girlfriend?"
"Yes." Beca is breathing hard after her tirade. "Is that a PROBLEM?!" Beca's voice rose again
"What happened to Jason?"
"Jesse? Uhh, we broke up," Beca answers, not sure how this conversation got derailed so fast.
"Oh," Jay-Michael Ray seems to mull this over. "Makes sense. Never thought you two looked right. No chemistry. Not like what you had with that redhead you brought to last year's Christmas party. Whatever happened to her?"
"Who? Chloe? Yeah, she's my, um, girlfriend…"
Jay-Michael snaps his fingers and points at Beca. "Yeah! Chloe! She's the one! You're right. She's gorgeous."
"Yeah, she is," Beca said with a soft smile.
"And you're right. I totally judged Sam by her looks. However, the reason I tried recruiting her was because I have since recognized she's brilliant and talented." Her boss held up his hands to forestall Beca from going off on him again. "Relax, she turned me down. Said she wanted to continue working with the best boss she's ever had. I think she also has big plans for this place."
"She's mentioned a few ideas," Beca says.
"Which takes me back to my original point," Jay-Michael Ray says with a smile. "Word of advice though. Always accept the accolades for the work of your team. You're pulling it all together; you put the team together. Just as you are responsible for any failures, you get the credit for success."
"I don't know…"
"What? You don't think I'm going to bask in the glory of your work? You don't think I take credit for everything coming out of this place? Yeah, I make sure people recognize the talent you are, but damn if I'm not going to make sure everyone knows I discovered you, hired you, mentored you, and in the end promoted you."
"Ummm, yeah. I guess…"
"Damn straight. Now, back to the task at hand, preparing you for my departure back to Atlanta." Beca nods, and he continues. "I think you have a good portfolio of talent to start with, but you're going to need to keep your ears and eyes open for more."
"Eyes and ears, got it," Beca says with a nod.
"On that note." Jay-Michael Ray pulls up the calendar on his mobile phone, and scrolls forward, "Ahh, here it is. Heads up, the weekend after next Revolution Records is hosting a party. I strongly suggest that you plan on being there. This will be one of the best chances you'll ever have to network. And, yes, before you ask, you can take Red."
This makes Beca smile. There was a better chance of her going if she has Chloe at her side. Before she can say anything though, Jay-Michael's phone begins to play Usher's 'Yeah'. He holds up his index finger, indicating he needs a minute, and pulls out the phone from his inner jacket pocket and answers.
Beca sits there thinking on what Jay-Michael Ray had just told her. She literally felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. She hadn't even realized it was there. Suddenly, she couldn't wait to share this news with Chloe.
It took Beca a moment to realize Jay-Michael Ray was speaking again. She smiles shyly as she apologizes, "I'm sorry. What?"
Jay-Michael rolls his eyes and repeats himself. "So, I'm going to be in town through Patricia's wedding, then Dax and I will head back to Atlanta."
"Wait, Dax is returning with you?"
"Yeah," Beca's boss chuckles. "You didn't think I was going to leave him here. I'm not that mean."
Beca looks at Jay-Michael in shock. "Wait, first you were going to poach Sam, now you're taking my Social Media manager?"
It's Jay-Michael's turn to do a double-take. "Say what?"
"Dax," Beca answers. "My Manager for Social Media…"
"Wait," Jay-Michael Ray holds up his hand to stop Beca. "You're telling me that you've made my nephew, Dax, a manager?"
"Yeah," Beca nods. "He is in charge of our social media strategy, and reports directly to Sam." Beca tilts her head, "I sent you a memo. You signed off on it…"
Again, Jay-Michael Ray holds up his hand. "You know I rarely read those requests."
"Good to know," says Beca.
"I probably shouldn't have admitted that," the tall African man says.
"Oh no, it's fine, it's not like I'm going to file that away for future use," Beca says nonchalantly.
"Riiiight," replies Jay-Michael Ray. "So, truthfully, you want Dax to remain?"
Beca nods. "Yeah. All that time on the internet seems to have paid-off. Dax is actually pretty sharp when it comes to social media. He's got a place on my team."
"And there you go, Reggie. That's why I made you in charge out here. You've got a great head on your shoulders."
Beca starts to defer, but then as she's picturing all who have helped her, she remembers Jay-Michael Ray's admonishment, and instead says, "Thank you."
"Now you're learning, Reggie."
{(0)}
The meeting with Jay-Michael Ray goes for another forty minutes. It probably could have ended in half that time, but Beca's boss was in a nostalgic mood and wanted to reminisce.
The young music producer is surprised when she returns to her office and finds Chloe sitting in her chair.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Beca asked, her surprise quite evident in her tone.
Chloe smiles a she answers, "Maybe I just felt like checking up on how your day is going. Maybe I just wanted to see you; alone, for some quality time"
The petite brunette's mouth quirks up. "Aww, I think you just miss me," Beca says with a confidence that surprises both women.
"Not so much miss you, just want some time with just you. No Emily and Benji sharing our apartment, taking up the bathroom. No Aubrey and Stacie over for meals. No Ashley and Jessica hiding from Fat Amy, or Lily meditating on the coffee table…"
"Was she hanging upside down in our living room this morning?" Beca asks incredulously.
"Yeah," Chloe replies with a nod. "That was different. Not as bad as finding CR and Maria macking on our couch..."
"Wait! What?!"
Chloe can't help but giggle at how big and round Beca's eyes have grown. "Um, yeah. The other day I returned to the apartment, and heard someone making out on the couch." Chloe shrugs as she says, "I thought at first that maybe it was Emily and Benji…"
Beca gives her a smirk that just screams, 'really'? "You thought Benji might have game?"
Chloe adopts that adorably hopeful face, that says she believes everyone has game. "Uh, yeah."
"But it wasn't…"
Chloe giggles. "Oh no. CR and Maria heard everyone's been hanging out at our place…"
"Yeah," Beca huffs with an exaggerated eye roll. "When did our place become the Bella's clubhouse?"
"Not sure, maybe when Jessley started hiding out there," the redhead responds. The smile on her face and the pep in her voice tells Beca she wouldn't want it any other way.
Looking at the redhead, Beca was once again reminded why she loves this woman so much. Chloe isn't just her girlfriend, she's her best friend. Her relationship with Chloe is unlike any she's ever had before. As girlfriends they are so new, but in truth they have been building towards this for years.
They unknowingly built their relationship over years to this point. Originally, it was as just fast friends, but in time it became so much more. Now it seems inevitable that they would come to this point; along the way, not so much. And, maybe because it wasn't so easy and they had to work for it, they grew to where they easily understand each other in most every way.
Over the years they have learned everything about each other. From the simple but important things like their favorite colors, and the way they each like to drink their coffee. For some reason Beca can't figure out, Chloe's favorite way to drink her coffee is with a lot sugar and a lot of milk, when everybody knows coffee is meant to be black as night with only a hint of sweetness.
Something in her musings must come through because Chloe asks, "What's that look for?"
Realizing she's been a million miles away in her thoughts, Beca shakes her head. "Oh. Umm, nothing. Just realizing how much I love you." Chloe brightens even more, as she emits an 'awwwww', as she stands up and leans in.
Beca moves the last inches, connecting her lips to the redhead's. It's a quick peck, and Beca pulls back, smiling. "So, not that I'm complaining, but what are you doing here now?"
Chloe flashed her megawatt smile as she answered. "This morning, you said you wanted to go on a date, so here I am." This time their lips meet for a more passionate kiss.
Pulling back for breath, Beca's features take on an apologetic cast. "As much as I love that idea, I'm not sure I have time…"
The redhead winks in reply, and maneuvers her way behind Beca. "I know," she whispers. Chloe's breath tickles Beca's ear, and she can feel the redhead's hands slide up her sides. "Which is why I thought we would stay in," Chloe says in a husky tone as she nips at Beca's earlobe.
The petite brunette shivers as the redhead's gentle hands begin to massage her shoulders. Beca quickly realizes Chloe's touch is exactly what she needed right at this moment. Instead she relishes the blissful feeling of relaxation her girlfriend is able to elicit.
As she gently works the tight muscles in her girlfriend's shoulders and neck, the redhead nods towards the picnic basket sitting on Beca's desk. "I brought lunch."
Beca is actually surprised, she hadn't noticed it before. "You actually found a picnic basket?"
"Yeah, and I thought we could have lunch, and maybe…" Chloe fades out as she begins nibbling at Beca's neck, even as she continues to work the younger woman's shoulders.
"Hmm, sounds good," the petite brunette replies with a smile savoring the moment. She turns in Chloe's arms, and leans in so they are once again kissing.
"BECA!" The door to the office slams open. Beca and Chloe both jump apart, and turn in time to see an exited Legacy rushing into the room. She's focused on her notebook in her hand, and doesn't realize what she just walked in on. "I think I've figured out how to fix the bridge we were looking at yesterday." Emily looks up from her notebook. "Oh, Chloe, hey! What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I stopped by to bring Beca lunch," the redhead indicated the picnic basket.
"Oh my stars! That's so sweet," Emily says with the sweetest smile. She then goes quiet, and an awkward silence descends. It's easy for the couple to see that the younger woman isn't sure what to do. Should she stay or should she go?
Chloe breaks the silence. "Would you like to join us Emily?" It's not what Beca wanted to hear, though the way Legacy's face lights up, it's what the younger woman was hoping for.
"Oh, thank you, Chloe. I really wanted to work on the lyrics with Beca before we record in the studio this afternoon," Emily says with relief in her voice.
"Oh, you two are working in the studio this afternoon?"
"Yeah," answers Beca. "Legacy has been a dynamo with her notebook, and has two more songs."
"Beca thinks they can both be hits, not just filler." Emily is bouncing on her feet.
"That's awesome, Em. Well, let's eat, and then you two can get to work," Chloe says.
Beca frowns. "You can't stay?"
"Don't pout." Chloe bops Beca's nose. "I have to run some errands."
"I don't pout," Beca answers petulantly, as she crosses her arms. "Bad asses don't pout."
"Of course not," Chloe says as she gives the shorter woman a quick kiss.
"Awww, so totes-adorbs," Emily chimes in.
"The two of you are just killing my rep…" Beca is cut-off by another kiss.
"Sorry," Chloe whispers before kissing Beca again. "I will pick you up after work." Beca cheers up at the promise in Chloe's voice.
{(0)}
Shoulder-to-shoulder, Beca and Chloe each push their cart up and down the aisles of their neighborhood supermarket. It is most definitely not what Beca had been hoping to do when the redhead had promised to pick her up. Chloe had swung by Beca's office to pick her up as promised, but then had convinced the petite brunette they needed to stop by the grocery store.
Damn those baby blue eyes. Beca is pretty sure they should be illegal. Yet would she really want it any other way? No, caving into those perfect puppy dog eyes is something she wants to do forever.
At this moment, Chloe's super focused on crossing things off the list she's made of needed groceries. Beca, on the other hand, grabs any and all items on the shelves that catch her eyes. The system actually works; though they end up with a lot of pop tarts. They in short order have managed to fill their basket with enough to restock their pantry and fridge. Both of which has been strained by having four people living in the apartment, and Aubrey and Stacie over for most meals, as well as all the Bellas who just seem to drop in.
Beca notices another item and quickly grabs it, and looks at it lovingly before dropping it into the cart, joining the other supplies needed for the house.
"You know, Nutella isn't the healthiest," comments Chloe.
"But it tastes sooooo good," Beca says with a very childlike wonder.
"I think you're losing more 'badass' points," Chloe smirks.
Shaking her head 'no', Beca says confidently, "Nutella adds 'badass' points." She punctuates the statement with one of her truly 'badass' smirks, though Chloe really thinks they are adorable.
With a roll of her eyes, that she truly picked up from Beca, Chloe turns the cart around. This catches Beca off-guard. "Umm, where are we going?"
"Back to the fruits and vegetables," Chloe replies determinedly.
"What? Why?"
"We need more to offset your other dietary choices," Chloe says matter-of-fact like. Beca definitely hears Chloe-the-Teacher in the tone of her girlfriend's voice.
"Do we have too?" Beca adds a bit of whininess to her voice, hoping to tease out some more Teacher-Chloe. She uses as her defense that Teacher-Chloe is Hot.
"Yes, we do," Chloe said succinctly, just as Beca imagines she addresses any students who might be trying her patience.
Yep, definitely Hot.
"Do you know if we still have hot chocolate? I think Emily used it all," Beca says, maintaining a bit of petulance. She nods her head towards the shelves full of Swiss Miss and Nestle Quick hot chocolate mixes.
"I actually think it was Benji who used it up, and no we don't have any, and yes we're getting some," Chloe answers while holding up her list. "See, it's here on my list."
"Yes," says Beca with a fist pump, before grabbing a box of Swiss Miss hot chocolate, then on impulse a bag of petite marshmallows. When she turns around and sees Chloe giving her a look. "What?"
"You're just too adorable for words," said Chloe with a sly smile.
"If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times," Beca said with crossed arms, and head shaking a definite 'No'.
"And yet, even your denial is adorable," Chloe counters with a wink.
"I'm not going to win this, am I?" Beca asks plaintively.
"Nope," Chloe replies succinctly.
With a huff, Baca says, "Fine! Do we need anything else?"
"Hmm, we need whip cream," says Chloe as she looks at her list. "Five cans."
This caught Beca off-guard. "Why do we need five? I mean I love whip cream on my hot chocolate as much as the next person, which seems to be Benji, but…"
"Only one can is for us," replies Chloe as she guides their cart to the refrigerated section that had the choices of whip creams. "The other four are for Stacie."
Even as Beca reaches for the cans and placing them in the cart, she is really confused by the request, and not really thinking as she asks, "Four? Why does Stacie need four?"
Chloe gives her a look with a smirk as she simply replies, "Fun."
"Fun?" Beca asks. Chloe wiggles her eyebrows and makes her eyes grow wide. Beca catches on immediately. "Oh!" She looks at the can in her hand and drops it like it is scalding. "Agh!"
"Relax badass, Stacie hasn't used it yet," Chloe admonishes.
"You could have warned me," Beca accuses the chuckling redhead.
This brings Chloe up short. She asks honestly, "Warned you of what?"
"Ummm, uhh, something," Beca sputters as she self-consciously rubs her hand on her black jeans.
Chloe can't help her smile, even as Beca glares at her. She nods. "Okay, next time I will tell you something."
Beca scrutinizes Chloe. "Why do I think you're mocking me? And why does Stacie need us to buy her whip cream?"
"Truthfully?" Beca nodded at Chloe's question. "I think to fluster you."
Beca starts to sputter at that, then pauses, and shrugs. "That sounds about right." Beca then begins to mumble a few choice phrases under her breath. Suddenly, Beca's eyes grow round. "Wait! The person at the register is going to figure out what that many cans of whip cream are for." She starts waving between them. "They are going to think we're going to be using them."
Chloe adopts a sexy smile, and asks with a trace of her huskiest voice, "Would that be a bad thing?"
Beca just stands there staring at Chloe, completely unsure how to answer this question. Chloe softens her smile, and take pity on her poor pouting girlfriend. "Don't worry. I'll take the cart through the checkout line." Beca's face lights up at this. Chloe continues. "Why don't you hit the Starbucks, and grab a coffee?"
Beca's smile grows at Chloe's suggestion. She actually surprises the redhead by stepping forward and giving the redhead a quick peck on her lips. Public displays of affection are still not really Beca's thing, but in the past week, they have become more common.
"Thanks, Chlo."
"You're welcome Becs. Get me a sweet drink?"
"Of course, what do you want?"
"Surprise me," Chloe answers with a soft smile.
"You got it," Beca nods, gives another quick peck to Chloe's lips, which raises the temperature of both women. The brunette smiles sheepishly and turns away and starts walking away. "I can't wait to get you home."
As Beca makes her way towards the Starbucks at the front of the supermarket, Chloe is actually thrown a little by Beca's unexpected kisses, and the boldness of Beca's statement. She's so happy that the petite brunette has been coming out of her shell. The corner of her lip curls up as she registers the big step Beca had just taken.
The redhead smirks at her retreating girlfriend, and can't resist one last chance at flustering her. "One thing, Becs." The brunette pauses and turns back. Chloe pointedly looks at the five cans of whip cream and says, "At some point, that will be us." She smiles wickedly and winks.
It has the desired effect, as Beca blushes adorably red. It takes a second for Beca to respond, and then it is a mumbled response, before turning back towards the Starbucks.
Chloe can't be sure, but she thinks Beca said, "Definitely."
{(0)}
Unfortunately, home does not offer the opportunity for Beca and Chloe to advance their relationship in regards to the more physical aspects. When they arrive home, Emily and Benji are sitting in the living room talking with Ashley and Jessica. Lily is sitting on the coffee table in a lotus pose, possibly meditating. For a second, Beca is sure Lily levitated, but when she takes a second look, Lily is just seated on the table. Since no one else comments, Beca chooses to keep quiet.
Chloe didn't seem to notice, or also chose to ignore it. Instead she asks, "Emily, Benji, we have more groceries in my car. Would you be dears and grab them?"
Emily and Benji jump up at the request and answer, 'Of course'. Ashley follows the young couple to help bring things in, while Jessica falls in behind Beca. For her part, Beca follows Chloe into the kitchen. Each of them is carrying four bags of groceries, so it is a relief to be able to set them down. Jessica immediately starts helping to unpack the bags, while CR thrusts a drink into her hand.
She isn't too surprised to see Cynthia Rose and Maria in their kitchen making margaritas. It has actually become a regular feature. What did surprise her is Flo is also standing there taking a sip of the drink in her hand.
"FLO!" Chloe's squeals is as deafening as it is excited. The redhead immediately set aside her bags and is engulfing the petite Latina woman in a powerful hug.
"Flo? I didn't realize you were coming in today," Beca says following Chloe with a hug of her own, though it's much gentler and shorter than the redhead's.
"Of course I came," Flo laughs, "You think I'm missing Fat Amy's wedding? It's going to be a straight up blast!"
"Not for a moment," Chloe replies. She slides up next to Beca, and loops her arm around her girlfriend's waist. "I'm just so happy that all my Bellas are here!"
"Which is why we're celebrating," shouts Cynthia Rose from across the kitchen.
"With margaritas," adds Maria as she makes her way over, and hands Chloe a drink of her own.
"WOOOHOOO! All right PITCHES! It's Margarita night at BHLOE'S!" screams Fat Amy in an exaggerated sing song manner as she enters the apartment. "The power of tequila conquers all!"
Beca leans into Chloe as she asks, "Did you know we were having a party?" Chloe bites her lower lip, as she shakes her head 'No'.
"Shawshank! Ginge! Good on ya to join us!" Fat Amy shouts as she comes through the door into the kitchen, carrying a second blender and a grocery bag filled with bottles of Tequila, and the margarita mix.
Again, Beca leans up against Chloe, and loud whispers, "She does realize this is our apartment, right?" This time Chloe can only shrug her shoulders.
"Ames!" Cynthia Rose shouts out over the blender she's currently running. "Thanks for bringing an extra blender. We're going to need it."
"Muchas gracias, mis amigas, for use of your kitchen. It's so perfect to be celebrating Flo's arrival with a margarita night," Maria says as she helps CR set up Fat Amy's blender. Quickly they have the new blender churning out strawberry margaritas.
Chloe looks over to Beca, who shrugs. Chloe smiles and says, "You're welcome, always."
As CR finishes another batch in the original blender, she asks, "Amy, can I get 'cha a margarita?"
"You can get me two," the Aussie answers holding out two glasses she's already prepared with salt.
At that moment the door opened and everyone heard Aubrey and Stacie announce themselves.
"Perfect!" CR commented with a shouted cheer.
Fat Amy cheers, "This calls for another round!"
"Looks like we're having a party," Chloe said as she kissed Beca on the cheek.
"Yeah," Beca says with mock cheer. It's not that she's mad or sad to see the Bellas. She just had been hoping for time alone with Chloe.
"That's new," Flo observes, as she points at Beca and Chloe. Chloe smiles and nods, just before giving Beca another peck on the cheek. Flo continues, "I always thought you guys should date."
"Really?" Beca wasn't prepared for that comment.
The Guatemalan woman nods her head vigorously. "There was always a connection between you two. It seemed right." At this moment, Maria brings over two strawberry margaritas, placing them on the counter in front of Flo and Chloe. The petite Latina happily grabs one, lifting it in silent thanks before taking a sip.
"Thanks," Beca says, not sure how she should take this observation.
"I always thought so, too," Chloe agrees as she picks up the other margarita.
"To you both!" Flo lifts her glass in salute.
"To new beginnings," Chloe says raising her own glass.
"To new beginnings," Beca agrees, as all three women tap glasses before taking a long pull of their drinks.
At this point, both Aubrey and Stacie walk into the kitchen with workout bags on their shoulders. Their already happy demeanor lights up even more as they notice the young Guatemalan woman. "FLO!" The two women shout excitedly, both coming in and hugging the smaller woman between them.
Chloe smiles brightly as Aubrey and Stacie pull back. "Hey, Bree, Stace, how was your day?"
"Pretty good," answers Aubrey with a shrug.
Stacie is much more excited. "I had the day off, so I spent all day with Bree, watching her work, then we went to the gym together. So basically, it was AWESOME!" She sends the blonde a wink, who promptly blushes. "Best way to spend my time, if you ask me." Stacie readjusts the strap of her bag on her shoulder. "Yours?"
Chloe shrugs. "Less exciting than yours. Beca was working with Emily. The camp is done for the summer, and I didn't have any students today."
CR arrives at that moment with frozen margaritas in hand. Aubrey and Stacie each take one in hand, clinking their glasses before each taking a nice long drink. "That hits the spot," says Aubrey.
Beca acquires a refill of her margarita, and slides in next to Chloe. "So, we're having a party?"
Chloe nodded. "Looks like it." She slid behind the shorter woman, her toned arms wrap around Beca's waist and hugs her close as she asks, "You don't mind, do you?"
The petite brunette gave a shake of her head. "They are our family."
Beca's sentiment warms Chloe's heart, "Help me make dinner?"
"I guess," the petite brunette replies. "You trust me with cooking?"
Chloe shrugs. "I trust you to boil water…"
"Pretty sure I can still start a fire," Beca deadpans.
"But I'll be there to help make sure that doesn't happen," Chloe says hugging Beca into her.
"We can all help," Aubrey volunteers. Immediately the blonde takes charge. She points at Emily. "Legacy, start unpacking those grocery bags. See what kind of salad we can make." As Emily nods her head, Aubrey points at Benji. "You, Treble, take those baguettes, and make garlic bread…"
Benji looks at the blonde, eyes round with fear. He tentatively asks, "Umm, do we have garlic?"
Aubrey fixes the trembling young man with her aca-maxi look, as she says, "That's for you to find out. Get to it." As Benji scurries to follow Aubrey's command, the blonde is already assigning tasks to Ashley, Jessica, and Flo.
Beca leans into Chloe and whispers, "She can't help herself, can she?"
Chloe giggles. "Nope. Never has, never will."
"Beca, that water isn't going to boil itself," Aubrey points out. Beca immediately moves towards where Chloe keeps their pots before she is even sure what she's been told. It's only after she's grabbed a pot, that she realizes how fast she jumped to follow Aubrey's orders. She casts a glare the blonde's way, but it softens at Chloe's wink.
And just like that, Beca and Chloe found themselves hosting a Bella's bonding night.
{(0)}
Beca and Chloe are in the beginning honeymoon period of their relationship. To say that their whole relationship has been smooth and carefree over the past few days wouldn't be completely accurate. Nothing bad has happened, nothing that would challenge the idea that they were meant to be together. Instead, it had been more the fumbling's of a beginning relationship, those little moments where Beca especially has to remember she and Chloe are now more than best friends and roommates.
There are still times where Beca has to remind herself she's allowed to walk right up to Chloe and kiss her anytime she wants. Take for example, the moment she walked into the kitchen this morning, to find Chloe making breakfast in the most Chloe way possible. Beca was about to ask Chloe if she had seen her messenger bag, when she is stopped short. There before her is dancing Chloe, as she cooks breakfast.
The redhead is swaying her hips and wiggling her ass along to Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies'. Dressed in only light pink sleep shorts, a darker pink tank top, and a too small apron.
Chloe being as sexy as she is fun loving.
Beca can only smirk as Chloe dances across the kitchen to the stove, where she seems to be cooking an omelet. The redhead shakes the pan, while slipping in the spatula, ensuring her omelet doesn't stick. As Beca watches, her girlfriend dances over to the refrigerator, stopping halfway to use the spatula as a microphone. Beca's eyes again are drawn to Chloe's very short sleep shorts, which are quite hypnotic as they swing back and forth.
So deep is the hypnotic effect, she is unaware she's been caught staring by Chloe, who had just looked over her shoulder. The redhead is so glad she was able to keep singing when she noticed her girlfriend. She really wants to see how long she can keep the petite beauty's full and undivided attention. With a devilish smile, she bends forward into the refrigerator to grab the V8 juice. Just as she latches onto the container, she gives her ass an extra shimmie.
Beca's mouth already parched, goes dryer, and she is positive that her legs are going to give out from under her. How can they not? Chloe's tight little butt seems to be taking on an extra wiggle. Beca would also swear that Chloe is performing an exaggerated bend when reaching into the refrigerator, but her mind isn't really capable of functioning at the moment. Her talented stomach on the other hand is quite capable of performing a double backflip.
Turning languidly, Chloe fixes her girlfriend with a look that sends shivers up and down Beca's spine. The brunette drops her eyes for a moment. When she looks back up Chloe is giving Beca the most innocent of looks. "See something you like?"
Beca flicks her attention from Chloe's mouth to her eyes, and they hold each other's gaze for half a beat. Finally, she confesses, "I think you might've short-circuited my brain."
Giving a thoughtful hum, the redhead steps across the kitchen, and leans forward to place a soft kiss on the younger woman's lips.
Suddenly, there is no space between the two women. Beca's lips crash into Chloe's with soft force. Her petite hands cupping the redhead's face. Pressing the redhead back across the kitchen and up against the counter, kissing her fiercely.
Then as quickly as it started, Beca breaks the kiss, panting, her face flushed. It is over just as Chloe is beginning to return it. The redhead looks at Beca with a furrowed brow. "Beca?"
"Um, sorry…"
"Why?"
"Well, I, ugh, it's just…" Beca's voice trails off as she looks down, looking embarrassed.
Chloe applies her index finger to Beca's chin, and gently pushes the petite woman's chin up. "Beca, we're in a relationship now. It's okay to be the instigator. It's better than okay to want me in a physical way." Chloe's smile takes on that sexy sly quality she has perfected just for Beca. She turns off the stovetop, and sets the juice and spatula down. She then turns back to face Beca.
The tiny DJ's breath is caught as the now sultry redhead moves closer to the petite brunette, and continues, "In fact, I insist on it." With a quick motion, she catches the smaller woman with both hands and hoists the brunette up onto the countertop, reveling in the high-pitched yelp Beca emits.
They reconnect their lips and resume kissing. The kissing became more heated, and when Beca tilts her head to expose the length of her neck, Chloe is all too happy to take the invitation. She lightly kisses her way down the slender neck, till she finds the petite woman's pulse point. With a happy hum she gently bites down, eliciting a groan from the younger woman. This brings a smile to her lips, before locking them over that point, and soothing it with her tongue.
Beca's breath is caught in her throat, her mind is a whirlwind of emotions. Yet the one undeniable fact is that here she is in the arms of a woman she has been friends with for years, and has recently realized she's come to love, and she wants her in a way that might have scared her in the past, but now no longer matters.
Beca's grip tightens on the redhead's upper thighs, sliding around back, following the woman's perfect curves. Curves she is happily becoming quite familiar with. In response, Chloe moans into Beca's mouth. At this point, their tongues have begun to play with one another. Now Beca's hands begin to massage their way up the backs of Chloe's thighs, enjoying the soft feeling of her satin like skin. Beca moves her hands up steadily, venturing further up and over the cotton material of the redhead's short shorts, before giving her girlfriend's butt a nice firm squeeze.
Chloe's moan is heaven in Beca's ears, and she delights when she feels the reciprocation of the redhead squeezing her tighter. This being Chloe though, she takes it up a notch, grinding her hips into Beca's, in a way that makes Beca feels things she's never felt before.
It's through a lust filled haze, Beca feels Chloe's left hand slide up her back, her hand on skin, as it is on the inside of her t-shirt. She exhales at the touch, just loving the feel of her girlfriend's fingers dancing over her skin.
Chloe wraps her other arm higher around the younger woman's back, tangling her right hand in the brunette's hair.
Beca responds by wrapping her legs around Chloe's waist.
They both groan at the sensation of their lips and teeth moving expertly against one another.
Chloe sinks her head lower, running it again across Beca's neck and jawline.
Both of their minds are now a blurry haze of need and want.
"Hey Chloe, that smells great-OH, MY GOD!"
Emily's voice cut through the air, causing Beca and Chloe to jump and pull awkwardly away from each other.
"Legacy!" Cries Chloe as she attempts to straighten her clothes.
Beca scowls as her slight flush turned full on blush. She is irritated at having this moment interrupted. In a huff she scowls at the door to kitchen; for there stands Emily and Benji, both in their sleep clothes with their right hands covering their eyes.
"Oh, um, hey Emily, Benji, um, brunch will be ready soon," says Chloe trying to sound nonchalant.
"Chloe, we're here," came Aubrey's voice from the front door.
"Of course, you are," Beca grumbles under her breath. She gives a questioning look at her girlfriend.
"I may have told people there would be brunch this morning." Chloe has the decency to look chagrined.
"Emily what's going on? Why are you and Benji- Oh? OH!" The blonde stops just as she came into view of the kitchen. It doesn't take much detective work to see what was going on, by the disheveled appearance of Beca and Chloe.
Too late Beca realizes she is still sitting on the counter with a budding hickey, and hair that was mussed just right to let everyone know what she and Chloe had just been doing. Of course, Stacie is quickly there to remind her. "Alright, Beca! Breakfast sex is the best."
The petite brunette slid off the counter as she says, "Breakfast sex isn't a thing, Stace."
"I'm pretty sure it is," Stacie replies with a smirk as she gives Aubrey a hungry once over. "Just this morning Aubrey and I were in the same pos…"
"Muffins!" Aubrey all but shouts. She holds up a basket. "I, uh, we brought muffins. We should eat them while they are warm." The blonde makes a quick about face and heads for the dining table.
"I want a muffin," volunteers Beca, as she makes to follow Aubrey, squeezing past Emily and Benji who are still standing rigidly in the doorway with their eyes covered.
"I bet you do," snickers Stacie with a salacious wink to Chloe, who just smiles in return. The redhead is actually rather enjoying the discomfort of her girlfriend and oldest best friend at the moment.
Stacie looks at Emily and Benji. "I think you broke these two."
"Emily. Benji. It's okay, you can drop your hands," Chloe informs the two innocents.
Both ask in unison, "Are you sure?" Both Emily and Benji are rather reluctant to pull down their hands.
"Yeah, all the fun is over," Stacie says as she walks into the kitchen and grabs a strawberry from a bowl on the counter. "Fresh strawberries, oh Chloe, you are the best. This and the chance of catching you two at breakfast sex are why I love coming over for brunch."
"You've never come close to catching us in the midst of breakfast sex," Chloe pointed out.
"No, but these two obviously did," Stacie says while she hooks her thumb at Emily and Benji. "So, there's obviously hope." She gives Chloe a flirty wink.
Chloe smiles as she looks at the young couple and shakes her head.
"Emily. Benji. You two can honestly drop your hands." When they both finally did, Chloe gives them her warm, almost motherly, smile and says, "Why don't you two go get dressed, and we'll set the table. Stacie, take the berries and sweet cream to the table." Chloe gestures at the berries and the small serving dish filled with freshly whipped sweet cream. She turns back to the omelet she had been making, and says, more to herself, "I'll bring the rest."
She hears Emily and Benji mumble an okay, and Chloe smiles as they all do as they have been asked. She loves this sense of family that now permeates the apartment. It makes her so happy, though it also poses a challenge to hers and Beca's budding romance.
They need some measure of space.
Suddenly an idea pops into her head.
As her plan crystalizes, Chloe can't wait till tonight.
{(0)}
Chloe is just finishing lighting the one real candle she's set up on the small table she's acquired for her plan tonight, when she hears the front door open and close. She smiles as Beca's voice calls out, "Um, Chloe, I'm home."
Beca is unsure what is happening, the lights in the apartment are all shut off, and in their stead are those special LED candles scattered about, casting the room in a soft warm light. "Well, this is…"
"Surprising?" Chloe offers from the kitchen doorway.
"Romantic," Beca counters as she lets her messenger bag drop to the floor.
"Do you like?" Chloe waves her hands down her sides, indicating the form fitting black dress. It was newly purchased, especially for this occasion, as were the new lingerie she was planning on surprising Beca with later.
Beca's eyes grow round as she takes in her beautiful girlfriend. She's never quite figured out how Chloe can make something so simple and routine like dinner at their apartment and make it so damn sexy. Yet the facts don't lie, and Chloe makes so much of Beca's life both interesting and fun with ease.
Chloe smirks at Beca, and the DJ realizes she's just been standing there, gawking. She swallows, as she tries to moisten her mouth. With a raspy voice, she answers, "Yes, I do. It's just so damn hard to complain about coming home to a candlelit apartment, and a gorgeous woman dressed in a sexy black dress." As Beca spoke she crosses the room, Chloe meeting her halfway.
"Thanks, Becs, you look great too," Chloe says, effortlessly, casually, which makes her compliment feel even better for the petite brunette.
The two women come together in a passionate kiss. The fire of the morning's interrupted passion having never gone out, but continued throughout the day like embers, burning beneath the surface. The events of the morning never far from either woman's thoughts, had left both wanting more. Beca especially, who now kisses Chloe until the redhead's knees begin to feel like they would melt.
Needing to regain some control, Chloe pulls back a bit and says, "Let's eat." The redhead's eyes actually twinkle.
"With pleasure," Beca replies as she slowly lays down a string of kisses along her girlfriend's neck. Chloe savors Beca's initiative for a few moments as the brunette travels down her neck. It felt so good, it makes it hard for the redhead to think. She feels Beca begin to slide her hands down to the hem of her dress, and seriously considers dragging the petite woman to their bed immediately. Before Beca can start taking off her dress however, Chloe raises a hand to stop her.
"Dinner first," she says kissing Beca chastely, even as the younger woman groans.
"Beca, we can't…"
Beca's eyes grow round, and she looks around. "Legacy and Benji aren't here are they?"
Chloe grinned. "Nope, they are at a Chris Angel show at the Staple Center, and then have a room at the downtown Hilton."
"That's perfect…"
"I made it clear that the Bella's clubhouse is closed tonight," Chloe assures her girlfriend.
Beca's eyes light up, and smiles so big and hopeful, it warms Chloe's heart, and she knows her plans for tonight are perfect.
Now to continue their date. She leans in and gives the beautiful brunette a quick kiss.
"Come with me," says Chloe as she spins around and took Beca by the hand, and began pulling her along.
"To the bedroom?" Beca asks with a hopeful tone.
Chloe chuckles. "Eventually." Her answer is full of confidence. When the redhead hears her girlfriend's disappointed huff, Chloe assures her, "Don't worry, I just want to make sure you have your energy for later." With that, Chloe leads Beca into the kitchen.
The scent of lasagna grabs the petite brunette's attention the moment they enter the kitchen. She asks out loud, "Lasagna?"
"Yes," Chloe says over her shoulder. "Our last attempt at a private dinner was interrupted. I wanted to fix that."
If there had ever been any doubt, it had completely evaporated; Beca is completely and hopelessly in love with this woman. What amazes her is how freeing this thought is. There's no guilt, no voice in the back of her head saying this is wrong. Beca had lived so long with that niggling feeling deep in her subconscious, she only now recognizes it once it is gone.
Beca is brought back from her musings when Chloe walks back over from the refrigerator with a bottle of wine she had been chilling. Placing the wine and the two wine glasses on the kitchen counter next to Beca, Chloe pulls out a corkscrew and opens the bottle with elegance and grace.
"You've practiced those moves," Beca comments as she accepts the offered glass.
"I thought the moment could use some style and flair," the redhead answers with a mischievous wink. "Cheers," She says as she raises her glass.
Beca responds with her own "Cheers," and the lightly tap glasses, before taking a sip.
"Do you like?"
Beca hums her approval as she takes another sip of the wine. Sweet with a nice aftertaste, just like she likes it.
Chloe smiles and then moves over to plate the lasagna and salad she had made. She can feel the younger woman's eyes upon her, and so peaks over her shoulder. She finds herself looking into the most beautiful stormy blue eyes. It sets her heart racing as she knows Beca is looking at her with unadulterated love.
"I love you, Chlo."
Chloe feels her cheeks heat up with blush, she smiles in a way that is only for Beca. She's waited so long for those words, that every time she hears them is like hearing it for the first time. She responds with her own declaration of love, and then is back in Beca's arms, lips met in a most heated kiss.
A few minutes later, the two break for air again, "We're never going to get to the actual dinner at this pace," Chloe giggles, her forehead resting on Beca's.
With one more lite kiss, Beca says, "Let's eat, I am actually starving, and someone has gone to a Hell of a lot of trouble setting up this date."
"Thank you," Chloe smiles. They kiss once again. Then Chloe grabs their plates, while Beca grabs the wine, and leads the way.
Upon entering their dining area, Beca is struck by the intimacy of the room's setup, and she would be the first to admit that she loves this. She loves having an evening where it is just the two of them. Loves all the effort Chloe has put in to give her the perfect night.
Because it is perfect.
Chloe has set it up for intimacy. Music is quietly playing in the background. The apartment smells of delicious food, and the lighting is just right to set the mood. Chloe had borrowed a smaller foldable table, and covered it with a white linen tablecloth. She finished the setup with a candle and a single rose.
"A romantic date in our dimly lit apartment...how perfectly Chloe Beale," Beca whispers, but Chloe catches it, and rewards the brunette with the sexiest of smiles. She leans into Chloe, who was still handling the two plates, and kisses her with full force. Chloe's eyes grow wide as she narrowly avoids dropping the plates to the floor and ruining their dinner. She is just talented enough to place them on the table, while never breaking the kiss.
When they finally break this kiss, Beca breathes out, "I'm so torn. I truly want to eat this dinner you have made, but I also just want to carry you back to our room."
Chloe can't help the warmth that comes to her cheeks. She considers just skipping dinner, but Beca pulls out her chair for her, and she decides she really does want this to be a full date. So, she sits down and waits for Beca to do the same.
"It smells delicious, Chlo."
"Thank you."
They sit at the candlelit table, and begin eating, and for both women it's perfect. Conversation comes easily, with each being attentive to what the other is saying. Chloe tells Beca about her two music lessons she had that day.
Beca is on her second glass of wine and has just finished her first serving of lasagna when she reaches across the table and takes Chloe's hand in hers. "This was delicious Chlo, thank you."
The redhead absolutely loves the way her tiny DJ is looking at her, the way it makes her feel. "I love you so much, Beca."
"I love you…" Beca is interrupted by a knocking on the door.
"What? Who is that?" she asks sharply. Chloe just shrugs, raising her eyebrows in question.
"I firmly instructed everyone, not to come over tonight," Chloe says.
Grumbling Beca rises and heads to the front door. Before she even gets there, the knocking becomes a banging, and she knows exactly who is at the door.
Even as she is opening the door Beca is asking, "Fat Amy?"
"Shawshank! I've missed ya," Fat Amy shouts as she tries pushing her way in. "I have an idea I want to run past ya."
Beca gives a valiant effort trying to hold Amy out, at one point throwing all her wait into the door as she grunts, "NOT a good time, Ames!"
It barely delays Fat Amy a second. "I need to see my Maid of Honor, Shawshank. Things have been happening, changes coming fast."
"We'll talk tomorrow, Amy!"
"Do I smell lasagna?" With that Fat Amy pushes her way fully in.
Beca desperately tries to stop her friend. "Amy!"
Fat Amy is on a mission now, and nothing is going to slow her down. She's about to rush to the dining area, but halts as Chloe comes to stand directly in her path. "Ginge! Is that your world-famous lasagna? I remember it so well from our days at Barden."
The look Chloe gives Fat Amy is not amused.
"Do you think I can have some?"
Chloe stands with arms crossed over her chest.
"I mean you always make more than enough," Fat Amy tries to reason.
The redhead doesn't change her expression.
"Ummm, if you're going for silent and scary, you've succeeded, Red," Fat Amy tries to reason.
Chloe continues to stare her down.
"Ummm, Red?"
In answer, the redhead begins walking towards the blonde Aussie. She moves with purpose, almost as if stalking her boisterous friend. Fat Amy immediately begins to retreat, but Chloe's facial expression clearly tells the Aussie to halt in her tracks. Fat Amy does, but scrunches her face, as if bracing for an impact. Chloe ignores this, and moves so she can lean in and up and whispers directly in Fat Amy's right ear.
The blood seems to drain from the usually boisterous blonde's face. Still Chloe continues to whisper.
When she's done, Fat Amy begins to back away. "Oh, I'm interrupting Bhloe-time. You know me, big fan of Bhloe. Big. Big. Fan of Bhloe. Yay, Bhloe! Can't get enough Bhloe…"
Beca closes the door once Fat Amy backs through it. Fat Amy can still be heard, "Yay Bhloe!" Even as the petite brunette, all wide-eye asks, "What did you say to her?"
Chloe strikes a nonchalant pose and answers, "Just that everything her mother told her about gingers is correct, and if she interrupted my time with you anymore, I would rip her soul from her body."
Beca looks incredulously at her girlfriend. "And that worked?"
"Yeah, well, once I explained that you can't experience an orgasm without a soul, she decided not to test the theory," Chloe said with the most innocent of expressions. She took Beca into her arms. "This is our night. I don't want to share it with anyone but you."
Beca smiles back. "Me, too." She then considers something. "You know I recently heard everyone loves a good Bhloe. What say we skip the rest of dinner and go find out if it's true?"
"You don't want to eat the dinner that I worked so hard on for you?" Chloe's voice sounds hurt, and her eyes grow round.
Totally caught off-guard, Beca tries to back-pedal. "What? No! I mean, maybe?…"
Chloe's laugh cuts off Beca's ramble. "I'm just messing with you, Becs." The redhead gives her girlfriend a quick kiss, then spins and leads her towards their room. "I totally want to learn the truth about Bhloe with you."
Beca happily lets herself be pulled to their room.
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Beca wakes to the sun filtering through the thin curtains Chloe had picked out for their now shared room. She stretches and feels incredible. Her body is hanging onto a pleasant residual soreness from the rather enjoyable activities from the night before. As she stretches, she feels the stiffness of her limbs begin to loosen, and savors the sensation.
At the same time, she absolutely loves the feeling of the silk sheets Chloe had made the bed with against her naked body. Both are totally new for her, she's never slept the night naked, just as she's never slept on silk sheets. When you add the fact that she was lying next to an equally naked Chloe Beale, this is the most exquisite night Beca has ever had.
She rolls onto her side and raises herself up onto her elbow, and looked let's her eyes wander over the still sleeping form of Chloe Beale.
She's actually rather surprised to see the redhead is still sleeping. Usually Chloe is a compulsive early riser, so Beca took some pride in the fact that this morning Chloe was tired enough to sleep in. A week ago, she had been worried about what sex would be like with Chloe, and more importantly how good she could be. Last night, in the moment, all those fears melted away. Chloe had been such an attentive lover, and had made it so easy for Beca to be her best.
Laying there the petite brunette smiled at her girlfriend, loving how her red hair was fanned out beautifully across the pillow, and her face relaxed and peaceful. She realizes she could do this forever.
"Stop staring, weirdo," Chloe says in an amused tone, eyes still closed.
"You can't blame me for staring when you look like this…" Beca gestures her hands up and down, indicating Chloe's entire being.
"This what?" asks an amused redhead.
"Hot," is Beca's honest answer.
"Guess I can't fault you there," Chloe replies, opening her eyes. "As long as you remember that the reverse is also true. When you wake to find me enjoying your beauty, it's because you're so HOT, too."
Beca smiles. "So, this is how it's going to be, huh?"
Chloe sits up, the sheet falling away from her chest. She reaches over and uses her index finger to close Beca's jaw, as she asks, "How what is going to be?"
Beca smirks. "Our new normal."
Chloe smiles as she answers. "As long as you'll have me.
"Then forever."
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A/N: MERRY CHRISTMAS!