Chapter 3 - First Disagreement

Stacie glanced over at Aubrey for what felt like the millionth time that night. It was the night after Regionals and the Treblemakers were throwing a party to celebrate their victory. While Aubrey was not a fan of them fraternizing with the enemy as she put it, she also agreed with Chloe that not taking them up on the invitation would look like sour grapes. So, after a grueling, early morning practice, she announced that all Bellas were expected to attend. Aubrey spent most of the night trying to distract Chloe from Beca, who was talking to Jesse, but all Stacie could focus on was the blonde.

"So the Hunter can catch feelings," called a voice behind her and she frowned in confusion when Cynthia Rose handed her a cup of beer.

"What are you talking about, CR?"

"Look, the rest of the group might be oblivious or too focused on Chloe and Beca to notice, but you aren't slick, Stace. Your eyes never leave her for long and maybe that is a good thing. If the Hunter can get Captain Posen to loosen up, maybe she will chill out and let Beca do her thing. The performance is old and tired and we all know it. Posen needs to stop being stubborn."

"She has a lot going on right now and when Aubrey has a lot going on, she clings to habits, routines. She needs control right now and nothing I say is going to change that."

"Have you at least tried talking to her," asked Cynthia Rose and Stacie groaned.

"No," admitted Stacie and Cynthia Rose frowned in confusion.

"Then how…"

"Because I know her. Things have been tense and I don't want to push it. She is stressed about ICCA."

"If you don't talk to her, one of the others will. They are tired of the early morning practices and being terrorized by her because she is always in a pissy mood. You need to handle this, Hunter, because Amy is ready to stage a mutiny." Stacie groaned, but gave a nod before downing the rest of her beer. She handed the empty cup back to Cynthia Rose before heading over to Aubrey. Chloe smiled at her when she approached and Aubrey bit her lip nervously.

"Hey, can we talk," asked Stacie and Chloe winked at her.

"I am going to get another drink," she announced before leaving them alone and Stacie cleared her throat.

"Hey, are you and I okay," asked Stacie and Aubrey crossed her arms.

"Why wouldn't we be?"

"I don't know. Maybe because you haven't returned my calls and barely respond to my texts. Or maybe because you seem pissed off all the time and are taking it out on the Bellas." Aubrey scoffed.

"I am not taking anything out on anyone. This is go time, Stacie. We don't have time to think about anything else but ICCA."
"I heard the speech before, Bree. No more wasting time with school or work or partners, seriously? Those are your words of inspiration? The team could really use a change in pace, so maybe you should let Beca…"

"Finish that sentence and you and I will have a serious problem," warned Aubrey and Stacie sighed as she shook her head.

"Fine, have it your way, but at some point, you are going to have to deal with things instead of taking out all your frustration on the Bellas. Enjoy the rest of your night, captain," said Stacie before walking away and Aubrey gritted her teeth. Chloe walked back over to her with a disapproving look, but Aubrey stopped her before she could comment.

"Not now," said Aubrey before walking toward the kitchen in search of a drink and Chloe sighed.