Chapter 10 - First Roommate Argument

Aubrey glanced over at Beca as the short brunette pouted on the couch opposite of her. They'd been sitting in silence ever since Stacie and Chloe left to go on their hike, promising there would be hell to pay if they returned and the house wasn't spotless again. Aubrey gritted her teeth, but spoke up, refusing to have Stacie mad at her any longer.

"Look, we live together and we are going to have to find ways to coexist. I don't know how we are going to do that, but how about we start by cleaning up the mess we made," suggested Aubrey and Beca gave a curt nod as she stood up.

"Fine," she mumbled as she began gathering the clothes strewn about the living room. She smirked when she picked up an old Barden shirt and tossed it to Aubrey.

"This is yours by the way," said Beca and Aubrey frowned.

"Why do you have one of my shirts?"

"It was in Chlo's closet and I was in a rush to get to the studio the other day. Sorry."

"No, it's…it's fine and makes sense. Chloe and I borrow clothes from each other. I borrow clothes from Stacie. It makes sense you borrow clothes from your girlfriend too."

"You know, I think that is the first time you have ever called me her girlfriend. Usually I am Hobbit or Beca. Never Chloe's girlfriend," said Beca and Aubrey shook her head.

"That's not true. I know she loves you."

"But do you know how much I love her," questioned Beca and Aubrey sighed as she looked down, but stayed silent, so Beca continued.

"Look, I know I screwed up in the beginning. I was confused and scared. I never thought I could have someone as amazing as Chloe in my life and I have watched relationships end badly. I didn't want to do that to her. I didn't think I deserved…" Beca stopped her train of thought and started collecting clothes quicker, causing Aubrey to nod in understanding.

"You didn't think you deserved her," finished Aubrey and Beca slowly nodded.

"I guess that is one thing we agree on," grumbled Beca.

"No, we don't, Beca. Look, I know I am hard on you, but it is only because I had to be there every time Chloe cried over you. I had to helplessly watch my best friend cry over you on countless occasions and I guess I am still protective of her heart even if I know you two are serious now," admitted Aubrey.

"You aren't the only one that had to watch their best friend cry and feel helpless. I know it isn't the same and you definitely came around a lot quicker than I did, but I know what it is like to be protective of your best friend's heart. We are really lucky to have them, you know?" Aubrey smiled as she nodded.

"Yea, I know we are. They are the best."

"And we are better because of them," said Beca before bending down to reorganize a stack of papers that were casualties in their argument the night before. Aubrey glanced over at Beca and decided to speak up before she lost her nerve.

"It wasn't over a meaningless pen or you being in the office," confessed Aubrey and Beca frowned in confusion.

"Then what was last night about because I am still confused?"

"I am aware that isn't just my office and of course you can use the stuff in it. I lost it because the pen you took was given to me by my father. It was a high school graduation gift," she admitted and Beca's eyes widened.

"Oh, I…Aubrey, I didn't know."

"I know and I should have just said that instead of blowing up at you. It is a bit of a sore spot for me. I know it is just a lame pen, but he gave it to me when he found out I was interested in business management. He said I would sign many contracts with it someday. Stupid, I know, but…"

"That's not stupid. I would give anything to get a gift like that from my mom," said Beca and Aubrey looked down.

"I've asked a couple of times, but Chloe and Stacie are always tightlipped about it. Your mom is alive, right?"

"Yea, just never around. She has a new family now with her new husband and his teenage son and daughter. Apparently, I am so horrible to be around that she got upgrades," said Beca as she tried to mask her tears by running a hand through her hair.

"That's…well…that's really shitty of her."

"Yea and it is really shitty of your dad to turn his back on you because of who you love."

"Sounds like we both deserve better."

"Maybe that's why we got so lucky with Chloe and Stacie. When your family sucks, the universe gets to make up for it with an amazing girlfriend and best friend," said Beca, trying her best to keep her tone light.

"Definitely would explain it," giggled Aubrey. They cleaned up the rest of the downstairs in silence and Beca sighed in relief as they plopped back down on the couches. Aubrey looked at the clock and stood back up.

"I don't know about you, but I really don't want to be banned from sex for the rest of the weekend because of last night."

"Agreed, so what should we do to win them back over?"

"Well, first, let's call a truce. We live together and while it won't always be unicorns and rainbows, it would be nice to not have to worry about tension every time we are home at the same time," suggested Aubrey.

"Definitely and I promise to do a better job of remembering where I place stuff if I take it out of the office."

"Thanks, so how about we get brownie points by making them breakfast? You know they will be hungry after the hike and I know Stacie loves your French toast."

"Cool and I hear you make the best cheesy eggs and grits. Maybe if we wow them with our cooking prowess, they'll reconsider being pissed at us."

"Let's hope so because I don't want to spend another night getting the cold shoulder."

"Or the jut butt," grumbled Beca and Aubrey couldn't help but laugh.

"The what," she laughed and Beca blushed as she giggled.

"When Chlo is mad at me, the moment she is in bed she turns her back and juts out her butt. I love that butt. It should be illegal to use against me," explained Beca.

"Definitely should be illegal. Stacie won't even let me cuddle with her and it makes for a very long, cold night. We better add bacon. It makes everything better."

"Agreed," said Beca as they hurried to the kitchen to make breakfast before their girlfriends arrived back from their hike.

AN: I had a lot of fun writing this one. I find Beca and Aubrey's dislike of each other pretty funny. Let me know what you think so far and keep an eye out for the last three chapters soon!