CHAPTER 13 – Bechloe Day

Emotions are so complex that it can either make one's life happy or miserable. People have the tendency to have a lot of emotions inside but be emotionless at the exterior simultaneously. It's a crazy world, that's why Beca salutes to psychologists because they have the capacity to understand human behavior. And boy, studying Psychology is not a very easy job.

But right now, even if it has been confusing Beca why she's smiling at 7:00 in the morning of a Tuesday, she's not entirely complaining. Maybe because she shouldn't be confused, because she already knows the answer. That answer being a certain blonde-haired beauty with mesmerizing bright blue eyes that she's known too well.

To say that the party three days ago was a bust, is a complete lie.

It wasn't a bust. It didn't fail, nor did it make things worse. If anything - and in Beca's opinion - it just made things a lot better because she accomplished a lot from that day. And she can't help but smile like a stereotypical teenage girl, giggling in her kitchen counter as she pours milk to her bowl of cereal. And if her "badass" self could only speak, she'll definitely say she looks like a complete idiot, but Beca's too happy to care right now. Badass Beca would probably be rolling her eyes.

Today's quite a sad day though, because Luke and Stacie would be going back to London. Luke has to go back to his business and to tend his pregnant wife, Laura, all the while Stacie who got a call from a client, insisting that she goes back to London as soon as possible, leaving the tall brunette with no choice but to get the closest flight back.

Beca was just finishing her cereal when her phone tuned up, signaling she got a message. She reached for it and in an instant it brought a huge grin on her face.

Chloe: Is it appropriate to wear shorts in LAX?

One of the reasons why Beca's life started to bright was that she got Chloe's new number that night at the Music Smash party. Another is that the two of them have been texting regularly like they were back then. Oh if only Chloe could see smile Beca was sporting almost as if it could split the brunette's face into two.

Beca: As long as it's covering what it should be covering, I think it's fine. ;)

It may have been out of Beca's character to be putting in emoticons in her text messages - and a wink nonetheless – but it's not really a big of a deal for her persona since she's talking to Chloe. And let's face it, Beca can't help herself whenever she's talking to Chloe – even way before they were together. Beca's laughing hard when she sent her reply. Images of Chloe blushing, or her eyebrows furrowing because of the supposed-offending (not really because Beca's known for giving innuendos here and there, a trait she got from Stacie) that Beca has given. The fact that Beca has been thinking of what Chloe would be reacting is just a proof of how smitten she is.

Chloe: Oh my god, Beca. It's like 8 in the morning.

Beca laughed harder.

The back and forth sending of messages didn't stop there. In fact, they didn't stop sending each other's messages until they were met face-to-face in the airport. No matter what topic, whether it made sense or not, the two didn't stop. When Beca and Chloe saw each other, they clamped their lips in order to hide their laugh and tried not to make their friends confused as to their inside jokes.

"I'll see you guys soon. Next time, Laura's coming to be there at your wedding. Once again, congrats to you guys." Luke said as he patted Jesse on the shoulder and smiled at Aubrey.

"4 weeks to go guys. I'm so excited!" Stacie clapped her hands and giggled. "I'll be back in 3 weeks, because I know you guys need my help in the reception and everything. Don't worry, I'll handle those so relax and enjoy your time together."

After a few hugs and "will miss you"s, Stacie and Luke heard the boarding of their flight and so they turned and waved a farewell to their friends. Aubrey, Jesse, Beca and Chloe turned around and left the airport.

"So" Beca said, stopping the three and gaining their attention. "I'm up for a hangout, since I gave Kristen a week off and Ti-Cube's close for a few more days after the party. Thus, I have nothing to do. Want to go somewhere?"

"I'm down." Chloe shrugged, and gained a smile from Beca. "I've got a week off and Kyle's in a conference somewhere in DC, so I've got an empty plate on my hand."

"Good! Jesse, Aubs? How about you guys?" Beca pointed to the engaged couple with an expectant look. Aubrey and Jesse looked at each other, having a mental conversation. Beca and Chloe waited for their reply all the while reading their silent conversation.

Jesse looked like he was waiting for Aubrey's approval with both of his eyebrows raised, which Aubrey replied with a hesitant look. She narrowed her eyes and took a quick side-glance towards the two women who were waiting for their answer. Jesse widened his eyes as if he realized something, and then they faced Chloe and Beca.

"Sorry you guys, we made plans." Jesse feigned disappointment. Beca raised her eyebrow.

"What plans?" she asked. Jesse was about to answer when Aubrey took his hand and gave Beca an all-knowing smile.

"Plans that engaged couples do." Aubrey answered proudly. Then Beca opened her mouth as she scrunches her nose.

"Ewww. You guys do know that's reserved for the honeymoon, right?"

Aubrey was stunned for a moment as she internalizes what the brunette just told her, but right away, Chloe and Jesse laughed hard.

"What the hell, Beca? I meant wedding plans! God, your head is so full of perverted crap." Aubrey grumbled with her reddened cheeks, but was smiling nonetheless.

Beca shrugs and just smirked. "Well you could've just said so from the start!" she reasoned.

"No Beca, you're just a creeper who can turn all things into an innuendo." Aubrey stated.

Soon, they all made their way out to the parking lot and went on their own cars and own ways. Beca smiling non-stop as she started her car; she's in such a good mood that nothing can ruin her day. She's got good friends, a good life, she's back friends with Chloe, and they will be hanging out today.

Then that stopped her for a few moments.

Wait.

She and Chloe will be hanging out today. Them. Alone. And no one else.

That's when she got the reason why Aubrey and Jesse backed out. They wanted for her and Chloe to be alone…aren't they?

Beca ran her hand, dragging it over her face to calm her down. She took a breath to even out her racing heart as she grabbed the wheel with both of her hands, gripping it tightly and securely around her fingers, her knuckles turning white. "Okay, Mitchell…keep calm. It's just for today. And you're friends. You got this." She said to herself. She looked at her rearview mirror and made eye contact with herself, seeing the nervous dark blue eyes she had. "You're cool Becs. You're totally fine. It's just Chloe. This is totally high school days, you can get through this."

A horn from the car behind her took her out of her remedy and saw that the traffic light was already green. She panicked a bit as she pushed the hand break down and accelerated towards, and crossed the intersection.

By the time she arrived at her apartment, her phone tuned up. She looked at it and saw a message from Chloe.

Chloe: We never got to talk.

Beca's eye bulged. Talk? What does she mean talk? Talk about what? Oh God, is this about why she left me? Oh shit, what do I say?

She was thinking way too long that she didn't realized that her phone was ringing. She quickly answered right away.

"Hey." Her voice cracked a bit at the end, determining her nervousness.

"Hey, so yeah. Where do we go?"

Beca gulped as she heard the voice. It was Chloe. "Uh…uhm, what do you mean?"

"Uh…the hangout? Are we still going?"

"Oh pff-yeah, of course. Sorry, I just got a bit distracted." Beca pinched her nose and scrunched up her face. Chloe didn't mean about them, she meant about the hang out. She heard Chloe chuckling on the other line.

"Becs, you okay?"

"Me? Yeah! I-I am." She defended, or tried to defend. Not realizing that it's Chloe she was talking to, the person who can see or hear through her voice if she's nervous or something. "Uhm, so yeah. Where do you want to go? I mean, like, we have all day."

"Well, I was wondering if you want to go shopping? Would that be fine?"

"Pfft, of course!" Beca widened her eyes. Did she just said 'pffft' through the phone? And twice, in that matter. "I mean, yeah sure. Then we can go eat and do karaoke, because I'm craving for some sing off." She said in a smug tone.

"Oh, I like your style Becs. You've got yourself a deal."

"Great! Uhm, so how do we meet? Would you like me to come over or-"

"I can come over to yours, instead." Chloe cuts her off. "Uhm…if you don't mind, that is."

"No, it's okay! Really. Alright then. What time would you be arriving?"

"I'll be there in 30."

"Right, well see you later, Chlo."

"See you, Becs."

At the end of the call, Beca immediately looked around and saw that the house was a bit messy. She glanced up at the clock and saw that Chloe would be arriving at 10:15, so she better work her ass up in order to get the place clean before Chloe arrives. The last thing she would want was to get a lecture from the blonde about not maintaining the apartment orderly.

Which would probably weird if Chloe would lecture her about it. She knows that that kind of topic would always lead to the relationship they had before, and then will continue to the issue why that said relationship has suddenly ended without Beca's consent.

It's still a sore subject for Beca, and she doesn't know if Chloe has the same dilemma, but she's sure of two things. One, they were practically being passive aggressive about that topic, and two, they both have to talk about it eventually – on the right time, just so both of them can have closure…or who knows? Maybe even get back together.

The later part was what Beca was hoping for.

Beca was currently in her room, changing clothes when she heard knocking on the main door. She hurriedly finished buttoning up her plaid shirt and then ran towards the door. When she opened it, Chloe was there, standing timidly and was bouncing on her heels.

"Hey." Beca greeted with a small smile.

"Hey." Chloe answers back.

A few beats of silence and just staring at each other before Chloe disconnected their eyes and cleared her throat.

"Oh, uhm, come inside. I'll be ready in a few sec." Beca said as she stepped aside to let Chloe walk in through the doorway.

Chloe continued to walk inside and was instantly hit with the familiarity of being inside the place, and at the same time hit with that gut-wrenching feeling of being a stranger to it. She immediately noticed the change in interiors, the way the couches in the living room were re-positioned, the TV was not in its usual place anymore, the walls were re-painted, and the smell of the apartment…it was all new.

She felt Beca standing beside her as she looked around the place. They were both quiet for a few seconds.

"You…changed the interior."

"Well, I didn't, like, change everything by myself." Beca scratched the back of her neck. "Jesse, Aubrey and Stacie helped me out. They said it would be a good distraction." She continued.

"A good distraction from what?"

Chloe widened her eyes the moment those words left her mouth. Beca was just gaping quietly.

For the lack of a better word, it was awkward.

Of course, it would be awkward. Because the answer to that question is the topic that both of them have been avoiding. And in this instant, it was rising like lava ready to explode from an erupting volcano.

Beca wasn't sure if she would answer or not. And if she would answer that question, what would she even say?

"A good distraction from the broken-heart I had when you left me."

It wouldn't be pretty if she said that. But if she was being honest – it's the only true and valid answer to that question.

"Uhm, you ready to go?"

Once again, the erupting volcano of their past was ignored.

Chloe sighed. A bit relieved that Beca chose to ignore the question, and a bit bothered to herself because, really, what was she thinking? She knows the answer to that question – why give Beca the pressure of answering it? The only thing that it would do if it were to be answered straightly was to slap her in the face and make her so guilty that she'll want to bury herself alive.

Well, she actually wants the floor to open up and eat her whole being. She has been carrying the guilt from the very start, and by asking that question only added to the heavy amount guilt she was already struggling to carry.

"Yeah, let's go." Chloe said, with her anxiety of how the day would go.

During the drive on the way to the mall, they were both quiet. Neither was saying a word, since they were still thinking about the odd and awkward moment they had in Beca's apartment. Only the soft music coming from the stereo of the car that was connected to Beca's phone was making the air a bit calm and collected.

Beca was determined though, because this day isn't over, and even if she knows that what happened in the apartment not so long ago is not gonna be the only awkward moment they will have during the day, she wanted this day to be worth it.

"So."she started, gently taking a deep breath as she eyes the road and held the steering wheel firmly in her grip. She felt Chloe's gaze at her, and it made her smile. "What's in your to-buy list?"

Chloe smiled and let out a soft chuckle as she returns her gaze towards the road in front. "Just some casual clothes. Maybe look for a dress for Aubrey's wedding, I don't know."

"Hm." Beca hummed, turning her blinker on before turning the wheel to change lanes. "Maybe I need to buy some clothes myself. I think I need a wardrobe make-over." She laughed.

"Why?" Chloe was now smiling as she asked this. She saw Beca shrugging.

"I don't know, maybe my plaid shirt collection isn't really now my thing…or maybe I need some new fashion styles." She laughed. "I can't believe I'm talking about being fashionable. I've always dressed up for comfort, and not style."

"Your style doesn't have any problem." Chloe said, which made Beca glance at her quickly before bringing her eyes back to the road. "I knew I liked your style."

Beca tried to hide the cheeky grin that was tempting to appear on her lips. It's just the sincerity in Chloe's compliment – even if it's just a simple line – never fails to make Beca smile.

"Thanks."

"You have your own unique personality, and it shows to the way you dress…" Chloe continued. "…it's one of the things I" Chloe stopped for a moment. "and other people, I'm sure, like about you."

"Thanks Chloe, really." Beca said. "You never fail to make me smile. It's like you always know what to say."

Chloe turns her head to look at the brunette, who was already giving her a warm smile, and it made her cheeks flush so she just shrugged with a smile, and then looked outside the window.

They shopped for casual clothes like shirts, jeans, blouses, shorts, and others. It was a typical friends-bonding activity, and for Beca, she was contented. Like she can do anything with Chloe, one of the sole reasons why she fell in love with her in the first place. Sure, when they were both in high school, neither knew that they were in love with each other until it was brought up to them, but if they would really think about it – they were practically married and attached to the hip way back.

She loves Chloe. So much that it can either make her whole or make her a crumbling mess. And at this point, she has experienced both, but to think that she's still here, trying to win Chloe over, settling to be Chloe's friend in the meantime – is maybe what makes being in love made so much sense.

To her, being in love is to experience its beauty and ugly form, but still staying strong, fighting for it even if she became wounded. After all, wounds will always be healed, and scars are there to show people the sacrifices and pain they experienced, to learn from mistakes and to see how much love they can give.

After shopping, they went to the karaoke bar, just like the deal they had earlier on. They ordered some of their favorite food, some beers, and got the song book.

They were having so much fun, and a bit hazed on the beer they were in taking, but Beca made sure she's not tipsy enough to not be able to drive since she's the designated driver for the both of them. It was her turn now to sing and she was a bit nervous about the song she chose. It was a bit of a personal song, especially its message. It might poke a nerve, but what the heck, Beca thought.

It's now or never.

Chloe raised her head from skimming through the song book to look for her next song, when she heard the first note of Beca's song. She saw the title on the screen, and it surprised her that Beca would be singing a Journey song, not to mention its message. But when Beca sang the first lines with those clear and strong vocals of hers, Chloe can't help but feel every bit of her blood rush to her cheeks as butterflies became mad in her stomach, fluttering their wings, making her knees weak in the process.

Lying beside you,
here in the dark

So much emotion in those notes and in those lines that Chloe could feel her heart thumping through her ears, over-powering the bass of the speakers. Her breathing became heavy, as she felt tears stinging in her eyes.

We drifted apart,
And here you are,
by my side

The whole verse was enough to make Chloe burst out in tears, melt her insides to a puddle of goo, and to just have a sudden cardiac arrest with how her heart was beating fast. She was focusing on controlling all of those urges or sudden outbursts just to keep anything unexpected or inappropriate to happen. She knew she was winning because as Beca continued to sing, she was able to restrain herself. Although, when Beca looked at her by the last line of the verse, Chloe was at the borderline of a cliff where only her toes were keeping her from falling.

Falling in love, all over again.

So now I come to you with open arms
Nothing to hide, believe what I say

Beca was looking straight to Chloe's eyes through the chorus of the song, as if singing those lyrics were her very own words. The very words that she's telling Chloe, telling her that she's vulnerable. Everything is from the deepest core of her heart, and because she loves Chloe, she's all out saying her true love to her.

It was never that surprising for Beca to say this though, because ever since, she has been very open to Chloe (aside from Stacie, of course). Chloe was the only person Beca showed her true-self, behind the badass persona, behind the black eye-liner, those piercings and tattoos. If it wasn't for Chloe's persistent bubbly personality and her slight persuasive adorable self, Beca wouldn't have given in.

But the thing is, Beca can't not give in. That's the effect Chloe has on her. No matter what the situation is, with just the flutter of eyelashes in front of those pretty blue eyes, and that pout from the shiny soft lips – Beca's a goner. But of course she would react with a roll of her eyes and that usual groan from her throat that makes Chloe giggle just because it's what makes Beca so freakishly cute.

Hoping you'll see what your love means to me,
Open arms

After a couple more of songs, and when their food was soon just plates, Beca checked the time.

"It's only a little past 3pm. Want to go to my house to just chill and relax before we end the day?" Beca asked, and saw that Chloe was quite distracted, only looking at the screen while waiting for their bill change, the brunette put a hand on Chloe's shoulder that made the blonde jump. "Woah, you alright Chlo?" Beca laughed worriedly.

"Uhm, yeah. No, yeah, I'm fine, just lost in thought." Chloe answered, tucking a strand of hair behind her hair, a slight flush of pink on her cheeks.

Beca nodded, she didn't want to pry what seemed to bother the blonde, but a part of her knew it has something to do with the song choice she sang not too long ago. She does admit that maybe she pushed her luck too far, but she doesn't regret it. It's only her right to show Chloe what she feels about her, and there's nothing more subtle than singing it out…or put it into song. Either way, music contributes a large factor when it comes to show true love. It's one of the reasons why Beca loves music, being a person with the lack of emotion-showing she has in her body, music does it for her, and she's thankful for that.

After getting the change from the biller, Beca asked Chloe once again if she wants to stay in her apartment until it's time to call it a day, and fortunately, Chloe agreed. But still, her demeanor was still distracted and she was quiet throughout the drive.

They arrived in Beca's apartment after 45 minutes, and still an air of tension could be felt between the two. Beca tried to save the remaining hours they would be spending each other before they separate, and conditioned herself to not do any more things that would freak the blonde and send her running through the door.

"You want water, juice, tea?" Beca asked with a small smile, to comfort the blonde in any way. Chloe responded with a hesitant smile but with sincere eyes.

"I'll just have water please, thanks."

"You can wait for me in the living room, make yourself at home Chlo." Beca shouted from the hallway on the way to the kitchen and the blonde complied and made her way to the living room.

Walking slowly towards the living room, Chloe bites her lip in anxiety. She doesn't actually know what made her agree to come back here with her ex, and to stay here until it's time for her to go. She was actually considering the thought of sneaking out and leaving Beca alone, but of course, she has already done that from the past and with the civil status she has with Beca right now, she wouldn't want to ruin it.

Not again.

She sat down on the couch that she's not familiar with. Their couch before was a brown 4-seater plush sofa, while this one is a long, black, and symmetrical that was oozing modernism. She sighed as she ran her hand on the material, and started to wonder if it was as used as their old couch before. If Beca took home a couple of people and laid there, cuddling while watching some bad reality TV show, or a movie. Chloe closed her eyes, and shook her head to get rid of the thought. Her eyes starting to pool up with tears, and she took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

So what if Beca brought home some people? She's not in the right to judge her for it. Yet why is this heavy feeling of jealousy still burns through her heart, and it makes her want to scream out of her lungs.

A couple more of deep sighs and inhales when the stereo opened and a faint remix of "Kiss Me" played through the air. Chloe discreetly wiped her eyes and made a quick sniff from her nose.

"You okay?" she heard Beca from beside her, a look of concern shown on the face of the brunette, two glass of water on her hands.

"Yeah, just…" Chloe stopped and thought about what she would say. She wouldn't want Beca to let her open up to her as it would just lead to a conversation she has been avoiding. And maybe she has been thinking for too long, because she felt a warm hand on her shoulder and when she looked up, Beca was giving her a warm, worried smile.

"You don't have to tell me. I'm just worried about you." Beca said.

Just when Chloe was getting familiar with Beca's touch, her hand was lifted off of Chloe's shoulder to reach the glass of water on the coffee table in front of them, before giving it to Chloe.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

A few seconds of silence, but the song playing through the stereo could be heard. When Chloe put down her glass and looked at Beca, who was playing with her fingers, getting a bit fidgety. She smiled. Beca didn't change at her adorableness.

"Did you mix this?"

"What?" Beca turned her head and looked at Chloe, and she has no idea why this made her blush. "Uhm, I mean-what?"

Chloe giggled. Beca blushes harder.

"I was asking if you mixed this song."

"Oh." Beca averted her gaze on her glass of water, untouched. "Y-yeah…I…like, yeah I did." Beca rolled her eyes at herself inwardly. She couldn't be more awkward and nervous as always. "Do you-do you like it? I mean, like, I just thought it's got a cute groove." Chloe giggled once again, and Beca knew she was being made fun of. But who would blame Chloe? She just literally said 'cute groove' and who the hell says that?

"You're still a stuttering mess, I see." Chloe said, an amused grin plastered on her face and Beca could only roll her eyes at the fact.

"Shut up." Beca grumbled, but with a smile creeping up on her face, as she pushed Chloe lightly on the arm. "But seriously…what do you think?"

Chloe nodded. "It makes me want to dance. Makes me want to bust my 'cute groove'." She laughed as she saw Beca glared playfully at her. "But yeah, I like it."

So kiss me, beneath the milky twilight
lead me, out on the moonlit floor

Lift your open hand,
strike at the band and make the fireflies send the silver moon sparkling
so kiss me, so kiss me

Beca stood up and turned to Chloe, making the blonde look at her with a confused expression on her face. She reaches out her hand and Chloe looked at it like a new piece of an unknown thing.

"Dance with me then."

Chloe looked at Beca for a few beats, then at her hand, before taking it and standing up to follow Beca on the makeshift space dance floor. Beca turned her to face her, held both of her hands softly but firm, and looked at her eyes.

Kiss me, tied by the broken tree house
swing me, upon that hanging tire
bring, bring, bring your flowered head
we'll take the train and will follow this map, oh

They both begin to sway, and step, their hands still together, smiling like idiots. Along with the beat and the groovy beat, the connection between them made the song seemed like it got a bit louder, like they were in a ballroom, with only the two of them dancing to this song. And Chloe was right, it did make her want to dance, but she wanted to do something else either.

She wanted to obey the song, wanted to sing it, even.

Beca's eyes was on hers, and the other way around. But soon, their eyes slowly traveled down to each other's lips.

So, kiss me
so, kiss me.

The song, even louder than before made the two slow their dancing and take a step closer to each other. The gravitational pull between their bodies, magnetizing their forms to each other was strong, and it was hard to get away. It didn't take long for Chloe to put her hands on Beca's shoulder, as Beca's hands find their way to Chloe's waist.

Chloe was breathing heavily, yet calmly. Her heart though, was beating faster as she feels Beca's gaze on her, on her lips, and her touch burning her sides. Little did she know, Beca was going through the very same thing.

Who could've denied the chemistry between them though? Like from the very beginning, they have been joined by the hip, practically married, the best of friends. It was them all along, and even if rough patches could be gone through, they would still be able to recover. Only, if they chose to recover and not give up, and Beca was far from giving up. Hopefully, she wishes Chloe was far from giving up too.

Neither was saying anything, scared that it would only break the close proximity they have with each other. Their noses were touching now, and they can feel each other's warm breath on each other's lips.

So kiss me.

Just when the song closes, Chloe took a step back, giving Beca a gush of cold wind hitting on her whole body like lightning.

"Uhm…"Chloe ran her hand through her hair. She bit her lip, and saw Beca's blank expression and was just standing there, her hands still lifted to where Chloe's hips were. "I…I gotta go."

At the sound of the door closing, was the only time Beca regained her consciousness from the daze that was Chloe Beale. She noticed that she was gone, and she was now alone. She drops her hands on her sides, and walked towards the couch, and falling there face first.

A faint thud was heard just when her body hits the soft couch, realizing that her stereo was playing "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes made her groan.

"What the fuck."

On that night, she was sleepless and was jamming along with Shawn Mendes with pure emotion and conviction.

…

A/N: Review. Follow. Favorite.

I'll see you guys on the next chapter, "The Wedding".

Thanks a lot you guys, and again I'm sorry for updating so slowly. And special thanks to sugarlandaddict23 for suggesting that Journey song! Keep your suggestions coming guys!

Pitch Perfect and its characters, songs that were used in this chapter, aren't mine.

P.S. Hope you had a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Oh, and did you hear? Skylar Astin and Anna Camp are engaged! Yieeeee!