A/N: I really didn't want go back and forth from past to present, as I feel I do that all too often, however, at times, I'm a huge hypocrite and go back on my own word. So this is basically a whole chapter dedicated to their past. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Big thanks to Bamlover for lending an ear on this one and not telling me to shut up when I waffled on and on…
Part three to follow, if you cats are cool with that…?
Can't Stop – Part 2
The sun was blazing through the window and radiating Beca's fingers curled around the steering wheel. The breeze of spring was whisking through the window and the sound of blink-182 seeped through the sound system, pouring around the car.
Beca needed to focus on the road but her eyes were fixed on Chloe in the passenger seat. The sunlight seemed to amplify the glee on her face as she danced as freely as her seatbelt would allow and sang along to every word. The redhead turned her head and shot Beca a grin before pumping her fist in the air along with the chorus.
The action caused a chuckle to spill from Beca's lips before she good naturedly shook her head and pried her eyes back to the road. Chloe Beale had an unusual effect on Beca; if anyone else had made her listen to same song on repeat for the last one hundred miles, Beca was sure she would have forced them out of her car without an ounce of guilt. Instead she was leaning into the kiss now being placed to her cheek and nodding at Chloe's light reminder; "eyes on the road" with a smile.
They were on their way to Tucson for the night. The trip was impulsive and unplanned but the idea had struck Beca just as unexpectedly as they were leaving the movies.
"Want to go?" Beca had hummed into Chloe's ear whilst they crossed the street back to the car. Chloe and her friends had spent the previous twenty minutes reminiscing about their trip to Arizona a couple of years back with their parents. Chloe's face lit up at the mention of "Do you remember that time when…" and they had all dived into a much deeper conversation of memories and good times as Beca listened unable to contribute.
Chloe stopped mid-step and gave Beca's hand a squeeze, "To Tucson?" she asked. Beca nodded, taking one last look back at Chloe's laughing friends walking in the opposite direction. She winced at the sound of it, trying to convince herself their laughter wasn't at her expense, but failed.
It became clear soon into their relationship that Beca wasn't well liked amongst Chloe's friends and family. Perhaps 'hooking up' – not so secretly - a mere four hours after they first formally met at a party wasn't a good start but there was something in the air between them that night - and every other day and night since, actually.
"Yeah, that sounds amazing" she beamed
"What about tonight, right now even?"
"Beca…" Chloe trailed off.
"No, you're right. I mean you have that test and I need to perfect my demo" she shrugged.
Chloe reached for the door handle of the car before Beca's hand got their first. She pulled it open as Chloe leaned against the back window with her arms folded.
"You're serious, aren't you?"
Albeit serious, Beca hadn't really thought about what she was asking. It was one in the afternoon on a Sunday, she had half a tank full of gas and twelve dollars in her pocket, going to Tucson, Arizona right now was impractical and what Chloe's parents would only deem irresponsible.
It sounded nice though.
To just disappear for a night, leaving the disapproval of their relationship behind and just enjoy some alone time together.
Beca closed the door, before mirroring Chloe's same position against it with a thoughtful pause. She was eyeing her girlfriend's facial expression attentively as she watched a broad smirk take over.
"Let's do it!"
She wanted to dismiss the whole conversation as silly.
"You should really study for that test" or "Your Dad will kill me" were the responses on the tip of her tongue but, god damn it, was Chloe Beale's bright smile infectious. Feelings of excitement and adventure were rushing through Beca as she contemplated the outcome of this bold decision. They would miss a day of school whilst driving back, Chloe's parents would only disapprove of her more and Beca would have to find an ATM in order to withdraw money from her 'move to LA' fund.
"Alright!" Beca announced whilst opening the passenger door open again, "We better get going then."
Just before getting into the front seat, Chloe had propelled forward, wrapping her arms around Beca's neck and pulling her in for a kiss. She could trace the smile on the redhead's lips as they expertly rolled over her own for a minute too long. Beca's hands had instinctively gripped at her girlfriend's waste, shamefully pulling her closer as she got lost in the moment.
Chloe pulled away with a teasing smile before dropping into the passenger seat and closing the door, leaving a half dazed Beca on the side of the road.
"Fuck it" she mumbled to no one in particular as she walked around to the other side of the car. A night out of the city and away from the objective stares and forced (but yet clearly false) friendliness of Chloe's class mates seemed like the perfect getaway right now; she'd deal with the backlash later.
God knows, Chloe was more than worth it.
XXX
Chloe remembers the moment she introduced Beca as her girlfriend to her parents. They had both took one look at her off white worn converse, black nail polish and dark eyeliner before quirking an eyebrow at their daughter. It didn't go unnoticed by Beca, who had shuffled under their gaze with her eyes trained on the floor.
It made Chloe nervous - after all this was the first girl she had brought home - but as the evening progressed it became clear that wasn't the reason they had instantly taken a disliking to her. Upon learning where Beca lived and her reluctance to give college a go, her parent's grew ruder and less supportive of their relationship all in the space of one dinner.
Beca had made a speedy exit, thanking them for their "hospitality" and giving Chloe a quick peck on the cheek in the hallway. She left in a hurried fashion but all the while with a small smile on her face for Chloe's sake.
Chloe had wasted no time to address her Mom and Dad's ignorance towards her sexuality but was quickly assured that simply had nothing to do with it.
"It's just…" her Mother had trailed off, looking expectantly at her husband.
"We love you no matter what, sweetie. It's just… Well, Beca isn't good enough for you."
The fact that her Father hadn't bothered to sugar coat his statement both hurt and angered Chloe more than they knew.
"You didn't even bother to get to know her!" she protested.
"We already know enough…"
The next day when Chloe expressed her anger and annoyance about the situation to her friends, she was horrified to find the same expression of her parent's.
"They're right, Chlo! She doesn't try at school, her idea of moving to LA is borderline delusional and she doesn't even want to go to college" the last part was spat with a bitter laugh and condescending tone.
After that, Chloe stopped caring about anything her parents or friends had to say on the matter; none of them knew the first thing about Beca Mitchell and after six months it was clear they weren't willing to try.
Chloe opened her eyes slowly as she focused on the back of the front seat. She automatically shuffled backwards but was confused by the lack of Beca's body and the stream of daylight through the windows. Sitting up, Chloe took note of the time on the stereo and took in the new gas station surrounding through the window.
Beca was stood by the pump, paying close attention to the numbers flicking on the meter and nothing else. The redhead reached for the roller of the window, "Are you kidnapping me?"
The sudden and unexpected shout caused Beca to jump backwards in surprise as Chloe tried to stifle her laughter. Beca maintained her glare for a full three seconds before shaking her head with a smile.
"You have the test this afternoon, so I thought we'd set off early" she mumbled, focusing back on the pump.
"You know, you're not half as bad ass as people think you are" Chloe teased, leaning to playfully poke the brunette's side.
Beca jolted upright before letting out a giggle, only helping prove Chloe's point further. She choked out a lousy "shut up" before placing the nozzle back in its holder and pecking a kiss to Chloe's lips.
Throughout the entirety of their relationship Beca had insisted on paying for most things; the movie tickets, the meal, gas; it was a matter she always pressed. Chloe would clutch at the credit card she always pulled from her purse in protest, until eventually Beca would pay or they would agree on splitting the cost – it was usually the latter and what Chloe much preferred.
Chloe never had to want for anything when growing up and always had her trusty no limit credit card in the pocket of her wallet. Her parents had successful professional lives and the money that came with it, so it was almost second nature to swipe her plastic without thinking of the value or cost.
But for Beca, it was different. Compared to Chloe, she came from a single parent household and lived in a much smaller house in a very different neighbourhood. At times money was tight and compromises had to be made between both Beca and her Mother.
At first, accepting Beca's persistent offer of "No, I'll get it" made Chloe feel guilty. Of course, Beca was kind and stubborn and mostly did it anyway but Chloe thought it was illogical; she didn't have to think about the consequences of spending that Beca might.
After a long winded conversation, a couple of months ago, Chloe had finally realised the reason behind Beca's insistence. It wasn't a matter of overcompensating for her unpopularity, nor was it a way to silence the constant criticism or looming disapproval. Beca wanted to buy things for Chloe.
"You deserve it. I want to buy it regardless because you're my girlfriend."
Chloe could argue Beca's explanation was old fashioned or primitive but the way the words were spoken – plain and sincerely - made her heart swell. Falling in love with Beca wasn't something she had ever stopped to think about until after that conversation. Yeah, Chloe was falling for Beca hard and fast, regardless of riches or fortune.
As if already aware of Chloe's thoughts, Beca was bending down to lean on the car door, "Don't worry about the gas, I've got it covered. Ace your test this afternoon and we're even" she pushed herself off with her arms and disappeared into the store.
Despite Beca's lack of effort at school, she was always very supportive of Chloe and her passion for education. People outside of her friendship group didn't seem to understand that passion, deeming her a "teacher's pet" but Chloe had always found solace in fixing a maths problem or winning a school debate.
As a future history major at Princeton, it was massively important Chloe did more than just pass her history test. In order to finally secure her place, she needed an excellent GPA; Stanford Law school was the plan after college and their low acceptance rate meant Chloe had to do everything in her power to keep up her grades. A spontaneous trip to Tucson with her girlfriend would never be a worthy excuse for Princeton or Stanford, no matter how amazing it was.
They had spent the night dancing in the headlights of Beca's car, whilst the aspiring music producer's latest mix tape leaked out of the stereo. Beca had picked up some pizza whilst Chloe managed to talk the guy at a store into turning a blind eye when she bought them some beer.
They had driven down a dusty track until they were out of sight of the road and just enjoyed each other's company, without having to worry about anything they might have to at home. Chloe had made Beca gaze up at the stars whilst led on the sand; Beca failed to hold in her sarcastic comments about the cliché of it all. They talked freely about anything and everything, before deciding on spending the night sleeping on the backseat.
Beca had stayed up an extra hour, despite being tired by the long drive and held her phone in place on Chloe's history text book with the flashlight on. Although it was a warm evening, Chloe still tangled herself around Beca (OK, maybe the darkened dessert backdrop was a little scary) before drifting off the sleep.
Chloe climbed over the console and settled in the passenger seat as Beca climbed back into the car. She pushed the sunglasses off her head and onto her nose with a smile before reaching for Beca's hand and giving it a small squeeze. The brunette returned it, then started up the engine and set the car in motion.
Spending the night together, away from San Diego was a break Chloe didn't even know she needed. It seemed Beca always knew just what to do to make Chloe feel better and refreshed even if she didn't know it herself. They had always been honest about their feelings for each other, it had taken Beca a while to grow more vocal about them but it seemed with a small yet loving nudge from Chloe, she was able to put her feelings into words. After last night, Chloe was more than certain she was in love with Beca and she couldn't wait to tell her.
XXX
Beca pulled at her fingers as she sat by the pool, her legs dangling in the water. Pool parties weren't really her scene and even though Chloe had told her they were both invited, Beca had her doubts.
It had always been clear to Beca that she and Chloe were a little different and not just because people were quick to comment on it. In some aspects such as school and social circles, they were complete opposites but on a deeper and emotional level, they had an undeniable connection. As time went on and their relationship grew stronger and more serious, Chloe's friends and family's tolerance for Beca weakened.
Dodging Chloe's parents was manageable but her friends were a little more difficult to avoid. It wasn't like Beca wanted Chloe to stop seeing her friends, she'd just prefer if they stayed polite like they had been before. Their snide comments were no longer whispered and the eye rolls that were once restricted to her mentions of LA and music had now become their natural greeting whenever Beca said hi.
Chloe and her friends were academic, who had the dreams and potential to become successful lawyers, doctors and scientists. Beca respected their hard work and dedication to their studies, even if she didn't share the same aspirations. She lacked in effort and focus when it came to school, only applying herself to her music classes. Being a music producer in LA required a different set of skills - she needed determination, a thick skin, talent, a musical edge – those things couldn't be maintained in third period Biology.
When she first told her girlfriend about her dream after high school, Chloe's face lit up. She excitedly tapped Beca's arm, as she spoke about how much making music meant to her. The second Chloe heard her first mix through battered headphones, the redhead beamed before gushing about how amazing it was. From then on, Beca had Chloe's believe and support; after that, she felt as though she didn't need anyone else's.
Beca's dream occupation sat differently with both her parents. Her Mom was supportive and excited by Beca's passion for producing music, but she wished her daughter would at least devise a back-up plan for "just in case." In all honesty, she knew it wasn't spoke with doubt and was more than sensible logic but Beca wanted to devote herself to her dream completely; having something to fall back on gave her an option to fail and that most definitely could not happen.
Her Father completely dismissed the idea of LA and "forbid" her efforts to move to LA the moment she proposed it. Being a teacher at her school gave him an advantage and eventually led to the agreement of finishing high school first. Beca cooperated after being called to the principal's office but refused continuing to visit her Dad and his new wife at the weekends. He regularly forwarded college taster day emails into her inbox and broached the subject of college applications whenever they passed each other on the school corridors.
Although Chloe's friends weren't as outward with solutions for her future occupation as her Father, they still made no effort in order to hide their own disapproval of it. Summer had arrived and the end of school was looming. College was the topic of almost every conversation for Chloe and her friends and Beca couldn't help but sit silently as she attempted to smile her way through it.
Chloe had received her acceptance letter to Princeton early Spring but they still hadn't had a serious conversation as to what that meant for their relationship. "We'll figure it out" had been the final words on the matter and back in March that was enough.
"Are you having fun?" Chloe asked letting her hands rest on Beca's knees. The droplets of water were cool on her skin but Beca nodded with a small smile.
The sun was reflecting on the ripples of water as Chloe lifted herself above the surface slightly, "Are you coming in?"
Apart from a few people dotted around the patio area, Beca was the only one not in the pool. She couldn't help but feel as though it was a cruel metaphor; Chloe and her friends in the centre of the party, whilst she remained on the side lines. Before she could reply, Jesse was tapping her on the shoulder, "Fancy giving me a hand with the beers, Becs?"
Thankful for the offer, Beca started getting to her feet with a nod and gave Chloe's hands a quick squeeze, "Yeah, sure" she mumbled out, giving her girlfriend a shrug, "Later?"
Chloe smiled in an attempt to hide her disappointment, "OK."
Jesse was a nice guy she had met in her music class in junior year. They weren't as close as he would like them to be but Beca still regarded him as a friend. Amidst the talks of GPAs and college applications, Jesse was a nice escape. They shared friendly banter and he had surprisingly offered her words of encouragement when discussing her move to LA.
"Have you guys talked yet?" Jesse asked the moment they were inside and away from the pool.
Beca pulled herself onto the kitchen counter and watched her friend pull the bottles of beer from the fridge door one by one, "Nope" she sighed, before cracking one open and taking a sip.
He paused and rolled his eyes, "Beca, you know college isn't going away, right? In fact, it's kind of happening, right now" he stressed.
"Yeah, I know, it's just complicated. Besides right now isn't really the time" she shrugged, imagining the look on Chloe's friend's faces if she brought it up in front of them.
Jesse shook his head disapprovingly as he handed her some of the bottles from the counter.
"C'mon, dude, don't look at me like that. You know disapproval is all I'm used to lately."
Whenever the pressure of being Chloe's girlfriend got too much, Jesse was always there to lend an ear. They had spent many lunch breaks mocking the eyes rolls and the constantly insincere "Oh, hi, Beca"'s she had grown used to over the past ten months. In fact, having Jesse to vent to was the next best thing to talking to Chloe about it.
There had been conversations in the past, sometimes they ended well and other times they didn't. Beca knew Chloe had a hard time maintaining good relationships with both her and her friends, but Chloe would always swear she didn't care what they thought. Beca respected Chloe more for not trying to convince her otherwise but constant criticism on a daily basis could be difficult to bare at times.
Chloe was worth it though, always worth it.
"She loves you and cares about you; she told you that three months, Beca! You need to talk about it eventually."
"Talk about what?"
The third voice in the conversation caused Beca to swing around to the door frame, almost dropping one of the bottles tucked under her arm in the process. Chloe was wearing a towel and the sound of water dripping on the tiles filled the newfound silence.
Jesse gave her an apologetic look before relieving Beca of her beer duty and instead leaving the kitchen with as many as he could carry.
"Talk about what, Beca?"
The rest of the afternoon was a bit of a blur after that. What began as a calm discussion quickly turned heated as the pair argued in Jesse's hall way.
It wasn't at all how Beca had wanted to start the conversation, never mind end it, but eventually Beca had stormed out of the front door with a rushed "I can't do this right now."
"Well maybe we shouldn't do it at all anymore" Chloe had retorted just before Beca slammed the door and drove off in a hurry.
Chloe's last words were burning a hole in her chest as she began driving down the road. Beca didn't ever want to stop "doing it anymore" but what if now, Chloe did?
XXX