Ch 6 mysteries, snippets, confessionals.

I'm appreciating the growing support over here!. but i must say...there are some mind readers out there and i dont like it at all -_- ;p jkjkjk but for real. gotta make some more twists! or are ya'll gunna predict those too... and as for the shipping questions...who will beca end up with? the world may never know (laughs evily)

Kimmy jin was seated at her computer, scrolling through her news feed.

boring...boring...stupid text post...what color is the sky with a duck at the end...gif of to infinity and beyonce...complaining...porn..porn...po-.. *ping* 1 new message.

Kimmy opened the message. It was a single picture with no caption. It appeared to be a picture from a party. Kimmy examined it closely, wondering why it had been sent to her. She looked to see who it was from, and saw that Lilly had sent it. If Lilly sent it then there's a purpose. but what?

Thats when she noticed it. OH. MY. GOD.

She smiled widely and opened a new message to Lilly. We have work to do. Keep me posted on this.

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Lilly giggled mischievously at the screen. She decided that she'd had enough of this for today, and shut her computer down. The ship had sailed.

She looked over at the photo of her family on her desk. It was a small desk sized photo, beautifully framed in an elegant gold. It had been taken just a few months earlier for her to take with her to Barden. She sat in the center, her three year old brother Bo on her knee. Her mother stood in her traditional Chinese dress behind them, smiling politely. Her father stood next to her, his right hand placed firmly on her shoulder. He wore his best suit and tie for the event, and his face was expressionless.

Lilly couldn't help but admire how the picture seemed to reflect their family dynamic. On the surface, they appeared formal and unconnected, but they weren't. The subtle closeness and the look in their eyes betrayed them. They were very close, and always supported each other. They were a traditional family, but they appreciated the new American dynamics.

Her father was from Vietnam. He was North Vietnamese citizen, but he fled to the South during the war. it wasn't the system that he had an issue with but the leader. He was uncaring and unfocused. After the war ended, Kim Hunyh got a job as a traveling businessman for a company looking to expand into China. There he met his wife, Dep. Kim was in love. They married a year later.

It's said when you marry someone you marry their family as well. Kim knew he could expect crazy in laws, over-protective siblings, and uncomfortable family meetings, but he didn't expect an introduction into the Chinese Mafia. Normally, Deps father would have Kim killed, but apparently he saw something in him that he admired. He saw a strong commitment to family and honor, and decided to place a great deal of trust in him. So much trust in fact, that on his death bed, he passed his family business on to him.

Kim didn't want it, but there was no way out. If he passed it up, he would end up someplace where no one would ever find him.

His position could easily have disrupted his family life and turned him into a completely different person. But it didn't. Deps father had been right. Kim remained a man of loyalty, trust, and most importantly family. Kim and Dep moved to America and two years later Lilly was born.

As Lilly aged, she learned of her fathers work. He had tried to shelter her from it, but she silently discovered it anyway. He told her that she didn't have to have any part of it if she didn't want, but she took quite an interest in it. She took a real interest in the accounting (or rather laundering and hiding money in fake accounts in the kamen islands) and decided to attend Barden for accounting.

Kim and Dep held fast to their heritage and traditions, but encouraged Lilly to learn more American customs as well. They didn't approve of her style, but accepted it anyway. They despised the music, but listened anyway. When Lilly took up interest in singing they supported her fully. They were a family, united and strong.

Lilly got all that out of that one picture. She smiled one last time before grabbing her coat and heading off to meet Kimmy Jin. The two had met at an anime convention two years prior and immediately clicked. They had a lot in common, especially their love for all things shipping related. Kimmy was especially good in controlling Lillys aca-obsession with burning things.

Although every now and then when someone was seen doing something unjust or unkind, there'd be an article in the newspaper the next day about a fire burning something of theirs. The causes were never determined.

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"We aren't ready! This performance is in two days Chloe! Two days." Aubrey was pacing across the living room of their flat.

"It'll be ok Aubrey." Chloe sat on the couch, watching her best friend pace agonizingly across the room. She knew how Aubrey could be when she was stressed, but it had never been like this before.

Aubrey stopped dead and her tracks and began to yell "Ya know what Chloe, It's not going to be ok. Stop acting so freakin happy all the time. Its sickening and stupid."

Aubrey stormed out of the room so quickly she didn't hear Chloe's heart tear in half. They had never fought before this. it was always them against the world. apparently this wasn't the case anymore. Chloe broke down and cried.

Meanwhile, Aubrey was taking a jog through the park, hoping to calm down. She ran down the paths until she reached a rocky outlook. There was a slight cliff, but of you could climb down it a platform of rock extended into the middle of a lake. Aubrey and Chloe had found the secluded spot two years ago, and since then it became their spot. Aubreys mind snapped back to Chloe.

"Why did i say that!" She screamed to no one. Tears flooded down her face, causing her mascara to run. She huddled over and wracked with sobs until it began growing dark. After a few hours, she had no more tears to shed. She sat up and wiped her face on her cardigan. There was a crack from behind her.

"I had a feeling you'd be down here." Aubrey smiled at the voice, but felt too guilty to face its source.

Chloe walked over quietly and sat down next to Aubrey. She looked out over the water and placed her hand on Aubreys, squeezing it gently.

"You're always here for me. Even when im a bitch."

Chloe looked over at her. "We promised we'd always be there for eachother, and i fully intend on keeping that promise."

Aubrey squeezed her hand back. "I'm sorry i yelled at you Chlo."

"I know." They gazed back over the water.

Chloe knew there was something else going on with Aubrey other than the bellas that was causing her to stress out, but she didn't press for details. when Aubrey was ready, she would share.

"My mom called today. Dad has cancer." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"I'm so sorry bree."

Aubrey sighed and leaned onto Chloe. All she had ever wanted was to make her father proud, and now, she might never be able to. "Can we go home and watch movies now?"

Chloe chuckled. "Sure. Just bought a whole ton of movies the other day, so we won't have to resort to the same old ones again." Chloe had news too, but she decided to keep it to herself. Aubrey didn't need any more pain right now.

The friends got up and stretched, hugged quickly, and made their way home.

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Aubrey had been right. The bellas weren't even close to performance ready. The singing was lackluster and lacked confidence, and no one knew the choreography. They were literally kicked off stage. Aubrey was disappointed in all of them, but especially in Chloe. She had needed her friend to be at peak level and perform at her best, but that wasn't the support she had gotten.

She let her anger consume her and lashed out at Chloe. When the reason for Chloe's mediocre performance was revealed Aubrey felt like a total dick. Aubrey had known something was off about her but she was too busy to ask about it. god i'm a terrible friend.

Later that day she confronted Chloe about it.

"How come you didn't tell me that you had nodes?"

"I didn't want to bother you bree. You've been so stressed out and i didn't want to cause you any more stress."

Aubrey buried her face in her palms. "Im such a terrible friend."

Chloe pried Aubrey's hands away from her face and stared hard into her eyes. Aubrey had never seen Chloe so serious.

"Don't you ever. ever say that. ever. You are not a terrible friend. Your the best friend, anyone could have." your the reason im here.

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Beca was enjoying the fresh air out in the quad in silence until a juice pouch came flying at her. Jesse set down a blanket and plopped down next to her. For a change, she was actually kind of happy to see him. He pulled out some of his favorite movies and insisted that he give her a movication. He revealed his desire to score movies, which came as a real surprise to Beca. She kind of just assumed he'd be a theatre nerd.

They soon migrated to Jesse's dorm room. She couldn't believe she'd let him convince her to go watch a movie with him, but she had.

"I'll start off with a classic for you. Titanic." He pulled out a brand new blu ray version of the movie.

'Ya know, " he continued, "I still can't believe you don't like any movies. I mean i know your little miss i know German so i don't like fun things and i can predict all sorts of crazy twists and all, but you seriously don't like any movies?"

Beca sat down on the edge of jesse's bed. "I saw a porno at a high school party once. liked that movie." She smirked and jesse play scolded her.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to watch porno's at parties?"

"No. Never."

Jesse put the disk in his laptop and moved to sit next to her. "Ok, so this is a love story, and basically - "

Beca cut him off. "fate brings two people together and they fall in love but since they're on the titanic, it sinks."

Jesse threw his hands in the air. "And the infamous Beca Mitchell does it again! When will the madness end?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "Dude, it's like, first grade history."

"Ok, well...shush.. its starting. listen, it opens right up with the song that sets a tone for the whole movie. Its Celine's best work. it's equally beautiful, and depressing. You know right off the bat that this will be a tale of great love and loss. It uses actual footage to remind you that this story is somewhat true. Are you listening? Are you hearing this beca?"

Beca raised her eyebrows. "I hear you..."

Jesse continued talking through the rest of the movie, but Beca didn't care. She was falling asleep the whole time anyway. She fell asleep for the last hour but she was pretty sure that all she missed was Jesse crying and speaking the lines along with the characters.

She awoke just as it was finishing.

"Now do you see why it's a classic?"

Beca rubbed her sleepy eyes. "Not quite."

Jesse groaned playfully, "Oh come onnnnnn. I'll get you to convert to this side of life eventually."

Beca's phone vibrated.

Chloe Beale - still owe you a date. dinner?

Jesse put Titanic carefully back in its case. "So another movie? "

Beca smiled at him. "Look, its been fun, but i gotta go. I have some dinner plans, but i'll see you at the Riff off."

"Okay!" He smiled back. He walked her to the door, (not that it was a long walk). "but you had fun?" He inquired hopefully.

Beca thought for a moment before answering.

"ya know, i did."

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Beca Mitchell - sure. can't sleep through another three hour movie. one is sufficient

Chloe Beale - YAYYAYAYAYAYY! and you'll have to fill me in later. I'll swing by at 6:15 or so and get you. wear something nice :)

"Wear something nice..like what? how nice are we talking?" Beca ripped open her dressers and drawers frantically searching for something to wear. She turned around frantically trying to figure out what to do and saw her roommate watching her closely.

"Sorry kimmy, i totally forgot you were here." Beca apologized. Her cheeks reddened with embarrassment that anyone had seen her so nervous. why the hell am i nervous anyway ...she wondered.

KImmy took a deep breathe. "What are you doing?"

Beca sat down on her bed. She was slightly shocked at the lack of hostility in Kimmys voice. "Well, my friend wants to go out tonight for dinner and they said wear something nice, but i don't know what that means. How nice are they talking?"

Kimmy stared blankly. "Did you ask them?"

"oh...no..." Beca mentally face palmed herself. Beca opened a new message to Chloe but hesitated to type anything. "What do i say?"

"How about, how nice are we talking?" KImmy suggested monotonously.

Beca nodded and shot out the message to Chloe. She quickly received a response.

Chloe Beale - just something nice ya know? like not your dads old college sweatshirt and your painting sweatpants, but like...nice stuff.

Beca read the text out to Kimmy, who then suggested the outfit she had worn to the station last week.

"it's the nicest outfit I've seen you in since you got here."

"Thanks kimmy." Beca said honestly.

Kimmy turned back to her computer. "The only nice outfit i've seen you in."

"Thanks kimmy." Beca said, a little more sarcastically this time. She quickly located her maroon skinny jeans, light green tank and black long-sleeve cutoff flannel. She made quick work of her hair, braiding it and throwing it into a loose coil.

Kimmy immersed herself in her research paper until there was a knock on the door. She slyly turned so she could nonchalantly watch the doorway. She wanted to know who Beca was getting so dressed up for.

Beca took a deep breathe before opening the door. Chloe smiled brightly before puling her into a tight hug. "HI Beca! You look great tonight."

Beca pulled back to see Chloe, who was sporting a dark blue knee dress that stopped just above the knee.

"Shit Chlo i didn't know you meant dress that nicely..." beca said dejectedly.

Chloe grabbed Beca's arms and began dragging her out the doorway. "You look beautiful Beca."

Chloe linked their arms as they strolled towards her car.

"Where are we going exactly?" Beca was terrified that it would be a four star restaurant

"Well, we have some options."

"okay.." beca nudged her to continue.

"There's Che Chateau, Crystal, Luise's, Donners, Le Amor,"

Beca's jaw was agape as Chloe rattled off four and FIVE star restaurants.

"Holy shit Chlo you don't have to spend that much money on me!"

"It's no big deal. But i figured you'd have some objections to them, so i also planned for TGIF."

Beca chuckled lightly.

"I take it TGIF's it is."

"You know me so well."

Once they were seated, Chloe began the interrogation.

"So what exactly was i whisking you away from earlier?"

Beca picked up the salt shaker and began to fiddle with it.

"Jesse. "

"Bad date?"

Beca nearly dropped the shaker. "Uhh no not really. I mean he has a thing for me but...he's really big into movies and stuff so he's been trying to get me to watch them."

"You don't like movies?" Chloe asked, eyebrow raised.

Beca scrunched her lips up. "No not really. they just are predictable and kinda boring. Jesse gets mad at me when i say that but...its true. Sometimes i feel like he just wants to change me."

Chloe took a sip of her coke. "So no fireworks?"

Beca sat back in her booth. She crossed her arms and contemplated her answer. A month ago she would have quickly answered no. But things had changed a bit. She hated to admit it, but she actually really like being around jesse. He was funny and caring. Sometimes he was way to overbearing, but she enjoyed his company.

"I don't know. I mean i like him, but i don't know if i LIKE him." If Beca had been more observant she would have noticed Chloe's face fall slightly, but she wasn't. Beca decided it was time for her to ask some questions.

"So what about you? I've seen you and shower guy get a little close."

"Tom?" Chloe shrugged. "I don't know. We dated freshman year for a while but then we broke up. He found me again this year and wanted to get back together but i don't think we're going to work out."

i've seen the world, done it all, had my cake now...

Chloe looked up towards the radio. "wow, this is a pretty depressing song to be playing here."

Beca strained to listen.

will you stlll love me when im no longer young and beautiful...will you still love me when ive got nothing but my aching soul

"Young and beautiful right?" Beca asked.

"yah. Its one of my favorites as of late."

"So if you dont mind me asking, why don't you think its gunna work out?"

"well he cheated on me to begin with. I didn't talk to him after that, but when he found me again this year, i guess i was just desperate. I wanted to feel wanted again. But he still doesn't love me. He doesn't support me. He hates a capella. truthfully he just kind of uses me, and i let him."

Beca hated seeing Chloe sad. She wanted to comfort her but she didnt know how. shit just say something mitchell.

will you stlll love me when im no longer young and beautiful...will you still love me when ive got nothing but my aching soul...

"chloe, you deserve someone much better than that. You deserve someone that's going to love you forever and support you 100% no matter what. Your amazing so. " She dropped off, hoping she had said something right.

Chloe smiled up at her. "Thanks Beca." she smiled warmly.

I know you will, I know you will...I know that you will

She met becas dark blue eyes. "The same goes to you. Don't settle."

Chloe knew Beca didn't understand the implications behind her words just yet, but when she got up the strength to say something, she would.

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Beca and Chloe had lost track of time and before they know it it was nearly 10:pm. They Made their way back to beca's dorm.

"thanks for coming out with me tonight Beca. I had a really great time."

Beca smiled. "Yah. I did to. Thanks for taking me out."

Chloe held her arms out for a hug. Beca rolled her eyes but gave it to her anyway.

They said their goodbyes and Beca sat down at her laptop. She opened her mixing software and started a new file. She played around for two hours or so before she had an acceptable mashup. She sat back and plugged her headphones in.

The backbeat from Katy Perry's the one that got away started 's voice overlaced the beat, at the slightly faster tempo.

will you still love me

i know you will - the one the one the one

i know you will - the one the one the one

i know that you will - the one that got away

will you still love me when i'm no longer young and beautiful,

i know that you will

She smiled as her favorite part came in next.

will you still love me when i am titanium,

i know you that you will

cuz i am titanium