Worlds Collide

Chapter Seven – 'Whiskey and Surprises'

Hi everyone! As always, thank you to all those who have read, favourited or followed - I hope you continue to enjoy!

xoxo

Beca had followed Chloe to the section of the decking where a few people were dancing, yes she had willingly followed the redhead, but she had no intention of dancing…she was far too sober, the night was very young and there were definitely not enough people on the 'dance floor' to hide her movements from mocking eyes. Just behind Beca, Chloe could see Stacie, arms wrapped around Aubrey's neck, and her blonde best friend's hands were resting on the leggy brunette's hips, both moving together as the music swept over them. Chloe could tell from Aubrey's expression that she wasn't entirely in her comfort zone, but Chloe figured that if she didn't want to dance then she wouldn't be, Aubrey was never afraid of voicing her opinion and so she just sent a huge grin over at the two women making sure that she was nearby if her friend were to need her. Stacie was the first to notice them and smiled back adding a little nod in the direction of Beca who was now just standing next to Chloe not moving with her arms straight beside her sides. Chloe turned and looked at Beca expectantly, obviously expecting Beca to move in closer and start dancing instead of the statue she was seemingly imitating before her as the fast beat of the music still played around them.

The next thing she knew, Stacie had stepped up beside her and was shooting a smarmy grin at Beca. She spoke to Chloe directly. "You know I admire you for trying Chloe, but our favourite little midget here won't do a spot of dancing without a few more shots in her system". Chloe giggled and instead of the sounds of complaint that Beca would have expected from anyone else, Chloe said with a smile directed towards Beca "well then ladies….I think that it might be time for a refill – does anyone want another drink?" Beca sighed in relief and nodded her head thankfully, once again offering her hand for Chloe to take.

Stacie and Aubrey decided to join them, with Amy following along as they passed her on the way to the kitchen. The gang arrived at the drinks station and each decided what they wanted to drink. Beca took on the role of bartender and offered to make the drinks for the group. Chloe decided on a margarita, Aubrey a glass of white wine, Amy a rum and coke, and Stacie a vodka and cranberry. Beca finished off by fixing herself a glass of Jack Daniels and coke and then lined up a whiskey shot for all present (except Aubrey who had declined – much to the amusement of Beca who had been quickly elbowed in the ribs and told to shush by Stacie as soon as she opened her mouth to sarcastically say 'of course you won't do one').

Chloe had accepted the shot glass that Beca had passed to her with a quirk of an eyebrow. Amy jumped in upon seeing the questioning action from the redhead and explained "Shorty here fancies herself a bit of a secret cowgirl and loves her whiskey, oh and if you really want to make sure she dances with you later then just make sure you get a decent country tune on" The Australian added as Beca physically grimaced. The laughter that erupted around the group caused a huge blush to spread over a now very grumpy looking Beca's face. Chloe took this as confirmation that this information was in fact correct and lent in so only Beca could hear her as she whispered 'I've always thought cowgirls were totally sexy" as she winked and once again kissed the brunette's cheek.

The smile that spread across Beca's face was instant, she may have been embarrassed by Amy's admission about her love of country music, but as long as Chloe didn't think it was a bad thing then she didn't care if the others made fun of her. Besides, she was a music producer, it was important to her career that she had an eclectic taste in all types of music she reasoned with herself. The girls all raised their shot glasses and with a smile Chloe said "To Nashville" in her best southern accent, the glasses clinked together as each of them threw back their shot. It was Beca's turn to lean into Chloe's side as she whispered "That was a pretty good accent there Red, I'm impressed". Chloe smiled "Well I've had plenty of practice over the years, my grandparents live in Belle Mead in Nashville, and I go and visit them as much as I can. I bet you'd love it there Becs, it's literally a ten minute drive away from the famous Bluebird café" Chloe explained. Beca smiled at the recognition of the famous café and led them over to some nearby seats so they could continue talking, taking a great interest in everything that the redhead was saying to her. Chloe couldn't have been happier, she loved that Beca was genuinely interested in what she had to say and that they could actually have a conversation without one of them stumbling over their words or blushing.

Stacie and Aubrey had spent some time talking with Cynthia Rose and other various people at the party. They were currently sat at the far end of the garden on a three seater wicker chair. "I'm having a really good time tonight Conrad" Aubrey admitted as she gazed at the brunette. "You sound surprised by that?" Stacie replied with a smile gracing her lips. "No not at all….ok a little…I didn't really know what to expect. I mean, I don't really know anything about you, and my dad always said that Intel was more important than spontaneity" Aubrey explained. "Wow..umm your dad sounds…fun?!" Stacie quirked her eyebrow, "He always full of fun little quotes like that?" She enquired. "He is certainly never the soul of the party" Aubrey laughed. "Well then I'll tell you what cutie" Stacie almost purred "If you grace me with a second date, I promise we can go for a nice intimate dinner, just the two of us, and you can ask me anything you like?" Aubrey blushed, a little taken aback by the brunettes brazenness, but nodded a small shy yes as Stacie beamed and leant in slowly, hands on either side of Aubrey's face as they shared a short but sweet kiss, foreheads leaning together Aubrey smiled up at Stacie through her eyelashes as a contented sigh escaped her lips.

Beca and Chloe had been laughing together along to one of Amy's incredulous stories that she was currently telling a group of people in the garden, about how she had drunkenly challenged a kangaroo to a boxing match but had ended up being arrested and detained for damaging private property. It turned out that Amy had been so drunk that she hadn't noticed that the kangaroo was actually a marketing statue outside of a camping shop called 'skip, hop and bushy' in her home town, and had managed to completely knock the head off of the plastic statue. Chloe was still wiping tears from under her eye when she excused herself to go and get another drink. "I'll come with you" Beca said already wrapping their hands together, Chloe's smile managing even new levels and the two headed to the kitchen. Beca started making the refills to their drinks, sticking with the same as previously. Chloe smirked when she noted Beca lining up another whiskey shot for the both of them. Chloe in her best southern accent said "Hey there cowgirl, are you needing some old whiskey courage before asking me to join you at a good ol' fashioned barn dance?" Chloe giggled as Beca just smirked and replied "It's going to take more than a few shots to get me to dance with you Red, I'm just hoping that this shot will help drown out that awful noise" as she pointed to the living room where one of the guests were currently entertaining a small group of people with their drunken rendition of 'Rolling In The Deep' by Adele on the karaoke machine. Chloe turned to see where Beca's narrowed eyes were looking and as soon as she realised that there was a karaoke machine, she almost jumped and squealed in delight. Beca's eyes went wide in shock "No…no way Red, absolutely not….we are NOT doing karaoke!" she said sternly. Chloe however was not about to take no for an answer and all but begged the brunette to allow her just one duet. "Nope" Beca popped the 'P' but the beginning of a smile was forming on her face. Chloe took full advantage of this apparent slip in determination and leant forward to grab the whiskey shot from behind Beca, purposefully running her hand over her hip to steady herself as she leant back to replace the glass. She licked her lips slowly, an action that Beca couldn't pull her gaze from, and then gave one more sultry 'please' as all of Beca's resolve crumbled around her. "Okay…one song, but I'm picking it" the producer faux grumbled.

Beca soon regretted this decision. Word around the house and garden spread quickly and a crowd had gathered in the lounge and kitchen to witness the historic event of Beca 'Badass' Mitchell actually partaking in karaoke. Cynthia rose already had her phone out ready to record and was loudly whooping the pair as Chloe and Beca each picked up a microphone. Even Stacie, with Aubrey firmly at her side, had taken a place amongst the crowd and was clapping and whistling in anticipation, she was more than surprised at the way that Beca was allowing herself to be more social and outgoing and could only attribute it to the bubbly redhead who was grinning widely at the small brunette. Beca took a calming breath, her heart was beating frantically as she tried her hardest not to focus on the ribbing she was bound to receive from her best friend and colleagues. Chloe noticed the change in Beca's expression and moved closer to the producer, linking their arms and placing a quick reassuring kiss on Beca's cheek. Beca's eyes instantly found Chloe's and she felt herself calm slightly. 'Just focus on the song Beca' she thought to herself. She knew this song inside out, it was one of her favourites and she had used it in multiple different mixes over time. She knew every word, every beat, every lilt of the melody…She could do this. She hit the play button and grinned at Chloe saying quickly "I hope you know this one Red" before pointing to the lyrics screen in front of them. At that moment the opening beats of 'Titanium' started and she watched as Chloe's face lifted in recognition to the song, and was nearly bowled over when Chloe started excitedly jumping up and down the spot with their arms still linked.

Aubrey and Stacie both started speaking at the same time, Stacie saying "I could of guessed that shorty would pick this' and Aubrey saying "No surprise that Chloe would pick this song". They both turned and looked at each other with confused looks on their faces. Beca had already started the first verse, her alto voice making light work of the lyrics as Stacie leaned in towards Aubrey so she could hear her properly and said, "I'm sure Beca picked this, it's her favourite song, and for her first karaoke expedition I doubt she'd sing anything else" she chuckled. Aubrey tried to fight the urge of a smile as she commented "Its Chloe's favourite song too, she even has it as her ringtone". "So does Beca!" both girls chuckled and rolled their eyes at the ridiculousness of the coincidence. Both women then set their attention back on their best friends.

Chloe's Soprano voice joined in with Beca's on the chorus and as soon as Beca heard the way they mixed together, melding and complimenting each other's tones perfectly she forgot all about being embarrassed, all about the small group of people watching them and almost all about her 'badass' image as she turned to look Chloe directly in the eye, both girls smiling from ear to ear at the sound of them singing together. The song drew to a close and the room erupted in applause and wolf whistles as Chloe flung her arms around a slightly startled Beca as the two stood there in a tight embrace.

It was Jess who broke the two apart as she grabbed Chloe's hand and all but demanded she sing a song with her. Beca smiled at her date and encouraged her along "Red you have an amazing voice, I could literally listen to it all day, and if Jess here wants to relieve me of the karaoke duties I will gladly watch from just over there" she laughed and pointed to the sofa on the opposite wall that Stacie and Aubrey had taken seats on. Chloe made sure that Beca was indeed ok with her doing one more song before turning to Jess to ask what song she wanted to sing. "Do you know Paramore?" Jess excitedly enquired. Chloe nodded her head and Jess went on to ask if 'Ain't It Fun' would be an ok choice, to which Chloe gave a high five as her response signalling for Jess to set the track up on the machine.

Beca lent on the wall next to the sofa that seated Stacie and Aubrey. She wasn't surprised when the brunette didn't even turn her head to acknowledge her, she knew Stacie was too wrapped up in talking to Aubrey right now and hell she didn't even mind, it meant she could lean back and admire the show that Chloe Beale singing and dancing and having fun was putting on across the room. The redhead really did have an amazing voice, and Beca took note to appreciate her sound just as much as she was currently enjoying the dancing that Chloe was doing up on the raised 'stage' that Cynthia Rose had placed in her front room. Beca couldn't help but watch the redheads every move, she was captivated with the way that Chloe moved, the way she would look over at Beca and catch her eye as she did a particularly sexy move and suddenly Beca couldn't think of any reason why she wouldn't want to dance with her.

As soon as the song finished, Beca started clapping and whooping and headed over to her date. "That was amazing Red, you have a stunning voice" Beca smiled as the perky redhead gave her a lopsided grin. "Thanks Becs, I'm really glad I got to sing with you before, your voice is something else! I hope we get the chance to do that again soon" Chloe excitedly spoke. Beca tilted her head back in a short laugh and said "I'm sure that can be arranged Red, but can we please do it in my studio in private instead of doing karaoke?" Chloe simply nodded her head enthusiastically at the prospect of not only seeing Beca again but actually getting to see inside a professional studio as well. "How about we go grab another drink and head back out to the garden, it's getting a little warm in here?" Chloe suggested. "Anything you want Red, anything you want" Beca grinned as Chloe was the one to link their hands this time and led Beca back through the steadily growing crowd.

As soon as they made it out to the garden, Amy bounded over and gave Beca a hearty slap on the back. "It's a good job that C.R got a recording of you singing short stuff, there's no way anyone would believe it otherwise!" she joked. Chloe looked confused, "Becs, you have an amazing voice, why would you not show it off more often?". "Every single time we have asked Beca to come to karaoke with us she either uses being busy at work as an excuse or she just flat out refuses…you must be one hell of a dingo in the bedroom to get this little one up there belting out a song!" Amy joked not realising that what she had said would be considered rude in most company. Beca looked mortified and all but tried to kill Amy with the glares she was throwing at the Australian, she was sure that her friend had just ruined all of the fun her and Chloe had already had that night, with one quick completely inappropriate comment. Beca was too scared to look at Chloe for fear that the redhead would be angry or embarrassed, she was surprised however when she heard Chloe laugh and say "Well I am pretty good in that department even if I do say so myself, but this is our first date Amy, and I'm pretty sure that I like her so I think we will probably wait for that" she finished with a wink.

"You like me?" Beca couldn't stop the question before it left her mouth and once again she blushed in embarrassment of not being able to control her word vomit, spilling whatever thoughts that decided to leak from her brain. Amy took this as her chance to escape before Beca remembered that she was angry at her, Beca however caught the movement and with a quick glance at Amy almost snarled "We will come back to the proper etiquette of conversation in front of dates later Amy"

"It's not my faulty shorty, you never have dates so how am I supposed to know what I can or can't say?" Amy retorted as she made a quick retreat away from the producer. Beca turned her full attention back to Chloe who took both of Beca's hands in her own as she stepped closer. "Of course I like you silly, I think we are going to have a lot of fun dating" Chloe pulled Beca even closer to her as she looked straight into stormy blue eyes. "Well I like you too Chlo" Beca replied shyly instantly not knowing what to do with her body again. Suddenly Beca's text message tone startled the pair, Beca chuckled and apologised as Chloe reassured her that it was ok to check her phone as she suddenly spotted the back of Aubrey in the kitchen with Stacie stood facing her, a huge smirk on her face which confused Chloe somewhat until she was drawn back to Beca who was gawking at her phone. She had just received a message from Stacie that read 'you can thank me later shorty, just ask the hottie to dance already'. And on cue as Stacie saw the panic rise across her friends face, Stacie swapped the lead that was attached to Cynthia Rose's phone and the Stereo system, to that of her own phone where she had hit play on the song of her choice. The opening chords of 'When the right one comes along' played out across the garden. Stacie knew that the only way to get Beca to dance would be to play a country song and to ensure that it was a slow song where she didn't need to do much more than sway from side to side.

Beca gulped and looked up at Chloe. "Chloe…umm can I have this dance?" she said in a small voice. "I thought you'd never ask" Chloe beamed and took the final step to close the distance between their bodies and placed Beca's hands around her waist as she looped her arms around Beca's shoulders. They moved slowly in time with the music and Beca instantly relaxed into Chloe's body. "You know this is one of my favourite songs" Beca admitted, so softly that Chloe wouldn't of heard her if her mouth hadn't been right next to the redheads ear. Chloe didn't respond straight away, instead she listened to the lyrics of the song that she had never heard before. "I get why you would like it" Chloe says into Beca's hair, her arms pulling the shorter woman in a little closer "The lyrics are lovely and their voices are amazing" Chloe added. Beca chuckled, "I'm not doing much for my badass image at the moment am I?" Chloe titled her head back so she could look in Beca's eyes as she said "You don't have to put across any kind of image with me Becs, I like that you feel comfortable enough with me to be yourself, don't ever stop doing that" Chloe said ardently.

From the door in the kitchen, Aubrey stood with a stern look on her face and Stacie with a huge grin, both women looking at their best friends slow dancing on the decking. Stacie turned to face Aubrey, whose expression cleared instantly as soon as she locked eyes with the tall brunette. "I had no idea I was on a date with such a meddler" Aubrey joked. "But a hot meddler right?" Stacie asked as she wiggled her eyebrows at the blonde woman. Aubrey smiled "Yes a very hot meddler" she whispered as she kissed Stacie's cheek. "Come on Conrad, the songs finished, let's put something livelier on and I might consider letting you dance with me again".

At the change of pace of music, Chloe felt Beca tense around her. "Don't worry about the music Becs, let's just stay dancing exactly as we are….besides, I don't think I want you to remove your arms from around me just yet" She smiled down at the shorter woman, as Beca smiled back up at her and snuggled her head into the crook of Chloe's neck, content to just feel the redhead wrapped around her. Beca sighed in happiness, not only was she insanely attracted to the Redhead dancing with her, but she also seemed to be the sweetest, most thoughtful person that Beca had ever met, and she didn't want this magical moment to ever end.

A/N: I recommend listening to the song that I mentioned in this chapter, whenever I hear this song it makes me think of Bechloe and how Beca seems to only let Chloe into her personal bubble, like she was waiting for the right one and then along pops Chloe in all her awesomeness. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else but hey! Lol!

'When The Right One Comes Along' performed by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio - It's on the season one soundtrack of Nashville. (Yup there are a few references to the show in this chapter, I've recently started watching it and couldn't help but slip some in - I love it!)

As always, I hope you enjoyed and please feel free to leave a review :D

xoxo