CHAPTER TWO

I Was Thinkin' 'Bout Her, Thinkin' 'Bout Me (Just A Dream)

First rehearsal with the new Bellas came the next day. It began with a bit of a bloodbath. Aubrey kicked two of the newbies out of the group for fraternizing with the enemy. Thank goodness Beca wasn't one of them.

Chloe watched Beca carefully when Aubrey asked the group come clean. Her face read shocked, not guilty, and Chloe felt relieved.

With a beginning like that, it's no surprise that rehearsal was a little awkward. The new girls were really green. It was apparent that it was going to take a lot of work to get everyone performance ready. Chloe had faith that Aubrey's militaristic style would quickly whip the motley crew into shape. Well, at least she hoped it would…

But Chloe had other things on her mind. As rehearsal came to an end and the ladies dispersed, the redhead approached Beca. "Walk with me," she stated.

"Um… K?" And the brunette followed her out.

Chloe had no idea what she was going to say, but she had to say… something. She pushed open the door and felt the warm sun on her skin. They walked a few steps before stopping under a nearby oak tree. The ginger closed her eyes and took a deep breath. But before she had the chance to say anything, the girl next to her spoke up.

"What the hell was that all about in there?" Chloe blinked in surprise. Beca continued: "That rule is real? Who does she think she is? She can't decide who we do and don't sleep with. That's insane!"

Chloe was caught off guard by this. All she could manage as a quick "Uhhh…" before Beca continued venting.

"No, like, seriously. We can all fuck whoever we want, whenever we want. Isn't that, like, the whole point of feminism? This is so stupid."

"Are you finished?" Chloe inquired. Beca nodded and crossed her arms waiting for Chloe's response. "Look, Aubrey's tough. She can be a bit harsh and a little abrasive at times…" Beca rolled her eyes at the comment. "But the Trebles were horrible to us last year. She has good reason to be pissed at them."

"Whatever," the DJ shot back. "It's not enough reason to decide who I do and don't have sex with."

Chloe took a moment to study her shoes. She knew she shouldn't ask, but she couldn't help herself. "Well… I mean, did you sleep with him?"

Beca gave her an incredulous look. "WHAT?!"

"The guy from last night. The newbie Treble. Did you sleep with him?"

"Excuse me, how is that any of your business?"

Chloe sighed heavily. She dug her own grave on this one, and now she'd have to lie in it. "I saw you talking to him last night. It seemed… flirtatious. I'm just looking out for you. Bree saw you guys. She's gunna be watching you moving forward. I don't want you to get kicked out. I just—"

"I'm sorry, this is a joke, right?" The brunette almost laughed, but stopped when she saw the serious look on the other girl's face. "Oookay then. This is bullshit, so I'm gunna go," she said matter-of-factly, pointing her thumbs behind her, before turning on her heel and walking away.

"Come on, Beca!" Chloe called. The girl made no response. "Beca!" she yelled again, a little louder. Beca held up a hand, gesturing Chloe to stop, but continued walking.

The redhead groaned. This wasn't the conversation she planned on having. And now she was going to have to chase Beca down. She trotted after the younger girl until she was only a couple yards behind. "Will you stop already?" she begged.

Beca stopped and turned around to face Chloe, who couldn't help but notice how cute she looked with her arms folded across her chest and that pout on her face. She shook the thought from her mind.

"Listen, I'm sorry about Aubrey. You're right. You're absolutely right. You can bone whoever you want. And if you want to bone this kid, well…" the girl paused. What was she doing? She couldn't believe what she was about to say. "Well, your secret is safe with me."

Chloe felt a twinge in her chest at the words. She did her best to resist visibly wincing. Of course she didn't want Beca to hook up with this dude. And imagining now having to listen to her new friend tell her all the dirty details about fucking someone else, she almost couldn't believe she had said it herself. But friendship was more important. Maybe she and Beca were destined just to be friends and nothing more. Chloe had to accept that as a possibility. She knew that being "just friends" with her new aca-mate would be better than not being friends with her at all.

"Ughhh," scoffed Beca. "I don't want to bone Jesse! Gross." The girl rolled her eyes.

Chloe was yet again surprised. "What, wait? …Really?"

"Yeah. Really."

"Then what the heck was that all about?!"

"Well, y'know… it's the principle of the thing. Aubrey's not the boss of me."

The redhead breathed a sigh of relief. If Beca wasn't into this Jesse guy, then she shouldn't have to compete against him. Thank the heavens above. Figuring out how to get with this girl was going to be challenge enough. She really didn't need the extra hurdle.

"I get it," Chloe said in support. "And unfortunately, I can't control Bree. No one can. But I get it. You're right. You're a grown-ass lady and you can do whatever you want." She paused. "Whoever you want," she corrected.

Beca smiled, probably for the first time all day. "Well, uh, thanks, Chloe." The brunette placed a hand on her friend. Her touch was electrifying and Chloe's skin tingled at the contact. "I, uh, appreciate it," she said, awkwardly patting the other girl's shoulder.

Okay, less electrifying. But the uncomfortable gesture was adorable, and a huge smile spread slowly across Chloe's face. And the two stood for a simple moment, smiling stupidly at one another. Chloe enjoyed the silence for a moment, before saying: "So… since this Jesse guy isn't a thing, I don't imagine you have plans tonight?"

"Unless you call 'avoiding my roommate's death stare' plans, uh, no."

"You should come out with me tonight!" Chloe said excitedly, grabbing both Beca's hands in hers. "It'll be super fun!"

"Out?"

"To a party, duh." The older girl saw the hesitation in Beca's eyes. "Come on, we'll have the best time!" She flashed her best puppy dog eyes.

"Ugh. Fiiiine. But only cuz you asked nicely."

A/N: Hope you enjoyed! Chapter 3 comes next Tuesday... What will happen at the party? :)