A/N: Ok so I was kind of amazed by the response to this it was so much bigger than I ever imagined. So I just want to say thanks to everyone who read, reviewed, favourited and followed. Also there was a couple of days delay between me posting the first chapter of this here and on AO3 so that's why this update is out so quickly...I don't want to raise your expectations and think they'll always come so quickly but I do aim for not much more than a week between each.
The day of Hailey's assembly arrived and Beca made her way into the hall looking for Stacie. She was sitting in the third row saving a seat for the DJ with her phone in her hand ready to record her daughter for her grandparents.
"Hey," Beca greeted her friend, slipping into the seat beside Stacie. "Hailey all set for her part?"
"You know it," Stacie chuckled.
"Was she nervous?"
"Our girl?" Stacie scoffed. Hailey was very much an outgoing child, a social butterfly just like her mother. "Please! She's ready to crush it."
"I'd expect nothing less," Beca smiled fondly. "So what's this all about anyway?"
"Emotions!" Stacie chuckled, "pay attention Shorty you might learn something."
"Amusing," the producer glared at her best friend.
Before Stacie could reply Miss Beale stepped onto the stage to welcome them all to the assembly. Beca had to fight with her features to stop the smile that threatened to creep over her face at the sight of the redhead. She knew Stacie would be watching her and didn't want to give her the satisfaction. Chloe looked incredible though; a black pencil skirt and a turquoise blouse that clung to her in all the right places and gave Beca some very wrong thoughts.
"Welcome everyone to our first grade assembly!" She said cheerfully, clasping her hands together. "The kids have worked really hard on this so I hope you all enjoy it."
Stacie didn't miss the way Chloe's smile grew as she glanced in their direction when moving to take her seat at the piano. She shook her head at how oblivious her best friend was; even from this distance it was obvious the teacher was interested.
The children stepped up to the front and began their assembly. Hailey delivered her part perfectly, standing tall and smiling at the audience. Stacie welled up slightly and Beca felt immensely proud of her godchild. When all the children had said their parts Chloe kicked in with the piano. Beca's eyes widened slightly when she recognised the song; it was one she had produced. She had been expecting a nursery rhyme or some other kid's song not the jazzy opening riff of Pharell's 'happy'. She watched the proud smile grow on the redhead's face as the kids sang enthusiastically and danced in their spots. When the song was over the audience gave the kids a roaring round of applause, most of them standing from their seats. Chloe instructed the children to take a bow.
"Thank you!" She beamed that bright smile at the audience and Beca knew she was a goner. "Wasn't that great? If you'd like to stick around for a while there'll be coffee and juice available before home time."
The kids made their way off the stage and Hailey came rushing over to Stacie and Beca.
"You were amazing babygirl!" Stacie smiled broadly as she scooped her daughter up in her arms.
"Totally awesome kiddo!" Beca echoed, nudging her goddaughter in the arm.
"Did you like the song?"
"I loved it!" Beca nodded enthusiastically. "And I loved your dancing too."
The little girl giggled at the praise. Across the room Beca saw Chloe making her way around the gathered parents and children. She was torn between wanting her to approach because she wanted more interactions with the teacher and wishing she'd stay away because she knew Stacie would be watching her every move.
"Oh look who's coming this way?" Stacie whispered in Beca's ear, feigning surprise.
"Please behave!" Beca pleaded, knowing her friend had the power to utterly embarrass her in front of Chloe. Stacie merely shrugged in response.
"Hey, you made it!" Chloe smiled as she approached the brunette.
"I did," Beca smiled back.
"Hailey did great, didn't she?" Chloe nodded at the child in her mother's arms.
"She was brilliant," Stacie gushed proudly, giving her daughter a squeeze that made the little girl laugh.
"She's quite a star," the teacher continued. "She wasn't nervous or anything."
"No she gets all that confidence from Stace," Beca joked and Stacie shrugged; it wasn't a bad trait to pass on to her daughter.
"I have to admit I was a little nervous," Chloe ducked her head slightly, catching Beca's eye.
"Why were you nervous?" Beca's brow furrowed.
"Well it's not everyday your class sings a song with the producer of said song sitting in the audience." She giggled nervously and Beca immediately thought that it was one of the most adorable noises she'd ever heard.
"Let's go get some juice," Stacie says loudly, moving away to give Beca and Chloe some privacy. She caught Beca's eye before she moved, mouthing the words 'ask her out' behind the teacher's back.
"It sounded great!" Beca assured her. "You were great on the piano. Couldn't really hear you singing over the kids though."
"Coming from you that means a lot!" Chloe smiled shyly. It wasn't everyday someone so talented complimented her.
"No I mean that. I struggle to get full grown adults to perform in the studio so I have no idea how you managed to coral 20 odd 6 year olds into something that good," Beca chuckled.
"It helps that it's the song from the minion movie," the redhead mused. A moment of silence passed between them. Chloe bit her lips together, the urge to just go for it and ask the producer out rising.
"Would you maybe like to get coffee sometime?"
"Are you free Saturday night?"
Both girls spoke at the same time then laughed awkwardly.
"What was that?" Chloe asked, her heart skipping because she was sure Beca had just asked her if she was free on Saturday; that almost certainly sounded like the preface to a date request.
"I was just wondering if you were maybe free Saturday night," Beca mumbled, finding it hard to look Chloe in the eye.
A grin broke out on the redhead's face, her blue eyes positively sparkling. "Yeah, I think I'm free. What'd you have in mind?"
"I don't know, drinks? Maybe dinner?" She rubbed the back of her neck. To be honest she hadn't actually thought that far ahead. "I just...I'd like to see you outside your workplace."
"I'd love that," Chloe grinned. She reached forward and plucked Beca's phone from her pocket and typed in her number. "This is my number and now," she called herself from Beca's phone, "I have yours."
Stacie had been watching the exchange from across the room she couldn't stop the excited squeal from coming out when she saw them exchange numbers. Beca's head snapped round at the noise and she glared at her best friend.
"Great so I'll text you," she smiled at Chloe. Still unable to believe she'd just managed to get the redhead's number.
"You better," Chloe pouted in a manner Beca could only describe as seductively as she handed back the DJ's phone.
"Crap!" Beca muttered when she noticed the time. "I have to get back to work!"
"Those number ones aren't going to produce themselves," Chloe teased making Beca laugh.
"But I'll see you on Saturday?" She still couldn't believe the teacher had agreed to the date.
"I can't wait," Chloe's eyes twinkled as she gave Beca a small wave goodbye.
The brunette hurried over the Stacie to say a quick goodbye and tell Hailey once again how great she was.
"Come over for dinner tonight," Stacie called to her friend as she left. She wanted the full details of what just went down between the two women. Beca nodded and hurried out the door.
"Beca Mitchell, you stud!" Stacie grinned when she answered the door to her friend. Beca rolled her eyes; she wasn't even through the door yet and already the teasing had started.
"Shut up!" the smaller woman groaned, stepping into the house. Stacie just laughed and shut the door.
"I'm serious Becs! I didn't know you had it in you."
"Neither did I if I'm honest," Beca chuckled. She was still too buzzing from scoring a date with Chloe to care too much about Stacie's teasing.
"So come on, spill! I want details," Stacie urged, busying herself with the pots on the stove.
"I asked her out and she said yes," Beca shrugged, unable to stop the smile creeping across her face.
"Ugh," Stacie sighed. "I said details Shorty! You know what details are!"
"Alright," Beca relented, knowing Stacie wouldn't drop it until she did. "Well you heard her say she was nervous about the class singing my song with me in the audience and I told her I thought it was great and how I was impressed she managed to get that many kids in order. Then there was this pause and some, I don't know, eye contact or whatever and I just kind of went for it. She actually asked me for coffee at the exact same time."
"Told you she was into you," Stacie pouted smugly, pointing her wooden spoon at the producer.
"Yes, yes, you were right," Beca rolled her eyes. "Anyway then she gave me her number, which you saw, and we have a date Saturday night."
"I'm so happy for you!" Stacie bounced excitedly. She could tell Beca liked Chloe and it had been too long since she had liked anyone. She hoped the teacher would be good for her tiny friend. "Have you text her yet?"
"No I've been at work all afternoon, this is literally the first time I've sat down," she sighed tiredly. It had been a long afternoon.
"Well what are you waiting for text her!" Stacie urged.
"I don't know what to say," Beca groaned. She hated this.
"Just say hey, maybe something flirty!" Stacie poked her tongue out. "So what are your plans for the big date?"
"Oh I have no idea," Beca replied plainly, her phone in her hands, thumbs hoovering over the keyboard as she mulled over what to say.
"Hopeless!" Stacie shook her head. "You ask a girl out and don't even have a date planned."
"See I wasn't exactly planning on asking her out, so that's why I don't have a date planned," Beca explained. "I guess maybe we could go get a drink somewhere. Since I hate movies and dinner always feels too formal and makes me nervous!"
"You are too cute sometimes," Stacie teased. "All nervous for your big date!"
"So drinks! Does that sound acceptable? Kind of counting on you to help me out with this whole thing," she pressed, ignoring Stacie's comment because she needed the taller girl's help.
"It sounds great," Stacie nodded, taking pity on her friend. "Casual and gives you the opportunity to talk."
"Good." Beca nodded.
"Alright, either you're typing an essay there or that message is still blank," Stacie sighed, moving beside her friend. The screen of Beca's phone was blank, Stacie rolled her eyes.
"Either help me or shut up!" Beca grumbled, frowning petulantly.
"The emoji is a nice touch," she mused referring to the winking face saved next to Chloe's name. "What do I have by my name?"
"She saved it like that," Beca sighed.
"So your new girlfriend gets a special emoji but I don't? I am hurt!"
"You know I don't do emojis and she's not my new girlfriend!" Beca argued.
"Not yet anyway," Stacie countered smugly. She saw the way these two looked at each other, it wouldn't be long before they crossed into official girlfriend territory.
"Shouldn't you be making me food?" Beca narrowed her eyes at the brunette.
'Hey Chloe, it's Beca...in case you didn't save my number. I was just checking you're still free for Saturday and what time suits you?'
Chloe's heart may have fluttered slightly in her chest when she saw the producer's name flash on her phone. She grinned broadly to herself as she read the message, she could just picture the brunette's slightly awkward mannerisms as she read. It was like Beca really had no clue how attractive she was. She quickly hit the reply button.
'Hey Beca! Yes I'm totally free Saturday. Any time suits me. Maybe 8? What are we doing? I can't wait X'
"That Beca?" Aubrey asked when she entered the living room.
"Yes," Chloe narrowed her eyes at her best friend and roommate. "How did you know?"
"That startlingly good Cheshire Cat impression you're doing kind of gave it away," the blonde rolled her eyes. Chloe had been gushing about the tiny little DJ on and off for weeks. When she came home from work that afternoon she had almost perforated Aubrey's eardrum with a squeal about how Beca had asked her out.
"I'm just excited," Chloe shrugged. "It's not everyday you land a date with a world famous music producer."
"I still can't believe she's famous," Aubrey shook her head. "Her songs are really good! Hard to believe someone so famous would just appear in your classroom one day."
"I know. Seriously though Bree, she's so down to earth."
"And funny. And cute. And she looked so hot at that movie premiere," Aubrey mimicked Chloe. She'd been hearing all about Beca for days.
"I've been talking about her a lot, huh?" Chloe grimaced.
"A little, yeah," she chuckled. "It's ok. It's kind of cute. You seem to really like her, I'm glad she asked you out."
"I do like her," Chloe sighed. "I mean I know I don't really know her or anything but it's just this feeling. I can't explain it."
Chloe's phone buzzed another message from Beca.
'8 it is. Haven't really finalised the details just yet...is there anything you'd like to do? I can't wait either. X'
"Oh God! It's a good thing this date is on Saturday because I don't know if I could take more than 2 days of you mooning over your phone like a love sick teenager," Aubrey groaned.
"Green isn't a great colour on you!" Chloe fired back, sticking her tongue out at her best friend. Aubrey's jaw dropped in indignation which made Chloe shrug smugly before returning her attention to replying.
'I don't mind what we do. I'm sure whatever you come up with will be great :) X'
Saturday afternoon saw Beca standing in her bedroom with the entire contents of her wardrobe thrown on the bed. She couldn't figure out what to wear. She'd forgotten how stressful first dates actually were. She had been texting Chloe back and forth over the last two days and she couldn't wait to see her again, to go on a date with her and get to know her better, but if anything that just added to the pressure to make sure it went well and made her even more nervous. She was busy glaring at her clothes when there was a knock at her door. She opened it to find Stacie and Hailey.
"Hey Stace, hey Hails...what are you guys doing here?" She asked, stepping aside to let them in.
"Well your date is in a couple hours so I figured you would be in desperate need of my help right now," Stacie explained, making her way to Beca's room. "And from the looks of things, I'd say I was right...again."
"Your room is messy," Hailey frowned at her aunt. If her room looked like this she would be in trouble.
"I know kid," Beca pouted. "Having a bit of a wardrobe crisis."
"That's what we're here for," Stacie grinned. "We are going to pick Aunt Beca a killer outfit for her date, aren't we Bub?"
"Yep!" the little girl agreed.
"What would I do without you guys?" Beca chuckled, she was genuinely grateful for their help.
Stacie began picking up random items if Beca's clothing, tossing them into different piles, occasionally muttering comments to herself or shaking her head.
"Alright I think we have a few options here," she nodded in approval when she was finished. "Nothing too fancy but definitely enough to make you look hot!"
She showed the options to Beca and Hailey; mostly different combinations of jeans and shirts.
"I personally think the ripped grey jeans with the lacy cropped t-shirt works best," Stacie pointed at her chosen selection.
"What do you think Hailey?" Beca asked, holding the t-shirt against her body.
"I like it," she nodded enthusiastically.
"I guess we have a winner then," Beca smiled, she was definitely feeling less stressed now she had help.
"Great!" Stacie clapped her hands together. "Now please go shower because I'd like you to make a good impression on this first date and you're not going to looking like that."
"Hey," Beca huffed indignantly.
"Shower!" Stacie rolled her eyes and pointed to the bathroom.
"Bossing me around in my own home," Beca muttered under her breath as she made her way to the en suite.
When Beca got out of the shower she found Stacie and Hailey in the living room watching cartoons and eating sandwiches.
"Here, eat!" Stacie said, pushing the plate with a pb&j sandwich towards her. "Need something in your stomach if you're going to be drinking later."
"Thanks," Beca grabbed the plate and sat down beside Hailey.
"How about this one?" Chloe asked, walking into the living room smoothing out a pale blue blouse. Aubrey looked up from her book.
"Looks great Chlo!" She smiled at the redhead. "But I've said that about the last 5 tops you've tried on."
"I know, I just...I want to look good!" she frowned. "She always looks so good and she's only ever seen me in my work clothes."
"Your work clothes are nice!" Aubrey argued. "Besides you were wearing your work clothes when she asked you out so I think it's safe to say she likes what she sees!"
Chloe blushed at the idea Beca, the hot music producer, found her attractive. "Seriously Bree which one?"
"The one you're wearing," she said with certainty. "It brings out your eyes and shows off your assets without giving too much away."
"Great thanks." Chloe smiled brightly. "Now shoes."
Aubrey groaned and rolled her head back; she'd never seem Chloe this stressed before a date, or this excited. She must really like this Beca Mitchell.
"Well I don't recommend heels because she's pretty tiny and you probably don't want to tower over her," the blonde suggested. "Not that you're very tall yourself."
"How about these?" Chloe came back out of her room in a pair of low heeled sandals.
"Perfect!"Aubrey grinned.
"Great!" Chloe smiled confidently. "Now all that's left is hair and make up."
"Where are you going again?" Aubrey asked, giving up on her book and following Chloe into her bedroom.
"Some bar on 3rd street, apparently Beca knows the owner," she shrugged, she'd never been to the place before but to be honest she didn't really care where they went, she was just looking forward to spending some time with Beca.
"I'm sure it will be great," Aubrey smiled warmly at her best friend. She hoped for Chloe's sake the date went well. If it didn't she would have no problem hunting down the DJ, famous or not, and hurting her.
Stacie spent the better part of an hour doing Beca's hair and make up with only minimal complaining from the smaller girl. Beca was grateful to have Stacie at this moment, she trusted her best friend to make her look hot for the date.
"How are the nerves?" She asked, putting the finishing touches to Beca's make up.
"They're definitely there," Beca chuckled. "But I'm excited too. I just, I want it to go well."
"Excited? Really?" Stacie feigned shock. "Did badass DJBMitch just admit to being excited about something that wasn't music production software?"
"Shut up!"
"You really like her, don't you?" She smiled warmly at her friend despite the earlier teasing.
"I do," Beca nodded, a smile creeping over her face at the thought of the teacher. "There's just...something about her. I don't know."
"Well you are going to knock her dead tonight; I'm done." She stepped back to admire her handiwork.
"Thanks Stace," she said sincerely. The taller girl held her hand out to help her to her feet, pulling her in for a hug.
"You're welcome short stuff."
They walked back into the living room where Hailey was colouring in at the coffee table. Beca checked the time and was pleased to find she was ready early for a change, thanks to Stacie's help.
"Hey Hailey, doesn't Aunty Beca look great?" Stacie called the child's attention.
"You look soo pretty," the little girl beamed at her godmother. Her bright little smile temporarily quelling the butterflies in Beca's stomach.
"Thanks Hails!"
"Do you want a ride to the bar?" Stacie offered, grabbing her keys from the side table.
"That would be great actually," Beca nodded, grabbing her leather jacket from the back of the couch and pulling it on.
The nervous anticipation knotting in Beca's stomach grew as they approached the bar. She had been on first dates before, she'd felt nervous and excited but nothing on this scale. She couldn't explain why or even how exactly Chloe made her feel but it was something she'd never felt before. She really hoped the teacher was feeling even a fraction of this too. She really wanted tonight to go well. When Stacie pulled up outside the bar she actually felt like she might throw up. She drew in a shaky breath and released her seatbelt.
Stacie reached across from her seat and placed her hands on Beca's arms, turning her friend so she could look into her eyes.
"Calm down Becs! It's going to be great," she assured her. "Just try to relax, OK and just be your wonderful if slightly sarcastic self and she'll fall madly in love with you."
Beca chuckled, feeling her nerves settle slightly; Stacie always knew how to handle her.
"Besides," she continued with a smirk, "from what I've seen she's already pretty into you so just...try to enjoy yourself, alright?"
"I will," Beca nodded. She was about to go on a date with Chloe Beale; no matter how nervous she felt she had no doubt she was going to enjoy it.
"Alright, wish your Aunty Becs good luck on her date, Bub!"
"Good luck!" She parroted happily from the back seat.
"Thanks kiddo!" Beca smiled back at her. "And thanks Stace, for...all of this. Not sure if have made it in time or looking half as good without you."
"It's what I do," the brunette shrugged with a smug smile. "Now go. Go have fun. And I want to hear all about it tomorrow! Got it?"
"Yeah, I got it. Full interrogation tomorrow," Beca rolled her eyes as she exited the car.
"Go get her Tiger!" Stacie called through the open window as Beca walked towards the bar.
"You can leave now," the DJ shouted back, blushing at the scene her friend was causing.
