The Red String of Fate Chapter 3, a pitch perfect fanfic

RECAP: Fate takes on the mortal form of a young woman and calls herself Fate Valentine, the director of the play where Beca, Chloe, and Jesse takes the stage as the main characters. The story is simple, girl who never had any friends before becomes best friends with two people, both fall in love with her, and she falls in love with one of them. With only the lyrics of the song to go on with, will Beca be able to find the truth of how she truly feels deep in her heart? (Sorry for the long chapter but it features a number of songs listed at the end)

I do not own Pitch Perfect

3: Act 1: First Time

Fate took in a deep breath, why is it so hard nowadays to get two people who were meant to be together to actually be together? "Cut!" she yelled above the initially smooth going now disastrous rehearsal. "Guys, we've been practicing the whole of Act 1 nonstop for a week already, can we please just get it all together and go through all the scenes without anyone questioning the 'motivations' of each and everyone's characters? For the love of God just be yourself and live in the truth of the moment!"

Beca flinched, the death glare Fate was giving all of them at the moment was by far scarier than Aubrey's. Truth be told, even the aca-nazi herself was a little intimidated by their director. Who knew that was even possible, she thought to herself. Fate had decided to give the script and song choices in parts, once they perfect one act and master all the scenes within it then they'll move to the next one and only having brush ups and quick rehearsals for the already mastered acts.

"Take five then we start from the top." Fate said with a heavy sigh when one of the Trebles wanted to weigh in on his character's development.

Beca sat with the Bellas, right next to Chloe, but the redhead had been a little aloof lately. The smiles she gave Beca barely touched her eyes and Beca could feel the sadness she was trying to hide. Chloe mostly spent her free time with Aubrey, thankfully free time was rare. Once they reach their flat, Aubrey drills them again, making sure they have their parts down to a tee in her attempts to make sure that the Bellas impress the young enigmatic director.

On ordinary days, Beca would complain with the additional practices but those usually helped take her mind off of Chloe and it gives her an excuse to not see Jesse. The two of them just got engaged and already Beca couldn't stand the prolonged bonding time Jesse always tried to initiate, she just wished she could spend some time with Chloe.

Looking back, that was always the case. Sure they went on dates and did things couples usually do, but Beca mostly spent her time with Chloe. So, despite the fact that it's for this play they were doing, Beca cherished the private Bellas rehearsals, getting the chance to sing with, and sing to, Chloe.

"Your five minutes are up." Fate called out as she sat in her seat somewhere along the middle row of the orchestra seats. "Places people!"

Luke peaked out of the backstage where he read the narration checking to see that Beca was ready to start. The lights went out until a spotlight had been focused on the DJ. The show was about to start.

No attorneys to plead my case
No opiates to send me outta' space
And my fingers are bejeweled
With diamonds and gold
But that ain't gonna help me now

Beca started singing as she walked around the stage interacting with the extra casts providing back up acapella style – some of the Tone Hangers, a few members of the BU harmonics, even three members of Das Sound Machine, which Beca had to admit was a bit of shock but thankfully their fearless leader couldn't make it. Beca tried to be standoffish, which wasn't that hard to pull, causing trouble and being all rebellious.

I'm trouble, yeah trouble now
I'm trouble y'all, I disturb my town
I'm trouble, yeah trouble now
I'm trouble y'all, I got trouble in my town

The interactions change a little and shows flashbacks of how and why Beca chose to be alone, why she chose to build her walls. She gets hurt by her childhood friends who leave her, and afterwards forget about her, her parents separate, people around her talk about her. Beca starts to build her rep as being the badass DJ and starts to show how she developed her rebellious streak.

You think you're right but you were wrong
You tried to take me but I knew all along
You can't take me for a ride
I'm not a fool now, so you better run and hide

Beca hits the chorus again getting back to the present where Beca has her street cred already established. As she wraps up the song Luke enters the scene wearing a wig and a plastered beard. He was playing Beca's dad. The extras start to exit while Luke takes Beca away and makes a deal with her, support whatever career choice she makes if she finishes her studies.

Luke drags Beca who was trying to resist as she finishes her song from one end of the stage and all the way to the other side. He points to a sign that says Bella Academy, an all-girls school that was home of the Bellas who in the play were an established ensemble competing with the rival school's Treblemakers. Luke huffs as he walks away and Beca follows him trying to renegotiate the deal. Beca stops at center stage as the backdrop changes to that of the shared courtyard of the two schools with the Bellas and the Trebles finally coming into scene, doing their own respective things. The spotlight on Beca disappears as the whole stage comes to life.

Beca walks upstage, slinking back as she resigns herself to her fate. The Bellas and the Trebles however have other plans as they start their scene. Fat Amy moves to center stage, meeting Bumper there, and the Bellas and Trebles quickly rally up behind their representatives as they start their mash up song.

Fat Amy starts.

If your lips are moving, If your lips are moving
then you're lyin', lyin', lyin', baby
then you're lyin', lyin', lyin', baby
then you're lyin', lyin', lyin', baby

Then Bumper jumps in.

This hit, that ice cold
Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold
This one for them hood girls
Them good girls straight masterpieces
Stylin', whiln', livin' it up in the city
Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent
Got kiss myself, I'm so pretty

The rest of the Bellas start singing too with the Trebles singing in the background.

You can buy me diamond earrings and deny-ny-ny, ny-ny-ny, deny-ny
But I smell her on your collar so goodbye-bye-bye, bye-bye-bye

[I'm too hot (hot damn)
Called a police and a fireman
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Make a dragon wanna' retire man
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Say my name you know who I am
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Am I bad 'bout that money, break it down]

The Trebles then take the lead while the Bellas sing in the background

Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you
Saturday night and we in the spot
Don't believe me just watch (come on)

[If your lips are moving, If your lips are moving
then you're lyin', lyin', lyin', baby
then you're lyin', lyin', lyin', baby
then you're lyin', lyin', lyin', baby]

The Bellas and Trebles start to mix in with each other as they occupy the whole stage, finally mastering the choreography. The groups start to loosen up, finally getting into the mash up after so many rehearsals. The Bellas take command with the song once again, with the Trebles with their ready reply.

I know you lie
Cause your lips are moving
Tell me do you think I'm dumb?

Don't believe me just watch

I might be young, but I ain't stupid
Talking around in circles with your tongue

Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Hey, hey, hey, oh

The Bellas take over

Uptown funk you up
Uptown funk you up (say what?)

Followed by the Trebles

Uptown funk you up
Uptown funk you up
Saturday night and we in the spot
Don't believe me just watch (come on)

Then the Bellas hit the chorus again with the Trebles singing "Uptown Gunk you up" softly in the background and fate watched as the two acapella groups sang their hearts out, putting the stage on a blaze. They wrap up the song as they move towards their respective positions getting ready for the next scene. The reintroduction of the rather rebellious and badass alt girl, Beca.

Fat Amy was talking to Bumper, with their usual flirting rituals heavily accentuated by their actions as they mute down their conversation. Aubrey was sitting on a picnic table engaged in a conversation with Chloe and Stacie, shooting a quick glance at an oblivious Unicycle who was doing what he did best as was hanging out with the rest of the Trebles. Cynthia Rose was with Lily, Ashley and Jessica as she gushed about her love life. Baca was sat down on some picnic blanket, engaged in her own thing, favorite pair of headphones on. Emily was nervously chatting up an equally awkward Benji with Jesse as his wingman.

The scene transitions with Jesse finally laying eyes on Beca. Emily and Benji start singing in the background, their mash up of Shut Up and Dance and Want to Want Me. They both start the song with a duet.

Oh don't you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me.
I said you're holding back
She said shut up and dance with me
And if you want, hey girl (boy), you got me
There's nothing I know I wouldn't do
Shut up and let me get up next to you

They hold hands and Emily sings.

It's so hard to sleep
I got the sheets on the floor
Listen to me
And I can't take it no more
It's a hundred degrees
I got one foot out the door
Where are my keys?
'Cause I gotta leave, yeah

Jesse takes a few steps back as Benji takes over. The couple locked in their own world.

We were victims of the night,
The chemical, physical, kryptonite
Helpless to the bass and faded light
Oh we were born to get together,
Born to get together.

She took my arm
I don't know how it happened
We took the floor and she said

The two start to sing the respective chorus of the songs they were singing with each other.

Boy, you're the one [Oh don't you dare look back]
I want you to want me [Just keep your eyes on me]
And if you want, hey boy, you got me [I said you're holding back]
There's nothing I know I wouldn't do, I wouldn't do [She said shut up and dance with me]
Just to get up next you

As Jesse was about to finally rejoin the Trebles, his eyes lock on Beca who, like the couple, was in her own happy world as she bobs her head to the music she was listening to. Jesse starts to take over, walking towards Beca and extending a hand to her. He dances as he sings, trying to coax Beca into joining him.

Deep in her eyes
I think I see the future
I realize this is my last chance

Girl, you're the one
I want you to want me
And if you want, hey girl, you got me
There's nothing I know I wouldn't do, I wouldn't do
Just to get up next you

Beca, finally giving in, starts to sing too before being quickly taken over by Emily and Benji who once again takes the spotlight as Beca and Jesse part ways.

Oh don't you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me
I said you're holding back
He said shut up and dance with me

Benji and Emily finish the song, settling in some corner of the stage. Beca walks to the side of the Bellas where she finds her own corner downstage. Aubrey and Stacie walk away from Chloe, locked in their own conversation, both upset, and with that Beca starts her solo. It was just her, no back up.

And as Beca sang she remembers the first time she and Chloe met at the activities fair, followed by the whole shower incident. Beca couldn't help the blush that had started to taint her cheeks and Fate smiled, the intimate setup of a certain reprise taking its desired effect. Chloe's attention lands on Beca as soon as she starts singing, she had the same look on her face as Beca did as she remembers the same incident. She smiles fondly at the brunette who was trying her best to ignore Chloe's presence as she wasn't supposed to notice her at the beginning.

You shout it out, but I can't hear a word you say
I'm talking loud, not saying much
I'm criticized, but all your bullets ricochet
You shoot me down, but I get up

Chloe approaches Beca, stretching her hand out. They lock eyes for a minute or two as Chloe joins her in the song. Beca stands up and for a while they were singing to each other, standing in their own corner of the stage. It was there moment, and only theirs to share.

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down, but I won't fall
I am Titanium
You shoot me down, but I won't fall
I am Titanium

Beca notice's the smile in Chloe's eyes, which only makes her smile grow bigger, it wasn't her usual smirk but rather it was her reserved-only-for-Chloe smile. Chloe leads her to where the rest of the Bellas had started to gather, reminiscent of how it was Chloe who got her to audition and join the Bellas, giving Beca a family she never thought she could have.

The song wraps up and Aubrey says her line about the competition where they will face the Trebles. Aubrey whips them into shape and Beca joins Stacie in singing Cherry Wine with the Bellas softly providing backup vocals. Stacie steals glances from Aubrey and Beca and Chloe stealing glances from each other, with Chloe's stolen glances a part of the script and Beca's all on her own. Stacie starts the song.

Her eyes and words so icy
Oh but she burns like rum on the fire
Hot and fast and angry as she can be
I walk my days on a wire

It looks ugly, but it's clean
Oh mama, don't fuss over me

Beca joins her in the chorus.

The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine
Open hand or closed fist would be fine
The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine

Stacie then lets Beca sing her part.

Her fight and fury is fiery
Oh but she loves like sleep to the freezing
Sweet and right and merciful
I'm all but washed in the tide of her breathing

And it's worth it, it's divine
I have this some of the time

They repeat the chorus as they do a quick montage of preparing while doing some vocal exercises, the Trebles doing their version of preparation too, before they get into position for their final mash up.

Both the Bellas and Trebles start to take turns singing the lines of You're No Body Until Somebody Loves You, Lily providing some serious beatboxing and Ashley and Jessica representing the Bellas while Donals represents the Trebles, and they sing together upon hitting the chorus, the Bellas and Trebles facing each other in their formation.

Long gone and fallen down but I'm loving how it tastes
I look around for desire, love run away
Hold back, we're falling down, and I show you how it breaks
If I can give it, I'll take it, all of the way

And I've got a lot left to learn, babe

You're nobody 'til somebody loves you
It's hard times when nobody wants you (It's a cold heart when nobody holds you)
Fill up my cup, don't ever stop coming
Get up on top, I'll make it pop honey

Don't you stop me, I will get what's coming to me
I am ready baby, I will be somebody (2x)

Don't ever stop (repeat until it fades)

Chloe steps forward with her solo as the Bellas transition from their previous song into providing back up for Chloe. The Trebles hang back, the members of the Tone Hangers enter the scene playing the part of the judges. Chloe rests her eyes on Beca's every now and then as she sings with all her heart.

Say you love me to my face
I need it more than your embrace
Just say you want me, that's all it takes
Heart's getting torn from your mistakes

'Cause I don't wanna' fall in love
If you don't wanna' try
But all that I've been thinking of
Is maybe that you might
Baby looks as though we're running out of words to say
And love's floating away

The Bellas join Chloe in the chorus before Beca starts her solo.

Slowly, slowly, you unfold me
But do you know me at all
Someone told me love controls everything
But only if you know

The Bellas once again join the chorus, their soft voices fading away as they transition to the Trebles song. Jesse steps up with his solo of Mine.

On my mind, I pass my bed time
No rest at the kingdom
Alone in my place, my heart is away
All that I can think of is
We should get married (2x)
Let's stop holding back on this and let's get carried away
I just wanna say you're mine, you're mine (2x)

As the Trebles jump in the judges find their way to the middle of the stage, criticizing the Bellas and howling at them. One of the judges approaches the Bellas, particularly hitting on Chloe. The Trebles transition to Elastic Hearts as Beca punches the judge and the Bellas get disqualified.

And another one bites the dust
Oh why can I not conquer love?
And I might have thought that we were one
Wanted to fight this war without weapons

The Trebles finish of their song victorious as some of the BU harmonic members playing the police take away Beca, Jesse steps in and Beca pushes him away frustrated.

Beca starts to sing parts of Person I Should Have Been. While singing Chloe reaches out to Beca as Luke, once again playing Beca's dad, clears the mess.

I'm gonna start again
This world I painted black just needs some color
I'm gonna live my life like the other
Person I should have been

I ain't tapping out, no, no, no, no
To this dark and twisted dream that's kept me living
I pray to my soul to keep its fire burning
And when it does I'm gonna let it shine

I'll make the best of this life I've got left
Got no time for no regrets
Gonna' show you just what I can be
The person I should have been

Beca smiles sheepishly at Chloe as she tries to avoid the Bellas who are constantly around Chloe. She tries to fix her friendship with Jesse who walks away from her. Convinced and determined to fix and mend her relationship with her friends, Beca finished singing her song, the Bellas exiting stage right, the Trebles on stage left. The lights start to diminish on stage leaving only the spotlight on Beca. When Beca finishes her song, the light goes off, ending act one.

"Excellent work my dears!" Fate cried out as she stands up to applaud, witnessing the magic that had transpired on stage.

NOTES: Songs for this chapter include the following
- Trouble (Pink)
- Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars)/Lips are Moving (Meghan Trainor) [mash up inspired by Sam Tsui's cover watch?v=xl8BCOuWh9c]
- Shut Up and Dance (Walk the Moon)/Want to Want Me (Jason Derulo) [mash up also inspired by Sam Tsui's cover watch?v=POzWc8gC7PU]
- Titanium (David Guetta ft. Sia)
- Cherry Wine (Hozier)
- You're No Body 'Til Somebody Loves You (James Arthur)/Say You Love Me (Jesse Ware)/Mine (Beyone)/Elastic Heart (Sia) [mash up inspired by The Nor'easters Wildcard Submission for the ICCA 2015 watch?v=vvFwNzMgcx0]
- Person I Should Have Been (James Morrison)