Hey everyone! I can't believe I updated so early. Well, here you go, and enjoy. This one's on the longer side…so…yeah. I was trying to figure out what to give up for Lent that would be good… and my friend was like how about giving up listening to the Pitch Perfect album and or watching the movie? And I was like HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA no. My life…
I don't own Pitch Perfect or Jesse's beautiful face.
Episode 5: What We Do During Heartfelt Talks
The sobbing could be heard around the world. Okay, so maybe not around the world, but all throughout the house, everyone was about to scream. Beca and Jesse spoke in hushed whispers.
"Go talk to her, Jesse. Before my ear drums burst."
"I can't! You want me to talk to her about sex and boys? No thank you!"
"But she loves you more!"
"That's not true."
"Well, she likes hanging out with you better."
"Whatever you say. But this is not a dad subject. This is a mom subject. Suck it up and go talk to the girl."
Beca grumbled something about dorks that have no outlet and headed for the stairs. Jesse was smiling behind her, because she was finally sharing a girl on girl talk with their daughter. And he for one thought it was adorable.
Beca softly knocked on the door to Madi's bedroom, and took a cautious step back. She wasn't very good at this whole comforting thing. But she might as well give it a shot, if it would mean something to her daughter.
"Madi?" She peered her head in the room.
The room was a mess. Pictures were torn off the walls, one of her high school acapella trophies shattered, and she had her head buried in a huge pillow. Not to mention there were used tissues tossed all over the place.
"Mads?" She asked again, walking slowly towards the slumped figure.
"Go away." Her daughter grumbled into the pillow.
"Talk to me." Beca said simply, sitting gingerly down on the bed next to her.
"Why didn't you send dad? I assumed you would. This isn't exactly your type of thing." She practically spat, and Beca had to take a deep breath to keep from getting angry.
"It isn't. But I love you, Madi. I want you to know that I'll always-"
"Don't give me any of that lovey-dovey shit. Happy endings only come true in dad's stupid movies. Why does love have to hurt this much?" She sobbed harder and fell onto Beca, who awkwardly wrapped her arms around her.
"What can I do?" Beca whispered after the girl calmed down a little.
"Tell me a story. With a happy ending." Madi gulped quietly.
"I thought you hated that 'lovey-dovey shit'?" Beca raised an eyebrow and looked into her daughter's deep blue eyes that resembled her own.
Madi sighed, "I can't lie for long... You know I love movies." She buried her head in Beca's lap in embarrassment.
Beca chuckled and thought of something she could tell her. Suddenly, she came up with an idea. "Alright, I'm going to tell you the story of a grinch named Beca, and how she got a heart."
"Mom, I've already heard that story a thousand times. Tell me... Tell me what happened after the kiss." Madi pondered and wiped a stray tear off her face.
"After the kiss?" Beca scrunched up her eyebrows.
"Yeah, you know. After the whole, "Endings are the best part! You're such a weirdo!" She imitated them spot on and Beca let out a laugh.
"That was pretty good! But I think the snogging noises were unnecessary." Beca smirked.
"But seriously. You always stop the story after the kiss! I want to know what happened afterwards!" She pleaded with her mom.
"Alright, I guess. But don't interrupt me!" She instructed and Madi complied, placing her head on Beca's lap while she stroked her hair. Times like these were rare, especially for a fifteen-year-old.
..
I hugged Aubrey and laughed. This was all so crazy. We had just performed at the ICCA's, kicked some serious ass, and I would be lying if I told anyone it wasn't the greatest day of my life.
I practically ran off the stage, gripping the handrail so I wouldn't fall. I could barely contain myself. Practically a whole year of restraining myself from opening up to Jesse, and I had finally taken the plunge. I could only hope that he felt the same way. I sprinted up the aisle and walked down to where he stood, grinning from ear to ear.
"Told you," He sang mockingly, "Endings are the best part."
Oh, screw it all. "You're such a weirdo." I mumbled and pulled him to me. It went on forever, me kissing him. Then after the initial shock, he immediately started to kiss back. I couldn't help but grin at how this was finally happening. It guess it was inevitable.
"Beca," Jesse got out between kisses, resulting in me kissing him harder. It's a good thing the competition was taking an intermission after our performance. "Bec," He tried again, pulling away a little. "Be-CAW!" He yelped, and I finally let go of him to catch my breath. Damn, I had to admit that weirdo was a good kisser, even though I would never admit it. And even if he was trying to resist towards the end...
"What?" I rolled my eyes and leaned my forehead against his, "Can't you see I'm busy getting treble-boned?"
He let out a laugh and put his hands on my shoulders, pushing me back a little. "What are you thinking?" He asked, completely poker faced.
"What do you mean what am I-" I stopped when I realized he was serious. I took a deep, slightly nervous breath and climbed over the row of seats with his help, so I could sit down next to him. "I'm thinking about how much of an idiot I was." I said simply, but by the look on his face, I could tell he wanted more. "Oh?"
"Yeah." I grabbed his hand and laced my fingers with his, "I really am sorry, Jesse. And I wanted to answer your question."
"What question?" A wave of confusion flashed over his adorable features. It's funny how I went from thinking his expressions were cheesy and annoying, to utterly and completely fascinating.
"You asked why I push the people that care about me away." I stated and he nodded, prodding me on. "And I thought about it, and I realized something. It's not that I want to push them away, it's that I'm afraid. I'm afraid that the people I care about are going to push me away. So I do the exact thing that I'm afraid of." I revealed slowly, and he squeezed my hand in reply.
"I'm not going anywhere, Bec. I'm all yours." He grinned cheekily and gave me a short but loving peck on the cheek.
Now that the serious part of the conversation is out of the way, I return to my snarky sarcastic self. "Oh, crap." I muttered.
"What?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I'm an aca-girl," I started, "And I'm an aca-boy," Jesse continued looking ecstatic. "And we're going to have aca-children." I finished grudgingly. "It's inevitable." Jesse shrugged pulling me in so I'm leaning my head on his shoulder.
..
"And that's where I come in!" Madi interrupted, grinning like an idiot.
"What did I say?" Beca warned.
"Sorry."
..
"Well this worries me." I stated, looking up into his big brown eyes. "And why would that be?" He asked playfully. "You were right about one thing, I am draping myself all over you." I gestured to our intertwined everything and he laughed. "Yeah?"
"Yeah." I confirmed. "And it was pretty fun." I admitted, and he chuckled and kissed my hair.
"Will you let me take you out on a date?" He asked sweetly, smiling widely. "Well, we kind of already skipped those steps... I mean we're already at first base, and I didn't even pick up a ball or a helmet." I explained thoughtfully.
"Are you trying to ask me something, Million Dollar Baby?" He joked.
"I think it would fit the stereotypical movie ending of boy gets girl better if you asked me." I smirked.
He rolled his eyes, something he must have picked up from me. "Beca Mitchell, aka Be-CAW, aka my aca-girl, aka Hilary Swank from Million Dollar Baby, aka Million Dollar Baby not referencing a specific actress, aka-"
"Just get to the point, Jess." I cut in, but playfully of course.
"Will you do me the upmost honor, of becoming my lawfully wedded girlfriend?" He turned on the puppy dog face, searching my eyes for any trace of rebuttal.
"I would love to fulfill the honor." I air quoted and pulled his chin in for another kiss.
"Wow, not a single sarcastic remark. I'm impressed." He smiled genuinely after we pulled back.
"Me too." I replied, poking his nose teasingly. "But I guess your juice pouches and Breakfast Club movications had quite the influence on me."
"Speaking of The Breakfast Club," He pondered, smirking.
"I knew this was coming." I rolled my eyes.
"You watched it? And liked it? And if I know you at all I would know that you must have missed me so terribly that you came across The Breakfast Club soundtrack at the radio station and decided to watch the movie. Then, you cried at the ending and couldn't stop sobbing because you missed your aca-boy so much and your lovesick self wanted nothing more than to hold him and love him. And after that you convinced the Bellas to help you win back the love of your life by assisting to serenade him in front of the entire acapella population." He finished his story with a prideful grin.
"And it obviously worked." I replied with a sarcastic smirk, and punched his arm lightly.
..
"You actually fell for this guy? He's such a dork." Madi laughed and gave her mom a look.
"I wouldn't make any snarky comments there, missy. Unless you wish to be inexistent." Beca raised an eyebrow, "And besides, you might think that the 'bad boys' are the sexiest but in reality, sometimes the dorks are the best ones." She explained wistfully, and Madi nodded for her to continue the story.
..
The Bellas started to file in behind us and they all shot me knowing glances. "Where are the rest of the Trebles?" I asked in confusion, gesturing to the empty seats in his row.
"They went to get snacks...or something. I wanted to see you." Jesse smiled cheerily, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at that statement.
"Wow, you chose me over snack food. I'm flattered." I remarked, and leaned in to kiss him again, because I just couldn't help myself. The kid was so frustratingly adorable.
"Ahem." I heard a voice behind us and we sprung apart. "I hate to interrupt, but the next group is starting... So..." Aubrey deadpanned.
"Well I guess that's my cue. See you later, boyfriend." I mocked and pecked him on the cheek. He looked over the moon.
I climbed up a row and took a seat in between Aubrey and Amy. I sat with my hands folded and tried to stare ahead, but I could feel all eyes on me as I watched the Trebles file in with various snack foods.
I turned to Aubrey expecting to find a smug grin but instead she was glowing. "Uh, I know there's an oath and all, but-"
"Technically," She started in her typical know it all voice, "I no longer have the pitch pipe. So I can't enforce who you can and can not snog." She smirked.
"Thanks." We shared a smile.
The performances droned on and on. I swear it was the longest hour of my life. Amy wouldn't stop making awkward comments about me and Jesse's sex life. Even though we had none. Aubrey wouldn't stop whispering critiques of the other group's performances in my ear. Even though we basically already won. Jesse wouldn't stop being adorable, especially when he would turn his head around slowly and shoot me a wink. Even though he knows public displays of affection make me turn beet red. And then Chloe wouldn't stop making ridiculous facial expressions at me. I have no idea what that was about...
..
"I do. Aunt Chloe's a strange one." Madi interrupted again. Beca glared at her and she immediately shut her mouth.
..
When it finally came time for awards, I was exhausted. And I didn't even move a muscle. Aubrey made us join hands as we waited for them to announce the winners. It was really awkward because Fat Amy's hands were sweating like crazy and Aubrey had an insane death grip.
"In third place... We have the Charleston Vocaholics!" Everyone clapped politely, even Aubrey. I knew we were going to win though. But even then... I was insanely nervous.
"And the runner up for ICCA champion of the year is... the Barden Treblemakers!"
All the Trebles jumped out of their seats and started a series of whooping as they sent their captain to claim the smaller trophy onstage.
"What's you name, son?" The announcer asked.
"Jesse Swanson." Jesse beamed proudly and took the trophy and raised it high in the air, resulting in Benji doing a spontaneous magic trick and Donald doing his weird leg dance.
"What's it like leading the Treblemakers as a freshman?" The announcer asked quickly.
"It's great." Jesse chirped quickly, winking not so subtly at me.
"And quickly, is it disappointing to have ended your winning streak?"
"Not at all. The group that I know is going to get first place deserves it. They worked hard and it definitely showed in their performance. But next year, we'll be ready to win!" Jesse finished and made his way over to our area as the clapping died down. I snuck him an ecstatic grin, and he gestured to the stage in return.
"And the moment you've all been waiting for... This year's ICCA champion is... the Barden Bellas!" He exclaimed and we started screaming like four-year-olds. The things acapella does to people...
We ran onstage to receive our huge trophy, and individually we received medals as well. The announcer handed a mike to Aubrey.
"So Ms. Posen, how does redemption feel?" He asked.
"Like a walk in the park." She smirked. "But seriously, Beca here is responsible for our win. She put together the arrangement for our set!" She handed the trophy to me, and I smiled shyly.
"And it was amazing, by the way!" The guy exclaims. "And I couldn't help but notice you directing most of your performance attention to that dashing Treblemaker captain. What's going on there?" My eyes widened at his words, and I could have sworn I heard Jesse's laugh out somewhere in the audience.
"Um... Uh... Uh... You see... It's pretty cool actually..." I stuttered, suddenly flustered beyond belief. Fat Amy laughed out loud, seeing as I used one of her many catch phrases.
The announcer just laughed, congratulated us again, and the competition was officially over. After the applause died down, everyone slowly filed out of the auditorium. I exchanged a polite hello with my dad and Sheila, and he made me promise to explain what the deal was with Jesse and me later. We had a couple interviews and pictures, but after we finished we headed back to our bus. The Bellas quickly filed onto the bus, but I lingered behind.
Whenever I heard stories about the honeymoon phase of a relationship, I laughed. Apparently when a couple first gets together, they are inseparable for the first week or two. Almost like you have a craving for the other. I thought it was bullshit. But I have to admit, that was exactly what I was experiencing. I missed Jesse terribly, even though I had just seen him an hour ago. It was a weird, foreign feeling in my chest.
Suddenly, I spotted the Trebles coming towards their adjacent bus next to ours. They ran onto the bus excitedly, throwing their second place trophy around. Jesse spotted me and made his way over. I quickly started glancing around aimlessly so he wouldn't notice I was watching for him.
"Hey, Becs." He grinned and pecked me on the lips.
Fuck this honeymoon phase. I grabbed the back of his head and pulled him back to me. I kissed him hungrily. It was almost like I couldn't get enough.
"Woah there, Tiger!" He beamed, pulling back. "Someone missed me."
"Hardly." I scoffed but he just pulled me closer.
"Don't try to disguise it. Honeymoon phase, day one of captivity. T-4 hours. Beca Mitchell misses Jesse Swanson. Roger that. Beca Mitchell thinks Jesse Swanson is a sexy beast. Copy, major. Beca Mitchell-"
"Alright weirdo," I laughed, "I'll see you at the hotel." I leaned in and kissed him chastely.
I ran for my bus and heard him call, "You didn't deny it!"
I just rolled my eyes and took a seat next to Chloe, and then we were off.
..
"That's it? You're going to stop there?" Madi raised an eyebrow after Beca paused to indicate the end of the story.
"See? This is why we always ended things at the 'you're a weirdo!' part!" Beca said in exhaustion.
"But thanks." Madi smiled warmly and pulled her mom close.
"I want you to know that whatever this boy did to hurt you, it's not important. What's important is that you stay true to yourself through all this. When the right one comes along you might not see it coming, but you'll know in your heart when it happens." Beca cupped her daughter's cheek. "He'll be around someday."
"Unless he got hit by a bus." Madi quipped.
Beca laughed and pulled her daughter close again. "I think that's the cheesiest speech I've ever given."
"I think dad is getting to you."
"No." Beca pulled back and looked at Madi in mock horror. "Never will I succumb to the pressure!" She fell back on the bed dramatically.
"You really are turning into dad." Madi smirked and crossed her arms knowingly.
"Aca-scuse me?"
"Aca-believe it."
Thanks for reading everyone! Please drop a review in my mailbox(: It would make my day super awesome! And make me not feel so bad about being forever alone on Valentine's Day…sniff… And yeah.
Thanks so much for all the suggestions I got for episodes! I will definitely use some of them (: This story is really enjoyable for me to write so I'm just glad people are reading it. Let me know what you think!