A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait for the chapter update, just been really busy. On that note, chapter 25 should be up around the middle of the coming week. Chapters 26-28 should be uploaded back to back next weekend-ish. Then there would only be two more chapters to go… Can't believe this fic's about to end.
Anyways, I hear you guys, so don't worry, jealous Chloe will keep popping for a while until before chapter 27. But for now here is chapter 24 featuring a whole lot of things happening that I don't even know how to break down... Cute stuff! Jealous stuff! Realization stuff! More cute stuff! And some sweet and romantic stuff for a different couple!
Songs in the chapter are David Cook's version of 'Always Be My Baby'; 'I Want You Anyways' by Jon McLaughlin; 'Don't Give Up On Us' by David Soul; 'It Will Come Back' by Hozier; and 'U Make Me Wanna' by Blue.
Enjoy.
I don't own pitch perfect.
"Aw, I miss you too bud! Like a lot." Beca had said as soon as she stepped inside Luke's flat. Ghost jumped on her at the doorway, toppling her over in the process. Clearly her old dog with Chloe missed her so much.
"I can't believe it. Beca Mitchell misses someone other than a bright and bubbly redhead." Luke remarked with a chuckle. Kaelyn had left for some errands and the two found some alone time in the midst of the crazy past few weeks. Beca made a face before throwing her usual 'Shut up Luke' comment, still playing with Ghost on the floor. "So what brings you here Becky? How was the beach trip?"
"Tiring." was Beca's reply with a grin on her face that makes Luke question what she meant. "A lot of things happened Luke."
"Oh, I've got the time." Luke replied in a singsong manner, sitting down on his couch and calling Ghost over to him.
However, the dog ignored his call and stayed with Beca all the time. Beca eventually made her way to slump down next to Luke, Ghost close behind her.
And Luke couldn't believe how easy it was for Ghost to forget him and jump back into Beca's arms as soon as she came back. After all their time together…
"I do believe that explaining what happened requires words Mitchell." Luke then said prompting Beca to roll her eyes.
"Well, for one thing, the 'river incident' is out of the bag." Beca then said, drawing the words out slowly as she sounded thoughtful for a minute. Beca gave Luke a moment to let things sink in before picking it up. "Chloe's still mad about things, and I can't really blame her. I don't know, but sometimes I just feel like I'm stuck. Just stuck in that moment of thinking and planning what I want to do, and it's like it's always so hard to just go ahead and do it, you know?"
Luke nodded thoughtfully before he shrugged. "Sometimes, people, they have to face themselves. It's not always going to be easy and the things is, when there's something you want, and you really, really want it, well… sometimes you just don't think you deserve it. It's a fight. I think that's what's going on inside you. The two of you, Beca, you've been through a lot and when all you do is think about what it is you want to do nothing is going to be done. I know you're probably scared or uncertain and terrified of what's going to come next, but you can't just sit and wait forever. It's like Schrodinger's cat, it's either the cat is alive or it's dead and you won't know until you decide to open the box."
"You've been talking way too much to Stacie these days." Beca then replied before she chuckled. "And the cat's definitely alive."
"What do you mean?" Luke then asked.
"I, well, Chloe and I talked but before that, I sort of um… I kissed Chloe."
Luke nodded slowly and took a deep breath. "At least you're taking initiative on something…. but I thought you said you want to do things the right way?"
"It's all, ugh… just… stuff, okay?" was Beca's incoherent reply. "But that's not the point. Chloe said a few things that needed to be said, and I agree with them. And Luke, you know, I will do whatever it takes to win her back. I actually almost told her the truth."
"About your memories?" Luke asked to clarify.
"Yes." Bea then replied and nodded. "I want to be honest. I want us to start over and I have no idea where or how but I want that. I want to do things for her, be there for her. Support her just like she did, just like she always does, with me."
"Then do it. You don't need to think or cook something up for you to show Chloe that. Fight for her every day, fight for her every way possible. There's more than one way of saying you love someone. The memories thing, don't let that trip you over. I think when the right moment comes you'll find a way to say it. We both know whether you remember anything or not you'd be in the exact same position as now. Just do it. And if you need my help on anything, you know I'm here."
"Thanks Luke." Beca replied with a smile.
The rest of that quiet afternoon went by faster than Luke would have wanted. As soon as Kaelyn came back she was all business as usual for Beca to remind her of a few important meetings. Beca smiled sheepishly as she worked on improving her schedule with Kaelyn, staying for dinner over at Luke's and coming up with a plan or two of extra special things for Chloe.
That and a discussion of maybe slowly taking care of Ghost again, Beca wanting to reclaim her old dog with Chloe at least on the weekends when she's not so busy. Maybe visiting a lot more during the weekdays too.
Luke came in to work the next day with a special plan coming together in his mind, starting his shift with a hopeful view of what's to come. As soon as he had the first song playing for his show, he stepped outside his booth for a moment to ask his assistant to contact an old friend.
You'll always be a part of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Girl don't you know you can't escape me
Ooh darling 'cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feeling this strong
No way you're ever gonna shake me
Ooh darling 'cause you'll always be my baby
A lot has happened since their old days at Barden but some things never change. A mix of special things with the everyday efforts Beca wanted to do for Chloe could only help the DJ, right?
If anything, Beca's gone a long way from how she was before she even met Chloe Beale, and Luke knew, those two deserved to be happy. He couldn't help it if he wanted to make sure that it would happen.
It's been day three since Beca had placed her plan of wooing Chloe back into motion and while the progress was slow, Chloe did say it would be hard, but she was not backing down.
I gave up a long time ago
Trying to find love
TV told me it was like the movies
But it never was
I couldn't beat it or join it
So I just avoided it
Come what may
Then you came
Beca knew, it was never perfect from day one, but she knew since that day her eyes met Chloe for the first time. The world had stopped spinning, time stopped moving, she couldn't hear any of the words she said and in truth she had simply been taken away by the warmth of her smile.
And all those days in Barden, in all those stolen moments and lingering glances, to the full blown midnight to early morning confessions, all those led to that one truth.
It didn't matter if she believed in love or not. Chloe made her believe.
Just by simply believing in her too.
From that day on, really, Beca's Fate was sealed.
It's so self-betrayal of me
I'm about to say all the things
Swore I'd never say
But my heart's in my mind
Drawing lines I can't erase
And all of a sudden
All that wasn't
So beautifully is
When we kiss
Yes, she knew the that she was in trouble because all she's ever wanted from that moment on was Chloe Beale, even if she wasn't aware of it for the longest of times.
The song played softly coming from her trusty ol' headphones that was currently hanging on her neck. She's been good at keeping her schedule and working to be quiet productive by having shorter work days.
Which meant she had more free time to do things she wanted to do, take a break and all. Gave the time that she knew she should have given Chloe before too. Time that she never really thought of to be slipping away.
But she wasn't on her way to Chloe, no. She wanted to show the redhead that she would fight for her but give her space too and Chloe insisted she was busy and tired and Beca was giving her the space that Chloe had often done with her.
So she was on her way to see Ghost instead.
Beca reached Luke's flat in record time. With both Luke and Kaelyn away, she used the spare key they entrusted to her to let herself in and Ghost most definitely wasted no time in giving her a warm welcome.
"I miss you too bud. And you know who else I miss? Yeah, I bet you miss her too." Beca said through bursts of giggles as Ghost wouldn't stop licking her face. How the dog still loved her despite being gone for what felt like forever was a mystery to her, but maybe it was because Ghost was both her and Chloe's dog. And like Chloe, their dog apparently has an incredible ability to love.
There was a click by the door as the knobbed turned to open. Beca tried to get Ghost off of her so they could move away from the entrance but she was too late.
"Beca? When you said you were going to relax for the night I didn't think you would head on back to our apartment." Kaelyn said as she walked through the door.
And surprise, surprise, Chloe was right behind her.
"Hey." Chloe said sounding a little surprised to see Beca there.
But it was a pleasant surprise nonetheless. "Hey." Beca replied, smirking while still sitting on the floor.
Kaelyn cleared her throat to regain their attention. "Well, since you're both here, how about staying for dinner? I can make some tea in the meantime. Luke would love the two of you being here."
"Yeah, I bet." Beca commented with a chuckle before Kaelyn disappeared into the kitchen. Chloe set her things down by the foot of the couch and walked over to where Beca was, sitting down right next to her, Ghost quickly jumping onto Chloe.
The way the light hangs off you
I never stood a chance
See you changed every plan I had with one glance
"I thought you said you were busy?" Beca asked as Ghost assaulted Chloe with the same affection he did with Beca.
"Yeah, but I wanted to see this guy over here." Chloe said through bursts of giggles, ruffling her hands through Ghosts white fur. "Seriously though Beca, I've been kind of swamped. School just started and all and we have a bunch of things going on." Chloe then said. "We still have that interschool music program we're doing with the nearby public school and all."
Beca nodded thoughtfully. "Well don't work yourself too hard." she commented.
"I won't." Chloe replied, looking up. "By the way, I have been meaning to thank you in behalf of my workmates." Chloe said, raising an eyebrow at her. "Oh come on Beca, ever since you dropped by the other day with that basket of mini muffins, and decided to continue the generous act even when you don't show up yourself, they've been singing a different tune about you."
Beca shrugged. "That's not much of a big deal though."
"Really? You're not trying to court my friends and coworkers to help win me over now, are you?" Chloe asked with a teasing suspicious tone.
Beca chuckled. Not that it wasn't entirely true, because it definitely was. She remembered the first time she came and visit Chloe, her co-workers were ready to hang her for the emotional hell she's put Chloe through. But then Chloe being all playful with the way she throws her suspicion on Beca, it was reminding her of days gone by. Slowly but surely, they were finding their way back to where they were. And maybe, they're even finding a better road to the future.
And I wanna hold you in my arms
I wanna let you break my heart
I wanna feel the way it feels to make you stay
Because that's what she wants. It took her the longest of times to realize it.
The past helped her become who she was, shape her and all, but the past meant nothing when compared to the future.
So it didn't matter if what she had lost was gone forever, and she should have seen that when she lost her memories. Because the future with Chloe still stood at the gar end of tomorrow.
More than the future was the present.
And Beca knew, making new memories, living in the moment with Chloe in her life, that all she could ever ask for.
So it doesn't matter, what hell she needed to face, she'll overcome any obstacle, trials, and challenges on her way. She'll do it all just to be with Chloe.
And I know you'll bring me to my knees
I know you're way out of my league
I know I can't afford the price I'm gonna pay
But I want you anyway
"No, I just really wanted to get to know them. Besides, they're not exactly my biggest fans and I just wanted to show they could trust me with you."
"With baskets upon baskets of mini muffins?" Chloe asked with a chuckle.
"That's just the olive branch." Beca then replied with a smirk. "I do intend to show them that I can make you happy. I do appreciate that they're very protective of you. By the way, not that I don't like the surprise of seeing you here, but I didn't know you visited Ghost too."
"He is my dog too, you know." Chloe replied, still playing with Ghost. The dog was too happy to have both of them around to play with. "To be honest though I haven't really seen him much after, you know… but I'm starting to make up to it. I'm surprised you even remember you have a dog, what with the fame and the adoring fans?"
"Ouch." Beca replied. "I miss him though. I've been talking with Luke about it, I kind of want to start taking care of him again."
"I'm not gonna lie Mitchell, you might have to fight me for that. I miss Ghost too."
"Well, I guess it can't be helped." Beca said and shrugged, as she started to run her hands through Ghost's fur too. The wolf-like dog definitely loving the attention. "I mean, we can always work out a schedule on taking care of him."
Chloe smiled. "I'd like that."
"Good. That's settled then." Beca then replied with a grin.
"So, are you going to tell me what's up with that grin on your face?" Jesse asked as Beca got settled on the bar stool. It's been there new found tradition to catch up with each other at least once a week at a bar near Beca's place.
"That is none of your business Swanson." Beca then said, her grin turning into a smirk.
"Oh come one Beca, how can I be the best friend if you don't tell me anything."
"There's not much to tell."
"How's operation: win Chloe back?" Jesse asked.
"Okay. We've agreed to share custody of Ghost." Beca simply replied.
"How on earth is that not much to tell then?" Jesse then said, trying to make a point to Beca and she couldn't help but laugh.
In truth, Jesse was just really happy. Happy that the universe was once again bringing the Bellas together, particularly Beca and Chloe. He knows, oh how he knows now, those two belonged together.
And so Jesse once again jumped into his rant of picture perfect movie plots of showing romance. He was avoiding the highly grand fairytale like moments, somehow the thought of it was now leaving a bad taste in Jesse's mouth. He was more focused on the cheesy lines, flower meanings, waltzing, and what nots.
"I know you're just trying to help Jess, but those are all just cheap tricks. Chloe deserves better. She deserves whatever original thing I can come up with, besides, I'm trying to lessen the big gestures – even though they're small gestures essentially – and just focusing on the important things. You know, like being there for Chloe and supporting the things she does. She's always been ready to drop everything and follow me, give me the space I need to breath, win me back whenever I get too sensitive and hurt on things. She'll rally the Bellas and do sing me a song through Luke's window or get me a ticket to my dreams, talk to my dad for me and smooth things out. It's the little things Jess. And all I've been doing for the longest of times was focus on how I can be all grand in showing it to Chloe. I forgot about the regular days, the quiet days. I've taken her for granted and I didn't even see it coming. This time, it's going to be different. If takes my whole life, I'll prove every day I love her. Never stop courting her."
"Well aren't you all grown up now, Beca?" Jesse then said proudly. "You even out mastered my romantic moves."
The rest of the night was blur. Jesse felt like celebrating Beca journey of growth. They also talked about the Bellas a bit and he knew about the other things that needed to be celebrated in advance too so there was that. They talked about everything, and Beca's good moods made Jesse notice that. At some point the two of them were walking on home, Beca trying to get Jesse into a cab while he was drunkenly singing.
Don't give up on us, baby
Don't make the wrong seem right
The future isn't just one night
It's written in the moonlight
Painted on the stars
We can't change ours
"I swear to God Jess, if you don't stop singing, I will punch you." Beca had said while she helped him in the cab.
But Jesse ignored her and he kept singing along as the taxi driver drove away
Don't give up on us, baby
We're still worth one more try
I know we put a last one by
Just for a rainy evening
When maybe stars are few
Don't give up on us, I know
We can still come through
Jesse woke up on his couch, his lovely girlfriend ever the caring one. At some point in the night, he was sure she draped a blanket over him and that she was responsible for the nice smelling cup of coffee on the coffee table next to him.
He took his time to get his bearings for the day, trying to recollect the things he did the night before, just in case he was making a fool of himself when something about the things he talked with Beca started bothering him.
Jesse scrambled up to his feet and reached for his phone, instantly dialing Beca's number, realization hitting him like a lightning bolt.
Chloe's not going to lie, she was honestly expecting some kind of big serenade or flash mob at some point during their first week back since the beach trip coming from Beca, but that didn't happen. Beca promised that she would do it, win her back, and fight for her.
And Chloe wasn't going to lie, it took her a while before she realized what Beca's battle plan was. She wasn't winning her over with the flashiest or grandest or sweetest ways she would have thought she would try to do. At least not yet. Beca wasn't hinging everything on one big fight.
She was fighting small battles every single day.
Every day, like clockwork, Beca would be outside the school. All the students would be gone, a few teachers were still left with some work to finish up, most of them already warming up to Beca. She would be there, with coffee or tea ready. She'd ask Chloe how her day was going with a call or a text around lunch time and be ready with the perfect drink Chloe would want to suit her moods. Chamomile tea if she's too stressed, her favorite latte if she's got a lot of things to do. There would be days when she's got a meeting of sorts with the faculty where Beca would even buy coffee for everyone, and she gets all their orders right. The two of them would talk about their day while for a bit and catch up, Chloe listening to Beca as she talked about new artists or other famous ones who wanted to work with her, and Beca would listen in turn to Chloe to talk about her days.
By that point Beca would ask how one student was doing, or how the other was with Chloe always talking about how proud she was of them. How one of them decides to join the varsity or the other being incredibly musically talented and dreaming of Julliard.
The two of them would walk around the block for a while just talking like they used to, or even better than they used to, what with Beca picking on the little details she totally would have missed before. Then they would part ways – not that Beca hasn't tried asking her out for dinner, Chloe just thinks it might be too soon – Beca either going back to the studio or going home, and Chloe focusing on he lesson plan or grading papers.
The basket of mini muffins were also a constant. Sometimes, Chloe would catch Beca talking to her co-workers too. But Beca would just shrug whenever Chloe would ask her about it.
Then of course there was the anniversary gift. Chloe was sure she hasn't brought up her parents to Beca at all since the accident, so she was quite surprise to hear that she sent them a wonderful gift for their anniversary, a romantic trip to Switzerland apparently.
"So what was that about?" Chloe asked Beca during their usual walk.
Beca shrugged. "It's my way of saying sorry to them I guess. And reaching out too? I know they're probably mad at me putting you through everything that's happened between us…"
"Beca, they're not mad at you." Chloe said simply with a sip of her coffee, interrupting her. "They know that the things that happened were beyond our control. Truthfully, they still adore you. You apparently won them over the first time you met them."
"Still. I could've done better." Beca commented.
"How did you know, by the way?" Chloe asked.
"Know what?" was Beca's innocent response.
Chloe was about to the more specific question about her parent's anniversary date when she heard the voice she swore belonged to her nemesis.
"Ah little mouse, so nice to run into you." Luisa commented before turning to face Chloe. "Nice to see you too Red."
Chloe tried to school her features. It's not like Beca was acting stupid around the German anymore, and making a complete fool of herself. It's just that the memories of those days felt to real and fresh whenever they run into each other.
But Chloe did argue did argue with herself that if it wasn't for the German she-wolf, Beca… she probably wouldn't be standing next to her then.
So Chloe tried her best to smile, more like grimace really, and simply ignored the leader of DSM.
"Now little elf, about that lunch next Sunday…" Luisa started to say and Chloe instantly tune into the words she was saying.
Beca. Lunch. And Her.
It's already got her steaming really, her blood boiling. Beca had lunch plans with Luisa.
But the way she said it… It was probably the cherry on top for her. And Chloe was left to try and keep herself calm, despite simmering really.
"Yeah, sorry but I really have to cancel it." Beca then said, and Chloe could instantly feel a tug on her lips, making her want to smile.
"No explanation though? So unlike you." Luisa said, playfully tapping Beca on the nose. Beca, probably sensing the change in Chloe's moods slightly backed off from Luisa in the pretense of checking her phone and turning to the streets to check something. And Chloe knows what she was trying to convey. At least to Luisa.
Beca still didn't drive and so she typically texts her driver to pick her up where she needed to be picked up. She was trying to indicate that her ride was probably close.
"It's not really my information to divulge." Beca commented.
"You owe me little mouse." Luisa then said with a wink before turning to leave. "See you two around she then said, and with that Luisa was gone.
"Sorry about that Chlo…" Beca started to say while Chloe picked up her pace and started walking. Beca didn't waste any time in following her.
"You didn't need to cancel anything for me." Chloe said with a bit of a cold edge that Beca didn't miss. "I mean, i'm not going to stop you from seeing friends." she said with the word 'friends' having so much bite in it that she just couldn't help.
Beca tried to say something but chose not to. Instead she just tipped her head to one side and sighed. They finished their walked and Beca was once again on her way leaving Chloe in a state of mixed emotions.
The next day Beca was back at it again. The morning was already looking rather dreary and Chloe was feeling a bit guilty for the way she acted around Beca that afternoon. "Looks like you've got a present." Michelle, one of Chloe's friends who teaches English lit, said nodding towards a bouquet of white orchids with blue and purple hyacinths at the teacher's lounge with her name on it. Chloe sighed, she didn't really need to guess who it was from.
The rain started pouring that afternoon and Beca was ready by her car with an umbrella, greeting her by the entrance, and ready with their usual shared drinks. "I got the flowers." was Chloe's opener, accepting the cup of coffee from Beca. Her tone was still a little cold, she couldn't help it. Thinking of Beca with Luisa was driving her insane even though they were only friends.
Beca shrugged. "I should have explained what she meant by what she said. About the lunch and the cancelation and all." she started to say.
"You really don't." Chloe said, casting her eyes down on the ground.
"How about we go for a drive instead of our usual walk?" Beca offered and Chloe shrugged.
"I'm not really feeling up to it." Chloe replied honestly. She needed to get her emotions in check. It was stupid really, being this jealous. "And you really ought to learn how to drive again."
"I'll think about it." Beca replied looking a little tense about it. "Let me at least walk you to your car." Beca then said.
"No need." Chloe shook her head and smiled, trying to make sure that Beca knows everything was okay between them before she ran to her car, braving the steady showers.
The following week Beca kept sending Chloe tiny notes with quotes from different poets along with a single stem of rose. Sometimes pink, sometimes white, sometimes red, then there was this one time that she sent a stem of a perfect blue rose.
Let this be me giving you the unattainable, the note had said, something immortal in our hands
The notes and the stems of roses was Beca's substitute for the week as she seemed to have disappeared with what she claims was a 'secret project'.
So she wasn't really expecting Beca knocking on her door that Friday afternoon with a bag of groceries in her hand and a really peeved expression on her face.
"You should have called." Beca said sounding exasperated as she marched into Chloe's apartment, Chloe letting her in, closing the door all while trying to keep herself wrapped up in her blanket.
Yeah, Chloe caught a cold.
She's been feeling sick for a while and that day she just really wanted to rest so she decided to not come into work. Beca was quick with her lecture of how she should have called and how she should take better care of herself and how she shouldn't have had to wait for Michelle to let her know that she, Chloe, was sick. Beca immediately got her back into her room, tucked her in bed and proceeded to head towards the kitchen.
"What on earth are you doing Mitchell?" Chloe asked Beca, stopping her from leaving her room. Beca turned and looked at her confused.
"Making you soup." Beca announced before marching out of the room leaving Chloe speechless and confused.
Chloe nodded off a bit before Beca came back in with her food, helping her sit up and all. Beca sat by her side and started give Chloe a spoonful of the soup she made. "I can feed myself Mitchell."
"Don't take this away from me Beale." Beca said with a chuckle and Chloe obliged, letting Beca feed her a spoonful.
And it was actually quite good.
"Please don't tell me my kitchen is a disaster zone. I mean I appreciate the gesture but the last time you tried to cook something you nearly burned the apartment down. It was a long time ago, I know, but still…"
"I have learned how to cook Chloe. I survived New York and London by myself didn't I? Eating out gets tiring sometimes." Beca explained as she got another spoonful ready for Chloe.
"You really didn't have to though." Chloe then said. "Don't you have that whatever thing?"
"Stacie would understand, besides I hear Aubrey's quite upset you didn't call her to let her know you weren't feeling well either."
"She's been busy. I didn't want to be a bother." Chloe replied. "And Stacie? You're working on something with Stacie?"
"Some stuff." Beca said with a shrug before the doorbell rang.
Beca looked hesitant to get up and leave Chloe but Chloe took the bowl away from her, "I can finish this myself Beca, why don't you go check and see who's there.
It didn't take minutes before Chloe heard Aubrey's voice coming through the walls, "I'm impressed Mitchell. You didn't even need a fire extinguisher this time."
"I'm glad you're impressed by my culinary skills Posen." Beca deadpanned as she followed Aubrey to Chloe's room in record time.
"And the food actually smells good." Aubrey then teased, "Looks like you're serious about winning Chloe's heart back." Beca looked like she was about to respond when Stacie popped up in the view of Chloe's bedroom door.
"How about we go for a quick coffee run Beca?" she interrupted.
"Yeah, sure." Beca mumbled but before she quickly disappeared she turned around and faced Chloe and Aubrey. "I'm dead serious Posen. Even if I have to court her every day for the rest of my life, I won't ever stop. I'll court her forever. Woo her socks off and everything, just you wait and see!"
Aubrey chuckled as soon as they were gone before turning to Chloe who was smiling contently. Aubrey raised an eyebrow at her, looking at her questioningly. "What?" Chloe asked.
"You act like all this means nothing but we both know you're all goo inside. Beca Mitchell's all grown up."
"And what does that even mean?"
"It means I don't really understand what you're waiting for." Aubrey commented. "Is it good?" she then asked pertaining to the soup.
Chloe smiled. "Yes." she replied. "But you can't have any, Beca made it for me."
Aubrey simply laughed and shook her head. Chloe started to feel better after that.
The Bellas were all gathered at the rooftop restaurant that Beca had helped Stacie reserve in advance, having just explained the plans. It was Sunday morning and they had less than 10 hours to get everything ready but it couldn't be helped. Stacie didn't want any leaks and she knew that if one of them slipped it would be over. Aubrey would know.
"Plus, we just really couldn't trust Legacy here squealing everything to the Aca-Nazi." Amy had commented before they all got to work.
"Hey! That's strong coming from you!" Emily said in defense of herself.
"Excuse you Legacy, but I can keep a secret." Amy then said.
In Amy's defense, she was right. Beca knew just how much Amy could keep a secret. She did keep her Midnight DJ gig a secret until Beca revealed herself to all of Barden.
I know who I am when I'm alone
Something else when I see you
You don't understand, you should never know
How easy you are to need
The Bellas got to working, Chloe feeling better and all. Beca was happy to see her moods lifting too. "You should have said something." Chloe then said when they had a moment of peace while taking a break.
"I tried." Beca then said in her defense.
And soon enough she got dragged up by Stacie about something.
Don't let me in with no intention to keep me
Jesus Christ, don't be kind to me.
Honey don't feed me I will come back.
"Have told her yet Mitchell?" Stacie asked after the Bellas were dismissed for the day, leaving Beca to help Stacie with some finishing touches at the place, making sure they stage everything perfectly. Beca, particularly, was trying to play around with the sound system.
Beca sighed. They talked about this during the coffee run the other day, Stacie deducing the same thing Jesse realized, that her memory was back.
"I wanted to, and I've been meaning to. I almost did about a week ago, I had a perfect opening to say it naturally with our conversation and all, but then Luisa showed up…"
"And then I cut in during the first time, right, right…" Stacie replied. "Will you tell her tonight?"
"I don't want to steal anyone else's thunder Stace." Beca then said. "But I am planning to tell Chloe. Of course I am. I just I don't want to blurt it out, just out of the blue you know?"
Stacie nodded and smiled. "Okay, but if you need any help on anything…"
"I know. I can always count on you. Now go home and get ready, I'll finish things here. You need to get ready for a date."
"Indeed I do." Stacie then said with a shaky breath.
"Nervous?"
"Actually, no." Stacie then replied. "Still, wish me luck Mitchell."
"You know I do." Beca replied.
Can't be unlearned
I've known the warmth of your doorways
Through the cold, I'll find my way back to you
Oh please, give me mercy no more.
That's a kindness you can't avoid!
I want you baby tonight, as sure as you're born
Beca soon finished things up and found herself on the way home to get ready herself.
You'll hear me howling outside your door
That night was going to be busy for sure.
Aubrey was, as usual, too invested in her best friend's own life that she wasn't suspecting anything. Stacie was all dressed and dolled up for the night while Aubrey was taking her time to get ready, going on and on about the tiniest of details about the way Chloe reacts to things that Beca would do. "Mitchell's really putting the effort. I know she always had, just, she's going the extra mile now." Aubrey had said.
Stacie, as much as she cared about her friends and their love life, just really wanted to get to the restaurant. It wasn't that she didn't care about what Aubrey was talking about, truthfully she finds it adorable. But the thing is, she just really is excited. She wants to get to live the moment already.
Wonder if this is what Beca felt then? She asked herself.
Stacie sighed however, when Aubrey wanted to change the necklace she was wearing all while talking on and on about Beca and Chloe. So Stacie decided to get Aubrey's attention some other way and left their apartment while Aubrey wasn't paying attention and rang the doorbell. Soon enough Aubrey opened the door looking at her curiously.
"And what was that for?"
"I'm here to pick you up for our date." Stacie simply replied with coy smile on her face. "Seriously though Bree, it's supposed to be our night. I think it's fine for you to give the best friend duties a rest."
Aubrey sighed. "I know, it's just…" she started and went straight back to topic.
"Are you seriously going to be talking about Beca and Chloe the whole night through? Wouldn't you want to talk about something else?" Stacie asked as she followed Aubrey back inside.
"Like what, Stace?" Aubrey asked as she clasped the lock of the necklace she had removed earlier deciding that she was going to wear the necklace after all.
"How about us?" Stacie asked, spinning Aubrey around to face her and giving her a kiss before she could even give another reply that leads to another long discussion about how their friends would most likely get back together.
That night was their night, after all.
"What's gotten into you?" Aubrey asked as soon as Stacie pulled back from the kiss.
"See, I had this whole plan but if you're going to keep talking about Chloe and Beca all night long…"
"Chloe's my best friend." Aubrey started to say. "I just… what on earth are you doing?" she then asked as Stacie got down on both knees.
"Tonight's our night Bree." Stacie started to say, pulling out a red velvet bag and the ring inside of it.
Stacie smiled, that did the trick.
Not how she had planned, but tonight was their night.
And more importantly, Aubrey said yes.
The Bellas had been waiting for what felt like ten years long until Stacie and Aubrey finally dropped by. Stacie had to text Beca that the plans had changed and the Bellas of course barraged her with their own messages.
So yeah, the message was not lost on Stacie that they were getting antsy.
Stacie was just glad that their friends were still at the restaurant when they got there and what was supposed to be the proposal ended up being the start of their celebrations.
"I can't believe you made us wait this long." Amy started to say. "Only to remove the joy of seeing Aubrey surprised."
"Well, we kind of got sidetracked." Stacie said, throwing a wink.
"Ew. Ew. Ew. Stop that. Don't give me images I don't ever want in my head in the first place." Beca commented as she urged the Bellas to take their places. "That is if you still want to go with this?" she then asked Stacie.
"Kind of a waste if we don't." Stacie then said, Aubrey looked at her with a questioning look. "Just trust me Bree." Stacie then said and the Bellas immediately started laying down the beat for Stacie.
To start it off, I know you know me
To come to think of it, it was only last week
That I had a dream about us
That's why I'm here, I'm writing this song
To tell the truth, you know I've been hurting all along
Some way let me know you want me, girl
Of course it wouldn't be a Bellas proposal without a song involved. Stacie smiled and relaxed as soon as she saw Aubrey blush. This was supposed to be the proposal, but life doesn't always work out the way you want to.
Every time you see me, what do you see?
I feel like I'm a poor man and you're the queen
Oh baby, you're the only thing that I really need
Baby, that's why
The way they started was unexpected. She didn't even see Aubrey coming. Like how Amy wasn't planning much of her future when she met Bumper, or Beca wasn't even planning of making attachments when she came into Barden.
Funny how things turned out.
The Bellas, ever pros with last minute practices, gave their hearts out for the song. This was for their friends, for Stacie and Aubrey, and Stacie knew they were giving it all for the two of them.
You make me want to call you in the middle of the night
You make me want to hold you till the morning light
You make me want to love, you make me want to fall
You make me want to surrender my soul
I know this is a feeling that I just can't fight
You're the first and last thing on my mind
You make me want to love, you make me want to fall
You make me want to surrender my soul
And Stacie smiled and laughed a bit as she sang, remembering a time long ago when she desperately tried wooing Aubrey, getting her attention.
And getting shut down until she has had enough and went down to business.
Straight to the point back then.
Straight to the point now too, except the song happened before and this time it happened after.
I'll take you home real quick, and sit you down on the couch
Pour some Don Perignon and hit the lights out
Baby, we can make sweet love
Then we'll take it nice and slow
I'm gonna touch you like you've never known before
We're gonna make love all night
You make me want to call you in the middle of the night
You make me want to hold you till the morning light
You make me want to love, you make me want to fall
You make me want to surrender my soul
I know this is a feeling that I just can't fight
You're the first and last thing on my mind
You make me want to love, you make me want to fall
You make me want to surrender my soul.
The Bellas erupted in cheers as the song finished with a kiss. Another pair down.
"So, who's going to be next?" Amy then asked, trying to wipe away her tears of joy before slightly turning to face Emily.
"Ah, no. Too young." Luke answered for her as he arrived with the rest of their friends.
It was time to celebrate.
"Although I think I know the answer to Amy's question." Stacie said with a grin as she found Beca by the bar. Beca almost spit her drink out.
"How about baby steps?" she retorted back.
"Tell Chloe soon, okay?" Stacie then said in a serious tone.
"I'm planning too." Beca then replied before she gave Stacie a hug. "Still Stace, I'm happy for you. At least one of us definitely ends their pining tonight."
Stacie smiled. "Thanks Beca. I have a feeling the same can be said for you too soon." she said. A part of her knew that things were definitely falling into place.
PS: blue and purple hyacinth + white orchids = a message that conveys that Beca was sorry for whatever it was that might have upset Chloe including not telling her about still hanging out with Kommissar; both are used to convey that one is sorry, but the blue hyacinth is also meant to say loyalty/fidelity and sincerity.
white rose = innocence/innocent love/new starts/also conveys 'I'm thinking of you'
pink rose = love/gratitude/appreciation
red rose = love/passionate love/romance
blue rose = love/immortality/the unattainable(since it is rare - doesn't exist in nature, genetically modified; some say it symbolizes the something difficult to achieve or something too hard to be within your grasp or 'I can't have you but I can't stop thinking of you' and some even give it the meaning of unrequited love since it is impossible to have the love they want hence I added Beca's message to Chloe which I wanted to mean that she finally had the blue rose in her hand/the impossible to attain kind of love and was giving it to her for the two of them to hold; they have the love that people thought was impossible to have and an immortal love that would never disappear... darker shades usually symbolizes mystery, so think not too dark blue, that's why I also said a perfect blue rose)