A/N: Hey guys, here is chapter 25 featuring interruptions, a Luke inspired intervention – although it's still technically Beca's original idea – an appearance by certain John, and Beca teaching a bunch of high school students a neat trick in going after your dream girl ;)
Also featuring a few songs, namely 'Love Song for No One' by John Mayer; 'Ordinary People' by John Legend; 'You are the Music' by Mama's Gun; 'Words' by Boyzone (originally by the Bee Gees); 'The Man Who Can't Be Moved' and 'For the First Time' by The Script; 'If You Come Back' by Blue; 'Unbreakable' by Westlife; and 'Madness' by Muse.
Enjoy. :D
On another note, I started writing the first chapter of one of the next four fics I have planned. Alas, it won't be up until December 15 (there is a reason for it) and it would only be about 10 chapters long that I plan to update daily (that's the hint for the reason). But I promise it is worth it. No more angsty plots for a while too. And while the Bellas do pop up, the fic would focus on just Beca and Chloe.
I don't own pitch perfect.
It was a quiet afternoon and Beca was doing some small tasks she needed to do for her work, getting them out of the way now so that her workload won't pile up. She could have an afternoon of working from home, but Stacie had warned her ahead of time that she and Amy might drop by for some planning regarding the wedding, and a certain white dress that Aubrey was not allowed to see.
So it was a pleasant surprise to Beca when she had a knock on her door and it was Chloe who appeared. Along with Ghost.
Ghost instantly jumped to meet Beca, knocking her off the ground. The pair of glasses she had been wearing knocked off, now hanging askew on her nose. Chloe couldn't help but laugh a little as Beca tried to usher Ghost off of her and inside her flat before the redhead herself stepped inside, helping Beca up.
"What brings you here?" Beca asked with a smirk. "I thought you're going to have Ghost for the weekend."
"True. But I think he wanted to see you too. He was a bit gloomy today, until he realized we were heading here. Clearly the doorman knew just who Ghost is because as soon as he saw him, he let us in without question."
"After tackling him?" Beca asked with a chuckle.
And Chloe smiled, Beca having correctly surmised what had happened. "Yup. After he tackled him." Chloe replied. The two of them stood awkwardly by the door for a while before Chloe turned to see Beca's laptop open by the coffee table and the mess that was Beca's paperwork scattered everywhere. It didn't help that Ghost knocked a few stacks of folders over. "Sorry, he just really missed you, I thought it would be a good idea to bring him here."
"Only him?" Beca then asked, her voice teasing and hopeful and Chloe couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh. And Beca, oh Beca just found herself lost in her eyes.
"Would you like some tea?" Beca then asked, shaking her head to snap out of the enchantment that was staring into Chloe Beale's eyes.
Chloe gladly accepted and they soon found themselves in the kitchen sharing stories of their busy week, not that they haven't seen each other. Beca kept up her afterschool coffee with Chloe, she kept up the mini muffins, and the single stems of roses, orchids, carnations and violets, accepting Jesse's help in learning the language of flowers. However, their time together was steadily becoming shorter as Chloe was busy helping her 'kids' prepare for some musical recital of sorts.
The visit was definitely very much appreciated.
And Beca found herself becoming more and more comfortable in simply telling Chloe the truth that her memory was back. She was making plenty of progress, despite the fact that her sophomore and junior years of college were still pretty spotty. She was sure there were things involved with the Worlds that she still couldn't really remember, all of which were involving Luisa, but she was thankful that at the very least those apparently embarrassing moments were out of her brain for now. She definitely would like to remember them one day, but with how Chloe reacts whenever she runs into Luisa, it would be best that Beca maintain her 'innocence' of her past failure of an interaction with the DSM leader and keep her cool.
"Chloe…" Beca started to say, after a moment of silence had passed. She could do it, she could tell her. She knew the delivery might not be perfect but Chloe would understand. She could explain her sentiments, that when her memories started to trickle in she didn't say anything because she didn't want to give anyone false hopes. As for when a good chunk of it came back, she wanted to give herself space to process the things she has been through, retrieve the missing bits and pieces and work on having her world make complete sense.
She still wasn't perfect, but then again no one is. So Beca decided, she could do one act of bravery and tell Chloe the truth. Now.
Chloe was sipping on her cup of tea when Beca tried to say it first. But then Ghost jumped on Chloe, placing his paws on her lap, a chew toy in his mouth. After getting Ghost happily settled in a corner and playing with him a bit, Chloe gave him clear instructions to behave and stay. Beca tried her attempt yet again just as Chloe sat down.
"Chloe, I… I ne-" she started to say.
But then she was once again interrupted. A few knocks on the door indicated the presence of guests. And when the knocking wasn't enough, there was a buzz.
"Were you expecting someone?" Chloe asked.
"Just Stacie and Amy." Beca replied sounding a little bit annoyed. Beca got out of her seat and begrudgingly walked towards the door to let them in, the moment completely lost.
And as soon as her best friends walked in, Chloe thought it would be best for her and Ghost to leave. "I think it's better that I don't know anything, keep Aubrey surprised and all." she had said before going with Ghost.
"Sorry, did we interrupt something? I feel like we did." Stacie then asked as soon as Beca closed the door.
"Nothing that can't be picked up some other time." Beca then replied with a sigh.
It was the truth, but she had come so close to getting it over with.
Luke had been having a blast. He had a Thursday late afternoon show where he got the chance to interview celebs. The show that week was special, not just because he was essentially just interviewing an old friend now, thanks to Bumper really, but because of two other reasons. The DJ who took over his shift was having a baby and he had to extend his show time to cover for his. And what best way but to enact his own little scheme and invite Beca over as a special guest.
"Still, Beca Mitchell, have to say, it's an honor to share the booth with you today. I haven't seen you since the wedding." John had said just as Luke had said something about a 'radio show hijack' for his comrade and hence the presence of the now famous DJ and music producer.
"Oh no, no, you have to believe me, the honor is all mine." Beca had replied.
"I think you two forgot that the honor is really with me, sharing space with two very talented people such as yourselves." Luke then said, jumping in. "Although I have to admit, having been there to see Beca grow up makes one lose his enchantment over her." he teased.
"That really hurts Luke." Beca then replied. "Not that I can't say the same."
Both John and Luke laughed at Beca's comment. "But say, I hear you were a DJ at your college station before Beca, is that why Luke has you here?" John asked.
"No, it's mostly because I'm the best thing he can get in such a short notice." Beca replied. "Abusing your connections, huh Walker?" she continued.
"Well, that is what family is for." Luke then replied. "But yes, I've somehow convinced Badass DJ Mitchell here for a special playlist for our extended hours."
"Will it have the 'Beca Mitchell' touch?" John then asked, raising the question on every one of Luke's listeners' minds.
"Of course it would." Beca then said. "But that is for later. Now though, I see you've got a guitar there John, planning to serenade us with a song."
"That is the plan, yes. Any requests?"
"How about 'Love Song for No One'? I really love that song."
"Very much obliged." John then replied just as he began strumming his guitar.
Staying home alone on a Friday
Flat on the floor looking back
On old love
Or lack thereof
After all the crushes are faded
And all my wishful thinking was wrong
I'm jaded
I hate it
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
Get here
Beca leaned on her chair, taking a sip of the coffee form the mug that Luke had offered her before the beginning of the show. She looked over to where Luke was and Luke flashed his signature grin. She was hesitant at first but he was glad he managed to convince her to do this with him.
It was like the good old days really. A blast from the past. Hopefully that would also send a certain message to a certain redhead.
Or at least a hint.
Also hopefully, get Beca moving even more.
It's what Luke would like to call his 'gentle shoves to the right direction' really.
Searching all my days just to find you
I'm not sure who I'm looking for
I'll know it
When I see you
Until then, I'll hide in my bedroom
Staying up all night just to write
A love song for no one
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
Get here
Beca started mouthing along the words of the song, her fingers tapping the beat on the arm rest of her swivel chair. Luke chuckled. Somethings never changed.
He did note that the song choice was rather good. It helps set-up what the two of them have planned after Mayer leaves.
I could have met you in a sandbox
I could have passed you on the sidewalk
Could I have missed my chance
And watched you walk away?
Oh no way
Ah yes, the things – aka his 'interventions' – Luke does for love. Particularly, Beca's love life.
But they've been moving to the right direction lately, he just wants to make sure no one messes anything up anymore. And maybe speed things up a bit.
Could anyone really blame him for that?
After the interview with John Mayer, the talk about working on his new album and a potentially collaboration on a track with Beca, it was time to unleash her musical brilliance.
And while Beca could have had selected upbeat tracks for her special list, essentially Luke was letting her steer the latter half of the extended show, Beca chose the more appropriate love song playlists. It couldn't be helped. Said playlist with her revamped versions and mixes of some of the songs that remind her of Chloe and all she felt for her was growing extensively longer.
It was time for the world to hear them too.
This ain't a movie love
No fairytale conclusion y'all
It gets more confusing everyday
Sometimes it's heaven sent
Then we head back to hell again
We kiss then we make up on the way
I hang up, you call
We rise and we fall
And we feel like just walking away
As our love advances we take second chances
Though it's not a fantasy I still want you to stay
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
'Cause we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
Take it slow, ohh
This time we'll take it slow
Take it slow, ohh
This time we'll take it slow
The playlist had some old songs she used during her days as Barden's Midnight DJ. It couldn't be helped, the same songs were coming back to her along with her memories. They were tweaked a bit, made even better by Beca than how they were before. All she could really hope for is that Chloe appreciate the gesture.
'Cause if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be
Thinking maybe you'll come back here to the place that we'd meet
And you'd see me waiting for you on the corner of the street
So I'm not moving
I'm not moving
Of course the playlist had new songs as well, songs that had been out for a while but Beca felt appropriate. Songs that had perfectly captured the words she failed to articulate herself.
How many times have you heard in a song
'I love you, I need you, you're the only one'?
'Cause love is the mystery no one can solve
Time and time again
I spend all my times spinning circles in my head
Scattered lines of poetry and paper round my bed
And different is righteous but we fall in love the same
Time and time again
I believe you and me are destiny's child
Like the earth and the sun and the miracle of life
So I won't be afraid to commit the same old crimes
Because words are not enough
Songs that captured the beat of her heart. Songs that captured every single bit of emotion and life that Chloe had breathed in her gray, gray world.
You are the music in me, girl
Everything Beautiful and true
All of the wonders of the world
Never compare to you
Impossible to hold it down
Like trying to catch a particle of light
And it's always somewhere out of reach
But even if I'm closer now, I'll never get the words exactly right
I'm hoping that you'll stay around
Long enough for me to say
The perfect way to tell you how I feel
And of course songs that perfectly summarized everything that has happened between them, convey the message Beca kept failing to say. And once again, all she could really hope for was that she could still reach Chloe, still reach her heart with the songs and the symphonies, the pages of their hearts; with the lyrics and with the rhythm and the beats, the prose and narratives of their life.
This world has lost its glory
Let's start a brand new story
Now my love
You think that I don't even mean
A single word I say
It's only words
And words are all I have
To take your heart away
With the songs that tell the whole world of their unspoken story. Their love.
Chloe wasn't really surprised when she saw Aubrey already waiting or her outside her apartment door when she got home from work, or that she insisted to stay and wait for her to finish grading some papers so they can focus on planning a few things for the wedding, aka Aubrey's wedding dress.
What she's starting to get annoyed with was that Aubrey kept turning the volume on the radio every time Beca played another song. They've been tuning into Luke's show, something that the Bellas do to show their support for their friend, when the two of them were surprised to hear Beca joining Luke for the day.
That and that Beca gets to play radio host DJ for a day.
Trying to make it work but man these times are hard
But we're gonna start by drinking old cheap bottles of wine
Sit talking up all night
Saying things we haven't for a while, a while yeah
We're smiling but we're close to tears
Even after all these years
We just now got the feeling that we're meeting
For the first time
Chloe couldn't help it. Hearing Beca's voice again in the radio, it had her heart racing a little. A part of her curious as to how things will go this time, curious on whether Beca even remembers being a DJ especially when John Mayer asked her about it. Luke answered for her and sidestepped anything that might have given Chloe the answer she wanted to hear.
An answer to a question she didn't even know she had. Chloe wasn't really sure when she stopped asking herself if Beca even remembered her, at some point she was just sure that it didn't matter anymore, because Beca was Beca with or without her memories. And the Beca in front of her loved her the same.
Loved her anyways.
Possibly started falling for her even before the two of them realized it, if how Beca was acting back in New York when they first reconnected or during Amy's wedding was any indication of anything that is.
And while Chloe knew, she deserved more, when it came to Beca's memories, really that's all she could ask for.
Maybe I didn't know how to show it
(How to show it)
Maybe I didn't know what to say
(What to say)
This time I won't disguise
(Won't disguise)
Then we can build our lives
And we can be as one (be as one)
Although now, Chloe couldn't really help but ask herself if Beca remembered anything. Even in the faintest of traces.
I swear
If you come back in my life
I'll be there 'til the end of time
(Back to me, back to me, back into my life)
Oh yeah
And I swear
I'll keep you right by my side
(By my side)
Cause baby you're the one I want
(Back to me, back to me, baby come back)
Oh yes you are, by my side
What with the barrage of love songs currently hitting them in the airwaves, some songs forever places in Chloe's heart and mind from when Beca first used them in trying to win Chloe back. She remembered Beca's words, all the songs were for her.
And I swear
If you come back in my life
Baby, 'til the end of time
(Back to me, back to me, back into my life)
Oh yeah
And I swear
I'll keep you right by my side..
Which really, had her half expecting and anticipating Beca declaring her love to her for all of Los Angeles to hear.
Took my hand
Touched my heart
Held me close
You were always there
"How many songs does the munchkin need to play before it affects you?" Aubrey then asked at the start of the next song. She placed a cup of tea by the stacks of papers that Chloe still needed to grade. In truth she had been grading the same paper for over the hour, her concentration currently divided thanks to Beca Mitchell's love songs playlist. "Let me rephrase that, clearly it's already affecting you. How long will it take for you to run into that radio station and into Mitchell's arms?"
Chloe shook her head and chuckled. "I'm not doing that Bree." she said resolutely.
By my side
Night and day
Through it all
Maybe come what may
"Yeah, you say that but I don't think you're entirely convinced you won't." Aubrey then noted. "Look Chloe, I get that you want Beca to work for it, and in truth she should, but how much longer will you be putting your defenses up for her?"
"I'm not putting defenses up. I just want us to build something new."
Swept away on a wave of emotion
Over-caught in the eye of the storm
And whenever you smile
I can hardly believe that you're mine
Believe that you're mine
"That won't happen if you keep saying you're busy when she asks you out for dinner, have a proper and actual date." Aubrey then said. "Give her a chance to prove herself Chlo."
"I am."
"Give her more of a platform than coffee after work." Aubrey then said. "Although be honest, you were all gloomy she had to cancel on you this afternoon because of 'another commitment'. Judging by the bright rosy flushed cheeks of yours now, you're happy this was the commitment she was talking about, aren't you?"
Shared the laughter
Shared the tears
We both know
We'll go on from here
"Maybe." Chloe replied, trying to shrug it off.
"Chloe…" Aubrey then said, quirking an eyebrow at her direction making Chloe cave.
Happy would be an understatement. Chloe was ready to be a little upset, presumably thinking that Beca was meeting up with her BFF Luisa.
So yeah, the serenades were definitely a nice surprise. It was a nice touch that Beca said that the songs on the playlist are all love songs for a particular someone.
'Cause together we are strong
In my arms
That's where you belong
I've been touched by the hands of an angel
I've been blessed by the power of love
And whenever you smile
I can hardly believe that you're mine
Chloe already knew it of course, Beca Mitchell was winning her heart all over again, making her fall in love with her only deeper than ever before.
But what she wasn't sure was possible was that she could still feel like a teenager, blushing and getting all giddy inside at the thought that this was all for her.
The playlist was enough to make anyone's knees go weak too at the thought of the songs being dedicated to them.
This love is unbreakable
It's unmistakable
And each time I look in your eyes
I know why
This love is untouchable
I feel that my heart just can't deny
Each time I look in your eyes
Oh baby, I know why
This love is unbreakable
Chloe decided to tune out Aubrey's teasing and focus on wrapping up on grading. Score one for Mitchell though, Chloe found admitting herself.
Although if Chloe would even be more honest, Beca was definitely winning the war for her heart, faithfully thwarting all of Chloe's fears and uncertainties.
"Shawshank, where on earth are you going?" Amy asked getting all confused as she rushed out of her studio the next day. She was supposed to go meet her and Stacie that afternoon and Amy came to get her to make sure she doesn't forget.
But as it would seem Beca Mitchell forgot.
"Haven't forgotten anything Amy, but I did ask Stacie to take a raincheck." Beca hastily explained.
"Yeah, but why?" Amy asked all confused. "Does it have something to do with a redhead you serenaded on the radio last night? It all felt so familiar Shawshank, I wish you know just how much."
"Maybe I do." Beca found herself saying, throwing Amy a wink before turning to leave.
"What on earth do you me-" Amy started to ask.
But then everything – Beca's current actions, the song choices and the whole radio show stunt, her and Stacie's hushed conversations, and Beca's irritation at interruptions whenever she and Chloe talked – made sense.
There could only be one reason.
And if she can't get Beca to explain now, then she'd have to settle for Stacie to do the explaining.
"Beca?" Chloe asked surprised when she saw Beca at the amphitheater at a nearby park to the school. Some of Chloe's high school students – judging from the uniforms they wore – were gathered by the stage along with some other students from other schools. They were planning to put up a recital as a culmination of the short workshop that Chloe had initiated between the neighboring schools around their area. They were in the middle of practice when Paul, the replacement drama teacher at the school she worked at, pointed out that the one and only Beca Mitchell was walking down the steps of the amphitheater.
Of course the group of teenagers panicking, zoning out, and getting excited was the second obvious sign.
"Hey Chlo, though I might drop by and get an idea of your program works." Beca then said upon reaching them.
Chloe was about to respond when one of her students, Jamie, turned to ask her best friend "Did Beca Mitchell just call Ms. Beale 'Chlo'? Did you know they're friends? Oh my God are they friends?" in a not so hushed, rather incredibly excited tone.
Beca chuckled at the response of the students. "Yeah, we went to college together." Beca replied with a smirk to which Jamie nearly freaked out, not being able to contain her excitement, the other students starting to chatter among themselves. "But seriously though Chlo, just thought it might be a nice change. I was in the neighborhood and all so… besides, I come bearing gifts." she then said with a shrug just in time for her driver-slash-body guard, a nice and charming guy named Ethan, brought in a few snacks and coffee.
Just as one of the faculty advisors for the program from one of the participating schools started to act like Jamie did. "Be-Be-Beca Mitchell…" a Mr. Jackson Lawrence had said before very nearly fainting.
"Okay, I know people know my name, but am I really this popular?" Beca then asked as she leaned in towards Chloe and Chloe could tell she was clearly confused by what she thought was an 'overreaction' to her. She was never really good with handling the spotlight, she was just simply Beca.
And it was something that Chloe had always loved about her.
The next thing Chloe knew, Beca was jumped by all of the students gathered at the amphitheater, conducting informal interviews, asking for an autograph, trying to get her attention and perhaps help turn their dreams about fame and fortune into reality.
Beca happily obliged talking to the students, teaching them a thing or two about the music industry, and giving impromptu lessons. Under Beca's guidance, the faculty members gathered had a bit of time to take a breather…
…but that was of course spent by interrogating Chloe about Beca, particularly by the teachers from the other schools.
"You've been holding out on us Ms. Beale." Jackson then said trying to regain his composure.
"I have to admit though she's good with kids." Paul then commented as he nodded towards Beca's direction. At this point the DJ seemed to be conducting the students like a choir, trying to get them to practice something while keeping their voices low, Beca constantly giving directions. "You should have brought your girlfriend sooner."
"She's… Beca's not my…" Chloe starter to say mumbling, she could feel her face flush red. Paul and Michelle, exchanged looks and laughed.
"I don't know, Chloe. Mitchell's got us impressed. She has our vote already." Michelle then said.
"Ah, so I guess I don't have a chance with the DJ anymore then." Jared Thorne, the music teacher from yet another participating school, had said.
Chloe gave her reply with a sharp glare that seemed to have driven the point. She was going to say something about Michelle and Paul's constant teasing that followed when Beca rushed up the steps to where they were seating, reaching out for Chloe's hands with a huge smirk on her face. "Come on Chlo, I taught these music nerds a neat trick."
"Beca, first of all, don't call them nerds." Chloe said just as Beca led the way down the steps, their hands perfectly fitting each other's. The students all looked rather giddy and excited on stage, exchanging whispers as they made their way down the steps. The other teachers following suit.
Once there, Beca released Chloe's hands and walked towards the stage. She clapped her hands together, "Okay my young apprentices, just like I told you. Warren, give me a beat." Beca then said pointing to the slightly portly junior in Chloe's class.
And soon enough Warren did lay down the beat.
The ground work of the song.
And Chloe had to admit, Beca was truly a musical genius. Beca pointed at a group of guys standing at the back row of students gathered together.
Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma
The boys started before Beca continued mixing the beats and the rhythm, the sounds all made by Chloe's students simply with their own mouths. Like Beca was simply making a new mix on her software. Except with real live people, no programs needed. Acapella at its finest.
Led by the DJ who gave the Barden Bellas their own edge all those years ago.
Beca then pointed to Jamie, nodding along to the beats that the students were making all while urging her the girl who was fangirling over her earlier to take the lead.
I, I can't get these memories out of my mind
And some kind of madness has started to evolve
I, I tried so hard to let you go
But some kind of madness is swallowing me whole, yeah
Beca pointed at a student from the school Jackson taught, Chris, and soon it was a duet between Jamie and him.
I have finally seen the light
And I have finally realized
What you mean
Oh oh oh
Beca signaled Jamie to stop, asking Chris to continue the song.
And now, I need to know is this real love
Or is it just madness keeping us afloat?
And when I look back at all the crazy fights we had
Like some kind of madness
Was taking control
Yeah
All while Chloe watched in awe along with her colleagues the magic that Beca brought with her.
"I wonder who this is all for?" Michelle then teased, making Chloe shake her head with a smile.
Paul jumped in before she could even say anything. "And don't try to deny it Chloe."
Beca signaled Jamie to jump in again and all the teachers watched transfixed.
And now I have finally seen the light
And I have finally realized
What you need
Mm
Before being more amazed when Beca pointed to a few more students, their voices blending in perfect harmony. Chloe couldn't help but be amazed at how the DJ managed to get them all to do the whole little number in a matter half an hour of being there.
And now I have finally seen the end (Finally seen the end)
And I'm not expecting you to care (Expecting you to care)
But I have finally seen the light (Finally seen the light)
I have finally realized (Realized)
Having the Bellas master a performance in an hour was one thing. Having kids master something in a matter of minutes was more amazing.
Or maybe that was just Beca's superpower?
I need to love
I need to love
And of course, Chloe wasn't stupid. She knew this was for her. Beca Mitchell wasn't giving up
Come to me,
Trust in your dream
Come on and rescue me
Yes I have known, I can be wrong
Maybe I'm too headstrong
Our love is
Madness
The students jumped for excitement as the song finished, proud of their own accomplishment. Beca gave them a thumbs up, getting them even more riled up. The teachers of course applauded.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with the students getting Beca to teach them some more. Beca had to leave though and soon Chloe and her colleagues resumed their usual routines.
"We approve." Jamie then said when Chloe turned to face her students, having just said goodbye to Beca. Chloe quirked an eyebrow at Jamie and the students all exchanged wide grins and smirks ala Beca Mitchell.
"Oh come on Ms. Beale, we saw how Beca Mitchell was around you. The way your eyes light up and all." Warren then said.
"Also, would just like to point out that Beca Mitchell, like, told us that the whole surprise thing was like for you Ms. Beale." Anne, one of Chloe's other students then said.
"Yeah, she said it would make you smile. And she said how much she loved your smile." Jamie then added before her students all smiled knowingly.
"Come on now kids, we have work at hand, this is not the time for teasing or intrigues." Michelle then said, clapping her hands to get everyone back to work.
"We still ship it." they all then replied in chorus, leaving Chloe shaking her head and smiling.
To Beca's credit, the stunt would leave a smile on Chloe's face for years to come.