A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for the short update for 28, but this story is winding down.
But like I said before, there are four more fics to come! The next one is 10 chapters long and should be up around December 15 so look forward to that! They would be back to my usual chapter lengths though. The next one should be up around April, and the third around June. The fourth will come up at some random point since it's more shenanigans than anything so just keep your eyes peeled for that.
For now though, here is chapter 29 featuring 'Forevermore' by Side A (accompanied by snippets of what immediately follows during the Staubrey Wedding), a snippet from 'Your Love is a Song' by Switchfoot, and 'Another You' by Brian McKnight (from which the title of the chapter is taken from).
Enjoy.
I don't own pitch perfect.
Beca pulled away reluctantly, out of breath just like Chloe.
There weren't fireworks in the sky, but there were for Beca.
Bright colors everywhere, reflected in Chloe's eyes.
Chloe smiled, leaning towards Beca, placing her forehead on hers. "I should be really mad you didn't say a thing sooner. But I hate that I can't really stay mad at you, or hate you, or be annoyed for far too long. Do you know that?"
"No." Beca answered in truth. "But if it helps, I can never really resist you either."
Chloe smiled even bigger, tucking a lose strand of Beca's hair behind her ear. "I think I'm ready." she whispered and Beca never felt as happy as she did at that moment.
Like the world lit up in the most beautiful colors.
And in her mind played the most beautiful of symphonies, breathing new life to each and every moment that came next.
All just by looking in Chloe's eyes.
There are times when I just want to look at your face
With the stars in the night
There are times when I just want to feel your embrace
In the cold night
I just can't believe that you are mine now
Beca smiled, the brightest smile she could ever muster, and yet she felt like that wasn't even enough to convey just how happy she felt. Especially when it feels like a dam had just broken and she was being overwhelmed by all her emotions. "What?" she heard Chloe asked gently and all she could do was stand there looking amazed.
The words Chloe said being music to her ears.
"You're ready?" Beca asked, her voice sounding so small and weak and in happy disbelief.
"I want what you want Beca. I want a second chance for us. And I think I'm ready. I'm ready to take that next step and start again."
You were just a dream that I once knew
I never thought I would be right for you
I just can't compare you with anything in this world
You're all I need to be with forevermore
Beca chuckled, if she could cry and laugh at the same time she would, but right now she was just buzzing. With energy and love and happiness.
And everything that's ever good this world.
Pure and unadulterated.
Because that was what Chloe's love was like.
Like chocolate, and rainbows, and warm hugs, and pillows. They're all the nicest things the world could offer.
And to have that again? To have what she had lost once upon a time, to have that second chance? There was no other word for it. 'Bliss' wasn't enough.
Because Chloe was a dream come true, a one in a million love.
That one true and precious thing everyone yearns for.
And she has it.
Oh, once again she has it.
And this time she wasn't going to lose it.
All those years, I long to hold you in my arms
I've been dreaming of you
Every night, I've been watching all the stars that fall down
Wishing you will be mine
I just can't believe that you are mine now
Beca couldn't really reply and thankfully Chloe wasn't waiting for any words. She leaned in closer, bringing their lips together in a kiss they have craved for the longest of times.
It was a moment that felt like a faraway dream come true.
And it was just like those songs of dreams coming true, of love, and those fuzzy feelings. It was like the songs where you find it, crash into it, into each other, hold on and never let go. Songs where one touch felt too pure, too good to be true.
Especially when they both have learned just fragile it was, what they held in each other's hearts.
It was love in its purest form. Because they were once again home.
You were just a dream that I once knew
I never thought I would be right for you
I just can't compare you with anything in this world
You're all I need to be with forevermore
And nothing could ever ruin the moment, could ever taint it, no.
Not even the squeal that came from somewhere behind the hedgerows that lined the maze.
Chloe reluctantly pulled away, both out of breath, both just really wanting to kiss each other again, before turning to the source of the sound.
When they saw nothing, Beca cleared her throat. The squeal was very easy to identify. "You can come out now, we're not going to bite you." Beca said.
And with that the tall cool drink of water that was Emily Junk slid out of her hiding place, biting her lips as hard she could to stop herself from squealing again. Although to be honest, she was practically jumping with glee as she made her way to Beca and Chloe.
"I'm sorry, gosh, just sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt anything, not that I saw anything to interrupt, you know. Say the word and I totally saw nothing, but OH MY GOSH YOU GUYS!"
"Calm down Emily!" Beca said through gritted teeth, shushing the youngest Bella.
"I'm sorry, I'm just… Gah!" Emily said again, pulling the two in a tight hug. "Sorry." she then said a little more remorseful this time as she released them.
Time and again
There are these changes that we cannot end
As sure as the time keeps going on and on
My love for you will be forevermore
Oh, yeah
I just can't believe that you are mine now
Chloe couldn't help but chuckle, looking at Beca with smile, her cheeks burning a bright pink.
"Ah, I mean…" Emily continued to say sounding flustered and unsure when silence followed her last word-spill. "You know, you guys are a thing again right? Like a couple kind of couple? Not just stealing kisses undefined – because the Lord knows it's killing all of us to keep waiting for things to just happen – and I'm not misinterpreting things and making myself look stupid and things awkward right?"
Chloe once again chuckled with Emily ramblings before shaking her head. Beca thought that Emily looked like a young girl about to cry because her parents were fighting and she thinks they're finally okay again but she's afraid that it might not be true.
Beca only knew too well what Emily could be feeling in that moment if it were true.
But then Chloe smiled. "You're not wrong Legacy, just, try to keep it to yourself first." she said before turning to Beca. And Beca nodded.
"We haven't exactly talked about things and we kind of have to, you know, process things and be sure this is the next logical step." she added to what Chloe had said with a knowing smile.
Emily once again gave a squeal. "If this isn't the next logical step, then I don't know what is! But okay, I get it. You can totally trust me!"
"But, back on other matters. What are you doing here in the first place Ems?" Beca asked and Emily smiled an ever knowing smile.
"Well…"
You were just a dream that I once knew
I never thought I would be right for you
I just can't compare you with anything in this world
Beca laughed as she walked back to the party with Chloe and Emily. Aubrey didn't look all too pleased for the wait up but once she spotted that Chloe was holding Beca's hand, her mood lightened.
Chloe sensed the knowing look Aubrey was giving her. She released Beca's hand before anyone of the other Bellas figure things out and overreact.
But all went under the radar, thankfully, other than Emily's painfully obvious giddy smile that even had Luke looking at her and Chloe curiously from the sidelines. Thankfully Luke was standing behind the Bellas, sans Amy and Cynthia Rose, so when Beca and Chloe reached their friends, Beca didn't have to see Luke's smug smile.
And with that, both brides threw their bouquets, the remaining still unmarried Bellas all but nearly jumped for the two bouquets, except for Beca and Chloe.
They've been through a lot and waited a lifetime to set things straight again.
They can take their time a bit more.
For as long as they were together.
The two exchanged smiles while the flowers were up in the air and almost laughed when the Bellas all but dove in between them that they had to step aside. In the end, the Bellas still missed Aubrey's bouquet and the two found themselves crouching down almost picking it up.
Their fingers met instead, realizing what it would mean, and decided to stand up and let one of the other Bellas pick it up themselves. Once they straightened themselves up, both chuckling like teenagers falling in love for the first time, they saw Aubrey eyeing them suspiciously, the blonde letting it go when they heard Amy and Bumper's chorused laughter.
Luke, looking rather amused and clueless at the same time, had 'accidentally' caught Stacie's bouquet, having been thrown overhead the Bellas.
"Well, I guess we know what that means." Stacie teased.
Luke could only smile and laugh nervously. Not scared – thankfully, otherwise Kaelyn would murder him – but surprised nonetheless. "I guess we do." Luke said with his usual charming grin.
And all was lost to the night before them. Chloe sneakily entwining their hands. "I think it's time we slip away." she whispered into Beca's ears once the spotlight was off of them.
"I think it is." Beca replied only too happily.
As endless as forever
Our love will stay together
You are all I need to be with forevermore
Forevermore
You are all I need to be with forevermore
"I can't believe you." Luke said pouting at the dog he once thought was finally his.
And he was of course was met with a bark by Ghost.
"Come on Luke, I think it's time that Ghost here returns home." Beca said, crouching down next to her and Chloe's dog, ruffling his fur.
"Yes, but the two of you aren't living together, at least not yet. Or am I wrong?" Luke asked suspiciously. It's been three months since the two have started dating again.
Technically, it was three months, two weeks, and one day – as Beca gleefully reminded him that morning – but it's only been three months to the date since she and Chloe made it officially known to the Bellas. The two wanted to wait for Stacie and Aubrey's return from their rather longer than usual honeymoon.
Also three months since Beca came clean about her memories and 'narrowly' escaped the wrath of Aubrey for keeping it for a while.
"No you're not wrong." Chloe said. "But splitting the responsibility between the two of us as we get back into the swing of things seems like the way to go. Besides we spend the weekends mostly together and all."
"Is that so?" Luke then asked with a teasing smile.
"Oh, knock it off Luke." Beca replied, before standing up. "I think it's time we get on going. Say goodbye to Uncle Luke."
Bark. Ghost then said.
"See you Luke. Thanks for everything with Ghost." Chloe then said giving him a hug.
"It's my pleasure Beale. Glad to see you two off with your dog, like how it should be. See you around. You too Becky." Luke said, and Beca only barely rolled her eyes as they made their way out the door.
Luke walked back to the strangely quiet apartment.
"You look a little sad." Kaelyn pointed out.
"Yeah, I'm gonna' miss him you know." Luke noted sounding all thoughtful for a moment, walking towards the radio and turning it up, before lying down the sofa to rest his head on Kaelyn's lap. "I think we should get a dog." he then said.
"Why Luke, I thought you'd never ask." Kaelyn then replied and Luke chuckled.
Truthfully, he was happy.
He really would miss Ghost though.
But things were finally back to the way they're supposed to be.
Your love is a symphony
All around me
Running through me
"Hey Jess." Beca greeted as she finally arrived at the bar. Jesse could have sworn he was waiting for her for hours – really Beca was only late for fifteen minutes for their usual 'bro' bonding – but he decided to keep his protests to himself. Beca looked happy. Incredibly happy.
"So, why is the awesome badass DJ Beca Mitchell late?" he asked in a sing-song voice.
"Do we really need to talk about me in the third person?"
"No, but why are you?"
Beca beamed and flashed her pair of house keys at Jesse. He was about to ask what's new when he saw a different keychain attached to it. "Okay…" he said, sounding a little confused before Beca whipped out an identical key, one with its usual vinyl record keychain.
And it hit Jesse like lighting. "Well, look at you taking the next big step." Jesse then commented with a whistle. It's been six months since Beca and Chloe had gotten back together, and really Jesse knew, it would only be a matter of time until things get back to where they left off. "So when are you inviting us to your loveshack?"
"Jesse, just no." Beca said looking mortified.
"Fine, but I am proud of you Becs. One small step for our DJ, one giant leap for soulmates worldwide." Jesse then said, waving at the bartender and signaling for two drinks.
This little news deserved a proper celebration.
Your love is a melody
Underneath me
Running to me
Emily and her mom was walking on ahead out of the restaurant where she had just lunch with Beca and her aunt. The two were visiting their respective daughters in LA and Beca's been a nervous wreck the entire morning through back at the office.
Emily would ask, Kaelyn too, but Beca kept shrugging it off.
But then she asked for her mom to stay behind, asking for a private moment to talk about something serious.
Your love is a song
It's been a year, two months, three weeks, and five days since what Beca called the day she lived once more, or so she said this morning during her incoherent nervous ramblings.
And Emily could only dare wonder why.
But if anything, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to guess that her assumptions would be right. It was the only logical step to follow.
If I travelled all around the world
I know what I would find
Someone half as smart
Someone half as sweet
Half as lovely and half as kind
Chloe was looking through the shop window for the longest of time. She was still trying to make her decision. Aubrey was just truthfully already losing her mind.
"This is driving me more insane than when the midget took me out for exactly the same purpose." Aubrey commented. "That, Chloe, is something I never thought I'd say."
"Oh shut up Bree." she said with an eye roll. "You said you'd be there for me whenever I needed you, I need you now. What do you think?"
"Depends on what Chlo." was Aubrey's reply. "Do I think it's too fast? No. God knows you two go through a snail's pace of things already and I have to admit, the munchkin has impressed me with her consistency at wooing you. She never grows tired of it. Do I think that would be perfect for Beca? The answer is actually yes. Everything about it screams Beca Mitchell, and at the same time, everything about it screams you too. Like it's something you'd pick."
"I don't know." Chloe replied.
"You don't know what?" Aubrey repeated sounding confused.
"If I should… you know… I mean, I'm happy at the pace we're going, with Beca's sweet and romantic gestures, you know, for her efforts of winning my heart everyday even though it's already hers." Chloe said with a smile on her lips. "But I don't know. I just don't know."
"I think you would when it's time." Aubrey replied with a smile. "So why not relax a bit, okay? And trust your instincts."
"Is that what you told Beca before?"
"No, I told her if she gets you anything remotely atrocious she would be dead. " Aubrey said with a serious look. "And then I told her to relax."
Chloe chuckled. Typical Aubrey.
Although Beca did rise to the challenge back then.
If I was the ruler of
A kingdom with a house of wives to choose
It wouldn't even quite compare
To what I've got right here with you
It's been three months since Beca's mom last visited. Beca had been acting like a nervous wreck then, and she was acting like a nervous wreck now too. Chloe turned to look at Emily curiously. They were having dinner at their flat and of course, the whole family was there. Including Luke, his dad, Kaelyn, Emily, and Benji.
Yep, it was a full on family affair.
Beca was currently locked up in their room with her mom, not trusting anyone from busting through the doors of her studio, especially when her step-dad kept trying to invite himself for a tour of it out of genuine curiosity. Chloe couldn't help but wonder what Beca and her mom were up to, but she figured it was just probably some mother-daughter thing.
Emily offered her a smile. A knowing smile, if Chloe can dare but say. The youngest Bella, however, was starting to learn well from her seniors and she was getting better at hiding things.
It was also getting harder to decipher the look in her eyes, figure out what she was thinking.
Beca was currently the Fort Knox of secrets herself at the moment.
Chloe sighed.
She knew that if it was anything important, she'd find out soon enough.
So if I stumble just a bit
trying to say what's on my mind?
Please excuse me 'cause I never felt
the way that I feel inside
It's possible
I may have finally have found my dream come true
There can never be another you
Three months pass by like it were only a few days.
It never fails to amaze Chloe how Beca never ceases to stop. The flowers always kept coming, lately she was getting into poetry and Chloe would wake up to post-it notes with snippets of poems scribbled down next to her bedside table whenever Beca woke up early – yeah, that in itself was shocking – for work.
Or how on the weekends, Beca would beat her to making breakfast and the DJ would bring it in their bedroom before could even get up.
Sure, the two were always busy with work. It never stops. But they make time.
More than that really.
Chloe's found herself at Beca's studio more often than not, hanging out with her during long work days, meeting some of the artists Beca worked with.
And Beca finds herself at Chloe's afterschool music program and weekend practice with Chloe, volunteering herself to help with the kids.
It was like they were marching to their own beat as they find their own rhythm. Balancing life and all.
Now if only she could figure out what on earth was Beca's nervous streak all about?
The stars are bright tonight
They know you are mine all mine
I knew that it would be alright when my other dreams fell through
It was a Saturday afternoon. The two of them have been busy a lot lately that Chloe couldn't help but plan the day for some tidying up. Sure, Beca's got a housekeeper, but Chloe likes doing things herself sometimes.
And Beca couldn't really disagree with Chloe when she's in a determined mood. So all morning long the two of them have been cleaning around the rather lofty flat. In truth Chloe was surprised how they managed to finish a little early in the afternoon.
Beca had taken a quick shower while Chloe was finishing up in the living room and had left Chloe to grab their take out dinner at their favorite café nearby, Beca having called ahead.
It was going to be a night spent just cuddling on the couch with Ghost – highly likely – and Netflix.
Chloe had just stepped out of the bathroom and gotten dressed when she realized that Beca's 'super sacred sock drawer' – everyone had quirks, Beca's came with pairs of socks she wears for important events that she wants to go without a hitch, mostly because they were already associated with happy memories to begin with – was slightly ajar.
So Chloe, ever loving Chloe, opened the drawer to stuff back the sock that was poking out.
And she was planning to close it as soon as she did but then she felt something like a velvet pouch buried beneath the piles of socks in that drawer.
Out of curiosity Chloe took the pouch out and emptied its contents in her hand.
Except it only contained one item, leaving Chloe a little speechless.
And for this very night I've waited all my life
Standing straight and tall
I give my all to you
"Chlo? You done? I'm ba- ah…" Beca said before freezing up by the door.
"Ah… um… you're not supposed to see that, I mean you are, just not like this, not yet." Beca started rambling. "Ugh, can I restart? What I meant is that you weren't supposed to find that."
"Beca, is this what I think it is?" Chloe asked, her voice surprisingly calm.
"If you think that that is my grandmother's engagement ring, my mother's mother's engagement ring, then yes, yes it is."
"Beca…" Chloe said, looking up speechless. "You do know I still have the other one hidden somewhere right?"
"They're both yours to keep Chlo. You know that." Beca said, somehow getting over her initial shock. "Besides, I honestly thought you probably lost the other one already."
"Beca, I would never…" Chloe said.
"So…" Beca then replied.
"So?" Chloe repeated before making her way to Beca, wrapping her hands around the DJ's neck. She pressed a light kiss on the DJ's lips, the ring safely in her hands. "It's always going to be 'yes' Beca." she said in a whisper.
"I… haven't… even… asked…" Beca replied in between Chloe's kisses and Chloe chuckled.
"Beca, shut up." Chloe said, before kissing her properly and Beca simply mumbled something along the lines of 'okay' before returning the kiss.
There was time for phone calls and news later. Chloe does have a certain ring to get from a certain shop window.
Aubrey was right as always.
But for now, it was just their moment. Just the two of them.
They've had grand proposals and gestures and celebrations in the past.
For now, Chloe just wanted to celebrate the love they had between just the two of them.
Sacred and private and intimate as it should be.
So please excuse me if I
Stumbled just a bit
Trying to say what's on my mind
Please excuse me 'cause I never felt the way that I feel inside
It's possible
I may have finally found my dream come true
There can never be another you
There can never be another you