A/N: So the last chapter was fun to write… here's chapter 9 featuring the sectionals (side-note: I got so confused with which comes first and had to google the actual completion structure for the ICCA – technically sectionals comes first before regionals but it was the other way around in the movie; I'm sticking with what I found in the website), a soon to be Bella, one of our favorite Bellas and her musings, and a few tense scenes here and there.

Thanks for all the comments and reviews so far! They really help. And I do enjoy conversing with some of you guys too! :D Thanks for supporting me with my writing.

I don't own pitch perfect.

It's been a week since the fallout. Beca's been dodgy, camping out at Luke's and not wanting to talk to anyone. She finally relented when Amy tracked her down at the radio station during her graveyard shift. It was the first time those two ever came inside, and the first time they were inside the DJ booth.

Threatening to out Beca's identity to her listeners and totally sabotage the show, Beca decided to listen to them. In truth though, Beca wouldn't have turned them down. They gave her space to think and process things over and now they were fighting for her.

That was new.

"We all miss you shorty." Amy said.

"Yeah, a certain redhead the most." Stacie then added with a wink.

Beca smiled lightly, the thought that Chloe misses her making her a little happy inside.

It eased the pain and the guilt.

Beca turned around on her swivel chair and Amy and Stacie watched her work her magic with a bit of awe. She turned around to face them again once the song started playing.

You swear you recall, nothing at all
That could make you come back down
You made up your mind to leave it all behind
Now you're forced to fight it out

Beca took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for losing it."

"It's bygones shorty, beside the fight was between you and Aubrey." Amy said. "We were never mad, we were just worried about you. We do care Beca, and the outburst at the end just took us by surprise by a bit."

"True. It did hurt when you said that we were just a distraction and Chloe full on panicked after that." Stacie said. "She's worried about you."

Beca nodded. It was true. She had all but twenty four hours before Chloe flooded her inbox to check up on her. She did reply that she was fine, that she just needed time.

But after that she's ignored Chloe's texts.

Technically she read them, updates about the Bellas, updates about her day, but that was it.

She still didn't feel like she could face her.

You fall away from your past
But it's following you, now
You fall away from your past
It's following you

"About that…" Beca started to say, planning to come clean about the conflict raging on inside her to both Stacie and Amy.

You left something undone, it's now your rerun
It's the one, you can't erase
You should have made it right, so you wouldn't have to fight
To put a smile back on your face

Her two friends listened patiently as Beca told them about the deal with her dad. Coming clean to them about it had eased the weight on her shoulders a little. It wasn't like talking to Chloe, but it was something.

To find someone who she can trust.

And at that moment, she had three people other than her step-brother. She had Amy and Stacie.

And more importantly she had Chloe.

You fall away from your past
But it's following you
You fall away from your past
It's following you, now

"Well, whatever you decide at the end of the year, we're here for you shorty. Although three more years with you sounds really good." Amy said with a gentle smile.

"Yeah. Just keep in touch with us Beca. That's if you choose to leave." Stacie said. "But for what it's worth, after hearing this, I don't think you meant it. The Bellas, it's not just something to bide your time with."

Stacie sounded so wise with her words that Beca thought about what she said. She tried to search herself for an answer for her questions and a part of her knew.

Stacie was right.

She was changing, and Beca wondered what that's aid about her and her dreams.

"You should tell Red." Amy then said.

"God Beca, talk to her soon. We miss her smile." Stacie added.

"I miss her smile too." Beca admitted in a soft tone.

You fall away
You fall away

Everywhere she went the radio was tuned in to the campus station. Flo didn't mind, she actually enjoyed the music. She had just left the library and entered the nearest coffee shop to study for some of her upcoming exams.

Sadly she wasn't the only one who had that in mind.

The coffee shop was jam-packed, but thankfully there was still one seat available. "Mind if I seat here?" she asked.

The girl with headphones hanging on her neck, looked up from her phone screen a little dazed. "Huh, what?" she said before making the connection with the empty chair in front of her and Flo. "Yeah sure. Sorry I was…" she continued to ramble on shaking her head.

"Are you okay?" Flo asked.

"I'm sorry?"

"You need to stop saying sorry. My name's Flo."

"Beca." the other girl replied.

"So Beca, what's on your mind? I hope you don't mind me asking. It's just, everyone else is a little preoccupied for class stuff and you're staring at your phone. Whoever the guy is, he must really be dreamy."

"Girl, not guy."

"Oh, well, that's fine too." Flo said nonchalantly.

"No, I mean, it's not like that… we're not, well…" Beca continued to ramble on before taking a deep breath. 'Yeah." she settled as an answer. "We didn't get into a fight but we sort of had this thing happen and she's worried and… I mean… I don't know if I should text her, or what even to say."

Flo nodded thoughtfully before perking up a little. "Oh, I like this song, I didn't know the radio station had it in their library."

Looking for the right one you line up the world to find
Where no questions cross your mind
But she won't keep on waiting for you without a doubt
Much longer for you to sort it out

Beca smiled. What Flo didn't know was that Matt's girlfriend was doing her morning show at the moment and somehow she feels like Matt and Luke had included the poor girl for their 'song attack' to her. "Yeah, the radio station has a pretty massive library. I should know." she then said before sipping on her coffee.

"Oh, you're in the radio station?" Flo perked up. "You're not the Midnight DJ are you?" Flo joked and Beca nearly choked on her own drink. "Sorry, I mean, you guys probably get bombarded by this question by a lot of your friends. I'm just a huge fan."

"Than- I mean, no that's fine. I'll let our Midnight DJ know." Beca then said.

And all at once the crowd begins to sing
Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same

"Thanks! You'd really do that? I really like songs and singing and, well, I like the song picks by the DJ running the show." Flo then explained with a shrug and Beca nodded.

Maybe you want her, maybe you need her
Maybe you started to compare to someone not there
Maybe you want it, maybe you need it
Maybe it's all you're running from
Perfection will not come

"I was planning to join the Bellas this year, but I got a little intimidated by the blonde leader" Flo then added.

"You should definitely think about joining the Bellas next year." Beca commented.

"I might, I will." Flo then said. "And you should definitely text her. Start with something simple, sometimes 'hi' goes a long way."

Beca nodded thoughtfully at the piece of advice Flo had given her and smiled.

To Flo, she just made a new friend.

Beca was having the strangest day. She called it strange because there was no other way of describing it. She was finally back at their dorm room – much to Luke's joy of having his personal space back – and somehow, things were back on track with Amy and Stacie.

The two have been trying convince her to come to sectionals – which is going to be over the weekend – but she's chosen to decline the offer over and over again.

She didn't want to upset anything with the team.

She had turned down Jesse's persistent invitation as well.

Over and over again.

She was still avoiding everyone else, and she hasn't exactly settled on how –or for that matter what – to text Chloe.

But avoiding the Bellas proved to be very much difficult that day. It was like they were actively seeking her out.

Cynthia Rose bumped into her at the library the other day, extending the invite.

Lilly was not so subtly following her to convince her too.

She saw Denise at the dining hall and she told her the same thing.

"It would mean a lot to us Beca." Jessica then said when she bumped into her and Ashley outside their dorm.

"Yeah, come on Beca. You're support means a lot." Ashley added.

"I'm really sorry guys, but I don't think me being there would actually help." Beca gave them as a reply before heading in.

She was alone in her dorm room, which hasn't happened much in long while. It was nice to finally be back, mostly because she's missed her equipment and she's been itching to start a new playlist. There were songs waiting to be mixed in her head and while she did have her laptop with her at Luke's, the environment wasn't exactly the best.

She was working on her mixes for about two and a half hours before Amy and Stacie came back with a box of pizza. It was Thursday. It was their dinner night.

Beca really missed it.

Although, technically, Stacie had to drag her out of her chair before she even realized they were there.

She was really in the zone for a while.

They were back to their usual flow, with Stacie and Amy bugging her to go see them – they haven't given up at all – if not talking about the most random of topics.

They were avoiding having to talk about Bellas practice, and Beca was a little thankful.

Fresh wounds and all, as much as she hated to admit it.

"Seriously, you should still go. You don't have to ride with us, bring Luke along or something." Stacie pushed, trying to convince Beca.

"And you really think that Aubrey will be fine with that?"

"So what, you're going for us. You're going for Red. Not Aubrey. And we all want you there. Did I mention how much Chloe Beale wants you there?" Amy added.

Beca chuckled as she shook her head. "I'll think about it." she replied, and her friends finally dropped it.

And she really tried to think about it.

She was talking her time walking towards the station just before her shift, her mind on what Stacie and Amy had been telling her.

They were also keen on reminding her about reaching out to Chloe over and over again.

But Beca just couldn't think up of anything to say, and she didn't just want to text 'hi' although Chloe would have probably replied.

The thing is, she's been dodging Chloe's attempts to reach her out. The redhead still texted her with 'hi' and 'how are you' every now and then and yeah, Beca's been really bad at it.

So Beca had a genius idea.

"Hey guys! This is WBUJ 85.7, music for the independent mind. This is the Midnight DJ signing on. First up, I'd like to play this song someone I know would have wanted me to play for a certain redhead. I do hope she's listening." Beca said before starting the song.

The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains and thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

And of course texts came coming in from her friends.

Luke [11:02]: Becky! You do know what that song means right?

Stacie [11:02]: Beca! Does this mean it's a yes? More importantly, are serenading Chloe!? What does this all mean!?

I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

Amy [11:03]: Shorty, next time you plan on doing something like this give us a heads up. Stace is freaking out.

Amy [11:03]: She's still squealing

Amy [11:03]: I AM TOO!

Beca chuckled, highly amused with the antics of her friends. She wanted to do something nice for Chloe, she reasoned. It didn't have to mean anything.

But did it?

Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

Beca was trying to come up with something to follow up her initial action. She could text Chloe with something more meaningful now, she has topic she could use as an excuse to start the conversation.

Her phone buzzed before she could even think of anything.

Looks like Chloe beat her to the punch.

Chloe [11:04]: Beca?

Beca [11:04]: Hey Chlo. I'm sorry.

Chloe [11:04]: So you did have something to do with the Edwin McCain song on the radio?

Chloe [11:05]: Well, since you know how to make an apology…

Chloe [11;05]: I'll forgive you only if you promise one thing. Come to sectionals? :)

Beca smiled. She set her phone aside to que up the next song first.

Well, Chloe did ask nicely, and she definitely wanted the redhead to forgive her from walking out…

Beca typed up a quick message to Luke before sending her reply to Chloe, meanwhile her phone kept buzzing from more messages from Amy and Stacie.

Beca chuckled.

It was definitely a strange day.

The competition itself wasn't as exciting as Aubrey hyped it up to be, or at least that's what Lilly thought. The audience barely even cheered them on while they performed, unlike the other groups before them that is.

In truth, the audience seemed kind of bored with their performance. Beca was there, thankfully?

Lilly wasn't sure that the brunette being there was a good thing. Not anymore at last. She looked like she wasn't particularly blown away by the performance but she was there nonetheless to support the group.

She did see Beca smiling while Chloe was singing her solo for one of the songs.

Luke was on his phone the whole time.

The audience did finally liven up during their last song, with Amy's energy taking over and finally engaging the audience.

But so much for that.

The exciting part came afterwards.

The Bellas were heading back to the lobby, getting ready to leave when a fight breaks out between the Trebles – who won first place – and the older group of acapella singers. Beca and Luke, who seemed to be waiting for them at the lobby, got pulled into it – Luke trying to keep the calm between the two groups, Beca trying to help Jesse from a guy who kept urging him to punch him. Amy decides to get involved with 'fun' after saying something about wrestling alligators and dingoes simultaneously and some mythological creature getting unleashed.

Beca punches the guy square on the jaw. A scuffle ensues.

And the police come in to break out the fight.

And they arrest Beca?

Lilly would have gone and given the officers a piece of her mind but Aubrey shot them a glance to back off. Chloe insisted on going after Beca, Jesse was already right behind them.

"I've got this. Don't worry." Luke said, more to Chloe who seemed worried about her.

"You sure?"

"Chlo, Beca's my sister. This is the first time she's gotten arrested, but believe it or not this isn't her first rumble." Luke said before leaving.

Yep.

Definitely interesting.

"You totally owe me a lot Becky." Luke said after following Beca to the station and bailing her out. Beca chuckled. She was definitely glad that she insisted Luke to come with her.

"How'd you bail me out so fast?"

"I come prepared for anything and everything." Luke said as they made their way to the parking lot.

"Beca!" Jesse greeted running towards her. "Hey. How'd you get out so fast?"

Beca was about to answer but then he saw who was standing right behind Jesse. "Dad." she said more in disappointment and frustration than actual surprise. "You called my dad." she then said towards Jesse.

"I didn't know who to call. Beca., it looked serious. And I'm the only one who's here."

"Not true, I'm here." Luke interjected. "And all the Bellas wanted to come too, I just figured the less people, the better."

Dr. Mitchell walked up to her daughter, turned to acknowledge Luke's presence, before turning back to Beca. "Dad, it's not a big deal." Beca started to say, she could already see the anger, the disappointment, the worry.

"It is a big deal. How do you expect me to pay for LA after pulling of something like this?" Dr. Mitchell said in a serious tone

"You can't be serious." Beca responded feeling dejected, her dreams possibly crumbling right in front of her. How was it possible that things were finally starting to go back to normal only for things to get worse for her?

And Jesse, he didn't have to do this. Beca understands he cares but it's like he wasn't even listening whenever she did try to talk.

Other than Chloe, Amy, Stacie and Luke, he's been her only friend.

He ought to know this would happen. Sure he doesn't know the depth of it, but he should've been at least sensitive enough to sense the things that the others seem to easily understand.

Dr. Mitchell cleared his throat. "I think I can take it from here Luke, my daughter and I need to talk."

"It really wasn't her fault." Luke said in Beca's defense.

"I get a call in the middle of the night telling me that my daughter's been arrested for destruction of property. Whether it's her fault or not, this is still serious matter. Luke, I am her father. I appreciate what you're doing but if Beca has a habit in getting into this kind of trouble…"

"I get you're Beca's father, but you're not his only dad. Besides, at least hear her out. Our parents would."

"Yes, but they're not here. I am, and I'm the only one in charge of looking after Beca's well-being."

"No, you're not. I'm here. And I care. And truth be told, you're being unfair to your daughter if you won't hear her out." Luke said adamantly. "Come on Becs, let's go home."

Beca looked over at Luke. It was rare to see him that way, that's how she knew it was serious. Her dad seemed to understand what her step-brother said and agreed to let them go. "We will talk about this Beca."

"I know." Beca huffed and grabbed Luke as they headed to his car. She was still really pissed.

But mostly she was scared.

What if her dad breaks the deal?

What happens then?

"So straight to the radio station?" Luke finally asked a few good minutes of silence after hitting the road. "Earth to Beca? Do you want to go straight to the station? I can cover your shift if you're not feeling it. You can also crash over our place if you want, if you don't feel like going back to the dorm."

"No I think the dorm's fine." Beca replied in a low voice. "And maybe station first?"

"You sure? I don't want you to…"

"I'm not alone Luke. At least not anymore I think." she replied with some sort of certainty. "And the radio show is what keeps me alive throughout all of this, so don't you dare take that away."

Luke smiled. "Whatever you say Becky."

Beca smiled back.

Yeah, she wasn't alone anymore. She stopped being alone when she met Luke, although their difference and age gap mad it hard sometimes.

And she stopped being alone since Amy became her roommate. Since Stacie became a regular face in their dorm room.

And she stopped being alone since Chloe came into her life.

And since the Bellas.

Beca did a mighty fine job at running the show that night… morning… early morning…

Music was her therapy, she said that to herself time and time and again. It helped her clear her thoughts. And even when she was alone in the DJ booth – Luke was technically hanging outside, giving her some space – she really wasn't.

Her friends kept calling for requests, and even when they didn't even realize it, they were helping her out.

She had to go back to the dorm by herself after the shift ended. She didn't mind the walk. The cool breeze felt nice, for a while she was suffocating on thoughts of despair and failure, of thoughts caused by her fears.

But the question Beca realized at the end of it was that she wasn't sure what she was mostly afraid of.

She knew she was afraid of losing her dreams, of not being able to rise up and make them come true.

But what was her dreams in the first place.

She opened the door to her dorm room in complete shock and awe. The Bellas were all there – hell even Aubrey. The blond had been curled up to one side of Beca's own bed, Stacie unwittingly spooning her. Jessica, Ashley, Denise, and Cynthia Rose, tried to get comfortable on the floor while Amy and Lilly fell asleep on Beca's bed.

Chloe was on her swivel chair, slightly facing the door, nodding off at the most uncomfortable position ever.

It definitely placed a smile on Beca's face.

Beca tried to make her way to Chloe, grabbing a spare blanket for the redhead when she woke up. "Beca…" she said sleepily.

"You guys waited." Beca asked, surprise still clear in her tone. She saw no other reason for all the Bells to be there.

"Of course we did." Chloe said getting up and pulling her in an embrace. "You've had us all worried. You are okay, right?"

Beca smiled, her head pressed on Chloe's shoulder reveling in the warmth of Chloe's hug. She missed this. She missed her. "Yeah. Yeah I am. A little hungry though."

Chloe giggled lightly before letting Beca go. "I know a place." she said. Beca was about to ask if they should wake up the other Bellas but Chloe seemed to be ahead of her. "Let them sleep. I missed you Becs, so I'm planning to keep you to myself for now."

Beca may or may not have blushed at that comment. She didn't really want to admit anything, but it did make her feel special. Chloe Beale missed her. And it would seem, she missed her a lot.

"Hang on." Beca then said before following Chloe out of her room. She felt for her phone and took a quick snapshot of Stacie and Aubrey before turning to leave again. Chloe looked at her curiously but Beca simply shrugged.

She was returning a favor to Stacie in case Aubrey wakes up before her and sneaks away.

Chloe brought Beca to a dinner on campus that she had to admit, she wasn't really familiar with. But then again, it's not really like she explored the whole of Barden or anything.

And I'd give up forever to touch you
'Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't wanna go home right now

Like everywhere else, the place seemed to be tuned in to the campus station. Beca couldn't help but remember the night she first opened up to Chloe. They were in her dorm room, Luke's show going on in the background. She couldn't help but smile. That night Beca felt something inside of her tearing her apart, this night she was feeling the fear and desolation of losing her dream – based on her father's comment, she really hopes he calms down – and like magic, the worries seem to disappear.

She wasn't saying Chloe was magic or anything, but she was definitely the common denominator.

Oh, who was she kidding? Chloe definitely felt like magic.

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
When sooner or later it's over
I just don't wanna miss you tonight

"What's on your mind Beca?" Chloe asked while they were looking over the menu.

"My dad."

"What about him? Was he the one who bailed you out? Luke said he would take care of it. Is he mad?"

"No, Luke bailed me out but Jesse called him and he is most definitely mad. I'm afraid he'll take LA away and break the deal."

"Deal?" Chloe asked, curious to know what Beca was talking about and Beca sighed.

She wasn't going to lie to Chloe.

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

And so Beca told her about the deal. She came clean about it the same she did to Amy and Stacie. Chloe listened, her attention never leaving Beca and she felt so afraid.

What if Chloe would hate her?

But then again, why would Chloe hate her? Why was she afraid of that happening?

"I don't think he'll do that Beca. He'll understand. And even if he doesn't. We'll think up of a way to get you there."

"What are you saying?" Beca asked amused.

"I'm saying it doesn't matter if you stay or go after the year, Beca. That's up to you. I understand your dad's sentiments, he just wants what's best for you. But that's another thing. What I'm saying is that you can't get rid of me easily Beca. I'm here for you. Always. And like hell am I going to let you go all by yourself to place where you don't know anyone."

"Are you saying you'll come to LA with me if I go?" Beca asked in disbelief, but the huge smile on her face said everything she really felt.

Chloe reached out to grab Beca's hand on her own. "I'm saying I support your dreams Beca. I won't go anywhere." she replied with an equally huge smile.

And that's when Beca realized.

It wasn't LA she was afraid of losing.

It was Chloe Beale.

Songs featured in this chapter: 'Fall Away' and 'All at Once' by The Fray; 'I'll Be' by the Edwin McCain; 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls