Darker – Chapter 3

Universal Pictures owns all rights of Fifty Shades of Grey and Pitch Perfect…I only own the idea of this twisted mash-up of an alternate universe love story.

Warning! Chapters may include graphic sexual situations (BDSM) which may not be suitable for everyone. Reviews and comments are always welcome. Thank you for reading.

Last time on Darker…

I was left with a lot to consider. If I said yes to the new arrangement things would be very different between us. I would no longer be Jesse's submissive, and he would no longer be my dominant. We would be lovers on equal terms, which was all I ever wanted.

WARNING! THE FOLLOWING SCENE CONTAINS DISTURBING IMAGES. IF YOU'RE EASILY OFFENDED PLEASE SKIP OVER THIS PART.

And now…

"Doctor she's fully dilated and ready. The surgical team is standing by."

"Thank you nurse. It won't be much longer, call Father John."

"Mrs. Swanson will your husband be joining us?" My mouth opened to answer but nothing came out.

Dilated? Husband? Shit! I'm dreaming.

"I'm here!" Jesse announced, charging into the Red Room of Pain, shirtless and only wearing his faded blue jeans. "Why isn't she blindfolded?"

Blindfolded? Why am I naked and bound to a Saint Andrew's Cross? Why are we in the playroom?

"Here...use this?" Jesse produced his favorite tie from thin air. "She's seen enough!"

I have?

"Doctor...a contraction is coming, she needs to push." A heavy set blonde resembling my Australian friend from Barden explained while covering my eyes with the tie. "Don't you worry about a thing flat butt, it'll all be over before you know it."

It is Amy!

"Zip it nurse! She'll push when I tell her to push and not a moment before!" Jesse barked out orders while stroking a flogger from his personal collection.

"Yes Sir...whatever you say." The Aussie sounding nurse conceded to him. "It's your bub."

With a powerful surge hitting me I couldn't help myself and beared down. The pressure was so intense I tugged at my restraints and yelled at the top of my lungs.

"NO! I didn't give you permission to push!" Jesse shouted. "Just for that I won't let you come."

What the...?

"Mr. Swanson, your wife's temperature is 104 and rising. With the baby crowning, she needs to deliver now or we could lose them both."

Did someone say death?

With another surge about to hit I begged Jesse to let me push but he had other ideas.

"Who do you belong to?" He asked but I was in such agony I couldn't respond.

The pain was beyond anything I'd ever experienced as I was basically ordered to resist labor which is an impossible endeavor. With desperation taking over my senses a sudden wave of tranquility washed over me as my body began to relax. I was familiar with the sensation as I slipped into an alternate reality filled with serenity and colorful unicorns leaping in the meadows; I was in subspace.

"Much better." His words were drawn out as my body slumped from exhaustion. "Now tell me who you belong to?"

"You, Master...I only exist for your pleasure." Sounding drone-like my eyes glazed over as the pain subsided.

Did I really just say that?

"Very good Rebeca." He purred, fingering me down below until my body began to tremble. "Now push it out of that hole of yours! DO IT NOW!" And with that I orgasmed so hard I delivered a bouncing baby boy. It happened so quickly the medical team had to scramble and catch him in what appeared to be an oversized catcher's mitt. Within minutes of birth the cord was severed and he was scooped away for assessment.

"APGAR looks good, your little dingo is 6 pounds 9 ounces and thirteen inches long." The nurse with the strange accent said recording the figures while our baby's cries filled the room. "Mr. Swanson, your son's appendage, would you like us to take care of it now?"

Appendage?

"What's wrong?" I asked breathlessly, snapping out of my trance and recovering from my unconventional delivery. "What is it? I want to see him."

"It doesn't concern you!" He lashed out. "Now be quiet or you'll be punished!"

Oh...fuck that!

"I don't care what you do to me!" My maternal instincts kicked in as I needed to nurture my son and see him with my own two eyes. "Please! I'm his mother. He needs me!" My pleading finally paid off as Jesse caved in.

"Suit yourself." He responded without any emotion. "You heard her, remove the tie and let her see what she's brought into the world."

With the blindfold removed I was nearly blinded by the artificial lighting. Squinting to adjust to the intense illumination, things finally came into focus as I saw Fat Amy wearing a white uniform and a strangely curved hat, cradling a small baby wrapped burrito-style in a white sheet. A priest resembling a cappella commentator John Smith carried a bible and prayed out loud while flicking holy water at our small bundle of joy. All the while Jesse stood to the side with a scowl on his face and his arms crossed while shaking his head in disapproval.

"Please release me." I begged. "I want to hold him."

"No! Not yet!" Jesse demanded as he busied himself with his cell phone reviewing the latest business acquisition. "You'll see him soon enough and then you can decide for yourself."

Decide for myself?

As the nurse brought our offspring over he appeared like any other baby. Two arms and two legs, ten fingers and ten toes, two tiny ears, pink pouty lips and a cute button nose.

He was perfect...so I thought. When the nurse unwrapped the sheet I noticed something a bit odd.

What's this? A wagging tail?

This must be the appendage they were talking about.

It's not that bad...they can fix that!

As my baby was brought closer my engorged breasts began to throb and leak colostrum, I knew I needed to start nursing him immediately. With the cross rotated back I was laying face up as our son was placed onto my chest who immediately latched on to me and began to feed. It felt so good to relieve pressure that I tossed my head back, closed my eyes and let out a sigh as he did his thing. Without any warning I felt a second mouth close on my other breast. It felt wonderful at first until I realized Jesse was suckling me like his son; I was beyond mortified.

"NO...STOP! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"

Sucking even harder Jesse ignored my protest as he rubbed his son's back while they feasted on me like a couple of parasites. The delivery team cheered as I laid there in complete objection, bound helplessly to the giant X while father and son consumed me.

After what seemed like forever Jesse pulled on my distended nipple and gave a final suck then pried himself away from my chest, leaving me feeling so disgusted I never wanted to set my eyes on him ever again.

"Look at me!" He demanded, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "You said you would never leave, but you did!" He seethed yanking my French braid down. "You belong to both of us now! You will obey and serve us for as long as you shall live. Now look at me!"

When I finally opened my eyes I was filled with horror as Jesse's orbs glowed red like a demon.

"NO...NOT AGAIN!" I cried out. "HELP ME!"

Looking down to our nursing baby his blue knitted cap came off and his eyes opened. It was at this moment I noticed he not only had his father's eyes, he had tiny horns sticking out of his tiny skull.

"WHAT IS HE?" I was paralyzed with fear as realization sunk in that I had given birth to a monster. "GET IT AWAY FROM ME!" I tugged at my bindings and screamed bloody murder as alarms began to sound off alerting the hospital staff my life-signs were destabilizing.

"He's had enough! Get her off that thing and shut those damn alarms off!" Jesse yelled as our baby was placed in an incubator. "Don't you dare let her die!" He threatened. "We have plans for her!"

Internally I prayed to God to be removed from this horrible scene and dismal future I created for myself. With my arms and legs finally freed I began to gasp for air, and it occurred to me that my wish had been granted as I slowly felt myself slip away into darkness. "Goodbye Jesse."

"She's flatlining!"

"Clear the room and charge the defibrillator!"

"Five seconds... four...three...two...CLEAR!"

"No change!"

"Charging again...three...two...CLEAR!"

"We're losing her!"

"One more time...three...two...CLEAR!"

"She's gone doctor."

"Okay...let's call it..."

FUCK! I woke up in a pool of sweat, gasping for air, having had the worst nightmare in my life. Still trying to catch my breath I rolled onto my side, bent my knees upward and laid in a fetal position until my heart rate settled down. Since the breakup I had recurring night terrors about the punishment and Jesse's glowing eyes but nothing as fucked up as dying from complications after giving birth to a demon child in the Red Room of Pain.

What did it all mean? Was someone or something trying to warn me to stay clear of Jesse or was it Ambien messing with my subconscious?

Getting out of bed I went to the bathroom and brushed out my tangled, damp hair. Looking into the mirror I was flushed with dilated pupils that constricted by the second. My tank top and shorts were so drenched they could literally be wrung out. Opening the shower stall door I turned on the water, peeled off my clothes and took the longest and hottest shower, taking the time to cleanse myself of the disturbing images that occupied my mind.

Dressed in fresh clean clothes I made myself a cup of coffee, curled up on the sofa and placed a call to Stacie who was in between patients. Sharing details of my dream with her she couldn't keep the amusement out of her voice.

"Dude! What the hell is so funny? That dream scared the shit out of me!"

"It's just the ridiculousness of it." She admitted. "The thought of you partaking in a BDSM scene while giving birth with Amy as the nurse is probably one of the craziest things I've ever heard."

"Yeah...no shit, but what does it mean?"

"You're probably just worried about getting knocked up and still have concerns about Mr. Wonderful. Sounds like you have major trust issues."

"You think? In my dream Jesse was feeding off of me while I was tethered, I've never felt so violated. It was disgusting."

"It's actually not that uncommon, Beca. I know plenty of people who have a kink for it."

"Please don't tell me you actually..." I was so disturbed at the thought of my friend doing that I couldn't finish my sentence.

Stacie laughed at my obvious discomfort. "Don't knock it until you've tried it."

"Gross!" Was all I could say. "I should have known you'd be into that."

"Look...when you're filled to capacity and not in the position to pump or nurse...you improvise, and if someone is willing to help relieve the pressure...then why the hell not."

"No thank you! This is where you and I don't see eye to eye." I paused to take a sip of my caffeinated bliss. "It made me feel so dirty...it was fucking repulsive. I may never let anyone mess with my boobs again."

"Oh, my God! You're killling me!" She guffawed. "Sometimes I forget how inexperienced you are."

"I've got news for you, Stacie. I'm not that inexperienced anymore and I'm definitely no angel."

I could literally hear her smile as she let out a sigh. "So how was the dinner last night?" She asked, changing the subject. "Did you guys finally talk?"

"We sure did."

"And?"

Being the private person I am I really didn't want to divulge too much of our conversation but I had to give her something.

"Our discussion mainly involved him begging for my forgiveness and proposing a new kind of relationship."

"Really? Does that mean you're back together?"

"No but I'm seriously considering it. The reasons I left him for no longer exists." I finally admitted. "He's taking me out again tonight to some nightclub Luke's DJing at."

"I'm sure he's just thrilled about that." Her words dripped with sarcasm. "Didn't the Brit have a thing for you when you interned for him at the radio station?"

"Yeah but we're just friends."

"Does Jesse know that?"

"Yes. I've told him several times but he still doesn't trust him. He thinks Luke wants in my pants."

"I'm sure he does." She chuckled. "Then again I'm convinced all men are pigs. But I still love them."

''Me too." I snickered back, taking another sip from my mug.

"Did you ever find out what happened the other night?"

"Um...no, we never got around to it."

"You still don't know anything?" Stacie was surprised I hadn't pursued this by now and exhaled in frustration. "It sounds to me like someone's putting it off. Why do you think you're doing that?"

"I'm not!" My defensiveness was obvious as my voice rose to a higher decibel. "Can we please change the subject?"

"No, we can't change the subject and yes, you're avoiding the truth." She gave it right back to me, pulling my covers. "What do you think the real reason is?"

"Listen...I know what you're trying to do, but save it for your patients." I exhaled deeply. "We just didn't get around to it."

"Beca, if you keep things bottled up inside you're going to continue having dreams of demonic babies being born in love dungeons. Take it from me, having walls to hide behind are not worth the pain and suffering they create. Just face the shit and move on."

Letting out a deep sigh I felt exposed because she saw right through me. "Jeez! Who are you and what have you done with the slutty a cappella girl I knew in college?"

She cracked up. "I'm still here Beca, I just grew up and now it's your turn to do the same."

"I guess so." I was resigned to the fact that my friend was right. It was time I stopped being a coward and faced the music. "Okay...fine. I'll ask him tonight before Luke's gig. Happy now?"

"Freaking ecstatic!" Her sarcasm cracked us up.

"That reminds me, I need to get Jesse added to the VIP list."

"Hey...hold on a sec." She paused to talk to her assistant. "My 10 o'clock is here so I need to get going. Good luck tonight and don't worry about it. If you guys are meant to be together things will work out. Can we pick this up again later?"

"Sure thing counselor." I joked, setting down my mug on the coffee table. "I'll call you tomorrow. Thanks for the chat."

Having spoken with Stacie made me feel a hundred percent better about my disturbing dream. She said I had trust issues and was afraid of the unknown. Could my subconscious be trying to warn me to stay clear of the only man who wormed his way into my heart and then managed to break it, or was I just being influenced by recent events and my own fears of moving forward. With so much to consider I was glad to have someone to talk to about this. Whipping out my cell phone again, I texted a quick message to Luke.

"Can you please add Jesse to the VIP list?"

"Do I really have to?"

"Yes! I have no car and he's taking me to your shindig."

"So you're still seeing the wanker?"

"In a matter of speaking...yes.."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's complicated."

"Fine...I'll have the bloody sap added but you owe me mate."

"Thanks dude...C ya tonight."

Throughout the day I decided to treat myself to a haircut, manicure and pedicure at a local salon. My old self would have never fussed with girly shit like this but Stacie was right, it was time I grew up and faced whatever it was that was haunting me. With my concerns of an unplanned pregnancy I needed to confront Jesse and find out exactly what transpired between us.

Deciding to purchase club wear for the night I had to resort to public transportation which took me to the Melrose District. After stopping at a couple trendy stores I purchased a short leopard skin skirt, black leather bra and coordinating short jacket. To finish the look I found gold stilettos that made me six inches taller. It was the perfect outfit and I was going to look smokin' hot tonight.

As six o'clock neared I became more anxious about seeing Jesse so I decided to pour myself a glass of wine, take a seat on the couch and go through several pieces of mail that had been piling up over the last few days. To my surprise there was a cashier's check for twenty-five thousand from yours truly with a post-it note indicating it was for the sale of my shit box that apparently was a collector's item. At first I was annoyed by Jesse's audacity because it made me feel like a charity case but then I realized the dollar amount was just a drop in the bucket for someone as wealthy as him. As much as I wanted to keep the money I knew I couldn't and would need to address this with the pompous ass sometime soon.

With the ring of the doorbell I was brought back to reality. Placing my wine down on the coffee table I stood up, smoothed down my outfit and took one last look in the hall mirror. My hair was down and teased just enough for extra body and makeup done a little heavier than usual. I felt confident in my overall appearance and looked forward to my date's reaction.

Opening the door I was stunned to see that Jesse had apparently gotten the same memo as me. My mouth went dry as he wore a black long sleeved silk shirt that hugged him in all the right places. The slim fitting garment was unbuttoned at the top and tucked into snug fitting black denim jeans with a black leather belt accented with a chrome buckle. With his five o'clock shadow, mussed hair and tight ass he never looked sexier.

"Please come in." Stepping inside he kissed my cheek and made his way over to the living room while I discretely checked out his backside.

As my subconscious tried to slap some sense into me, my inner goddess panted like a bitch in heat. Never in my life had I been so attracted to someone as I was with Jesse for I wanted to launch myself at him and fuck him where he stood. Jesse must have felt the same as he undressed me with his eyes.

"You look amazing." His compliment sent electrical current straight to my core as he took a step towards me.

"So do you." I meant it and unconsciously bit my lower lip making his eyes go dark. He moved closer until the distance between us had disappeared. "Nice shirt." My voice was unsteady as I straightened his collar and drooled over his exposed chest hair.

As much as I wanted him buried deep inside I couldn't give into desire, but Jesse and I were two sexually active adults with intense physical attraction for each other.

The sexual tension for the next few minutes was almost unbearable until Jesse broke the uncomfortable silence. "You cut your hair." He said approvingly, running his fingers through my freshly washed and styled locks. "I'm glad you kept it long, it's one of the things I've always loved about you." His seductive tone turned my insides into a pile of goo as he leaned forward and tilted his head; he was going in for a kiss.

With my body reacting involuntarily to him I licked my lips and was drawn to his divine mouth that was now inches from mine. We were so close I could taste his delectable breath.

"Beca..." He whispered my name letting his lips dust over mine. Barely touching, yet so far away.

I was a mass of raging hormones as my lips parted to align with his, slowly closing my eyes but with the image of a demonic baby flashing before me I was brought back to a stone cold reality and lowered my head.

"What happened in the alley?" I finally asked, bringing up the dreaded topic as Jesse looked inquisitively at me. "Please tell me. I need to know."

"What do you think happened?" He questioned back, stepping away from me. "Don't you remember?"

"No...I don't, that's why I'm asking you."

"You really have no recollection of what we did?" He was fully amused by now while I squirmed uncomfortably. "Is that why you snuck out yesterday before I woke up?"

"Yes!" I quickly shot back my response. "I was practically naked in your bed and Stacie said my pants were undone when she and Benji found us. I may have been drunk but I know something happened between us. I know when I've been...you know."

Jesse doubled over with laughter as I stood there seething. "What the hell is so funny?"

"You are my sweet Rebeca." Wiping moisture from his eyes he tried to compose himself. "Is this the reason you've been freaking out?" I nodded slowly. "Well you're partially right. You were penetrated...by this." He explained while holding up his right hand. "I was hoping to spare you the embarrassing details however if you must know, you were completely shit-faced and came on to me."

"I did?"

"Yes...first on the dance floor and then outside where you practically forced my hand down your pants." He sighed deeply. "You were quite persuasive until you puked all over me. Fucked up one of my favorite suits."

"Oh, my God!" Looking anywhere but at Jesse I couldn't believe what had happened. "And afterwards in your bed?"

"Beca...I would never take advantage of you. I brought you home, carried you upstairs and put you to bed."

"What about my clothes?"

"I removed them because they were vomit splattered and your panties were, well let's just say they were...very moist." He paused to sigh as I rolled my eyes. "I took off your bra because I figured you'd be more comfortable without it. Look...we already knew each other in the biblical sense so I didn't see any problem with me undressing you. Other than you riding my hand that night nothing else happened between us."

"Sorry about your suit." My apology was sincere as I felt ashamed for thinking the worst of Jesse when all he did was take care of me and act like a perfect gentleman.

"I'm not." He smirked. "Having you back in my bed was totally worth my suit's sacrifice even if all we did was sleep. Why were you so freaked out about this?"

"Um...I stopped taking the pill." Looking down at my hands I couldn't face him. "I thought we...you know. I was scared that I fucked up."

"Why did you stop your birth control?" He asked bringing my chin up to face him. "Why would you do that?"

"We broke up so I no longer had a need for it." I paused with a sigh. "It took me twenty-two years to finally give it up and now that I've been with you I couldn't imagine being with anyone else."

"Me neither." He admitted, taking my hand in his. "I meant what I said the other night. I'm not just looking for someone to have sex with...I want this." He said pointing between us. "You're the entire package Miss Mitchell, and I'll do anything for you."

As he continued to bulldoze through my walls I realized how wrong I was about Jesse and owed him an apology. "I'm really sorry about the other night, obviously I wasn't myself. Perhaps I'm the one who doesn't deserve you."

"No Beca...you deserve way better, and if you give me another chance I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure you're happy." He urged, lifting my chin again to look into my eyes. "C'mon..let's get going. I hope you're hungry because I'm taking you to a very special place."

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise."

Taking my hand he led us to the Audi SUV where Benji was waiting patiently in the driver's seat. We clambered inside and sat quietly as our vehicle proceeded to the unknown destination. With a flick of a switch, Jesse raised the privacy glass between the rows.

"For the record, if you ever do take me back you're never wearing this ensemble of yours again."

"Why not? I thought you liked it."

"Like it?" Turning towards me he cupped my face. "You really have no idea how desirable you are. You're basically wearing a bra and if your skirt was any shorter..." He sighed again. "When I first saw you wearing this I just about lost control. This is what you do to me, Beca. I can't resist you no matter how much I try."

Shaking my head I chuckled at his candidness.

"Did I say something funny?" He asked with slight annoyance and shifted away from me.

"No...sorry, I didn't mean to laugh. It's just that I had a similar reaction when I opened the door and saw you looking all sexy; I nearly came undone right then and there."

With my confession we both broke out into fits of laughter.

After a half hour drive we arrived to our destination along Pacific Coast Highway, pulled into an empty beach lot and parked. Not seeing any restaurants in the vicinity I was confused as to why we were there.

"Dude...are you expecting me to fish for my dinner?" My comment made him laugh. "Because I'm quite capable of that...my father taught me-"

"-No Beca" He chuckled. "I don't doubt your fishing abilities however just give it a few minutes. I promise...you won't be disappointed." And just like that a convoy of gourmet food trucks entered the lot and immediately set up shop. "Madame...dinner is served."

With my mouth wide open you could steer a cruise ship right down the center of it; I couldn't believe what Jesse had done. Five of L.A.'s best rated mobile vendors had been hired to treat us to the meal of our choice. From The Lobsta Truck to the Roadhouse Rotisserie to Ragin Cajun On Wheels to Koji's Asian Fusion and finally the Big Sugar Bakeshop; he had most categories covered.

"When did you...? How did you...?" I was so taken by his surprise I couldn't finish a single thought. With my enthusiasm being so contagious Jesse couldn't keep the grin off his face. "Where do we start?"

"Wherever you want but let's do it quickly before the crowds arrive." I nodded in agreement as Jesse exited the vehicle and came around to my side to help me out. Before shutting my door Benji was instructed to help himself to the mobile decadence surrounding us.

Taking my hand we stopped at each vendor and studied their menus. Deciding on their signature dishes we ordered from each company and walked over to a private table for two facing the crashing waves and setting sun. The atmosphere couldn't be more romantic as my heart was on the verge of exploding. This was the perfect date.

"I can't believe you did all this." Shaking my head in disbelief we sat at our private table as a violinist approached. "Seriously?" Jesse cracked up at my reaction to the impromptu concert before us.

"Yes...seriously, Miss Mitchell." He paused still chuckling. "And here's another surprise for you." Whipping out the iPad Mini I previously returned to him, he motioned for me to turn it on as our feast was brought over to us.

Immediately I noticed the background wallpaper had consisted of photos and videos of us taken at various events and there appeared to be playlist of hundreds of tracks.

It was the most thoughtful gift anyone had ever given me. Jesse had taken the time to put together a compilation of music. While enjoying our feast I scrolled through the list of songs inspired by BDSM performed by the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Beyonce, Cabaret Voltaire, Colbie Caillat, Carnivore, Alice Cooper, The Cramps, Simon Curtis, Deftones, Lana Del Rey, Depeche Mode, Bryan Ferry, INXS, Judas Priest, Adam Lambert, Madonna, Marilyn Manson, Maroon 5, Muse, Nickelback, Nine Inch Nails, The Police, Puddle of Mudd, Puscifer, Rihanna, Tears for Fears, Three Days Grace, The Velvet Underground and many more artists I'd never heard of. My favorite of course was including the ultimate stalker song.

"Every Breath You Take?" I was amused knowing this was probably Jesse's way of making fun of himself being the control freak he was. "Are you trying to tell me something Mr. Swanson?" I asked polishing off the last of my lobster roll.

Shrugging his shoulders, he smiled. "It's a really good song and one of my all time favorites along with "Slave To Love" by Bryan Ferry."

"You're either one twisted perv or have really good taste in music because I like them as well but never considered their true meaning until now." I paused with a sigh. "Thank you for this...all of this. What you've created is so thoughtful, I can't wait to explore it all. When did you have time to do all this?"

In a matter of seconds Jesse's demeanor changed from hopeful to despair as he placed his fork down on his plate. "After you left I couldn't concentrate on anything else. If you haven't noticed by now Benji has taken quite a liking to you. I'm telling you this because after he dropped you off he read me the riot act, then gave me your gift and message." Jesse struggled with his emotions as he continued on. "It felt like I had been stabbed in the chest when I realized what I had done. I'd never dealt with rejection before and never cared what my actions caused until that very day. Putting the playlist together helped me cope with losing you. My shrink also encouraged it because he said it was constructive." Rolling his eyes, he shook his head and continued on. "This music is all about me and who I am. I'm just hoping some day you'll believe how much I regret hurting you and how much you mean to me."

With tears threatening I could no longer deny my feelings for Jesse who was so passionate in putting himself out there for my benefit. It was obvious to me that he'd done some soul searching and was left with an open wound that I could either help medicate or dump salt all over. He changed, we both had since that horrible day and seemed better for it now that we were on speaking terms and were getting to really know each other, finding out we were more alike than not.

My dream as it turned out had everything to do with my insecurities of being with Jesse, my fear of motherhood and moving forward to building a life with him. Was he the antichrist? No. Jesse was just a man in pain with a dark past who knew nothing of love.

Behind every great man is a great woman. My father used to tell me which I never really believed until now. Could I be strong enough for Jesse and confront these demons together or should we stay apart and wallow in misery and pain. This was no longer just about sex and the Red Room of Pain, we were on the outskirts of something neither of us expected...we were becoming best friends and/or lovers.

My intention was to come to a decision by Monday but I no longer needed the time because my mind was made up. Without any uncertainty I accepted the fact that I needed Jesse as much as he needed me.

"I believe you."

"You do?"

"Yes, and I want us to be together." My voice was soft as I smiled warmly. "I love you."

Without any delay Jesse stood up, brought me to my feet, pulled me into his arms and pressed his lips to mine. This was like no other kiss as he poured as much emotion he could muster...we both did. "No more punishments, no playroom and no fucking NDA." He promised as soon as our lips parted. "We'll just be two consenting adults on equal terms in a committed relationship."

Smiling in relief, tears of joy escaped my eyes. "I like the sound of that but I still want the playroom." I admitted, kissing him back. "I want the kinky fuckery you introduced me to."

"You still want that?" He asked softly, pulling away he gave me a look of bewilderment as I nodded shyly. "Really?"

"God yes, but not right away. Eventually we can work up to it."

"Okay...we'll leave it in but before I touch you again you'll have to ask, actually no...beg for it."

"You want me to beg for sex?" The nerve of him nearly threw me for a loop as my jaw detached from my face.

"Absolutely!" He was confident in his decision. "Babe...the last time I touched you was in the Red Room of Pain and I don't think either of us wants to relive that experience. You can say I'm a bit gun shy in revisiting that room with you. Until I know we're 100% okay and you won't leave me again I don't want to take any chances."

"Jesse, I'm not going anywhere but I will never, and I mean never beg for sex no matter how much I want it."

"Oh really, Miss Mitchell." His serious tone changed to being playful as he egged me on. "Sounds like you're challenging me...I like it. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

"Yes really, Mr. Swanson. It is you who will be begging me. Even now your body is deceiving you as you shift your hips to compensate for your...arousal." I teased, giving Jesse a taste of his own medicine as I redirected my attention to his groin. "Is that a banana in your pocket or are you just really happy to see me?"

Conceding to me Jesse smirked in resignation. "As always you make a strong argument and valid point...pun very much intended. Frankly, Beca...right now I would like to fuck you well into next week." His comment made us both crack up.

"Mmm...you have such a way with words." My flirtatious tone gave rise to the situation as I pushed him down into his seat and straddled his lap. With my skirt riding up I felt his erection beneath me igniting my desire as I licked his upper lip and tugged on the lower, making him groan. "It's been almost a week so I just might let you."

Practically panting Jesse squeezed my rear and pulled me against him. "Do we really have to go to your friend's gig?" He mumbled as he shifted beneath me. Feeling proud of his physical response to my body I goaded him on by nibbling on his earlobe. His scent was so intoxicating I felt drunk without a drop of alcohol in me.

"Yes...we have to. I promised Luke we'd stop by but we don't have to stay long."

"Thank God!" He replied, applying kisses to my neck down to the exposed tops of my breasts. "Take this jacket off."

"I can't." I whispered, looking around. "People are starting to stare. The paparazzi?"

"So what...let them watch."

"JESSE!"

"You're right." He conceded, adjusting his crowded crotch. "We should get going anyway. This place we're going to gets pretty crazy on the weekends. Wait for me in the car and I'll pick up a dessert we can eat on the way."

Nodding in agreement I straightened myself and watched the only man I've ever loved practically sprint towards the Big Sugar Bakeshop truck.

"Hey Jess!" I yelled out to get his attention.

"Yeah babe!" He responded, turning around.

"See if they have cheesecake!"

Giving me the grandest of smiles his orbit worthy teeth could light up all of North America as he turned back around, walked up to the gourmet food vendor and waited his turn in line. In the meantime I returned to the SUV and found Jesse's personal assistant beaming with his arms crossed and leaning against the vehicle.

"Thank you." My voice cracked as I reached up to kiss his cheek. "I know what you did and I'll never forget it. You've been an amazing friend to both of us."

"It's my pleasure, Miss Beca and welcome back." Benji smiled warmly. "You two belong together...(pause)...he loves you."

"I know." My response surprised him. "He'll tell me when he's ready."

He nodded in agreement. "He's very lucky to have you." He sighed. "No matter what happens, don't ever give up on him."

"I won't. I love him and I'm not going anywhere."

"Good...then my job is done."

Smiling at our friend I climbed into the back of the SUV with a new purpose and perspective on life. On Monday morning I would be starting my internship which would be the beginning of my career, but more importantly my relationship with Jesse had been spared. Not only were we back together, with a little nudge from our friends our bond had become stronger than before. For the first time since last week I was complete and felt I could take on the problems of the world, or in this case...Jesse's dark past.

Interrupting my thoughts the car door opened to my love handing me a plate of New York's finest with two forks. Clambering inside Jesse took the seat next to me, fastened his seatbelt and motioned for Benji to head on over to Boulevard3.

"Are you ready for this?" He asked with a new spark in his eyes.

It was a loaded question but I understood its significance. Setting down the plate of fluffy, rich goodness I held Jesse's face between my palms and placed a tender kiss to his lips. Looking directly into his soul I smiled and gave him a slight nod.

"I've never been more ready."

A/N: The end of this chapter marks the true beginning of their tumultuous affair. Thank you to everyone who's following along and to those who take the time to share their thoughts. Below are some hilarious comments in response to the question "Do you think Beca should take Jesse back?" Talk about a mixed bag. You guys are hilarious.

KissKendrick: Beca should tease the shit out of Jesse and make him suffer

Jutord: Make his ass suffer a while longer

50 Shades of Pitch Perfect: This is not a light switch you can just turn off and on

AnAuthorIsAnArtist: I feel like Christian Grey...this fanfiction is my Anastasia Steele...

AbbeyEdie1416: Wants them back together because they rock together

Gossipssweetlips: Jesse should sweat it out with Beca not giving in right away

Jessica Yip792 aka annak47fans: They should be together but Jesse needs to respect Beca

Mimi123: She should totally take him back or else the story would go nowhere

VirtualCorsair: They are meant to be together

AnoMolly: It's nice to see Jesse doing some much needed groveling

Now that they're back together, should they indulge in the playroom or is it too soon?