OMG. This is why I don't offer a scheduled update time! So sorry to leave you hanging but then again... I like your reactions to the last chapter and in response I offer a very long chapter that ends...well, good? I know, sucky spoilers. I just finished this so there will be some mistakes, I'm sure. I will fix those at a later date. Without any ado, enjoy!

8

"What the hell was that?" A pause. "Beca, I'm talking to you. Don't turn away from me!" Hands lunged for Beca's arm to stop the brunette's sluggish retreat. "Becs, talk to me."

Beca kept her head down hoping her long hair hid her tired face. "I don't want to talk, Chlo."

The redhead sighed and pulled Beca over to her bed and sat them both down. Beca was glad she was in her room but would prefer to be with one less person in it. She immediately felt bad for feeling that way about Chloe. She shook her hair away from her face and stared absently around the room to at least appear like she was listening.

"Is this about what happened a few days ago?" Chloe asked as hesitantly as she could. Considering she was not a beat-around-the-bush type, it was not a hesitant question at all. Her tone was basically a bandaid. And the question was the tender flesh. Beca huffed but remained silent so Chloe continued. "Why won't you tell me what happened? All I could hear from the shrill scream slash mumbling was Jesse, the Olympics , heights, confused, and a queen. I don't even know how you can be shrill and mumble at the same time." Chloe shook her head to refocus. "Anyway, I'm confused and you're in a total Debby Downer funk. Being all pissy with the girls at practice is not cool either, Becs."

Beca huffed again and it seemed to drain all her energy. She fell back onto her mattress with a loud, tired sigh and stared at the ceiling. She had not been sleeping well the past few nights and completely scatter brained during the day because of it. Well, her thoughts scattered, all right, back to one person. And then that one moment. She shut her eyes tight against her thoughts, willing them away. Beca kept them closed so she would not have to see Chloe's face. It was like she was talking to an empty room. She opened her mouth silently a few times trying to figure out the best way to start.

"I don't know why I did it. I mean, I knew at the time, sort of. But now I don't know because it didn't prove anything. I think. I think it did because, you know, no tingles." She opened her eyes to stare at Chloe seriously. "There has to be tingles, right?"

Chloe opened her mouth to voice her confusion but Beca continued on, eyes locking onto the ceiling above. "I just thought about cinnamon and scared cats that purr when they're warm. That's not him at all. But then I shouldn't think it at all. It's crazy. I pushed him. He pushed me to push-"

Chloe placed a hand on Beca's shoulder. "Okay, whoa, you gotta slow down and start making sense. What are you talking about exactly?"

Beca opened her mouth but nothing tumbled out. She looked away partially embarrassed. "Ikissesseahdapak."

"Ok. Try again without mumbling."

Deep breath in. "I kissed Jesse at the park." Air released from the lungs and nobody dies. Though, Beca feels she could just a little bit. Chloe simply widened her eyes and looked about the room speechless for a moment. Beca watched the wheels turn behind bright blue eyes for a moment. Somehow, she feels a lot calmer now.

Chloe faces her again. "Okay. So what happened? Obviously nothing good; you've been moping for days. Oh shit, did he turn you down?" Beca watched anger flicker across her friend's eyes quickly.

"No. Well, yes? Kind of. Not really. We sort of turned each other down?" Beca scrunched her face as the statement ended as a question.

That seemed to shock Chloe more. "What?"

Beca groaned and flung an arm over her eyes. "I don't know, dude. I was confused and thought, what the hell. I might feel something again. To make sure but-" Beca trailed off and Chloe slowly began to understand. The redhead nodded sympathetically even though her friend could not see it.

"There was no tingles." She said sagely.

Beca removed her arm to look at Chloe. "I'm not being stupid, right?"

"No, Becs. I thought you'd figure it out eventually and not…just kiss him but it worked out." She shrugged and smiled brightly until she noticed the far off look in Beca's eyes. "Unless it didn't?"

Chloe waited for Beca to talk again but there was silence. Chloe let her mind run. It seemed Beca had figured out her feelings about Jesse. It would be a little awkward to be friends but that would not explain Beca's behavior the past couple days. Chloe thought back on all the times Beca was more grouchy during practices, after work, and her constant attachment to her phone. It was not unusual for a girl to be on her phone all the time but the way Beca held it and looked at it, well, it said a lot more.

Beca's bedroom door opened quickly just as Chloe pressed on. "Becs, does this have to do with your Tall German?"

"What? Shorty, did you get down with the Schnitzel?" Fat Amy's voice resonated loudly through the room. The blonde and Stacie strode into the room without a care to the moment the others were having. The intruding pair moved to the opposite bed. "Oh no. You're pregnant." Amy said soberly.

Stacie and, to Beca's annoyance, Chloe watched her with wide eyes. "Ugh, no guys I'm not pregnant. Geez."

Chloe shared relieved looks with the other girls. Amy carried on unbothered. "Oh, so you just caught something, then?"

Beca silently glared at the Australian when there was a hesitant knock on the door. Flo popped her head inside and scanned the room. "So, there's a man outside that wants the Bellas for a performance? I don't know. I didn't open the door, that's how you get abducted."

Beca shared a look with Chloe, both silently agreeing that Beca would not be up for handling Bella business now. Chloe rose from the bed after giving Beca's leg a pat and departed from the room.

Stacie watched the redhead go. "Amy, maybe you should check on that too. Red could use some muscle if the guy is a creep."

Amy scoffed but rose nonetheless. "Yeah, like any American man could handle this. I've told you bout the dingos but there are plenty more on the list."

Beca heard the door shut again but continued to watch the ceiling like she had been doing before. A minute barely passed before Stacie decided to put in her two cents. "Beca, your phone went off."

Beca quickly reached for her phone where she dropped it on the bed. As she clicked the lock button she knew she was caught. Her phone did not make a sound and Stacie was giving her a pointed look. Beca huffed and tossed her phone to the side again. "Shut up, Stace."

The tall Bella chuckled lightly. "I didn't say anything. Yet. Look, it doesn't take a Chloe to notice you've been attached to that thing like crazy." Stacie gave Beca a somewhat sympathetic look and waited for Beca to say anything. When she got silence Stacie continued. "Beca, what's the issue? Are you guys having a fight? What did you do?"

Stacie spouted off quickly which got Beca's mind running and her emotions flying. Beca raised her arms in aggravation. "I don't know! I mean I know I was a jerk but so what? I'm always a jerk. I apologized!"

"Well, maybe it's not about just words, Becs. We know how you are but others might not catch on quickly. You gotta show you're sorry. For whatever you did." Stacie shrugged and received a glare for her troubles.

"Why do you assume it's my fault?"

"Because your face looks all kinds of guilty."

"Whatever." Beca mumbled as she laid there silently stewing. It was ridiculous to feel so bad over something so stupid. Yeah, she told a little white lie about running into Elyse to Jesse but the alternative was worse. And she text Elyse apologizing later that night. She should be good. It should be water under the bridge. "I don't get it. I apologized, like an adult, and I still feel like I'm in the wrong."

Stacie leaned forward, elbows on her knees, to really get to the heart of the conversation. "Maybe you feel like that because a part of you still thinks you haven't owned up to it completely. Yeah, you said sorry but what did you apologize for? Maybe it wasn't what she wanted the apology for."

Beca scoffed. "Dude, you're talking in circles. I apologized for what I said." Beca stated plainly. She could not get any more clear than that. She said a dumb thing, she knows, and has apologized.

Stacie rolled her eyes at her friends obtuse head. "Beca, whatever you said wasn't the real issue then. It was something else. Maybe what you did. I mean, is she ignoring your texts now?"

Beca sat up quickly and stared at her friend. "It's not that! She isn't talking normally. Like usually it's 'tiny mouse this' and 'tiny mouse that' but now she's calling me Beca. I don't- I know it's my name but she likes-" Beca stopped mid frustrated rant when she realized she had been referring to a woman. And Stacie did as well. Crap. She knows. Beca watched Stacie's smug face grow.

The tall Bella propped her head on a hand as she smiled mischievously to Beca. "I was wondering when you would catch on."

Beca did not know how to react. She was surprised and unsure of how to continue. She had been found out. Beca braced her hands on the mattress and hung her head. All her pent up emotions were draining her energy. She really wanted to sleep it all away. "Ok. Say what you want."

Beca waited for some crude joke or judgment but was meant with a short silence and a soft response. "Beca, it's okay."

Beca looked up, confused at the response. "What?"

Stacie offered a lopsided smile. "It's okay. Why are you hiding this?"

Beca's mind ran to try and find the answer. She always thought it was there at the edge of her thoughts but now when she tried to voice it, she came up blank. "I don't know. When you guys found out I was talking to someone you thought it was a guy. Then at the Halloween party…" Beca shrugged.

"You could of just told us your friend was a girl. We're all girls, Becs, what's the issue?"

"I don't know, Stace! Geez, get off my back! I wanted a friend outside the Bellas, maybe. Something different. I don't know."

Stacie sat up straight when Beca raised her voice but calmed when Beca's tone did. She did not take the brunette's lashing out to heart. It was just what she did when emotional so Stacie took it in stride. "It's okay, really."

Silence fell over the two for a while when both girls were unsure how to continue the conversation. When Stacie thought Beca was not going to continue but still had a lot on her mind she decided to venture further. She tentatively voiced her curiosity. "What's her name…or do you still call her Tall German?"

"I don't." Beca said shortly. She could not bring herself to share the German's name though. It seemed too private a thing so she remained quiet. Stacie realized the same and decided on a different tactic.

"So, what happened a couple days ago?" When Beca gave her a curious look she returned her own pointed look back. "Oh come on, you went on another 'business meeting' and didn't come back 'til that night, with Jesse. Since then you've been all snappy and glued to your phone." Beca rolled her eyes when Stacie used air quotes on business meeting.

Have I been so obvious about it? Ugh this is so annoying. Beca took a deep breath. "We went to a park near downtown to relax. It was totally chill and fun, ya know, whatever. Then Jesse turns up and I panicked. I know we're cool as people, we've talked before, but I was with - well, her. So it felt weird." Stacie remained silent to urge Beca to finish. "Well, I might've told Jesse that I was there alone and ran into her there at the park."

Stacie's eyebrows raised at Beca's admittance. A small look of disbelief upon her face made Beca feel like her actions were way worse than previously thought. "What? I said I panicked." Beca cried defensively. "And I said I was sorry for that later when I got home."

Stacie seemed to collect herself when she gave Beca a serious look. "What did she say after you lied to her face?"

The question made Beca cringe. Yup, she felt horrible all over again. "She said it was late and said good bye." Beca shrugged slightly, dropped her gaze, and mumbled her next words. "She went with it." Beca tried to reason to make herself feel better but it did not work.

Stacie noticed Beca seemed to deflate and appeared smaller than normal. "Does she know you and Jesse dated?"

"Yeah."

"That you're separated?"

"Yeah."

"Why did you choose Jesse then?"

"What?"

"You had a choice to ignore Jesse and keep spending time with your German or blow her off and hang out with your ex. Why did you pick Jesse?"

Beca stammered. "I- I didn't pick Jesse I just- I said we could talk and then…she was gone." Beca stared blankly at the floor, thinking back on the events of a few days ago. It all happened so quickly. "She didn't even let me say goodbye. That's rude. Why won't she apologize for that? She just left." Beca said with a little anger.

Stacie shook her head. "For being a girl you're terrible at reading one."

"What?"

Stacie sat up straight and squared her shoulders, looking all business. "Okay, first, you lied about spending time with her." Stacie continued when Beca went to interrupt. "Yes, you apologized. It still stings. Second, you chose to talk to Jesse instead of continuing to be with her. Inadvertently showing you didn't mind the interruption. Third, you didn't stop her from leaving. I know, that counts too. And lastly, you apologized for only one of those things." Stacie shrugged and gave Beca a sympathetic look. "Over time, the more a girl thinks on it, the more she realizes she's just not that important to you."

Beca sat stunned for a while. She tried to absorb everything Stacie laid out for her. Is that how Elyse thinks? Is she upset about more than what I said? How could she think she's not important? I talked to her about stuff. How could I have known? Beca groaned and felt like falling back onto her bed. She remained upright, however, she needed to set things right because…well, because she…cared.

"How am I suppose to say sorry for those other things? Every time I see her at work she's the damn Kommissar again but, like, worse. She doesn't smile as much. She doesn't use her nickname for me and her texts are just short answers." Beca ranted again, feeling a new wave of frustration give her energy. She wanted to get up and pace but knew that would make her look crazy. So, she sat and bounced her foot a little on the floor.

Stacie felt a little bad for her leader who did not look so fearless in the moment. "Becs, you're focusing on you, not her."

"What?"

Stacie rolled her eyes frustratingly. The door opened again to the return of its previous occupants. Amy instantly went to sit on her bed next to Stacie and Chloe returned to Beca's side. "Okay, what did I miss?" Chloe beamed, unaware of the seriousness of Beca's attitude.

Beca and Stacie shared tentative glances before Stacie decided to provide a response. "Nothing much."

Chloe leveled Beca with an incredulous look. "You did tell her about Jesse, right?" Beca looked around the room sheepishly, not wanting to look Chloe in the eyes. Her silence seemed to be answer enough. "Beca." She chastised lightly before quickly giving an update on Beca's love life.

Honestly Beca did not mind that Chloe shared the details. She did not feel the need to gossip and dish on the inner workings of her life with people. She understood the importance of it now that she had the Bellas though. It was nice to have a band of girls around you for support or input. There had been many occasions where they talked about relationships into the night. Those talks extended much longer when the girls really wanted Beca to share. She parted with her troubles like they were pulling her teeth. At least one on one did not feel so painful and embarrassing.

Beca waited for Chloe to finish and the reactions from Amy and Stacie. Of course Amy brushed it off and exclaimed there were plenty of man-candy out there. Stacie seemed to silently convey something to Beca which was not received at all by the small brunette. Beca knew Stacie had some new advice in light of the new information but did not want to get into it with Chloe and Amy around.

Chloe and Amy exchanged mild commentary about getting back in the dating game. Beca tuned them out as she sat on contemplating her next move. She would not say she is much of a planner. Her ideas come to her and sometimes she runs with it. That is kind of how Jesse and her happened. Now, though, she feels a little more pressure to get this right. To not fuck something good up.

Beca is pulled out of her musings when Chloe tugs on her arm and exclaims. "Okay, so what should we do before the Riff Off? And no, Fat Amy, we're not doing pre-victory shots. We need to be focused!"

Beca completely forgot about the Barden Riff Off between the college's acapella teams. It is usually a fun and exciting part of the acapella year but she completely zoned it out. Beca smiled lamely at Chloe and the other girls to try and show she was excited. They did not seem to mind if they noticed her lackluster attitude and they jumped into making Bella plans.

"Maybe you should invite your friends from work, Beca." Beca could tell Stacie was trying to be her usual brazenly flirty self but her eyes shone seriously. Beca stared at her, trying to figure out what she really meant. Chloe and Amy quieted for a moment as well.

"Yeah, great idea. Invite tall and German to the show. We get some alcohol in him, some singing, my mermaid dancing, and he'll be all over me…I mean you." Amy gushed while correcting herself. Chloe quickly agreed as Beca, finally caught up, shook her head.

"I don't think they'd be into it, guys. Or like, available."

"Just ask." Chloe said easily with a bright smile. Beca envied and hated the such hopeful attitude being directed to her. Even with all the gray clouds swarming in her head she could not bring herself to rain on Chloe's delusional promising parade.

Beca smiled complacent at her friends. "Okay but don't expect anything." Chloe bounced with excitement on the bed. Fat Amy fist pumped and started divulging in tales of the foreign men she had conquered. Beca stared idly at her phone, unsure of what to say exactly.

"Come on, Red, let's plan our outfits." Stacie chimed in easily. Her easy going attitude back in full swing; only Beca noticed the pointed look she received before both girls left the room.

Fat Amy lifted herself to their walk in closet. "Don't worry, Shorty, I'll leave the man to you. I'm not looking for anything disposable just yet."

Beca shook her head while muttering a quiet and sarcastic thanks. She flipped her phone in her hand a few times before going to her messages app. She had done the action so often in the past few days she could get to Elyse's text conversation with her eyes closed. Talking with Stacie did help a lot in some weird way so when the keyboard popped up Beca did not freeze like she did before.

B: Hallo Elyse. Wie geht's?

Beca hit send before she could over think her text. Yeah, she looked up common German phrases and slang. She would deny it for the rest of her life if someone asked. That's not weird. I mean it seems a little desperate but, whatever, maybe I am. It's not like she's been answering a whole lot. Even if she just talked only in German, I'm fine with that. Beca flipped her phone in her hands nervously. She had gotten short replies, polite responses, and curt greeting from the German woman; anything else at this point would be a breath of fresh air.

Just like that, her phone chimed and Beca instantly froze. Immediately she opened her messages.

E: Hallo. Es geht, und Sie?

Hello. I'm ok, and you? Well, okay that's not any different even in German. Geez, and she's using the formal you version. Ugh, I'm in it deep. Oh crap I got nothing else to say in German. Unless I wanna ask where the restroom is. Beca silently groaned and began typing away.

B: Es geht auch. Do you have plans tonight?

Beca dropped her phone to the bed again and tried to keep herself together. This is fine. It's good. You're good too. Yup, she's all good, you're all good. Just ripping this off like a band aid. She's most likely busy anyway, it's good. Beca practically chanted in her head until her phone's beeped again.

E: Why?

B: Well there's this acapella thing going on tonight. Just for Barden's groups. Idk. Thought you'd like to come and watch.

Beca reread her text a few times to make sure she did not sound nervous or anything. Not like she was, yeah, totally not.

E: I see. I may have plans.

Beca felt like throwing her phone across the room. Seeing that Fat Amy chose that moment to walk across and head for the shower, she was glad she did not give into that impulse. Beca did not like how Elyse was acting but Beca figured she deserved it. A little. Maybe a lot. She took a deep breath and decided to mature up a bit.

B: I'd like for you to come. Please? I want to talk.

Beca almost deleted the message. She did not like how it sounded but she figured a text was a hell of a lot better than saying it face to face. Is there a way to talk to her without being face to face? I really don't want to get into any emotions talk around the Bellas. Especially with Chloe and Stacie around. Or Jesse. Geez, would I be able to get her alone somewhere? Beca thought on any possibilities of a private conversation when her phone beeped a couple minutes later.

E: DSM has plans but we may stop by.

Beca did not particularly like the response but it was a maybe; a chance to speak to Elyse outside of work. That chance made her excited and nervous. Beca quickly responded.

B: Cool. It should be fun. There's gonna be aca-nerds, competitive singing, and alcohol. Like normal college parties.

E: Normal?

B: Well yeah. I hope this is all normal or I'll need therapy later.

Beca fought a small smile from forming and hoped that Elyse was doing the same. Now she really wanted to see her. To know what her reactions are and figure out where she stood. If Elyse was not smiling then she would just drop it. If she was trying not to smile, like she so often did around her, then Beca would know she had a chance. To get her body moving, Beca stood and walked around her room a little. She checked her phone when it beeped again.

E: If it is not then I shall join you in your sessions.

Beca let a small smile form as she chuckled shortly to the other woman's words. She definitely had a chance to fix this.

B: Totally. You'll witness a new kind of crazy too.

E: Maybe. I may be crazier than you.

B: You call yourself Kommissar. I believe that haha

E: Watch it, Maus. You have not witnessed Kommissar in all her glory yet.

Beca froze as she read the text over again…three times. A big smile formed quickly on her face. She called me Maus again! Of course she was not giddy about it. She half twirled around in place because she felt like it. She was smiling like a fool because she wanted to. Really, she found her reaction to that nickname borderline annoying but right now she was happy. Beca had her chance.

B: Well I'm looking forward to seeing YOU in all your glory tonight.

Beca sent it off and bounced over to her closet to look at clothes. She decided she was not suppose to bounce or skip or anything like that. She was the moody college kid. Beca was so distracted by that chain of thought it took her a minute to think about what she sent. As she looked over her sent text she realized how it sounded. That doesn't sound completely flirty, does it? I wasn't thinking that. Will she think it? Did I make it weird?

Beca worried her bottom lip a little while trying not to dwell on it and look through her clothes. Of course she would need to dress warm but she wanted to look good for… Well, she just did. She decided on dark wash jeans that fit snugly, dark gray heeled boots, red shirt and her comfy black hoodie. The jacket was a little thin but it was her favorite. By the time Fat Amy returned to the room, Beca was ready to take her own shower. She checked her phone before connecting it to charge.

E: Then you just might. We will talk.

That totally did not sound foreboding at all. Beca went through the process of getting ready going back and forth in her mind about Elyse's text. Sure, it was good they would talk; that Elyse would hold a conversation with her. It also made Beca wary about what Elyse wanted to say. Thoughts of her so-called friends from high school filtered unwarranted through her mind. Images of people walking away from her, deeming her too moody, too unapproachable, crossed her mind. Beca shook away the thoughts as best she could but there was always a little doubt in her. All the time.

Being so openly accepted by the Bellas was a godsend and something Beca did not think would happen again. So far being with Elyse felt like being with the Bellas. Maybe even better. At the moment, Beca could not figure how but she felt it. She did not want to lose Elyse as…a friend. Yes, that is what she was. Midway through brushing her hair, Beca paused to look at herself seriously in the mirror.

"You made a friend. All on your own." She laughed at herself quietly. "Mitchell, you're an adult."

Hours later the Bellas gathered themselves together to have an early dinner on campus. The sun was setting and the chill was beginning to come in. During the meal Beca text Elyse to let her know where the Riff Off would be happening and told her to call if she got lost. If she was coming that is but Beca knew. The only thing that changed was the time the Riff Off started. The guys who started it liked to say it was to keep a level of mystery to it but, really, there was only one place to have it.

Someplace out of the way, hardly used, not monitored, had great acoustics, and could hold dozens of people; there were not many places on campus that fit the bill. Changing the time just meant all groups had to be ready between sundown and midnight. So far, the Riff Off never started so late and Beca wished it would stay that way. It was Friday but she really did not want to be out singing in the cold so late at night.

The Bellas almost finished their food when Chloe excitedly announced to the table when her phone chimed with a text. "It's early this year, ladies. The Riff Off is set. Forty five minutes from now." Beca thought Chloe sounded way too serious for what they were going to be doing soon but decided to quickly finish her burger instead of saying anything.

The energy turned to excitement as the girls finished up their meals. Beca wiped her hands before reaching for her phone.

B: Kinda late notice but the Riff Off starts in 45 mins.

E: That is a late notice.

Beca was unsure if Elyse was just agreeing or a little upset about it. Chloe was gathering everyone up so she did not have time to worry about it.

B: I know. Hope you can still make it.

Beca sent it off then left with the Bellas to head across campus. Their destination was an old recreation building that mainly housed the giant swimming pool. A newer and much larger version was built not too far away but the relic still stood for some unknown reason. Barden's acapella groups were just thankful that it was available to them every year. Just like her previous years, Beca entered the dark building from a side door and weaved through hallways to the center.

Murmuring could be heard in the corners and crevices all around them; the building being compromised of tile and stone making it strongly resonate. The group made their way into the main area with the empty swimming pool. A few groups of people were milling around but the Bellas knew who to look for. They spotted the pair of guys at the rear of the building, setting up.

Before her freshman year Beca did not know just how much alcohol went into college get-togethers. She wondered if it was worse for acapella nerds but just shrugged it off. The pair that now ran the Riff Off finished setting up an area around two coolers full of bottled alcohols. Chloe chatted with them a little but kept it short. The nerves of a future conversation with Elyse made Beca reach for a beer. Chloe gave her a disapproving look and Amy whined about double standards or something. Beca just shrugged it off and took a big gulp.

Surprisingly it was Stacie that came up to Beca to whisper quietly to her. "Not a good idea." Then with all her college girl grace Stacie chugged the rest of the bottle down. A few of the others, especially Amy, felt cheated that they were not allowed to drink yet. Finally Chloe caved and sternly directed they were each allowed one drink.

As more people began to show the Bellas moved about making small talk with others. Since it was their third year and they won two championships, the Bellas were the popular group. It was mainly in their little world of acapella but that was nice in its own way. Beca hovered along the outside of conversations until people began making their way into the pool. Spectators sat or stood along the edges and up above in the mezzanine area while the groups gathered in the deep end.

The Bellas, the Harmonics, and a newly formed acapella group, Not Your Forte, formed a loose circle amongst each other.

The last group to arrive was the Trebles. Beca made awkward eye contact with Jesse for a second before they both looked away. As usual, to kick start the event, a whooping siren sound was made by one of the groups. The new coordinator was a sophomore while the other was a senior, Justin. With his usual flare Justin announced the beginning of the Riff Off. Applause and hollering rang out around them and Beca tried to mentally prepare herself. She knew it was not working though since she found herself scanning the crowd's faces.

Her face dropped a little when she did not find Elyse but Beca knew to wipe it off so Chloe would not catch on. Before Beca could gather herself she heard Justin's ringing voice. "Girl Groups!" For a split second all Beca could think was that that was the easiest category for them.

It was no surprise to Beca that Chloe would jump in with a popular Destiny's Child song but she was too distracted to care. She did hum along appropriately though. She hummed the crap out of the harmonies but her eyes scanned the darkened faces lining the swimming pool's edge. It was actually CR that pulled Beca back from the center of the Riff Off when the BU Harmonics cut in with a catchy Spice Girls anthem. Beca looked around when she realized the Bellas were not singing anymore and quickly joined their huddled ranks. It was a little embarrassing but Beca ignored the feeling as she tried to focus on the songs.

"So I'll tell you what I want-"

"Want your number,
No I don't want to give you mine, no
I don't want to meet you nowhere, no
Don't want none of your time"

After the surprise wore off, Beca could not help but chuckle lightly as the Trebles came barreling in with the classic TLC anti-guy anthem. She would admit Benji could be the sassy lead singer when he felt like it.

"I don't want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me
Hanging out the passenger side
Of his best friend's ride
Trying to holler at me, I-"

Beca was not going to let them steal the Bellas thunder though.

"I feel so untouched right now
And I want you so much
That I just can't resist you
It's not enough to say that I miss you"

Beca stepped forward, so close to Benji, making him step backwards. It only took the Bellas a few seconds to understand the song and get the fast rock beat pumping behind her. Beca's eyes moved to Jesse standing by Benji but there was no underlying emotions there. From either of them. They both knew that from their talk on the ride home from the park. That did not mean Beca would let Jesse go as a friend. She would definitely wipe the acapella floor with him too. She smiled slightly as she continued singing, feeling the support of the Bellas behind her.

"I feel so untouched right now,
Need you so much somehow
I can't forget you
Going crazy from the moment I met you"

"You could then you know you would
Cause god it just feels so good
It just feels so good"

Beca stepped away as the new leader of Harmonics jumped in with a fast paced rock vibe. As she continued it was clear that her group did not approve the song choice. Beca thought the Paramore song was good but it definitely did not fit in now. The girl gave a sheepish smile when she got cut-off. Beca heard her mumble something about getting caught in the moment before Justin moved on to the next category.

"Black Michael Jackson"

A quick moment went by before Not Your Forte's leading man stepped forward.

"They told him, 'don't you ever come around here'
Don't wanna see your face
You better dissapear"

His group quickly swarmed him, swaying and practically shouting out the beat.

"You better run, you better do what you can
Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man-"

"Man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could be any clearer"

It was Jesse that pushed in next, swaying his hips like he does when he gets lost in the music. The Trebles sway along with him to the beat like they practiced the move. Beca bobs her head along trying to think ahead a few lines of lyrics but it was not her to jump in next.

"I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
(Really, he's going to point and wink at me again. This nerd.)
It's time-

"You're out of TIME." Not Your Forte threaded the words in ominously. They slowly gathered in the center and all at once they vocalized.

"Cause it's a thriller, thriller night
There ain't no second chance against the thing
With forty-"

"Forty days and forty nights
The law was on her side
But who can stand when she's in demand
Her schemes and plans
Cause we danced on the floor in the round
So take my strong advice, just remember to always think twice"

CR piped up and continued singing flawlessly until the rest of the Bellas jumped in. Lilly and Chloe handled the rhythm and bass nicely. Beca bobbed her head and got lost in the beat as it seemed others did as well. It was when Beca glanced up did she notice a shimmer of golden hair in a floodlight. Beca remained focused on the moment because she did not want to get out of tune. Her heart sped up with the hope that Elyse had made it after all. It made Beca want to sing more so she took over for CR.

"People always told me be careful what you do
Don't go around breaking young girls' hearts
She came and stood right by me
Just the smell of sweet perfume
This happened much too soon
She called me-"

"Me feel
You really turn me on
The way you make me feel
You knock me off my feet
The way you make it feel"

Beca shook her head lightly. Of course, Jesse had to interrupt her. She smiled at him to return his smug, playful one.

"I like the feelin' you're giving me
Just hold me baby-"

"Baby, It don't matter if you're black or white
Don't tell me you agree with me
When I saw you kicking dirt in my eye
But if you're thinking bout my baby
It don't-"

Not Your Forte got cut off by Justin who was wildly exclaiming that that was clearly "white" Michael. Beca felt bad for the group, it looked like they had found their groove. In the bustle of the group walking away, Justin picking another category, and Stacie trying to get Beca's attention, Beca's eyes found golden hair again.

She had a moment to see that it was not just Elyse, Beca could recognize that tall frame anywhere, but also DSM. Even though the lighting did not show their features Beca could tell they were dressed casually. Something other than black? I wonder what's the occasion?

Beca snapped back to the bottom of the pool when Justin announced the next category. "2000's! Choose wisely." He laughs and steps back while the two groups think quickly. The Trebles are the first to think of a song.

"Yeah this one right here goes out
To all the baby's mamas, mamas
Mamas, mamas, baby mamas, mamas"

He oozes his self confidence swagger, pointing out to the crowds, when he has the Trebles backing him, high fiving and being, well, guys for the sake of the song. It all makes Beca roll her eyes at their antics.

"I'm sorry Ms. Jackson, I am for real
Never meant to make your daughter cry
I apologize a trillion times
I'm-"

"I'm into you." Stacie jumps in, all determination and easy flirtation.

"You into me, but I can't let it go
So easily, not 'til I see
What this could be, be eternity
Or just a week, you know, our chemistry
Is off the chain, is perfect now
But will it change, this ain't a yes
This ain't ain't no, just do your thang
Well see how it goes…ooh"

Cynthia-Rose easily joins in with Stacie and the rest of the girls follow quickly.

"If at first you don't succeed
Dust yourself off and try again
You can dust it off and try again
If at first you don't succeed
Dust yourself off and-"

"And few times I've been around that track
So it's not just gonna happen like that
'Cause I ain't no hollaback girl
I ain't no hollaback girl."

Jesse jumps back in easily. Beca actually stifles a smile at the Trebles silliness. She definitely is not going to back down and is too ready to end this.

Few times I've been around that track
So it's not just gonna happen like that
'Cause I ain't no hollaback girl
I ain't no hollaback girl-"

"girl I'm feelin' you
The way you do the things you do
Remind me of my Lexus coup
That's why I'm all up in your grill
Tryna get you to a hotel
You must be a football coach
The way you got me playin' the field"

Beca flits through the words with ease, the Bellas quickly jumping in with the R&B beat. Beca can not help but smirk as the Trebles bob their head along with the song. They do not seem too interesting in butting in anytime soon.

"So baby give me that toot toot
Let me give you that beep beep
Runnin' her hands through my 'fro
Bouncin' on 24's
While they saying on the radio

It's the remix to ignition
Hot and fresh out the kitchen
Mama rollin' that body
Got every man in here wishin'
Sippin' on coke and rum (rum)
I'm like so what I'm drunk (drunk)
It's the freakin' weekend baby
I'm about to have me some fun (fun)"

Beca watches as some of the Trebles join them in the catchy chorus. Jesse opens his arms out to Beca as if conceding the Riff Off to her. The crowd's singing voices rise up along with cheering in victory. Justin rushes forward to announce the Bellas as the winners and hands over a little trinket as a trophy to a smiling Chloe. Beca shares a small smile with Jesse as he nods in congratulations and it feels so much more. Like they are almost back to where they use to be and Beca slightly nods back.

The cheering and singing had died down but the excited chatter continued. Groups of people milled around the pool and the drink coolers. Acapella people and their friends and fans chatted animated by the night, music, and the drinks. As soon as the Bellas had merged into the throng of people, Beca sought out Elyse. Mostly everyone were near the shallow end of the pool; a few scattered around the area. Beca had a beer she barely took a sip of in her hand as she weaved through people to look for her friend.

A parting of bodies presented a wonderful view of long wavy blonde hair and a tall lean frame. Beca approached and took in the view of Elyse in dark denim jeans, a soft looking white sweater, and red heeled boots. The overall look had Beca slow her pace just to take in the sight even more. She did not notice that Pieter, always by Elyse's side, caught sight of Beca first.

"Trolls should keep their mouths closed. You may catch flies." His sharp tone snapped Beca out of her mini trance. When Elyse turned to face Beca, eyes curious, the brunette found herself in the trance again. Taking in the sight of the tall blonde from the front could of short circuited Beca's brain.

There's no way she leaves the house as casually as this. Beca knew automatically that the shade of lipstick matched the killer shoes. Beca's eyes scanned from bottom to top just to be sure. Her make up was lighter but still so striking and confident. Beca was a little jealous of how perfect she got it. They finally met each other's gaze and words flew from Beca's mind. What did I want to talk about?

Elyse seemed to snap out of it first when Beca did not speak. Elyse relaxed slightly but her voice was forcibly neutral. "Your Riff Off was amusing. Well done with your victory."

"Yeah." Beca muttered. She finally moved closer and tried to appear casual. She was afraid it just came off as drunk. "Glad you guys could make it. Almost didn't recognize you." Beca waved her hand to their bodies and immediately retracted it. "I mean because of your clothes."

Pieter did not appear amused as he usually did with Beca's embarrassing behavior. "We enjoy more things than restrictive clothing and singing, troll."

Beca eyed his slightly uncoordinated outfit and could not help but agree in a sense. His own sweater was a light gray, looked scratchy, and had different splotches of color along the sleeves. His own tight maroon jeans stood out from his black sneakers. Beca bobbed her head slightly.

"I can see- Is that a fanny pack?!" Beca did not mean to say it quite so loud but really, who wears a fanny pack? She has not actually seen one, physically, in over two decades probably.

Her question was met with a moment of silence, a scoff, and a roll of eyes. "Ja, it is. Calm your voice. It is too shrill." The casual way he reacted threw Beca off more than seeing the extremely outdated fashion accessory. She could not stop her words before she could censure herself.

"And you're not embarrassed?" Beca cringed on the inside. Definitely did not mean to say it so harshly.

She got a raised eyebrow and a disbelieving look. "Embarrassed because of what you think? Why would I?" Pieter seemed genuinely confused by that logic and it surprised Beca. She was at a loss for words at the question and there was not anything she could really say.

She shrugged and looked to Elyse for help. The blonde's feature remained stoic and far from amused by the topic. Beca mumbled words to forget she said anything and took another drink from her beer. "Ok, so, you guys want a drink?"

"No." "Yes." Were her answers, given at the same time, but she focused on Elyse's response. Pieter looked at her just like Beca.

"Kommissar, du könntest hast ein Bier. Es ist-"

"Ich kenne." The blonde shot the man a stern look. Beca could tell they were having another silent conversation. She just wanted to talk to Elyse. "I am okay for now." Elyse directed to Beca.

"Okay, cool." Beca rocked on her toes impatiently. When it seemed Pieter would not excuse himself, Beca spoke up. "Can I- talk to you." Beca mumbled out awkwardly, pointing at Elyse. "Real quick." Beca tried to silently plea with Elyse while they stared at each other.

Elyse looked to Pieter, another moment had, and slightly nodded to him. His lips pursed slightly before he feigned indifference to the women. "I will get something to drink now." Beca watched his retreating form quickly before returning her attention to the blonde. Now that they were alone, surrounded by random acapella people, Beca knew this whole thing was not right. As her eyes roamed the slightly crowded area, Beca barely registered Elyse's voice.

"Now would be the time to say something."

Beca ignored the words for now. She just wanted to apologize properly to Elyse without any interruptions or nosy Bellas. Beca knew Stacie would be itching to get the update sooner rather later. With the only thought of privacy in her head, Beca grabbed Elyse's hand and pulled her away from the crowd. She immediately headed to the outer corridor that still overlooked the pool. At least they had some distance from everyone and the Bellas could not say she ran off completely. She was still visible and in the building so it was good enough in Beca's eyes. Elyse called curiously to Beca but was ignored until they stopped in the shadowy halls of the building. Once there, the Bella released Elyse's hand and turned to face the tall woman.

"I'm a jerk." Elyse blinked, surprised by the smaller woman's blunt statement. Beca took a steadying breath before she continued. "Most people figure that out the moment they meet me. I can be a huge idiot, too. You know that already now." She laughed deprecatingly. "I want to apologize- for my actions when Jesse showed up that night. Before that it was a great night. I- I liked it." Beca's eyes were downcast, unable to hold the gaze of striking blue eyes for very long, especially when she was trying to be honest here.

Her fingers twitched and fumbled, grasping at air, Beca's hands felt clammy, and her nerves seemed to raise her body's temperature against the night's chill. There was a drawn out pause that began to suffocate Beca internally. Shit, should I have said something else?

"Be-"

"And thank you!" Beca burst out before she realized Elyse went to speak. "I totally forgot about my laptop but it was there at the house when I got back with- well, thanks. I'd be lost without it." Beca crossed her arms while rocking slightly on her toes.

"You are welcome." Elyse finally managed to say. The unsure and awkward moment seemed to stretch on and Beca hated it. She just wanted to talk and hang out with Elyse like she had done before. She ruined it. It made her stomach turn with guilt and disappointment.

"I am sorry, Elyse." The words were quiet and wrenched from the small woman's vocal chords. Beca was turned away, looking towards the general crowd of students, with a somber and nervous look in her eyes. "I'm really good at messing up with people. I just- I- when Jesse showed up…I don't know."

"Are you embarrassed of me?" Elyse asked almost hesitantly. Once Beca heard it she whipped around to face the blonde.

"No! Dude, that's not it!" Her wide eyes looked beseechingly at Elyse. "You're amazing! I like being your friend, it's me. I screwed up big time. I just wanted to get rid of Jesse and then I opened my mouth and then you were gone and- we-" Beca stopped herself short of exposing too much. She looked away, ran a hand through her hair and sighed. "We aren't anything now."

"Us?"

"What? No, we, me and Jesse."

"Are together?"

"No, us."

"You said no to us." Elyse shot back.

"Yes, no, wait. Not the 'us', me and him." Beca was confused.

"So who is we?" They both were confused.

"Us."

"Du bist verwirrend!" Elyse threw her arms up, exasperatedly. Beca tried to calm herself and stop her racing mind.

"Okay, I meant me and Jesse. Are not a thing. There is no me and him. Not us." She motioned between them both. "I want there to be an us. I think…that's what I'm saying. What are you saying?"

Elyse was looking at her cautiously but seriously. "What are you saying?"

Beca huffed out, annoyed. "I just said it! I screwed up. I shouldn't have chosen Jesse over you that night! I shouldn't have lied about spending time with you! I shouldn't have let you leave! I shouldn't have kissed him!" Beca snapped her mouth shut. Damn it.

Silence pressed between them a long moment. "Du küsste ihn? Diese Nacht?" Elyse asked Beca, which Beca frowned at.

"What? Elyse, you're speaking German again."

The tall woman blinked out of her random trance she was in and focused back on the shorter woman in front of her. "You kissed him." It was not a question anymore.

Beca groaned lowly in her throat. "Really, that's all you're gonna pay attention to? Not the other stuff I just said." Beca faced the swimming pool again and leaned her hands against the low wall. "Well, I'm not saying it again." Beca huffed. She stood, looking agitated, which she was, but it was more because she did not mean to say all that in the first place. Yeah, she was thinking it but did not mean to yell it out in Elyse's face. Now that the blonde was back to giving her a stunned silent treatment, Beca was feeling that sense of being too vulnerable all over again. Should of kept my mouth shut.

Elyse cleared her throat but remained silent. Beca ignored her externally but followed her motions from the corner of her eye. Elyse copied Beca's movements but leaned against a pillar, crossing her arms over her chest. After a time that began to rub at Beca's nerves, the blonde broke the silence.

"I have known Pieter almost all my life. We met at school and he became attached quickly. I could not stand him." Beca chanced a quick glance before facing ahead stoic. She savored the hint of a smile on the blonde's face. "No matter how long I ignored him or insulted him he would smile and follow me. I thought he was crazy in the head. A- how do you say- screw gone."

Beca smirked at the misinterpreted saying but kept quiet. "He was always there so one day, when I was sad, he saw me. I do not remember what made me sad but he kept pestering me until I smiled. You know what he said?" Beca slowly brought her eyes up to watch Elyse. She kept quiet as she noticed the reminiscing features the blonde sported. Beca saw Elyse's profile sport a full smile. "He said, there is the girl I see." Elyse lightly scoffed. "From that day on, we were always together, always arguing but always making each other smile. I did not have to be any one else but myself with him."

Elyse turned to look Beca in the eyes. Light blue were shining slightly with nostalgic emotions which Beca wanted to erase somehow. She stayed quiet, though, mostly because she was unsure of what to say.

"Then now, with you."

Beca stopped breathing. She was sure she forgot how. There was so much honest and strong emotions in blue eyes that held her still like a tractor beam. Beca's mind tried to process everything but all she really saw was Elyse's shining face. So pure it felt like it could blind Beca. Were people usually so honest to her face? Beca offered a smile. At least she thinks she did. There was not much going on in her brain right now to really take notice of her muscle reflexes.

When Beca noticed a small hand cup Elyse cheek to wipe away a runaway tear, she was startled to realize it was hers. How she got so close, she did not know. How she was not backing away, she had no clue at all. Her body acted all on its own like it has known since birth what to do to comfort someone. The logical side of Beca's brain would have balked at the suggestion, had it any participation at this point. Very slowly Beca began to register more and more.

She could really feel the warmth underneath her palm. The chill at her back and feet. The ghost feeling of a body inches away from her. Its warmth seeking out her own and creating a mix of heat between them. Her eyes prickled along the edges where accumulated tears met the cold air. She blinked them away as one feeling registered the biggest to her. The light fluttering in her stomach. Elyse's name tumbled from her dry lips as her body unconsciously sought out the warmth in front of it. Beca's gaze watched dark blue eyes flutter between her own and down to her chin. No, not her chin.

The thought caused Beca to lick her lips and invoke the night air to sting at her some more. She just needed warmth. She just needed more. Beca was close enough to really see milky smooth skin, dark eyelashes, and the small lines on dark lips unable to be covered by lipstick. It hardly clicked in Beca's mind what she wanted…until she heard that word float from plump, dark lips. That one word that caused a shiver to course through her body like a vengeful winter chill. It was not until she heard the way that word just sounded that Beca knew what she wanted.

It was light and heavy, a warning and a plea, a challenge and a surrender. "Maus."

Beca quickly covered those lips with hers as if desperate to taste that sound. At the feel of soft, warm lips moving against hers, Beca let out a low whimper. It would of shocked the brunette into embarrassment, if she had the mental capacity to care. Beca was acutely aware of the throaty groan emitting from the taller woman and it did things to her. It was not a spark. It was coursing lighting.

Her grip tightened and clutched at a slender neck and soft sweater. Her lips pressed hotly and reverently against soft flesh, seeking more, so much more. Beca had to tip toe slightly to have her body flush against the taller woman's. Beca did not feel cold anymore, all she could feel was heat, soft heat. It seemed to rise from low in her gut all the way to the top of her head and set her on fire.

When she was close to running out of oxygen, Beca pulled away just enough to breathe but held Elyse close. The taller woman leaned against Beca as if she would drop without her there. They both were breathing heavily and slow to open their eyes. Beca took deep breathes and was surrounded by the sweet scent of the foreign woman and the night air turned warm by their breathes. Beca dropped her hands to just below Elyse's neck and held onto the soft material there. She concentrated on focusing her eyes there, on her hands, for a moment before venturing upward.

Her dark eyes met dark blue and she was surprised. Beca did not feel scared. Or shy. Or embarrassed. Or nervous. She was just- content. It was an extremely odd realization that she would have to think about later. Her eyes dropped down to dark lips that were slightly lighter than before then back up. "Hi." Beca wanted to roll her eyes at her choice of word. Really, you attack the woman on the mouth and you say HI?! Awesome work, Mitchell.

Elyse seemed to think so as well because she smiled amusedly before bringing a hand up to cup Beca's chin. A timid thumb wiped softly against Beca's lips. Did I get her lipstick on me? "Maus. Ich habe keine Worte zu sagen, aber hallo auch." Beca smiled lightly at the German words which caused Elyse to smirk.

"Hi too? And I get the feeling you were teasing me just now." Beca chastised lightly.

"No, Maus, I mean I have no words to say but hi as well. So, hi." Elyse smiled warmly as she moved her thumb from lips to Beca's cheek. Beca's cheeks burned suddenly and she knew she was blushing. She could not even remember the last time she blushed. Elyse's left hand circled Beca's waist a little tighter as her other hand circled back around Beca's neck. It sent a shocking amount of sharp tingles down her spine. "May I kiss you now, Maus?" More tingles. Beca did not need to think on it or wanted to wait to respond. She simply closed the distance again, too ready to get lost in the feeling of the blonde woman. Beca pulled away somewhat reluctantly to look Elyse seriously in the eyes.

"Does this mean you forgive me?" Elyse chuckled lightly.

"Maus, I can not remember what needed forgiving right now." Elyse remarked breathlessly. Beca laughed lightly as she took a long look at the tall blonde. All the confusing feelings from before just made sense now. Why Beca wanted to be close to Elyse, wanted to talk to her, see her, and why she hated the thought of Elyse being upset with her. She had grown to actually like the German woman without even realizing it herself. Stacie's comment earlier made perfect sense.

"What is so funny, Maus?" Elyse asked when Beca began chuckling again. Beca shook her head lightly.

"For a woman, I am so clueless at reading one." Beca smiled at Elyse's confused look.

"What does that mean?"

"It means I couldn't see what was right in front of me. I didn't think it was happening." Beca's hands moved before she realized they were back to cupping Elyse's cheek. Elyse leaned down quickly to peck Beca's lips softly a few times before pulling back. A part of her knew reality was coming, it was knocking at the door, and Beca would have to answer it. The reminder of her life was the rumble of noise a large group of acapella nerds were making barely fifty feet away. It was a cold douse of water across her face when she heard Chloe calling her name. "Shit, I have to go." Beca stepped out of her warm embrace and stepped around Elyse. Soft hands caught her at the wrist before she could get further.

"Go out with me."

Beca turned around. "What?"

"Go out with me. On a date." Elyse elaborated, eyes brimming with cautious hope. As Chloe's voice became closer, Beca began to panic slightly. She was not ready to explain anything to anyone what she just went through. She kind of had to explain it to herself first.

"Geez, since you asked so nicely." Beca teased the tense looking blonde. "I will." Beca leaned up quickly in a chaste kiss before turning away. She almost instantly ran into her redheaded friend and was quick to smother the goofy smile on her face. "Hey, Chlo. What's up?"

"Beca, did you hide away to kiss boys?" Chloe giggled, Beca instantly knew the ginger got into the free alcohol.

"Definitely not. I did not run away to kiss boys." Beca mimicked, smirking internally to herself.

"Oh, right, maybe that's what I wanted to do." Chloe easily replied with a cheesy smile.

"Okay, Red, why don't we go find you something better to do." Beca grasped her friend's shoulders and turned her back towards the party. Beca could not have Chloe stumble upon Elyse in the shadows in her state. The little fiery redhead got even more handsy after a certain point. As they maneuvered through the crowd, Beca looked for the Bellas. "Have you seen Stace anywhere?" She spoke closely into Chloe's ear.

The redhead gave a shrug. "Why do I care who she's with?" Beca scrunched her eyebrows at Chloe's curt response.

"Okaay." She drawled as she tried to scan the crowd from her vertically challenged height. A body collided with hers and Beca was thankful a second later when she noticed it was Cynthia-Rose. "Oh, good, here." Beca shifted Chloe towards a confused looking CR. "I gotta find Stace."

"Oh, she's dancing over there." CR responded quickly, jabbing her thumb behind her. She always seems to know where that woman is.

"Thanks." Beca mutters before heading in that direction. When she gets closer she notices that someone set up a laptop with a small speaker blaring music. She listens to the gnarled sound and mindlessly thinks they'll need to replace the tiny speaker before it goes out completely. Beca spots the tall brunette dancing closely with a guy, that looks like he can not believe it is happening. "Stace." Beca speaks loudly to catch the woman's attention.

"Heyy, Becs. Join us." Stacie tries to pull her in but Beca deflects well enough.

"No, thanks. Listen I need to talk to you." Beca is ignored so she tries again. When she is sure she has partial attention on her she grits her teeth in preparation. She knows she has to say something to get her full attention and it has to be juicy. "I kissed a girl." Beca mutters barely over the music but is sure Stacie hears it.

"Whooo! I kissed a girl and I liked it. The taste of her cherry chapstick." Stacie definitely heard her. She tries to continue on with the song even when a different one is playing so Beca grabs at her flailing arms. She pulls Stacie away with her even when the guy protests weakly. As soon as they are in a much quieter area somewhat away from the majority of the crowd, Stacie settles down. "So how was it?"

Beca blinks at the 180 turn from her friend. "Aren't you drunk?"

Stacie scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Hardly. I was just pretending to dance with that guy."

"What? Why?"

Stacie shrugs. "He has a crush on me so I play along a little." At Beca's dumbfounded look, Stacie continues. "He's my study partner, okay?" Beca's mind turns trying to figure out how that explains anything. "Never mind. Tell me about this kiss?" Stacie's eyes alight with intrigue.

Beca looks away quickly. This was a new area for the small brunette but something told her Stacie was the girl to go for help. "It was…tingley." Beca contains her smile, somewhat, at the memory. Stacie slightly squeals in delight before motioning for Beca to continue. "It was with…uh, you know."

"German and gorgeous, yeah, go on." Stacie quips causing Beca's cheeks to burn.

"Yeah it uhh…was unexpected but…nice."

"Just nice?"

"No, more than that." Beca thought about how her body reacted all on its own. "So much more than that."

"Ok, calm down. Don't get all hot and bothered right now." Stacie teased, making Beca glare at the tall woman. "Easy, I'm joking. So why are you here and not finding someplace soft to lay down with Tall and German?" If Beca had been drinking something she would of spit it up. Her wide eyes and open, gaping mouth conveyed her shock well enough. The tall brunette laughed at her leader's reaction. "Breathe, Becs."

"Dude, I'm not- that's not- I- we-" She saw the amused and teasing glint in her friend's eyes and immediately tried to reel in her emotions. "Shut up." Stacie chuckled again.

"So, why are you here with me and not her?" She asked lightly.

"Well, Chloe, kind of interrupted us." Beca continued when Stacie widened her eyes at that. "She didn't catch us but she was really close. So I brought her back to the party and looked for you." She watched Stacie nod her head slowly. "Did you guys argue about something?"

"What?"

"You and Chloe. I asked about you and she kinda snapped at me. Something about not caring who you were with." Stacie's eyes glazed over as if in thought.

"Did she?" She asked distractedly before shaking out of it. "I don't know why. Nothing happened." Beca did not really believe that but she ignored prying into it. It was not her business until something serious happened. For now she just hoped whatever it was the two woman would act like adults and fix it themselves. "Becs." Beca looked up questioningly at Stacie. She nodded behind her and Beca turned around.

Her heart rate immediately began to pick up when she came face to face with Elyse. Her eyes roamed over the soft sweater and tight pants again. The blonde's hair was only slightly messed and her lips were not as dark. The knowledge that it was because of her made Beca internally smirk. Elyse eyed Stacie quickly before turning that stunning gaze on Beca.

"May I walk you home, Maus?"

"Yeah, sure. That sounds good." Beca smiled and Elyse matched it quickly. As they turned away from Stacie, eyes still locked on one another, Beca heard the Bellas's parting words.

"Have fun."

A/N: I want to throw in a chapter from Elyse's POV but I'm not sure if it should be a small buffer or her reactions to all the pivotal moments with Beca. What do you think? I have many ideas on this and think it would provide nice insight into our favorite tall German. Anyway, have a good weekend.