A/N: A lot of filler in this chapter. Sorry.

Chloe took in a deep breathe. Her eyes blinking, seeking her glow in the dark clock to check if they had over slept. She exhaled with relief, it was still early. She instinctively wants to stretch but the body curled into her, holding her tightly, secured her in place.

She smiles, holds the brunette a tiny bit tighter, buries her nose in brown lochs and places a faint kiss against the top of her head.

This was nice.

What happened last night was not expected but Chloe did have fun. That thought alone brought another smile to her face. She traced infinite eights along Beca's arm, wondering if this is something that would soothe or wake her. The things she wanted to do right now... she just couldn't.

Truth be told, she'd always been curious. She leaned into her curiosity more than once. Kissed a few girls, hugged and touched whenever possible, even enjoyed the thought of some female celebrity crushes during her "self-care" routines. What she didn't do is fully experiment with someone. She shared this regret before with Beca, and she prided herself on how weird she was at wanting something despite not fully understanding it.

As they neared their graduation, she knew that experimenting wouldn't be part of her university experience. She hasn't thought about it as much since either, almost setting it aside as part of her collegiate fantasy and accepting there's not much room in her adult life for such things. Thoughts do still appear from time to time - she described them as fleeting curiosity that spring up from time to time, but she never truly pursued. Not all the way anyways.

Then there's Beca. Or more correctly, how she is with Beca.

Very little thought goes into flirting with her best friend. Their banter comes naturally, between Beca's quick wit and, from what she's been told, her lack of boundaries; they always end up having a good laugh with a few hidden innuendos. That's all she ever thought it would be.

Until the other night.

One of those fleeting thoughts invaded her mind and without much needed persuasion she acted on it. She didn't expect anything from kissing Beca but when Beca kissed her back something reignited. Maybe it's that curiosity, but part of her knows it's not that. It's not the same thoughts of wanting to try to experiment for a good story when she was younger. It's the thoughts of wanting to kiss Beca again and again. Maybe even try something more.

Chloe felt at ease when Beca did it again, kissing her that following morning as if it was the most casual occurrence between them. She knows she had a unique relationship with Beca, and learned to just let things be when Beca eased out of her comfort. It started off with the long night cuddles, where Beca would supposedly protest but once Chloe first crawled into her bed and held onto her, she just allowed it. Much like she allowed a lot from the redhead's behaviour.

Eventually sharing a bed became a regular occurrence whenever one of them just needed it.

There was a pattern, of Chloe pushing against boundaries and Beca's walls creaking at the start but still eventually giving way to allow Chloe in.

But last night … it wasn't Chloe who was pushing against a boundary.

In her mind, she admits that she was the one who asked Beca to join her in bed. Maybe the fact they had only recently broken a 'significant' barrier in Beca's standards by kissing, or maybe it was that she was taking Beca to her bed, instead of just crawling into hers per normal. Either way, this felt different but not extreme. No, this was still within the confines of safe.

Even if she did lead Beca into her bed, Beca was the one who dragged her off a cliff, diving towards water before she even had her first swimming lesson. Suddenly they were both paddling, scrambling, towards a dock that was familiar but so different…

She knew that she would just drive herself crazy if she kept assessing this alone and needed to talk to her bedmate. Talk. Despite every bone in her body wishing that whatever possessed Beca would take hold of her again and push them even further. Kiss her, touch her, undress her...

A familiar build up of arousal was hitting her.

They didn't have the time this morning and would have to talk on the plane. For now… Chloe took in a deep breathe, inhaling the very familiar scent that is Beca and began to shift.

"Hmmm" Beca mumbled now awake. "Where are you going?" She challenged the redhead making her way out of bed, her voice extra groggy this morning.

"Spain silly, come on," aside from the evidence of sleep, Chloe's voice was still cheerful and full of light.

Beca couldn't help but smile as she got up too. Convinced that the extra step in Chloe's step was due to her. She relished in her accomplishment from last night and wanted to see what else they could get up to.

Chloe, towel in hand, was ready to leave the confines of their small private heaven behind the flimsy curtain. And that's when reality came crashing down. The world wasn't just the two of them. There were others, people that tease and mock and get too involved. People who could invade this private bubble they've created.

"Wait," Beca groaned, her body protesting against her movements as she finally got out of the bed and moved past Chloe to peek at the other side the curtain. She returned to Chloe, shooting her a smile and a "coast is clear" look before sneaking out.

Beca liked her privacy but… that didn't feel right to Chloe.

On the plane everyone started doing their own thing. Jessica and Ashley were exchanging comments on things they found browsing the in-flight magazine as Cynthia Rose slept against the window with a neck pillow she borrowed from one of the girls. Amy was advising Aubrey on how her latest hair style, the barely-had-time-to-shower, was going to be a hit with the Europeans. Flo was checking the menu and making comments about the options that they were spoiled with and Lilly was creating intricate paper planes - some she had already flown at Beca across the aisle from her. Chloe sat next to Beca, happily in the front row middle seat with Emily by the window.

The journey wasn't an easy one, with layovers and a night in Madrid, eventually people were starting to dose off and take their naps on the flight.

"Hey," Chloe nudged Beca, who had her headphones on and laptop out; and pointed to Emily who looked adorable sleeping. The youngest Bella was in a deep sleep, lips slightly parted and breathes moving the few strands of hair that fell on her face back and forth.

"Wow she looks tired," Beca admit, headphones now hanging around her neck. Emily was usually very energetic in the mornings, but here she was sitting, arms crossed, head leaning against the window.

"Do you think we kept her up," Chloe teased and Beca's eyes widened.

"Dude, what the hell?" She immediately checked around her to see if anyone heard, Lilly on the other side of the aisle from her had sonar hearing for all she knew. She didn't react which reassured Beca slightly, but still!

"What, we could have," she justified with a harmless shrug. "You weren't exactly quiet," Chloe added flirtatiously feeling much more relaxed from earlier this morning. This is the first she brings it up since that morning and Beca was visibly uncomfortable with the conversation.

"I don't want to talk about this." The brunette huffed, grabbing her headphones to place back on her ears. She needed to exit, potentially from this plane, with or without a parachute.

"Ok…" Chloe sighed disappointed by the lack of back and forth Beca was offering her. "But," she needed to know. "Was that something you've been wanting to do-?"

"I said I don't want to talk about it Chlo. Drop it." Beca was unusually defensive. She's familiar with how Chloe can be persistent, and this was definitely a no topic for Beca right now.

Her biting remark left an impact, and by the look on Chloe's face, eyes practically an animation of sorrow in their right, Beca recognised that her tone may have been slightly more reprimanding than intended.

Beca couldn't take it, seconds of Chloe's sad face was torture, she couldn't handle that look in the redhead's eyes. It didn't last long before she was quick to correct herself. "I'm sorry, can we talk about it another time?"

"Sure…" it didn't change much in Chloe's expression but the redhead simply turned to face the front of the plane, sparing Beca anymore hurt eyes that would just cut at the brunette emotionally. "What about the lunch?"

"Lunch?"

"Yesterday, with that man?"

"Oh, he's the Executive at my old label." Beca didn't dare avoid another conversation now. "He offered me a job but I havnt thought much more about it…"

"Why not?"

"I guess I'm just happy enjoying this trip for now and dealing with it when I get back."

"Hopefully it's still waiting for you when you get back."

"Maybe I don't want it to wait if it's not what's meant for me." Beca was careful with her tone but her response was genuine.

"Maybe…" Chloe sighed and didn't add much else. A moment passed and she watched as Beca went back to her music. "Beca?"

"Hmm?"

Chloe didn't say anything else. She didn't know what she could say to make Beca more comfortable. Sometimes she wished she could fix the setting on Beca that was perminantely adjusted to "complicated" but then she remembered that she loved her weirdo the way she is. Instead she just rests her head on the brunette's shoulder to nap.

Beca was hit with a whiff of Chloe's shampoo as the redhead got comfortable on her shoulder. Whatever tension came from their talk dissipated and she relaxed her body to allow the redhead to lean into her.

As her own eyes began to drift close, Beca's head slowly landed to rest over Chloe's.

Emily woke up and looked over to the row of Bellas, now all asleep. She smiled at how each had a unique pose, eyes examine until she smiles at Beca and Chloe. She struggled but managed to contain an awe, and thought Chloe may appreciate her taking a photo. She took a few of each of the Bellas, zooming in from where she sat before putting her phone away. She got up, thankful she didn't have to wake anyone as she made her way to the toilet.

She hadn't been able to bring up the fact that she knew their secret. At least she presumed it was a secret since it wasn't like they openly admit to dating but the way they were always so close and looking at each other… it all made sense.

For the rest of the trip Emily continued to just watch and see if this is a thing. Her curiosity getting the better of her.

At arrival to their hotel in Madrid the girls all seperate to designated rooms. Emily watched as Chloe followed Aubrey with a couple other girls and Beca made her way to another room with Amy.

She wondered why they didn't just get their own room. It's not like they didn't live together already.

"Come on Emily," Jessica and Ashley appeared behind her to take her to the room they would share.

The next morning Beca and Chloe didn't even sit next to each other at breakfast. Were they fighting? Did something happen?

"You ok Emily?" Beca finally asked as she noticed Emily watching intently.

"Yeah I'm fine… I'm great! Super excited to sing with you guys again," she grinned excitedly.

Someone else cheered to that and the conversation took over.

Emily watched as they all made their way out of their hotel, jumping in at the chance to join Beca and Chloe's taxi to the airport. Beca sat in front this time, which left Emily sitting between Chloe and Flo. Beca admit she strategically asked Flo to join to avoid getting lost in Spain with zero working knowledge of the Spanish language.

"English is such a difficult language," Flo admit. "All your letters are free to sound as they want."

Chloe laughed at this. Emily was just watching Beca to see if she would react to Chloe's laughing or even look at the redhead. Anything.

On the second plane, once again they didn't sit together, Emily started to think that something was wrong…

Beca had been avoiding Chloe. She said they'll talk about the other night later but… she didn't know what to say. How does she explain to Chloe she jumped her like a horny teenager hoping to get her off because she has what can only be described as a hero complex.

How does she explain that her hero complex has now become sexual and maybe she wanted to do more than just have Chloe get off grinding against her.

Then of course there was her wanting to figure this out and explore without anyone else getting involved. She enjoyed the idea of just being when it was her and Chloe. But the second that privacy disappeared so did her security and suddenly she's thinking...

When did she start wanting to even see Chloe naked. There is an urge inside of her that was new. She was always close to the redhead, admired her beauty, charisma all that stuff… but now that admiration turned into her wanting to bang her against every piece of furniture.

No, this was insane. Last night was strange yet so fulfilling. Beca had been lacking that sense of accomplishment in her life. The only time she's been feeling useful are those moments she surprised Chloe with an ingredient.

That same drive to making Chloe happy is now wondering how the older girl tastes like-

Beca exhales loudly. She's grateful Chloe hasn't been in pursuit either, busying herself with catch ups. She's been talking to Aubrey mostly, it reminded her of her first year at the Bella's when the two were co-captains.

At the base Beca feels something new. A conflict. Chloe meeting someone she found attractive isn't new but, this was different. Chloe was flirting and it bothered Beca. It made her want to pull her away and hiss at this guy, Chicago. The other side of her was excited for Chloe, wanting her to be happy. To enjoy herself, because that's all Beca wants, is for Chloe to be happy.

Can she make Chloe happy though, she wasn't sure.

For now, they sing.

Knowing Chloe was excited about this competition made Beca excited because it now meant she could be the hero again. Sing her best and help the Bellas win. When the Bellas win, Chloe wins and is happy and therefor Beca is the hero again.

Damn Mitchell, pull yourself together. She cursed at the fact she has repeatedly associated Beca hero equals Chloe happy several times her head was going to explode.

She took in a deep breathe and waited, ears alert as Chloe explained the rules of the riff off to the other bands, offering to provide an example. She picked party songs, and Beca knew what that meant, what song Chloe wanted her to sing. A song she tends to break out on occasion whenever she cooked, and for Chloe she would sing her go to old school karaoke track because it would make Chloe happy. So without fail she got her queue and joined by Cynthia Rose started singing Remix to Ignition.

Round one didn't go too well, but that didn't stop Chloe from jumping in to try and win the round. Beca had to admit that encouraging a group of soldiers to sing was pretty dope. This was a good point to stop-

Damn it Aubrey.

She wished they knew how to cut their losses, but as long as Chloe wanted more Beca was gonna keep going. For the Bellas, for Chloe.

Zombie apocalypse, god damn Chloe what do you even want from me here!

Beca wanted to win. As the other singers confidently sang rather great picks Beca and the girls grew more anxious on how to truly make a statement until it hit her.

"I'm only human," the words she wished she could tell Chloe began to flow. Justifying how she's been, how she's feeling. This is why she loved music, and it made her smile to think she was able to express herself even if it wasn't directly to the redhead, but it was something off her chest for now - until of course it was cut short.

She had to laugh, the irony that she didn't want to talk about it and yet her chest was filled with so much she wished she could explain to Chloe. So much she wished she understood in herself.

It was time to walk away, from the riff off and the idea of expressing to Chloe anything substantial this second. No… she knew Chloe would eventually ask again, and the idea of just breaking out into song brought another smile to her face as Aubrey explained the technicality on how they won.

"We should go."

They didn't win though. No win, no happy Chloe.

Emily was watching as Chloe and Beca sat next to eachother now in the van on their way to their hotel but barely said anything aside from their contributions to Aubrey's ideas.

"Emily?" Aubrey had been talking to the young brunette but she'd missed whatever it was she was being asked. She called her name again and the brunette looked over with a quick "yeah totally!" In cheerful response to something - set related she presumed.

"Ok Legacy spill it, you've been acting weirder than normal, what's going on?!" Amy insisted.

"Nothing!" She bit back.

"Somebody is on the reds," Amy breathed out.

Beca quirked a brow and realised that Emily was watching her. Watching Chloe.

Shit.

As they exited the van Beca knew she needed to talk to Chloe. Emily knowing is NOT good. Already she felt their special world crash on itself. The only thing that made it better was the cute puppy in the foyer they entered. She could spend a minute playing with him at least. Aubrey had the right idea for once, the dog was adorable and would only understand Spanish commands.

"He's cute, no?" Flo asked Chloe as they walked further towards the hotel, following the soldiers they met earlier. She may have spent an extra second or two staring at their posture as they walked.

"Who, Chicago?" Chloe almost blushed, yes she noticed the handsome man. "Yeah he's... something"

"Many things, and probably has one big thing," Flo teased Chloe.

"Florencia!" Chloe reprimanded the Latin girl playfully. "So how do you say he's really..." she couldn't think of the words to ask for Flo to continue their list of Spanish words and phrases to learn.

"Muy sexy."

"So, Sexy is Sexy in Spanish," Chloe grinned as they continued their short Spanish lesson.

"That man is Sexy in all languages," Flo replied equally. "Go talk to him, before he's shipped off to war and has to fight to protect his country."

"How is it possible you made him even MORE attractive to me" Chloe joked some more, as Flo sent the redhead on her way.

"Hey." Beca caught up to Chloe in time to stop her from heading into the hotel lobby.

"Hey," Chloe couldn't help the smile on her face, a smile that naturally appears whenever Beca was near by. All thoughts of going to talk to Chicago quickly left and she happily followed Beca to the side to talk in private. "You've been avoiding me," Chloe teased innocently, but knowingly. "You ready to talk now?" She couldn't hide the excitement that maybe giving Beca space actually worked for once and it wasn't another Beca in denial.

"Not exactly, I think Emily knows." Beca whispered, making a point to check over her shoulder that no one heard.

"And?" Chloe seemed unsure of what the problem was. What did that have to do with what they did. Chloe immediately felt stupid to think Beca would actually address something with her ever. After all these years she still just couldn't talk about something as simple as sex.

"Dude, I don't-"

"Do you regret doing that?" Chloe spoke up, disappointed would be an understatement. "Did you not want to do that or?" The second question more of a challenge since Beca was the one who initiated everything. She's trying to read the brunette, thinking that maybe Beca feels she went too far and was trying to revert back, was that it? These questions have been haunting her and she just wanted to know.

"What, no I did." Beca fumbled. "I just don't want anyone to know." She tried again. Wanted to desperately explain to Chloe that she needed their privacy to figure this out.

"Are you embarrassed we did something like that?" Another question from a Chloe's list of thoughts came up.

"Don't put words in my mouth," Beca was getting frustrated. "Look you're my best friend and this is new for me." She tried again.

Chloe could sense a 'letting her down easy' chat coming and she didn't want to hear it. Not from Beca. "Got it." No, she would love to explore this more with Beca but she did not want to get sucked into Beca's push and pull tactics.

Beca watched as Chloe walked off. She cursed at her inability to explain how she felt. Why didn't she want anyone to know... it's just none of their business right? Not until she knew what all of this was at least.

Chloe however didn't take it that way. She was used to men cheering at the top of their lungs at the fact they could be with her, or have been. This was new, hiding was new and it didn't feel right.

At spotting the handsome man, Chicago, from earlier she knew she should just go for it. Beca was being weird and evidently not interested to address what has happened. Forget Beca, there was a beautifully handsome man standing across from her and if Beca wanted to continue being indecisive on this trip then she may as well have some fun.

Beca had to set it aside for now. If Chloe wants to go for this Chicago guy then so be it. She excelled at shutting down her feelings and for now just focused on winning. Winning for the Bellas.

Emily didn't like how Chloe and Beca have been towards each other since Madrid. Although both acting rather normal around the Bellas, the connection between them was... missing?

At Aubrey's questioning, she mentioned her busy schedule back home, all the studying, the fact Stacie had convinced her to take the GRE, maybe even look into engineering, in short - she was busy. On top of that, she missed her hamster. So yes, it had been a while she wrote a song and this... Beca and Chloe, this is the stuff songs are written about.

She overheard a bit of Chloe's interaction with Chicago, and when seeing her with him she felt her little fan girl heart tighten with a tiny bit of pain.

No, that just wasn't acceptable. She continued her observations, all the way to their rooms, this time noticing that Chloe and Beca were neighbours. She made a point to get the room on the other side of Beca's, just to keep an eye on things.

They were back at the base, getting ready for their set.

Emily was done getting ready, hair and make up done. Chloe and Aubrey started making their way to the stage, doing checks where Beca stayed at make up finishing up there. Emily opte or follow Chloe. The redhead more likely to open up if she could just-

"Hey," Emily looked up and spotted a handsome soldier. "You're one of the Bellas right?" He asked keenly, green eyes contrasting against tanned skin.

"Oh hi, yes," Emily wasn't used to people knowing who she was but then again she was in her stage outfit. "Did you need us on set?" She asked not sure who this guy was.

"I'm not part of that organiser," he explained, bashfully scratching the back of his head. "I just I heard you singing earlier and I wanted to say I look forward to seeing you on stage." He admit with a winning smile, almost child like in innocent nerves.

"Oh wow, that's very sweet of you-" charming could not describe this guy. He was the kind of man you just wanted to put in your back pocket and keep safe.

"Austin" he introduced politely, standing up a little straighter

"Is everyone here named after a city?" She teased.

"What?" He chuckled slightly confused.

"Nothing, Austin, nice to meet you."

"Listen," he started again, taking in a deep breathe, Emily could tell he was nervous. "If you want I'd love to take you to dinner?"

Emily felt it. The same thing she's been feeling for a while. She wanted to say yes, sort of. She's wanted to say yes to many of the men that have been approaching her the past few days. But she just didn't feel right.

She convinced herself it was the stress, from having so much to do for school and having a pet, but she didn't feel herself.

There was a block, mental, physical... she felt something stop her from even kissing anyone. With Benji she was used to him always being shy and less assertive. She pushed for a lot in that relationship and with sex it always felt like a favour to her. She was asking, she was kissing, she was the one making that side of the relationship happen. It left her with this impression of effort that's expected from her when it came to these timid guys. In the past, she would initiate and drive and push until she realised that when she stopped so did the relationship. Benji adored her but eventually he got bored, bored that she wasn't driving anymore and she just didn't like feeling in debt. It ended poorly with a fight around how Benji didn't want her, and she regretfully said he wouldn't know how to fuck a door knob if it didn't climb on top of him. She knows not all men were like Benji, but she just didn't want another person she had to babysit.

"You have a boyfriend?" He asked

"No, I just-" how can she explain something as simple as, I don't want to date another guy who didn't know how to make her feel physically desired. Without it sounding like being respectful and gentle was a bad thing. She wanted those things too but, sex should be mutual.

"Well then what's the problem?" He reached a hand to hold hers, hoping the connection would help. He was miles ahead of where Benji was but still...

"She doesn't have to explain herself to you." A familiar voice jumped in. Emily turned, ripping her hand out of Austin's and spotted Calamity walk over, protectively placing a secure arm around her shoulders.

"Ok-ok," he raised his hands in defense before backing away. "I'll be cheering for you," he smiled and respected the girls space.

"Thanks but I could have handled that-" Emily frowned knowing she was taking to the enemy. She didn't necessarily want Austin to go away, she just didn't know how to say yes.

"I know, I just wanted a reason to talk to you." She grinned. "You have a great voice." She grinned and studied her intently. "And you're not bad to look at darling,"

"Thanks?" Emily was skeptical, but felt a rush at this woman's gaze. Was Calamity, into her?

"The men here will eat you up, but... I can't say I don't want to be front of the line."

Emily's face must have turned a hundred shades redder. Was Calamity hitting on her? And was she liking it?

"Let's catch up after the show," it wasn't a question.

The performance went great, until the horn went off. This demotivated the Bellas, and ended their evening sooner than expected. Instead of hanging out afterwards, they hung their heads and changed out of their outfits to get back to the hotel.

Evermoist and the other bands were schmoozing to DJ Khalid. For the most part anyways.

"Emily, right?" Calamity approached Emily who was waiting by the door for the other Bellas.

"Yeah," she stood up a little straighter.

"You were pretty good," the blue eyed woman admired shamelessly. "I wonder how you sound like in bed." She smirked at the idea she could get under this girl's skin.

"Listen, I'm not really into girls and you're kind of the enemy.."

"Isn't that hotter though?" Her hands traced up the side of Emily's bare arms. "I'm not interested in being your friend... we can be enemies. You can even hate me, but I can still probably make you feel better than most of the men here."

She was in trouble, everything Calamity was saying was tempting. She wasn't used to someone being so direct and confident. With Benji she always took the lead and this, felt different.

"I can tell a girl is sexually frustrated from a mile away. You need to get laid and I..." she leaned closer until her lips were brushing the side of Emily's ear to whisper "want to fuck you."

Emily didn't know how to comprehend her forwardness, and she didn't even think she said yes, but for the first time in a long time she wasn't saying no.

"Come through," Calamity slipped her a key before leaving.

The Bellas separated into their own rooms. As Emily reached for her key she grabbed Calamity's. She stood in the hallway alone for a moment before turning around and heading to the elevator.

"What am I doing, what am I doing..." she said out loud to no one. Reading the number and checking again to determine it was a couple of floors up from them. She reached the door with the numbers clear in her face. Her hand was shaking, key held between her fingers, she slipped it into the hole and twisted. The door unlocked with what felt like a deafening click that gave Emily a jolt. She held the handle, knuckles white and turned until the door opened and she was in.

There was no one there. It was a recently well made room, with a guitar in the corner, some random personal belongings. She took in a deep breathe and turned to leave.

"This was a bad idea." She said to herself before opening the door to have Calamity standing right in front of her.

The woman smiled knowingly before crossing the barrier into her room and grabbing the younger girl to kiss. It was rough, it was assertive and Emily just let it all happen as the door behind them shut with a thud.

A/N:

sorry again for a lot of filler, but I always wondered how a Emily knew where DJ Khalid was staying.