The Reclusive Music Producer and The Journalist

by areaderofmanythings

Chloe is Rolling Stone Magazine's newest intern, she's left Atlanta to start life over in San Francisco. Beca's a cute regular who she befriends at the part time job she has until getting hired on at the magazine. What happens when Beca isn't straightforward about who she is and Chloe refuses to talk about her past? Will Chloe ever get the cover story she's dreamed about for years?

6. Chapter 6

Many many apologies for the delay, I hope you forgive me (fingers crossed that you'll take this long chapter as a peace offering)!

Disclaimer: PP still isn't mine, I don't claim any of it, no ideas, quotes or songs, because if it was Bechloe would've happened in the first movie and I'd be rich. Everything else, including all the mistakes are mine!

Another big shout out and huge thanks to sugarlandaddict23 for working her amazing beta skills on this long mother of a chapter and giving a quick turnaround. I wasn't expecting it back so fast once again you rock!

Hang on guys, here's another long one! I'll save all other author's notes for the end. So without further ado enjoy!

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The Girlfriend [12:19PM]: I'll be down in five!

Beca [12:20PM]: I would say take your time, but I haven't kissed you all day!

The Girlfriend [12:23PM]: On my way ;)

Resting against the side of the car, Beca pocketed her phone and sipped her coffee, savoring the way the warm caramel macchiato slid down her throat. So far the afternoon had been beautiful, a little cooler than she'd like for the Outside Lands Music Festival, but there was no chance of rain all weekend so she really couldn't complain. Besides the VIP cabana the studio sponsored comes equipped with couches and blankets, so there would be ample opportunities for her and Chloe to cuddle up together. She was really looking forward to spending time with her girlfriend and their friends this weekend, it's something she hasn't always had the opportunity to do, and considering this was the first weekend of her official break, the timing couldn't be better.

When the passenger side window rolled down, Beca turned and stuck her head in, "What's up?"

Cynthia Rose held out a second coffee cup with a grin, "Don't forget you got this for your girl."

"I almost forgot," taking the cup Beca smiled, "thanks dude, I've gotta maintain the awesome girlfriend status."

"I like the girlfriend look on you," Cynthia Rose replied, "you're happy, I haven't seen you happy in a long time."

"Yeah well," the grin on Beca's face was almost painful, because for once she was happy, "if you're girlfriend was Chloe Beale," she whistled making them both laugh, "you'd be a fucking happy camper too. I'm still not even sure how I snagged her…"

Beca was caught off guard when arms sneakily slipped around her waist and a kiss was pressed to her cheek. Steadying her hands so their coffees wouldn't spill, she laughed as her face was peppered with kisses.

"Who'd you snag babe?" Chloe giggled.

Twisting around, Beca awkwardly held the coffee cups between them, "This really hot journalist I met in a bathroom," she matter-of-factly stated with a wink, "it took some time but she eventually realized how awesome I am."

"I'm pretty sure she saw how 'awesome'," Chloe used air quotes, "you were from day one."

Taking the coffee cups, Chloe set them on the hood of the SUV, clutching the lapels of Beca's black leather jacket she pulled her girlfriend close for a proper hello kiss. If given the opportunity she could seriously kiss Beca all day and even though their first kiss took a little while to get to, they've definitely made up for lost time over the last month.

Pulling back Chloe used the pad of her thumb to wipe away the excess lip gloss from her bottom lip, "Tell this girl she's lucky, you're an incredible kisser."

"I think she knows," they smiled at each other for a few seconds until Beca couldn't stand the silence anymore, "Hey gorgeous."

Chloe happily sighed, she never gets tired of hearing that greeting, "Hey sexy."

Two short car honks made them jump as Cynthia Rose yelled, "Hey lovebirds, we're burning daylight!"

Beca quickly turned and glared at her friend through the open window and gave a monotone, "Thanks…" while Cynthia Rose smugly smiled. Chloe's hands slipped back to her waist and she covered up her mild annoyance by clearing her throat, "So, CR this is my supremely awesome and totally amazing girlfriend Chloe Beale," hiking a thumb over her shoulder she wiggled it at the redhead, "And Chlo, this is Cynthia Rose, my full time friend, but also one kick ass local radio station assistant producer, who also does side jobs for the studio, this weekend she's our driver."

"Nice to meet you," unintentionally smashing Beca up against the door, Chloe stretched her arm out and smiled as they shook hands. Hearing a groan she made a semi-panicky face, "Opps…" kissing a cheek she giggled, "sorry babe."

"Yeah, yeah," Beca exaggerated with a wheeze, "air Beale, I need air."

"Oh, she said that a couple nights ago when we were making out," Chloe grinned as Cynthia Rose laughed and Beca blushed.

"I so didn't," Beca defended although she was never very good at lying, "you told me to take your breath away and I did, I just took mine with it." Casting a sideways glance at her girlfriend she saw the smirk, slumping her shoulders she knew trying to talk her way out of this was no use, "Dude it's not my fault you're just so kissable."

"She said that too," Chloe nodded in triumph making Beca roll her eyes, "but then like a minute later said, fuck it, who needs air…"

"Oh my god…" ducking under her girlfriend's arms Beca tried to hide her reddening face by moving her sunglasses back into place as the other two continued to crack up. Waving a frustrated hand in Chloe's direction she stated, "You're just lucky you're that pretty and can get away with revealing shit like that."

"Alright ladies," Cynthia Rose chuckled pressing the unlock button, "let's roll so you can rock!"

Shoving her hands in her back pockets Beca tilted back and forth on her feet, "You got everything?"

"Yep!" Chloe nodded. She was pumped to be going to Outside Lands Music Festival, but being with Beca was going to make these next three days of nonstop music and partying just that much better.

Beca easily smiled, "Cool I've got your VIP and press passes in the car."

"You are seriously the best," bending over Chloe was just about to grab her bag off the ground when Beca took it and slung it over her shoulder. She smiled at the thoughtfulness, "my boss gave me a full page in the next issue, so I'm on a mission to find the ten best performances of the weekend."

"I think we can manage that, I personally can't wait for Radiohead and LCD Soundsystem," reaching for their coffee cups Beca handed one over, "I hope I ordered right."

Taking a quick sip Chloe gave a thumbs up at cinnamon latte, "Perfect, just like you."

"Well then," reaching for the door handle Beca pulled it open, "your chariot…" she bowed and heard that beautiful laugh, the one that constantly makes her heart flutter, "awaits."

Sticking out her hand, Beca helped Chloe step into the backseat and fully took in her girlfriend's attire. Chloe is a lethal combination, she's got this killer body and the brains to match, everything about Chloe Beale holds Beca's attention and has since day one. And as she makes her way around the SUV she wonders how she ever ended up with someone like Chloe, Chloe's the type of girl people dream about. It makes her want to accept the seemingly endless offers she gets for interviews just so she can gush about her beautiful girlfriend and their relationship and Chloe's definitely the girl she wants on her arm at award shows and launch parties.

Wait, what? Beca froze, fingers gripping the door handle as she ran all those thoughts through her head again. She's never contemplated doing any of those things before and for some unnerving reason, being approached by fans, going on talk shows and attending the fucking Grammy's don't make her the least bit scared. Something tells her that as long as the woman sitting on the other side of the door is with her and holding her hand, just like Chloe always does when they're out in public or in large crowds, fame won't be that bad.

Hearing animated talking and laughter coming from inside the car, Beca's head snaps up and she stares at the blacked out window. In that instant she realizes how easily she could navigate this whole fame thing as long as Chloe's at her side. And as much as being recognized daily is something she's extremely apprehensive and leery about, it's also something she's realized that is going to be inevitable the longer she's in the music industry.

Taking a steadying breath Beca opened the door and the talking quieted down as she climbed in. Finishing off her coffee she leaned forward and set her the empty cup next to Chloe's in the front seat, "You know the way to the VIP entrance, it's different from last year."

"Sure do captain," Cynthia Rose gave a mock salute, "36th Ave then follow the signs to the Polo Club."

"Sounds about right," Beca nodded feeling Chloe's hand rest against her lower back, "you got the pass that lets you drop us off right at the front?"

"B sit back and chill," stepping on the break and pushing the ignition start button Cynthia Rose regretfully shook her head at a grinning Chloe in the rearview mirror, "I got this, you pay me to do the worrying so you don't have to…" before putting the car in drive she raised an eyebrow and purposely stared at Beca, "You're only responsibility is her," she pointed at Chloe who pulled Beca back into the seat next to her, "take care of your girl, have fun and I'll make sure you two get home safely."

"You're not staying?" Chloe asked as they finally pulled away from the curb.

"CR doesn't go to Outside Lands," Beca corrected wrapping an arm around her girlfriend. She felt a little more at ease when Chloe laid a hand on her thigh and snuggled in close, "I've been trying to give her free VIP tickets for years."

"You've really don't go?"

"Nope," stopping at a red light Cynthia Rose turned, "That's some serious white people shit."

Chloe didn't know if that was a joke or if she should be offended, but when the other two started cracking up she knew she couldn't take it serious. Although her girlfriend was laughing there was something off and the avoidance of eye contact since she'd gotten back in the car was the key indicator.

"Well ok then," Chloe laughed, "Hey if Cynthia Rose is your driver, why isn't she on Aubrey's Drunk Dial List?"

"She used to be," Beca grimaced rubbing her forehead, "but then Fat Amy barfed in this SUV and now CR charges them for drunk dials."

"Unless it's B…" Cynthia Rose added, "I'll pick her up any time free of charge."

Taking the hand from her shoulder Chloe started playing with Beca's fingers as the other two talked about a pickup time for after the concert. Once the conversation was over they traveled in silence for a few minutes and she allowed Beca's tension to settle.

Pressing her lips to Beca's ear, Chloe whispered, "Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, I'm just thinking," looking away from the window Beca smiled, "Why?"

"You just seem," Chloe searched Beca's eyes for an answer, "I don't know, conflicted."

That's a fair statement because Beca's been trying to wrap her head around the fact that she wants to tell Chloe everything. Chloe deserves to find out properly and in a setting that's free from distractions like their friends or the studio. This is a big deal and it needs to happen soon, because one day someone, including herself, will slip up and inadvertently say something. Or god forbid a tabloid discovers who she is, snaps pictures of them together then blasts it out for the world to see. Chloe would probably freak if one afternoon while grocery shopping she sees a picture of herself on the cover of US Weekly.

"I'm good, I promise," Beca reassured, "I'm just hungry, I didn't eat lunch today."

Even though Chloe didn't fully buy the excuse, she accepted it because the whole eating thing is probably true. Beca gets so engrossed in music that she sometimes forgets that eating is a necessity until food is physically set in front of her face.

"Bec," Chloe lightly reprimanded, "You should've told me, I would've brought you some of that trail mix I made a few days ago."

"Not the cupcakes?" Beca joked, making Chloe smile.

"I would've brought you whatever you want."

"I know, I didn't even think about it," Beca has such an amazing girlfriend, Chloe just enjoys taking care of her and she fully intends on keeping this girl around forever, "you spoil me too much anyway…not that I want you to stop."

They're in a unique situation, they both have enough money to easily go out and buy whatever they want, so it has kind of changed how they approached their relationship. They've agreed to keep the extravagant gift giving to specific holidays or birthdays and so far it's made everything that much more genuine. It's doing simple things like how Chloe will draw funny cartoons on strips of paper then swap it with whatever object Beca's using as a bookmark or how her girlfriend will show up at the deli with her favorite dessert so they can split it on her break. This whole relationship is different from what Chloe is used to, but in a good way, a very good way. She loves the pace they've set and how they're approaching things and it makes her realizes that Beca is the type of person she has needed in her life for a long time.

"I won't," Chloe delivered an easy kiss making Cynthia Rose whistle, breaking away they lightly laughed, "I forgot that we're not alone."

"Me too…" Beca held back a smile as Cynthia Rose mumbled about their kissing skills that made Chloe uncharacteristically blush, "I hope at some point over this crazy weekend that we can sneak off and have some quiet time together."

"Will Fat Amy allow that?" Chloe joked.

"Doubt it," Beca laughed, "I've already gotten a dozen texts, they've been drinking mimosas in our cabana since the gates opened at eleven."

"I don't know what I've gotten myself into…" the laugh Chloe heard instantly warmed her heart, because that was Beca's real laugh.

"Yet another reason why I don't go," Cynthia Rose added.

Beca calmed and pointed an accusing finger at her friend, "You never seem to complain when Stacie flashes her goodies at you."

"Baby who hasn't seen Stacie's goodies," Chloe added as Beca gave a disbelieving shrug, "hell I saw them twice last week and now Aubrey has made it a rule that Stacie can't come to work without her approved work attire already on."

Stopping at another red light Cynthia Rose turned in her seat, "I told you B, the only payment I need is to see Stacie's boobs."

"I mean they are nice boobs," Chloe confirmed and Cynthia Rose vigorously nodded.

Laughing Beca pointed, "Green light," and the SUV immediately accelerated causing her and Chloe fell back against the seat. Playfully raising an eyebrow she asked, "So should I be jealous that my girlfriend is checking out another woman's boobs."

"Trust me Mitchell," biting her lip Chloe slipped her finger in the front of Beca's plaid button down shirt and pulled it out, sneaking a peek she smirked, "your boobs are the only ones I want to see."

---

After navigating through the hoard of people to the first bar she saw, Beca eventually had two drinks in hand and now all she needed to do was find her girlfriend amongst the sea of people milling around the VIP tent. Rounding a corner, Chloe gave a little wave from a small table that had been pushed up against the railing that overlooked the sea of people assembling around the main stage waiting for whatever band was playing next.

"Sorry this took so long," Beca said handing over a drink, "We should've gone straight to the cabana and ordered drinks there, it would've been faster."

"Bec," setting her drink aside Chloe smiled, "it's ok," wrapping her arms around her girlfriend's neck she saw the uneasiness fade away, "we're in no rush."

"I know," Beca's hands rested low on Chloe's hips, "I'm sorry if I've seemed kind of off, I've just had a lot on my mind." The grand revelation she had on the ride over combined with her newfound freedom, has put her mind into over drive. But as soft fingers gently kneaded the base of her neck she instantly relaxed, "But I'm good now, you make me feel like I don't need to worry about things."

"If you need to talk," Chloe briefly connected their lips, "we can, I'm all ears."

"I actually do," averting her eyes Beca watched the stage hands run around in a mad dash to set up for the next band, "if you don't mind."

"I don't."

Feeling soft hands on her face Beca knew it was Chloe's way of telling her to take her time, "I'm taking a break from work and I know I should've told you sooner but this is a decision I've been struggling with…"

"Baby slow down and look at me," the nervously tapping fingers were back and Chloe saw a distress in those grey-blue eyes that she'd never seen before, "whatever your reason, I'll support you."

"Do you think I'm being selfish?" that was one of Gail's final tactics and it really struck a nerve and made Beca feel extremely guilty about her decision all week.

"No," Chloe shook her head, dropping her hands she stilled the tapping fingers, "I want you to do what's best for you, I've been worried about you."

"You have?"

"Yes, and so have our friends, you work too much."

Although it took her a few months to recognize it, Chloe can clearly see the toll Beca's work takes on her. The music thing she thinks can't really be helped, she can see it being both a blessing and a curse, simply because Beca isn't like a regular person, she just can't push music aside and focus on something else. The music constantly running through Beca's head will linger and consume her until every, single note and lyric is scribbled down. And to a certain extent Chloe understands, she feels the same way when it comes to her photography, sketching or painting. However, she's not blind, she sees the fatigue and exhaustion everyone constantly whispers about that is caused by owning a recording studio while being both a producer and a musician.

"I-I'm not completely walking away, I could never give up music or the studio, they're the only things I know how to do," Beca rushed out, "but for the time being I've pushed most of my day to day responsibilities onto Emily," which wasn't a lie, Emily knows just as much about running the studio as she does, she just didn't add how she's also put a halt on all of her recording and producing, "don't worry she's getting a nice raise, even though she doesn't know it yet," she grinned, "and I'll still go in on an as need basis for paperwork and stuff."

Chloe laughed at that, "And when are you starting?"

"I uhhh…" picking up her beer, Beca took a sip then set it aside, "I actually turned everything over to her on Monday."

"How long is your break?"

Scratching the back of her neck Beca briefly looked away, "I'm starting with a year…"

"Wow, ok," usually Chloe gets some indication that something's going on, but this had been so hush, hush that it totally threw her for a loop and it was worrying, "is something wrong?"

"Physically no," Beca shook her head with an easy smile as Chloe sipped her drink, "mentally and emotionally, yes but only to a certain extent. Sometimes I feel like I'm walking a fine line between ok and not ok, does that makes sense?"

Chloe just blankly nodded because it was all too familiar, "Completely."

"I…" Beca paused, tapping her fingers against her glass she contemplated how to say this without making Chloe uncomfortable, "Look, my mom's death still affects me way more than it should, so I've started seeing a shrink again."

"Ok," Chloe set her glass aside, Beca seemed less fidgety but still unsure, "Is there anything I can help with, I'd do anything to help you."

Ultimately Beca's using this break to get her life back in order, but she wouldn't even be talking about this, if she hadn't met Chloe. Beca's life has been so hectic that she's basically been on a collision course headed straight towards a nervous breakdown, but that fast paced lifestyle came to a screeching halt the day she met Chloe. Suddenly she saw what she'd been missing in life, she's never felt more at peace with herself then when Chloe's around. Beca fully admits that she has had very little experience with romantic relationships, hell half the time she questions everything she does, but the one thing that she knows is without a doubt completely right and completely perfect in their relationship it's Chloe Beale.

"Do you know how amazing you are? You being you is all I need," taking her girlfriend's, Beca ran her thumb over the small lady bug tattoo, "Can you just promise that you won't leave me?"

"Bec," Chloe sighed, she's finally found someone worth not running from and she fully intends on sticking around, "I'm not going anywhere," even if it stirs up emotions she's locked away, she's ready to face them as long as they're together, "you mean too much to me."

Chloe's so strong and so supportive and she has these eyes that scream understanding. Beca's never believed someone's words more than she believes Chloe right now, "I've never needed anyone like I've need you."

"Me too," Chloe whispered, "I'm so glad I found you."

Chloe watched Beca's thumb rub comforting circles along her wrist, it's as another technique Beca uses to help elevate those nervous and anxious tendencies. It's something Chloe's grown to love and the cute part is Beca probably doesn't even realize she does it.

"You know, that night we met, I was just planning on going home," Beca confessed, "but I'm so glad Jesse convinced me otherwise."

"And I only applied to give me something to do until I went full time at Rolling Stone," Chloe smiled.

"I think that means we're meant for each other."

"We are," leaning forward Chloe brushed their lips together, "opposites attract right?"

"Fuck do they ever," Beca smiled into the kiss, god she is falling so hard for this girl, "I've never met anyone quite like you Chloe Beale, everything has gone right in my life since the day we met."

Chloe could only nod as they kissed again, because that's exactly what she'd been thinking too.

"Can I tell you something else?" Beca asked between gentle kisses.

Pulling back Chloe rested her hands on Beca's neck, "Anything…"

"I have a hard time talking about some things in my life," Beca needed to clarify for both of their benefits, "so if it seems like I'm hiding things from you, that' never my intent, I completely trust you, but sometimes I let my anxieties get the best of me…So I'm not keeping secrets from you, I'm just…it's not you, but being more open with people is something I constantly work on."

Chloe brushed a strand of hair out of Beca's, she understands because she struggles with a similar issue, "I know you'd never intentionally do anything to hurt me."

"Never…" Beca shook her head, now more than ever Chloe needs to know the fame side of her life, because she didn't want a delicate situation to turn into a disastrous one, "My life has been pretty fucked, caused mainly by stupid decisions I've made and not taking our friends advice, but you're the one who has finally gotten through to me…"

"I understand and I'll do whatever I can to help," Chloe wrapped her arms around her girlfriend, "we can fix this together," she felt Beca's hold tighten around her, like she was life support, "I've got you and you've got me."

Beca's guard was completely down, there were no more stone walls set to keep people out and Chloe could physically feel the stress and personal issues Beca has been carrying around for years. Their lives are more intertwined than she ever imagined and although their demons are different, she bares the guilt of her family's death and being the family failure on her shoulders, she knows the weight they carry is very similar in nature.

"Thank you, I just need to regroup before I start resenting everything and everyone, including music," slightly pulling back, Beca softly kissed Chloe's lips, "Plus there's an us now and I don't want my work to cause a strain in our relationship."

"I've told you babe," Chloe placed her hands on Beca's face, "I'll never stop you from making music."

"I know," Beca returned Chloe's smile, "but I need to learn how to balance us and music and be able to love both."

Dropping her hands Chloe reached for her lime and squeezed it into her gin and tonic, "I'm here for you in whatever capacity you need," if it's a friend, girlfriend or lover she'll be there, "you're gonna be stuck with me for a long time."

"Damn, you figured out my plan," Beca winked. Although the timing was a weird, she's glad they had this conversation, at least that's one thing she doesn't have to explain later. "So I guess that means you know, I really, really…"lifting her glass, she casually took a sip, then purposely stretched to set it further away than necessary. Pulling back she inconspicuously slipped her hand to her girlfriend's perfect ass, causing blue eyes to darken, "like you Chloe Beale."

Chloe loved how easily Beca could steer a conversation and not make it seemed forced, "You're getting handsy Mitchell…"

"Yeah well blame it on the alcohol and music," Beca deadpanned her hand sneaking into a back pocket, "and you're not exactly pushing me away."

"Oh I didn't say I didn't like it," Chloe shook her head with a wicked grin, "you just don't realize what door you've just opened."

Beca intently watched Chloe lift her gin and tonic, expertly roll the straw with her tongue before lightly pinching it between her teeth and taking a sip.

"You're not playing fair…"

"Who said we were playing by the rules…"

Beca gave the hand a light squeeze, making her girlfriend's eyebrow rise, lowering her voice she inched closer, "Isn't there like some unwritten rule in the girlfriend handbook that says I can touch your ass whenever I want."

"I thought you were a boobman?"

"Oh I totally am," Beca nodded flicking her eyes down then back up, "but feeling you up in public isn't exactly appropriate."

"But grabbing," Chloe's voice caught in her throat when the grip tightened then vanished.

"Yep…"

Setting her glass aside Chloe curved her fingers through Beca's belt loops and dragged her girlfriend closer. She likes what they're doing, this slow, yet torturous pace is only ramping them up for when the inevitable finally happens. Each day they step that much closer to sleeping together and as much as she's been thinking about it, which recently has been a lot, she's also scared, she hasn't taken that step with someone in a long time.

"Just so you know me…" Chloe bit her lip as Beca just looked at her with this cocky smirk that spoke volumes. It was frustratingly hot how nonchalant Beca was being, but it didn't really matter nobody was paying attention to them, they were in their own little world. Draping her arms around Beca's neck she pressed their bodies together, "and everything that comes…"

"Oh you'll be cumming alright," Beca interrupted, hands settling low on Chloe's hips.

Chloe grinned at the blatancy, yet continued her statement, "Along with it, is yours."

"In every way?" Beca breathed out and she swears she heard Chloe moan. God she needs to get laid so bad. She doesn't really sleep around, she is however a very sexual person, but this is by far the longest she's ever gone without sex. Yet she's ok with waiting because she knows being with Chloe will be well worth the wait.

"Yes," Chloe confirmed, "whatever your brain can imagine."

"I don't think you realize how ridiculously fucking hot you are," Beca brushed their noses together, "sometimes I don't even think you're real."

"Oh I'm real," Chloe's heart was racing, "and I'm pretty sure you and everything under your clothes is real too." Pressing her lips to Beca's ear she spoke so low that even she's not sure she'll be heard, "And by the way, you're ridiculously fucking hot too," she's pretty sure the message was received by the groan that got, but just in case it wasn't she added, "every time I see you, you turn me on like you wouldn't believe."

"I'd love to find out," Beca mimicked Chloe's tone, "Let's go home, turn off our phones and deadbolt the door then we can spend all night finding out."

Chloe disregarded the last statement for the time being simply because she loved playing this game and apparently so did Beca.

"I've had dreams about what you'd do to me Beca Mitchell," the hands on Chloe's hips slowly made their way up her back causing her breath to hitch. She's entirely guilty of thinking about Beca in various states of undress doing various things to her body at totally inappropriate times of the day and right now was no exception, "I love the way you touch me."

"Do you?" Inconspicuous kisses were placed along the sensitive skin under Beca's ear skillfully disguised as Chloe nuzzling into her neck, "Jesus Christ…" Chloe knew exactly what she was doing, she found that spot a couple weeks ago and has been using it to her advantage ever since, "Y-you…damn…" she sucked in a slow breath. She's never had a girl, for all practical purposes, be all over her, but hey it's fucking awesome to be wanted like this even though she's usually not the biggest fan of PDA, "I can't believe this is happening right now."

"It's been happening for a while."

"Don't I know it…"

Chloe opened her eyes, more people were starting to crowd the railing and the other tables scattered around the VIP tent were filling up. They really should head to the privacy of their cabana where they can more than likely con whoever's inside to go for a walk so they can heavily make out while the next band plays.

Teasingly pulling her lips away right before Beca connected them, Chloe grinned, "The next band is starting."

"I don't give a fuck," Beca could care less, "I'm all about you right now."

"Bhloe!"

Beca and Chloe's heads whipped in the direction of the obnoxiously loud Australian standing on top of a table and using two toilet paper tubes as makeshift binoculars to search the crowd. She was wearing a shirt that said, I'm here to rock, Fraggle Rock, a tiara and strangely enough ring pops on each pinky. Stacie and Emily flanked each of her sides and both looked completely uninterested and annoyed to be there.

"Excuse me," Fat Amy yelled again, "Can I have everyone's attention," she uselessly thrashed her arms around sending the toilet paper rolls flying in opposite directions, "I'm looking for a short brunette about yea high," she placed a hand next to her knee, "she goes by the name Shortstack," almost toppling off the table Emily shrieked in horror and took three giant steps back, "and her girlfriend, who just so happens to be a ginger. Now I know what you're thinking they're an odd combination, but it's equivalent to finding a unicorn in a magical forest, which I have…twice." Flipping around she repeated the whole spiel a second time before finally adding, "Collectively they go by Bhloe…B…H…L…O…E…Bhloe!"

Chloe turned to Beca, who was unsurprisingly watching the scene unfold, "Bhloe?"

Beca just shrugged and whispered, "What do you say we make a run for it? It's your last chance before she sees us," out of the corner of her mouth.

"To late," Chloe gestured to Emily who was happily moving towards them with Stacie following closely behind, "Should we brace for impact?"

"Probably," Beca nodded planting her feet and covering Chloe's chest, "don't worry I'll protect your boobs," getting a laugh and an elbow to the ribs, they watched Fat Amy hop off the table and forcefully push Stacie and Emily out of the way with determination, "Oh god."

"What the fuck Amy?" Stacie yelled, startling a few people around her.

"Thank god I found you," colliding with the couple Fat Amy wrapped her arms around them, "We've been worried."

"No we haven't," Stacie replied waving her phone, "Cynthia Rose texted me twenty minutes ago saying she'd dropped you off, I don't know why Fat Amy needed to send out a search party."

Beca patted the Australian's back, "We're cool, we've just been having a drink."

"Lesbihonest, we all know what that's code for," Chloe laughed at Fat Amy's attempt at winking, but it turned out to be more like rapid eye blinks, "you two were really doing it in the bathroom."

"Dude no!"

"Beca's right, they were just having drinks," Emily cheerfully interrupted pointing to the half empty glasses on the table before it was immediately slapped away, "What? You can't really think they were doing anything but drinking?"

Stepping in front of the younger girl, Fat Amy placed her hands on her hips, "Don't take this the personally, but you're the dumbest person alive."

That was a rather harsh thing to say, Chloe thought as Emily deflated and passively shrank behind Stacie with a sad look on her face. Chloe didn't think it was possible for anyone be mean to Emily, the girl was so awkwardly sweet that people couldn't help but smile around her. Emily's kind of always perpetually happy, but right now, it looked like someone just kicked her puppy, and Chloe just wanted to give her a hug.

"Come on dude," harshly poking Fat Amy's shoulder Beca tried to gain her friends attention, but it was solely focused on Emily, "Hey!" She poked again, "Don't talk to her like that."

"You're right, I'm sorry," ducking her head Fat Amy apologized, but continued avoiding all eye contact, "but that's still strike two, one more and you're out."

"What'd I get strike one for?" Emily stomped her foot in frustration. Crossing her arms she looked around the group for help, but they looked equally as perplexed as she felt, "Come on Amy you gotta give me a hint, that way I don't do it again!"

"Don't make me banish you," Fat Amy challenged through gritted teeth.

"Banish me what?" Emily cried in annoyance, "This is insane, she is insane," stepping over to Beca she asked, "can she really banish me from a music festival you gave me tickets too? I don't even know what I did wrong."

"Emily," Chloe motioned the younger girl over in an effort to break the tension, "I think you're probably safer over here."

"Thank you," giving a quick hug Emily gratefully smiled, "it's nice to see you again."

"You too," Chloe replied as they watched Stacie signal she was headed to the bar then wander away. Before she could say anything else she watched her girlfriend square her shoulders and take a step forward.

"I warned you last year," raising an eyebrow Beca took another step away from Emily just in case Fat Amy decided to lunge for her assistant, "just cause she doesn't want to drink one of your nasty ass concoctions or take part in one of your hair brain schemes, doesn't give you the authority to kick her out."

Adjusting her plastic bedazzled headpiece Fat Amy sighed, "But I have a crown…"

"Yeah will last year it was a Forrest Ranger badge and the year before that it was the fake plastic warden's badge you stole from the Alcatraz Prison gift shop," Beca reprimanded, "and yet they still don't give you permission to throw Emily or anyone here," she circled a finger above her head, "out of this party, do you understand me?"

Chloe didn't think it was possible, but Beca just got about ten times hotter by getting all assertive and forceful, it was a different kind of swagger than what she was used to seeing. Usually Beca's such a low key, keep to herself type of person, so it's sexy as hell when Beca switches it up and commands everyone's attention, including the most evasive person ever, Fat Amy.

"But…"

"No buts…"

Nervously wringing her hands Emily stepped closer to Chloe, "I hope we didn't disturb you?"

Chloe waved a hand as she sipped her drink, "You're fine, we were just talking."

"Good," shuffling around on her feet Emily confessed, "Aubrey sent me and Stacie to follow Amy and…"

"The name is Fat Amy," the Australian interrupted making Beca groan, "twig bitch, that's strike two and a half."

"So like interrupting you and Beca's private time wasn't my intention," shaking her hands out Emily swallowed the lump in her throat, "just like when I walked in on you guys kissing, I'm still really sorry about that."

"Emily," setting her drink aside Chloe held back her laughter, "it's ok we're not embarrassed," she placed a hand on the other girls shoulder to stop the bouncing, "you don't need to keep apologizing."

Every time Chloe shows up at the studio, she's met with a cheerful, yet extremely apologetic Emily. It was seriously so sweet, but the thing that Emily walked in on really wasn't a big deal, she and Beca hadn't seen each other in a couple days, so it was more of an "I missed you kiss." In fact Emily was long gone by the time they really got down to business and had one epic make out session.

"Ok cool, sorry for saying sorry," Emily cringed at her words, "I'm gonna quit apologizing now."

"Ok," Chloe laughed as they turned their attention back to the elementary school like argument going in front of them. Apparently the discussion had moved on to why Fat Amy wasn't allowed backstage under any circumstances, "Why is she wearing that tiara?"

"Because she stole it from someone as we were walking in," Stacie answered appearing out of nowhere holding drinks for each of them, "I figured you guys could use a refill."

"How'd you get through the line so quick," Chloe asked laughing at Emily's shocked expression after taking a sip, "It took Beca almost ten minutes."

Adjusting her cleavage Stacie simply stated, "Duh, my boobs…get your girlfriend to flash her rack more and you'll move right to the front of every line too."

"I don't know if I want my girlfriend's boobs flashed at anyone but me," Chloe joked.

"Understandable," Stacie nodded, "but Beca has nice tits, she should flaunt them more often."

"Exactly how many times have you seen them?" Chloe curiously questioned, "Because I've seen yours at least five."

"Intentionally zero," Stacie sipped her drink as she thought, "unintentionally twice."

"Y-you guys flash people to get things for free?" Emily finally managed to squeak out in embarrassment. These two were talking about her boss's chest like it was no big deal and it was definitely a conversation she'd rather not be a part of.

"Of course not, we've got more class than that," flicking a piece of lint off her crop top Stacie looked up at a confused Emily and rolled her eyes, "It's all about accentuating," she ran a hand sensually along her torso, "your assets in the right way."

"So all you got to do is touch yourself," the question slipped of Emily's mouth before she even had a chance to think.

"No," Chloe and Stacie said in unison.

Emily was so adorable, not as adorable as Beca and her confused naivety about certain things, but the younger girl was a close second. Chloe couldn't help but wonder if Emily's endearing innocence was because she'd been extremely sheltered growing up or if it was just Emily being Emily. Whatever the case may be, Chloe hopes Emily never loses those traits.

"Here I'll show you how it works," setting her drink aside Chloe slipped off her jacket, "Ok so first you must decide and commit to the tactic you're using, no switching. It just complicates things…" Stacie enthusiastically nodded and casually told Emily that she should be taking notes, "Step two, whatever you're asking your girlfriend for you gotta make it sound like it's the best thing ever, even if you know they won't like it."

"Boyfriend," Emily interjected face reddening, "no offense."

"None taken," Chloe smiled and it was wearily returned.

"Yeah, the lady pond isn't for everyone," Stacie tossed out giving an indifferent shrug, "What?"

"I just figured you would be free with who you fall into bed with," Chloe said.

"I tried it a few times in college," Stacie confessed, "but ehhh."

Chloe smirked because college is where she did her experimenting too and where she found out that girls were so much better in bed, "Interesting."

"Anyways Chloe continue, I'm always looking for new tricks and you can get Beca to do anything."

That wasn't entirely true, Chloe rarely uses these tactics to get what she wants. In fact she's only used it once, to con Beca into seeing this sappy romantic comedy that totally turned out to be a snooze fest. Most of the time they both loved doing the same things, so there was no reason to use the power of persuasion technique they're teaching Emily, but it's always fun to have it in her back pocket.

"Also you don't want to be tacky," Chloe added and Emily nodded while looking rather horrified, "sometimes being subtle is best."

"Unless your guy likes when you flaunt it," Stacie added as an afterthought, "I've met a few that love to watch me drop it like it's hot."

"True," Chloe tapped a finger to her lips as she looked at her girlfriend, "but for demonstration purposes we'll go with subtle, Beca's not really into that type of thing," looking back to Stacie and Emily she grinned, "So are we ready to put it to the test?"

"I can't believe I'm saying this," rubbing her forehead Emily hopes she never has to use this knowledge, "but ok."

"Trust me," Stacie sipped her grapefruit martini, "every girl needs to know this," if it was possible Emily's cheeks just got redder, "so Chloe what are you going to tell Beca you want?"

"A tofu burger," Chloe confidently stated.

Stacie knew that was definitely something Beca Mitchell wouldn't go for, Beca was very particular about her burgers, "Emily, five bucks says Beca won't fold."

"Not taking it," Emily swiftly answered, "I remember how upset she was when I accidentally gave her my turkey burger at lunch one time," Chloe just questionably cocked her head, "it's a long story. Let's get this over with."

Taking her sunglasses off the top of her head, Chloe lightly held the earpiece between her teeth. "Hey Bec,"

Looking away from Amy, Beca smiled, "Yeah babe."

"Awww I love it when she calls you that," Stacie gushed with a hand to her heart.

"Stacie just told me there's a vegan place that sells awesome tofu burgers," Chloe almost broke when Beca's face dropped in disappointment, but she pressed on. Pulling the plastic away from her mouth she folded the sunglasses shut and expertly pressed them under her chin. Slowly sliding the glasses down her neck and chest she watched Beca's eyes follow the movement, "We can even add grilled leeks and get a side of kale chips," hooking the frames into her V-neck shirt she let them hang, "How's that sound?"

The three watched Beca visibly swallow the lump in her throat, "Are you sure, there's tons of other stuff we could eat."

"Positive," fingering her glasses Chloe gave them a slight tug, effectively lowering her cleavage line and exposing just a tiny hint of the light blue bra she was wearing, "Unless there's something else you want," releasing the glasses the shirt popped back into place, "I'll let you think it over."

"N-n-no," Beca vigorously shook her head, "we can have that, I'm down for that."

"Thanks sexy," Chloe winked, biting the corner of her lip for good measure.

A small smile slipped on Beca's face, "Sure just give me a few minutes."

Turning back to Emily and Stacie, Chloe grinned, "And that ladies, is how it's done."

Stacie held out five dollars, "Just take my money, I swear Beca's just like a dude sometimes. When you guys are going at, does she internally combust when you take your top off?"

"Please," Emily pinched the bridge of her nose, "can we not talk about that, I've already learned way more about my boss than I ever needed to know."

"What's the big deal," Stacie asked wiggling the five dollar bill, "sex is good for a relationship."

"Anyways," Chloe laughed brushing off Stacie's money, because the sight of Beca caving was payment enough, she honestly didn't think it'd be that easy, "do you understand Emily?"

"Yes, but I still need to bleach my eyes," Emily confessed as she rubbed them and laughed.

Lowering her voice Stacie stepped closer to Emily, "Hey, I heard Benji's coming tonight, I'll give you fifty bucks if you do what Chloe just taught you on him."

Emily let out a tiny squeak of embarrassment and frantically shook her head no as Chloe stifled a laugh. Emily was a lot of things, but she isn't the type who plays games like that, she was too quiet, nervous and fidgety, especially around Benji.

Placing a hand on the younger girls arm, Chloe stilled the anxious movements, "No, Emily is going to continue to be herself."

Emily nodded as she chugged half of her drink as Beca and Fat Amy rejoined the group, "Hey guys."

"Em…" Beca suspiciously eyed her assistants more than jumpy demeanor, "You're not letting these people," she gestured between Stacie and her girlfriend, "corrupt you right? Because whatever they said forget," Emily just looked down in embarrassment, "Ok, so this is how it's gonna be, you guys and I mean all of you," she pointedly stared at Fat Amy, "are going back to the cabana, because Chloe and I are fine, we're alive and we're going to finish our drinks like normal people on normal dates do."

"So like your gonna," Fat Amy's mouth snapped shut when Beca raised an eyebrow.

"Amy I love you I really do, but…" Beca let out an annoyed breath, but her stance and tone softened when Chloe's hand slipped into hers, "Can I just spend some time with my girlfriend today? I promise we'll meet up with everybody to party in a couple hours."

"Sounds good, see you later boss," Emily shouted as she bolted from the group and back towards a set of security guards checking badges before the entrance to the private cabanas.

"I'm gonna chat up this cute bartender I met," Stacie added waving over her head as she walked away.

Beca turned to an unusually quiet Fat Amy, "And what about you?"

"I'm going back to the cabana and enjoy myself in a respectful manner and not steal golf carts or dance on tables or do kamikaze horizontal running across the field trying to get to the main stage."

"And…"

"And I'm not allowed to unleash the kraken," doing an abrupt about face, Fat Amy quickly headed in Emily's direction.

Breathing a sigh of relief now that they were alone Beca smiled, "Sorry about that, at least we got it over with now instead of when she's really drunk."

Chloe just laughed, "I'm kinda afraid to see what happens this weekend."

"Yeah well with our crazy friends there's no telling," picking up her beer Beca downed the rest of it.

"It's probably better to be surprised anyway," Chloe grinned.

"It's a tossup really," setting her glass aside Beca ran a hand through her hair, "So now that we're alone and back on our date, I'd like to hear how your half day at work was."

"You're sweet," Chloe rested her hand on top of Beca's, "but we don't have to talk about that. If you want we can go grab lunch, I know you haven't eaten all day."

Beca wound their fingers together on the tabletop and gave an easy smile, "In a few minutes, I want to hear about my girlfriend's day first, that's more important to me."

Chloe sighed, everyday for the past two weeks she has gone into work only to find a list a mile long of things to do, "Hectic, they're making all the interns finish up little projects before the program ends next week. At least I didn't have to make photocopies or punch holes."

"You're the best intern they got," softly placing a hand on her girlfriend's neck Beca leaned in and briefly connected their lips, "You'll make it, then you'll be the big time journalist."

Chloe's face lit up, "Oh! I almost forgot the best part, my boss came through, HR gave me my official start date and because they don't want me to start until a new pay period, I get an extra week.

"So basically the whole month?" Beca asked hopefully.

"A whole month!"

"That's awesome," Beca loved the way Chloe's face always lit up, even about the smallest things, "Did you figure out your epic road trip route yet and is there any chance I can tag along? I seem to have a lot of free time on my hands these days."

"Absolutely, you can come" Chloe happily replied, "but I've had a slight change of plans, I think I kinda like for us to rent a house somewhere quiet, you know hangout on the beach."

Formulating a plan, Beca's smile grew bigger by the second, she doesn't know why she didn't suggest her beach house in Malibu in the first place. All month she'd been dreading her face-to-face meeting with Gail in LA next weekend, but if she pushes it a few days, they could take their time traveling down, maybe stop and spend the night at one of those awesome little coastal towns, before eventually arriving in Malibu. This would also be the perfect opportunity for her to tell Chloe everything, they'll be alone with no interruptions.

"I know the perfect place," reaching for Chloe's other hand, Beca intertwined their fingers, "so I've got it covered."

"Bec no, we'll split the cost," Chloe tried to negotiate.

"No," Beca shook her head, "because I own a place on the beach in Malibu, well it was my mom's, but it's on the beach and relatively private. I spent all my summers there as a kid."

"No way," Chloe bounced around excitedly shaking their joined hands, "I get to see where my hot girlfriend grew up," she gushed making Beca laugh harder, "and see her in a bathing suit? Totally a win-win for me."

"You're crazy," Beca tried to play it cool, but she was just as amped up. This was her first vacation in years and it was going to be awesome, she was looking forward to some relaxing, uninterrupted quality time with her girlfriend, "I have one meeting in LA, but it'll only take a few hours, other than that I'm all yours."

"You seriously don't mind me staying there?"

"Chlo, seriously, you're my girlfriend…even if I wasn't going I'd offer it to you," Beca finished off her last swig of beer, "besides Aubrey and Jesse use it all the time and it has a pool."

"Can I bring Billie?"

"Absolutely, Gizmo would be lonely."

Pecking Beca's lips Chloe yelled, "I'm so excited!"

"Me too," Beca adoringly smiled, there was something about Chloe that exuded happiness within her, it made her feel all tingly yet calm inside. Chloe was the wakeup call she needed in so many ways, "I like seeing you smile and I love being the reason for it."

"You might not say that after a month of us shacking up together."

"Doubt it," Beca laughed, "Although you might not be happy when I play the piano at midnight."

"Doubt it," Chloe repeated, "and do you know why?" Beca just raised an eyebrow, leaning forward she whispered, "Because I love listening to you play."

"Oh my god you totally have a thing for musicians don't you?"

Biting her lip Chloe shook her head no, "Just you, I have a thing for you, you're my hot personal musician," flicking her eyes to her girlfriends lips she added, "and if you play your cards right it might just get you laid."

"I love the sound of that," Beca closed her eyes as they briefly kissed again until a couple people around them started clapping. Pulling back with a laugh she swung their hands, "So tell me Beale, will you use all the hot water?"

"Oh totes, especially if we're in it together," Chloe winked, her body still reeling from that all to short but intense kiss, "Will you steal the covers?"

"There's a high probability," Beca smirked, she kind of loved the fact that Chloe was already assuming they were sharing a bed. She's never been on a vacation with a girlfriend before so she figures that's something people in relationships do when they travel together, "Will you take walks with me on the beach?"

"Are you kidding? That's a requirement," Chloe could go on all day conjuring up these types of scenarios, "Will you take me to seafood restaurants, you know wine and dine me Beca Mitchell style?"

"Yes, there's this awesome place within walking distance from my house and you don't even need shoes," Beca let out a long breath just dreaming about that place, she can't wait to run her toes through the sand while drinking an ice cold beer at that restaurant, "God I'm so fucking ready for this vacation."

"Me too," Beca's arms wrapped around Chloe's waist and as she was lightly lifted off the ground she knew they were both pumped for their first vacation together, the last day of her internship couldn't get here fast enough.

As they briefly kissed again Chloe swears she's never been happier in her entire life, she's involved with someone truly amazing and genuine and everything about their relationship feels right. The way Beca looks at her from across the room sends her heart racing, she's never had anyone look at her with so much love and affection. Then there's the whispers she hears from their friends about how great they are together or how they've never seen either of them happier and it makes her wonder just how long they've noticed what she's been feeling since day one. She's never felt this strongly about someone before and although she hesitates to admit it, she knows deep down that she's probably in love with Beca Mitchell. She just doesn't know if she's worthy of someone loving her back.

Setting Chloe back on the ground Beca laughed, "I'm ready for a lifetime of vacations with you Chloe Beale."

"Oh! Can I bring my painting stuff?" Chloe asked once they separated.

"I don't see why not, I have tons of room," Beca smiled, "Also, do you like otters?"

"Are you really asking such an obvious question?" Chloe playfully narrowed her eyes trying to figure Beca out, "They're almost as cute as you."

"I'm gonna take that as a yes, anyways I was thinking we'd take the Pacific Coast Highway and make an overnight stop in Monterey. There's a really great aquarium I'd like to take you to," seeing the biggest grin appear on Chloe's face made Beca's heart rapidly flutter, "afterwards we can have like a really nice date night if you want. Use it as a way to kick off our vacation."

"I'd love that, but under one condition."

"What?"

"You let me pay for the hotel," Chloe requested, it was only fair since she was going to be staying at Beca's house for an entire month, "and don't worry, I'll make sure it's dog friendly and five star."

Beca nodded, "Deal, why don't we start all of our planning tomorrow morning? I'll come over early and bring your favorite breakfast."

"That sounds like fun," shouldering her bag Chloe linked their fingers and they headed for the VIP exit, "Now though let's grab some lunch."

"Thank god I'm starving," halting their movement, Beca let out a huff, "are you really going to make me eat a tofu burger?"

Throwing her head back Chloe laughed, she totally forgot about that, "No, I only suggested that because I had a bet going with Stacie and Emily."

"Did you win?"

"I got you to agree to a tofu burger didn't I?" Chloe proudly stated.

"That's my girl!"

---

"Look at them," Stacie pointed to Beca and Chloe from her and Amy's spot at the front of the cabana. Earlier the couple had moved to the press area right next to the stage so that Chloe could get some photos, however twenty minutes into Radiohead's set, they'd migrated to the back of the VIP lawn. Since then they'd been doing cutesy couple things and just feeding everyone's interest, "they're kissing again and look at where Beca's hand is."

Fat Amy let out a low whistle, "Shortstack's got skills."

"Chloe seems perfectly content with PDA," Stacie loosely stated as the couple separated and Beca said something funny making Chloe laugh. All while their friend's left hand dipped lower and lower before moving back into the safe zone on Chloe's hip, "and Beca's hands are all over her."

"True," Fat Amy agreed, "but isn't it weird seeing Beca like this? Usually she's very," holding her hands out she created an invisible wall, "aware of people invading her personal space, yet Chloe freely touches and sits on shorty's lap without any consequences."

Turning away from the couple Stacie shook her head, "Nope, I think…"

"Who cares, they're relationship goals," Jessica added with a grin, as she plopped down next to the other two, "I'm glad Beca's totally into someone besides work and music. She's been a changed person these last few months, Chloe's the strong, independent and outgoing girl Beca needs, it counters her soft spoken and easygoing personality perfectly."

Stacie fully agreed, she's known Beca a long time, longer than either of them, and she figured out pretty early on that Beca had issues in her life that weren't being dealt with. Stacie's even the one who encouraged Beca to seek the help that was needed after Beca came into the deli exhausted one night looking for Aubrey. She could tell something was off and once they started talking, it didn't take long for Beca to breakdown and her once quiet and funny friend with the charming personality was replaced with an emotional wreck. She'll never forget that night, because that's when she saw the real Beca. The Beca who isn't this famous person with an extreme talent, but instead is the one who keeps her emotions to herself, is sensitive yet extremely thoughtful and considerate of others.

"Trust me," Stacie began, "this romantic, fully invested in a relationship, lovey-dovey Beca, that one down there," she pointed to their friend, "that's the real Beca."

"So she's a sap?" Fat Amy asked, fighting to get the straw of her drink in her mouth around a little pink umbrella.

"No, but Jessica's right," snatching the umbrella from Fat Amy's glass, Stacie tossed it aside, "we're just used to seeing Beca alone or with a random hookup, not with a long term girlfriend that she's actually invested in."

"Ok," Fat Amy sat up straighter taking another sip of her drink, "if Beca's totally girlfriend and wife material, then when do you think she'll meet the parents."

Jessica just shrugged, "Chloe's very tight lipped about her family, so I have a suspicion there's no family to meet."

"Who cares about family approval," Stacie interrupted, she needed to change the subject because Aubrey had made it very well known that discussions and theories about Chloe's family were off limits and she didn't have the guts to ask why, "they're together and they're happy and when they finally start sleeping together on the regular, I think we'll see an even less edgier Beca."

"Are you sure they're not doing it?" Fat Amy questioned holding her empty glass in the air and seconds later it was taken by the waiter, "Thank you my good sir, I shall have another, be gone now," she dismissively flicked her wrist before turning back to Stacie and Jessica, "because they're constantly making sex eyes at each other."

"Oh don't forget they call each other gorgeous, sexy and babe," Jessica proudly smiled giving Fat Amy a high five.

"They kind of remind me of me and Bumper, you know if he were lucky enough to be my boyfriend."

"No they don't," Jessica countered with a laugh, "In what world does their relationship resemble anything that is the chaos of you and Bumper?"

"Guys," Stacie interjected attempting to quash the argument, "I know what you're thinking, they're two hot people and hot people like them should be jumping into bed every chance they get, what?" Stacie reeled back in disbelief at the weird looks she got, rolling her eyes she added, "Just because I'm not into girl-on-girl action doesn't mean that I can't appreciate their forms. I mean just look at them," everyone's gaze shifted, "Beca's got the mysterious, sneaky kind of hot thing going on with all that plaid and Converse shoes she wears, while Chloe just oozes sex appeal in every damn outfit."

"You're right," Fat Amy conceded, "but it still doesn't answer the question, are they banging?"

"Would there be a need for a bet if they were?" Stacie challenged.

Fat Amy indifferently shrugged, "So who do you think will be the top?"

"Beca," Stacie and Jessica answered together.

"Ladies…" Aubrey's voice rang out over the music causing all three to flinch and turn to look at her with wide eyes, "Leave them and their bedroom activities alone," crossing her arms in annoyance she stepped closer, "If you would've stopped watching every move they make like they're you're personal sitcom, they would've come back after Chloe was done taking pictures. For Christ sake, give them a little breathing room tomorrow."

"You mean like in between their kissing," Fat Amy uneasily looked away when Aubrey didn't even crack a smile, "I don't want them to die either."

"No, you know exactly what I mean," Aubrey scolded.

The transformation Aubrey has seen Beca make in the span of a few months was astounding, it was like seeing a brand new person. This time last year Beca would be sitting at the back of the cabana juggling emails, scribbling in her notebook and trying to watch the concert. Today none of that had happened, Beca was mingling, laughing and was genuinely being social with the entire group, all while Chloe was close by her side. For the first time since their sophomore year in college Beca is happy again and Aubrey doesn't know if it's even realized yet, but Beca is also in love. It's written all over Beca's face and it's in her actions and Aubrey's pretty sure everyone sees it too.

Aubrey will never admit it, but she's been rooting for those two since the day Jesse came home and told her about how weird Beca was acting around the new girl. They're both broken people and as much as Chloe claims to be fine, Aubrey can see that she isn't. Chloe's hurting more than she lets on and she can see it when Chloe thinks she's not looking. She's tried to get Chloe to open up to her, but the offer is never taken. At least Chloe has found solace in the non-pushy demeanor and quiet strength that Beca has to offer. It completely veers from her assertiveness and outspoken ways, but apparently that's the type of temperament Chloe needs to help her deal with things.

"But Aubrey," Fat Amy whined throwing her arms out smacking Stacie in the face, "compared to Fat Amy and the Little Chub Chub's, Radiohead is like the most boring band ever, we've got to keep entertained somehow. You can't really be serious?"

Glaring down at all three, Aubrey didn't back down, "I'm Dixie Chicks serious, watch the concert not them."

"Hey I'm only biding my time until they play their hits," Stacie added as she pulled a nail file from her purse, "I can't help it if they're in my line of sight," she ran the file over her pinky not bothering to look up, "and that we have a bet going about when they're finally gonna have sex."

"What have I told you about betting on their love life?" Aubrey placed her hands on her hips.

It's crazy how easily Aubrey has become protective over Chloe, but the other girl has become her best friend in such a short amount of time that she really can't help it. Outside of Jesse, having a best friend is something she never really experienced growing up, so she's started taking that title seriously. It's stupid that bets are being made and she just wants them to quit dissecting every aspect of her best friends' relationship and leave them alone.

"Whoa," Stacie recoiled into Jessica, "ummm we're not at work, so all bets are on."

"I don't care," in a last ditch effort Aubrey decided to really school them, "If you guys scrutinize Beca and her relationship now, just think what the paparazzi would do," all three faces dropped, "Chloe gives her a sense of normalcy, she's not a music prodigy or DJ Titanium when they're together, respect that by not looking at them as anything other than a normal couple."

"We're just having a little fun, besides Beca probably doesn't care," Stacie alleged.

"Because she doesn't know," Aubrey sighed in annoyance, how much clearer did she have to be, "Beca doesn't care when she's involved with a bet, not when she is the bet, do you understand the difference," Stacie nodded, looking down at Jessica she frowned, "and you, nobody watches you and Brian like a hawk when you're together and that's what they want too and Fat Amy…"

"Yes sir," adjusting her tiara Fat Amy eventually peeked up at her boss.

"If they're holding hands or kissing or talking or whatever it is they're doing for god shake don't point it out for everyone to see," Aubrey hated laying down the law like this and she knows it's all in good fun, but someone has to draw the line.

"And on that note," dropping the nail file into her purse Stacie stood, "if you'll excuse me I think I need a fresh drink," picking up her glass she downed the remaining liquid and winked at her boss, "and I know just the bartender who'll give it to me in more ways than one."

"We have a private waiter for that," Aubrey disgustedly yelled.

Flipping around Stacie grinned, "Oh I know, he's on my list for tomorrow night."

"Looky, looky who we have here," Fat Amy shouted seeing Beca jump the railing back into the cabana, "Hey DJ!"

"Don't call me that," Beca pointed striding right past her friends, "Aubrey."

"Beca…" Aubrey laughed watching Beca trip over her feet, but somehow remain upright, "How drunk are you?"

Grabbing a blanket from a nearby couch, Beca spun around, "Just drunk enough to not care that you and everyone," she pointed at Fat Amy and Jessica, "have been creeping on me and my girlfriend during Radiohead."

"I put a stop to it," Aubrey laughed stepping closer.

"Thanks," Beca tucked the blanket under her arm, "we're just…" she scratched the back of her neck, "I don't know, we're having fun, it's been a nice night."

"I know," picking up two bottles of water Aubrey handed them over, "So when are you going to tell her?"

Beca raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"Don't play stupid," this time Aubrey wasn't talking about DJ Titanium, "that you're in love with her," Beca didn't make a move or blink, "and don't give me shit about it being complicated, because it's not. You either love her or you don't, but I think you do."

Aubrey's gaze was relentless and Beca immediately started to backtrack, "I-I'm not sure, but…"

"That's not the answer I'm looking for," every once in a while Beca needed a push to realize things so Aubrey was planting the seed, "you need to tell her how you feel Beca, along with everything else in your life you're keeping secret." She was only doing this because Chloe needs to hear that someone loves her like Beca loves her, regardless of fame and fortune. Holding up a hand she prevented the interruption she knew was coming, "And I refuse to listen to any excuse you can conjure up."

Leaning over the back of the couch Fat Amy chimed in, "Aubrey's right, you and the ginger over there have been in a relationship way before you thought you were in a relationship. It's time you tell her you love her."

"Thanks," turning back to Aubrey, Beca nodded, "I've got to go."

"You can't run away from love Beca," as her friend backed away, Aubrey couldn't help but think how Beca was running right towards it, giving a final wave she added, "Make good choices…"

Grinning Beca gave Aubrey the finger then tossed the blanket over the railing, "Later aca-bitch!"

Making her way back to Chloe, Beca focused her thoughts back on her girlfriend when she found her still at the front of the VIP lawn snapping pictures of the band. Spreading out the blanket she settled on it then lifted her phone and took a couple of her own shots. She loved watching Chloe work, it didn't matter if it was drawing or painting or editing photographs, the creativity was insane and it was interesting getting a glimpse into Chloe's mind.

Beca wasn't one for participating in pictures, but she's made an exception for Chloe. When they were backstage earlier, she posed for a couple selfies and they even had a stagehand take one of them with Ryan Adams and Lana Del Rey, but she wasn't worried about those. The one she was worried about happened during the Halsey set when she was standing right off stage listening to Ghost, a song she wrote and produced. She'd never heard it live before and when the crowd cheered at the end, she gave a fist pump and from the corner of her eye she could see Chloe taking the combined picture of her with Halsey on stage in the background.

"You said you were tired of standing," Beca smiled once Chloe approached after the song ended, "this is the best I could do on short notice."

"This is great," they could hang out with everybody tomorrow, but right now Chloe just wanted to end the night with just them, listening to a great band. Kneeling down she put her camera away, "I was wondering where you ran off too."

"I'm sorry I didn't yell loud enough," Beca said, "but did you get all the pictures you need?"

"Yep, I can't wait to edit them for my article, then do it all again tomorrow," crawling over Chloe gave a quick kiss, "now, spread them," she laughed lightly slapping Beca's thighs.

"But you didn't buy me dinner first," Beca teased, uncrossing her outstretched legs she slightly sat up and Chloe quickly invaded the space. Once all the fidgeting settled and Chloe's relaxed against her it was like everything was right in the world, "This is nice."

Resting her hands on Beca's knees, Chloe hummed in content feeling arms slip around her midsection, "You're nice and warm."

Kissing the corner of Chloe's mouth, Beca chuckled, "Told you I was good at snuggling."

"Also don't ever change your body wash or whatever you use, cause you always smell good," Chloe added making Beca laughed harder. Whatever Beca wore was probably expensive, but it wasn't overpowering, it was this clean and fresh and just subtle enough to drive her crazy, "you left a hoodie at my place last weekend and I've been wearing it every night since."

"You are so weird," Beca chuckled, "but you're my brand of weird Chloe Beale."

"Thank you!"

"You can keep it, I bet it looks better on you anyways…"

"Doubt it…"

Closing her eyes, Chloe listened as Beca lightly hummed along to the music and tried to make sense of all her emotions. Beca is all kinds of amazing and seriously the best girlfriend she's ever had, she's never had somebody just get her like Beca does and nobody compares to how sweet and thoughtful this woman is. She really wishes Beca was the one standing next to her when she got that phone call about her family, then maybe she wouldn't have ended up so broken. Instead she had someone who didn't want to handle grief and they walked away at the first chance they got, leaving her shattered and alone. But then a part of her thinks that everything happens for a reason and if all that stuff hadn't of happened, then she wouldn't be safe and secure in Beca's arms right now.

Beca has made her heart whole again and is someone Chloe doesn't ever want to live her life without, "Why are you so good to me?"

"Because I feel like I've waited my whole life for this moment, for you," Beca whispered pressing a kiss to Chloe's shoulder, "You're the girl of my dreams, you give me a purpose in life outside of music, I've never met anyone like you," Chloe leaned back and slowly kissed her, somehow conveying everything she was feeling and trying to say, "I want to be your everything, I want to come home to you and as corny as it may sound I want us to curl up together every night and fall asleep while reading books in our bed."

"I want that too," Chloe answered, "and so much more."

"I don't just want to date you, I want a life with you, let me be your everything, let me lo…" the word caught in Beca's throat and she rephrased it, "let me be the one who takes care of you."

"I want nothing more," for a long time Chloe didn't think she was worthy of those things, but now she realizes she is. She just hopes her insecurities and self doubts don't screw things up, because in this very moment she feels like the old Chloe, the one before her life went south, "but as long as you let me do the same for you."

"Deal…"

"Deal," Chloe agreed pulling Beca's arms tighter around her, "don't ever let me go."

"Please," Beca laughed, "do you really think I'd ever score a chick as smokin' hot as you again?"

Chloe joined in the laughter, "Well I mean you are a musician, if you ever become famous, girls and guys way hotter than me will probably throw themselves at you."

The air rushed from Beca's lungs at the reference, but she hid it by nuzzling her nose in Chloe's neck.

"Hell no, I have eyes and they're only for you," pressing her lips to her girlfriend's ear Beca muttered, "you're one in a million and you're all mine."

"Yes I am," Chloe grinned. She loved a slightly tipsy Beca, not only were the cheesy pickup lines funny, but her girlfriend was also was a little freer with the type of affection shown in public or around their friends. "Fuck," like right now she was pretty effectively being seduced by the hand caressing her stomach and the open mouthed kisses trailing down her neck. Tilting her head to allow better access, she let out an, "I'm completely and utterly yours Beca Mitchell," as she bit her lip, basking in the rising sexual tension, "Babe…"

Detaching her lips from smooth skin, Beca smiled at her flushed and slightly out of breath girlfriend, "Yes my love?"

There was the one four letter word that for the better part of the last few weeks Chloe has been contemplating nonstop. This was the first time Beca had used it to address her and as surprising as it was, it only solidifies the decision she's made and the question she's about to ask.

Slightly turning in Beca's arms, Chloe gave a somewhat apprehensive smile, even though she's nervous, she feels so safe and loved that there really isn't a need to worry, "Did you want to spend the night?"

Beca froze letting the question sink in, even though her brain is kind of hazy, she understands the ramifications of what Chloe's asking. She's only had one failed relationship her freshman year in college and since then the occasional hookup, so she's never really spent the night with a girl before. To her it signifies an intimacy she's always ran from because she was afraid of someone getting close, but Chloe has already gotten closer than anybody she's ever met. Hell she just told Chloe that she wants a life with her and that's huge because she's never had a life outside of music. Music has been her focus for as long as she can remember, but loving Chloe has now given her a purpose in life. So she's ready for all the emotions that tonight will bring and she's glad that they've taken their time to get here.

"Do you mean what I think you mean?" Beca asked just to make sure they were operating on the same wavelength.

"Yes."

Beca intertwined their fingers, "Then yes, I will."

---

Beca [10:27PM]: Em, I didn't see you after the concert, but I need you to do me a huge favor.

Emily [10:29PM]: Sorry! Benji and I left before the encore, what's up?

Glancing over at Chloe, Beca saw her girlfriend shifting through the images on her camera as Cynthia Rose navigated through the streets of San Francisco. It was weird, they haven't talked about Chloe's question since it was asked, but they also didn't let the significance loom over their heads. They just continued to enjoy the rest of the Radiohead concert pretty much how they began it, by talking, laughing and singing along to all of the hits.

Beca [10:30PM]: Can you pick up Gizmo and take him home for the night? He's been alone all day.

Emily [10:31PM]: Sure but why?

Beca rolled her eyes, for as smart as Emily is, she is the epitome of clueless sometimes. Beca doesn't want to reply back, because I'm having sex with my girlfriend, because it isn't tactful and knowing Emily, it'll probably be weeks before her assistant will look her in the eye again. Besides there's more than likely some type of bet going on and if Fat Amy pressures Emily enough, which she will, then their activities will accidently slip out. And she doesn't want their first time together to be blasted to a bunch of drunken fools who will then hound them with a thousand questions or point out every move they make.

Beca [10:35PM]: Since the concert's curfew was so early Chloe suggested we watch a movie.

Beca [10:36PM]: And you know me I'll just end up falling asleep and never make it home.

Emily [10:39PM]: No worries boss! Benji said we can swing by your house after we finish our pizza.

"Hey Chlo?" Beca asked.

"Yeah babe," Chloe answered, eyes focused on her camera screen.

Pulling the corner of her bottom lip between her teeth Beca quickly released it, "Can Giz hangout with Billie tomorrow while we're at the concert?"

"I'm sure Billie would love to see her best friend," looking away from the screen Chloe softly smiled at the slight blush she saw and gave quick kiss, "and have Emily bring you some clothes for the weekend, unless you want to wear my mine."

"How do you know I'm talking to Emily?" Beca playfully challenged, "I'm a hot commodity," Cynthia Rose just laughed from the front seat, "this could be any number of my other girlfriends."

Chloe laughed at Beca's half tipsy commentary, "Please everybody knows I'm your girl."

"Ain't that the truth?" Beca slug and arm around Chloe's shoulders, "I have the best girl."

Chloe tugged on Beca's fingers, "Plus, I've seen every word you wrote."

"Well ok then," Beca laughed as she typed out another message, while Chloe's hand took its place back on her thigh.

Beca [10:43PM]: Also bring us an overnight bag, we'll just crash at Chloe's the rest of the weekend, I'll text you the address in the morning.

Emily [10:44PM]: Ok, and don't worry, your BFF loves having slumber parties at Aunt Em's!

Beca [10:45PM]: Thanks and watch out he's a cover hog!

A few minutes later the SUV pulled up to Chloe's building and they hoped out. After giving Cynthia Rose a rundown of their plans for tomorrow and saying goodnight, the two walked hand-in-hand through the front door and into the elevator.

"So…" Chloe finally broke the silence seeing an uncharacteristically shy smile reflected back at her in the elevator doors.

"So…" Beca repeated swinging their joined hands, "I'm spending the night."

"Yes," fighting back her anxieties Chloe bit her lip as Beca moved to stand in front of her, "you are…"

Chloe briefly looked away and Beca saw a flash of uneasiness and just the tiniest bit of apprehension, which wasn't normal. Chloe's usually confident and ready for anybody or anything, now she was seeing someone totally different.

"Are you nervous?" Beca searched Chloe's face for an answer, but was meet with a blank wall, "It's ok, because I am too, I've never done this with someone who means so much to me," she confessed dropping their hands and stepping just that little bit closer, "you bring feelings and emotions out of me that I didn't know I had."

"I just, you're different, you…" hands cupped Chloe's cheeks and she closed her eyes, "I feel like I don't deserve you or us sometimes."

"Please don't ever think that," Beca used the pads of her thumbs to gently rub soothing circles over Chloe's cheeks, "I want to be with you, in whatever way you'll have me or need," when their eyes connected she warmly smiled, "I wasn't kidding earlier, I want to be the one who takes care of you and because of that we'll only go as far as you want tonight…I will wait for you, I'd wait forever for you…"

Nodding Chloe let out a breath as she closed the distance between them and started a slow and deliberate kiss. It's lighting a spark in her gut and telling her that this is ok, that she'll be ok, and that Beca is completely in tune with her thoughts and feelings. She's never met someone who is so understanding and patient despite not knowing her fears of inadequacy and rejection. She's so lucky to have a person like this in her life and she hopes that in some way she's silently conveying that appreciation.

Breaking away Chloe smiled, she doesn't think she'll ever get enough of Beca's kisses, "Can we go slow?"

"Anything you want," the elevator dinged and the doors slid open, palming her girlfriend's hips Beca awkwardly backed them out. As they maneuvered down the sixth floor hallway, they laughed when they came to a crashing halt next to Chloe's door, "For the record walking backwards and trying to kiss you is so much harder than it looks."

"Well," Chloe began between fits of giggles pushing herself off her girlfriend, "it was a nice try, the kissing was still good though."

"Correction, the kissing was awesome," placing a hand on the back of Chloe's neck, Beca guided their lips back together. "Kissing you…" she began feeling the smile, "is something," she briefly dove in, "I could do all day."

Chloe loved this, loved how Beca was making her body come to life, "Me too, but I need to pause for like a minute to open the door."

"Oh," dropping her hands Beca stepped aside, "Sorry, it's just hard to keep my hands off you."

Taking the keys from her bag Chloe laughed at her girlfriend who was using her thumbs to crack each of her knuckles, then shaking out her hands. It was a blatant effort to not reach out and touch her and she couldn't help but give another short kiss, "You're so cute."

"Yeah, yeah…"

Slipping the key in the lock Chloe gave it an easy turn then pushed the door open. Almost as soon as she stepped over the threshold and set her bag down on the dining room table, she heard the pitter-patter of tiny paws. Stooping down she scooped Billie up in her arms, "I missed you so much too."

"I see where I stand," Beca joked as she closed and locked the door, "but you get a pass, because I miss Gizmo too."

Placing Billie back on the ground Chloe watched her run into the living room and settle on her usual spot at the end of the couch next to a stuffed toy duck. That was new, the little girl from down the hall she hired to check on Billie for the weekend must have bought it. It's so sweet how much that little girl loves Billie, every time she sees Chloe she asks if they can go play.

"Does Billie need anything?"

That low voice made Chloe turn and the sight took her breath away, Beca was relaxing against the front door, hands behind her back, just staring at her with those grey-blue eyes that spoke volumes, including what she thinks she's been seeing all night, love. Everything about Beca is beautiful and it's obvious they've both been thinking about this moment for a long time.

"Nope," Chloe slowly shook her head slipping off her jacket, "Julia and her mom came by earlier."

Beca cocked her head to the right and winked, "Then come here…"

Knowing full well that Beca was following her every move, Chloe tossed her jacket on the back of the couch then kicked off her shoes. Lifting her eyes she strode back over to her girlfriend with purpose, watching that smirk intensify with each step until she came to a stop.

Using her index finger Chloe lightly traced it up Beca's throat watching her eyes darken, "Where were we?"

"Right…" Beca pushed herself off the door and took one step forward, "about…" taking another she easily crossed the small hallway and pinned Chloe's hips against the wall, "here…" Diving in for a heated kiss Chloe's body desperately arched against hers and she inwardly grinned. "Damn…" breaking away she sharply inhaled as fingers slipped from her neck down the front of her shirt hitting every curve, "have you done this before?"

"A few times," Chloe answered pulling the shirt from Beca's jeans. Gliding her fingers underneath the fabric she ran her hands against smooth, warm skin, "and I can't wait to do it again."

"God I love the way you touch me," bracing a hand against the wall, Beca dropped her head to Chloe's shoulder as she took in the way fingers trailed across her stomach and around to her back, "You make my heart race."

"And to think I'm just getting started…"

Urgently removing her hands from under Beca's shirt, Chloe quickly switched to pushing the jacket off her girlfriend's shoulders. She bit back a dissatisfied sigh from the lack of contact when Beca stood and violently shook her arms in an effort to void herself of the garment. Her disappointment didn't last long because seconds later the leather hit the hardwood floor at their feet and Beca's body pressed back into hers again.

"The effect you have on me," Beca whispered rolling her body into Chloe's as she ducked her head, "is ridiculous."

Letting out a staggering breath Chloe's head lightly knocked against the wall as Beca's lips dragged down her neck. Holy hell it was such a turn on how Beca had complete control, yet was being so gentle, "Shit Bec, you make my head spin."

Working her way down further Beca's teeth grazed Chloe's pulse point then she gently sucked on the sensitive spot. The ever so quiet fuck Beca heard as she slipped a knee between Chloe's thighs made her grin against the rapidly beating skin.

"I love it when you curse," Beca confessed, "you hardly do it," fingers threaded through her hair guiding her up for another kiss, "and it's sexy."

Things shifted with them during this kiss, it was more needy and wanting then all their previous ones and Chloe could almost feel the desire Beca has for her. They were supposed to be taking this slow, except right now, as hands wander down her body she feels like they are going at breakneck speed. They haven't even made it past her front door yet and already they're devouring each other and she is breathing like she has just run a marathon and all they've done is kissed. Well not really, she's lifting her hips to slowly counter every one of Beca's intentional grinds. Each time it drags this sigh of appreciation from her girlfriend that's slowly becoming the best sound she's ever heard.

Lifting Chloe's leg Beca murmured, "Bedroom?"

"I-I…what?" Chloe froze.

With that one question, everything that is about to happen just became entirely too real, and instead of being excited, like Chloe was seconds ago, she's panicking. And it has nothing to do with Beca, Beca's simply being perfect, way too perfect, more perfect than she'll ever be and that makes her question her abilities. She's having so many self doubts right now that she feels like Beca's going to regret this in the morning.

Sex used to be easy, something Chloe never thought twice about, simply because it was something she loved to do. She's had thoughts about this moment and how amazing it will be with Beca, but there's always these lingering 'what if' questions. What if she's not what Beca expects? What if after it's all said and done Beca decides that someone else can better meet her needs? Then there's the one that scares Chloe the most, what if Beca finally sees that she was never good enough to be with? Up until ten seconds ago, she was confident in the decision she'd made back at the concert, that she was ready for this, now she's not sure.

"Chlo," concern lacing Beca's voice she stood up straight, chest heaving, "what's wrong?"

Opening her eyes Chloe flashed a smile trying to replace her fear. She needs to just take the plunge and go for it, all those doubts are in her head, because Beca hasn't given her any indication that she's inadequate or not good enough, in fact it's been the exact opposite. Since the day they met Beca's given her a new type of confidence and self-worth. Like right now Beca looks concerned, but the soft eyes still make her feel valued and loved.

"Nothing baby, I'm fine I promise."

Beca can sense the hesitation and apprehension, "We don't have to do this tonight, we can wait."

"No, I'm ok," Chloe reassured, "I just…"

"Tell me…" Beca's not stupid, she's seen Chloe shut down like this on a couple occasions, but she never gets any hint about what's wrong.

"I just," pressing their foreheads together Chloe swallowed the lump in her throat, "I just needed to slow down a little."

Giving an understanding nod, Beca gave a couple of soft kisses and wrapped Chloe's legs around her waist. Taking a few seconds to adjust their positions and gain her balance she turned and took a couple small steps forward, "You're the first girl I'm attempting this with."

"You trying to sweep me off my feet?"

"More like trying not to bust my fucking ass," Beca joked making Chloe breathily laugh, "carrying hot redheads isn't conducive to my stature."

"Did you just make a short joke at your own expense?" Chloe asked.

"Shut it Beale," Beca took a couple more confident steps down the hall, "this is supposed to be sexy." She swears Chloe is just toying with her now when she is forced to stop and concentrate on a short, shallow kiss, that is simultaneously making her head spin and winding the tension up again, "Fuck, you're not helping."

"Keep walking you're…" Gripping Beca's shoulders Chloe pressed her chest in close.

"That's not helping."

"Almost…" Chloe lightly rolled her hips, "there…"

"My girlfriend is so hot," Beca groaned out after finally reaching the last door on the right. To say she was all hot and bothered was the understatement of the century, her body was on fire, "You and your tricks, I swear you wanted me to drop you," she tightened her grip on Chloe's ass as she pushed them up against the door so they could kiss again, "but there's no way in hell I'm ever," she mumbled against barely parted lips, "ever letting you go."

Dropping her feet to the ground Chloe tucked a strand of hair behind Beca's ear after, "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear someone say that to me."

Smiling Beca placed her hands on the doorframe and blocked Chloe in, "Someone should tell you how great you are everyday and I," she pointed at her heart, "plan on being that person."

"Are you my forever person?"

"I think you already know that answer…"

Lifting her hands Chloe slowly started undoing the buttons on Beca's shirt one by one, "Do you know how frustrating this is?"

"Yeah well you almost killed me when you flashed your abs during that flip cup game," fingers were so close to Beca's stomach and when the last button slid out of place she closed her eyes, "so I'd say we're pretty even."

"I don't like to lose," Chloe held her breath as she moved her hands higher, pushing the shirt out of the way of the tattoo inscribed under her girlfriend's collarbone. The script matched the one on Beca's left arm and as she traced the words she softly recited them, "Through darkness comes light…" She read it out loud a second time trying to figure out the symbolism, "Are your tattoos related?"

"It's three," Beca corrected, "and yes they are."

"What do they mean?"

"When you find the third, then maybe you'll understand," reaching for the handle, Beca gave it a twist. Stumbling over the threshold she gave the door a halfhearted kick shut behind them, before landing on the bed in a jumbled heap, "until then…" settling between Chloe's legs she ducked her head and just barely brushed their lips together, "I'll just remain…" taking Chloe's lower lip between her teeth she released it, "all mysterious and shit, I hear girls like that."

"This girl does…" Chloe's back arched off the bed and into Beca's touch as a hand slowly slipped under her shirt and began inching upwards, "I happen to like that very, very much." Craning her neck she connected their lips in another short but heated kiss just because she couldn't get enough of them. Breaking away for air asked, "You know what I also like?"

Nails dragged down Beca's sides towards dip of her hips where they paused so that thumbs could barely plunge below the hem of her jeans then back out.

Swallowing hard Beca wasn't sure if she was ready for whatever sexy as fuck response Chloe was about to give, "What?"

"I like seeing the real you, the quiet confidence you exude," pulling Beca closer by the shirt Chloe finished, "combined with your sensitive and caring ways are what I adore and what I find most attractive."

Beca was surprised by the confession, it wasn't what she expected, but exactly what she needed to hear, "Not my music?"

"No," resting a hand on Beca's cheek, Chloe shook her head, "that's part of you, but it's not who you are. Now come here," guiding her girlfriend closer she added, "and love me Beca."

Beca could easily do that, because as they kiss, kiss like there's no tomorrow, she knows without a doubt that she's in love with Chloe Beale. When it happened or how it happened, she has no idea, she just knows it happened and that it's the best feeling she's ever experienced, Aubrey Posen was right yet again. Loving Chloe is like making music, it's what she is meant to do, and that's what has been confusing her these last few weeks. She has been over analyzing her feelings and reading too much into every little detail as she tries to shape and contort what her convoluted expectation of love is, much like she does with her music. When in reality it's nothing like she imagined, all those external forces, like dynamics or tempo and key changes, only add to the overall picture, at it's very core loving Chloe is simple and easy. She wasn't expecting or even looking for love, she just wanted someone to date on the regular and have fun with, but god then she met the perfection that is Chloe and all the sudden she wanted more. Chloe and their relationship have given her something music never could, a feeling of content and completeness.

Letting out a groan of satisfaction Beca reveled in how Chloe kissed her, how fingers wound through her hair, how their tongues gently massaged one another and fuck how Chloe's right leg hooked around her left hip pulling her in closer connecting them in the perfect spot. It was beautiful, all of it, the stillness of the room, the sound of their breathing and lips as they parted and reconnected. There wasn't a single imperfection to be found in this moment and if it weren't for the lack of air and desperate need to remove the remainder of their clothes, she'd have no reason to stop.

Chloe was at a loss for words, pressing their foreheads she could only manage one word, "Wow…"

Long slender fingers lazily traced a pattern along Beca's lower back as she tried to regain some kind of composure. But wholly fuck she was about ten seconds away from losing her shit, "I can't believe this is happening."

Chloe let out a breathy laugh, "If you'd shut up, maybe I could get this," she tugged at the collar of her girlfriend's plaid shirt, "off you."

"See here's the problem," sitting up on her knees Beca grinned, the after effects Fat Amy's game of Roomba beer pong were still prevalent, but she was far from drunk, "after a few drinks, and I've had more than a few, I become a chatterbox."

Chloe covered her face with her hands and laughed, they'd gone from doing something so serious to Beca being a goofball in like two seconds, "What the hell does that even mean?"

"Oh," Beca's finger flew into the air making Chloe laugh harder, "so basically I speak what's on my mind and I have no filter."

"Is that why you've been commenting on everything all night?"

Beca grinned, "Yep."

"Will you remember what you say tomorrow?" Chloe hesitantly asked.

"Yeah, I'm not drunk," Beca nodded, "although, sometimes I wish I didn't because people, aka Stacie, love to use my useless drabble to their benefit."

Sitting up Chloe unclasped Beca's belt buckle and pulled it from its loops in one shot.

"I see," dropping it over the side of the bed Chloe decided to put this new found fact to the test, "So babe…"

"God I love when you call me that," Beca whimpered as feather light kisses were pressed to her abdomen. Threading a hand threw red hair she glanced down and let out a heavy breath, she's never been more turned on in her entire life, "Damn…"

"What are you…" Chloe nipped at the skin on Beca's left hip before pulling back and catching a brief glimpse of the third tattoo running up her girlfriend's ribcage, "thinking now?"

"How unfair it is that you're this beautiful…" reaching for the edge of Chloe's shirt, Beca unhurriedly lifted it up and off. Tossing it over the side of the bed she cupped Chloe's cheeks, "you are so beautiful."

Slowly laying them back down on the bed Beca began working her way down Chloe's body placing open mouthed kisses along the newly exposed expanse of skin. Chloe was breathing hard and as fast as she wanted to move, she pushed that aside and concentrated on savoring this moment. She wanted to memorize the feel of Chloe's skin and how it bounced and twitched beneath her fingertips, she wanted to remember what caused every whispered word or moan, but mostly she wanted to savor what it was like to do this together. This was no longer about instant gratification and then rushing to escape the awkward minutes after everything was said and done. No this was about loving somebody and being loved by somebody and that was worth taking her time.

"And now, what…" pulling Beca back up her body Chloe's breath hitched as she reached for the button on her girlfriend's jeans and she saw love in those eyes again, "What are you thinking now Beca Mitchell?"

Stopping the hands Beca brought each one of them up, kissed the palms then pinned them to the bed above Chloe's head. "Honestly?"

"Yes…"

Dipping her head down, Beca whispered, "That I'm about to have really fantastic sex with an incredible woman that I lo…"

Beca immediately released Chloe's hands when she tensed up and looked away. Something wasn't right, Chloe's whole demeanor changed with one comment and the confident, self-assured person was replaced with someone who is scared and nervous. She's watched Chloe a lot over the course of their relationship and she's become pretty good at recognizing these small transformations for what they are, a consequence of the situation they're in. What she doesn't know is if it's because Chloe's walls are finally crumbling or that she's become really good at reading her girlfriend's body language.

And it's all because Beca's taken a different approach to their relationship, she's giving someone everything she has and accepting all the emotions that come along with it. Although she's struggled with expressing herself in the past, Chloe's taught her that it's ok to be vulnerable in front of others and she's making an effort everyday with Chloe and their friends to not revert back to her old ways. Aside from the whole DJ Titanium thing, everything she's ever said and revealed about herself or her family has been true. For the most part Chloe gives everything back to her and their relationship at one-hundred and ten percent, it's just that it would be nice to have some back-story as to why Chloe shuts down all of a sudden sometimes.

To an extent Beca's ok with not knowing, Chloe's suffered through a huge tragedy, way bigger than the single one she had to endure. And looking back on her mom's death she had Jesse and Aubrey and both her best friends families for support, while Chloe had no one to lean on, she walked that path completely alone. So Beca understands the reasons for Chloe's tightlipped nature in regards to anything dealing with family and she'd never question anything, the only thing she'd just like to know how to help. She wants to be there, to be supportive and understanding, everything she imagined a good girlfriend would be, everything that Chloe is, but she sometimes feels like a complete failure because she can't figure out what's wrong.

"Chlo, please…" Beca calmly began sitting up slightly, "please tell me what's wrong."

The worry and panic in Beca's voice only made Chloe feel worse, "Nothing, I'm fine."

"No you're not," shifting her weight, Beca sat up on her knees and looked down at her broken girlfriend, "can you please," she practically begged, "give me something to work with, is it me, did I do or say something wrong?"

Chloe's trying not to let whatever is going on in her head bother her, but Beca can see the pain behind her blue eyes. As much as she wants this to happen the situation has turned, Chloe can't avoid her questions anymore and until she gets some type of answer, she doesn't feel comfortable with them progressing things further.

"No…" Chloe shook her head, "I'm just…" she bit her lip and closed her eyes, she couldn't just sweep this under the rug anymore, Beca deserved some kind of explanation, "I'm just really, really freaking out right now."

"That's ok," Beca interrupted, heart rate slowing, although deep down she knew what was happening here was more than just a freak out, "hey it's ok."

"No it's not, can you just let me finish," Chloe's words came out harsher than intended. Opening her eyes she was met with a hurt expression that made her want to cry, "I'm sorry, I haven't done this in a long time, you're actually the first person I've been with, both in a relationship and," she vaguely gestured around them, "since before my family died and I…" she paused choosing how to phrase her thoughts, closing her eyes she rushed out, "I just want you to know that the sex won't be as good as you imagined and you'll probably want someone else."

Deep down Beca still thinks this is only part of the problem, so that leaves her to believe this whole shift has to do with family issues, maybe a disagreement that never got resolved or an expectation that was never met. Whatever it is, Chloe's buried this pain and guilt so deep that all it takes a word, a phrase or even a situation for it to be triggered so that they end up where they are right now.

"Chloe no, do you really think I'm that shallow?" Seeing unsure eyes open and lock on hers, Beca leaned down and gave a simple, loving kiss, "I just want to be with you," sitting up on her knees she gestured between them, "I don't care if we fumble the whole way through it while laughing and I definitely don't care if it's a complete disaster, because I'll be with you and it'll be us and that's exactly what I imagine and want."

Pushing herself away from Beca, Chloe tossed a pillow aside and sat up to rest against the headboard, "But that doesn't make me any less insecure about living up to your expectations."

Beca had been given a tiny clue and it was exactly what she expected, "Chloe expectations are stupid."

Pulling her knees up to her chest Chloe buried her face in them, covering her tearing eyes, "Yeah well you never had to live your whole life wondering if your parents loved you. I was shipped off to boarding school and constantly berated every time I was home because I wasn't the first born son, I'm not a prestigious lawyer and am just average," she stressed looking over to Beca, "simply because I liked to paint and draw and write magazine articles for a living."

"You're anything but average to me," Beca softly stated fidgeting with a button on her shirt. She wants to go back in time and personally beat Chloe's parent's asses for not seeing the beautiful person she see's every day. Chloe is ten times better than they'll ever be, "You're everything I've ever wanted, I love that you're artistic and independent and I admire your strength because most people would've pushed their dreams aside and conformed, but you didn't," moving to the edge of the bed she dangled her feet off the side, "Nothing and I mean nothing you can or can't do in any aspect of life matters to me. I lo…"

"Beca can you please not…" Chloe's mouth snapped shut when her girlfriend fell back against the bed rubbing her eyes with the palm of her hands.

Chloe's more insecure and broken than she ever realized and it's not just because she is coming face to face with something she once loved doing. No, it's a conglomeration of things all stemming from childhood and culminating with the events leading up to her family's death. Everything that happened was all her fault and for two solid years she ran from her problems by immersing herself in school and by hopping from country to country. It provided her with an easy way out, an escape from the reality of the one thing she was always told she wasn't worthy of having in the first place, love and acceptance. Instead, it took making a life in San Francisco for the very things she thought she'd never have to fall right into her lap and it's all because of the girl sitting right next to her.

Beca's perfect, in every way, and although she's confused about what's going on she isn't mad or making a move to leave. Beca's still probably frightened that she did something wrong, but because she's so patient and caring and committed to their relationship and her, she isn't walking away. Chloe's never had somebody not walk away when things got tough or her emotions were too much to handle, so how can she keep telling herself that she's not in love Beca? She is in love with Beca, she's just been refusing to accept it because how can somebody love her when she feels like she'll never be good enough for them.

"No, I'm gonna get this out before you tell me not to again."

"But…"

"No, after you listen to me, if you want me to leave you alone, I'll go," Beca heard a small sniffle and it made her heart ache, Chloe was on the verge of tears and all she wanted to do was crawl over and wrap her arms around her girlfriend, "I've never been good at expressing myself without the help of music, but it's different with you, it's easy. I can talk to you without any hesitations…You make me better, you make me happier than I've ever been in my life and if you haven't noticed I'm crazy about you, I don't want another girl I only want you…" Staring at the ceiling she went for it, "I just…I love you for who you are and it's not because I'm comparing you to someone else, I'd never do that," looking over at her broken girlfriend she connected their eyes, "I'm in love with you Chloe."

The silence in the room after that was deafening, Chloe has never heard those words uttered with so much passion and truth. She thought she was in love once, but all that turned out to be was a crush because what she feels for Beca is so much stronger and more fulfilling. Beca makes it easy for her to finally accept that there are people who value her for who she is, that it's ok to love and to be loved again. Beca's made it very, very clear, through both actions and words that she's loved her for a long time. How long, Chloe has no idea, but as each smile, kiss, date, phone call, text message, Snapchat or the fucking effort Beca goes through just to see her sometimes plays out in her head she knows it's long enough that she should've realized it sooner. Probably even as far back as that afternoon in Crissy Field.

Chloe's been such a fool for so long, but she can only take part of the blame, her parents, mainly her dad, are responsible for everything else. They did a pretty good job while she was growing to ingrain in her head that no one would want her or love her unless she was highly successful, held a prestigious job and made lots of money. Those where the three things her father considered most important in life and it wasn't until she started boarding school that she learned to be independent and to carve her own path in life. Those ideals royally pissed him off and if it wasn't for the night that her world shattered in two, she wouldn't have ever believed him, but things changed and she changed right along with it. And up until five seconds ago she believed that he was right, that she was a failure and that nobody would ever love her.

"You love me?" Chloe whispered, she needed to hear it again just to make sure.

"Yes, I do…" Beca simply replied a half smile creeping onto her face, she couldn't be happier to get it off her chest, "I'm bad at reading social and relationship cues, so I'm sorry if the timing is off, but I really have no idea if it's too soon or too late to say you're in love with someone. But what I do know is that you're the first thing I think about when I wake up and last thing I think about before falling asleep," that's if she sleeps much, "and you're also everything in between," she nervously waved her hands in the air, "and that's pretty amazing for me to admit because before you it was always music, I love you more than music Chloe Beale." She watched a tear roll down her girlfriend's cheek, shifting to her side she reached out, thankful when her hand was taken, "I don't know anything that's happened in your past, but from what I've gathered people haven't told you they love you enough, but I want to every day, can I please be that person? Let me love you Chlo…"

Wiping her eyes with her free hand, Chloe let out a breath before crawling over and into her girlfriends waiting arms, "You're so outta my league, I'm just this lonely, broken person who has never been good enough for anybody, how can you love me?"

"How can I not?" Beca softly answered. Chloe's head tucked under her chin and before she could say anything else, she felt the soft shaking as the person she loved cried in her arms, "You give so much to others how can I not love you…I love you…" It broke her heart knowing that Chloe, the woman with the effervescent smile and compassionate personality, didn't think she was worthy of anyone's love. She vowed from that day forward that she'd spend the rest of her life telling Chloe just how loved she is. Tightening her arms protectively around her girlfriend she whispered, "It's ok, you're safe with me," hands clutched her side and she kissed the top of Chloe's head, "I promise to never let anything or anyone hurt you ever again, you'll never go a day without hearing me say I love you."

"Thank you," Chloe finally managed and for the first time ever she finally believed that somebody loved her, "thank you."

Beca's not sure how long Chloe cried for, but she didn't let go and eventually her girlfriend's breathing returned to normal and her body relaxed enough that sue could breath a sigh of relief, "So, like before I shut up, I'm gonna say it one more time just so you know, I'm so in love with you."

"Baby…" Chloe began. Turning her head she saw a soft warm smile of probably the sweetest most loving person in the entire world. Scooting up Beca's body she gave a quick peck, "Please don't ever shut up, you don't realize it but you're someone that I've needed for a long time. You've literally been picking up the pieces of my broken heart since you walked into my life."

"Really?" Chloe nodded and Beca used the pad of her thumbs to wipe away the traces of shed tears, "I had no idea, I've been trying to piece together what's going on in your head for months, you're so great at listening to my problems and I want to be able to do the same for you, but you don't give me anything, sometimes you shutdown or change the subject."

"You're the first person I've trusted in a long time, I just need to get used to leaning on someone for support again."

"I understand and we can lean on each other, if we do that I'm sure we can get through anything together?"

Smiling Chloe rolled to her side and propped her head up with a pillow, "I think you're right."

"Good," running a hand up and down Chloe's side in a comforting manner Beca returned the smile, "because you mean a lot to me and I love how we are together and I don't want anything to jeopardize that…"

Except Beca knew there was one thing, one incredibly huge thing that she hopes once is revealed on their vacation that it won't ruin the trust they've just established. She realizes now that she should've told Chloe everything that night in her studio, so she can only hope that that decision wasn't a mistake.

"Me either…" this morning when Chloe woke up she never envisioned she'd end her night crying in her girlfriend's arms after having an emotional breakdown, but one thing just triggered another. The turn the night took was what needed to happen, probably not as they lay half naked in her bed, but as Beca says she can't really sweat the logistics, "I'm so, so sorry about tonight."

"Chlo…" Beca began but a finger was pressed to her lips.

"No," Chloe softly smiled, "I relentlessly flirted and lead you on all day and as much as I still want to do this," she does, now more than ever she's ready because someone loves her, "I don't think we should tonight and I'm sorry…"

"You have nothing to apologize for, I contributed just as much as you," Beca moved her hand to Chloe's neck and they locked eyes, "I want us to be ready for this step," she lightly pulled her girlfriend closer and gave a brief, reassuring kiss that she hopes conveys she isn't mad, "so if you're not ready tonight, then we're not ready."

Laying half on top of Beca, Chloe smiled, she had no idea how she ended up with such a wonderful and accepting person, "How are you so perfect?"

"I'm not…"

"Thank you…"

"There's no need to thank me," Beca tucked a strand of hair behind her girlfriend's, "I'm doing this because I love you and I understand if you're not ready to say it back, but…" she was cut off by Chloe's lips on hers in the most earth shattering kiss she's ever had. Once they separated all she could do is grin, "I could get used to that."

Chloe laughed, because that was the only way for her to get a chance to say what her heart has known all along, "I'm pretty sure I love you too."

"Only pretty sure?" Beca raised an eyebrow, but couldn't hide the laugh for very long, "Because I'm sure I love you."

Straddling her girlfriend Chloe kissed one cheek, "I…" then the other, "love…" then smashed their lips together, "you…"

Wrapping her arms around Chloe, Beca sat up, "Say it again."

"I love you," Chloe mumbled against their joined lips and she felt her girlfriend's instant smile. Pulling back she let out a happy sigh, it was like a giant weight had been lifted off her shoulders with everything that has happened tonight, "So all joking aside, let me get you some pajamas to sleep in," she stated sliding off Beca's lap, "I know it's a little more clothing than we were planning on."

Falling back against the bed, Beca started buttoning up her shirt, "I think I should head home that way I don't say something stupid and fuck up this beautiful moment and we won't do anything we'll regret later."

"Babe no," stilling the moving hands Chloe shook her head, "it's late and Gizmo is with Emily, so you can still spend the night, I want you too."

"Are you sure?"

"Totes, plus we can start vacation planning as soon as we wake up."

"Well in that case, do you have stuff for pancakes?" Chloe vigorously nodded with a huge grin on her face making Beca laugh, "Awesome, you sleep in and I'll make breakfast ok? I don't want to see your sexy ass out of bed until I come get you, read a book, mess with your camera, whatever."

"Deal!" Picking up her shirt from the floor, Chloe slipped it back on. Heading for her dresser she fished out an extra pair of pajama pants and a t-shirt then tossed them at her girlfriend, "Your toothbrush is still in the other bathroom, you can bring it in here if you want."

Tucking a pillow under an arm Beca leaned over and briefly brushed their lips together, "I'll be on the couch if you need me."

"No, no, no," Chloe laughed, snatching the pillow away she tossed it back on her bed, "you're sleeping in bed with me tonight, the only reason you haven't before is because I never wanted to wake you."

Beca grinned, "You're awesome, I'm just gonna…" she opened the bedroom door and waved down the hall, "you know, I'll be back in five."

"Ok," Chloe giggled, "Oh and Bec," skipping over to the door she pecked Beca's lips, "I couldn't let you walk out the door away without saying I love you."

Beca winked, it was still surreal to hear that, "I love you too…"

"Also, can you hold me tonight?"

"You don't even have to ask…"

---

Laughing Chloe buried her face into her girlfriend's shoulder as they lay next to each other in bed with Billie at their feet, "No way!"

"Swear to god," hearing Chloe really laugh after everything that had happened earlier was a big relief for Beca, "it was like projectile vomit too, Aubrey hosed down everyone in the first two rows."

"She's like my best friend," Chloe calmed slightly, but Beca's huge sleepy grin was infectious and they both started cracking up again, "I really shouldn't laugh."

"Yes you should…" yawning Beca stretched her legs out nestling into the duvet, "everyone deserves to know Aubrey Posen isn't as prim and proper as she claims, she can puke with the best of them."

For the last hour they'd been laying in bed, talking and laughing as they swapped all kind of stories back and forth. Beca was purposefully trying to take her mind off things by having fun, of course the random kisses and whispered I love you's helped a lot too. Mainly though it was having Beca in bed beside her, Chloe loved how safe and secure she felt by sharing a bed with someone she loved.

"Can we snuggle now?"

"Sure," Beca tiredly laughed, opening her embrace Chloe immediately scooted into it. Once the fidgeting subsided and Chloe's back was pressed into her front she happily sighed, "I told you tattoos and snuggling are my specialties, plus you're super duper hot and I love you a whole lot and…"

"Baby?" Chloe softly laughed at the rambling as an arm wrapped loosely around her waist.

"Yeah?"

The tiredness was evident in Beca's voice, running her hand along an arm Chloe quietly spoke, "You're sleepy, so it's ok to shut up now."

Beca hadn't really slept much all week and now lying in this stupidly comfortable bed, with her arms wrapped around her beautiful girlfriend, she's about three minutes from completely crashing. She loves sleeping here, there's just something about Chloe's calming presence and gentle touches that makes her rest better and longer than any prescription medication ever could, even if it was simply napping on the couch.

"Sorry…" Beca answered. Kissing a shoulder she finally allowed her eyes to droop shut and the exhaustion to fully kick in, "Sometimes I have a hard time sleeping," she added as an afterthought, "my mind constantly moves, but when you're near, it acts normal."

This topic had come up months ago and Chloe tried to get answers out of Aubrey, but she was always shut down. At least now she knew the quiet whispers she been hearing for months was true. However, she'll have to wait until later to really ask Beca about it, because Beca's voice was heavily laced with sleep and the breathing patterns were already evening out.

"What do you do when you can't sleep?" Chloe quietly asked linking their fingers and pulling Beca's hand closer to her heart.

"I make music," Chloe barely heard Beca whisper as a head settled between her shoulder blades, "or write songs."

"You do that a lot don't you?" Beca nodded and Chloe knows she should be closing her eyes and going to sleep, but she just can't help herself. A couple weeks ago she got a chance to read some of Beca's songs, she knows it's wrong but Beca had fallen asleep on her couch while she was out running one afternoon and when she came back the songbook had fallen to the floor with a page open. After picking it up she spent the next twenty minutes reading song after song, "You ever sold any songs?"

"Lots…" came Beca's low reply, "people pay lots of money for them."

Chloe's eyes widened, maybe that's the thing Beca was referring to when she said there was stuff she still didn't know, "Do I know any of your songs?"

That earned Chloe an affirmative hum "You have a shit ton on your iPod…" she bit her lip as Beca continued to mumble, "I even get awards, that's why you haven't seen my office at work, Jesse says it's stupid to hide a Grammy, but I don't care about them, they're paperweights."

At this point Chloe doesn't know if Beca's messing with her or telling the truth. Her girlfriend is extremely talented, on another level really, and it'd be a shame for all the things she read in just one of Beca's songbooks to sit in a bookcase for eternity, so she does believes the whole selling songs thing. What she's not sure about is the awards, why would someone not want to show off a Grammy? She's never asked to see Beca's office, there's never been a need, but now that she thinks about it every time she's been to the studio, Beca's never been anywhere near the large set of double doors at the end of that hallway. The same goes for Beca's house, which is strange because in past relationships she's always floated between both their places, but in the case with Beca, it's never even been mentioned.

"Why are you keeping this a secret?"

"My whole life's a secret, I don't want fame…I just want you and to be normal…"

Shimming around a little Chloe got comfortable, tomorrow morning she'll need to do a little bit of research on Beca Mitchell, she needs to find out exactly what's going on, "Goodnight Bec, I love you."

"Love you too Chlo…"

---

Thanks for reading!

As always if you liked it, loved it or hated it leave me a review or drop me a PM to let me know what you guys think or how I'm doing, I'm all ears! It really gives me great feedback to know what works or what doesn't.

I know it was long but it had to be that way because I wanted this to be kind of a transition/revealing chapter and the only way to get that across was to make it long. A lot of stuff needed to come out on Chloe's side, Beca needed to realize some things, a few of the Bellas needed to make an appearance so yeah i just hope you enjoyed this little bit of a roller coaster ride and what do you think about Beca's big slip up at the end? I've had that planned right from the beginning!

Now, I'm going on vacation/holiday/break from work whatever you want to call it to Switzerland and Oktoberfest beginning the second week of September for something like seventeen days. I'll try to get a small update out before then, it'll be good, trust me I've already got it planned out, but if not I don't think it'll be any longer then what it took me to get this chapter out. Just hang with me, you guys have been awesome so far because I know I'm taking forever to get chapters out, but according to your reviews they are worth the wait.

Once again I'd like to apologize for not responding to any of your reviews! I've just been so busy with work and life that I just didnt have time, but I did read each and every one and I love you guys for leaving me even a simple "I loved it" to long and detailed ones. They all mean so much, so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I can't tell you how much I appreciate each one, I'll try harder to reach out on this next chapter!

Until next time...