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?

9. Chapter 9

Alright I'm back pitches! I know, I know I suck, like big time for being gone for a couple months, but between going home for the holidays, work and then getting a pretty horrible cold that knocked me on my ass for almost two weeks, somehow it's now the end of February. So yeah I never intended to vanish for this long, but things happen and I can only hope to have the next chapter out faster than this one. Don't worry I know the chapters seem long and drawn out (not that I ever get any complaints about that lol), but it's all part of the plan I set up when I started this fic last year. I want it to be realistic so things need to be established so that chapters build on themselves, so we all can see how these two evolve personality wise and emotionally. Plus I like to write until I think the section or chapter comes to a natural close, but I think you guys figured that out already :)

Disclaimer: I still don't own any part of the PP franchise therefore no ideas, quotes or songs I happen to mention throughout any of the chapters are mine! However what is mine is all the mistakes!

You guys are in for a treat I was (key word was) going to split this chapter into 2, but thanks to my awesome beta sugarlandaddict23, who not only worked her magic beta skills, but also advised/convinced me to not split it up. And you know what she was right! So even though it's super duper long just remember you're getting 2 chapters for the price of 1.

PS there is a semi m-ish part to the chapter in the beginning, you'll understand how it's not full m once you read ;)

So with all that said off you go enjoy!...

---

Four weeks later

Beca fell into a pool chair with a thud and kicked off her running shoes with a groan. It was barely ten in the morning and she was already fucking exhausted and in desperate need of a shower. She has this growing love hate relationship with Chloe's so called "workout routine." In one aspect, she loves how awesome she has felt this last month but in the other, she hates how the results don't happen overnight. Plus there's that whole eating right and drinking less which is more of a pain in the ass than actually working out. According to Chloe both Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts are "empty calories" and "completely unacceptable forms of nutrition" after their workouts.

When Beca originally came up with the idea of getting back in shape, she never anticipated that her totally awesome girlfriend would be an Aubrey Posen level drill sergeant. Chloe has her ass up at the very least three times a week before seven so they can run to the gym, workout and then run back. Then on their off days, Chloe has them doing yoga or walking along the beach with their dogs. She doesn't mind those days because it doesn't really feel like a workout and she's grown to love yoga, somehow it elevates the soreness and clears her mind.

It always amazes Beca how much they accomplish fitness wise before a vast majority of the population even eats breakfast. Don't get her wrong, that whole outlook took some getting used to, but after her normal "I'm not a morning person" routine wears off she gets over her hatred of people and all activities before noon and she gets with the program. Chloe is actually really great, she gives Beca her space, doesn't push to have idle chitchat and once a smile cracks her face Chloe just stops whatever she is doing and gives the best good morning kisses Beca has ever had.

So it's not like it's all bad, Beca is actually feeling better both mentally and physically and has grown to like the whole exercise routine. Chloe likes to "keep things moving" and as "non-repetitive as possible" so the intensity varies from day to day so she doesn't get bored. She thinks it done so she doesn't die or cause herself bodily harm because she's forced to focus on repetitions and form rather than how Chloe's ass looks in a pair of shorts or how toned her girlfriend's arms are. Although she's fairly confident Chloe purposefully situates herself so they are face-to-face during planks or pushups just to see her falter. She swears they have more eye sex in the span of three minutes than she has ever had with anyone in her entire life.

Afterwards they either run home or opt to grab a smoothie and walk along the beach hand in hand. Today wasn't one of those walk on the beach days, Chloe wanted to see how fast she could do a mile and rather than leisurely jogging back home until Chloe was out of sight and she could walk, Beca decided to try it too. Much to her surprise she smashed her previous record by a whole seven seconds and as a bonus she didn't die, so double win.

The best part was seeing Chloe's smiling face once Beca caught up way faster than expected. She couldn't help but grin the rest of their run home because all she heard was ecstatic praise amongst multiple high fives and sweaty cheek kisses. Chloe didn't even bother turning on the playful pout when Beca said she wasn't running another three miles just for fun. Instead, her girlfriend just nodded and gave a final kiss before they each veered off in their own directions, Beca towards the entrance of her gated community and Chloe off towards the local high school to run laps on the track.

Running the ice cold Dr. Pepper can along her face and neck Beca let out a sigh, "Yep, just what the doctor ordered."

"Babe no," Chloe giggled as she held the French doors open letting Billie and Gizmo out to roam around the back yard. "You need to rehydrate with water or Gatorade and eat some fruit not…" walking over she picked up the bag of Cool Ranch Doritos from the small table and shook her head, "Look just save these for lunch ok?"

Beca frowned as the soda was removed from her hand and set aside and replaced with a bottle of water and a banana, "Being healthy sucks."

"Just yesterday you said it wasn't that bad," Chloe teased making her way around the chairs.

Beca narrowed her eyes at her girlfriend, "That was before you took my snacks away."

Now it was Chloe's turn to roll her eyes, "You'll get them back, besides I give you not one but two," she stressed holding up her fingers, "cheat days. And I totally didn't mention that empty ice cream dish I found on the piano this morning."

Peeling the banana Beca took a quick bite, "That was at one this morning so technically I ate it on a cheat day."

Chloe really didn't have a valid retort because Beca was right and smugly smiling at her like she knew it too while chewing, "Whatever just finish your banana and drink your water."

Without warning the sexy redhead ungracefully plopped down into Beca's lap making her laugh, "Hey gorgeous?" Legs were flopped over one of the armrests trapping an arm as she continued to watch Chloe get settled. Tipping her head to the right in amusement she stated, "There are two chairs, you know, for two people."

Slipping her trapped arm from under the offending leg Beca set her water bottle in Chloe's lap then broke off a piece of banana and tossed it to Gizmo.

"I know, but you are much more comfy," giving a quick kiss Chloe took a bite of her pineapple yogurt. Grinning with the spoon in her mouth she wiggled around just to emphasize her point.

"God I love you," Beca exhaled with a warm smile as she wrapped her arms tighter around her girlfriend. Just that little bit of movement in just the right spot sent warm and tingly feelings straight to the pit of her stomach. Kissing her girlfriend's neck she whispered, "Damn the things you do to me Chloe Beale."

"Someone's mind is in the gutter."

"You have no idea," came Beca's muffled response against slightly flushing skin.

Threading her fingers through brunette hair Chloe gently pulled her girlfriend back and gave an easy kiss, "I love you too and later I promise."

"But you can't like sit on top of me…well damn," Beca let out a slow breath. It had only been a few days since the last time they had sex, so her hormones needed to chill, "Sorry I'm just…"

"Frustrated?" Chloe interrupted knowingly.

"I mean yes and no, honestly I've always been a somewhat sexual person, I don't flaunt it like Stacie, but," Beca briefly bit her lip rubbing a hand along her face. "I don't know what it is about you," her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, "you kind of always make me want you, even when you're not trying, and I've never had that with someone before."

Chloe brushed a strand of sweaty brunette hair away from a cheek and smiled, "And that's ok, I like it, it's flattering. I've never had this kind of attention before so I kind of antagonize it because I like the way you make me feel."

"Really?" Beca heard a quiet hum of appreciation and she smiled glad to know she wasn't being an overly horny asshole.

"You're subtle about it too," it wasn't necessarily words, more along the lines of actions, things like a glance or a touch could drive Chloe nuts. Beca was proficient at it and it was way more appreciative than just being outright hit on like she has been in the past. She can tell Beca means everything, "You're smooth and charming and I love it."

"Good to know," Beca grinned, "Now are you gonna make me eat that liquid chalk or what?"

"Yes, and I've added pineapple to mask the taste," Chloe scooped some yogurt onto her spoon and held it out, "You only have to eat a few bites, it's better for you than Doritos right now, I promise."

Beca opened her mouth and accepted a bite, after grimacing she closed her eyes, "I'll just, you know, wait until you're done."

"No you owe me a couple more bites," Chloe chided as Beca just shrugged with her head resting on the back of the chair, "so don't fall asleep…"

"Yes boss…" Beca grinned like a fucking fool hearing that light giggle.

It constantly surprises Beca how fast Chloe can make her heart do weird things and send her stomach into flip flops over something as simple as just sitting together. It's what keeps drawing her in and in a weird Chloe Beale way it keeps her on her toes and in check. She feels whole when she's around Chloe, which is a sharp contrast to the barely hanging in there type of lifestyle she had been living almost nine months ago. She isn't walking that fine line between ok and not ok anymore, she is sleeping more, she exercises and eats right, she is finally taking time off from work and is in a healthy happy relationship.

They are both working on their issues in their own way and Beca can physically tell Chloe is happier and in a much better place than when they first met. She doesn't want to be the type of girlfriend who pushes, but she is still concerned that there are things going on in Chloe's life that aren't being talked about. Some days she sees a lot of hurt and disappointment or internal conflicts going on and sometimes it looks like Chloe wants to say something but either can't or won't and she doesn't know how to fix that. It's getting to the point where she is going to have to say something, however she doesn't know how to broach the subject without it seeming like she is the bad guy.

Hearing the spoon scrape the bottom of the bowl, Beca opened her eyes and reluctantly took her final few bites. No matter how yogurt is disguised, it still firmly holds one of the top spots on her list of foods she absolutely hates. It ranks right up there next to tapioca pudding, Jell-O and cabbage.

"Happy?" Beca asked frowning. Retrieving her water bottle she washed away the aftertaste then slammed the empty bottle down on the table next to the chairs, "And done! Where's my Dr. Pepper?"

"See that wasn't so bad was it?" Chloe laughed at the antics, even though internally she was glad she wasn't being given much grief about post workout snacks anymore.

"Not really, I still hate yogurt," Beca grinned drumming her girlfriend's knee, "but I'll live because a hot girl just fed it to me."

Setting the empty bowl aside Chloe pressed a kiss to Beca's lips, "You're so cute."

"But I'm like totally gross right now," Beca retorted before capturing Chloe's lips again and quickly deepening the kiss. As their tongues brushed together she noted how it faintly tasted of pineapple yogurt and how now it didn't seem so bad. Fingers weaved their way through her hair and she eventually broke the kiss. "I'm in desperate need of a shower," she stated slightly out of breath, "How is that cute?"

"I love," Chloe stressed, "your sweaty bod, especially when it's pressed up against mine all naked and stuff," she wiggled around.

"You're too much Beale, I swear to god," Beca barked out a laugh, "although that is the best workout we do, seriously don't mind that one, like at all."

Chloe pecked Beca's lips a couple times and reveled in how a hand effortlessly slipped under the edge of her shirt and caressed her side. It sent awesome shivers down her spine and straight to her core.

"You did good today," Chloe deflected as the hand roamed higher, grazing the underside of her sports bra and back down, "I'm really proud of you for pushing so hard."

"Thanks I'm getting the hang of the whole running thing and I felt pretty good," Beca knows she'll be sore tomorrow, but she is actually looking forward to stretching it out during their morning yoga and coffee tomorrow. "I know I bitch and complain a little," her hand stilled as Chloe raised an eyebrow, "ok a lot, but seriously this is probably something I should've done a long time ago."

Chloe brightly smiled and felt her insides slowly turn to mush as the hand moved from under her shirt, softly over her backside and down her thigh. Beca was purposely ramping her up by applying just the right amount of pressure to that sensitive spot right behind her knee then dragging those limber fingers up so they barely brush beneath her running shorts. As subtle and innocent as it may seem, Beca knows what she is doing and how it's affecting her. They've spent a very generous amount of time exploring the sexual side of their relationship over the past month and Chloe could, in Beca Mitchell's own words, "actually use a good lay right now" and Beca is one fantastic lay.

"I know you'll be ready for that Turkey Trot fun run next month," Chloe fought to keep her voice neutral and not reveal how turned on she was getting just by mere fingertips.

"Speaking of trotting," Beca watched eyes flutter shut as her thumb teasingly dipped under Chloe's panty line, "I'm glad to have you all up in my personal space, but what happened to those extra miles?" She wickedly grinned hearing a long slow exhale, "Chlo you ok?"

Shifting slightly, Chloe's legs parted just a tiny bit giving Beca more room, "Good, I'm good, continue what you were doing…I mean saying."

Fuck that thumb and now a couple fingers were inching closer to their intended destination and Chloe was finding it extremely hard to concentrate. Beca hadn't even made it to her most sensitive spot yet, but it was close enough to have the exact same effect. She pulled her lip between her teeth, biting back a moan as she desperately tried to keep her hips from lifting to increase the friction.

"I like seeing you lose control like this," Beca whispered. Chloe's face was lightly flushing and her breathing was picking up, "it's sexy and turns me on…" Dipping her head she faintly sucked on the sensitive spot right under Chloe's ear and it earned her a shiver, "You turn me on."

"Mmmm," tilting her head for better access Chloe let out a ragged breath, no one has ever uttered those words to her with so much passion and emotion, "Bec?"

Stilling her movements Beca grinned against the soft skin, "Yes my love?"

Chloe's eyes flow open, she really shouldn't be playing this game right now, she has her final job interview over Skype with one of the chief editors of the San Francisco Chronicle in less than an hour. She really needs to look presentable and put together so she can nail it and get the job. The last thing she wants is to look like she and her girlfriend just fucked each other's brains out in a chair next to a swimming pool. But Beca's hands and mouth just feel so good that it's hard not to convince herself that one scenario needs to take precedence over the other.

"Baby," Chloe moaned out feeling Beca's thumb finally reach its intended spot and giving a few tight circles, "please don't leave a mark."

Beca detached her lips from Chloe's pulse point, "It doesn't sound like you really want that."

"I don't, but," Chloe dropped a leg to the ground and the thumb slowly working her clit was replaced with an index finger, "you know I hate covering it up with makeup."

"I'll just have to leave one someplace else then," Beca chuckled feeling Chloe's body sag against hers. She never meant for things to escalate to this, she totally meant to just tease, but Chloe hadn't exactly pushed her hands away, "Is this ok?"

Chloe's hips lifted and she nodded, "Yeah, I never figured you for an exhibitionist though."

Beca's haze filled eyes fully opened and she glanced around in all directions. Both pieces of property to the left and right of her house were empty, she was sure of that, because she owned them. Not to mention how her house was situated on a private stretch of beach in one of Malibu's most exclusive neighborhoods. Only residents of the gated community had access to it, so even if a neighbor was having a party, nobody would see them.

"What we're alone," Beca pressed a little harder which earned her a whimper of pleasure, "Besides we totally did it in the pool last weekend."

That image flashed through Chloe's mind making her want this more, "Do whatever you want to me just make it quick."

"Is the sex really that good that you're down for just a quickie?" Chloe shot Beca a disbelieving glare making the brunette cheekily laugh, "I stand corrected."

Beca's skills in the bedroom never cease to amaze Chloe, if she had to rank it, she'd put it at a mastery level. Beca Mitchell is an amazing and confident lover and holy fuck just when she thinks they've done it all something new happens or things go from needy to sensual in the blink of an eye. Sometimes Chloe wonders how it's possible that someone can be that good in bed but then Beca touches her in a different way or a position is switched up and all her questions are answered.

Chloe's never had sex like she has with Beca, it's ridiculously hot, but at the same time a lot of fun. They both occasionally make mistakes, like a kiss will totally miss, a nose smashes into a cheek or that one time Beca over anticipated where the edge of the bed was and they both went tumbling off the side, so they're able to laugh at each other. Like the good kind of laugh too, the kind that makes her feel loved and cared for instead of self conscious and scared of screwing up again. Beca is just so incredibly sweet and funny and someone who can make the most awkward moments feel planned and totally normal.

When the hand slowed Chloe felt her stomach muscles loosen and she feared Beca was going to stop. By this point she was worked up and couldn't go through a final job interview on edge like this and there wasn't enough time for full on sex. Either Beca was going to get her off and fast or she was going to use her hand and do it herself.

"Wait, wait, wait…" Chloe's fingers clamped down on the hand preventing it from completely moving away. "Don't stop," that sounded way more desperate than she intended but at this point she didn't really care, "god your hands are so good."

"Turn around…" Beca softly demanded prying Chloe's fingers away as blue eyes shot back to hers in distress.

"Why?" Chloe shuddered from the loss of contact.

"Just trust me on this," there was no movement by the girl in Beca's arms, just a questioning look that made her smile. Reaching up she rubbed the forehead crease that seemed to have taken up permanent residence on her girlfriend's forehead, "I see this when you paint or draw and you won't tell me what's wrong."

"I-I've just had a lot on my mind lately," Chloe quickly covered, she didn't want to talk about everything right now and she needed to convey that very delicately, "I'm trying to process my thoughts, make things right in my head, that's all I promise."

"So let me take care of you," Beca softly stated giving a loving kiss, "I'm here to take care of you."

"I need you Beca," Chloe whispered leaning in again, god she needed this woman in more ways than one, "Can you just finish what you started?"

Beca didn't ask any further questions just nodded and made a mental note to bring up the stress she'd been seeing later.

"Whatever you want, so unless you want to strain your back when I make you cum and me to dislocate my elbow because of the odd angle I suggest you turn around and lean into me and let me," Beca raised an eyebrow, "take care of you."

Chloe quickly spun around so she was looking out over the pool and ocean. She took a few seconds to get comfortable and the minute she was, Beca's arms snaked around her waist pulling her in so their workout clothed bodies were completely flush. She could feel rapid warm breaths against her neck and despite never laying a finger on Beca, she could tell her girlfriend was just as anxious as she was.

"This is so fucking hot," Beca's left hand inched Chloe's t-shirt up then rested low on her girlfriend's belly.

"Hotter than the piano bench incident from a few weeks ago?" Chloe questioned.

"Oh shit that was hot too." Nonchalantly shrugging Beca added, "Give me a few minutes to replay the scenario and then I'll decide which is hotter."

After a few beats of silence they both burst out laughing as a forehead dropped to Chloe's shoulder. There was that whole laughing during intimate situations but it not seeming weird or ill timed thing again. Could Beca Mitchell be any more perfect?

"Uhhh fuck it," Beca breathed out, her lips finding the dip of Chloe's neck, "I'll decide later."

"Good, because we h-haven't had sex in a few days and," the light sucking made Chloe sigh in content. Her eyes drifted shut as fingers drifted below the waistband on her running shorts and wasted no time heading straight for their intended target, "And I'm antsy."

"Me too…"

"You know now that we're been having it regularly two days seems like forever," Chloe rushed out in a pant as she lifted her hips.

"I can rectify that situation…" Beca answered confidently as a cool breeze swept past them reminding her that October first was tomorrow, "But before we get to full on ripping each other's clothes off," wiggling her hips against Chloe's perfect ass she attempted to relieve some of the pressure that was slowly building in her core, "Just sit back and enjoy this."

Fingers slipped through Chloe's hot mound and brushed against her clit making her body jerk involuntarily. When it happened again Beca's hold against her hip tightened just enough in this unbelievingly caring way that said she wasn't going to allow her to slip. Her head fell back to Beca's shoulder and she let out a soft hum of appreciation as fingers slowly worked her up in this magically arousing pace. Fuck she needed this and Beca was so good at it.

"Damn you're so wet," Beca acknowledged lowly right next to Chloe's ear.

"See what you do to me?" Chloe replied as fingers finally settled in on her nub, beginning a slow rhythmic pattern that had been perfected over the last month. She exhaled, "Right there babe."

Beca was ready to burst and it was kind of embarrassing because her girlfriend hadn't even touched her yet. Except that wasn't entirely true Chloe's ass had settled in the perfect position and was giving her the slightest big of reprieve.

"Faster?"

"Yeah…"

"How close are you," Beca's fingers started picking up speed and Chloe's hips moved in time with them, "you're going to have to tell me because I can't see your face."

Chloe's mind was drawing a blank and it was like she had completely forgotten every single word of the English language. Holy shit Beca was just touching her, simply touching, and ok there was a little sucking on the sensitive spot on her neck too, but over all it was just touching. It was insane how something so simple done by the love of her life just felt so good. Beca's fingers just instinctively knew what to do, they were strong, yet gentle, the patterns were rhythmic and sensual, like Beca was perfecting a song along the most sensitive parts of her body.

Being with Beca has opened Chloe's eyes to what it's supposed to be like to make love to someone. Amongst all her partners, both male and female, which there hasn't been many, she's never experienced someone as passionate as Beca Mitchell. Granted her first few dips in the lady pond where with people who were in the same boat as her, completely inexperienced, but she was a quick learner. However, since she has opened herself up to love again she isn't worried about underperforming or not being good enough someone, she's actually learned a lot about herself from just being with Beca.

Chloe is confident again, she is not second guessing everything she does and she is not letting old lectures from her parents constantly cloud her mind. She lets people in, she has real friends, including a best friend, and it's all thanks to her amazing girlfriend. She is also in this beautifully loving and trusting relationship that has a future filled with marriage and kids to look forward to. Being with Beca is the best decision she has ever made and the only thing she regrets is not defining their relationship sooner. She wasted so much time in the beginning trying to keep things between them casual and just friends when they could've been doing this, been happy and hopelessly in love, the entire time.

"Chlo talk to me," Beca's hand briefly stilled, "I feel like you're somewhere else."

"I'm here baby," Chloe quickly replied breathless, "I'm just thinking about how good you are to me and how I don't deserve it."

"You deserve the world and I'd do anything for you," Beca pressed a kiss to Chloe's temple. She'd easily give up her privacy and jump right into the spotlight if it meant Chloe was taken care of, "you're my everything, you're my love."

Chloe lifted her head and turned slightly, "I love you so much."

"I love you too," Beca gave a quick kiss then began rubbing again this time in faster, tighter, circles around her girlfriend's clit. It didn't take long to hear labored breathing and Chloe's body to sag further into hers.

"Almost there," came Chloe's the barely audible voice.

Beca swears it was one of the hottest fucking things she has ever heard and she smirked then lightly nipped at the t-shirt clad shoulder, which immediately earned her a groan. Damn she wished she could see Chloe's face right now, all contorted in pleasure and she would bet money that those insane blue eyes were squeezed tightly shut. She loved seeing Chloe's reactions right before she gave in, because Beca loved being the cause of it. In all her one night stands she never gave much thought to making eye contact with her partners, in the words of Stacie Conrad it's strictly a "wham bam thank you ma'am" type of thing. But with Chloe it was different she craved that aspect, that intimacy and that connection.

"How are you so good at this?" Chloe was slowly starting to lose it everything about this situation was the stuff dreams are made of.

"It's easy," Beca grunted out as her hand worked relentlessly, "when you have a hot girl moaning on top of you."

"You said that two days ago," Chloe joked, her whole body jerking.

"I also said be vocal," Beca's hand slid lower and a single finger entered her girlfriend. Judging by everything she could hear and feel, she was doing something right, but she craved more, "tell me what you want."

"Just…damn," Chloe's voice cracked as the finger hit that spot, her back bowed making Beca's hand falter slightly and the finger to vanish. Taking in a couple of deep breaths she took the brief reprieve to reposition herself, "Just get me off…"

Spreading her legs just a little wider Chloe essentially gave Beca more room to work. To emphasize that point she lowered her hand to the top of the one beneath her shorts and started moving it again.

"Better?"

"Yeah…"

Beca's chest was rising and falling in time with hers and Chloe could hear the slight whimper when her hips jerkily ground down and connected with the ones below her.

"Jesus fucking Christ," Beca blurted as her forehead ungracefully dropped to the back of Chloe's neck. The soft moans and body quivers were working her up at an unexpectedly fast pace, "you're going to make me cum too…you're killing me Beale."

Taking in how Beca was making her feel, like she was drowning in pleasure, Chloe quickly responded, "Yeah but what a way to go."

Using her free hand Beca gently tilted her girlfriend's face so that she could give a frantic kiss. Pulling back she grinned, "Just make sure you put death by orgasm on my headstone."

A breathy laugh escaped from somewhere between Chloe's labored breathing, Beca was being Beca and it just made her love this woman even more.

Maneuvering a hand to the one on her hip Chloe clamped down on Beca's wrist, "Set the pace."

"What?"

"Rock me," purposefully pushing her ass backward and forward Chloe demonstrated what she wanted. Altering the angle earned her a muffled cry of pleasure when she hit the right spot, "Use me in whatever way you need, but don't stop what you're doing to me."

Beca's grip tightened as she tried to slow Chloe's movements so she could focus, "I-I-I can't do both."

Craning her head back Chloe delivered another sloppy kiss, "Yes you can, you can multitask to a level that most people couldn't even dream of, this is easy."

Beca's gut was flooding with warmth and the muscles in her forearm were burning, "I don't know."

"I'm already moving," Chloe was refraining, she was seconds away from exploding, she could feel her lower body pulsating, "just show me what you need."

Beca swallowed hard and closed her eyes taking everything in. Chloe was panting, hell she was panting, and she wasn't even ashamed of how fast the adrenaline was pumping through her veins and making her heart race. Sliding further down in the chair she spread her legs further and used her feet to anchor them and the chair to the pool deck.

"Hurry Bec I want us to get there together."

"Ok…"

Something in Beca's mind snapped and suddenly she was clutching Chloe's hip and changing up the pattern, adding more pressure in one angle while keeping it lighter in another. This was so hot, she's never done this with anyone before, this was total porn material and they were the stars. She can't say it would be better if they were naked, because honestly their clothes were adding just the right amount of barrier that only enhanced this experience and friction.

"Chlo, I'm gonna…" Beca cried out a couple minutes later and immediately allowed her mouth latch on to the delicate skin right at the base of her girlfriend's neck.

"Same…" Chloe stammered.

Seconds later Chloe's orgasm rocked her body like a freshly lit firework being launched into the sky on the 4th of July. She let out a long thankful moan of pleasure along which was quickly followed by a mixture of curse words and Beca's name as her muscles tensed to an almost painful level. Beca followed a few seconds later with a muffled groan of Chloe's name against her back as they rode their shockwaves out together. Usually they gradually bring each other down, but this time they kind of just tightly held each other while whispering a few frantic 'I love you's.'

A couple minutes passed before they sank together against the chair as their breathing began evening out. Beca was the first one to crack and reluctantly move her hand up so that it could rest low on Chloe's stomach and she sighed in content as she traced light patterns.

"Wow," Beca eventually whispered with a small laugh, "well aren't we just a couple of horny assholes."

Chloe couldn't help but giggle too, "It's been two days Beca."

"True," Beca laughed, "but I…" her mouth abruptly snapped shut, her body was still basking in the after glow and she honestly didn't have the effort to come up with a smart ass remark, "Yeah I've got nothing, that was awesome."

Picking up the hand from her stomach Chloe toyed with the fingers, "I needed that."

"Me too," taking a deep breath Beca inhaled everything that was Chloe Beale, then kissed a shoulder, "I'm not gonna lie, before I properly sex you up with no clothes for hours on end I need like a solid nap and some lunch." They both laughed, she can't picture anyone except the woman in her arms accepting her witty remarks at a time like this, "Between the run, the workout and now this impromptu," she waved a hand around, "whatever you want to call it."

Turning slightly Chloe loved the relaxed look she saw, "Stress relief?"

"Took the words right out of my mouth," Beca smiled then continued with her previous thought, "I need a little bit of a breather."

"Fair enough," Chloe said running her fingers lightly over her girlfriend's forearm, "besides we're working on your stamina."

Beca brashly scoffed, "I do not need any help in the stamina department especially when it comes to sex."

"I'm just fucking with you," Chloe teased.

"So two days huh?"

The overconfident, almost cocky, tone was back and Chloe heard the smirk even though she couldn't see it.

"Yep, two days." Chloe simply stated lightly biting her bottom lip.

"How did we let two," Beca stressed,"two perfectly good days go sex free? And we're on vacation," she exclaimed in wonderment. "I mean we have no obligations we can do it when ever we want."

"We were busy, you napped and read your book all day yesterday."

"And you tanned by the pool and painted the day before," Beca tossed back with a grin, "and you're telling me we couldn't fit it in our schedule."

Adjusting to her original position in Beca's lap, the same one that started all this, Chloe gave a leisurely kiss. It spoke volumes and reemphasized the intimacy of the situation and how she felt on top of the world right now. When she deepened it just a little further the surprised hum she received made her inwardly grin.

Breaking away Chloe softly stroked a cheek, "You can make it up to me this afternoon."

"I plan to," shifting her eyes away from that beautiful face Beca looked out over the ocean. In the distance dark clouds were starting to roll in and she could almost feel the cool October weather that was behind it.

"Can't wait…"

Resting her head on the back of the chair Beca closed her eyes as Chloe cuddled in closer. It was barely eleven and so far she has had a nice run, a hard workout and an orgasm, what a great way to start her morning. When a kiss was pressed to her neck she couldn't help but hold her girlfriend just a little tighter and smile, a goofy and totally in love smile that she's sure everyone at Aubrey's deli would call her out on. It felt good, she felt good, her life, her relationship with this amazing woman and her vacation were pretty damn great right now.

"Baby?" Chloe glanced at her watch a few minutes later, her final interview time was quickly approaching.

"Yeah?"

"I hate to detangle myself from you, but I need to shower…"

"I can go with you," Beca suggestively wiggled her eyebrows making Chloe laugh.

"No you stay here we've got time for that later," reaching over Chloe picked up the small paperback book of Stephen King's The Shining and handed it over, "Read your book and drink your Dr. Pepper, I'll let you know when it's your turn."

"You sure?" Beca asked cracking the book open to the marked page.

"Positive," Chloe nodded then stood.

Stretching out her legs Beca crossed them at the ankle then rested the book against her stomach and looked up, "Can we watch the movie version of my book this weekend, I'm almost done."

Straightening her clothes Chloe bent and picked up her dishes and gave a surprised smile, "Sure," she bent and gave a quick kiss, "it's a classic I've been debating about asking because I know you hate movies."

"I promise I won't sleep," Beca guaranteed reaching for a hand, "we can have a date night if you want I can take you to a new restaurant, then we can come back here slip into our PJ's and like watch that movie with popcorn and wine. I like doing stuff like that with you."

Beca Mitchell just suggested PJ's and a movie for their date night and it was adorable, Beca was the best and cutest girlfriend ever. Bending down she gave another quick kiss, "Sounds great babe, tell you what, I've got a work phone call from eleven-thirty to twelve, so come up with a plan. Then after your shower and nap you can tell me all about it over lunch."

"Ok sounds good…" Lifting her book, Beca squinted down at the pages, "You didn't tell me you had a work call today."

"I almost forgot, it's way I didn't run the extra miles," Chloe stood completely still waiting for another question and hoping she wouldn't really have to lie again, "I didn't want to miss it."

"Understandable you have to go back in a couple of weeks," Beca answered without even looking up.

"Yeah…"

Chloe bit her lip as she reached for her phone on the small table separating the chairs and the reality of the situation sank in. She was keeping the whole San Francisco Chronicle job a massive secret and if she told the truth she would have to explain why she quit Rolling Stone and she just wasn't ready to do that. It didn't take long for the Arts and Entertainment Department editor to contact her after she initially applied and the first few weeks keeping the secret were easy. She and the editor exchanged brief emails and she was even able to schedule a phone interview while Beca was off at some music store buying an acoustic guitar. The hardest part and consequently the time she felt the most guilty was two weeks ago when the editor just happened to be in LA on business and wanted to setup an impromptu face-to-face meeting. She ended up using some excuse about shopping at one of the nearby malls just to be able to sneak away for a few hours. It just about broke her heart when Beca didn't even question her, just tossed her the keys to SUV, blew her a kiss and said to take her time.

Secrets like this shouldn't be happening, Chloe knows she should tell Beca what has been going on and she knows how bad it looks, like really, really bad, that Aubrey has known way before anyone else. It's not like she hasn't tried to say something, she has on numerous occasions, and it has been driving her nuts, because all those times have ended up being the wrong time. Monterey ended up being a bust, because Beca had finally fully revealed everything to her there, and bringing it up on dates or at the movies and bookstores just seemed ill timed and awkward. And she definitely didn't have the heart to say anything when they had that sit down meeting with Gail discussing how to handle this exact situation if it ever came up in the press. That's when she broke down and finally called Aubrey and asked what to do and in true Aubrey form, no words were minced. She got a heavy dose of bluntness from her best friend and Aubrey was right in every point she made. There will never be a 'right time' to bring up a situation like this.

Beca is famous so things are slightly more complicated than if Chloe were dating a regular everyday person. It's something she tends to forget simply because Beca does such a good job at separating DJ Titanium's life from Beca Mitchell's. However that still doesn't mean that Beca doesn't deserves to know what transpired in that boardroom while she was sitting in front of the people who could and would dictate her career path at Rolling Stone. Beca needs to know that she was essentially blackmailed into getting access to a celebrity that didn't want to be found in the first place and that quitting was the only way Chloe knew how to protect that privacy.

Over the last month Chloe has gained a better understanding about Beca's reservations and fears when it comes to fame and every single reason she quit was every single reason why Beca is leery about stepping into the spotlight. Her girlfriend has a famous mother so there will be comparisons and expectations set that may never be met. There will be also be constant hounding about her mother's personal life and the things surrounding her unexpected death. Then on top of all that add DJ Titanium's success and how things like being followed by photographers or being pressured into doing interviews and tours are stressful and it's really a no-brainer that Beca Mitchell just wants to live a normal life.

So yeah Chloe gets it, probably better than most because she has fully jumped into Beca's world with both feet. She was there the afternoon in Gail's office when the press release about Beca's year long break went live and Beca calmly, yet firmly, informed Gail and her publicity team that under no circumstances where they to release any details other than the time off was long overdue. She was also with Beca that same afternoon they visited Beca's mother's grave and she finally saw firsthand how much that loss still affects her girlfriend.

Beca has needed all kinds of support this past month and with all of that going on, how the hell was Chloe supposed to say she quit her job? It would've only added to the insane amount of stress that Beca already carries around. It seemed so miniscule and inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, besides what is done is done and she has effectively protected Beca and Chloe is glad she did it.

"Beca," Chloe chided with a hand on her hip. Noticing the squinting she was glad to have an easy subject change, "Where are your glasses?"

Sheepishly looking up Beca shrugged, "I don't know in the bathroom next to my contacts or," she bit her lip in thought closing one eye, "maybe on the piano next to my song book…"

Reaching out Chloe lightly smacked the back of a brunette covered head, "What am I going to do with you?"

After listening to nonstop complaints about headaches from reading Chloe had heard enough the first week at the beach house. One night she searched out a local eye doctor, got up the next morning, called them and made an appointment for that afternoon. Then she pulled a very reluctant Beca Mitchell, with insurance card in hand, through the doctors door and forty minutes later had a prescription for contacts and glasses.

"You're gonna give me a kiss?" Beca watched those magnificent blue eyes just roll, but she saw the corners of Chloe's mouth twitch up. "Please," she added puckering lips, "pretty please just one?"

Stomping a foot Chloe let out a breath of air and reluctantly bent down and gave a peck, "Quit being so frustratingly cute, now where are they?"

"Maybe they're in my studio or next to your painting stuff," Beca trailed off, she really had no idea where she left them and she didn't feel like making a move to find them either, "Then again, they could be in my car."

Chloe groaned in aggravation and stared up at the darkening sky, "You need to wear them or your contacts babe, it'll help with the headaches and I won't have to listen to you bitch."

"I know, I know, I'll get them…" Beca closed her book with a reluctant snap and started to stand but was pushed back down into the chair, "What? I need to wash my hands anyway."

"You stay put," Chloe jabbed a shoulder, "I'll find them, besides you'll probably get sidetracked and end up doing something totally random," she laughed giving another quick kiss, "Relax, I'll be back in a few minutes."

Turning in her chair Beca watched Chloe wander back into the house and grinned, "I can't believe that woman loves me sometimes."

"Me either," came a voice from somewhere inside the house.

Two minutes later Chloe stuck her head over the upstairs balcony with a phone pressed to one ear and an eye glass case in the other and sternly yelled, "Beca Mitchell…" She got immense pleasure seeing her girlfriend jump, "When and why did you change Aubrey's ring tone to the Darth Vader Imperial March?"

"Oh a couple days ago," Beca nonchalantly stated like it was no big deal. Returning to her book she turned a page, "it's fitting for someone as ominous as her."

Chloe fought back a smile and laugh as she heard Aubrey's shrill voice berating Beca through the phone, because yeah both voices she was hearing had very logical reasons for and against the song.

"Not funny…" tossing the eye glass case down Chloe inwardly laughed when they landed right in Beca's lap. Abruptly turning she headed back in their bedroom and towards the bathroom, "I'm sorry Bree, I swear if I didn't love her so much I could see your point, but she's just so damn cute."

Flinching away from her phone Chloe laughed when Aubrey responded with a stern, "That still doesn't make up for her lack of judgment and general stupidity."

Flipping the shower on Chloe shook her head as Aubrey droned on and on about how stupid Beca Mitchell was and how childlike the antics were. Which again she totally agreed with, but come on Beca was like the funniest person she had ever met and none of the jokes really annoyed anyone other than Aubrey. Half the time she just nods and agrees with whatever tirade her best friend is droning on about. It was a simple trick Stacie taught her when they first started working together, "look like you agree even when you find whatever Beca did funny."

"Hey, I hate to cut this short," Chloe interjected, "but I've got that interview soon and I want to shower and look halfway presentable from the waist up."

"Ok but wait, I just want to tell you…" Aubrey began.

"I promise I'll call you afterwards and you can tell me then," Chloe cut her best friend off, "I got to go, talk soon!"

---

After Chloe's interview, which really only consisted of hashing out start dates and salaries, she and Beca had a nice lunch then spent the remainder of the rainy afternoon in bed completely absorbed in each other. When they weren't preoccupied with activities to make up for the past two days, they dozed off or Beca would read while Chloe sketched or they simply talked. It was a nice way to spend a leisurely Friday afternoon and before they knew it the rain had cleared and the sun was barely starting to set.

"This one," Chloe's fingertips drifted over Beca's naked back faintly tracing the flower tattooed shoulder, "what's the story behind this one?"

Beca let out a breath as the fingers moved along her skin as she reached for a pillow, "You want the rebel without a cause version?" Bunching up it up she pressed a cheek against it and grinned, "Or I can give two stories and you can decide which one is a lie."

Chloe just laughed propping her head up with a hand and scooting closer, "I'll take real one please."

"Well you're no fun," Beca answered with a playful frown. She immediately got a harsh poke to the shoulder making her yelp, "Damn woman."

"Oh relax," tracing the intricate pattern Chloe couldn't help but bite her lip seeing grey-blue eyes flutter shut, "I'll kiss it," lowing her lips to her girlfriend's shoulder she lightly attached her lips then released then repeated, "and make it all better."

"You are something else Chloe Beale," Beca exhaled as feather light kisses trailed down her arm, "insatiable really."

"This is the best sex of my life," Chloe's words came at a staggered pace as she lifted a hand and pressed her lips against Beca's fingertips, "Do you really blame me?"

"Hell no!" Beca's eyes trailed along the thin sheet covering Chloe's body noting how the visible skin was still slightly flushed from their last go, "I've never had a long term girlfriend like you so yeah I've never had a sex life like we have now and it's…" Her eyes snapped back up to meet Chloe's, "Seriously I can't get enough of you either."

"Bec it's not just good with you it's…"

"Insanely good? Mind-blowing? Don't think I'll be able to feel my legs two days awesome?" Beca cockily questioned.

"Yeah all that and then some," maneuvering Beca's hand to her hip Chloe gave a quick kiss then walked her fingers up until they reached the flower, "So about this tattoo."

"Oh my god and you're such a tease too," the accusation came so fast that it made Beca's voice raise in pitch and them both laugh, "Dude were you just doing that thing again where you egg me on because you like the way I make you feel?"

Giving a guilty smile Chloe laughed a little harder and snuggled in closer, "Sorry…not sorry."

"I'm onto your games now Beale," raising an eyebrow in challenge Beca knew she'd never be able to win, she's just a sucker for hot girls who also happen to be her girlfriend, "It's cool besides I kind of like the attention too, I've never had it before."

"So we're even?"

"Yeah," scratching under her nose Beca let out a defeated sigh, "we're even."

"Good, now story time," Chloe giggled propping her head up with a hand again.

"It's not as glamorous as you think," no matter what angle Beca played this story it still wasn't as awesome as people hoped, "It all started out as a joke really."

"Oh interesting," Chloe beamed.

"I had been a fulltime freshman at USC for maybe two months," Beca fought to keep her grin at bay, "And my mom for some reason hated, hated tattoos. Anyways I'd always wanted one and according to her while I was living under her roof I was under no," she waved a hand around in finality, "circumstances allowed to get one. So being the amazing daughter that I am, the second I moved into the dorms, I called and made an appointment."

Reaching out Chloe pinched a cheek, "Well aren't you just the cutest," she smirked as her hand was swatted away, "little rebel there ever was."

"Whatever," rolling her eyes Beca continued, "I had this badass idea for equalizer bars on my lower back, you know keep it subtle and the whole 'you see my face before you see my tattoo' type of deal."

"I asked for the flower story Bec," tangling their feet together Chloe smiled, all of her girlfriend's tattoos were tasteful and barely noticeable unless you really looked for them. "Not that I'm not interested in that one," she ran her hand down Beca's back and stopped in the middle to delicately trace each line, "it's one of the many sexy things about you."

"Well this is a two for one deal babe," Beca answered moving closer to get another brief kiss, for the simple reason that she just wanted another kiss. Settling back on the pillow she smiled, "So Jesse volunteered to go with me and on our way there he had the best worst idea ever. To buy those gaudy children tattoos where you put them wherever and just add water to apply them, then laugh when she sees them and freaks."

Chloe's eyes went wide, she knew exactly what Beca was talking about because she and her sister must have gone through a hundred packs of those things, "And you went along with it?"

Beca nonchalantly shrugged, "Of course, I never turn down a perfectly good prank. So I got the equalizer bars no sweat," she grimaced remembering she wasn't exactly prepared for the level of pain, "afterwards we stopped by Toys R Us, bought a couple packs, then headed back to my mom's house to apply them."

"And Jesse didn't have to anything other than help you?" Chloe questioned, knowing full well that Beca Mitchell wouldn't let anyone, especially not Jesse, off that easy.

"Not exactly," Beca dragged out remembering how he tried to back out last minute but she threatened to tell her mom that the real tattoo she got was all his idea so they'd both get in trouble, "Let's just say he willingly wore the fake scar tattoo right here," reaching out she ran a finger down Chloe's cheek showing the exact location, "on his entire date with Aubrey that night and I made him take selfies and send them to me to prove it."

"Oh my god he did not?"

"Yeah, and it was awesome, I can make him do anything, I'm persuasive."

"More like manipulative."

"Hey it's not my fault he is a chump."

Laughing Chloe put that little bit of information in the back of her mind so she could ask Aubrey about it later, "I take it your mom didn't like the game?"

"Nope…" Beca began.

For about twenty fleeting minutes Beca thought she was a total badass and winning at life, she had an awesome tattoo and a newfound freedom to do what she wanted when she wanted, until her mom called her out. She quickly realized how stupid the prank was because the minute the fake tattoo was seen, shit hit the fan at a level she never imagined. Not only did she get a lecture on tattoo parlor hygiene and how potential infections could lead to arm amputations, but she also got a second one on how tattoos were permanent and how nobody wearing a cartoon flower with a smiley face plastered across their shoulder ever got a respectable job. She couldn't get a word in edgewise so she just started laughing, but when a pillow was tossed at her head and she had to dive behind the couch to doge a book she realized just how stupid Jesse's plan had been.

They were both cracking up as Beca replayed the story, complete with hand movements and stern tones. It was awesome reliving that Saturday afternoon, she's never told anyone that story before and it wasn't because she was scared or embarrassed, it was just another moment between her and her mom that she loved so much. But Chloe had asked and she never thought twice about blowing it off or even half assing a fake story. Talking so openly about her mom and some of the great times they shared together was helping Beca in a way she never thought it would.

"I've never seen her that angry with me which was crazy because she wasn't exactly a saint in college either," Beca had heard so many stories about her mom, she was like Chloe in a way, could float around a party and talk to anyone about anything, people just loved being around her mom. "We were similar in some ways, except where she was the life of the party I just wasn't."

"You're quiet, nothing wrong with that ," Beca just nodded and Chloe smiled, "I imagine she was just like you, brash and sarcastically funny, yet talented and a very loving person."

"That about sums her up," before Beca could wipe the tear away, Chloe's hand was there doing it for her, "She always told me being a mom changed her, that having a kid gave her life a different kind of meaning and that I was the best thing that ever happened to her."

Chloe wished she had memories and fun stories about her parents like Beca does, she was never her parents "best thing that ever happened to them" child. She and her sister were the children that were only wanted when it was beneficial to their parent's career or to make it seem like they were this picture perfect family at the local country club. She never had a loving home life like Beca did and that's saying a lot because Chloe had both parents where Beca only had one. She's jealous of Beca's relationship with her mom, envious really, but in the same aspect she's glad Beca had such a wonderful and caring mother, because that is every bit who Beca is today.

"So," Chloe covered up her own hurt by putting on big smile, "was she upset when her sweet little innocent baby ended up being all edgy?"

"Nahh," flipping to her back Beca tucked the sheet under her armpits then wiped under her eyes as she let out a bark of laughter, "I think she lost all hope for me being prim and proper after I got arrested."

Chloe's mouth fell open in shock, well wasn't she finding out all kinds of interesting things about her girlfriend today. Beca was in a really happy and talkative mood this afternoon and she did want to hear the rest of the tattoo story, but first had to hear this.

"Care to elaborate," Chloe probed with a smirk.

"Well I wasn't really arrested, arrested," Beca used air quotes with her fingers snickering at how quiet the room had gotten. She didn't get handcuffed or anything like that, she just got a lame ass ride in a cop car with no siren, "I had to wait at the on campus police station until she came and picked me up and paid for the window I broke."

"W-what did you do?" Chloe cautiously asked.

"You remember that not really girlfriend, girlfriend, my mom caught me you know," plain and simple they were hooking up and after making a couple of suggestive hand gestures Beca saw a slow nod, "Well she invited me to a campus party and some macho frat asshole said girl punches don't hurt then dared me to punch him to prove his point, so I did. I just also kinda tossed his highly coveted foosball trophy through a window in victory. Needless to say campus cops thought I was trying to instigate a fight."

Shaking her head in disbelief Chloe moved and draped her body over her girlfriend's and grinned, "I knew you were a rebel."

"Eh I have my moments," winking Beca's hand found its way to Chloe's hip and she lightly stroked it, "To this day Jesse still thinks I was fingerprinted and locked up behind bars."

"You're a horrible best friend," Chloe teased flicking her eyes to a set of highly kissable lips. Tucking a strand of her own hair behind her ear, she dipped her head lower and was about to connect them when she suddenly pulled back and narrowed her eyes, "You still haven't answered my flower tattoo question."

Craning her neck up Beca wet her lips, "Easy, once my mom calmed down she saw my shitty tattoo was fake and pealing."

"And?"

"And…" Beca sat up on her elbows following Chloe's retreating body, "And I actually liked the idea and overall placement, so I decided to get something more intricate and not with a smiley face."

Chloe's hand moved to the space along Beca's ribcage where the sheet had fallen away and ventured up and down the tattoo stating, through fear comes love. It and the other two in identical script along Beca's forearm and collarbone are the only tattoos she is still too afraid to ask about. For some reason those three tattoos were personal, like extremely personal to Beca and personal in a way she would never understand. They weren't huge and half the time they were hidden beneath clothing, but when they were exposed they were just small enough that even a person with good eyes would have a hard time reading them. So they weren't meant for everyone to see, they were only meant for Beca.

What Chloe found the most interesting was that at totally random times Beca would run fingertips over them, particularly the one on her collarbone and forearm. Chloe has intently watched this action ever since she noticed it months ago and in someway it was comforting Beca in a way Chloe never could. It was almost the exact opposite reaction to Beca's nervous finger tapping.

"Your mom wasn't mad?"

"Nope," Beca whispered stopping the wandering hands.

Glancing back up Chloe flashed a grin, "How come?"

Beca tugged on one Chloe's hands until and she fell back into her arms, "Because at some point I unknowingly asked her if she wanted to come along when I got the next one."

"Baby," Chloe laughed popping her head up, "no offense but you're an idiot sometimes."

Beca flopped her head back down onto the pillow and looked up to the ceiling with a pathetic I'm-a-total-dumbass groan. That immediately earned her a kiss above her heart and a giggle, a beautiful and amazing giggle that kind of lit up her life and made her heart do funny things and her frown quickly turned into the dopiest grin ever. It was fucking ridiculous how in love she is, how insanely happy and at peace she is with herself because of the woman in her arms. There is no doubt in her mind as she lays here, laughing and smiling and content, that she definitely wants to marry Chloe Beale someday.

"I know…" soundly kissing those perfect lips to silence the laugh Beca hummed in appreciation. Pulling back she chuckled, "In the end it was awesome, because she did go with me and she held my hand."

"Your mom is awesome."

"Yeah she was," Beca could see the disappointment and hurt behind Chloe's eyes even though she was happily smiling. She knew it wasn't anything that she had done, it was mainly because Chloe had awful parents. "After that day she never complained about my tattoos again."

"Good thing, because" kissing the tip of Beca's nose Chloe grinned widely, "I love them, just like I love you."

Cupping Chloe's cheeks Beca leaned in so they were nose to nose, "I love you too…"

As their kisses began growing from innocent to frantic and deep with hands roaming all over Chloe knew exactly where this was going again. And as much as she wants it, she is hungry and if she is hungry then she knows Beca is too. Reluctantly detangling herself, she stretched out along the bed with a satisfied hum noting how the aches in all the right places were definitely worth it.

"I know that look," Beca teased coyly watching her girlfriend reluctantly hop off the bed and start moving around their master bedroom, "it says you do but don't want to be getting dressed right now."

Slipping into a pair of boy shorts Chloe grinned as grey-blue eyes leisurely made their way up her body and finally locked on hers as she picked up her shirt, "Nope, but we need to feed Billie and Gizmo then we'll decided which take out place we want for dinner."

"Fine…" Beca whined, shifting to the edge of the bed.

Glancing away from her hands that where buttoning up the old flannel shirt she confiscated not long after they started dating, Chloe burst out laughing. One of Beca's feet was in the air, the other tangled in a sheet, while one hand was reaching for a pair of pajama pants and the other was straining to keep the rest of her body from not falling off the bed. Seconds later a victory grunt was heard clothing was tossed onto the bed, yeah Beca was a total adult all the time.

Beca wobbled slightly as she sat up then stood and it was only then that Chloe saw the faint red nail marks she had left dotting along her girlfriend's shoulders and lower back. They wouldn't be there tomorrow morning, but it was a great reminder of the incredible afternoon they had shared.

"Your ass is on point babe," Chloe complimented appreciatively as a grey t-shirt was righted and quickly put on. "I mean damn," she added as the object of her ogling was covered up by a pair of loose fitting dark maroon pajama pants, "you look so fucking good in everything you wear even when it's nothing."

"And you…" Running a hand through her hair Beca twirled it up into a loose bun not even paying attention to her girlfriend who was slowly inching closer to her, "look fucking hot in my clothes?"

"I know you told me that right before you stripped this shirt off me," the perverted grin that stretched across Beca's face was enough to make Chloe shudder, "And no, we aren't reenacting it right now," Beca's face dropped in an over exaggerated frown, "We need to decide on dinner, then you're playing the piano for me while we wait."

"Am I like," swallowing thickly Beca was finding it harder and harder to formulate words when she was being hovered over by what she can only equate to as an overly pretty Disney princess with a megawatt smile and little cartoon love hearts drawn all around their head, "allowed to play jazz because I need like a break from the Skyfall stuff I was working on late last night."

Using a finger Chloe pushed at Beca's chest causing her to fall back against the mattress. It didn't take but a second for Chloe to firmly invade Beca's personal space by placing a knee on the side of each thigh and wiggling her hips as she settled into place.

Dipping down Chloe gave a quick kiss then sat back up, "Whatever you want, just play for me please, I love to listen."

"Sure, I can do that," Beca grinned, her hands running up smooth skin. They were quiet for a few seconds when a thought hit, "Hey, I forgot to ask, but how did your phone call with work go?"

"Oh! It went good," Chloe covered up her excitement at officially accepting the job with the San Francisco Chronicle and the best part was she didn't have to start until January, "I'm also free for our trip to London and Paris over Christmas, but like I have to work a few days while we're in London just like you. They want me to write an article on some progressive underground music club. And…"

Lying, Chloe was outright lying about her job again and she hated herself for it, but Beca just seemed so happy listening to her chat on and on about the article. The fact that she had to write an article wasn't false, her new boss Mark, wanted to get a feel for her journalistic skills and writing style so he assigned her a small piece of her choice due the week before Christmas. London and its historic music scene were the first things that popped into her mind and she's sure if she does the right kind of research that she can do a compare and contrast piece to a similar club in San Francisco.

Chloe can't wait to start her research, she's actually really excited about it because she hasn't had "free reign" on anything she's written in a long time. It was different at Rolling Stone she was always assigned topics to write about and now at the Chronicle she'll be allowed to pitch ideas and see them through to the end. Mark had said they wanted to revamp the Arts and Entertainment section of the paper, so this could be the opportunity she needs to really show him what she's capable of.

"Chlo that's great," Beca beamed after the brief rundown of the upcoming article. There was something still off, Chloe was excited, more excited then she has seen her girlfriend in a long time about work, but with some underlying hesitation, "Everything I've read from you so far has been stellar, I can't wait to see your career progress."

Briefly looking away, Chloe intertwined their fingers, "Aww thanks babe."

The small crease in the middle of Chloe's forehead was back and Beca grew concerned, "What's up? Is there something else you want to tell me?"

Usually Chloe was bouncing off the walls with excitement regarding her job with Rolling Stone Magazine, yet other than today Beca hadn't heard it mentioned but maybe a handful of times over the past month. There's always some sadness or a brief flash of disappointment behind it when the topic comes up and it's similar to what she always sees when family is mentioned.

"Kinda," Chloe quickly shifted her eyes to the large glass window overlooking the ocean, "It's just…"

"Tell me," giving their hands a squeeze Beca watched Chloe's shoulders drop in defeat, "Did something happen at work?" She got a quick nod and she knew she would have to pry a little more, "Did someone say or do something you're not comfortable with?"

The air in the room turned from light, fun and full of love to suddenly tense. Beca instantly furrowed her brows, she had apparently just hit a nerve with that question.

Sitting up so she could fully gauge Chloe's reactions Beca asked again, "Chlo, babe what happened?"

"I just," Chloe bit her lip and let out a puff of air, "What would you say if I applied for another job?"

"I'd say do what makes you happy," Beca quickly answered, "I'll love you no matter where you work. Look at me," blue eyes drifted back to hers in an expression that was hard to read, "If you want to publish a music blog and paint for the rest of your life as long as it makes you happy I won't care."

"You mean you wouldn't be disappointed if I willingly gave up a great job and never gave you a reason?" Chloe asked surprisingly.

"No," shaking her head Beca didn't know why that was a questionable issue, "it's your life and I know I'm a part of it now, but I only want what's best for you and I'm here to be your support system, someone you can trust and lean on. I can't and I won't be the person who dictates what's best for you."

"You won't try to sway me to stay with Rolling Stone?"

"No, what good would that do?" Beca easily questioned, "I love you more than anything, your happiness is my main goal in life. So why would I force you to do something you don't like? I'm not exactly sure where your uncertainty is coming from, if I've given you the impression that I want to run your life and this relationship I'm sorry. I've done my very best to keep this a two way street with open communication and I thought it was working."

Dropping one of their joined hands Chloe pinched the bridge of her nose, "That's not what I'm implying Bec."

"Then can you please explain what you mean," Beca's tone was even yet gentle as she rested her hands on Chloe's hips in a way that said she was here to listen, "I'm not trying to make excuses for my social situation ineptitude and I'm really trying to read the underlying meaning here, but I really don't understand what you're trying to tell me."

This was going all kinds of wrong, Chloe was just trying to test the waters then maybe, maybe, if things were smooth she could explain where all this was coming from. Except now it was heading down a drastically different path and even though Beca was just barely hinting at it, for the first time ever her dad's comments about career choices were not steering her fears. In fact she hadn't thought about her dad's negative comments or expectations all month. Beca has kind of erased all that and instilled in her this new type of self confidence that has helped her concentrate on doing what's right for her and that's getting her life back in order.

However, right now Beca's face was kind of panic stricken in a way that said she was worrying about not being a good girlfriend or maybe that she was pushing too hard, but in fact it was the exact opposite. Beca is amazing, so easy going that at times it makes Chloe question if their relationship is real because it is so good. Yes, they both have their moments and vices, they can bicker like an old married couple, she tends to be a sulker and Beca can be moody and closed off, but that doesn't mean they give up on what they have. The biggest lesson she has learned living with Beca is that communication and love is the key to having a successful relationship.

Right now Chloe has the whole love aspect down, but is seriously lacking in the communication department.

"Chlo please…"

Chloe covered her face and blurted, "I've applied for a new job."

"Ok," Beca pulled the hands away so she could really see her girlfriend's face. She has seen this devastating look before, that night Chloe broke down in her arms, and then when she dared to ask about Claire Beale. It was a clear indication that Chloe feels like she has failed.

"I…" Chloe paused and took in a deep breath.

"It's ok," Beca whispered scooting back on the bed so she could better securely wrap her arms around her girlfriend, "it's just a job, I'm not upset or disappointed in you."

"I know but…" Chloe fanned her face, she couldn't cry right now because if she did she would unintentionally expose everything, "I just realized that Rolling Stone probably isn't the place for me."

"And that's completely cool," ducking her head Beca connected their eyes and gave an encouraging smile, "sometimes our dreams are just dreams and we end up doing something different and unexpected and that turns into our dream."

"Like you and me," Chloe returned the smile, "you were different and unexpected. I never dreamt I'd meet someone like you, someone who could make me," draping her arms around Beca's neck she dipped her head, "happy again."

"Exactly like that," Beca gave a quick kiss, "I wanted to settle down, I even concocted this whole vision in my head about what that would look like. Then I met you and you're smart and funny and not afraid to call me out on my shit." They both laughed knowing how true that was, "You flipped my world upside down or maybe," she lobbed her head back and forth a couple of times in thought, "No, you stopped my world from spinning out of control and grounded me. You showed me what I needed instead of what I wanted and man before I knew it I was," she moved her hand like a rocket ship, with sound effects, making Chloe giggle, "gone. Completely head over heels in love with you."

Gently placing her hands on Beca's cheeks Chloe smiled, "What have I done to deserve you?"

"You opened your heart to me, that's it," Beca answered in the same whispered voice, "that's all you did."

"So completely head over heels huh?" The goofy grin slipped back on Beca's face making Chloe blush.

"Yep…"

"Me too."

"That's a good thing, that's a…" tilting her head Beca brushed their lips together, "very, very good thing."

Giving a slow, loving kiss, Beca conveyed how much she adored Chloe Beale. Pulling back she steadied her hands high on Chloe's waist as the set of thumbs slipped from their place on her cheeks down to lightly stroke her jaw. This was one of those unspoken intimate moments that she loved.

"So you're not upset I didn't tell you sooner," Chloe broke the silence then bit the corner of her lip.

"No, all I want is for my girl to be happy," Beca reassured. Would she have liked to have known there was some issue going on sure, but she can't fault anyone for trying to figure out what they wanted, "If this was about our relationship then I'd hope you'd come to me so we can work it out but this Chlo, this is just a job."

Just a job, Chloe had never really thought of it that way but it was really that simple, it was just a job. However she quit this job to protect Beca's privacy, their privacy, and as much as she wants to put this whole situation behind her, and she could easily steer this conversation that way, she knows that's a really bad decision.

Chloe nodded, "You're right."

Resting back on her elbows Beca smiled up at her girlfriend, "Tell me about this potential new job?"

An excited smile grew on Chloe's face and for the first time all month Beca felt like this unspoken wall keeping them away from the subject of work was gone. The overall feel of the room was back to normal and Chloe's whole demeanor had shifted from confused and scared, to the bubbly happy one Beca loves so much.

"So it's with the San Francisco Chronicle and it's like totally fast paced," Chloe snapped her fingers in rapid succession, "One day I could be reviewing a group of street performers and then the next it could be a brand new play or the newest jazz club."

"That sounds interesting, so no more headline concert reviews or articles on musicians," Beca questioned.

"Oh that's still my main focus, I talked with my potential boss last week," Chloe lied just to cover it up a little more, "Amongst all the big names he also wants to spotlight the local scene and happenings around town at some of the lesser known venues, you know branch out from mainstream San Francisco."

"I've read the Chronicle's entertainment section and it's hit or miss sometimes," well most of the time it sucked so Beca was hoping that Chloe could breathe a little life into it, "I personally would love to see them highlight local bands, San Francisco has some quality musicians."

Chloe quickly nodded she has been thinking about that too, "They're hiring all new people and giving us an entire section of the paper instead of just a few pages."

"So anything dealing with music you will be responsible for?"

"Yeah," Chloe was really excited and now that she has all the details of her job she's more excited than when she started at Rolling Stone, "I mean I still have an editor to report to and he still has to ok everything but," bouncing around she gave some pretty awesome jazz hands, "I've been given the freedom to write pretty much whatever I want."

If Chloe remembers correctly her boss said that the publisher wants the Chronicle to be people's "go to" arts and entertainment guide for the city. It seems promising and because of her track record at Columbia University and her internship with Rolling Stone she's been given more creative freedom than just the regular "new hire journalist." It's a huge responsibility and it's going to be hectic and fast paced, but she can already tell she's going to love it.

"That's awesome! Honestly I think you are more suited to doing your own thing anyways," Beca commented, "In the words of Fat Amy, you're a free range pony that can't be tied down."

Throwing her head back Chloe laughed, "Yeah Rolling Stone is great, but coming up with my own story ideas is so much better."

It was weird what first drew Chloe to Rolling Stone was her love of music so to be changing her job so suddenly was crazy. From Beca's perspective it looks like one of two things happened; something major went down the last few days of Chloe internship or Chloe honestly felt like the job wasn't for her and had finished out her internship with as much Chloe Beale charm as she had begun it with. Beca hopes, prays really, that it was the second option because Chloe had loved her job with Rolling Stone at one point and Beca would hate for some bad experience to be the thing that ruined that.

"I'm really excited for you. When will the job officially start if you get it?"

"Beginning of January, they want the first Arts and Entertainment section to be released the end of the month."

Lightly tapping Chloe's leg, Beca singled for her girlfriend to move so she could stand. Stretching out she twisted her body left then right satisfied when she heard a few pops, "Does that mean we can stay here at the beach house longer?"

"Possibly," Chloe's face lit up, she'd love to hang out here a few more weeks, the house was amazing and so relaxing and she liked living with Beca, "Wednesday afternoon I have my final interview, my boss will be in town and said we can just do it here."

If Chloe has learned anything from her past it's that hiding things, things like law school or quitting a job, does her no good. The truth will always come out and at the worst possible time and it always ends in disaster. So she wants to change that outcome and be honest and upfront so she can't prolong the inevitable conversation she needs to have with Beca anymore.

"Oh awesome," the turnaround between initial interview and the face-to-face one was awfully quick Beca thought, but she really didn't have any clue how a newspaper was run so she just rolled with it, "I need to meet with Gail about some last minute Skyfall stuff, I'll drop you off wherever then once you're done I'll come get you and we can go celebrate."

"Sounds good babe," scooting to the edge of the bed Chloe grabbed Beca's t-shirt and tugged on it, making her girlfriend step between her legs, "can I get a good luck kiss?"

Smirking, Beca bent down, "We can have good luck sex if you want?" Giving a deep kiss she heard the hum of approval as she pulled away, "followed by celebratory sex, then sex just to have sex."

Chloe's hands wandered under the t-shirt, pushing it up she lightly sucked on the smooth, toned skin, "What kind of monster have I created?"

"I swear to god Chlo," sucking in a quick breath Beca's abdomen twitched. One hand was resting against her lower back while the other inched higher up her torso making it extremely difficult to control herself, "sex has forever changed for me since I've been with you."

"Why cause you don't have to actively work on getting a leg over anymore?"

Beca ran her hands through red hair absorbing the warm breath and smile against her skin, "Oh I get way more than a leg over from you," she grinned in an overly cocky way, "including parting gifts on my back."

Chloe lifted her head when the shirt was raised and Beca turned slightly, "You saw them?"

"Dude I went to the bathroom and there are mirrors in there, how could I not notice them," Beca deadpanned facing her girlfriend again with a pleased smile, "besides it kind of means I did my job right."

"Oh so you think you're good," Chloe's face mirrored the smirk and taunting eyebrow raise she saw because yeah Beca Mitchell had done her job amazingly and multiple times.

"Oh I know I'm good," Beca proudly nodded as fingers leisurely twirled the drawstrings of her pajama pants, "you scream my name which," blue eyes peeked up at her and she winked, "is totally better than any music I can make."

"Or maybe it's just cause you're horny," Chloe's fingers dropped the strings and fisted the grey t-shirt.

"Oh I'm horny," letting out a breathy laugh Beca willingly followed as she was dragged down on top of her girlfriend's body by her shirt. Tossing a pillow back at the headboard she widely grinned before wrapping one of Chloe's legs around her hip, "See I didn't have to work for that one."

"Shut up," Chloe mumbled before capturing Beca's lips and instantly deepening the kiss.

Breaking away Beca ran a single finger down the bridge of Chloe's nose, "You babe," she stressed sucking in air, "are the one, if I remember right, that always says 'Bec, I'm trying to make up for two years without a hot little number like you.'"

"I did not say…" a finger was quickly pressed to Chloe's lips as she was shushed.

"I'm just obliging you," Beca ground her hips down, "I'm totally just helping you, no benefit for me whatsoever."

Wrapping her arms around her girlfriend's neck Chloe laughed, "I call bullshit."

"Such language Beale," Beca joined in the laughter as she rested their foreheads together, "I love it."

Fuck it was so awesome to be with someone like Chloe Beale and Beca loved how they could incisively tease each other or be random goofballs who dance around the kitchen together. Chloe was a natural flirt and Beca could take suggestive joking to the extreme, it's something they'd done since day one, it's just them and who they are. If this whole month living with Chloe has taught Beca anything it's that being herself is ok. She doesn't need to be a sarcastic asshole or even closed off to her feelings, she can just be the slightly awkward, at times absentminded, romantic and loveable person that she really is.

They aren't perfect, they bicker and argue over petty things like any normal couple does, but being someone's girlfriend was the best feeling ever. Beca never wanted it to stop, even when the little bubble they had created was rudely interrupted by the Imperial March blaring from Chloe's phone on the bedside table.

Slumping in frustration against her hysterically laughing girlfriend Beca groaned, "Fucking Aubrey always picking the most inopportune times to make an entrance."

"Baby, move," Chloe struggled to roll them over and crawl towards her phone, "I put my phone on do not disturb for the majority of the afternoon and I forgot to call her back, I need to answer that."

"No you don't, she's such a Debbie Downer," letting out an aggravated huff Beca crossed her arms and stared up at the ceiling fan. "Ouch, bloody hell woman," she laughed rubbing her side that was unintentionally kicked, "you need to kiss it," she snagged the offending foot and gave it a yank, "and make it better right now."

Stretching for the phone Chloe's fingertips barely brushed the device before her whole body was hauled backwards. Damn Beca Mitchell is stronger than she looks, "Baby, please!"

"Kisses, I need kisses," came Beca's whiney reply as the ring tone went silent, "Yes! The devil wears Neiman Marcus finally gave up." Her victory was short lived when the Imperial March started back up, "Fucking hell she's persistent."

Quickly turning, Chloe freed her legs then gave a couple quick pecks to pouting lips, "You're so cute, more later because I need to answer this," Lunging for the phone she grabbed it and hit the answer button before Beca could say or do anything else, "Aubrey, hey."

"Chloe it's about time you and your dumbass of a girlfriend answered," Beca rolled her eyes hearing the muffled screech through the phone.

"I'm so sorry," Chloe glanced at her girlfriend sprawled out in the middle of the bed and grumbling obscenities under her breath about how her phone was purposely silenced and downstairs, "Wait, you've been calling Beca too?

"Yes," Aubrey responded in annoyance as Chloe hit the speaker button, "I've been calling both of you all day and so has Fat Amy, Stacie and Jesse."

There was some commotion on the other end of the line that sounded like high fives and a few muffled cheers of "finally."

Chloe tossed the phone between them, "What's up Bree?"

"Yeah what's so important?" Beca sarcastically questioned.

"You don't call me back for five hours and the hobbit has the nerve to ask me what's so important," Chloe hid her laugh behind her hand as Beca gave a few obscene hand gestures towards the phone, "Rebeca!"

"Aca-biatch that's not my name and you know it!" Beca yelled at the phone in frustration.

"Fine Beca," Aubrey dragged out making Chloe wonder how exactly these two were friends, "What if Emily was throwing a rager at your house?"

"She's not," Beca interrupted with an I don't care attitude picking her nails, then quickly add, "but I suggest you silence your next thoughts so you don't put any ideas in Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumbfuck's mind, my neighbors still casually bring up the Fourth of July incident when I see them."

"Babe be nice," just then Chloe heard a whip cracking noise through the speaker and weirdly a car honk and screaming about a kangaroo jumping in the middle of the road.

"What if we needed some roadside assistance?" Aubrey questioned flatly that told Beca and Chloe if they could see their friend she'd have both hands on her hips and tapping a foot.

Rolling over Beca looked down at the phone and deadpanned, "I'd say call triple A because what the actual fuck could I do all the way in Malibu."

"Beca Mitchell! I swear to god you are the most insufferable person on the face of the planet," Chloe was full on laughing by this point because her girlfriend was purely egging this on for some type of weird enjoyment, "I never willingly call you unless it's important so you should always answer when I do."

"I'm on vacation I do what I want."

"That's not the point Beca!"

Grey-blue eyes flipped to Chloe's and she could tell just by the look that Beca was going in for the kill. She made a move for the phone from across the bed but the action was fruitless.

"Well excuse me dictator Posen hyphen Swanson, I didn't know I needed to inform you every time I'm having sex with my girlfriend…" Beca took a pillow to the face for that one. Unfazed she tossed it to the other side of the room, "I wasn't aware I needed to make sure our bedroom activities were conducive to when you want to talk to your best friend."

"Oh my god Beca," Chloe's face went beet red watching and listening to her girlfriend angrily yell and give the finger to Aubrey's picture on the phone. Slapping the hand away she added, "Shut up!"

Looking over at the redhead Beca smirked at the dead silence on the other end of the line. However, it didn't last more than two seconds before the whistles and cat calls started up. She knew Aubrey was furious and as much as Beca isn't one to outright flaunt her sex life, even if it has been ridiculously good, she loves pissing Aubrey off and this was an easy way.

"Yeah Beca, shut up," Aubrey angrily reiterated as Chloe moved to sit on top of her girlfriend.

"What we're consenting adults and we're on vacation, so…" Beca wrestled with the hands desperately trying to cover her mouth, "we have sex and often!" In a last ditch effort she held the hands at bay in front of her face and rushed out, "That means we don't have to inform you."

"Baby be quiet," Chloe narrowed her eyes silently pleading with Beca to close her mouth, "the longer you argue the longer you have to listen to her, she's pushing your buttons on purpose."

"Listen to your girl Shortstack," came a loud Australian accent through the phone making them flinch back, "we're tired of seeing steam billow from blonde's ears the whole car ride."

Removing her hand from Beca's mouth Chloe gave a quick kiss, "Please give me like five minutes to talk then we'll get food. How about a walk down the beach to that bar you love instead of take out."

"Deal," Beca nodded she loved that place and even though it was out doors they had warming lamps for afternoons and nights where it was cooler than normal, "But we're ordering the fried seafood platter appetizer and a bucket of beer."

Chloe playfully rolled her eyes, "Fine…Sorry Aubrey you were saying?"

There was some commotion and rapid conversation that Beca and Chloe couldn't quite hear or understand before Aubrey finally spoke again, "We've been trying to get a hold of you guys to tell you we're coming down for a visit."

Chloe's face lit up and she bounced around in Beca's lap earning her tiny grunts of pain, "Oh awesome! We can do a beach bonfire tomorrow night, a cold front came through today."

"Stacie actually brought the stuff for smores," Aubrey agreed, "I figured it's almost time for our monthly family dinner night and since Lily is on vacation and the restaurant is closed for the next five days, we pack up and decided to do it down there. We've been discussing grilled steak and lobster!"

"And who is paying for that?" Beca finally asked and Chloe immediately glared at her. "Sorry," she cleared her throat, "I mean great can't wait."

"Beca," Aubrey sighed over the phone, "Jesse and I have big news and we want to celebrate with everyone! Is it wrong to want all my best friends, and Amy, in the same location for just one weekend that's not the restaurant?"

There was a sizeable pause until Fat Amy spoke, "Well everyone knows I'm everyone's best friend, I'm the hot one."

"No, I'm pretty sure I'm the hot one," came Stacie's distant voice from what sounded like the backseat.

"No, Beca's the hot one," Chloe chimed in with a grin winking at her girlfriend.

"Please," Beca added with finality, "Chloe's hotter than all of you combined and I've seen her in a bathing suit and naked."

"Awww thanks babe you're so sweet," ducking down Chloe gave an easy kiss then sat back up. Hands wandered to her hips and grey-blue eyes shined back up at her in this totally loving way, "What's your big new Bree?"

They could hear excited clapping from the blonde on the other end of the phone, "It's a surprise, Jesse and I have been debating how to tell everyone and we figured we'll just make one big announcement to our closest friends tomorrow then sometime before we leave we'll make a special trip into LA to tell our parents."

"Is Jessica coming?" Beca asked.

"She'll be there tomorrow morning, her boyfriend is going to a bachelor party with some friends in LA so she's visiting with his family tonight then staying here the rest of the time," Aubrey explained.

Jessica and Aubrey were by far the voices of reason in their group of friends and Beca is glad both are coming. The last time just Fat Amy and Stacie came to her beach house, she woke up in her bathtub with a knot the size of Kentucky on the side of her head and a frozen pack of peas in her lap and that wasn't even the worst part. Downstairs she found Fat Amy passed out on a pool float in the middle of her living room and Stacie exiting one of the guestrooms with a guy nobody ever saw again. So knowing both Jessica and Aubrey were coming meant drinks would be consumed in moderation and her house wouldn't be trashed.

"Well I can't wait," Chloe excitedly said, "and I'm dying to hear this news."

Beca wasn't surprised she had an idea what was up, "How long before you guys get here?"

"Maybe forty minutes," Stacie answered, a little clearer this time because she was probably leaning closer to the front seat.

"Ok well me and the gorgeous girlfriend here," Beca began seeing a huge loving smile spread across Chloe's face, "are going to Paradise Cove Beach Bar, meet us there?"

"Awwww yeah," Fat Amy screamed making both Beca and Chloe cringe, "Is Patti working?"

Patti was the little old lady that had been working as a waitress at the restaurant since it opened in the early eighties. She was Beca's personal favorite and the first time Chloe was taken there her girlfriend refused to sit in any other section unless it was Patti's. Patti was a riot, she remembers every regulars name and details about their life, including Beca Mitchell who Patti first met when her girlfriend was about two. This is one of the few people Chloe will ever get to meet who actually knows incriminating stories of Beca Mitchell as a toddler and teenager.

"I think so it's Friday night," Beca answered with a hopeful tone, "Chloe and I'll head down there and get a table in her section and order some drinks while we wait."

"Sounds like a plan," came four voices from the phone speaker.

"Cool," Beca ungracefully shoved Chloe off her and stood. Leaning over the phone she hovered a finger over the end call button, "now if you'll excuse me, my naked ass needs to get up and get dressed."

"Oh my god Beca you were talking to me naked?" Shrieked Aubrey.

Quickly covering Chloe's mouth with a hand Beca rapidly spoke, "Well yeah we were having sex, what do you expect?"

"Please wash your hands…" Beca hit the end call button before she could hear the rest of the sentence and started laughing.

"Babe," Chloe stood and placed her hands on her hips, "we're dressed so why do you have to antagonize her like that?"

"Because I want her to be uncomfortable for the next forty minutes," Beca deadpanned, "She gets mental images of my naked ass and I get to laugh, it's a win-win."

Picking up her phone Chloe maneuvered to the weather app and sighed, she really had a teenager for a girlfriend sometimes, "Dress warmly I know Patti has the outside tables with the warming lanterns, but still nobody wants to hear you complain that you're cold because you decided to wear shorts."

"Ok," Beca started stripping her pajamas as she wandered into the walk-in closet. Sticking her head out a minute later she grinned widely, "Dude ten bucks says her 'surprise'," she used air quotes causing her bra to swing from one finger, "is that Jesse totally knocked her up."

Chloe looked up from her phone and started laughing, stepping closer she leaned against the walk-in closet door, "Come on be serious, that can't be it."

"Oh for sure that's it," buttoning a pair of jeans Beca riffled through a drawer looking for an old USC t-shirt and quickly slipped it on. Reaching for a hoodie she grinned knowingly, "For the past few weeks he casually asks me if he'd make a good dad...Oh and he's been sending me really weird text message asking me what size swing sets would fit in my backyard."

"I don't know," Chloe stated. If there is one thing she's learned about Aubrey it's that her best friend always had a plan for her future. Kids were a part of it, except a couple years down the road, "maybe they're getting another puppy."

"Nope, she's definitely pregnant, wanna bet on it?" Beca held out her hand, "If I win no early morning gym runs before seven for a week."

Grinning Chloe took the hand and firmly shook it, "And if I win we're doing that Hollywood sign hike before we go home."

"Deal…"

---

The sound of the French doors quietly closing made Beca turn in her chair, seeing Aubrey she smiled, "Hey."

"Hey," Aubrey returned the greeting as she tiredly shuffled over to the free chair, "you're up early."

"Yeah," resting a cheek against her knees Beca lightly frowned at her friend, "I couldn't sleep."

They all had a really great dinner last night, there was a ton of laughing, mainly caused by Patti and Fat Amy, but overall the conversation was nice. Everyone was happy and surprisingly both Stacie and Fat Amy didn't drink too much or wander from the table to hit on guys. The group was just glad to be together again, they hadn't seen Beca or Chloe in close to a month and the entire time was spent catching up on each other's lives. Yet, once they got home and she and Chloe were in bed she just couldn't fall sleep. Every time she started drifting off she'd see her mom or a memory of the night she died would replay and her mind would start worrying again.

"Want some coffee?" Beca gestured to the fresh pot sitting on the small table between the chairs, "Chloe made it for me before she left to go running, I just brought it outside."

"That would be great," Aubrey answered before standing, "I'll just grab a mug and a blanket it's kind of cold out here."

"Yeah…" Beca chuckled pulling the hoodie around her tighter.

It didn't take very long and before long Aubrey was back and they were quietly sipping their coffees while watching the ocean.

Setting her cup aside Aubrey looked over at her friend, "Rough night?"

"I mean, I guess," Beca shrugged after dropping her legs to the ground and stretching them out, "just the same shit as always, I wake up and can't go back to sleep, it's the first time it has happened in a couple weeks."

"Does Chloe know?" Aubrey asked and immediately got a disbelieving look, "Ok that came out wrong, does she know why?"

Nodding Beca let out a breath, "Yeah and she helps a lot."

Aubrey regarded her friend for a few seconds noting the more disheveled appearance than normal, a typical sign that Beca had been tossing and turning most of the night, "Why didn't you take the prescribed sleeping pills?"

Beca just shrugged, "Chloe and I've talked about it and she agrees they should be used as a last resort."

Arguing really wasn't worth it right now so Aubrey decided that she'd talk to Chloe about how bad Beca's insomnia can really get later, "I can live with that answer for the time being."

"If it's any conciliation," averting her eyes Beca took a quick sip from her mug, "just being near Chloe makes me…I don't know less fidgety or worried. I just relax more I guess and sleep better."

"She puts you at ease?" Aubrey asked once Beca looked at her.

"Yeah she's great at it too, it's like she just knows without me even saying anything that I need a touch or to be taken away from whatever I'm doing to get my mind off things," Beca easily confessed.

They'd been on tons of walks along the beach and Chloe was really great at getting Beca to lay on the couch with her head in her girlfriend's lap and close her eyes for a few minutes. Sometimes Chloe would run her fingers through her hair or play with her fingers and nine times out of ten she would fall asleep in a matter of minutes only to wake up later with a pillow and blanket and Gizmo at her feet. It was weird because Beca had never really need a whole lot of physical affection, but it's different with Chloe. She can't really explain what it does to her, other than it helps calm her and forget about whatever had been stressing her.

"Oh and we don't smoke anymore," Beca uneasily laughed. Even though she barely smoked Aubrey always knew, somehow even days after she had her last cigarette and it always resulted in a slap to the back of the head and a lecture, "Something about stress smoking could lead to full time smoking and she's right so I said if I stop then she can't use it to clear her mind while painting anymore either. Then we threw our packs and lighters out."

"That's good," chuckling at the rambling Aubrey just shook her head with a smile, "You still going to counseling?"

Beca scrutinized her friend for a few seconds, "Is this the twenty-one questions game," she finally asked and got an equally hard glare right back, "what it feels like I'm under interrogation right now."

"Just please answer," Aubrey slowly spoke. She wasn't going to let Beca back out for two reasons, she refuses to let that little shit win an argument and because she truly cares about her friends well being.

"Yeah, I do it over Skype, which is kinda weird, but Chloe thought it would be best not to interrupt my weekly sessions for a whole month," picking a piece of lint off her pajama pants Beca didn't even bother looking over at that infuriating knowing grin, "She was right, you were right, fuck everyone was right, it is helping and so is the time off. I should've done it a long time ago."

"I'd like to say I told you so, but I'll refrain from gloating," Aubrey joked picking up her mug and taking another sip.

"Please…"

It took a really long time but finally someone got through to Beca and Aubrey is incredibly thankful for that. The path Beca was walking down before Chloe came along wasn't a good one. Beca was a tired and emotionally distraught person on the verge of a nervous breakdown caused by the stresses of work, fame and personal emotional baggage. It was sad because when they first met Beca, although constantly snarky and an all around pain in her ass, was a happy person with a firm grasp of how to navigate the world and the gift she'd been given. It was something Aubrey always admired because where she felt like she was barely surviving college, Beca just seemed to breeze through it and not sweat the small stuff.

But then Beca's mom unexpectedly died and Aubrey saw firsthand how someone with such great potential and talent could be self destructive. Fortunately, Beca didn't turn to drugs or alcohol to ease the pain but instead threw herself into her music and work. Beca slowly lost herself and ended up being a semi-recluse, emotionally distraught and a complicated person with walls built around her stronger than reinforced steel.

Yet somehow Chloe got past every single one of those imaginary walls and now the old Beca is back with a few slight enhancements. Beca's a little more mature and she has a better outlook on life and work and friendships, and the confidence Beca now carries is something Aubrey didn't expect to see, but she likes it. It's a consequence of Beca finding herself again and being involved in a great relationship with an extremely loving and caring person.

"Chloe's really good for you Beca and I mean that," turning slightly in her chair Aubrey stared at her friend, "I like you two together, I never pictured her as your type."

"Dude, she's fucking hot," Beca glared back, stunned that Aubrey couldn't see that, "hot girls like that are my type."

Aubrey rolled her eyes in exasperation, "You know what I mean. She's…"

"Nahh I get it," lightly laughing Beca shrugged. It was weird talking to someone other than Jesse about Chloe, but she felt like Aubrey wouldn't taunt her, "I don't know she's just different. She's like weirdly smart and she's got like this freakishly talented artistic side that she doesn't really talk about."

"I didn't know that," taking another sip from her mug Aubrey smiled learning just a little more about her best friend, "you mentioned painting earlier, so is that all she does or is she crafty too?"

"She sketches and also does photography, but I'm pretty sure painting is her real passion," tapping her fingers against her mug Beca grinned, "She's got her shit all set up in my mom's old office, you know the one off our master bedroom that looks out over the ocean. You should get her to show you, she's really good."

"I will…"

"Oh and she's got this crazy spontaneous side, that honestly kind of scares me a little bit, but in a good way. Did you know we actually did one of those tacky LA double decker bus tours to see famous people's homes two weeks ago just because she'd never done it." Aubrey just shook her head and laughed before Beca caught her breath and began rambling again, "And it was awesome too we laughed hysterically at the one the company swears up and down was DJ Titanium's…Oh man on top of all that she's also sensitive and god such a good kisser."

Holding up a finger Aubrey stopped the declaration of love and smiled when Beca brightly blushed, "Yes, I know Chloe is perfect for you. She's classy, down to earth, and she makes you smile like well," she waved a hand in her friend's vicinity, "that."

It was just like Aubrey to give a jab right after a compliment, Beca thought, but she just brushed it off, "Yeah she's pretty great, I just love her you know. I love her so much that just the thought of us not being together scares the fuck out of me."

"Well it should."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Now it was time for Aubrey to scrutinize her friend and ask if Beca Mitchell was really this stupid. One side of her brain wants to say yes but then the other kicks in and reminds her that Beca Mitchell has led a slightly sheltered life growing up. She doesn't know much about Beca as a child, but Jesse has clued her in on some of the middle school and high school years. From what she can piece together, she knows that because Beca's life was filled with honing a talent most adults couldn't even understand, let alone kids her age, that she was labeled an outcast, ostracized and constantly picked on. As a result, Beca became naturally guarded and very good at keeping people at arms length. Hell, the first time they spent any real time together Aubrey left her husband's apartment thinking that his brooding, tattooed, foul mouthed and ear monstrosity wearing best friend was a little out there and self absorbed.

So in a way Aubrey can't fault Beca for well, being Beca because behind the cynicism and eyeliner is a caring and sensitive person who just wants to be accepted. Once Aubrey figured out who Beca really was, she found out that Beca wasn't trying to make excuses for her downfalls, especially in social situations, and their friendship eventually blossomed. Don't get her wrong, at times they can still hate each other and they both get immense pleasure out of making the other one squirm, yet they have this unique bond that she wouldn't trade anything.

So in Aubrey's eyes Beca deserves someone exactly like Chloe, Chloe just makes Beca happy and treats her like a normal person. Chloe rolls with Beca's weird idiosyncrasies, which there are a lot of, and never bats an eye when a social cue is missed. Chloe loves Beca and they've both been through so much in their lives that they deserve to be happy together. If Beca can't see all of that then she really is one of the stupidest people on the face of the planet.

"Are you really this dense Mitchell?" The stern tone was all for show but Aubrey will admit she loved the deer caught in the headlights look, "You two are growing and moving past your demons together. Love and relationships aren't supposed to be complacent. If it is you're doing something wrong and that should be the thing that scares you."

Beca thought about that for a few seconds, "You're right, this whole being with Chloe thing and our relationship does keep me on my toes and I like it, I like the way she makes me feel."

"Same thing with Jesse and I, I love him and I'm excited," one of Aubrey's hands went to lightly rest on her stomach under the blanket as she smiled, "about what our future holds and I can't imagine going through it with anyone else."

"Huh…" opening her heart had been scary in the beginning but now Beca's glad she did it, "You can be really profound sometimes you know that Posen?"

Aubrey shrugged sipping her coffee, "I have my moments."

"You know, I've always secretly wanted what you and Jesse have. And for a long time I had convinced myself that romance and being all domestic and shit weren't in my future." Setting her mug down Beca relaxed against the chair, closed her eyes and laughed, "I was perfectly content pushing my problems away and being a workaholic until Chloe Beale showed up in my life. And now look at me I'm settling down with a steady girlfriend who I love!"

"Please, in the words of Stacie Conrad," flipping her hair over a shoulder, Aubrey puffed out her chest and sat up just a little straighter, "Everyone knew behind all that sarcasm and t-shirts that Beca Mitchell would totally make a good girlfriend one day," she finished in a flippant tone.

Cracking an eye open Beca couldn't believe what she heard and was now seeing, "Dude you are way to good at that."

"Sometimes the only way to get Stacie to do anything is to speak to her in her own language," Aubrey shrugged brushing an imaginary piece of dirt off her shirt like she had seen the leggy brunette do a hundred times behind the deli counter, "it's ridiculous but it works."

Laughing harder Beca shook her head, "Stacie is too sexy for her own good sometimes."

"I hear that," Aubrey eventually joined in on the laughter, "You know it still blows my mind that people actually call her Dr. Conrad at her other job. I have no idea why a post-doc like her even works at my restaurant, she should be teaching."

"Dude, she loves that place."

"No, she loves being a celebrity's personal waitress," Aubrey joked, making Beca scoff in annoyance.

"Please I'm hardly a celebrity…Aubrey she was the first person you ever hired and since then she's become one of your closest friends," Stacie was kind of all over the place and a little flighty but loyal and that just made Beca like the girl even more, "I think she'd still hangout at the deli even if she didn't work there, so she might as well get paid right?"

"You're right," Aubrey conceded, "and she is one of my best waitresses even if her methods of obtaining tips is questionable."

"And how about the friend part?"

"Yeah she's a good friend too," Aubrey nodded before tacking on, "she's not like you or Chloe, but…"

"Nobody is like Chloe except Chloe, but I get it…" Beca just laughed.

After that they sat in silence for a few minutes just watching the morning sun play off the ocean. Beca could honestly sit here all day reading, swimming and just watching the water. It reminded her of her mom and all the good times they had spent here doing exactly what she and Aubrey were doing right now. She missed her mom so much, she missed the laughter and the wit, the hugs, and the after dinner conversations, but the thing she missed most was making music together. Through all the recordings sessions she's had as a professional producer and songwriter nothing compares to working with her mom. They just got each other, they knew what worked and what didn't and it was always fun.

It's part of the reason why Beca has never finished her mom's solo jazz album, because if she does she has nothing left. There will be no more music for them to make and she doesn't know if she can let that go yet.

"You know what I think," Aubrey's voice startled Beca's thoughts making her jump. When she looked over the blonde was refilling their mugs, "I think your mom be really proud of you and all your accomplishments and," she paused to pass Beca her mug, "she would absolutely love Chloe."

"H-How did you know I was thinking about my mom?" Beca curiously questioned completely dumbfounded.

"I've know you a long time Beca," Aubrey settled back in her chair and crossed her legs, "I've seen you at your best and your worst. I know what it looks like when you haven't slept in days and unfortunately I know what you look like after you've…" she swallowed thickly holding back her gag reflex, "after you've had sex, and not just any type of sex," she followed up glancing to her right, "like really great sex. Like the kind you've been having with my best friend."

Slumping in her chair Beca refused to tear her eyes away from her coffee mug and the steam slow rising from the warm liquid, "Oh my god this is so embarrassing."

Staring at the brunette Aubrey spoke with authority, "Come on we're having a moment let's not get all anxious and try to dodge the conversation like you usually do. Now sit up," she demanded motioning with her hand and Beca immediately complied, "and talk to me like I'm you're my sister."

"You see me as your sister?" Beca asked casting a sly sideways glance.

Aubrey sighed heavily, "Yes, Beca I do. You basically lived at my house after your mom died," she hated to bring up such a painful time but it was necessary because they didn't get a chance to talk like this often, "You were there for two months and you slept on the couch in my bedroom every night even though my parents gave you a perfectly good guestroom."

It was not surprising to Beca when she learned that Aubrey came from money, a lot of money, tens of millions actually, because the stuck up and snobby persona fit so well. Behind all that though Aubrey was just an insecure person, she had very few close friends, and worried people would judge her for her parent's money instead of the person that she is. However after a few months of knock down drag out fights, Beca learned Aubrey really wasn't that bad and was kind of an awesome person.

In fact, the night Beca's mom died she found out just how great a friend Aubrey Posen was. Jesse had been out of town for a family function and much to Beca's surprise Aubrey was the first one by her side that night. Aubrey hadn't hesitated to help and she's pretty sure that if it weren't for the entire Posen family she would've had no idea what to do. Aubrey had been there every step of the way, through funeral arrangements, the private family funeral, the public memorial service where her dad showed up and caused a scene and everything afterwards.

Beca will never forget anything Aubrey has done for her, from the late night talks in the obnoxiously organized bedroom when she couldn't sleep, to the swift kick in the ass it took for her to actually accept the Maroon 5 deal that launched her career. In a way, Aubrey has always been that annoying older sister who claims to know it all, but Aubrey has also always been a steadfast and loyal friend. Aubrey is her family and that will never change.

"And you stayed with me every night until I was able to go back home," Beca stated and even though she didn't look over she knew Aubrey was nodding.

"I did…"

"I guess we are kinda like sisters."

"We are and I'm proud to call you that," Aubrey easily answered but quickly followed it up with, "Even though you're frustratingly annoying and I hate your wardrobe, I still love you."

"In a totally plutonic type of way?"

"Is there any other way?"

Beca looked over and laughed, "Touché…"

"Now," casually sipping her coffee Aubrey knew she shouldn't be having a second cup, the doctor had advised her one per day, but it was so hard because Chloe always bought the best, "can we talk like sisters or did you want to stick to the weather."

"Fine," Beca whined rolling her head against the back of the chair, "So you can tell when I've had sex, good, great glad that's established can we like not talk about it."

Aubrey smirked at the uneasiness in her friend, "Please do you really think I want to delve into the underbelly that is your sex life? Let's just say I'm thoroughly thankful you have a girlfriend and I don't have to hear Stacie appoint herself as your wing woman so she can 'get you laid every once in a while' anymore."

"So about that weather, sure is cold out here," rubbing her hands together Beca breathed into them, it's not like she really needed it, it had warmed up significantly since last night, "Doesn't look like it's gonna rain today. Tonight will be perfect for grilling and a bonfire."

Setting her mug down Aubrey slightly turned and abruptly changed the subject, "Can I ask you something?"

"Depends," shifting her eyes nervously to her left Beca hesitantly questioned, "you gonna ask about sex?" She got a firm no and after a few beats of silence gave a single head nod, "Ask away then."

Tightening the blanket around her shoulders Aubrey softly spoke, "Have you gone to visit your mom since you've been here?"

"Yeah a few times actually," lifting the mug to her lips Beca took a slow sip and she knew from the silence that Aubrey was waiting for her to elaborate. Bringing it down to her lap she rubbed an eye, "Sometimes Chloe goes and sometimes I make up an excuse so I can go alone."

It was nice to know that Beca was making an effort to go to the cemetery, because over the last few years Beca's trips had been few and far between. So for her to be going regularly meant that her friend was beginning to get some kind of closure.

"Why don't you just tell Chloe the truth?" Aubrey asked. Rapidly tapping fingers against the coffee mug and downcast eyes were clues that Beca didn't want to talk about this, "If you think I'll tell her you're wrong, remember we're having…"

"A moment," Beca interrupted, "yeah, yeah I know…" Letting out a long slow breath she debated about how to approach this subject. Aubrey knew Chloe about as well as she did so maybe she could use this opportunity to gain a little insight, "Because I don't like making her uncomfortable and sad, every time I ask she always says yes but…"

This time a strand of brunette hair was twirled around a finger and Aubrey knew that meant Beca was unsure and fighting some internal battle, "But what?"

"I don't know she just," Beca paused and connected their eyes, "she has this look of fear and sadness and maybe disappointment. It's only there for a second, but I see it. For the most part she's good at it hiding it, extremely good, but I've spent a lot of time watching her."

This wasn't something that Beca just noticed this month, she's noticed it over the course of the entire time she has known Chloe, she even saw it the first day they met. She notices it everywhere too, in restaurants when families with children walk in, while they are watching movies and the person on the screen dies in a car wreck and hell it even happened in the grocery store last week when Beca playfully asked could have a box of strawberry Pop-Tarts. Before she can ask or offer a hug or reach for a hand, Chloe has brushed it off and replaced the hurt look with something completely different.

It breaks Beca's heart that she's not let in even a little bit and that she has no clue how to fix whatever is wrong. Family was a steadfastly off limits subject when it came to her girlfriend and she knows Chloe is carrying the weight of whatever happened completely on her shoulders, but Beca still feels helpless when Chloe is sad. They are in this together, they have both lost their entire family, and yeah maybe their lives have been a little fucked up for the last few years, but if Chloe can help her move forward why can't she be allowed to do the same for Chloe.

"And?" Aubrey's voice broke Beca's concentration.

"And the outward exterior is always bright smiles and happiness yet her body langue and eyes tell a drastically different story," Beca's voice slightly wavered at the end and she crammed a hand in her hoodie pocket, "I know family is a touchy subject for her. So I just eliminate the inevitable sadness by not telling her where I'm going, even though I really need her there sometimes."

Nodding Aubrey watched Beca wipe a tear away with the back of a sleeve, "Did you ever think that if she truly didn't want to go and face what's happened in her life that there would be no discussion."

"I mean yeah, it's crossed my mind," Beca replied, honestly it was something she'd thought a lot about and probably over analyzed.

"Beca, just look at what you've done for her already," Aubrey began turning slightly, "I can tell she's happier, she's allowing not just you and me to get close to her, but all of our friends. She's also in a relationship after she once told me she didn't feel like anyone ever deserved to love her, but now she has this pretty amazing girlfriend that brings out the best in her," that earned her a shy and somewhat relieved smile, "So she may not say it, but you being you is all she really needs."

Seeing her best friend's face light up when Beca says I love you or how Beca treats Chloe like she's special and worthy of love is what Aubrey loves seeing. Beca is what Chloe needs and Beca is why she has seen such growth in her best friend these past few months.

"Kinda like a silent supporter?" Beca asked.

"Yeah in a way," Aubrey agreed, "let her come to you when things bother her or she can't work them out in her head. She's like you in a way, prying won't help, because she'll think you're pitying her and just shut down or get angry."

"Yeah I've seen the angry side," Beca answered getting a flashback to that dinner in Monterey and how they got into an argument over this very topic. "So I'm not being a bad girlfriend because I feel like I'm not helping?"

"No," Aubrey shook her head and she got another small grateful smile, "You are helping, so just roll with whatever she needs, whether it's space, to talk, a hug or even sex."

"What?" Beca's head snapped up from where it was looking at her lap.

"Yes Beca, sex can help, being intimate with someone is beneficial in multiple ways, look it up, it's proven research…" Lifting the mug to her lips Aubrey quickly stopped and sternly added, "And quit lying to her about where you're going, just tell her if you want to visit your mom alone. I think you'll find she'll understand."

"You're right," fuck man Aubrey was always right and Beca absolutely hated that, "you are that annoying older sister I never wanted."

Aubrey brightly grinned and they both laughed, "Just give Chloe time, she's been through a lot in her life."

Beca's laughter fell silent and her head whipped to the left, "What exactly do you know?"

Aubrey had to be careful about what she said next because she didn't want to give too much information and break Chloe's trust. After initially confessing that she came across obituaries and court cases while "Googleing" Chloe Beale after their interview, Chloe kind of told her everything a few days later. They had been running in Golden Gate Park when Chloe had just all of the sudden stopped, bent over to catch her breath and then just broke down. Aubrey learned everything that day, how Chloe was the family letdown and failure, how she had lied to her family about law school and why her best friend blames herself for everything that happened, including her family's death.

When it comes to the topic of family Chloe is an emotional wreak and she openly acknowledges the fact that she doesn't want to burden other people with her emotions. Although what Chloe hasn't quite grasped is that while Beca has her own issues she's dealing with, she is a strong person and is willing to shoulder some of Chloe's pain because it will end up helping them both. And Aubrey knows that's new for Chloe, she's never had that kind of support, she's never had someone to lean on and she has never had anyone say I love you and mean it. So to an extent Aubrey knows Beca knows this, but she can also completely understand the frustration.

"Can you please tell me something, I feel like I'm flying blind sometimes," Beca pleaded setting her mug aside.

"I don't know much," Aubrey lied and the very second she did she saw Beca's face fall and knew she'd been caught.

"Why am I," Beca jabbed a thumb against her chest, "her girlfriend, not allowed to know anything that's happened to her," she wasn't mad at Aubrey, more so the situation, "but you know everything."

Setting her mug down Aubrey glanced behind her making sure no one was downstairs and the French doors were securely closed.

"I found out on accident, I said something and she just knew that I knew. Beca," Aubrey lowered her voice and rested a hand on her friends arm, "I'm not keeping this from you to hurt you. She broke down one afternoon while we were running."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better," Beca spat out shaking the hand off, "I get it she's sensitive about her family, but do you know how awful it makes me feel, as her girlfriend, when I have to sit back and watch her struggle and I can't do a fucking thing about it…All I'm asking for is insight."

Aubrey saw the devastation, this was practically killing Beca, she and Chloe needed to have a serious talk, "I had to give her my word that I wouldn't tell anyone."

"Yeah well at least you know," bringing her knees up under her chin Beca took a couple of steadying breaths, "You want to know what I know?" Aubrey weakly nodded and she just went for it, "Her parents sucked, they treated that beautiful person like shit, she had to lie so she could pursue her dreams and then one night they all died in a car accident. Oh," she held up her finger silencing the blonde, "and her sister's name was Claire and she didn't make it to the hospital in time to say goodbye. That's it period."

Aubrey was floored, even she didn't know that last bit about the hospital, "See…"

"No, please don't make excuses," Beca bit out and instantly regretted her tone. Running fingers through her hair in frustration she blew out a puff of air, "Every aspect of our relationship is perfect, it's beautiful, we work and we work out our problems and I love that. I've never had that before and I don't want to lose her so I guess I'm going to have to get over the fact that I'll never know this part of her life."

Aubrey glanced at her watch, everyone in the house would be up soon and Chloe would be back from her run any minute, so the last thing she wanted was for them to see Beca like this. They would no doubt bombard Beca with questions until she got angry enough to leave and lock herself in her room and not make an appearance again until tomorrow morning. So Aubrey needed to settle this situation and she needed to do it now.

"Beca look at me," grey-blue eyes were fixated on the pool raft in the shape of unicorn that Fat Amy spent over an hour blowing up last night after they got home from dinner. Aubrey gave a thankful smile when Beca finally looked at her, "I'm not supposed to tell you this but…"

"I promise I won't say anything," Beca lifted her head from her knees and rubbed her nose with a finger, "Good or bad it doesn't matter to me, I just want to understand her so that I can know when to push and when I can't."

"Chloe is just worried that her problems will be too much for you to handle along with your own," Aubrey said in a soft, caring tone, conveying how sensitive this subject is. "She carries a huge amount of guilt and it's hard for her to look past that." Scooting up in her chair she made sure Beca was paying attention, "Do you see where she's coming from?"

"Yes," Beca nodded, "I think so."

"Beca, she's sensitive and self conscious about anything that involves her family life and growing up or the choices she's made," Aubrey stressed the last part knowing it was only a matter of time before Beca found out why Chloe had quit her job. "You're right she didn't have the best parents, she gets sad hearing about funny family things because she doesn't have those stories to tell and worst of all, she grew up never hearing anyone other than her sister say they love her. So it's not you," she reassured, "she's not hiding things on purpose she's just afraid to talk about them because she blames herself for everything that has happened in her life, including her family's death. And up until she met you she hasn't had a need to face her fears, but because of what she sees you doing to move past your own problems, she is making a conscious effort to come to terms and move past the people and things in her life that have held her back. She just deals with it in a different way than you, that's it."

Using the back of her sleeve Beca wiped her eyes again, at least now she knows all her fears about Chloe hiding things aren't being done to purposely avoid conversations. Chloe is just trying to make it through the day like she is.

"Thank you," Beca blew out a breath then sucked it back in, "she's about as complicated as I am, isn't she?"

"Just give her time, yeah?" Aubrey heard a hum of confirmation and she smiled, "She's told me that being with you gives her purpose, she can be herself with you and not be judged on the choices she's made. And," she placed a hand back on her friend's shoulder and they shared a smile, "for whatever strange reason," they both chuckled, "she likes taking care of you and loves being the one you turn to for advice, you make her feel good about herself and she loves you Beca."

Beca couldn't help but smile, it was nice to hear that for once in a relationship she's doing everything right, "I love her too, I love her so much that I want to marry her."

"I think that's a wonderful thing, you two are great for each other in so many ways," Aubrey smiled truly glad to hear that because she was happy for them and Beca's mom would be so proud right now that her daughter had found someone to start a family with, "However, I feel a but coming on."

"Would you expect anything less from me?" They both laughed again but Beca recognized that Aubrey could almost read her indecisiveness like a book, "I can't ask, I mean I want to, hell I'd have done it yesterday," she dropped her feet back to the ground, "if we wouldn't have just had like that 'moment'," she exaggerated the air quotes, "conversation or whatever just a few minutes ago. I just don't know how else to explain what I'm trying to get at."

"Beca just because you want to ask and want to get married doesn't mean now is the right time," Aubrey replied.

"You sound like my mom," Beca complained folding her arms over her chest, but wore a huge smile.

"Yeah well she'd be right," slipping the blanket off her shoulders Aubrey reached for her coffee mug. Bringing it to her lips she raised an eyebrow and quickly said, "She'd also tell you to not fuck it up by asking too early and she'd be pissed if you half assed it."

Reeling back and narrowing her eyes Beca chuckled, "Wow two curse words from the great Aubrey Posen!"

"Shut up I was merely quoting what I'd heard your mom tell you hundreds of times," Aubrey reprimanded.

"So popping out a ring and being like 'yo bitch, let's get hitched' while we're in line at Starbucks isn't going to work is it?" Beca fought to keep a straight face and almost lost it when Aubrey spit out the coffee she just sipped, "Right to formal, I guess I'll hide her ring in a 7-Eleven Slurpee and have her guess with the clue 'orange you gonna marry me?'"

"Do either of those and I'll personally kill you Beca Mitchell," Aubrey fumed wiping her chin, "my best friend deserves a proper proposal and if you don't do it right the first time I'll make you do it again and under my supervision."

"Jesus relax and take a chill pill, I'm only joking," Beca grinned shaking with laughter, it was so easy to push Aubrey's buttons, "Chloe deserves perfect, I'm gonna do it right."

Beca hadn't told anyone, but she had been looking at rings, not seriously and nothing had been bought, just casually while she's been out and about in town this past month. After they got to her beach house they had a serious, but open and honest, discussion about marriage one night over dinner. She was more than relieved to learn that Chloe's reaction during their kayak trip was simply because she was caught off guard by the question and wasn't at all scared about the idea.

They both laid everything out on the table that night, and as it turned out they both wanted almost the exact same things and had similar fears. They were nervous about it, but the good kind of nervous, the exciting kind. They had even discussed wanting a long engagement, one where they lived together for a while and kind of get into the swing of things before having a small wedding with close friends and their dogs in attendance.

"You better," Aubrey dramatically sighed.

"Just trust me on this please," Beca did a pump the breaks motion with her hands, "she'll remember it forever."

What Beca also hasn't told anyone is that she had been kind of sort of toying with the idea of proposing to Chloe on top of the Eiffel Tower. It's kind of insanely perfect and just to add to the overall ambiance maybe even doing it on New Years Eve with the setting sun in the background to make it that much more memorable. Beca knows it's totally cliché and predictable, but she's been told about a hundred times over the last month that the Eiffel Tower at sunset is Chloe's favorite place in the entire world. It's barely October so that gives her a few more months to make sure that they are both ready and in a good head space. In all honesty, she is excited at the possibility that in a matter of a few months she could be engaged to the girl of her dreams.

"Good." Aubrey gave a firm head nod.

Beca just shook her head and laughed as she picked back up her coffee mug, "Thanks for listening, it's kinda nice just talking instead of constantly throwing insults."

"Yeah it is, we should do it more often, but you and I, we've still got an image to maintain," the grin from Beca behind the coffee mug was almost, almost, a smirk and Aubrey just arched an eyebrow in defiance. "So for the sake of others inquiring why we haven't ripped each others heads off yet," clearing her voice she almost yelled, "could you please get your head out of your ass, it's not a hat."

"Oh I can play along," Beca nodded with a wink, "I'm sorry but acapella is kinda lame my pinky has more talent than a bunch of singing nerds."

"A-ca scuse me?" A hand flew to Aubrey's chest and she gasped, "We sing all over the world and compete for national championships."

Beca just indifferently shrugged and took a quick sip of coffee, "On purpose?"

"Yes Rebeca on purpose," they were both fighting the laughter because this was their favorite fight and Aubrey loved how they always just went there, "we sang at the Kodak Theatre for Daytime Emmy awards one time, you bitch."

Vigorously rubbing a finger in her ear Beca groaned, "I'm sorry I don't speak loser, I thought you just said that synchronized lady dancing to 1990's Mariah Carey chart toppers was still like a thing."

"Whatever you have intolerable ear monstrosities that I just want to rip out," Aubrey huffed with a grin, "and even more questionable tattoos."

"Yeah well you stress projectile vomit," Beca tossed back, "and you've done it on live TV and that's one of your redeeming qualities."

"Well you Beca Mitchell…"

"Chlo, you're back," Beca said a little too enthusiastically as she gave a small wave.

"Babe," plucking an iPod ear bud from her ear Chloe placed her hands on her hips and glared at her girlfriend from across the pool. She can't believe what she heard as she walked up the steps from her beach after her run. Like always those two were arguing, "Can you seriously not go one hour without disagreeing with her about something?"

"I didn't start it," Beca held her hands up in defense, "Why do you always think I started it?"

Aubrey's eyes went wide and she just reached over and smacked the back of a brunette covered head for good measure, "I swear if DJ Titanium's fans knew how immature DJ Titanium really is then she wouldn't be so popular."

Chloe just laughed at her squirming, yet super cute girlfriend, giving up on those two ever not fighting she brightly smiled and started making her way towards them, "Yeah, yeah…"

Quickly refilling her mug Beca held it out just as Chloe came to a stop in front of her, "Coffee?"

"Thanks," taking the mug Chloe bent and gave Beca a gentle kiss, "Hey sexy…"

Beca smiled up in adoration, god she loved this woman, "Hey gorgeous."

Not having the energy to pull another chair over Chloe quickly kicked off her shoes and took up residence in her girlfriend's lap, "Sorry about being all sweaty."

"I don't think you are," Beca deadpanned scrunching up her nose making all three of them laugh, "You know Beale this very position got us into a whole lot of trouble yesterday."

Aubrey watched Chloe's face flush the lightest shade of pink from the comment and how the hand slowly creeping up a thigh was halted. Beca then pressed another kiss next to Chloe's ear and the two shared a few seconds of hushed words that had Aubrey turning her head and focusing back on the ocean because she felt like she was invading a private moment.

"So how was your run?" Beca finally asked after clearing her throat and shaking off the haze.

"It was good, I missed you though…" Chloe replied brushing their noses together.

Beca stole a quick kiss, then wrapped her arms around a slender waist, "I missed you too, but you're back in my arms now so my heart is complete."

This was the Beca Mitchell that Aubrey loved seeing and even though it was kind of out of character for the normal snarky Beca, the smile is what gives those true feelings away. There is no DJ Titanium problems weighing her down, no hit singles or records to produce and even those perfection like tendencies Aubrey is so used to seeing are toned down. Beca is relaxed, she is happy and she is in love and it's all thanks to Chloe Beale, whose own smile mirrors the one shining up at her.

"That was smooth Bec," Chloe bit her lip.

"I can do lines all day," Beca raised a challenging eyebrow before saying, "Like I know you must be tired because you've been running through my mind all day."

"Oh Bec, don't go breaking my heart," Chloe pressed a palm to the middle of her chest, "rate monitor."

Beca just laughed, "Well you know I didn't go with you today because I have a blister on my toe from chasing you through my dreams."

"You are just so classy Mitchell," Aubrey good naturedly rolled her eyes.

"Hey," Chloe laughed taking a sip of coffee then handed it back to Beca who set it aside, "she's sweet, I love her little pick up lines."

"Aubrey's just jealous," staring point blank at her friend Beca silently issued a 'come at me bro' type of challenge, but all she got was a shrug of shoulders as the coffee mug was lifted to Aubrey's lips, "That's what I thought…I've got game and easily scored a hot chick while she scored Jesse, in all his dad bod glory."

Gingerly setting her mug down Aubrey turned slightly and reached over and flicked Beca's forehead, "The dad bod is a good look on him."

Lightly grabbing Beca's jaw with her free hand Chloe turned it towards her and gave a quick peck, "I love you, but be nice."

"I love you too," Beca answered knowing full well Aubrey was watching their every move. Chloe wiggled around in her lap trying to get comfortable and eyeing her in a way that easily said she needed to be on her best behavior if she wanted to get any later, "Sorry Aubrey."

Chloe threw her head back and laughed, "You are so easy to sway babe."

"Gross," Aubrey said watching the two kiss again.

"What's up party bitches!?" Fat Amy's voice resonated from the guest room balcony above them.

Looking up they all saw the loud mouthed Australian wearing a bright pink bathing suit beneath a haphazardly tied robe holding an open bottle of champagne in one hand and a carton of orange juice in the other. Beca just had this sinking feeling that something bad was going to happen, like Fat Amy jumping off the balcony and into the pool, bad. A similar situation had happened before, Fat Amy had tried, keyword tried, to aim for and land in the middle of the inflatable donut a couple summers ago, but things went south so fast that Jessica didn't even have time to move off of it when Fat Amy came careening towards her. It ended with Jessica having a black eye and Emily with a weirdly skinned knee. Beca's still not sure how the last thing happened because Emily, who at the time was still just her college intern, was well out of harms way at the other end of the pool with Stacie and Aubrey.

Beca craned her neck and yelled, "Amy I've told you, you're not allowed to have glass anywhere near the pool because of that one time, go put the champagne bottle back in the kitchen."

"Or come down and give it to a responsible adult," Chloe added with a stern head nod.

"Chloe don't antagonize her," Beca complained.

"What?" Looking at Beca, Chloe pursed her lips in confusion, "I wouldn't mind a mimosa right now," she whispered as Beca just shook her head in regret. Glancing back up she added, "And are you really planning on going swimming right now? I'd wait until this afternoon."

Taking a swig from the champagne then the orange juice, Fat Amy violently shook her head then swallowed and repeated.

"What is she doing?" Chloe asked in horror, unsure of exactly what she was witnessing.

"Mimosa shots," Aubrey regretfully stated as Beca groaned in acknowledgement, "At least I think."

"Listen up Ginger Spice," wiping liquid from her chin with the sleeve of her robe Fat Amy leaned against the balcony railing letting the champagne bottle and orange juice carton dangle precariously in her grip, "Back in Australia, I swam in forty degree weather while drinking milkshakes and I win every race, just ask my boyfriends. So this is a cake walk, it's like a hot tub. Just last week I took a dip, not in the lady pond like you two," she narrowed her eyes and gestured between Beca and Chloe, "but in San Francisco Bay with Bumper, who is not my boyfriend. So I'm sorry if your red hair and fair complexion can't handle a little chill in the air."

Chloe's mouth popped open to reply but Beca's hand was right there covering it, "Just…yeah just don't argue."

"Charlie the Unicorn is waiting for me in your pool Shortstack, I'm on my way down," was the last thing all of them heard before the upstairs French doors were slammed shut.

Releasing the hand Beca smiled, "I turned the pool heater up yesterday before we went to dinner, she'll never, ever know the difference. Plus I figured everyone would want to swim at some point this weekend."

"You're the best," Chloe grinned before kissing her girlfriend soundly. It's nice seeing how Beca cares about their friends, it's another aspect that she thinks most of them tend to overlook.

"Hopefully she wakes up Jesse," Aubrey teased, knowing full well that everyone in the house would be up in a matter of seconds because Fat Amy was anything but quiet after mimosa shots, "and Stacie too."

Standing, Chloe set her iPod aside then stretched, "Thanks for the running mixes Bec, that was a pleasant surprise this morning."

"Anything for my girl," Beca winked and gave a lopsided smile, "I made them especially for you, no one else has them. I took it back old school, you know, how I used to do it in college."

Chloe has one of a kind mixes, made just for her and only her, by DJ Titanium who is also Beca Mitchell who is also her insanely hot and totally awesome girlfriend. It's still hard to believe that DJ Titanium and Beca are the same person, in fact most of the time she forgets. But then Beca does something like gives her music or takes her to meet Adam Levine and she's hit with a dose of reality again, yet when Chloe looks over she still only sees Beca, sweet and loving Beca.

Wandering over to the pool, she pulled off her socks and dipped her toes in the water, "It's nice, what did you set it to?"

"Like a little over eighty," Beca said with a smile, "It should be close to that by now, dude go for it."

"Swim with me," all Beca did was shake her head no and Chloe just pouted, "pretty please?"

There was a bit of commotion behind them as a very sleepy looking Jesse and Stacie stumbled from the house followed closely by Fat Amy, "Now listen up, it's time to get this party started."

"Fuck Amy it's like nine in the morning," Stacie grumbled, "can we get the party started after lunch? This is my vacation too."

"No, it's time to carpe diem!" Shedding her robe, Fat Amy tossed it aside then came barreling towards the small group, "Cannon ball bitches! Look Aubrey, I'm vertical running!"

"Uhh huh I see that," Aubrey commented.

Beca turned around just in time to see the fear spread across Chloe's face and her eyes growing wide with terror as she stood frozen in her spot as a crazy Australian moved towards her in a hurry. Again this had bad news written all over it, Chloe was in the direct line of fire and about to be plowed over. In a very ill thought out decision, Beca was up and out of her chair wrapping her arms around her girlfriend's torso and pushing them out of Fat Amy's path and into the shallow end of the pool.

They were a tangled mess as they hit the water but as they surfaced they realized they'd missed the collision with Fat Amy and were alive, soaking wet, but alive.

Righting herself, Beca wiped wet strands of hair out of her face and cautiously looked over at her girlfriend, "Sorry, I yeah…I didn't really think that through the whole way."

Chloe was stunned and she let out a wet cough before opening her eyes and seeing a sheepishly looking Beca, who seemed like she was just waiting to be yelled at.

"It's ok, I'm pretty sure you saved my life," a giggle slipped out of Chloe and eventually the two were full on laughing at each other as they stood in chest deep water. The situation was hysterical because she was in her running clothes and Beca was in her pajama pants, a navy blue hoodie and socks, "Oh and we're taking a few selfies before this is over. I want to remember this."

Beca shrugged unzipping the hoodie and after wrestling with it for a few seconds she had it off and tossed it onto the pool deck. Looking towards the other end of the pool she grimaced, Fat Amy was trying in desperation to sit on the inflatable pool toy, but in actuality it looked more of like something out of a wild west rodeo.

Pulling the wet t-shirt away from chest Beca eventually laughed, "I can live with that, but I don't know how much longer Charlie the Unicorn has, we might want to take pictures now."

A few seconds later the classic shrill sounds of Aubrey Posen shrieking registered and other people laughing burst their bubble. Flipping around they couldn't help but join in the laughter because in Beca's fleeting attempt to save her girlfriend's life she didn't even think of any of her other friends. Unfortunately Aubrey took the brunt of the all their splashes and was completely drenched from head to toe. While Stacie and Jesse stood laughing behind her with barely a few water drops on the t-shirts.

"Get in the pool," Chloe cried in excitement as she sent water splashing at Aubrey, Jesse and Stacie, "Everybody in the pool!"

Beca grinned as Chloe climbed on her back, "You're crazy do you know that."

Almost submerging Beca under the water, Chloe kissed her girlfriend's cheek and they both began laughing after they popped back up. She hasn't been this happy in such a long time that she had almost forgotten what it feels like, "You love me!"

"I do, I really do." Beca kissed the arm that snaked over her shoulders as she held it tight.

Dipping down in the water, Chloe's legs wrapped around Beca's waist and they ended up kind of floating together and watching the scene unfold in front of them. Aubrey was pissed, her face was red and she was screaming, not at any one in particular, well ok mainly at Fat Amy who could care less, but she was also just screaming for the sake of screaming. The best part was the second Jesse came around the help his wife, she reached out and pushed him in the pool too because he was laughing at her.

"Dude we're all catching pneumonia after this," Beca laughed holding onto Chloe's forearms as they watched Stacie catch a pair of flailing wrists and wrangle a very reluctant Aubrey Posen into the pool thereby cutting off the screaming.

"Come on babe, you love this," Chloe pressed a kiss to the corner of Beca's mouth, pulling back she whispered seductively, "besides I'll let you shower with me afterwards."

"Oh I was doing that anyways," releasing the arms Beca flipped around so they were face-to-face and wrapped Chloe's legs back around her, "I already took a vote and it was unanimous."

"Oh did you?" Chloe giggled curling her fingers through the wet hair at the base of Beca's neck, "What else did you vote on?"

Wickedly grinning Beca pushed off the bottom of the pool and in the opposite direction of their obnoxious group of friends who were now trying to tip Fat Amy off the pool float, "How we're snuggling so hard tonight at the beach bonfire and lots of kissing will be involved, lots, like all inappropriate and shit."

"Oh yeah?" Inching her head closer Chloe brushed their noses together, playfully pulling back every time Beca tried to deliver a kiss, "Guess you'll have to wait until then."

"You're evil woman," Beca teased before finally capturing Chloe's bottom lip lightly between her teeth then turning it into a slow, easy and satisfying kiss. Pulling back she let out a content sigh, "This has seriously been the best vacation ever, thank you Chlo. Thank you for showing me the way and for being so patient, I've needed this and you for a long time."

"I like seeing you this way, laughing and having fun. It's nice. I can tell the stress and pressures of work and fame are gone."

Giving a half smile Beca held Chloe's waist just a little tighter, "They are, I mean it's still lingering, but enjoying our time together and getting my head on straight is my primary focus now."

"Me too, you know I've been a lot of places in my life, and it took me finding you and them," Chloe smiled, as they both looked over at their friends, friends she never thought she'd ever have, happily chatting away at the other end of the pool, "to realize I don't have to run anymore."

"You don't, never again, unless you know I'm chasing you and it's off into the sunset on some remote beach destination on our honeymoon," Beca chuckled, "I want to spend my life with you."

"I'm so glad I met you," Chloe whispered her face an inch away from Beca's, "I just knew we'd become fast friends."

Beca winked, "Well, you've seen me naked."

Peppering Beca's face with kisses Chloe laughed, "Seriously though I'm incredibly thankful I met you, you have no idea. You have no idea what you've done for me and my life, how you've changed it and made me complete. I would never be this happy right now if it wasn't for you."

"And you're the best thing that's ever happened to me," Beca smiled and Chloe's eyes kind of sparkled even more.

"It's that and so much more for me Bec…I love waking up next to you every morning and after naps," Chloe said making them laugh, "I love cooking with you and for you, I love watching you play the piano while I paint and I loved skinny dipping at midnight while drinking wine just so we could watch the moon play off the ocean."

"Gotta admit that's been one of the highlights of this trip so far," Beca agreed, noting how they weren't even being reprimanded for not joining their friends. "I've also just loved walking our dogs on the beach and taking you out on dates or to the drive in movies."

"I loved that date," Chloe grinned, "It was one of the best I've ever been on."

Chloe will never forget it, it wasn't an overly hot or cold night, it was nice, and she thought they were going to an early dinner and a movie until she climbed into Beca's SUV and saw all the makings for a picnic complete with a small ice chest filled with all kinds of her favorite drinks. She was given no clues as they drove for forty minutes, but when they pulled up to the drive in movie theater her jaw dropped. She couldn't believe it, she'd never been to one before and just to sweeten the deal it was "classic movie night." They got to watch not one but three amazing movies, Casa Blanca, The Graduate and surprisingly Jaws. It was an odd combination, but she loved it and she loved Beca for taking her there.

The night had been pretty amazing they'd opened the trunk door of Beca's SUV, put down the seats in the back and cushioned the space with sleeping bags, blankets and pillows then kicked their shoes off and settled in for the movies like all the other couples around them. Beca had been so sweet, she had made all the food, it was nothing fancy just a few simple sandwiches, a pasta salad and cupcakes for dessert, but to top it off she went and bought them fresh popcorn from the snack bar before each movie. The whole night was totally swoon worthy, it had Chloe on cloud nine because between the movies, the food and yes the makeout sessions, she has never, ever had anyone painstakingly plan out a date for her for no reason other than to see her smile.

"I want a lifetimes of dates with you," Beca grinned, "I want to plan surprises like that for you the rest of my life."

"I love how much you care about me."

"Well you're my love…"

Chloe doesn't know why, but for some reason she feels like Beca needs to know all this and she needs to know it now.

"And you're, you…you're beautiful, you're a great listener, you're funny and caring and you're so incredibly thoughtful," moving her hands up Chloe settled them on her girlfriend's cheeks. Looking into grey-blue eyes she leaned in and gave a simple kiss, "You're also one hell of a kisser and an exceptional lover," she lightly bit her lip as both their faces flushed red, "It's like you know what I need in all aspects of my life, both physical and emotional."

Beca just smiled, feeling her heart beat out of her chest, "I love you, it's as simple as that."

"My life is complete with you in it," hands slipped under Chloe's shirt and even though they were in eighty degree pool water it still sent shivers up her spine. "I feel like all the bad shit that's happened in my life doesn't exist when you're around. You've been healing my mind, body and soul in so many ways and I haven't done the best job in conveying that to you."

"Chlo it's ok," Beca reassured, getting instant flashbacks to the conversation she had with Aubrey earlier, "we all process things differently."

"I know, but you've been so great I just want to say thank you for…" Chlo bit her lip in thought, "for picking up the pieces when no one else would. I'm not entirely put back together but I'm getting there."

"Are you saying I fixed you?" Beca asked needing conformation of what Aubrey had told her earlier.

"Yes you have, in so many ways, you love me," tears were stinging Chloe's eyes, "For once in my life somebody loves me and you love me in this entirely beautiful way that I've never experienced before."

"I'm just giving you what you deserve," reaching up Beca wiped away the unshed tears hidden beneath the water droplets, "Like I told you a months ago, let me love you Chlo, let me love you with everything that I am."

Leaning in Chloe gave a long, slow kiss one that earned her cheers and hoots and hollers from the other end of the pool. A hand ventured away and out of the water and she could just tell by the way the voices increased and the very burlesque type song Fat Amy was singing that Beca had just given them all the one finger salute. It was yet another reason why she loved this woman so much.

Pulling back Beca breathed heavily, "Damn Chlo what is it with you and pools and pool chairs that just makes you want to constantly jump my bones?"

The grin was huge and mischievous and it made Chloe throw her head back laugh, "It's not the pool area per say, it's more like the ridiculously hot girlfriend that goes with it."

"That's it you two break it up, break it up," came Jesse's annoying voice from where Fat Amy had him pinned between the pool float and the wall by the plastic unicorn horn.

"No, no, I like where this was heading," Stacie chimed in swimming closer for a better view, "it's free soft core porn and reality TV all in one."

Beca rolled her eyes, "Is sex the only thing you think about?"

"I can say the same for you babe," Chloe teased.

"Not helping Chlo," Beca shot back, "Anyways what do you nerds want? The girlfriend and I were having a moment."

"We want to do a version of chicken fights but with pool noodles," Fat Amy answered. Snatching the green and yellow pool noodle from Aubrey's hands sending the blonde underwater with a scowl on her face, "I call it chicken jousting."

"What do you losers have to do when I win?" Eyeing Chloe, Beca could already tell the scheming about how to win this game had begun. She loved competitive and out to win at any cost Chloe Beale, it was one of her favorite things in the entire world.

"They have to buy all the alcohol for our dinner and bonfire tonight," Stacie said and it was a typical answer because Beca knew how much Stacie hated paying for the alcohol but she didn't mind suggesting the expensive stuff when others were.

"Deal." Beca nodded flipping around, raising an eyebrow at her girlfriend she whispered, "Look this is an easy win for us, aim for Stacie's boobs and I'll go for Jesse's junk."

"What about Aubrey?" Chloe asked looking over Beca's head to her best friend who was talking in low voices to Jesse and giving wild hand movements.

"Dude," hiking a thumb over her shoulder Beca grinned, "Remember our bet from yesterday," she got a nod, "Aubrey hasn't told us yet, but I can guarantee she won't play if she's pregnant, she'll force him to be Fat Amy's partner while she uses some punk ass cop out to be the referee."

"Ok," holding up her hands Chloe waited until Beca gave her a double high five, then linked their fingers and planted a firm kiss on her girlfriend's lips, "Lets do this baby."

"Ohhh yeahhhhhh another party bitch is here!" Fat Amy yelled pointing to Jessica who was making her way outside and waving as she held Billie, who looked happily content to be there tail wagging and all.

"Get your ass in the pool," Stacie yelled, "you can be my partner in chicken jousting Aubrey's not playing."

Jessica kind of took a step back in fear making Beca and Chloe laugh, "Do I even want to know what that means?"

"Nope," Beca continued to laugh as Jessica took up residence in one of their vacated chairs, "I give it maybe ten minutes before she ends up in the pool though."

"Here's the conditions Jessica, loser buys all the alcohol for tonight, but since Beca," Fat Amy rounded on her friend and pointed, "is the super rich and super famous music producer DJT," Beca just rolled her eyes, "she's already buying the lobster and steaks for our cookout tonight and she's promised to add shrimp as well, cause you know she's a shrimp."

"Yeah," shaking her head Beca folded her arms across her chest, "I technically didn't say that."

"Babe, just go with it," Chloe reiterated the exact words she had heard earlier, "it's best not to argue."

"But…"

"No buts…don't you think it's better just to roll with whatever she says?"

"Hey ginger!" Fat Amy screamed making everyone jump, "Unless you're interviewing my buddy DJT for your little music magazine I suggest you to get your game face on and let's crush this chicken jousting tournament."

"As if Rolling Stone could ever get an interview with me, they've been trying for years Amy," Beca sarcastically laughed and she noticed everyone but Chloe and Aubrey had joined in. In fact Aubrey was kind of looking past her with an unreadable expression and Chloe's grip on her shoulders tightened, "They'd probably die if they ever found out that I'm sleeping with their star reporter."

Detangling herself Beca started swimming away, but Chloe felt the need after that little exchange to clarify something major about her job at Rolling Stone.

Snagging a foot Chloe pulled her girlfriend back towards her, "Wait…"

Standing Beca turned around, "What's up?"

"I just…" Chloe bit her lip in worry, this was the most awkward time to be doing this but she's already committed, "I need to tell you something important."

"Ok…"

"Rolling Stone…" an eyebrow was raised in question and Chloe knew it was now or never, "Do you think I'm doing the right thing by leaving Rolling Stone?" God she just totally backed out again and she knew she was in deep trouble, "Do you think me interviewing for a new job is a good thing?"

If Chloe thought Beca was upset or even annoyed about this whole job interview thing then she'd given off the totally wrong impression yesterday. Apparently the exchange between her and Fat Amy, although done in a joking manner, had hit a sore spot again. All she wants is to be supportive, to be all those things she's promised Chloe yesterday.

Softening her features Beca swam a little closer, "Remember all I want is for you to be happy doing what you want. Are you happy with that decision?"

"I think so yeah," Chloe nodded. She doesn't know which is worse, being in shock at how she totally avoided the subject and lied again or the extreme amount of guilt she feels for how amazing and supportive Beca is being without even knowing the truth, "I mean it isn't exactly an easy decision to leave one job and take another, but I think it's what's best for us."

"Chlo," Beca took her girlfriend's hands in hers, "fuck what it has to do with me, I'm glad you're thinking about us long term, but for your career I want what's best for you, I want you to follow your dreams." Giving their hands a gentle reassuring squeeze she added, "If you had to write an article about me or if they wanted you to live on the opposite side of the world, I'd make it work as long as you follow your dreams. I'm telling you right now I'd follow you to the ends of the earth and back and give you access to anything you need from the DJ Titanium side of my life if it meant making sure you're taken care of."

"Well you're my dream and that's what I want to focus on," Chloe stated with confidence, although Beca mentioning writing an article about her fame hadn't gone unnoticed, "besides I'm excited about this potential job with the Chronicle."

"Really?"

"Yeah…"

"Whatever decision you end up making, I'll be right there with you," giving a quick kiss Beca could still see the worry behind those blue eyes, "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you so if you're happy, I'm happy."

"I love you too," Chloe gave a genuine smile.

Beca hadn't pushed for any further information, she had just been supportive and gone along with everything Chloe said. Fuck Chloe totally didn't deserve someone as great as Beca Mitchell.

"You sure you ok?"

"Totally."

Leaning up Beca softly kissed Chloe's lips again, "We can talk about this later, once we're alone if you want."

"Ok sounds good," giving another quick kiss Chloe smiled, "you're amazing."

"I know. Now come on let's go kick some ass," Beca stated before starting to swim away.

"Wait for me," Chloe stated jumping onto her girlfriend's back sending them both underwater in a big splash.

"For god's sake Stacie put your top back on," Aubrey yelled in frustration, "We've all seen your boobs, we don't need to see them again just because you don't want to get tan lines."

---

Thanks for reading!

Liked it, loved it or hated it? Leave me a review or drop me a PM to let me know what you guys think! I'm always dying to know your thoughts on how I'm doing, it gives me really great feedback so that I know what works or what doesn't.

That's it for now!

Until next time...