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?

16. Chapter 16

I know how much I suck for taking so long. But life and work and just general procrastination happened. In any case I'm back with a new chapter for you! We're getting close to the end of this fic, I think probably only 3 (maybe 4 if I push it) chapters left. It has been a crazy ride and has turned into something i never imagined and I loved writing every second of it. I just hope you liked reading it. So THANK YOU for all the reads/reviews/PMs!

Again I gotta give a shout out to my buddy/beta sugarlandaddict23! She rocks! Thank you for all your help this chapter each time I sent it to you

Disclaimer: Yep I still don't own the PP franchise, but I do own any and all mistakes...

Now...On with the show!

---

A week later…

"Bec?" Chloe sleepily mumbled after feeling the bed shift slightly. Cracking her eyes open she switched on the small bedside lamp and in dim light saw her girlfriend sitting up, back turned, with her head buried in her hands. "Baby…" she reached out.

"What?" Beca answered in frustration flinching away from the soft touch. "Yeah, sorry," she immediately dropped her hands after her unwarranted harshness. "I just…" she breathed in deeply, "I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's ok," Chloe frowned pushing herself up so that she was sitting, "I'm worried about you that's all."

Beca sighed, "I'm fine."

Beca was refusing to look at Chloe and although the room was barely lit, Chloe knew Beca was wearing a sad and distraught look. It was the same exact one she had seen at various times throughout the week.

Today was Beca's birthday and when they went to bed earlier, Chloe knew Beca would be restless, but she didn't know things would be this bad. Beca had been sleeplessly tossing and turning all night and now that it was almost two in the morning, it was beyond time for Chloe to say something.

"You're not," Chloe quietly said and she swears she heard a small sniffle. "Let me help you get to sleep."

"Can I just…" Beca tiredly rubbed an eye and steeled her emotions, "I just need a few minutes by myself."

Chloe shuffled across the bed, "I understand but…"

"Chloe really, I'm fine…" Beca snapped then instantly regretted it when the hand resting on her back slipped away. Turing slightly, she caught it before it was completely out of reach. "I promise I'll be back in a few minutes."

Chloe nodded, "Call me if you need me…"

Lifting the hand, Beca kissed Chloe's palm.

"I love you Bec," Chloe whispered.

With her eyes closed, Beca heaved a heavy sigh, "Birthdays are just really hard for me."

Chloe moved to the edge of the bed so that she could sit next to Beca. And for the first time since they'd gone to bed, Chloe was finally able to see just how exhausted Beca was. Beca had dark circles under her eyes, her hair was all askew, and there were distinctive signs that she'd been crying. Beca has been dreading this day all week and for the most part Chloe has let Beca have her space when it was needed, but nighttime is when Beca's mind runs ramped.

"I know," placing a hand on Beca's back again, Chloe ran it in soothing circles, "and I wish there was something I could say to make it better."

Beca held their gaze for a few seconds before looking down at her hands.

"It's my birthday, not hers, but I just miss her so much. How…" Beca fought back tears, "how do you survive your sister's birthday?"

"Honestly, I barely make it," Chloe acknowledged freely. "I always feel crushed and responsible for the fact that she'll never get to celebrate another one."

Beca ran her hands along her legs, "Does it make you feel like you're drowning? Because I feel like I'm drowning."

Chloe was at a loss for words because she knew exactly how that felt.

"I feel like I want to cry and punch the fucking wall all at the same time," Beca pounded her clenched fists against her thighs. "I'll never get another Sunday afternoon listening to old records with her. And I have this," she fiercely wiped her eyes, "overwhelming sense of dread because I never got to tell her goodbye or to thank her for all the amazing moments we shared. So, it's not just about my birthday, my birthday just intensifies that feeling."

Taking one of Beca's hands, Chloe gently pried open the fist and interlocked their fingers, "Do you think by avoiding holidays or birthdays that it'll make that feeling go away?"

"For a long time yes, until Dr. W pointed out that avoiding it does more damage than it helps," Beca answered looking over at Chloe and the look of understanding and caring made her feel so much better. "He said that by not celebrating, it forces my mind to constantly dwell on the negative aspects my life and that my emotions will just continue to build until I have a nervous breakdown or something similar."

"That actually seems reasonable," Chloe countered.

"Yeah, but then why is the healing process so hard?"

"Bec this is the first birthday you're facing since you started processing things," Chloe quietly answered, "I'd be worried if you said it was easy."

The fingers on Beca's free hand rapidly tapped against her leg and Chloe reached over and stilled them.

"Just take your time and talk to me," Chloe softly said after a prolonged silence, "I don't need a perfect explanation."

Beca eyes remained trained on the floor, "I not trying to hide things from you," she breathed a heavy sigh, "but…"

"Then why haven't you told me you're having trouble sleeping?" Grey-blue eyes shot to Chloe's in alarm. "I'm not angry," she gently reassured, "I'm just worried about you. I see how rundown you've been lately, it reminds of when we first met."

"I just…" it was no use trying to keep up appearances anymore and Beca allowed a tired yawn to break through. "I thought it would last one night, maybe two, and I didn't want to bother you…I thought I could handle it, but I can't."

"Bec, I need to know these things, I want to know these things," Chloe kept her voice neutral and even. "I love you," Beca gave her weak smile, "and I'll happily lose sleep to help you through whatever's going on in your head."

Beca nodded, "Thank you and I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologize."

"No, I do. The last few nights I reverted back to old habits and I'm sorry." Beca frowned but saw nothing but love reflected back in her girlfriend's eyes. "I'm really trying here Chlo," she weakly said, "I'm sorting my shit out and I'm getting there, but I'm still a work in progress."

"We both are and that's why I'm not upset," Chloe reassured. "Babe, I'm not perfect either, I slip up sometimes too."

"I love you…" Beca whispered after a beat of silence.

Resting her hands on Beca's cheeks, Chloe answered, "I love you too," before giving a simple kiss. "Now," she dropped her hands, "are you going to tell me what's been keeping you awake? Are you having nightmares again?"

Beca swallowed thickly, "Yes…well no, not really. I don't know, they're just memories."

Chloe nodded before quickly reaching behind them and disconnecting her phone from its charger. Settling back next to Beca, she unlocked it and went to her picture app, then into a folder marked Claire.

Now Beca's seen a majority of the pictures on Chloe's phone, but she's fairly certain she's never seen that folder before. It was obvious that the little girl in all the pictures was Chloe's younger sister Claire. Beca had never seen her, but despite the sandy blonde hair, she looked just how Beca imagined Chloe would've looked at that age.

"This was Claire's last birthday before she died," Chloe tapped on a picture of the two of them eating ice cream and smiling brightly for the camera then held out the phone for Beca to take. "All she wanted was mint chocolate chip ice cream," she laughed at the memory, "and to watch Kung Fu Panda 3."

The smiles the two were wearing were infectious and Beca couldn't help but grin too.

"I always wondered why you had the DVD trilogy sitting next to your TV," Beca said staring down at the picture.

It was actually the only cartoon movie that Chloe owned and it was just something she couldn't fathom tossing away. She actually kept a majority of her sister's things, the most sentimental stuff was at her house in San Francisco, while the rest is in storage back in Roswell.

"Yeah, they were her favorites, she loved pandas," Chloe grinned. "She was obsessed with them."

"And that explains the tiny stuffed panda in your art room."

"That was hers too and I bought her those DVD's and a bunch of panda stuff for her last birthday," Chloe tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I kept them after she died and I also kept every picture she ever drew me and every present she ever gave me," lifting her hand she flashed the thumb ring. "She was the best and I miss her more than life itself."

Chloe's finger brushed over the phone screen, she can still remember everything about that day. Her sister was too young to realize that they had shit parents who couldn't remember their child's birthday, but that day Chloe had never seen Claire happier. They sang and danced around the kitchen while making homemade pizza and they had laughed uncontrollably when the blanket fort they spent an hour building collapsed on top of them while watching Kung Fu Panda 2. It was one of Chloe's favorite days, but it was also one that for a long time that she couldn't face.

"Why are you showing me this?" Beca questioned as Chloe indiscreetly wiped away a tear.

"Because like how you use jazz music to connect to your mom, I have those things so I can connect with her. But this day," Chloe enlarged the picture to zoom in on her sister's smiling face, "along with the day she died, are also the days that I relive the most."

"That sounds familiar."

Closing her eyes Chloe knew she needed to press through her story even though she wanted to shut down. Opening them again she tried to give a smile, but it came out so weak that she hid it by taking her phone back and flipping to the next picture.

"It wasn't until recently that I've been able to look at these again, they were always too painful you know?" Beca shuffled closer and Chloe felt a kiss pressed to her shoulder. "I tried to push all my memories of her away, but they just came right back in my dreams. Good or bad, it didn't matter, they still haunted me and it just got worse the closer Christmas or birthdays got." Switching her phone off she turned to look at her girlfriend, "I felt that dread you talk about, except it was because I thought her death was my fault." Beca wasn't even blinking and Chloe wasn't sure she was being understood. "It was almost like I was forced to see her happy as some sort of punishment, so I could be reminded of what I did." She shrugged, "Those memories became my nightmare."

"Ohh," Beca was at a loss for words.

"Now, that I've accepted things and am in the process of moving on," Chloe gave another weak smile, "I am beginning to see all those memories as beautiful moments that I can love again. I can smile when I see that stuffed panda in my art room and I can enable this…" she picked up her phone and unlocked it again then navigated back to the folder marked Claire, "to let me see her bright smiling face whenever I want."

"I have no idea what to say."

"You're exactly where I was a few months ago," confessing all that made Chloe feel good, lighter even. "It's kind of like you're at crossroads," she set her phone aside, "and don't know which way to turn."

"That's what scares me the most," Beca admitted rubbing her hands together.

"It's hard and I cried a lot and I wish I had you there with me," their eyes connected and Chloe frowned slightly conveying yet again how sorry she'd been for running, "but I chose to face it head on instead of reverting back to my old ways."

"I want to turn my nightmares into happy dreams too," Beca eventually said and Chloe just smiled.

"I made it, it took me a while, but I made it. And if I had to change one thing and do it all over again," Chloe lightly kissed a cheek, "I'd make sure you were there with me. That's where we're different, you have me."

It didn't take very long for Beca to realize how right Chloe was. She needed to start allowing all those good memories she had with her mom be what they are, good memories.

"Having someone makes it easier right?"

"It does…You may not always want to talk about it, but having someone there when you're ready to makes life so much easier." Their eyes connected and Chloe smiled, "You taught me that."

Beca looked down, "Sometimes, like right now, I feel so completely broken Chlo and I don't know how to fix it."

"Bec, it's ok to cry. Sometimes we need that more than a run or writing a song."

Tears pooled in Beca's eyes, "Then can you hold me please?"

Beca hates showing her emotions in front of others, but in the dim light of the bedroom that façade crumbled. And as a tear slipped down Beca's cheek, Chloe's heart broke, because she knows exactly what Beca feels like. All week Beca had been finding excuses go run or to take a hike or work on her music, but the difference between those times and tonight is that Beca always came back smiling and happy. However, tonight is just one of those really tough moments that Beca had fought so hard to push away so she wouldn't have to deal with it.

Not saying a word, Chloe just pulled Beca in closer, kissed her girlfriend's temple, and held Beca with the same care and love that had been given to her countless times before.

When Beca finally pulled back, Chloe reached out and dried her eyes, "You ok?"

Beca shrugged with one shoulder as she sniffled.

"I know, I ask that a lot," Chloe admitted, "but…"

"It's ok," Beca interrupted wiping her nose with her sleeve, "I'm just sorry that I let myself get to this point. I just…"

"Baby, just tell me…" Chloe pleaded, after realizing Beca wasn't going to keep talking.

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Beca squeezed her eyes shut again and searched for the right words to say.

"Every time I try to sleep I always see her smiling and holding the homemade birthday cake she'd always make me," Beca gave a wet chuckle remembering how amateur it was, but how much she loved it. "Then she'd sing me Happy Birthday, but it wasn't just any version of Happy Birthday, it was always done completely out of tune and right in my ear just to make me laugh."

Placing her hand on top of Beca's, Chloe ran her thumb in small, soothing circles, "Sounds like she made it pretty special."

"Yeah, I didn't have many friends, so her going all out on holidays and birthdays was her way of compensating for that I guess." Wiping away another tear, Beca quietly spoke, "I just miss her and I miss the time we spent together."

They were quiet again and Beca took the time to reflect on everything and actually allowed herself to start seeing the memories she'd been having as something good. And for the first time, in what seemed like forever, they made her smile and it was all because of Chloe.

"My sister meant everything to me too. She was the one good thing in my otherwise shitty life," Chloe's wavering voice broke through the silence. "And just like you and your mom, I spent more time with her then I did anyone else, because I never wanted her to feel how I felt, unloved and unwanted."

"Life dealt us both shitty cards, did it?"

"Yeah, but we found each other and that's all that matters."

"I'm so glad you found me," leaning over Beca gave a quick kiss, then pressed their foreheads together. "And I promise, I'm gonna try my best to make today a happy day…" She grinned, "So feel free to call me on my shit or whatever."

Giving another peck, Chloe just laughed, "When have I ever not called you on your shit?"

"You know what," Beca's sarcastic reply immediately fell away and she shrugged, "I'm too tired to give a snarky remark. But I will say, you're the first girl, well beside Aubrey."

"Bec," Chloe wirily said fighting back a grin, "be careful, she's my best friend."

Beca just rolled her eyes, "Anyways, like I was saying, you're the first girl I've allowed to call me on my shit and get away with it. And it's not because you've got a hot body…"

"And my loveable girlfriend is back," Chloe laughed loudly and they both saw Gizmo perk his head up from his spot on the floor.

"It's mainly cause I love you," bright blue eyes flipped to Beca's and she winked, "and well the hot body doesn't hurt things."

Cupping Beca's cheeks, Chloe gave a simple kiss then whispered, "I love you too…"

"I'm sorry I had you worried."

"It's ok."

They both had their own demons to deal with and the difference between two months ago and now is that they are letting each other in and working things out together instead of separately. Having someone to lean on is one of the biggest lessons Chloe has learned and she's thankful that person is Beca.

"I'm here whenever you need me," Chloe smiled and she meant that too.

Returning the smile, Beca reached for Chloe's hand. "I wish I would've had you with me when she died," she laced their fingers, "then maybe I wouldn't have gotten so fucked up."

Chloe placed her free hand on top of their joined ones, "Me too…but that doesn't matter, we're here now."

"Yeah," Beca nodded, "we are."

Lifting their joined hands, Chloe softly kissed the back of them, "I don't want to forget what's happened in my life, I just want to move on from it. And I've begun to and it's been because of you and having you by my side. You're my life now and I love you so much."

Beca knew Chloe was happier when they were together, she could see it in Chloe's actions or by that genuine smile she always wore. And in this weird way Beca could also feel it too. But if that wasn't enough validation, all Beca had to do was compare the Chloe that she first met to the one sitting next to her right now. The change between then and now is, for lack of a better word, amazing and she knows that Chloe sees very similar changes in her too. They're moving forward and growing together and that's what matters the most.

"I love you too," Beca whispered. "You'll never understand how lucky I feel to have you in my life."

Chloe gave an easy kiss then pulled back with a grin, "See, I told you a long time ago we'd be fast friends."

"Well," Beca smirked, "you've seen me naked," she winked, "and we both know how awesome that is."

"You're something else Beca Mitchell," dropping her head to her girlfriend's shoulder Chloe laughed hard. "Just be lucky I find you," she kissed a shoulder then lifted her head, "and your witty commentary, irresistibly charming."

"What can I say, snarky and sarcastic commentary," Beca yawned, "are my specialties."

"Come on babe," Chloe's laughter quickly settled and she scooted back on the bed pulling Beca along with her, "let's get some sleep."

"I need to just," Beca pointed towards the bathroom, "then get some water."

"I'll get it for you," Chloe reached out and wiped away the remaining traces of tears along Beca's cheeks, "I'll also make you half a sandwich. And don't," she playfully pointed and Beca's mouth snapped shut and stretched into a grin, "even try to argue with me about how it's late and you shouldn't be eating. You hardly ate at all today, you need something."

"Damn woman," slumping her shoulders Beca tried to play if off like she hated the idea, but she'd actually been contemplating raiding the fridge. "Can I at least request ham and Swiss?"

Chloe nodded with a smile and then hopped off the bed, "Of course."

Standing, Beca's eyes followed Chloe's form around the room and as Chloe passed her, she snagged an arm. Tipping forward on her toes she gave another kiss.

"You know, none of my other girlfriend's make me food in the middle of the night. I think I'll keep you," Beca slapped Chloe's ass, "around."

"Gotta keep my lover well fed," Chloe winked as she backed out the bedroom door then flipped around and sauntered away. She was halfway down the hall when she added, "Stamina's important baby!"

"You know, that line only works if we're having sex," Beca yelled and all Chloe did was give her ass a little shimmy and blew a seductive kiss over her shoulder. "I swear woman, you're gonna be the death of me if I don't get laid soon."

"Patience baby," was the last thing Beca heard as she stepped in the bathroom and closed the door.

They'd gone another week without having sex and Beca was beyond antsy, currently she was at a level of sexual frustration that she never knew was achievable. Except she knows she's the biggest reason why there hasn't been any progress in that aspect lately. Although a few days ago they came close when a thunderstorm rolled through the area and knocked the power out. That however just turned out to be more of a comedy of errors and she ended up icing her elbow as they laughed about her first 'sex related injury.'

So, it's not like they haven't made an attempt, but they also aren't rushing it. They kind of have this unspoken thing between them that says if the opportunity presents itself they aren't going to stop it. Except lately it's been interruption after interruption and that's just as frustrating as their lack of a sex life. They both need it and for more reasons than to solely get off, although that it a much needed bonus. Beca just needs that intimate and physical connection with Chloe again, she misses it and the way it made her feel. So, when it finally happens, it's going to be amazing, but until then she'll take the flirting and heavy makeout sessions because they are on point.

After washing her hands, Beca checked her refection in the mirror and frowned. She doesn't know how she thought she was fooling anyone these last few days, because she looked like complete shit. She can't believe Chloe hadn't said something sooner, but then again, she probably would have just picked a fight if Chloe had said anything.

Opening up her small drawer that held some of her toiletries, Beca shuffled the contents around until she found the prescription bottle that had gotten pushed to the back. She hadn't taken a sleeping pill in months and she still wasn't thrilled about the idea of using them, but tonight might just be the perfect opportunity. She wants to try and make the best out of her birthday and rather than being a moody and tired bitch all day, she can just take one, and get the solid uninterrupted sleep that she needs.

Instead of just going ahead and popping one in her mouth, Beca pocketed the bottle and decided to talk it out with Chloe first. Giving one last look in the mirror she opted not to try and fix her hair and instead she hit the lights, opened the bathroom door and shuffled down the hallway towards the kitchen.

---

The next afternoon…

"Chlo, this thing is fucking awesome," Beca grinned down at the ten inch Amazon Kindle Fire that was almost glowing in her hands. "Dude," she hit the button labeled games, "you put Pac-Man and Temple Run 2 on here for me?"

"Yes," Chloe giggled watching fingers rapidly move across the screen, "and I also signed you up for that free trial where you can read all the books and magazines you want and not have to pay."

Chloe loved how excited and happy Beca was about this gift, it had gone over way better than she ever expected. She had been worried that Beca would be one of those hipsters who would want to 'keep it old school' and continue lugging around stacks and stacks of books, but seeing Beca's eyes light up while looking at the 21st century alternative, Chloe knew she had nothing to worry about.

"I'm not giving up my bookstore adventures."

"I never expected you to."

"But now I can peruse and then download instead," Beca voice trailed off as she lifted the device closer and tapped the book section. "Haha awesome," she did a fist pound in the air, "yes!"

Tossing chopped walnuts into the automatic mixer, Chloe stepped away from the carrot cake she was prepping and wiped her hands on a nearby dishtowel, "What?"

"You preloaded all the Harry Potter books on here?" Beca exclaimed, a hand smacking the countertop.

"I did," Chloe moved around the small bar so she could see the screen. "I also," she tapped a few things and brought up another grouping of books, "went ahead and added The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series too. Because for the life of me," Beca selected the first book and swiped through the first couple of pages, "I can't figure out how you've gotten through life without reading any of these books."

"A bubble Chlo," Beca countered her eyes never leaving the screen, "I live in a very comfortable bubble."

"Yeah a bubble where you read more than anyone I know and can still create incredible music," Chloe laughed adjusting her girlfriend's glasses. "That thing does a whole bunch of other cool stuff, I went ahead and enable Alexa for you, so you can ask her all the crazy questions you want."

Beca tilted her head to look up and Chloe's expression was soft and affectionate and it made her heart flutter rapidly. Chloe really was the best, thoughtful and caring, and the most loving person she'd ever met. Chloe's love is unhindered and unrestrained and it's beautiful. Maybe they needed to go through this extremely difficult and trying time for her to fully understand just how lucky she is.

Craning her head, Beca gave an easy kiss. "Thanks my love," she smiled after pulling back, "this is perfect."

Chloe winked, "You've got two more gifts coming, so don't rate this as the top one just yet."

"Seriously, between this and your carrot cake," Beca watched her girlfriend, well her girlfriend's hips, move back into the kitchen, "I don't need anything else. Except maybe," she waited until Chloe was facing her again, "to makeout with you in the hammock while we drink beer and watch the sunset."

"Hmmm kissing and beer," Chloe playfully pondered as she stopped the mixer and removed the bowl, "if I'd only known that's all you wanted for your birthday."

Beca laughed as she rested on her elbows and reached across the counter to snag a stray walnut from the package and toss it in her mouth.

"I like watching you bake," Beca said offhandedly, "and that along with your painting, I find it both sexy and relaxing."

"So you're saying I'm good at being sexy?"

"Well you're always good at that…"

"I feel the same way watching you play the piano," Chloe's eyes flicked down to Beca's lips then back up as she spread the cake batter out with a spatula, "I've missed listening to you play and create music."

"I think this is the longest I've gone without touching a piano since I was five," Beca smiled, "I need one back in my life again. My fingers are itching," she flexed her hands in front of her, "to play."

A smile stretched across Chloe face and she set the spatula aside and leaned halfway across the counter for another quick kiss.

"Although not being able to kiss you," Beca's hand slipped away from where it had been resting on Chloe's as she settled back in her chair, "is way worse than not having a piano."

Beca's glad she's spent this month here at the retreat with Chloe, it's been helpful in every aspect of her life. And other than what happened last night, she feels more confident in herself, in her relationship, and in her music. Things are different now, they're better, and she knows she never would've gotten here if it wasn't for the person standing across the counter from her.

Meeting Chloe was the turning point in Beca's life and she knows it's the same way for Chloe. They've overcome a lot together and there was one point where they almost walked away, but they made it and through it all, her love for this woman never wavered.

"Babe, you ok?" Chloe asked after sliding the cake into the oven and setting a timer on her phone. "You've been quiet for way to long? You need a nap?"

"Nahh I'm good."

"I'll give you another massage to help get you to sleep."

After eating the fruit and half a sandwich Chloe made, Beca pulled out the prescription bottle and they discussed whether or not she should take one. In the end Chloe agreed with her, but only this once and only if she could help her get to sleep. Beca doesn't remember what eventually knocked her out, her general tiredness, the sleeping pill or Chloe's hands, but one thing is for sure, she woke up hours later in almost the same position she fell asleep in, but completely rested and feeling ten times better.

So, the offer was tempting because damn Beca loved Chloe's massages. Chloe told her she'd learned the technique while traveling in China at some temple on a mountain and was a combination of pressure points and simple massage skills. Well whatever it was, it fucking rocked.

"Well in that case," Beca gave an overly dramatic and fake yawn while stretching out her arms, "let me take my shirt off and get comfortable."

"Something tells me you just want my hands on you," Chloe challenged.

"Hell yeah, I want my girlfriend to cop a feel," Chloe giggled and it sent Beca's heart racing again. "Your hands are magic."

"And so is your mouth…"

"Touché…"

Chloe watched Beca's expression morph into a soft smile and she felt butterflies in erupt in her stomach. Beca just had this uncanny ability to make her weak at the knees with very little effort.

"What's up?"

"I was just thinking about us," Beca saw Chloe's eyes shine with love. "And how you just continue to surprise me with your strength and love every day…Even when things are tough."

Wiping her hands on a dish towel, Chloe tossed it over her shoulder then rested her hip against the counter, "I think about that a lot too, because I feel like I got a second chance at life and with you."

"Me too…but I'm also kinda sad." Chloe just looked at Beca with a slightly furrowed brow. "It's not bad," she quickly reassured, "I'm only sad because my mom will never get to meet you, she'll never get to see how great you are, and how much I love you."

Chloe's eyes shifted to the floor as she bit her bottom lip and Beca thought she had said something wrong, but then all her worries vanished when Chloe looked back up wearing a soft loving smile.

"I think she'd be proud of us," Beca rested her chin in her hand, "and I know she'd love spending time with you. All she ever wanted for me was to find someone who would make me happy because she never had that. She'd love you, how could she not?"

Chloe would've loved having a mother type figure to talk to and interact with, it's something she never got with her own mother. And despite never having met Beca's mom, Chloe feels like she would've had that with Elizabeth Richardson.

"I wish I could've met her too." Chloe reached for Beca's hand, "But it's not because I want to tell her how great you are or how you're this amazing girlfriend and lover," they both blushed. "No, it's because I want her to hear it from me how I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Tears stung Beca's eyes and she just smiled because deep down she knows her mom is watching them and heard everything Chloe just said. She misses her mom more than anything and even though it's her birthday, that thought doesn't make her as sad as it used too. She's got Chloe and that's who she's living for now.

"How much longer does the cake have?" Beca asked, effectively breaking the comfortable silence and overly sexual staring contest they'd begun.

Fumbling for her phone, Chloe's face flushed as unlocked it and checked the timer, "Thirty-five minutes, then while it cools I'll make the frosting."

Beca flipped her new Kindle around and propped it up so it was facing the kitchen then hopped out of her chair. "Can we try something?"

Chloe lightly giggled as her girlfriend came to a stop in front of her, "Babe, it's your birthday, I'll do whatever you want."

"Good…Now," Beca felt entirely cheesy for what she was about to ask, "dance with me?"

"What?"

Beca let out a lighthearted huff, "Chlo, will you dance with me?"

"You can't dance," Chloe suspiciously eyed her girlfriend who was nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"No…" Beca stepped closer. "I said I didn't like to dance," she smirked, "big difference, huge."

"And music?" Chloe smirked right back.

"Alexa…" Beca called over her shoulder her eyes locked on Chloe's, "play romantic music."

"Shuffling romantic music," was repeated back and immediately Your Song by Elton John started playing.

"Not exactly the song I pictured for this, but whatever, I'll go with it." Beca held out her hand and when nothing happened she impatiently looked at Chloe. "Chlo really, let's get all the awkwardness out of the way before New Year's Eve."

Quickly tossing the dishtowel on the counter, Chloe took a step closer and slipped her hand into Beca's as Beca's other settled on her waist.

"Better?" Chloe asked resting her other hand on Beca's shoulder.

"Much…" Beca lifted their joined hands and slowly started moving to the music.

There were a couple of inches between them and that along with their positioning reminded Chloe of the first dance she ever went to in middle school. Beca was mentally trying to keep to the beat by counting in her head as she moved them around in a square box. It all felt very rigid and contrived, formal almost, and it is obvious Beca has no clue what she's doing, but Chloe still found it adorable.

"Bec," Chloe stilled their movements, "this feels very manufactured, don't you think?"

Immediately dropping her hands, Beca backed away, "I'm sorry, this was a stupid idea."

"No, no, no…" reaching out Chloe gently snagged her girlfriend's bicep. "It's not stupid," she slowly turned Beca so they were facing each other again, "you've just never properly danced with someone have you?"

"No," Beca looked down at her feet, "but I watched a couple of instructional videos on YouTube earlier and it didn't look that hard."

"God, you're so fucking cute," Chloe couldn't resist tilting forward and capturing Beca's lips making her girlfriend hum in surprise. Breaking apart she grinned, "Why didn't you just tell me?"

Scratching behind her neck, Beca uneasily laughed, "Because I didn't want you think I was lame."

"You're not, you're just inexperienced and that's more than ok," Chloe reassured.

"Chloe, I'm a grown ass adult who has no idea how to dance," taking a step backwards, Beca shoved her hands in her pockets. "Can we just forget I asked?"

"No…" stepping back into Beca's personal space, Chloe gently pulled Beca's hands from her pockets. "I'm going to teach you and we're going to dance and there'll be no laughing unless we're laughing about something together. Got it?"

"Look," Beca tried to pull away, but Chloe's grip although soft, was still unrelenting, "I was just trying to be funny."

YouTube made that shit look so easy and Beca thought it would be easy, but then it just wasn't. Now she's good at music, hell she creates it for a living and gets paid millions, yet two minutes ago she was just this inept spaz shuffling around like music was a brand new concept.

"No, you weren't…" Chloe actually thought it was absolutely adorable how Beca was all flustered and nervous. "Bec…" she dropped her hands, "this is just me, we're not in some club full of people, you don't have to be scared."

"I'm uhh, I'm sorry this was stupid," Beca tried to divert her eyes but Chloe just ducked her head and followed.

"So, let me teach you," taking a tentative step closer Chloe took Beca's hands in hers again as the song changed to En Vogue's Don't Let Go. "Ok, this is good, it's not too fast."

Beca cleared her throat, "Really? You want to teach me to dance to this song?"

"Would you rather I teach you how to grind using Ginuwine's Pony?"

Beca swallowed hard, "N-nope…I would however, love to see you dance to that alone, preferably while you take your clothes off."

"Hmm…" Chloe bit her lip, banking that knowledge and how she would use it to her advantage later. Shifting her eyes back to Beca's, she grinned, "Quit changing the subject. I'm teaching you to dance and I'm doing it now."

Beca knew she'd dug a hole she couldn't get out of, so she relented, "Ok…"

"Good, now this is going to sound gimmicky and like all I think about is sex, but in a way slow dancing is exactly like that," Beca was just blindly nodding and it reminded Chloe of how scared she'd looked when Beca taught her how to drive the boat. "But I don't mean like we're literally going to do it on the dance floor."

"Cause there's a time and place for that?" Beca joked making Chloe roll her eyes.

Taking Beca's right hand, Chloe settled it on her waist, then placed her left hand on Beca's shoulder. Joining their free hands, she held them up and maintained a couple inches between them.

"No, don't start moving yet," Beca came to an abrupt stop and Chloe readjusted their positions. "Now, this is what you were trying to do before right," Beca just nodded, "but dancing like this is indicative of a couple who are uncomfortable or don't really know each other."

"Like they've never kissed or had sex?" Beca questioned.

Smiling, Chloe nodded, "Exactly, but there is a time and place for that type of dancing. Like when a boss asks you to dance at a company party or if you're a bridesmaid in a wedding and have to dance with one of the lameass groomsmen, who likes to get a little too handsy."

Beca chuckled, "Got it…but how does the actual dancing part work?"

"It's the same," Chloe answered, "it's just body placement that's different, unless there's slow grinding going on, but that's a lesson for a different day," she winked and Beca flushed bright red. "Now though, what's the difference between me and a handsy groomsman?"

Snorting out a laugh Beca grinned, "Not much actually," she got a light slap and called a smartass for that, "ouch sorry…I meant to say we're together, like we kiss and stuff."

"I think Dr. W would call it physical intimacy," at that they both laughed and Chloe loved how Beca seemed to have forgotten all her nervousness. "We know each other on a different level and if we were caught dancing like this," she gestured to the space between them, "someone might wonder what's wrong. Unless…"

"The time and place called for it?"

"Correct."

Taking a step closer, Chloe closed the gap between them making the hand that was on her waist slip down and around to her lower back just above her shorts. Beca had done that unprompted and Chloe liked how her girlfriend was slowly picking things up. Making one small adjustment, Chloe moved one of her hands to just underneath Beca's shoulder blade.

"What do I do with my other hand?" Beca whispered even though there was really no need.

Tilting her head back just slightly to see Beca, Chloe said, "Wherever you feel comfortable, my hip or somewhere on my back is fine. You can also do this…"

Lacking their fingers together Chloe brought their joined hands towards her heart. She loved dancing like this, it made it easy to have light conversation, to kiss or even to dance cheek to cheek. She wasn't going to tell Beca that, she was just going to let her girlfriend figure that out on her own.

"FYI, it's sexy when you switch it up," Chloe eventually said after a short pause.

"Noted…"

"So, we've got body position and hand placement the only thing left is?"

"Moving?"

"Right," Chloe softly kissed a cheek.

The kiss was done for multiple reasons. One because well she just liked kissing Beca's cheek, because of the faint blush that always tinted her cheeks, and two to give Beca the opportunity to close her eyes and concentrate and not feel self conscious while trying to maintain eye contact.

"Alexa restart the song from the beginning…" Chloe went silent as the song restarted and soon she felt fingertips tapping against the small of her back. "Now, don't get caught up in the lyrics or how the song is structured, just concentrate on the beat and moving to it."

There was a slight hesitation and Chloe could feel the way Beca's body stiffened and her breathing became more rapid.

"Bec, it's ok, it doesn't have to be perfect," Chloe gently said. "It's just me, it never has to be perfect with me."

The hand laced with Beca's was held just that little bit tighter and Chloe smiled when Beca slowly started swaying to the beat. It was still a little mechanical, Beca was still somewhat reverting back to the instructional video by doing the whole box step thing, but when Chloe's toes got stepped on Beca abruptly stopped and stepped out of the embrace.

"Bec?"

"I'm sorry," Beca ran a hand through her hair, "I'm just…" she sighed, "complete shit at something so basic."

"You're not," reaching out Chloe took both of her girlfriend's hands and placed them on her lower back then wrapped her arms around Beca's neck. "I fucked up," she gave a soft smile, "I should've showed you how to lead first. Come on, let's try again."

The song was coming to a close so Chloe didn't bother restarting. Locking eyes with Beca, she used her thumb to tap out the beat against her loves shoulder while swaying back and forth at an easy pace as the song transitioned into Stevie Wonder's Signed Sealed Delivered.

"Seriously Chlo?" Beca laughed, "Can we change this?"

"Nope," Chloe laughed right along, "a fast song might be better right now."

Actually, Chloe was happy the song was a bit more upbeat, she probably should've started with something like this anyway. She waited a few seconds to catch the beat then she started moving and before she knew it, they were grinning at each other.

"See, if you just take your mind off the mechanics there's not much to it."

It only took about a minute for the dancing to become effortless and for Chloe to eventually let Beca take the lead. Beca was stumbling a little, but the best part was that Chloe no longer felt the tapping against her back. Beca was finally comfortable and happy and that radiant smile was infectious and Chloe's matched it.

"How I'm doing?" Beca asked over the music, her smile never faltering.

After the question, Beca slowly turned them in place and Chloe couldn't do anything but give a quick kiss. Beca was a natural, all she needed was a little push in the right direction. Sometimes even the smartest people, in Beca's case people who are both musically and intellectually gifted, can't learn everything just by watching a video or reading a book.

"You're an extremely fast learner," Chloe grinned. "Do you even realize you're leading?"

Beca glanced down at their feet, "Nope, that's a good thing though right?"

Gently stroking Beca's neck, Chloe smiled and softly said, "Very…because I'll follow you anywhere."

The song ended and their movements slowed to a standstill, until the classic trumpet intro to Al Green's Lets Stay Together began. And it was like all that light and happiness in Beca's eyes and face, sank to this solemn and sad expression.

"Bec, what's wrong," concern flooded Chloe's voice.

"This song," Beca's eyes briefly closed, "it was one of my mom's favorites. She loved the arrangement," her eyes shot back open and a tear slipped out. "Plus, I think it had some sentimental meaning between her and my dad."

Beca can remember hearing this song coming from her mom's bedroom at random times or when she thinks it was their anniversary.

"Sorry," Beca said as Chloe wiped away her tears, "I said I wasn't going to cry anymore today."

"It's ok," Chloe didn't break their gaze. "Had enough dancing?"

"Can we finish this song?"

"Sure…"

Beca took in a steadying breath, "I feel like I need to hear it, I haven't heard it in forever. I'm gonna look at it as her way of saying she's here for my birthday."

"That's perfect," looking over at the Kindle blasting the music through the kitchen Chloe said, "Alexa, start this song over from the beginning."

Alexa repeated Chloe's words and a few seconds later the song started again.

Beca loosened one of the arms around her neck and when it dropped, she interlocked their fingers and moved their joined hands closer to her heart, "Is this ok?"

Chloe leaned her head in closer, "Smooth move babe," she whispered and that earned her a faint chuckle, "next time, don't ask, just do it and continue dancing."

"Ok…"

"I love you and happy birthday."

"I love you too," Beca's voice was muffled against Chloe's shoulder but she knew Chloe had heard her loud and clear.

As Beca lightly sang and swayed them along to the music, Chloe just let herself get absorbed in the emotions. She was being held so carefully and gently that she's pretty sure she has never felt safer. Then, there was the soft feather light kisses being pressed to their joined hands that she wants look down and see, but she refuses to because she doesn't want them to stop. It sent shivers down her spine and made her heart beat out of her chest because Beca was unknowingly being absolutely perfect again.

Chloe was allowing Beca to kind of consume her entire being by totally leading her through the dance, which she knows is just a metaphor for leading her through life too. And if this were any other person, Chloe knows she wouldn't let this happen. But then again, Chloe is in love, fuck she head over heels in love, and that's enabling her to drop her guard completely. Beca sees her for who she is and she's getting this amazing love and acceptance in return. And the fact that Beca never asks anything in return except simply to be loved back still absolutely floors Chloe.

It makes Chloe emotional, but it's the good kind of emotional. So she allows herself to shed a few tears as she rests her cheek against Beca's shoulder and heaves this giant sigh of relief because, although they've been through a lot, both together and separate, they made it. They beat the odds and they made it.

And it's like Beca can read her mind because all Chloe hears as she takes in a shuddering breath is, "It's ok, I got you and I love you," and it's exactly what she so desperately needs to hear right now.

On a day when things should be all about Beca, it's weird to think that they are both benefiting from what's silently unfolding between them, what's been unfolding probably all day. Unspoken words speak volumes to Chloe and although she doesn't know exactly what Beca's thinking right now, she knows her girlfriend is contemplating just how much they've changed each other's lives too. And Chloe's never been the type of person to change someone's life, she's never been the type of person that very many people wanted in their life, yet with Beca, she has. With Beca, Chloe is always at her best and she feels wanted and needed, and that gives her a purpose and an incredible sense of belonging.

So, as they dance to a very sentimental song in Beca's life, Chloe has never felt more loved or more wanted by anyone. Beca is the love of her life and there's no one she'd rather stay up late for, have cry on her shoulder, swim naked with, or dance barefoot in the middle of a kitchen with.

"Bec?" Chloe whispered and the hand sliding up and down her back stilled as the song slowly faded out and transitioned in another one. "I…"

Slowing their movements, Beca tilted her head back, "Tell me…"

"Can we…" Damn, Chloe feels just so juvenile and nervous as her eyes flutter away from Beca's, "I mean only if you want to…"

"Chlo," Beca cupped her girlfriend's brightly blushing cheeks, "slow down. What do you want?"

"You…" their eyes locked and Chloe bit her bottom lip as she waited for a reply. When it never came she released a long breath and said, "I want you Bec, I need you…I think we need each other and I don't know now…"

"I feel it too," Beca quietly interrupted with a tender smile, "something about that last song. I only thought about you and how you make me feel the whole time we danced…"

"Me too…"

And then in the middle of the kitchen, Beca kissed her making Chloe's mind go blank and instinctively melt into it. Chloe's fully convinced that Beca's kisses are the best things in the world and she doesn't know how she fucking survived without them. This one was easy and smooth and unhurried, it was the type of kiss Beca was so good at.

But just as quick as it began, it ended, and Chloe was left breathless, lightheaded, and a little wobbly on her feet. She doesn't exactly remember the trip to the bedroom because her mind was in this cloudy haze, but once the door closed it was like she became hyperaware of what was happening. She felt everything, the coolness and quietness of the room, the sun peeking through the partially closed blinds, the warmth of Beca's touch as fingers threaded through her hair while they kissed, and god she loved the way she could feel Beca's heart racing when she pressed a hand against her loves chest.

This time was completely different from all their other attempts. There was this palpable heat between them that hadn't been there before and it just spurred them on.

"Bec," Chloe groaned as a hand trailed down her body and began lifting the hem of her t-shirt.

"Yeah?"

"Slow down…"

"Sorry. I'm just…" Beca's hands clutched the t-shirt as her face flushed bright red, "ready."

Giggling, Chloe breathlessly answered, "Me too."

The back of Chloe's legs connected with the bed forcing her to ungracefully sit down as her t-shirt was pulled up and off, then tossed aside. She watched with appreciation as Beca did the same and afterwards she reached out and ran her hands along smooth skin that prickled with anticipation.

Beca bent to deliver another painstakingly slow kiss that Chloe's one hundred percent confident would've buckled her knees had she not already been sitting. Instead she stilled her roaming hands and just held on as she kissed Beca back with just as much fervor. The feeling of them sighing into each other mouths and the slow and deliberate way Beca brushed their tongues together was utter perfection. It was almost like Beca was savoring every single nuance of what was finally happening and when they broke away for air, Chloe's lips were left swollen and tingling.

Palming Beca's hips, Chloe brushed her thumbs along the two very thin, almost invisible, lines running down each side of Beca's abdomen and descending just below the waistline on her girlfriend's shorts. It wasn't a six pack, but God what little definition that was there was so hot. Since their skinny dipping adventure last weekend, when Chloe first noticed it, it has become increasingly difficult to keep her hands to herself. She has to practice so much self restraint when all she really wants to do is trace and kiss and…

"Fuck Chlo," Beca's eyes fluttered shut as Chloe dipped her head and ran her tongue up the faint indentation on the left side of her stomach. "Jesus…" Beca sucked in a harsh breath.

"You're…" Chloe's fingers idly moved up and down in a slow and deliberate motion, "don't stop whatever you've been doing," her fingers came to rest on the button of Beca's shorts, "because it's working. God is it," she placed an open mouth kiss to her love's stomach, "working."

"Y-yoga and core," Beca all but rushed out as fingernails lightly scrapped at the sensitive skin below her bellybutton, while working to free the button on her shorts. "And s-sometimes kickboxing…"

Chloe's fingers anxiously fumbled around and it felt like this was the first time she was undressing her girlfriend. Granted it had been a few months since she'd done this and between the nervous anticipation and the way Beca's half naked body looked inches away from her face, she just couldn't get her mind and fingers to work together.

"Hey," blue eyes shot to Beca's and she knelt down to gently tuck a strand of red hair behind an ear. "We've got all afternoon," she gave a soft kiss, "there's no rush."

Chloe nodded, "I know, I'm just excited and happy to finally be sharing this with you again. And I'm just ready, god I'm so ready…"

Beca smiled in acknowledgement, "I love you," she intertwined their fingers together, "but we'll go at your pace."

"But it's your birthday…"

"And a pace that you're comfortable with is what I want." Beca slowly lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to each one then carefully eased Chloe down onto the bed. As arms looped around her neck, she gave another kiss. "You're what I want," Chloe's body arched into hers, "hearing the sounds you make and feeling you come undone is what I want." Her hands steadied her girlfriend's hips as she dipped her head closer to whisper, "I want to make you cum for my birthday," right next to an ear. "So don't hold back, give me everything please, because I will too…"

"I will, trust me," Chloe threaded fingers through brunette hair and brought Beca's face back to hers. Nipping at her girlfriend's bottom lip she added, "It's kinda hard not to when you're this in love with someone and they're," she glanced down to the fingers lingering on her clothed covered core, then back up at the coy grin spreading across Beca's face, "you know, planning to go down on me…"

Beca just winked, "And I can't wait."

"Me either…" Chloe laughed pulling Beca back down for a kiss.

Beca nudged her knees apart and Chloe reveled in the feeling of Beca settling comfortably between them as they kissed. The finer, intimate, details of sex like hand and body placement or making sure they were both enjoying the moment, is something Beca is finely in tune with and extremely good at. Chloe always marvels at how experienced and confident, kind of more so than her in some ways, Beca always seems to be in these situations. Except it isn't the slightest bit intimidating. If anything, it just puts Chloe at ease and heightens her senses which allows her to just enjoy being with Beca more. And that, combined with the ever obvious talent of making her 'come undone', is what makes Beca Mitchell an incredible lover. It's something she's never experienced before and it's also something she only wants to ever experience with Beca.

As one set of Beca's fingers braced Chloe's hip and the other danced along her skin, Chloe closed her eyes and released a long sexually charged sigh. It was effortless how Beca's lips and tongue lightly worked her neck as her fingers lowered one bra strap at a time.

Seeing an open opportunity and with very little resistance from her love, Chloe rolled them over, straddled Beca's hips, and shed her bra. As she swept her hair up into a messy bun, grey-blue eyes roamed her body and all she saw was pure lust etched across Beca's face.

"I can never get over…" moving the hand from where it had been steadying Chloe's hip slowly up, Beca let her index finger graze a nipple. Rolling it between her fingers she released it when it was hard, "how gorgeous you are."

Chloe seductively giggled, "They're just boobs babe."

Beca chuckled, "But they're your boobs."

"And?"

Ok, so Chloe was practically taunting Beca for a smartass remark, "And you know I'm a boobman."

"Fuck, you're so cute," Chloe breathed out.

"Yeah, well cute doesn't do this…"

Using her hands Beca pushed herself up and slowly slid back towards to the middle of the bed, making them both laugh as Chloe struggled to keep up, then settle back in her lap. Taking a nipple in her mouth Beca toyed with it until she heard a satisfied groan then released it with a pop. Her girlfriend's face was flushed and that was all the motivation Beca needed to dip her head and swirl her tongue along the opposite nipple, except instead of sucking, she rapidly flicked the hardening nipple with her tongue making Chloe gasp and arch into her.

"Fuck that's amazing," Chloe's head was spinning. She lives for Beca's mouth on her and as the action was repeated she just clamped her hands down on Beca's shoulders, "Baby?"

"Yeah?" Beca answered running her hands up and down her loves sides as they just stared at each other.

"This," snapping the black bra strap, Chloe wickedly grinned, "needs to go."

"You're gonna help," Beca teased.

"Nope, I prefer to watch," Chloe bit her lip.

Winking, Beca reached around and unclipped her bra with one hand and then slid it off. Before tossing it across the room, she spun it around above their heads, making them both laugh.

Laughing during moments like this is another thing Chloe loves about being with Beca. Sex isn't always serious a hundred percent of the time like it had been with her previous partners. With Beca it's actually fun and she's found that smiling and laughing at even the tiniest of things, just makes the experience, and their connection so much stronger.

Slightly tilting back, Chloe lightly traced the small tattoo under her loves collarbone, watching as Beca closed her eyes and shivered as fingers slowly slithered down her chest, expertly hitting every bump and curve.

"How do you do that?" Beca's eyes fluttered open.

"Do what?" Chloe draped her arms around Beca's neck and nuzzled their noses together.

"Unravel me with a touch," their breath was mingling and Beca itched to close the gap. "You send my entire body into overdrive and you barely do anything," Chloe ground down into her lap and suddenly she was well aware that they weren't completely naked yet. "You're like…" the kiss Chloe delivered was simple, gentle, and made her mind go blank, "god, you're like this force that I can let myself get lost in without any consequences. I have no concept of the outside world, my mind is solely focused on you."

"The feeling," Chloe whispered against Beca's lips, "is entirely mutual."

Beca wasn't in a hurry anymore and they just leisurely kissed while she ran her hands along the perfection that was Chloe Beale. It was nice just taking her time, just listening to the soft sighs and heavy breathing in the otherwise silent room. Chloe's lips were soft and she tasted faintly of carrot cake batter and it only made Beca ache to touch and lick and kiss so much more of Chloe.

Flipping their positions, Beca hovered over her girlfriend taking in the flushed skin and swollen lips. This is what Beca wanted for her birthday, to take her time and make love to her girlfriend. She still can't believe that for all practical purposes this is all hers whenever she wants it. It blows her mind that she gets to be with someone this beautiful, in more than just the purely physical sense. Although that is a supremely amazing added bonus.

"You're everything I've ever wanted," Beca breathed out. The fingers working the button on her shorts stilled and bright blue eyes fixated on her, "Why do you always seem so surprised when I say that?"

"Because it always catches me off guard," the button released and Chloe's fingers lowered the zipper with ease. "You mean it…"

"Every time…" Fingers dipped below the waistband on Beca's shorts and lingered just long enough for her to want more, before pushing them off her hips. "I'm going to spend my life making sure you know how much you mean to me."

"I love you," Chloe stilled her hands.

"I love you too…"

Quickly standing, Beca pushed her shorts the rest of the way down then stepped out of them. She was about to do the same with her underwear when hands stopped her.

Beca cocked an eyebrow, "I thought you liked to watch?"

"I do, but I also love to touch," Chloe moved to the edge of the bed. "I want to touch you now Bec," spreading her legs she guided her girlfriend between them, "Can I take it from here?"

Beca just wordlessly nodded as fingers splayed across her lower abdomen. A thumb rotated in circles hovering right above panty line and she let out a hiss when the fingers hooked around the elastic band of her panties and tugged them lower on one hip. They weren't completely off, they were still covering what she needed touched the most, but Chloe was kissing the newly exposed sensitive skin and Beca knew Chloe was toying with her because she was seconds away from begging.

"Is this," open mouthed kisses moved along Beca's skin, "gonna be one of my other birthday gifts?" She barely got out as her panties dropped lower and she threaded her fingers through red hair.

Chloe's tongue slid up Beca's stomach and she grinned when it jumped in anticipation, "Nope."

"Just ahhh…" Beca's eyes fluttered shut and her head dropped back when fingers purposefully brushed against her center, "just do what you gotta do…"

"Then these need to go…" hooking her right hand under the small elastic band Chloe slowly slid the soft fabric down to the ground. "And you…" lifting a leg, she helped Beca step out of them, as Beca's leg dropped back to the ground her hand slid slowly up, "need to lay down. But first…"

Pressing a couple of kisses to Beca's stomach, Chloe stood and kissed her way up until their lips reconnected. Beca didn't fight Chloe for control, in fact Beca wasn't fighting Chloe for anything right now. It had been so long since they'd been this way and Chloe rarely takes the lead, so Beca's just going to roll with it.

One thing Beca has learned from physically being with Chloe is that Chloe's all about being present in the moment. Chloe taught her more about intimacy and vulnerability the first time they slept together than all her other partners combined. Chloe has eliminated a lot of the stereotypes she's built in her mind and that's allowed her to focus more on them and what they are doing. And honestly, Beca hasn't ever looked back. She's found a whole new side of herself and a whole new way to express her love for Chloe and she can confidently say she's a better lover for it.

The kiss ended with a slight tug to Beca's bottom lip in this way that always makes her follow and try to get another one. Yet other times, just to fuck with her mind, Chloe will dance her fingers along her abdomen and slowly work them lower while pulling that lip biting trick so softly, yet just hard enough to be felt, that it will reduce her mind to fucking putty. The actions are always deliberate too, it's like a game for Chloe, and whether it's used to tease her or to turn her on, Chloe knows what it does to her and uses it to her advantage.

And absolute putty is what Beca was right now because she doesn't even know how she ended up back down on the bed. Propping up on her elbows, she spread her legs slightly and watched, actually her eyes were glued, on Chloe and how her fingers were lowing the zipper of her shorts at this agonizingly slow pace and then how she fucking danced them off her slender hips leaving her clad only in a dark pair of green panties.

Beca swallowed hard, her fingers clutching the bed sheet, "Fuck, you're so hot."

Chloe didn't say a word, she just winked as she bent and shed her last bit of clothing.

Running her hands up Beca's thighs, Chloe eventually nudged them open further so she could step in between them. Reaching out she lightly pressed a hand to Beca's chest, "Now, lay back babe."

Following without protest, Beca's eyes fluttered shut as the hand slid down her body, hitting every sensitive spot along the way until it came to rest right at her center.

Chloe's thumb swirled tight circles around Beca's clit making her swear loudly, "Holy shit…"

"Just breathe Bec…"

Cracking her eyes open, Beca looked down her body and she swears she almost came right then. Chloe was kneeling in front of her, her right leg was over Chloe's left shoulder and Chloe was slowly leaning in. Chloe rarely went down on her and it's not because Chloe disliked it, it was simply because Chloe was a very hands on lover. So the fact that Chloe was about to do this now, was the last thing Beca ever expected. Hell, she never expected them to actually be doing this today, but she's not complaining.

Chloe's tongue barley grazed Beca's clit, making her whole body jerk as she bit back a moan, when a loud and obnoxious alarm sounded from the kitchen. They both jumped when a second later Billie and Gizmo started loudly barking from the living room.

"What the fuck is that?" Beca sat up on her elbows and looked down at her girlfriend who was removing her leg from her shoulder with a disappointed sigh.

Chloe glanced behind her to the door, "Damn it…"

"What?" Beca asked breathless.

Standing, Chloe shifted her gaze back to Beca, who was laying completely naked on their bed and looking hot as fuck.

"The cake," Chloe sighed closing her eyes, "I completely forgot about the cake."

"And you set a timer, didn't you?" Beca stated factually cracking a smile.

"Yep…" In a way Chloe's glad she set the timer because now the cabin won't burn down, but she was also slightly annoyed at yet another interruption, "A high pitched and annoying timer."

"I forgot you were baking me a cake."

Chloe's eyes found Beca's again and before she knew it, they were both cracking up. Considering Beca's current position and how things abruptly ended Beca wasn't angry or even the slightest bit upset and that allowed Chloe to find humor in the whole situation. Beca just wore this smile and had this body language that said she wasn't worried and could care less. Chloe sees that look a lot, it's one of her favorites, and it makes her stomach do flip-flops and she can't help the shy smile that stretches across her face.

Bending down, Chloe stepped back into her panties and pulled them up, then reached for a t-shirt. Flipping it inside out, she slipped it on and when her head popped through the hole she was met with grey-blue eyes and a lopsided smile.

"What?"

"You look hot in my shirt," Beca's voice cut through the commotion coming from the other side of the bedroom door. "I forgot how good you look in my clothes."

Glancing down at the all black t-shirt, Chloe laughed when she saw the giant red lips and tongue centered in the middle. It was The Rolling Stones shirt her girlfriend had picked up at some trendy vintage record store slash coffee shop in San Francisco. They had gone there on a whim while on their second date in between dinner and the movie they were supposed to go see. They didn't end up seeing the movie, instead they spent the better part of two hours sipping mocha lattes while selecting records at random to discuss. They both ended up buying a few records to take home and Beca had added in the t-shirt.

"Sorry…"

"Don't be…"

"I'll take it off," Chloe bit her lip as she fingered the soft material that faintly smelled like Beca.

"Don't," moving to the edge of the bed, Beca grabbed the edge of the shirt and tugged it, "I love when you wear my clothes. It's fucking hot…"

Straddling her girlfriend, Chloe wet her lips, "I really need to get your cake out of the oven."

"I know," Beca whispered craning her neck. "And I'm…" she gave the softest of kisses, "looking forward to eating it."

"And I was looking forward to eating you," Chloe quipped back making Beca gasp against her lips.

Before Chloe could say another word, Beca ungracefully dragged them backwards until she was laying fully on top of her love. They traded heavy kisses and a hand slid under Chloe's panties and caressed her ass, making it extremely difficult to focus on anything but how amazing Beca's hands felt on her. Reluctantly pulling back, Chloe hovered over Beca and she saw nothing but love radiating from those grey-blue eyes.

"How much longer do we have before the cake burns?"

"Like five minutes tops."

"Good." Beca grinned before connecting their lips again.

Beca knows she really needs to let Chloe go so their cabin doesn't burn down, but fuck Chloe tastes so good and feels even better pressed against her. It's moments like this, the unrushed and lingering kisses where her hands roam just to roam, that she loves. She feels like she could easily spend the rest of her life memorizing every inch of Chloe's body and she's completely fine with that.

"Babe," Chloe broke away as fingers pushed her panties down her hips. Propping herself up with one hand she stilled Beca's wandering hand with the other. "I really need to get the cake."

"I know and I swear I'm not purposely trying to distract you." Falling back against the bed Beca ran her hands roughly along her face. Dropping them she smiled up at Chloe, "I'm just extremely horny and you're hot and you're not exactly pushing me away…"

Ducking her head, Chloe gave another soft kiss, "It's so easy to get caught up in you…"

"Yeah…Now go, before I flip you over and have my way with you," Beca's lips playfully chased after Chloe's. She just grinned when a hand pushed her back down against the bed. "Sorry, I couldn't resist."

"I know," with a final peck Chloe hopped off the bed. "I'd say I'll be right back, but…" bit her lip at how tempting Beca looked, "I've still got to make the icing."

"I understand," Beca propped herself up on her elbows and gave that lopsided smile that Chloe adores, "and I'm not upset. I'm actually really happy."

"Yeah well you almost got laid, that's why," Chloe tried to joke, but Beca's face turned serious.

"No, well partly yeah, but no, it's just you…" Beca fought to find her words as a pink tint dusted along her cheeks. "Look I'm not talking about the sex part of our relationship and despite the fact that it seems like we always get interrupted lately, I could care less if it took us another week or another year." Chloe's eyes were just so beautiful it made her heart stop, "I'm just head over heels in love with you and I know you know that, but that's why I'm happy. You, just standing in front of me, wearing my shirt, smiling at me with your beautiful shining blue eyes and tousled hair, fuck that makes me so happy Chlo." She exhaled, "If I never got another birthday gift the rest of my life, but I still have you by my side, that's all I'd want."

Chloe visibly relaxed and gave Beca a warm smile back, "Really?"

"Yes…"

"You're very sweet and your love for me, still amazes me," Chloe confessed then bit her bottom lip.

"It shouldn't," Beca easily countered and they were quiet for a few seconds. "Now go," she did a shooing motion with her hand making Chloe laugh, "I'll get dressed and take Billie and Giz for a walk so you can finish without any interruptions. I got some lyrics I want to get down in my songbook anyway."

"Ok!" Chloe blew a kiss as she opened the door then waved as she stepped out.

Flopping back onto the unmade bed, Beca just let out a long breath and grinned at the ceiling. This afternoon was the first time that what they were doing actually felt real. They were just being themselves and it was fun, it was like how it used to before all the shit happened between them. And she knows that had there been nothing in the oven then nothing would've stopped them this time. It was literally the perfect moment because it was so unexpected.

Rubbing an eye, Beca got out of bed and gave a quick stretch before gathering her clothes. She smiled to herself as she wandered over to the dresser for a clean t-shirt because over the mixer now going at full speed, she could hear Chloe singing along to whatever song was floating through the kitchen. Fuck, Chloe was perfect and yeah she wants to make Chloe singing in their kitchen, wearing hardly anything, a permanent thing between them.

Before exiting the room Beca grabbed her phone from where she'd left it charging earlier and frowned seeing a missed call from Gail and a few texts from Emily. Forgoing calling her manager, she opened her text app.

Emily [3:31PM]: Hey boss lady, call me ASAP! Thanks!

Emily [3:37PM]: Sorry, I should've said happy birthday first! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

That text was followed by a string of emojis birthday cakes, presents, candles and party hats. Emily's perpetual enthusiasm for just about any holiday or birthday always made Beca laugh. For the last few years Emily has been the only one who Beca would even remotely entertain on her birthday.

Emily [3:40PM]: Oh! I've also sent you an email explaining everything, please have a look at it…Thanks and tell Chloe I said hi!

Beca hadn't checked her work email in a few days and hadn't planned on looking at it at all today or the rest of the weekend. They only had a little less than a week before they left the little bubble they'd created here and the real world kicked back in, and she was fully determined to spend it focusing on her, Chloe, and their relationship.

Beca still had months left on her break and lately she'd been thinking about extending it so she could give this whole teaching gig a real go. She starts teaching the second week of January and she'd been working consistently, with a lot of help from Chloe, on creating her syllabus and lesson plans. She'd kept everyone in the loop on that, so the only other thing Emily or Gail would bother her about while she's here is the Adele song. Lately, she hadn't heard much about that, mainly because Emily had everything locked down and ready to roll, so maybe Emily had revised her schedule or something and just wanted it ok'd before passing it along to Adele's people.

Rounding the corner and entering the kitchen, Beca stepped up behind her girlfriend. After kissing a shoulder, she dipped her finger into the icing then licked it off.

"Delicious," Chloe just laughed swatting Beca's hand away. "Ok, it's time to take these two weirdos," kneeling down, Beca scratched Gizmo's stomach as Billie propped her front paws on her knee, "for a walk."

Glancing over her shoulder and down at the love of her life playing with their dogs, Chloe smiled because she wanted this scene to be something she sees daily.

"Whenever you get back, can you start the grill?" Chloe asked?

"Sure," Beca stood after clipping their leashes on, "but why don't we have a couple glasses of wine first? It's still pretty early."

Chloe turned and peeked at the digital clock on the corner of Beca's Kindle and giggled.

"Yeah, wine and a snack and of course your other birthday presents," Chloe sing-songed the last words making Beca shake her head and laugh, "sounds good. I'll still prep dinner though."

"Sounds good my love," Beca was given a quick cheek kiss as she snagged her songbook and water bottle Chloe had already set out for her. "We'll be back in a little while."

"Take your time! And I love ya babe!" Chloe called out as Beca waved goodbye over her head.

---

By the time Beca got back, Chloe had the back porch table all set for dinner and all decked out for her birthday. The table had a black and red checkered tablecloth, a couple of candles, the cake was sitting under one of those glass stands and had two neatly decorated presents flanking each side, and their wine bottle was already open and breathing. It was simple and sweet and just classic Chloe and Beca loved it. Yet, Chloe hadn't tried to outdo or replicate anything her mom had once done. Even the simple 'Happy Birthday' banner hanging from the window that looks into the kitchen and the dish of hummus and baked pita chips was so Chloe, that she couldn't help but smile.

The only bad thing was that Chloe had gone to all this trouble and now Beca had no choice but to kill the mood. Her phone call with Emily had been about Adele and the Skyfall song and it had floored her just as much as it was going to floor Chloe. The whole recording session had been moved up by an entire week because the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Adele had booked a last minute Christmas Eve performance together on the BBC. So the days they were supposed to record were now going to be used for rehearsal for that.

Then just to add insult to injury, Beca was going to have to fly out Monday afternoon instead of Wednesday. Emily claimed a snowstorm being called 'The Beast From the East' was supposed to hit that Wednesday and Beca didn't even need to be told that the airport and city would likely shutdown until conditions improved. Even though she was solely utilizing Abbey Road Studios to record with so many intricate and moving pieces losing a day or two of time, was kind of a huge deal. So she'd rather be in London and endure the snowstorm from her posh Four Seasons suite than be stuck in San Francisco and show up days late.

And one thing Beca hated was showing up late to a recording session and Emily, god love her, had already anticipated that and changed their charted flight to Monday. Therefore Beca had no choice but to head back to San Francisco tomorrow afternoon so she could have time to pack and get Gizmo to Aubrey and Jesse's with all his necessities.

This was going to crush her girlfriend. Beca doesn't want to leave, she wants to stay and complete this thing like she'd promised, but she has no choice. She's contractually obligated to follow the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the movie studios timeline, regardless of the situation. And just to reiterate that obligation, Emily had conveniently emailed her the page of the contract, which she signed, where it stated all that in a ton of legal mumbo-jumbo.

The backdoor opened and Beca turned to see Chloe smiling brightly, still wearing her Rolling Stones t-shirt and a pair of shorts, carrying a couple of wine glasses.

"Hey babe!" Pressing a quick kiss to Beca's lips as she passed Chloe smiled, "I didn't know you were back. Last time I looked, you were down by the dock on your phone."

"Yeah, sorry," Beca plastered on her best smile, "I was just admiring your handiwork, this looks great," Chloe just beamed at her, "I love it actually."

"It's not too much is it?" Chloe asked and Beca just shook her head as she set their wine glasses down. She'd been trying to keep the whole birthday thing low key and so far she felt like she has succeeded. "Good, because I promised you," reaching out she made a minor adjustment to a candle, "something simple, yet different from anything you'd had before."

Beca couldn't help but really smile because this is the first birthday since her mom died that she has actually enjoyed and it's all thanks to Chloe.

"And you've delivered," Beca said wrapping her arms around her girlfriend. Kissing a shoulder, she happily sighed, "Seriously Chlo, it's perfect. You're perfect."

"You're welcome," Chloe heard the hidden meaning and sincerity in her girlfriend's voice. "Now, how about some wine?" She asked as arms fell away, yet fingers lingered on her hips a few seconds longer.

"Yes please…can I have some of that hummus?"

"Of course," tipping the wine bottle, Chloe filled their glasses then set it aside and settled in her chair that Beca pulled out for her. "I also bought those pita chips with the sea salt you like. But first a toast," she raised her glass and Beca did the same, "Happy birthday Bec…I love you more than life itself, you're the love of my life and you're the person I want to marry someday," her face flushed at the acknowledgment, "and I'm so glad I get to spend this birthday and so many more with you."

Clinking their glasses, Beca took a sip then set it aside and leaned over to give Chloe a simple, sweet and loving kiss.

"Thank you," Beca answered wearing a soft smile, her fingers lightly stroking her girlfriend's cheeks. "Thank you so much Chlo, you have no idea how much you've helped me come to terms with a lot of shit last night and today. And I love you so much."

Chloe placed her hand on Beca's wrists and she stared into grey-blue eyes, "Helping you and loving you gives me a purpose and a fulfillment that I've always desired. Being with you and loving you are the easiest things I've ever done in my life."

"You constantly amaze me and you say I'm the perfect girlfriend." Beca smiled, "I don't hold a candle to you."

"Flattery will get you everywhere Mitchell," Chloe grinned and stole another kiss before picking up her wine glass and taking another sip.

Reaching for her own glass, Beca took another sip and relaxed in her chair. The conversation was light as they snacked on hummus and drank wine and Beca marveled at how nice the whole atmosphere was and how comfortable it was just to sit and enjoy their time together. Beca hasn't been this content with her life or with who she is since the day her mom died. But with the help of the amazing woman next to her, she finally has everything she has ever wanted in life.

The fact that Beca has to leave tomorrow afternoon and still has to break the news to Chloe is weighing heavily on her mind. However, for just a little while she's going to push it away and concentrate on how perfect life is right now. Chloe has gone out of her way to make this day happen and she doesn't want to kill that beautiful and loving smile that has been permanently fixed on Chloe's face all day.

"Ok," Chloe dusted her fingers off after eating a pita chip, "it's present time!" She excitedly said, "You get one now, then the last one before dessert."

"Well that's no fun," Beca pouted and she heard that giggle that just lights up her world. "Kidding, do I at least get to choose?"

"Yes! On the left we have gift one," Chloe swept her hand showcasing the bright yellow bag with music notes on it, "and on the right gift two," she pointed to the green and gold stripped package with a sparking silver bow sitting on the top. "They aren't related, so it doesn't matter which one you choose."

Beca pressed a finger to her lips and tapped it. It was a tactic used to prolong her choice, so she could watch Chloe's excited anticipation grow by the second. She honestly had no idea what was in either present, Chloe had been pretty tightlipped about her whole gift situation. There hadn't even been one single hinting inquiry about anything remotely strange during their conversations that could've tipped her off. Beca was literally clueless about what she was getting next.

"I'll take option one please," Chloe gave a light clap before reaching for the bag, making Beca laugh. When the gift was set in her hands, she pulled the top layer of tissue paper off and peered inside, but only found a card. "Interesting…"

Chloe grinned watching Beca lift the card out, "Read that first then dig deeper. It's a clue," she got up close to her girlfriend's ear, "but I bet you can't guess what I got you," she whispered then kissed a cheek.

"It's from you," Beca smiled brightly, "it doesn't matter what it is, you picked it out with love."

"I did! How'd you know?"

Removing the card from the envelope, Beca ran her fingers over the front that had 'I loaf you very much…' written across the top and two pieces of toast holding hands with tiny hearts floating above their heads. Beca just laughed because Chloe was always throwing these types of ridiculous puns at her. They were so corny but she secretly loved them.

Opening the card, Beca read the preprinted lines and threw her head back and laughed.

All moms give birth to a child, except your mom…your mom gave birth to a goddamn legend.

Flipping her eyes to the left side of the card Beca saw Chloe's loopy handwriting and her laughing quieted as she read the small paragraph.

Professor Mitchell…

You make my heart sing and you give me goose bumps whenever you're near and it's not just because you're sexy beyond belief (ok maybe that has a little bit to do with it, but can't you fault a girl for that can you?)…Being a teacher is a big deal and if your students love you even a tenth as much I do and find you even as remotely intriguing as me, then they're in for one hell of a semester. You're passionate about music and I can't wait to see you pass that love onto others. So, to aid you on that journey you'll need this to help keep things organized. Plus, it'll definitely add to your super sexy professor vibe you're totally gonna give off…

Oh and I plan on being that girlfriend who takes a ton of annoying pictures on your first day of school. So be ready!

I love you! Happy birthday!

The card was signed Chloe with a couple of XX's and OO's and Beca loved it.

Setting the card on the table, Beca turned her head and smiled, "Thanks my love."

"You're welcome…" Chloe was bursting at the seams with excitement, "Any guesses?"

"None actually…"

Shifting through the remaining tissue paper, Beca pulled out a camel colored leather bag complete with outside pockets, a heavy duty carrying handle, straps and buckles to close the flap, and a sturdy shoulder strap. Opening the outside flap she found three zippered compartments with tons of space to carry literally everything from her current laptop bag and still have ample room for other random shit. It was awesome and something she totally needed.

"Chlo this is amazing," Beca ran her fingers over the handmade bag that felt and smelled like conditioned leather. "I've never had a bag this nice or professional before."

"I made sure to get something high quality that would last. Oh and the inside is made of heavy duty canvas." Chloe opened one of the zippered compartments and Beca moved her head closer, "So between it and the leather it'll be fairly water resistant when it rains in San Francisco."

"This is great and there's enough room for everything including sheet music and my headphones," Beca grinned. "And look," she found a small secret zippered compartment behind the pen and cell phone holder, "this is the perfect place for my song notebook. I love it."

"I'm glad," Chloe smiled. "I liked it because it had this vintage and worn feel to it. It's not flashy and not overly professional looking, it's got a little bit of edginess, just like you."

Chloe was actually looking for something for Beca's office when she came across this. Usually she only buys bags in person, especially when they are this expensive, but she went with her gut on this one. She ended up going with the biggest of the three options the website had to offer because she wanted Beca to have plenty of room to carry her teaching materials, sheet music, laptop, and normal everyday stuff.

"Chlo, you know me so well, this is perfect," Beca smiled down at the bag. "Thank you, I'm going to start using it tomorrow."

"You're welcome," Chloe loved how surprised and excited Beca was about her gift.

"Were you serious about the first day of school pic?"

"As a heart attack," Chloe deadpanned, then laughed when Beca's eyes flipped to hers in alarm. "I'm taking that pic, then sending it to all our friends and posting it to Instagram. Everyone," she wrapped an arm around Beca's shoulder, "is going to know how proud I am of my girlfriend on her first day as bonafide college professor."

Beca slumped her shoulders, "There's no use fighting you on this is there?"

"Nope."

"Ok…"

Chloe kissed a cheek, "Well, that was easier than I thought."

"I decided to wait and be difficult on my first day of school," Beca retorted. "You know, give you time to prepare for me to be a major pain in the ass that morning."

"So, how is that different from any other morning?" Chloe joked getting a light shove before Beca crossed her arms and scowled. A grumpy morning Beca was absolutely adorable and one of her favorite things in life. Pinching a cheek she bribed, "I'll put a fruit rollup in your lunch if you smile real big for the camera."

"I'd rather touch your boobs," Beca deadpanned, although she was secretly scheming how she could finagle both because she loved fruit rollups. "You know," her face lit up and Chloe burst out laughing as she wiggled her eyebrows, "for an ass grab, I'll pose and be cute."

Chloe picked up her wine glass and before finishing it off she said, "Oh my god, what have I got myself into."

"You love me…"

"I do…" pushing her chair back Chloe reached for the wine bottle and refilled their glasses. "Ready to eat?" Beca nodded checking her watch. "Me too," she set the bottle aside, "start the grill, I'm gonna need you to be the grill master."

Beca quirked an eyebrow, "What am I getting for my birthday dinner?"

"Steak and jumbo scallop kabobs with roasted vegetables and a cucumber salad in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing," Chloe stated factually and all Beca did was grin.

---

The rest of the evening flowed perfectly and Beca seriously never wanted it to end. Chloe was just all kinds of amazing, she's managed to make today a beautiful day, instead of something she dreaded. And as they sit here, lightly swaying in the hammock, watching the sun slowly descend across the lake, Beca can't think of a better way to finish out her birthday.

"It has the capability to track treadmill running." Chloe stated a few minutes later with a soft smile as Beca fiddled with her new GPS running watch on her wrist. "And you can download all your workouts to an app on your phone."

"This is great, my love, thanks," Beca grinned. "You've totally outdone yourself in the present department."

Chloe pecked her girlfriend's lips, "You're more than worth it."

"This has been one of the best birthdays ever," Beca happily sighed. "Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome," Chloe smiled, she loved seeing Beca this happy, she loved being the reason behind it. "Can I get you anything else, babe?"

"Nope, I'm perfect," Beca exhaled as a set of fingers trailed along her t-shirt clad abdomen, "although you can keep doing that," she heard a faint giggle as a kiss was pressed to her shoulder. "Preferably, a little bit lower and in tight fast circles on one particular spot."

"Ok," Chloe's hand slid further down and her wrist was quickly grabbed just as her fingertips ducked under the button of her girlfriend's shorts. "What?" she laughed.

"Dude, I was kidding!" Beca's face flushed bright red. "Y-you can't get me off here."

"Why not?"

"Because," lifting her head Beca surveyed the area, "we're outside."

"So what, we're alone…" Chloe teased. "Let me finish what I started earlier."

They were alone that was a fact, a boat hadn't passed by them all night and no one ever wandered this far away from the retreat. They'd been leisurely making out since they settled in the hammock an hour ago and Chloe was under the impression that things were slowly heating up between them again.

"Are you forgetting the fact that you did the exact same thing to me at your beach house? I never stopped you…" Beca's mouth popped open to protest as a blush ran up her cheeks making Chloe widely grin, "So how is that different from right now?"

"I don't know Chlo it just is…" Beca tossed back then bit her lip.

Chloe could see the wheels spinning in Beca's head trying to discern that situation from the present one and ultimately coming up with no way to argue against it. It was cute; Beca's eyebrows were knitted in concentration and the hand that was holding one of her own had its thumb running back and forth along her wrist.

That wrist thing was a new development that appeared one day while they were in a couple's session. Chloe's not even sure Beca realizes she does it half the time, but Chloe likes to think that it helps her girlfriend process her thoughts. This action was different from the nervously or anxiously tapping fingers that Beca also does. Usually when Beca taps her fingers it means she doesn't want to talk about something or is trying to find a way to avoid a particular conversation.

So Chloe likes to think this calming alternative means Beca is really focusing on what she wants to say or do and that's helping center her emotions. Chloe loves the simple action, adores it actually, and never wants it to stop.

"Please," Beca's attention focused back on Chloe, "say you're just fucking with me. My beach house and this place are just different. No one remotely had a chance of seeing us there."

"I so am," Chloe winked with a grin, "but I'm game if you are."

"Hard pass on that," Beca wet her lips, "but I will do this."

Beca's lips captured Chloe's again and they began a slow and downright not suitable for any type of PDA outside of the bedroom type kiss. It surprised Chloe, blew her away, and made her fingers clamp down on Beca's sides to keep herself grounded. Fuck, did it feel good to be this way with her girlfriend again without any worries or fear.

"Well damn," Chloe's head fell back to rest against the hammock with a satisfied smile as Beca released a slow breath. Her heart was beating out of her chest because she wasn't expecting that, "you're an incredible kisser."

"And you're incredibly beautiful," Beca lovingly smiled as Chloe's eyes drifted back open to study her.

Chloe swallowed the lump in her throat. Sometimes, even after all this time and hundreds of compliments, something as simple as incredibly beautiful spoken with so much sincerity still catches her off guard.

"It's true," using a finger Beca swept a stray stand of hair off Chloe's cheek then trailed it down slowly until it fell away. "Sometimes I don't think you're real and most of the time," her voice was almost a whisper, "well most of the time I can't believe I landed someone as perfect as you. You aren't supposed to happen to people like me…"

Cuddling in closer, Chloe presses a soft kiss to Beca's lips and contemplates how completely wrong Beca's statement is. They are totally supposed to happen, their life stories were destined to cross at some point, and it was inevitable.

Closing her eyes, Chloe rested her cheek on Beca's shoulder, "But I am supposed to happen. We," she stressed, "are supposed to happen…"

"I know that now," Beca quickly followed up. "If I hadn't have met you in San Francisco, I would've met you someplace else. And…" she pressed a kiss to her girlfriend's temple, "and I still would've fallen hard and fast for you."

"You know," Chloe's fingers danced along a shirt clad abdomen and came to rest at Beca's side, "about an hour before you asked me on our first official date," Beca chuckled because they both know they basically dated the whole time they were together, "I talked to this lady who was sitting near us."

"I remember, I saw you guys when I was playing with Giz and Billie," Beca commented.

"Beside the fact that she called you a 'total keeper', which you completely are, and that people cross paths for a reason," tilting her head Chloe pressed a soft kiss to Beca's jaw, "she also told me exactly what I needed to hear and I'll never forget it…Don't let my past and the hearts that didn't love me, keep me from the future and the ones who will."

Beca took Chloe's hand and threaded their fingers together, "Do you think that changed your decision to go on that date with me?"

Tilting her head up Chloe connected their eyes and smiled, "No, I would've gone out with you regardless," a grin broke out across her loves face. "But I do think it changed how I initially approached us, if that makes any sense."

"Like, you weren't as guarded as you probably would've been?"

Chloe nodded then rested her head back on her girlfriend's shoulder, "I think so…I mean I was still pretty guarded with certain aspects of my life. But with my heart, I wasn't." Beca's foot pushed the ground and made the hammock lightly sway again. "I kinda just let myself fall in love with you, you know?"

"Falling in love with you didn't really take me by surprise, but it was beautiful to experience. Hell, it was more beautiful than any music I could ever write." Chloe could hear the smile in Beca's voice.

"And more beautiful than any picture I could paint…"

They were quiet again and Beca kept dreading the fact that even as they talked about something so beautiful, that her mind always seemed to wander to the inevitable confession she has to make. She's dreading telling Chloe that she needs to leave tomorrow and ruining their otherwise perfect day and evening. Except she knows that if she doesn't say something tonight then tomorrow they will end up in another fight, a fight where they'll probably say things they don't mean, and she'll still have to leave feeling even more guilty than she does now.

The sun was slowly sinking and Beca just watched the rays play off the lake. It makes her wish she was as brilliant a photographer and artist as Chloe. Chloe's probably taken a thousand pictures of the setting sun since they've been here and it was always done under the excuse that each day is different and she doesn't want to miss how the clouds or a boat or even raining affects a picture. It's a unique perspective on things and had Chloe never said anything, Beca would've continued to look at every sunset the same regardless of the subtle difference that naturally occur. Now, she really sees how beautiful each day is and she loves Chloe even more for opening her eyes to that.

"You seem really calm and relaxed babe," Chloe's soothing voice startled Beca, "I like you like this."

For all practical purposes, Beca had been quiet for so long that she thought Chloe might have dozed off. And judging by the light raspiness in Chloe's voice, it seems like her girlfriend was close to it.

"I'm like this whenever you're around. Something about you Chloe Beale…" Beca quietly said. "I like how you make me feel."

"I equate it to being with the one you love…"

"And I do love you," Beca's hand lightly caressed her girlfriend's thigh as her eyes remained trained on the lake and she momentarily allowed herself to forget about what she needed to say. "Plus, its peaceful here and I don't know…" she let out a slow breath, "it's someplace I can see myself wanting to come back to."

"I wish your beach house or a place like this weren't six hour drives away," Chloe wistfully said. "I mean I love San Francisco, but sometimes you just want to escape the city."

Beca fully agreed because she now sees the value of taking time for herself away from everything.

Beca pressed a kiss to Chloe's cheek, "Besides going on dates and our daily lives, we should probably make it a habit of getting away just the two of us…Aubrey and Jesse do it all the time. He says it helps them stay connected and I used to laugh at how coupley he sounded but now I see the validity…" She scratched the side of her head and let out a small laugh, "Damn, I've learned so much being with you."

Chloe brightly smiled, "Me too. I don't even know if I want to call my past relationships, relationships anymore, because they never felt like what you and I have."

"Granted, I never had a serious girlfriend before you and I'm fully convinced you're it for me, but I totally get what you're saying." At that Chloe gave Beca another one of those brilliant heart stopping smiles that she fell in love with. "I know I say that a lot, but I don't want anyone else. I only want you and I want to experience life and go places with only you Chlo. Even if it's just a weekend in Napa or an extended trip to Thailand…"

Carefully shifting her body so that the hammock didn't swing, Chloe positioned herself so she could rest her head in Beca's lap. Well, it was more like resting her head on Beca's stomach, but it was perfect because she could see her loves face. She saw that genuine smile and loving eyes, because it was projecting everything she felt from Beca's words.

"That's pretty impressive you could maneuver without flipping us," Beca laughed.

"See, I have skills you don't even know about," a finger traced the bridge of Chloe's nose then down over her lips before resting lightly on her neck. The action made her smile adoringly. "Was that ok?" Her words were tentative because she didn't really ask before she made her move, but those grey-blue eyes shining down at her with so much love gave her all the answer she needed. "So, Thailand will be our next adventure huh?"

A shy grin broke out across Beca's face, "I mean, yeah if you want to. I like Thai food and I've been doing research and it seems pretty cool. I know you've probably been there already, but…"

"Bec," Chloe cut in gently poking her girlfriend's stomach, "I haven't been there yet…"

"No?" The curious grin made Chloe's heart flutter.

"Nope," Chloe shook her head. "I had planned on it after Vietnam, but I ended up in Malaysia instead. Then I worked my way to Singapore and eventually island hopping through Indonesia."

"And that's how you ended up in Australia?"

"Yeah, I flew from Singapore to Jakarta," Chloe thought for a few seconds, "Then took buses and trains until I got to Bali. From there, it was boats down and around," she drew a map on Beca's stomach, "a few islands until I ended up in Bali again, because it was so beautiful. FYI," her fingers danced along, "that's a totally romantic honeymoon location."

Beca just laughed, "I'll keep that in mind."

"Good," Chloe grinned. "After that, it was an easy four hour plane ride to Perth."

"Your adventure streak kinda scares the shit out of me, but it also makes me want to jump right in beside you and go too," Chloe's love for all things travel, even talking about small details like this, just made Beca want to experience things even more with her girlfriend. "So, like is Thailand a yes for our next adventure together then?"

Taking the hand from her neck, Chloe pressed a soft kiss to it then laced their fingers together.

"Absolutely! I'm actually dying to go to this elephant sanctuary and there are some amazing beach resorts. We can explore so much together," Chloe grinned. "But we totally have to backpack it in Thailand, if you can handle that?" She bit her lip in anticipation.

"I'm not sure what that means, but think I can, as long as said beach resort is five star and we spend at least a week there," Beca didn't need to mention how desperate she was to see her girlfriend in a bikini drinking some fancy drink on a lounge chair next to the ocean. "Other than that I'm at your mercy and will proudly stay wherever you think is best. But nothing totally sketch please."

"You got it!" Chloe gave a thumbs up. "And with me being a journalist, I can work pretty much anywhere that has wifi," she excitedly added. "My boss at The Chronicle even said that."

The more Chloe learned about her new job, the more she grew to love it. Yeah, she was part of the arts and entertainment division and it was focused around what was happening in the Bay Area, but with the music aspect she could highlight pretty much anything. Her new boss basically gave her free reign, saying he wanted something fresh and fun and she had some awesome ideas for music themed articles every time they got published, which as of right now was only Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. However, Thursday is when they officially got a whole section of the paper and she got a couple of pages, instead of just a couple of sections.

So Chloe had been toying with the idea of using part of her assigned pages in the Thursday edition for slipping in a 'Travel To Music' section. Basically, it was about how to see the world differently by adding a musical playlist as the travel companion. It was something she'd always done while solo traveling that entire year and it gave a unique perspective to the world. She'd obviously throw world travel in, but she also wants to make it relatable to the everyday person who can't just drop everything and make an extended trip to Thailand. So incorporating music into small local road trips and areas around town, to a hiking adventure or even a spontaneous weekend getaway to wander down 5th Avenue in New York City on a winter afternoon, everything was fair game. It was going to be an amazing way to highlight things she loves; music, travel and photography. And she also can't wait to drag Beca along.

"So, no time restraints?"

"None that I can see, I just need to make sure I give him a heads up if I leave town, that's all he asked," Chloe smiled. "I mean with this job I mainly work from home anyway, I knew that up front. I still plan on going in a couple days a week, just cause that's me, but it's not mandatory. It's a pretty laidback environment."

"Well ok then," Beca laughed, she loved Chloe's excitement for this job and she loved that it would give them the opportunity to spend more time together. "We can do Thailand no sweat then, how's a month sound?"

Lifting a finger, Chloe tapped Beca's nose with a wide grin, "Sold! You don't know how excited I am about this. Oh," she exclaimed snapping her fingers, "do you know how to scuba dive?"

"Chlo, are you really asking me that?" Beca deadpanned and got a light slap to her stomach. "You're talking to the person who never kayaked or hiked before they met you, but now loves it and just asked you to go to Thailand with them for a month. In what world do you think I scuba dive?"

"You're right, but we'll need to get you certified before then, Thailand has some awesome scuba diving locations. The course is super easy and takes like a weekend…" Chloe excitedly squealed. "In fact, we'll go to your place in Malibu on your spring break Professor Mitchell and do it then. You'll be a pro in no time."

"Is scuba diving another one of your hidden skills?" Beca laughed.

"Oh totes, I took a class in college and have been doing it ever since," Chloe proudly stated making Beca laugh harder. "In the Philippines, I got my advanced certification and since then, I've logged tons of dives, some even at night!"

"You are crazy, but god I love it…" Dipping her head, Beca gave another easy kiss and fingernails lightly scrapped the back of her neck. She wasn't keen on the whole breathing underwater thing and the possibility of confronting hammerhead sharks, but if Chloe got this amped up about it, she'd pretty much try anything. Pulling back, she grinned as she brushed the pad of her thumb along Chloe's bottom lip, "Why aren't you a travel journalist my love? You're so passionate about it."

At this Chloe bit her lip then shrugged, "I've actually thought a lot about it. You know I keep a journal and draw about all my travel adventures," Beca nodded. "So it's not like it would take that much to switch gears away from music, but I don't know. Something about the world of music just makes me want to write. While travel, makes me want to paint and take pictures. I think writing full time about it instead of music would dampen the way I experience travel. Plus," she let out a breath and smiled, "I want it to be something we can share and not have to pause our adventures because I have to work or take notes."

"I wouldn't mind, but I get it," Beca said.

Chloe's eyes fluttered as fingers softly traced her collarbone over her t-shirt, "Plus, music gives me you."

"You always have me," Beca moved her fingers to rest on her girlfriend's stomach. "So when did you want to go to Thailand?"

"Probably after you're done teaching for the semester," Chloe pressed her lips against Beca's arm, "but let's focus on our upcoming trip first. After that we can hash out our next trip details."

"I can work with that," Beca quietly said.

Closing her eyes, Chloe nuzzled her face against Beca's stomach with a soft sigh. Once again Beca was left in utter amazement that this person, this absolutely gorgeous and caring and fun loving person, was all hers in every single way.

Beca's not sure how long she spent just pushing her foot to gently rock their hammock, but her eyes never left her girlfriend's face and she wore a warm smile the entire time. She wants more nights like this and she wants Chloe for the rest of her life. They aren't remotely ready for marriage yet, but it's definitely in their future, she can feel it.

But as Beca sits here in this beautiful moment, her world came crashing down again because she knows she couldn't prolong her news any longer.

"Hey Chlo," Beca's voice wavered slightly and bright blue eyes cracked open to give a lazy smile up at her making her heart melt.

"Yeah babe?" Chloe's voice sounded drowsy and like she was completely comfortable and ready for bed. "Mmmm, you're super comfy," to emphasize her point she wiggled her head, "you're gonna make me fall asleep before I get to finish what I started earlier this afternoon…And we're definitely finishing, I just need a little nap first."

Beca snorted out a laugh, "Oh yeah?"

Chloe nodded as her eyes drifted shut again and Beca thought it was entirely too cute.

"Yep," fingers lightly combed through Chloe's hair and she sighed, "I've been in a perpetual state of horniness since that damn timer on my phone went off."

Beca just laughed loud. It was amazing how easily Chloe could take her mind off of everything with one single sentence. It was a unique talent that Chloe had and it has proved to be a valuable asset at the best times. Admittedly this time, it was all about sex, but hey it was still true. She would be lying if she hadn't thought about what happened a few hours ago at least a thousand times.

"I mean fuck…" Chloe let out a long stream of air, "just laying here I've thought about jumping you, but I don't want to risk flipping this thing and breaking your arm right before your important recording session in London…" a hand worked its way along her abdomen. "But, I'm not gonna lie, I really need to have sex Bec."

"Yeah same…" Beca bit her lip and held back a frustrated sigh. "But…"

"No buts…bedroom in fifteen minutes…"

It would be so easy to take that offer up, but she couldn't do that to Chloe. Chloe needed the truth and they needed to talk about it now and not make it seem like she'd just taken advantage of the situation.

"Listen, my love," Beca stilled her own wandering hands, "we can continue this in a few minutes, but first I need to talk about the London trip…"

---

Thanks for reading!

Liked it, loved it or hated it? I want to know your thoughts, so drop me a review or shoot me a PM and let me know what you think.

Ok so because the wait was sooooooo long on this chapter, I will let you know that the next one is done and my amazing beta has already given it back to me! So, you guys will be getting a super quick update. More than likely sometime next weekend (I'm not going to give it to you that fast haha)...Oh and I might be persuaded to do an M rated chapter before we wrap things up, if you guys want it that bad...

I know I say this all the time because I really do suck at responding to all reviews, but I can't thank you guys enough for the response for this fic! I read every single one and I just want to say THANK YOU for sticking by me for this long! I love writing for you guys!

Until next time...