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Beca had been oddly quiet all rehearsal and Chloe could tell something was wrong, but there wasn't much of a good time to say something so she tabled it until afterward.
As soon as rehearsal was done, Beca made a beeline for the lesser-used exit door. Everyone stared at where she'd gone, mainly because people hardly used that door.
"Is she okay?" Emily asked. No one else seemed as concerned and that just threw her even more off. Chloe smiled weakly at her before leaving through the same door Beca did.
Everyone got the hint and left through the normal door.
"Hey" Chloe said softly, sitting next to Beca on the small staircase out the side. She was sure to maintain a healthy distance so as to not overwhelm the other woman further but was still close enough for Beca to know she was there.
Beca was rocking back and forth slightly and was humming the melody of the song they were working on to herself. It was always a bit jarring, seeing her like this, because she just seemed so functional most of the time, but Chloe was working on getting rid of that mentality when it came to Beca's Autism.
"Is there anything I can do?" she asked awkwardly after a moment. Beca paused in her motions, seemingly only then fully realizing that Chloe was there. She shook her head.
"Sorry"
"You don't have anything to apologize for" Chloe said with a small smile. "Do you want water?" she asked. She always kept a few water bottles (as well as a bag of cough drops) in her bag in case anyone needed it- Vocal health and all that.
Beca thought for a moment and then nodded, so Chloe handed her a bottle, which she promptly chugged almost in its entirety. "Thanks"
"Was it too loud inside?" Chloe asked, unsure of what else to say. Beca shrugged.
"Not necessarily" she said. "Just a... Bad sensory day, I guess"
"Do you want to come back to my dorm and watch a movie or something?" Chloe offered. "Or do you want to be left alone?"
"I'd rather be alone for the evening, if that's okay" Beca replied, examining Chloe's face for any hint of anger or annoyance but coming up empty. Instead she was greeted only with a warm, loving smile and a nod.
"Of course" the redhead said. "But call or text me if you need anything, okay?"
"Thanks"
"I love you"
"Love you too"
