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ONE WEEK AFTER THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Seniors’ Last Night At The Bella House
“Cheers!” everybody around the dining says as their glasses meet in the middle.
It is the graduating Bellas’ last night at the Bella house before they leave it all to Emily. Making the most out of the evening by eating take out from their favorite restaurant and opening the finest bottle of wine they could manage. And a few beers here and there.
“Okay, I gotta ask.” Cynthia Rose says, eyes fixated on Beca and Chloe who are leaning against each other, Beca’s arm around the redheads shoulder. “Now that Mitchell’s going to LA, does that mean y’all are breaking up?” she asks, almost causing Beca to spit her beer out.
“What?” Chloe asks, confused.
“Yeah, CR’s got a point. As much as I love you guys, long-distance relationships could be pretty hard to maintain.” Emily agrees.
“Uhm, hello?” the redhead replies, looking around the table. “Last I checked, only couples break up and we,” she points between her and Beca who is just chuckling next to her. “are not a couple!”
“What? Noooo, you can’t tell me that after all this time you still haven’t jumped each others bones?” Amy lolls her head back in frustration.
“Damn, I was so sure you guys were gonna finally announce it to us tonight.” CR mumbles to herself.
“Right!” Amy exclaims. “You two are sweeter than legs and blondie over here.” the Australian gestures toward Stacie and Aubrey seated across from her.
“Hey!” “That’s not true.” the offended couple say simultaneously.
“That’s why we aren’t a couple.” Beca finally says, tightening her grip around Chloe’s shoulder. “At least we don’t have to break up.” they smile at each other.
“Is that so?” Chloe raises her eyebrows at the girl.
“Yup!” she replies, picking up her beer, “Because love ends, but friendship is forever!” drunkenly raising it above her head.
“She’s got a point.”
“Makes sense.”
“Okay, you got me there.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
The rest of the Bellas agree, giving it up.
“Now.” Stacie stands up from her chair. “How about we end this night with a little game of truth or dare.”
All the Bellas agree in excitement but all Beca can do is groan. “What are we? In high school? C’mon guys, we just graduated college.” she whines as the others start to stand up and move to the living room.
“Aww c’mon, Becs. Live a little.” Chloe says, offering her hand to the brunette. “It’s our last night here.” she singsongs.
Beca contemplates, looking from Chloe’s wiggling fingers to her urging smile. “Ugh, fine.” she gives in, taking Chloe hand and allowing the girl to drag her to the living room with everyone else.
“Rules are simple, someone spins the bottle and whoever it lands on has to choose between a truth or a dare. The person does whatever is asked and in turn spins the bottle next and so on. We might not remember this tomorrow morning so by all means, go crazy.” Stacie explains as she sets an empty beer bottle in the middle of the group. “Okay!” she claps her hand. “I’ll go first.” she says, scooting herself towards the bottle and spinning it.
It lands on Amy.
“Give me a dare, legs. I’m no pussy.”
“Hmmm.” the girl thinks. “I dare you to call Bumper up, shout that he gave you syphilis and immediately hang up.”
The Australian scoffs. “This is way too easy.” she says as she grabs her phone and clicks on Bumper’s number.
“Put it on speaker!” Flo says, the rest of the Bellas nodding in agreement.
Putting it on speaker, it only take a couple rings before they hear a voice on the other end of the line. “Miss me alre-“
“You jerk!” Amy cuts him off. “You gave me syphilis!” she does as told and immediately hangs up.
Everyone laughs at the exchange.
“He’s gonna be so miserable blowing up my phone all night.” the girl says. “Okay! I’ll spin now.”
“Oh shit.” Beca mumbles when it lands on her.
“Okay, shortstack. Truth or dare?”
“Truth. I’m not stupid enough to let you give me a dare.”
“Aww c’mon, Beca. I had the perfect dare for you!” Amy whines.
“Well too bad, Ames. I chose truth.” the short brunette deadpans.
“Okay, but I’ll make it count and ask what everyone wants to know.” she says. “Were you telling the truth earlier when you said you and Beale never did it?” she asks, not wanting to accept Beca’s earlier answer.
“You’re wasting your truth here, Amy. But the answer’s still no.” Beca states firmly.
The Australian groans. “But if you had the chance, would you?”
“Hey now, I already answered one question. It’s my turn now.” she says, untangling herself from Chloe’s arms and reaching for the bottle. “Aubrey!”
“I’d like to see what kind of dares you give out, Mitchell.” Aubrey challenges.
“Okay…” she thinks. “Read your latest conversation with Stacie out loud.” All the color drains from Aubrey’s face when she hears this while her girlfriend laughs hysterically next to her.
“Uhm.” her voice shakes as she slowly pulls up hers and Stacie’s conversation from the night prior. “So I uh, woke up in the middle of the night last night and she wasn’t next to me, so I texted her.”
She starts reading out loud.
Aubrey: Where’d you go? :((
Stacie: In the kitchen, babe. I was hungry.
Aubrey: Well, come upstairs. I’m hungry too.
Stacie: Will do, babe. I’ll just grab whatever you feel like having and go straight upstairs.
Aubrey: No need. I know what I want to eat ;)
“…and then I sent her a picture of me in bed… topless.” Aubrey shuts her eyes as she finishes reading off the conversation.
She can hear a chorus of ooo’s as she tries to mask her embarrassment. “I want to see it!” she hears Amy say, causing her to look at the girl, eyes wide open this time.
“What?! No!” she refuses, turning to Beca, “That wasn’t part of the dare, midget. You said to just read it.” Aubrey argues firmly.
“Hey.” the DJ raises her hands. “I didn’t ask to see it. No thank you.” she says. “No need to show Amy.”
“Thank you.” Aubrey leans against Stacie, sighing in relief.
“You have to spin the bottle now, Aubrey.” Jessica says.
“Oh! Yeah.” she sits up and reaches for the bottle. “Okay, Flo. Truth or dare?”
The game goes on as they exchange secrets, embarrassing moments, dares like showing your browser history, flashing someone, and lap dances.
“Chug! Chug! Chug! Chug! Chug!”
Right now though, Emily just dared Amy to chug a bottle of beer. The girl not being one to turn down a challenge accepts even though she consumed the most wine during dinner, plus, this would probably be her 6th bottle of beer for the night.
There’s a loud slam when she sets the bottle down on the floor, raising her arms in triumph as the Bellas cheer.
Ignoring the designated bottle in the middle, she spins her own. “Well, well, well, Beale.” the girl smiles mischievously at the redhead.
“Lay it on me, Ames.”
“I dare you to make out with shortstack for 15 seconds.” Amy nods towards Chloe.
“Uhm…” she takes a second, not feeling so confident anymore. “Are you?” she starts to ask, turning to the girl in her arms. “Are you okay with this?”
“Yeah.” Beca says, trying to hide her nerves. “I mean, it’s just a kiss. Right?”
“Yeah. Yeah, of course.” Chloe says shaking off her nerves as reaches for Beca to cup her cheek and slowly reel her in.
She doesn’t know how long they kiss or even if anyone timed it, lost in their own world. They only pull away from each other when a pillow comes flying at them, snapping them out of their daze.
“Get a room!” Aubrey teases.
“Hey! I was enjoying the show!” Stacie pouts at her girlfriend.
Amongst the laughter, Chloe spots Amy looking at her as she whispers something to Flo.
“What are you two whispering about over there?” she asks.
“Just that you didn’t even say if you wanted a truth or dare. You just wanted to play tonsil hockey with future Mrs. Beale over there that bad.” Amy states. The rest of the Bellas looking at the pair, all smiles, in realization as well.
“Do you have any idea how long you guys kissed?” CR cuts in.
Both Beca and Chloe shake their heads, afraid of what the answer is.
“Two minutes and 13 seconds!” she exclaims, showing them the stopwatch on her phone.
“Yeah, well.” Chloe speaks up first, wiping at the corner of her lip. “Nobody stopped us. So let’s just get on with the game. It’s my turn.” she says, spinning the bottle.
Spinning
And spinning
And spinning
Until it lands on
“Beca.” she looks at the girl next to her but her mind seems to be somewhere else. “Beca?”
“Hmm?” the brunette finally looks at the girl.
“Truth or dare? The bottle’s pointing in your direction.” the redhead explain, gesturing at the bottle.
“Oh.” Beca follows Chloe’s hand where the bottle is indeed, pointing right at her. “Uhm, I’ve done two truths already and you’d probably give me the least embarrassing dare. Sooo, I say dare.”
“Okay… I dare you to-“
“INCOMING!”
Chloe’s is cut off by Amy running right past them, heaving on the way to the downstairs bathroom.
“Oh God. I think I’m gonna be sick.” Aubrey says when she hears the sound of Amy’s vomit hitting the toilet water.
“Ooookay.” Stacie says, standing up and pulling Aubrey up with her, “Come on babe, we don’t want you to relapse.” guiding her girlfriend towards the stairs.
“I’ll go check on Amy.” Flo stands and walks over to the still vomiting Australian.
“I guess we should call it a night. Goodnight guys.” Cynthia Rose says, everyone else following suit.
Everyone else except for Beca and Chloe who stay sitting there, staring at each other.
“You know, no matter how disgusting that was.” Beca points to the bathroom Amy’s in. “I sure am gonna miss this a lot.”
“Same here. Atlanta’s gonna suck without you.”
“You wanna know a secret?” Beca whispers. “I’m staying, Beale.” she says with a smile.
“What?” Chloe has that sparkle in her eye, like a little kid that just got what they wished for Christmas.
“I’m staying in Atlanta.”
“Oh my gosh!” Chloe squeals as she engulfs her best friend in a bone-crushing hug, “I can’t believe you’re staying!” swaying her from side to side.
“Air, Beale.” the brunette chokes out.
“Sorry.” Chloe says, immediately letting go of Beca. “Why though? LA’s always been the goal. Are you sure about this? Wait, where are you gonna live?” she asks, one after the other.
“I just don’t wanna leave. I’ve thought long and hard and I’m sure.” Beca chuckles. “Plus, I just scored this job at another record label here as a junior music producer. And as for where I’m going to live, I actually went apartment hunting with Stacie right after the worlds.”
“You’re moving in with Stacie?”
“Yeah. She overheard my phone call with my new boss when I accepted and offered. You know, since you’re moving in with Aubrey and she wants to stay somewhere near that school she’s getting her phD at anyway. Which, coincidentally is near my new job.” Beca explains.
“You have no idea how happy I am right now.” Chloe squeals once again, hugging the girl with so much force that they both end up lying down on the floor.
2 YEARS LATER
Bzzzz
Bzzzz
Bzzzz
Beca groans blindly reaching for the alarm clock on her bedside table. Finally getting ahold of it and throwing it against the wall. Feeling content that she got rid the culprit and turning around to spoon the woman laying next to her.
Bzzzz
“What the fuck.” Beca whispers as to not awake the girl. Barely opening her eyes, she sees the light from her phone. Whining as the brunette rolls to edge of the bed to see who the fuck would be calling her this early.
Seeing the smile that could blind her even through a screen coming from a particular redhead in a contact photo that Beca remembers vividly from their senior year together wherein Beca is pretending to lick the girls face as they snap a selfie together.
“Of course.” the brunette mumbles, because who else would be calling her anyway? If you were to check all her recent calls, there’s a huge chance that most of them are from Chloe.
Sliding right on her phone and putting it towards her ear, “Finally!” it’s the loud, overjoyed voice that comes from the other line that makes her flinch away from the device.
“Jesus Christ, Beale. Do you have any idea what time it is?” Beca says sleepily as she puts the phone back to her ear.
“Wha- Beca, are you not ready yet? It’s your first day at your new job!” the brunettes eyes widen in realization. “You should’ve been up-” there’s a pause, Beca assumes Chloe checks the time which brings her to do so as well. Shit. “-almost an hour ago!”
“Shit, shit, shit!” Beca scrambles to her feet, ignoring her dizziness. “That’s today!?” she panics, rushing to the bathroom. “How could I-“
Thump
“…Bec?”
“Fuck. Sorry, I just fell. Got up from the bed way too quickly.” Beca tries to laugh off as she sits herself up on the floor, leaning against her bathroom wall.
“If it were any other time, I’d make fun of you. But you gotta hurry now, Bec! You have to be there in 30 minutes!” Chloe exclaims, obviously trying to hold back her laugh.
“Yeah, okay. Thanks, Beale.”
“And hey.” Chloe quickly says before the brunette hangs up on her. “You’re gonna kill it out there. All those years of scut work are finally paying off. You’ll do great as a music producer, Mitchell. Trust me, in a few years time, the biggest albums will have your name all over it.”
“You always know what to say to me Beale.” Beca breathes out. “Now, I really gotta go. Love ya!” she says quickly hanging up the phone and getting on her feet.
Chloe is stood frozen staring at her phone when her best friend hangs up. It’s not everyday that Beca drops the L word and even though she probably doesn’t realize that she did in her rush, Chloe can’t help but smile.
“Hey.” Beca stops in her tracks, hand already on her bedroom door knob. “You’re leaving already?” Lucy, this girl Beca has been seeing for the past few days asks as she sits up on the brunettes queen-sized bed.
“Uh yeah. I’m kinda late and Stacie’s at Aubrey’s so help yourself to anything in the kitchen.” Beca rushes out. “I really gotta go. Bye, Lucy!” she doesn’t give the blonde on her bed a chance to reply before she rushes out the apartment.
“Morning, Chloe.” Aubrey greets as she passes the redhead in the kitchen. “Uhm, Chloe?” the blonde waves a hand in front of the girls face.
“Huh?” Chloe looks up from her phone at her roommate. “Yeah?”
“You okay?” Aubrey asks, concern written all over her face.
“Yeah, no. It’s nothing.” Chloe shrugs, walking over the counter, taking a seat.
“Okay… anyway, Stacie just wanted me to remind you that she’s throwing Beca a surprise first day on the job party slash advanced birthday at their apartment tonight.” Aubrey reminds her as she makes two mugs of coffee. “You want one?” she asks without looking at her.
“Please.” the redhead replies, watching Aubrey get a third mug from the cupboard. “And yeah, how could I forget?”
“And I was thinking…” the blonde says slowly as she sets Chloe’s mug in front of her. “That maybe you could… bring a date?” Aubrey suggests, immediately bringing her coffee to her lips as she awaits Chloe’s answer.
“What?” Chloe asks confused. “Where’s this coming from? It’s just the Bellas, I don’t need a date have fun.” she reasons.
“It’s just that, you’re the only one going without one and I don’t want you to be alone.”
“I won’t be lonely, Bree. Don’t worry about me, you guys are all I need.” Chloe gives her friend a small smile, appreciating her concern. “Plus, who could I possibly bring?”
Aubrey sets down her coffee mug, “I kinda… already set you up?” avoiding eye contact.
“What!?” Chloe almost jumps out of her chair. “Bree!”
“Wait, no. Give him a chance. It’s this guy, Chicago from work. He’s really nice and tall. I think you’d like him, Chlo.” Aubrey defends. “Just give it a shot. And if you don’t like him, I’ll never set you up again.” the blonde adds, lifting both her hands in mock surrender.
Chloe sighs. “I don’t know, Bree. Would Beca be okay with that?”
Aubrey tilts her head in confusion. “What? Why wouldn’t she be?”
“I mean- it’s her night. Am I really gonna turn this thing into a blind date? She’s not gonna want some rando at her apartment.”
“Don’t worry about the midget, Chloe. Plus, Stacie invited that girl she’s been seeing. Lisa, I think?”
“Oh. Yeah, she told me about Lucy.” Chloe says, running her finger around the rim of her mug, her jaw clenching.
“So… is that a yes or a no?”
It takes Chloe a few seconds to give an answer, “Yeah, okay.” she finally says, nodding her head trying to convince herself that she wants this.
Aubrey rushes to the opposite side of table to hug the redhead. “You won’t regret this. I promise!”
“I better not.” Chloe laughs at her bestfriends antics.
“Now if you’ll excuse me.” Aubrey says, letting go of her friend and picking up her own and the remaining coffee cup. “I have a cranky girlfriend upstairs waiting for her coffee.”
As soon as Aubrey returns to her room, the girl proceeds to pick up her phone, shaking her head in amusement. Turning it on, she sees it’s still on Beca’s contact info. “What are you smiling at? I have long moved on from you.” Chloe talks to the photo she set for the girl’s contact. It was one from Christmas morning, Beca smiling from ear to ear looking at the camera in realization that Chloe got her the headphones she’s been saving up for during her junior year.
Chloe thinks she travelled back in time to the Bella house with the all the Bellas, sans Beca, rushing around the apartment that afternoon.
Hours later, The party is all set up, all that’s left are Beca… and Lucy.
“Chloe!” Aubrey rushes to her. “Why aren’t you changed yet? Chicago’s gonna be here any minute now!” Oh yeah, him too.
“I am changed?”
“You are not wearing that sweater to your date.” the blonde argues.
“Not a date, Bree.” Chloe can’t help but roll her eyes.
“Oh! I have the perfect top for you, Chloe!” Stacie interrupts, quickly going into her bedroom.
“Hey! I love this sweater!” Chloe defends, hugging her Mean Girls sweater and herself.
“Got it!” Stacie emerges from her room holding a green backless silk top.
“I am so not wearing the right bra for that!” the girl tries to argue.
“Oh c’mon, you’ll look hot in it anyway. Now take your shirt off.” Stacie says. However, Chloe still hasn’t given in, staring at the top in the tall brunettes hands, bottom lip between her teeth. “Unless you want us to take it off you.” Stacie says, inching her hands forward.
“Ugh! Okay, fine!” Chloe relents, removing her sweater and getting the shirt from Stacie, putting it on.
“Damn, ginger’s gonna get some.” Fat Amy comments from the dining table, making inappropriate gestures.
“Yeah, Beale. You look hot.” Stacie adds, earning her a slap in the stomach by her girlfriend.
“Watch it, Conrad.” Aubrey warns jokingly before turning back to Chloe. “But yes, Chloe. You look amazing.” the blonde smiles when Stacie kisses her cheek as a form of apology.
Just then, everyone in the apartment hears the jangling of keys in the hallway, unlocking the door. “She’s here!” Stacie whisper shouts. “Everyone, gather around!”
“SURPRISE!” the Bellas and the other guests shout as soon as Beca opens the door.
“Jesus.” the celebrant exclaims with a hand to her heart. “Way to give me a heart attack in my mid 20s.” Beca laughs, Chloe only now noticing her hand intertwined with a someone else’s behind her as they walk into the apartment.
“You’re way too dramatic. Congrats, Mitchell.” Stacie is the first to step in and hug the girl. “And Lucy, hey! How’d you two end up coming in together?”
“I ran into her in the elevator. Which reminds me,” Beca pulls Lucy further into the room. “Everyone, this is Lucy. And Lucy, you already know Stacie but these are the rest of my friends.” she starts introducing them one by one, each one of them offering a smile. “Aubrey, Ashley, Jessica, Emily, Benji, Lilly, Flo, her boyfriend Mike, Cynthia Rose, Denise, Fat Amy, and- I’m sorry I don’t think we’ve met.”
“This is Jake, my new boytoy.” Amy answers.
“Oookay. Anyway, this is-” Beca’s voice catches in her throat when her eyes land on her best friend and her megawatt smile that always brightens her day. Taking her eyes off the redheads face, she notices the green of her top, perfectly complimenting the red in her hair and bringing out the blue in her eyes, the cut of the top perfectly displaying her toned arms. “Wow, Chloe. You look… wow” Beca tries to look for the right word but is interrupted.
Knock knock
Everyone’s gaze goes from the scene unfolding between the two best friends in front of them to the figure in the doorway. “Chicago!” Aubrey calls out.
“Who’s that?” Beca whispers the question to her roommate.
“Chloe’s date.” Stacie answers proudly.
“Oh. I didn’t know she was seeing anyone.”
“So, what do you do?” Chicago asks, seated at Chloe’s right as they eat dinner.
“Oh! I actually teach at Barden elementary. But it’s summer now so I’m all free.” the redhead answers.
“Hey. Do u want some pasta?” Beca asks from Chloe’s left, hand on her arm.
“Yeah, I’d love some. Thanks Bec.” Chloe says, flashing the brunette girl a smile as she snatches her plate.
“This good?” Beca asks, offering her plate back.
“Yup! Thanks, Bec. You’re the best.”
“-and everybody was so hammered!” Beca catches the tail end of the sentence when she turns back to Lucy. Talking about what? She’s not so sure. She blocked her out about 2 minutes into whatever party girl story she was telling the rest of the Bellas.
She’s about to pick up her wine glass when she feels her phone buzz.
Stacie: she was soooooo hammered!
Hiding her smile and looking up at the girl, she could see Stacie looking at her phone under the table and Ashley, CR, and Fat Amy trying to contain their laughter after reading the message sent to the Bellas group chat.
Amy: I’m all for crazy stories but I’m so close to spraying her with a fire extinguisher. Like, chill out, woman!
Amy: and that’s a lot coming from moi
Ashley: Do we think her valley girl accent is real?
CR: Jeez, Mitchell. Where’d you find this girl?
Beca: Shut up
Beca: Don’t make it worse. I already regret talking to her at that club a few days ago.
Beca: Jesus, what did I see in this girl?
Stacie: I mean, she is hot. I’ll give her that.
Beca: That annoying ass voice went over my head though. Why didn’t you tell me anything, Stace?
Stacie: Don’t go blaming me! I’ve only had one conversation with her before this!
Aubrey: Behave you two.
Setting her phone back down, she glances to her right when she hears Chloe giggle at something Chicago said. She knows how Chloe’s giggle sounds like and it’s is not what she just heard. Staring at the back of Chloe’s head in confusion, Beca picks her phone back up again.
Beca: Hey now, don’t go putting out on the first date.
☾ Chloe Beale has notifications silenced. *Notify anyway*
Ding
“Excuse me.” Chloe stops her conversation with Chicago to check her phone. Beca can see her typing back, but not before glancing at the sender in question.
Chloe: Hush, you. Focus on your own date, Mitchell.
“So, you guys have been friends since college?” Lucy asks when she sees a few framed pictures from the ICCAs and other Barden memories displayed in the living room where they’ve moved the party.
“Yeah. Best years of my life.” Beca answers.
“There sure are a lot of pictures of you and Chloe on here.” the girls picks up the picture of Beca and Chloe from the formers sophomore year, standing face to face singing their duet at the ICCAs.
“I mean, we were both captains so we’re always paired together.” Beca shrugs.
“Not to mention their voices were made for each other.” Stacie inserts herself to the conversation from across the pair.
The rest of the Bellas seem to agree as they have all settled down on the couches, having heard Beca and Lucy’s conversation.
“Knew it ever since we were in the shower together.” Chloe teases, leaning forward from her spot on the couch.
“God, Beale. You’re making it sound way more inappropriate than it was.” Beca groans causing the other Bellas to laugh.
“Wait, what happened in the shower?” Lucy asks, curious.
“Beale, here.” Beca points at the redhead. “Barged into my shower when she heard me sing and made me sing with her.”
“Oh whatever, Bec. You loved it.” Chloe counters when she sees the girl’s eye roll.
Beca scoffs. “In your dreams, Beale.”
“Tell yourself whatever you want, Mitchell. But the eyes don’t lie.” Chloe sing-songs.
“You guys are so cute!” Lucy interrupts their little back and forth. “Are you sure never dated? Or at least, done it?”
“Nope.”
“We tried to get them to.”
“Uh-uh.”
“They’re way too stubborn.”
“I wish.”
The rest of the Bellas answer for them.
“Like, ever?” Lucy asks once again with a curious smile, looking between the two.
“No.” Chloe firmly replies.
“Nah, I’m good.” Beca says at the same time while the rest of the Bellas continue to shake their heads.
“Oh!” Stacie brightens up. “But, two years ago-“ she starts but a light slap from Aubrey to her arm causes her to stop.
“Don’t.” Aubrey tries to warn her subtly, reminding her that both Chloe and Beca have dates with them.
The tall brunette ignores this however, “We dared them to make out during truth or dare and the next morning, Emily saw Beca leave Chloe’s room.”
“Nothing happened! I just fell asleep there!” Beca defends.
“Wait, but why were you in her room?” Chicago asks.
“She went to me.” Chloe answers smugly.
“I had to return something!”
“Mmm sure.”
“I did! And you pulled me into your room!” Beca argues.
“Nuh uh! You kissed me again then pushed us into my room!”
“Did not!”
“Just admit it, Beca.” Chloe playfully urges.
“Okay,” Beca says, eyebrows raised and eyes wide. “you want me to kiss you? Fine.” the brunette leaps from her spot on the couch towards Chloe.
“No!” Chloe squeals when Beca lands on her side.
The Bellas cheer while Chloe tries to escape Beca’s grasp, both in a fit of laughter. Eventually, the brunette only kisses her cheek.
“Okay, fine. Here’s how it went.” Chloe says once both her and Beca settle back down. “She kissed me, but she claims to not remember-“
“I don’t remember, because it never happened.” Beca mumbles to herself.
“Okay, let’s not talk about this anymore.” Chloe gives up, but not before hitting Beca with a throw pillow. Excitedly standing up, she starts to walk backwards toward the dining table, eyes on her best friend. “Beca still has cake to blow.”
The Seniors’ Last Night At The Bella House
Later that night…
Knock knock knock
Chloe is brushing her hair in front of the vanity when her attention is brought to the door. “Who is it?”
“Beca.”
At that, Chloe gets up from her chair and walks over to let the girl in.
“Woaahhh.” Beca falls forward when the door is opened, luckily Chloe is there to catch her.
“Hey.” Chloe says in concern as she helps the brunette regain her balance.
“Sorry, I’m kinda woozy from all the alcohol so I leant against the door.” the brunette says, embarrassed.
“It’s all good, Bec.” Chloe smiles.
They continue to stand in the hallway awkwardly staring at each other. “Oh!” Beca exclaims. “I’m here because you uh- left you sweater downstairs.” she raises her arms to show the hot pink item of clothing, the words “so fetch” written in a scrapbook like font. “Thought you’d need it?” she says shyly.
“Oh. Thank you, Bec.” the redhead offers a smile as she grabs the sweater.
“Yeah. Yeah, no uh- no problem, Beale.” Beca says, still standing there.
“…Is that all?” Chloe asks.
“Uh-huh.”
“Okay then.” Chloe tries to not make her disappointment obvious. “Goodnight, Beca.”
“Night.” Beca says before the redhead closes the door to her room.
Sighing, she starts to walk down the hallway to her shared room with Amy. Stopping in her tracks after only a few steps.
“Fuck it.” she quickly walks back to Chloe’s room to knock once again.
Knock-
She is immediately greeted by Chloe, almost as if the girl was just standing by the door.
“Hey uh- you never gave me my dar-“
“Shut up.” Chloe mumbles before bringing her lips to Beca’s, cradling the girls cheek. The latter’s hands immediately go to her waist as she guides the other girl backward into the bedroom.
Minutes later, they’re sitting on the bed, Beca’s hands tugging at the redheads shirt as she starts to kiss at her neck, breaths heavy. Breathing so heavily that- wait, Chloe can smell the scent of alcohol on the brunette. Reminding her that both of them are pretty drunk right now.
“Wait wait wait.” she rushes out, gently pushing Beca away.
“What?” Beca asks sitting back on the bed, breathless.
“We shouldn’t be doing this.” Chloe stands up, looking out the window with a hand to her head. “We’re just way too drunk right now. I don’t want you to regret this tomorrow morning.”
‘Chloe, she’s your best friend’ the redhead thinks. ‘Stop it. This won’t end well.’ But even with all this convincing, she can’t seem to get rid of the butterflies in her stomach. ‘ Oh my god!’ she’s mouths to herself, unable to contain her smile.
Turning around, that smile fades when she sees the small brunette passed out on her bed. Chloe sighs, walking over to tuck her in. “I’m so glad you’re staying.” she whispers, smiling fondly at the girl before lying down next to her. “Sweet dreams, Bec.” she says with one last look at her best friend before turning off her bedside lamp.
PRESENT DAY
“Bye guys! Thanks for coming.” Beca says as the guests walk out the door.
Closing the door once everyone’s out she leans back and smiles at the only one left.
“What do you say, Chlo? There’s a tub of cookie dough ice cream in the freezer with our names on it.”
“Ice cream and trashy television?” Chloe asks excitedly.
“Ice cream and trashy television.” Beca repeats.
Chloe settles down on the couch to select a channel while Beca grabs their ice cream from the freezer.
“How about some beer, Chloe?” Beca shouts from the kitchen.
“You kidding me? We consumed enough alcohol at the party earlier, I don’t think I can handle anymore.” Chloe shouts back. “I wouldn’t want to get so so hammered!” the redhead does her best valley girl impression, hearing Beca’s laugh before she even emerges to plop down next to her.
“Well, we all know I’m not gonna be seeing her anymore.” Beca says in relief as she passes Chloe a spoon and starts digging into their shared ice cream.
“Seriously, Bec. You’ve got to stop picking girls up at the club.” Chloe says before putting a spoonful of ice cream to her mouth.
“That’s called dating, Chlo.” Beca rolls her eyes.
“Those girls only want to get into your pants because you’re this hot DJ.” the redhead states matter-of-factly.
“You think I’m hot? Thanks Beale.” Beca says with a hand to her chest and a smile.
Chloe groans. “You’re impossible. Don’t change the subject on me, Mitchell.” she narrows her eyes at her. “You never know, maybe you’ll meet someone you’d finally settle down with at this new job. Which, by the way, I never asked you about your first day.”
“Oh, yeah. It was great. I just met with this new artist they’re having me work with. He’s actually pretty great, not like those try hard ones that Sammy would always assign to me. At least this guy actually has a great voice, decent writing, and doesn’t rely on auto tune.”
“Wow, so everything you ever imagined?”
“Yup, I’m honestly so glad I didn’t go to LA like I planned. So, thank you.” Beca smiles.
“Why are you thanking me?” Chloe whispers.
“Because… you know I had a lot of reasons to stay, Beale. But you…” Beca sighs. “You were the biggest one.” she says without taking her eyes off Chloe.
“I- why?”
“Because, even though I’d probably make a name in the music scene faster in LA, I’d rather take my time if that means I still have you in my life.” Beca says sincerely.
“I’m always gonna be in your life, Bec. You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Chloe winks, lightening up the mood.
“God, I feel bad for whoever I end up with then.” Beca teases as she throws her head back on the couch.
“Which is why you have to find someone that can accept that we’re a packaged deal and preferably not plucked from the crowd of horny people at the club.”
“I’m just keeping my options open.” Beca replies. “I mean, look at them.” she points to the television where a commercial of Friends is playing, showing a compilation of Ross and Rachel. “They’re a couple, but I’m sure they’ve been with other people.”
“Did you really have to pick one of the most toxic TV couples out there?” Chloe asks incredulously.
“I don’t know, I’ve never watched the show.” Beca talks around the spoon in her mouth.
“I’m just saying. You don’t want to end up alone, Bec.”
The brunette scoffs, “You say that but Chicago is the first person I’ve seen you go out with since your third senior year.” pointing her spoon at Chloe accusingly. “How was it by the way?” Beca inquires after feeding herself another spoonful.
“We…” Chloe sighs. “I don’t see it working. I already told Aubrey.”
“Oh… I’m sorry.” Beca tries to hide her glee. She thought Chicago was too boring for Chloe anyway.
“It’s fine. I’m not rushing into anything anyway. Just gonna wait for the right person.”
“Oh?” Beca sits up. “Anyone in mind?”
Chloe answers her by shaking her head. “Nope”
An empty ice cream container, nonstop conversation and one sleeping Beca later, Chloe decides that it’s time for her to leave.
But then, Beca’s asleep on her shoulder and she can’t find it in her to get up. For the past half hour, Chloe’s just been scrolling through instagram as she unconsciously strokes Beca’s hair with her free hand.
Setting her phone down now, she can’t help but stare at the small brunette. “It’s you.” she whispers after a few seconds, answering the girls question from earlier, placing a kiss on top of her head and finally standing up and walking out the door.
Unbeknownst to the redhead, Beca had actually heard her. Getting up from the position Chloe left her on the couch once she heard the door close, “Fuck.” she mumbles to herself, head in her hands.
Gathering her thoughts she runs out of the apartment and towards the elevator. Pressing the button, she realizes a few seconds later that Chloe’s probably in the lift and she wouldn’t be able to catch her if she waited for it. Ultimately deciding to run down the emergency exit.
When she gets to the first floor, she spots Chloe walking out the door, towards her car. “Chloe!” Beca shouts when she exits the building.
“Beca?” the redhead turns around in confusion, car keys in hand.
The brunette is breathing heavily, hands on her knees as she just ran 6-stories down.
“Are you okay?” Chloe asks in concern as she walks towards the girl.
“No- I mean, yeah. It’s just-“ Beca takes a few more seconds to catch her breath, trying to think of what to say. In what felt like hours but probably only a quarter of a minute, she settles on this, “truth or dare?”
“I- what?”
Beca can only stare at Chloe, vulnerable. “Truth or dare, Beale.”
“Beca, I’m not quite following.” Chloe says instead of answering the question, hands on the brunette’s upper arms.
“Just please, answer the question.” the girl begs.
“Uhm, truth?” she finally answers.
Beca’s mouth opens and closes a few times, nothing coming out until she forces it to. “Am I that person?”
“What?”
“The right person. The one you’re waiting for…” Beca says. “Am I that person?”
It takes Chloe a second to answer the question, “How did you-“ cutting herself off when she realizes that Beca had probably heard her before she left the apartment. Looking into her pleading eyes, Chloe hesitantly nods.
Beca smiles at that, teary-eyed. “Truth or dare?” this time she says it softly.
Chloe can feel where this is going, unable to contain her own tears of joy. “Dare.”
“I dare you to kiss-”
And at that word, Chloe doesn’t give Beca a chance to finish, abruptly pulling her by the neck and into a kiss. One that holds thousands of memories of pining and denying their feelings for each other all these years.
Once the kiss becomes too intense that they’ve run out of air, they part. Barely. Eyes still closed, Chloe can feel the goosebumps rising on her back from Beca’s hands, directly on her skin thanks to Stacie’s backless top. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.” Chloe says, forehead resting on Beca’s. Finally opening her eyes, she sees Beca already looking at her with so much love and the biggest smile on her face.
“I’m sorry I made you wait this long.” Beca apologizes, a single teardrop running down her cheek.
“You’re worth it, Mitchell.” Chloe says, placing a hand on her cheek, wiping the tear away.
“I just hope that I would live up to your expectations, Beale.” Beca lets out a small chuckle. “We have a lot of lost time to make up for and I intend on using it to be the person you deserve.”
“You already are, Bec. You are right for me in every single way.” Chloe says before bringing their lips back together in a softer kiss this time, having gone over the initial intensity of their emotions.
They finally pull away from each other when they hear the familiar sound of Chloe’s car unlocking. “I think you accidentally pressed the car keys in your hand, Beale.” Beca says awkwardly.
“Oh!” Chloe realizes, pressing her car keys once more, locking the vehicle.
“Uhm, you think that’s a sign from the universe that you should go?”
“Do you want me to?”
“No.” Beca answers quickly.
“Then screw the universe. It kept us apart for this long, let’s not give them this too.” the redhead says, easing Beca’s nerves.
Agreeing with a nod and a chuckle, she repeats “Screw the universe.”
“Plus, I kinda don’t want to go home to Stacie and Aubrey going at it all night. There’s only so much a girl’s ears can handle.”
“Oh God, please get that image out of my head.” Beca’s entire body shakes. “You know… it would be so much easier if they lived together.”
“And where would I be, Mitchell?” the redhead asks in faux confusion.
“Here… with me.” Beca smiles nervously, hand rubbing the back of her neck.
“Mmm I like the way you think” Chloe says as she grabs Beca’s hand and starts to make her way back to the apartment building.