Archive of Our Own

"What are you doing, Beca?" 

The music producer sighed as she looked in the mirror. She didn't even recognize herself in the green Christmas sweater and matching tights. She looked like a Christmas Elf. Even though that was kind of the point, Beca still felt uncomfortable in her new outfit. And she wasn't sure if she would make it through this film shoot. 

Over the past few years, the singer had decided to try her hand at acting to expand her resume. While her first few roles were more mature roles, Beca decided to do something more family-friendly this year. So, after looking at a couple of different scripts, Beca decided on a Disney movie called Noelle. It was a simple enough script. Santa's son gets cold feet when it is his turn to take up the role of Santa, and it is up to Santa's daughter, Noelle, to save the day. Along the way, she discovers that she's the one meant to be the next Santa.

She must have been made, though, to think that she could play the smiling, happy-go-lucky Noelle when, in reality, she was the sarcastic, grumpy, moody, often irritated Beca Mitchell. The truth was there were two reasons she took the role. The first was she wanted to impress her goddaughter, Destiney. Not having any children of her own, Beca had grown attached to her fellow Bella Emily Junk's six-year-old daughter Destiney. The second reason was that Beca knew that Chloe, wherever she was, would like the movie.

Beca looked down at her phone at her screen saver. It was a picture of the two of them at their college Halloween party. Beca was dressed like a nerd, and Chloe was dressed like a goth girl. Beca was hugging Chloe. She smiled at the image and the memory. It had been 7 years since she had seen Chloe, and yet, not a day had gone by that she hadn't thought about the bubbly redhead who had stolen her heart.  And she had had many sleepless nights thinking about what had happened and what could've been. 

"You ready?" Jessica said, popping her head into Beca's trailer.  

"I guess," Beca mumbled as she adjusted her sweater before following her assistant out in the cold. 

"Holly shit, it is cold," Beca mumbled as she stepped out of her trailer into the freezing Utah winter. "How cold is it?"

"It's about 15 degrees," Jessica smiled as she shivered. The California blonde was bundled up in 4 layers of warm clothing and yet was determined to not let it get her down. "You look really good, Becs,"

"Yeah, well, I'd rather be warm," Beca scoffed. "These tights aren't doing shit to keep me warm."

"At least your ass looks good," Jessica said, handing Beca a hot coffee as they walked. 

"So, what's the plan again?" Beca asked in a shiver.

"Today, they just want to take some promotional pictures and then have you do some skating around the rink," Jessica said, looking at her list.  

"Goddamn it," Beca wasn't thrilled she'd half to ice skate in this movie.  "Who is the photographer?"

"Not sure," Jessica said, fumbling through her papers.  "The company just got a local girl. Looks like her name is Jesse."

"Great, another Jesse," Beca mumbled and rolled her eyes.  

"She comes highly recommended," Jessica said as the two got to the set. She pulled up the photographer's Instagram account and scrolled through some photos. "See for yourself." 

Beca scrolled through the sample photos when one caught her eye. 

"Wait. This is a picture of Barden?" Beca said, handing the phone to Jessica, who was just as shocked as she was to see their old college in the photo.

"But Barden is on the other side of the country?" Jessica said, just as confused. 

"Beca!" the director shouted, pulling the two out of their daze. "Look alive. The photographer just got here." 

Beca and Jessica looked to see a woman coming over towards them. She had a bright pink winter coat with a matching beanie on her head and a camera around her neck.  She had bright red hair that was vaguely familiar.

"Sorry I'm late, traffic was a mess. I-19 has all those California drivers who have never seen snow before, you know?" The photographer said to the director, not paying much attention to the actor, "I'm Jesse."

The photographer's countenance changed as she turned towards Beca and Jessica. Her bubbly smile disappeared from her face as her bright blue eyes locked with Beca's.

"Wholly shit," Jessica said in shock.

"Chloe?" Beca said in shock.

****

Chloe stood in shock as Beca stood before her. The brunette was wearing a green Christmas outfit. It had a cute little skirt with green tights underneath and a matching jacket. Her hair was up neatly in a pointy tail. Never in a million years, when she got this job, had she thought that she would be photographing Beca. 

Seven years. It had been seven years since that fateful night when Chloe ran away. And yet, at the same time, it was like no time had passed at all.

"Chloe?" Beca asked, pulling her back to reality 

"Jesse," the redhead corrected her as if she had no idea who the other woman was. Chloe extended her hand out towards Beca. As Beca took her hand, she gave her a strange look.

"Jesse, if you could just take some picture of Beca as she sakes," the director said, oblivious to the tension between the two women. He was an older man with a white beard. She wore a black ball cap and older-looking clothes. "And then, could you take some pictures of Beca in the Santa suit with Bill for the poster?"

"Sure thing," Chloe replied to the director.

"All right, Beca, if you want to start skating," The director said. 

Beca looked at Chloe longingly before doing as she was asked. 

Chloe shook her head in disbelief before picking up her camera and doing what she was paid to do. 

The singer, now turned actor, did a few laps around the skating rink. She had a couple of men from the set out with her who were walking her through some techniques.

Chloe smiled to herself as Beca struggled to skate at first. However, the star quickly found her ice legs again and, within minutes, was comfortably gliding on the ice. Chloe took several pictures of her as she moved over the ice. 

Today was what was considered a screen test. They would just film Beca doing things so they could figure out how to frame the movie later.

Beca joked with the two men who were there to help her, but she couldn't help but look back and smile at the redhead who was watching her every time she passed. 

"I'm sorry Chloe… I…love him …. besides you Love Chicago," Beca's words rang in her mind. Even years later, they still stung. 

"Did you get some good shots?" The director asked Chloe after a while once he got the shots he wanted.  The redhead nodded affirmatively. "Okay, I think that is good for today. Beca, you want to go and change?"

Beca quickly got off the ice and disappeared into a changing room. 

"So, Chloe ... Jesse ... Chloe," Jessica said, trying to talk to her former Captain. 

"Have you been here this whole time?" Chloe asked Jessica, looking at her in confusion.

"Yep, the entire time. Just like in college," Jessica said sarcastically. 

"How is she?" Chloe asked softly, looking away from Jessica once she was sure that no one else could hear them.

"She's good," Jessica said, even though she wasn't sure if it was true or not. "She misses you though… I think that is why she works so much. It distracts her from what happened."

Jessica sighed.

"But maybe this could be a chance for you two to..."

"I'm not that person anymore," Chloe said sternly, cutting her off. 

Jessica sighed again as Beca reemerged in a red coat, paints, and matching Santa hat. 

"Listen up, everyone, Santa is coming to town," Bill Hader joked at the sight of his costar. The former SNL actor was also dressed in a similar Santa and was set to star alongside Beca in this film. Beca jokingly held up a fist towards Bill, who just laughed more.

Chloe felt jealous as the older actor clearly flirted with her.

She didn't care. She tried to tell herself. Beca could do whatever she wanted. It was her life, and she had made it painfully clear that she could have done it without Chloe. 

Chloe spent the next half hour taking pictures of Beca and Bill posing together. It was annoying how much attention Bill was giving Beca. And as usual, Beca had no idea he was flirting with her. 

Eventually, the photo shoot ended. While Chloe was packing her camera equipment, Beca approached her.

"Hey," Beca said softly, not sure what to say.  

"Good job today, Santa," Chloe teased. 

"I just wanted to say..." Beca started to say.

"Becs, the director needs us," Bill said, pulling softly on her arm. "He said there are a couple of rewrites he wants to discuss." 

"Hey, don't leave," Beca pleaded with her before being pulled away by Bill.

Chloe watched her disappear with her co-star. 

Typical, Chloe thought. She took one last look at the door, which Beca disappeared behind, before putting her pink coat back on. 

"I'm supposed to not let you leave," Jessica said 

Chloe pulled the blonde into a hug. 

"Take care of her for me," Chloe whispered into her ear before letting her go.

***

Beca felt her heart drop as she returned a few minutes later to find Chloe had gone. She looked at Jessica, who had just shaken her with disappointment. Beca could not stop the tears that started to form in her eyes after all these years of dreaming about what she would say when the time came. Chloe was right there in front of her, but she didn't do anything about it. She just let the redhead slip through her fingers without a fight.

Needing air, Beca stepped outside, where she quickly collapsed onto a snow-covered bench and started crying in her arms. Beca thought this had to be a new low moment, being out in the freezing cold dressed like Santa, crying uncontrollably. Beca felt herself starting to slip into a panic attack when she felt an arm wrap around her. She looked to see the smiling blonde was sitting with her. 

Jessica sat with Beca out in the cold until the movie star got her breathing under control. 

"Hey, let's go back to your trailer and regroup." Jessica smiled at her once Beca was composed. Beca nodded softly before following her assistant back to her trailer. "It's not over yet.

Once inside, Beca went into the back of her trailer, where her room was. She quickly stripped down and hopped into the shower. The hot water felt amazing on her skin after being out in the cold for the majority of the day. However, as the hot water poured over her bare body, Beca felt her mind drift back to that night. 

Everything changed so fast after the USO tour. The leader of the Barden Bellas had signed with D.J. Khaled, but it had come with a price. Chloe, the love of her life, had found someone else, an annoying army brat named Chicago. Beca had been meaning to talk to Chloe about how she felt. But she never found the right moment and before she knew it Chloe was with someone else. 

The next thing Beca knew was that she was living in L.A., and Chloe was in New York. They were starting to drift apart, and before she knew it, Beca was falling back into her old mistakes—specifically, Jesse, who reappeared after breaking up with his cat lady girlfriend.

"Really, Beca, you're going back to him?" Chloe scoffed when Beca told her the news. 

It was Christmas, and Beca was back in New York for work, but she was mostly just there to see Amy and Chloe where she had left them. However, Amy had gone back to Australia for the holidays.

Even though she was rich and famous, it was like old times as Beca shared a bed with Chloe in that tiny apartment. But after day two, Beca had to tell Chloe the news about her getting back with Jesse.

"He's grown up," Beca defended

"He hit you," Chloe said angrily. "Or did you forget that black eye he gave you?" 

It was an accident. Beca lied, trying to justify her actions to herself just as much as she did to Chloe. 

"I can't," Chloe said in frustration.

"What does it matter to you anyway," Beca snapped, just as frustrated.

"I've been in love with you for years," Chloe snapped back. "But you could never see it because of him." 

"I'm sorry Chloe… I…love him …. besides you Love Chicago," Beca said in shock. She was in love with Chloe but thought that Chloe was the one in love with someone else. 

"No, I don't," Chloe protested. "I have only ever loved you."

Those words sent Beca into a rage as she grabbed Chloe and pulled her close. Without thinking, Beca closed her eyes and connected them with Chloe's. The redhead didn't hesitate as she kissed the shorter woman's back.

"I've only ever wanted you," Beca mumbled into Chloe's lips.  

"Close off," Chloe growled.  

Beca pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it to an unknown corner of the room.

"Are you sure about this?" Chloe asked nervously. 

"I've never been more sure,"  Beca said as she pulled off her shorts.

Beca moaned into Chloe's mouth as she felt the redhead's fingers working against her.

After that, it was all a blur as Beca and Chloe made love. 

Later that night, Beca watched Chloe sleep peacefully naked. Fear overcame her as she thought about what had just happened between them. She was amazing at how raw and emotional it had been. She had just made love with her best friend in the whole world, but now she was starting to worry. How was this gonna work? Chloe had just started vet school? Would Chloe really want to move up and down to L.A. for her? She had already asked her to move to New York with her once. Could she ask her to do it again? And would Chloe resent her for that? Would Chloe even want her? What if Chloe woke up and regretted it? Could she take being rejected? Beca felt herself starting to have a panic attack. So, Beca did what she always did when things got hard. She left in the middle of the night.

When Chloe woke up, Beca was gone. She had left a note on the nightstand saying she was sorry. 

A few weeks later, Beca returned to New York to make things right, but by then, it was too late. Chloe had gone, leaving Amy alone. She ignored Becas's texts and calls. And no one really knew where she was except Aubrey, who was pissed at Beca and was no help at all.

Eventually Beca pulled herself together and got out of the shower. She dried herself off and slipped on an oversized white robe. She made her way back out to the main part of the trailer where Jessica was on her phone doing some research.

Beca plopped down on the sofa across from Jessica when there was a knock on the trailer door before it opened. 

"I'm here," Flo announced as she entered.

"Baby," Jessica smiled as she greeted her wife with a kiss. "Love you."

"Love you more," Flo smiled.

Beca rolled her eyes at their cute display of affection. Everyone had someone, Beca thought as she looked at them. Jessica had Flo, Emily had Aubrey, and Stacie had Cynthia Rose. But Beca didn't have Chloe, and it killed her. 

"Beca, I heard what happened. Jess told me everything," Flo said, turning to Beca. "How are you holding up?"

"I want to crawl under a rock and die," Beca said sarcastically. 

"Well, you've just gotta find a way to get her alone," Flo said emphatically as she sat on her wife's lap.

"So, I did some research," Jessica said, proud of herself. "It looks like Chloe has been living here under the alias of Jessica Campbell. I guess that is why we haven't been able to find her" 

"What a terrible name," Beca scoffed. 

"Anyway her photography business is pretty successful," Jessica continued. "Hence why they hired her."

"Hey I've got an idea," Flo said smiling. "You should just hire her to run your social media pages during production." 

"What?" Beca said, confused. 

"Actually, that could work baby," Jessica smiled, feeling proud of her wife. 

"Think about it: she'd have to be around, and then you two could rekindle that sexual tension you had in college,"  

Beca rolled her eyes. 

"It might be our best shot," Jessica agreed. "And it's not like you can't afford it." 

The truth was Beca would've done anything to have another chance with Chloe.

"Fine," Beca said, feeling tears swell up in her eyes again. "Do whatever it takes, you two. Just please get her here."

***

Chloe was sitting at her computer, staring at a picture of Beca she had taken. She checked in on Beca’s social media from time to time, but seeing her in real life was different. All the emotions that she had hidden deep down inside had come crashing back after just seeing her. Yet, it was somehow comforting to know that Beca had made it. Chloe also knew she would do amazing things, and now Beca was even more successful than Chloe could’ve ever even imagined. The whole world loved Beca. But Chloe had loved her first. Though she would never admit it, Chloe never got over Beca. She dated here and there, but she never found the spark that she had with Beca.

“Jesse, someone is here to see you,” Becky said over the intercom, pulling the redhead out of her trip down memory lane.

The redhead walked out of her office to see a familiar blonde waiting for her.  

“Hi,” Jessica said with a giant smile on her face. 

Choe looked nervously at her secretary before motioning for Jessica to follow her into her office. Jessica smiled as she saw a picture of the Bellas from when they won the Worlds on Chloe’s desk. The blonde smiled at the memory that now seemed so long ago. 

“What are you doing here?” Chloe asked, closing the door and folding her arms once they were alone.

“Chloe… Jesse…” Jessica said, not sure what to call the redhead. “I have another job for you if you are interested.”

“And?”

“Beca Mitchell was really impressed with the photos you took on set yesterday and wanted to offer you a chance to work more closely with her. 

“You can cut the crap, Jessica,” Chloe said firmly. “What are you doing here?” 

“Look, Chloe, Beca wants you to run her social media pages while she shoots Noelle,” Jessica said, falling back into her college-submissive days. “It would be good for the movie and for her.” 

“She couldn’t come here herself?” Chloe scoffed. “Typical Beca.”

“It’s just she had to be on set today,” Jessica defended her boss. 

“Tell her to thank you, but I’ve got a lot on my plate right now,” Chloe said, sitting down at her desk and turning her attention back towards her computer. 

 “She needs you, Chloe,” Jessica pleaded. “She’s been having panic attacks. Something is wrong. She works year-round because she’s afraid if she stops, she’ll have a full-on breakdown.”

Chloe felt her heart drop.  

“Look, we’ll pay you whatever,” Jessica said, pulling up a chair next to Chloe. “Just please do this.” 

Chloe looked into Jessica’s eyes and knew she couldn’t say no.

***

Beca felt like her heart was going to beat out of her chest as she waited for Chloe to show up to the set. Chloe had actually agreed to work for her. Of course, it had cost her a pretty penny. In exchange for her services, Beca made a sizable donation to the local shelter to help it transition to a non-kill shelter.

“Beca, that is the third time you’ve missed your cue,” Bill snapped at Beca as she once again missed her line. 

‘Let’s take five, everyone,” the director announced, sensing things were off.

“Thanks, Marc,” Beca sighed. 

“You alright out there?”  Chloe smiled at her as she walked up to her and adjusted her outfit so it was straight. 

“Not really,” Beca shook her head. “I just feel off. “

“I can go,” Chloe said, feeling like it was all her fault.

“No,” Beca shook her head, “it’s not you.” She took a deep breath before continuing, after… everything, I got diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and I just haven’t been managing it well.”

Beca was taken by surprise when Chloe.

‘Chlo,” Beca whimpered. 

“Shh,” Chloe said. “Just be here in the moment.”

Beca closed her eyes, and it was the first time in a long time that she felt at peace.

***

The rest of the day went without a hitch. Chloe had never been on a movie set before. It was honestly amazing to see how everything worked behind the scenes, even though there were a lot of things she didn't understand at all. The redhead found the whole process fascinating. She also really enjoyed watching Beca perform. She was a really talented little actress, and the storyline was cute. 

"So, I guess that's a day," the director said once they got done with the final take. 

"You're still here," Beca teased as the redhead was packing up her stuff. 

"Well, I'm getting paid to be here," Chloe laughed.

"Beccccaww!" Bill called out, and Chloe got flashbacks to when Jesse would call Beca

"Save me," Beca whispered as the former SNL member headed in their direction. 

"Becs, we're getting some of the cast to go out for drinks," Bill said, reaching out and brushing his hand over her arm.

"I can't," Beca said nervously, looking at Chloe. "Chlo…Jesse needs me for a few more promo shots."

"Yeah, I still need her," Chloe said with a weird look on her face. 

The redhead was relieved when Jessica and Flo showed up.

"Well, come after," Bill said with a smile. "I'll text you the dates, and we'll save you a seat."

"Sure," Beca smiled nervously. 

"And you can bring Jesse with you," Bill shouted as he walked towards some other cast members.  

"You're still a manslayer, I see," Chloe teased once he was gone. 

Jessica and Beca exchanged a nervous glance. 

"Beca and Bill dated," Flo said casually as if it was no big deal.

She knew she shouldn't care. Beca was a grown woman and free to date whomever she wanted. And yet the knowledge that Beca had dated Bill stung a little. 

"It wasn't anything," Beca said nervously. 

"Isn't he supposed to be your brother in this movie?"  Chloe asked with a raised eye.

"Yeah," Beca said nervously. 

"So, you dated your brother," Chloe teased. "White people," Flo said, causing everyone to laugh. "Sweet home Alabama."

"Please, can we just get out of here," Beca asked, feeling uncomfortable talking about this. 

"I know a place," Chloe smiled. 

***

"Jesse!" The bartender greeted the redhead as she entered 

"Hey, Alice!" Chloe said, pulling the shorter woman into a hug. Alice was short and had dark hair. "These are my friends, Jessica, Flo, and Beca."

"So nice to meet you all. Jesse here is amazing," Alice said, smiling. "By the way, you still owe me that dinner, Jesse."

"Yeah, I know," Chloe said awkwardly. 

"Looks like Chloe has a type," Flo said to Jessica but loud enough for Beca to hear. Beca felt her skin crawl.

Chloe took her friends to a booth in the back of the bar where they could catch up. Beca felt relieved because the last thing she wanted was someone to recognize her. Not that she minded interreacting with her fans. It was just tonight. She needed time alone with Chloe uninterrupted.

"So why does everyone call you Jesse?" Flo said as they got seated. 

"When did you two become a thing?" Chloe asked, ignoring the question.

"Um, it just kinda happened," Jessica said with a smile as she took her wife's hand.

"We sent you an invite," Flo added.

"She sent us that amazing crock pot," Jessica said, smiling.

"I'm sure it was amazing, Chloe smiled. However, that smile quickly faded as she felt a sadness come over her. She had missed so much the past few years. In running away, she had cut off the rest of the Bellas. She felt a tear come to her eye.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there," Chloe said, starting to cry.

The Bellas had been her whole life, and now they were all strangers.

"Hey, it's okay," Jessica said, still smiling. She reached out across the booth to take her hand in hers. 

Beca placed her arm around Chloe.

"It was a pretty gay wedding anyway," Flo laughed. 

"I would hope so," Jessica laughed.

"Jesse, will you please sing for us," Alice said, coming to interrupt them. 

At this point, Beca is annoyed that Alice doesn't recognize her. She never really cared if someone knew who she was, but the fact this other woman was throwing herself at Chloe was. 

"She has an amazing voice," Alice adds.

"Only if Beca sings with me," Chloe smiled at the smaller woman. 

Beca smirked at Chloe, and Chloe knew she had won.

"Only if I can pick the song," Beca smiled.

Chloe took Beca by the hand and led her to the front of the bar, where there was a small stage and a karaoke machine. Alice gave Beca a strange look as they passed her. For a moment, Beca felt proud that Chloe had chosen her over Alice. 

"So, what are you feeling?" Chloe asked as the shorter looked through a list of songs. 

"Wholly shit is that Beca Mitchell?" One of the patrons at the bar said as they saw the pair standing up there.

"It is!" another said.

Well, there goes my anonymity, Beca though

"Hi, everyone," Beca said, smiling. "Yes, I am Beca Mitchell, and yes, I am shorter in real life."

 Alice's mouth dropped as the bar started cheering, 

In the back of the bar, Flo cuddled up into Jessica's side. 

"My good friend Jesse and I used to sing together in college," Beca said, feeling nervous all of a sudden as she looked over at the smiling redhead next to her. "Look, I know everyone loves their phones, and if you want to record this or take photos, that's fine, but can we all just be here in the moment?"

Beca wasn't sure if that would work, but she wanted to keep things under control. 

"Anyway, here's a song that I'd like to dedicate to Jesse," Beca said as the music started playing,

Beca smiled over at Chloe before she started to sing,

"I locked myself in a hotel room

Then waited all night for the walls to move

I've loved some girls that I barely knew

I've made some friends, and I've lost some, too

Crashed my car, I was seventeen

My mother in the seat riding next to me

The things I've learned from a broken mirror

How a face can change when a heart knows fear.

For all the things my eyes have seen

The best by far is you

If I could fly, then I would know

What life looks like from up above and down below

I'd keep you safe, I'd keep you dry

Don't be afraid, Cecilia, I'm the satellite

And you're the sky."

Chloe felt her heart flutter as Beca sang. The redhead then saw that the color on the screen changed, and it was her turn to sing.

I've café-crawled through Amsterdam

Been around the world with a punk rock band

And I've seen London, and I've played Japan

I've been knocked down; I got up again

For all the places I have been

I'm no place without you

If I could fly, then I would know

What life looks like from up above and down below

I'd keep you safe, I'd keep you dry

Don't be afraid, Cecilia, I'm the satellite" 

Beca smiled. There was something about seeing Chloe singing again that warmed Beca's heart. 

"For all the things my hands have held

The best by far is you."

Beca looked into Chloe's eyes as she sang once again.

"If I could fly, then I would know

What life looks like from up above and down below

I'd keep you safe, I'd keep you dry

Don't be afraid, Chloe I'm the satellite

And you're the sky

And you're the sky." 

Chloe and Beca stood motionless, their eyes locked as the song ended. The bar erupted in applause. Beca was lost in Chloe's baby blue eyes as she started to smile. The whole world disappeared as Chloe pulled her into a hug. For a second, she felt like she was back winning nationals with the Bellas.

"Just like the old days," Flo whispered.

"Maybe better," Jessica agreed.

As Chloe let her go, Beca was brought back to reality. 

"I think there are some people who want to meet you," Beca said as there were people starting to form at the bottom of the stage. 

"Your girlfriend looks pissed," Beca joked, motioning towards Alice. 

"Ex-girlfriend," Chloe clarified, and Beca felt jealousy surge through her body. 

She does have a type, Beca thought.

Beca felt her heart sink as Chloe disappeared. The singer-turned-movie star was greeted by fans who wanted to take pictures with her. Beca was kind and courteous with the people she met, yet a part of her longed for the old days when it was just her and Chloe.

Beca was feeling it a few beers later as she was on the dance floor with Chloe. The two were slowly swaying together. To the sound of her music. The excitement of Beca being there had faded, and for a moment, she just felt like a normal person. She was just a girl who was dancing with her crush.

"Is it too late for us?" Beca asked as she slowly swayed with Chloe.  

Chloe didn't say anything. She just held Beca.

***

The next few days, things went smoothly. Beca and Chloe seemed to find their groove again. Beca spent the majority of her day on set shooting the movie. Chloe would occasionally show up, take some pictures and think of something cutesy to post on Beca's social media. After filming wrapped for the day, Beca and Chloe would find their way to each other as they explored the local area. Having a mini Bellas reunion helped as Jessica and Flo would often accompany them to dinner and usually went with them after.

It was the pattern they had followed tonight: the four women went to dinner at a fancy restaurant. Beca was more than happy to pay for them. Afterward, they went downtown to look at the Christmas lights. It was cold as hell and something that Beca would generally hate. However, being with Chloe again made Beca feel like she could endure anything now. After all, having Chloe Beale in her life again was way better than the alternative. As they walked, Beca was surprised when Chloe's hand found its way into hers. Their fingers intertwined as they walked, and Beca instinctively felt herself press her body against Chloe's. In part for warmth and in part because she wanted to be as close to the redhead as possible. 

Somewhere along the way, Beca and Chloe took a wrong turn, which separated them from Jessica and Flo. 

Once they were alone, Beca leaned in and connected her lips to Chloe's. The redhead did hesitate to kiss her back. 

Chloe smiled at her 

"Took you long enough," Chloe smiled.

"Well, I thought you hated me until a few days ago," Beca admitted with a shiver. 

"I never hated you," Chloe shivered. "I just need to protect myself."

She paused, and Beca felt herself tense up. 

"The last time I opened up to someone, I got hurt," Chloe sighed.

"I came back, you know? A few weeks later," Beca sighed. "But you were gone."

"I needed space after everything."

"Is that why you changed your name?" Beca stopped to look at her.

Chloe pulled away from her and walked towards a giant Christmas tree. It was like the one you'd find in New York, tall and covered with decorations of all kinds. At the base, there was a sign that said wishing tree.

"You know I came to see you once?" Chloe said, still looking at the tree. Beca felt her heart drop. 

"No, when?" Beca asked. Her eyes were fixed on the redhead. 

"About six months after"

Beca felt sick.

"As much as I wanted to stay away, there was a part of me that needed to know why you had left. So I worked it out with Emily to come and surprise you. But when I walked into the studio, he was there with you... and then it suddenly all made sense."

Beca just stood there in the cold. She had no idea what had happened, and the thought made her sick. 

"I'll just never understand, I guess..." Chloe trailed off. 

"Chlo," Beca said, mustering all the courage that she had. "I know I've made mistakes, a lot. He was bad for me. You knew it, and I knew it. I was just so lost. You were gone, and I was in a bad place mentally. He was just familiar. But I swear to you I would've left him in a heartbeat if you showed up." 

"I wish I could believe that," Chloe gave her a broken smile before looking back at the wishing tree. 

Beca felt her heart shatter as she knew there was nothing she wouldn't do.

Beca didn't believe in crap like the wishing tree. Yet, at that moment, she wished harder than she had ever wished before for a new start with Chloe.

***

Chloe smiled as her camera focused on Beca. The star of the movie was dressed in her full Santa outfit. It was night, and they were shooting the scene where Noelle and the reindeer go out for the first time. 

"I wouldn't get too attached if I was you," Bill smirked as he watched the redhead. 

Chloe looked at him with a strange look. 

"What? Don't take it personally. All the girls love Beca," Bill smirked. "But come next week, we'll be in sunny Arizona," 

Chloe let out a sigh. Bill was right. As nice as this had all been, it was temporary. They were only shooting part of the movie in Utah. They would shoot the rest in Arizona, where most of the movie occurs, as Noelle has to go and find her run away brother. And Beca would be gone again.

"Hey," Beca said as the scene finished. 

"Hi Santa," Chloe teased.

"Stop it," Beca blushed. "I look like a small child in this." 

The suit was too big for Beca as part of the movie was that it was to fit her once she learned to be Santa.

"I like it," Chloe smiled. "It seems very you."

Beca smiled at Chloe before pushing her hair behind her ear. 

"So, um, do you have any plans for after?" Beca asked nervously. 

"I mean, it's nighttime," Chloe yawned. "So, probably just go home and edit some pictures before going to bed."

"I'd love to see your place," Beca said nervously.

"My place?" Chloe asked with a raised eyebrow and a look of suspicion.

"No.. it's not. I mean.. Not like that....I wouldn't be opposed...but no. I," Beca stuttered, trying to explain herself. 

"It's fine, Beca," I'd love the company. 

Chloe looked over at Bill and smirked at him.

"I'd love for you to come home with me." She pulled Beca in close and rubbed her arm to make sure Bill was watching. 

"What was that about?" Beca asked once they were alone.

"Just need to send a message," Chloe smirked to herself.  

***

Beca was quiet most of the drive to Chloe's house. Chloe lived outside the city, so there was a nice little drive from the set to her home. She wasn't sure what the plan was here. All she knew was she wanted more time with Beca.

"This is it," Chloe said as they pulled up to a small little house that was covered in snow. "It's probably not what you are used to, but it's home."

"It's perfect," Beca smiled. "Besides, after our time in New York, this place is like the X-Men mansion."

Chloe laughed as she unbuckled her seatbelt. Beca followed the redhead into her house. There, Beca was greeted by a giant black lab dog that was almost her size. 

"Daisy down,"  Chloe ordered the dog who was on Beca. 

"Hey girl," Beca smiled at the dog as it got down.

"Sorry, she just gets excited," Chloe sighed. 

"She's fine," 

"I'm gonna change," Chloe said as she took off her bright pink coat and matching beanie. 

Beca played with the dog while Chloe went to change. Although she didn't grow up with dogs, Beca had learned to love them in her time with Chloe. Within seconds, Daisy was her new favorite dog, and Beca was Daisy's second favorite human. 

After a few minutes, Daisy grew tired and needed a rest. Beca looked around to see Chloe's walls were covered with pictures. It melted her heart to see that Chloe still had pictures of the Bellas in her home. As she was looking around, something pink caught her eye on the sofa. Beca rolled her eyes as she picked up a Trolls' Poppy doll.

"That was a good one," she smiled as she watched Beca look at the poppy doll. The redhead had changed into a red sweater with a giant reindeer head with grey sweatpants on. 

"You saw this?" Beca smiled as she held up the doll.  

The redhead nodded. 

"I've seen everything," Chloe smiled at Beca.  "Even the one with the sex doll."
 
Beca blushed as it had been her idea to make the sex doll's hair red like Chloe's.  

"You were busy. How did you do it all?" Chloe asked. 
 
"Work was a distraction," Beca sighed.

"After you disappeared, I went back to Jesse," Beca admitted, even though Chloe already knew that.  "Anyway, I deep down knew it was wrong, but he acted differently at first. You know he was kind and sweet again. However, that didn't last, and before I knew it, he was back to drinking and abusing me worse than before. Even though I was rich and famous, I still felt stuck. So I just worked all the time to avoid it and avoid fights."

"I'm so sorry," Chloe said softly. 

"You tried to warm me," Beca said, about to cry. 

"But that doesn't mean what he did was wrong," Chloe added as she sat next to her and handed her a wine glass. "So, how did you escape?" 
Beca sighed.

"One day, I just couldn't take it anymore," Beca said, looking away. "I got up, and I left, and I never looked back."

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Beca," Chloe said, rubbing her back.

Beca looked over at Chloe, hurt. 

"So why did you take his name?"

Chloe felt her heart shatter.

"After you left, I needed a new start. I was in a bad place mentally, and I was just angry at everything. Mostly, I was angry at myself for not being good enough," Chloe said. It was strange saying this all out loud as she had never really talked to anyone about it. "Anyway, I decided I wanted to be a photographer, so I just moved here. We used to go skiing here when I was a kid. Anyway, I wanted to be someone new. When I got here, the only name I could think of was Jesse."

Beca watched her as she spoke. 

"We had these friends called the Campbells when I was a kid.  So I thought why not. If Chloe Beale wasn't good enough, maybe Jesse Campbell would be."

"But why Jesse?" Beca asked again.

"Because no matter what he did, you loved him," Chloe admitted. "And I guess a part of me wished I was him and that you loved me like that."

"What?" Beca said in shock.

Chloe looked away from her in shame. 

Beca gently put her hand on the redhead's head and tilted her gaze.

"Chloe, look at me," Beca looked directly into Chloe's eyes. "I have always loved you for who you are."

"Then why did you leave after?"

"Because I was scared!" Beca said furiously. "But I have regreated it every day since. I swear I love you. Please just believe me."

"I want to," Chloe replied as she leaned in closer to Beca. She saw Beca looking at her lips. "I really do."

Beca felt herself lean in closer until her lips were connected with Chloe's. Beca's arms wrapped themselves around Chloe as their kiss deepened. 

***

"Good to know we still got it," Beca smirked as she watched Chloe.

The brunette was lying on the redhead's bed. Her naked body was only slightly covered by a blanket.

"That was never our problem," Chloe smirked as she got out of bed.

Beca's eyes examined the redhead's curvy figure as she slipped on a silk robe.

"Still, I think we could use some more practice," Beca smirked. "You know, just to make sure we're at our best." 

Chloe rolled her eyes and chuckled.

"At least you didn't leave this time" Chloe smiled as she sat on the bed next to her.

Beca leaned in and kissed her. 

"I'm never leaving ever again." Beca smiled as their lips parted. 

The smile faded from Chloe's face.

"What is wrong," Beca said.

"You're gonna be gone again soon," Chloe sighed.

"What? no!" Beca defended.

"Beca, the rest of the movie is going to be shot in Arizona." 

"You can come with us," Beca pleaded.

"My life is here. You're a superstar, and I'm a photographer, Becs." Chloe said shaking her head. "It was only just a dream."

Beca felt her heart drop.

Chloe went to speak but was interrupted by her phone ringing. It was her secretary, Becky. Chloe's face dropped as she answered the phone.

"Beca we gotta go. Jessica and Flo said you're supposed to be on set."  Chloe said in a panic as she threw Beca's pants at her.

"God damn it" Beca sighed.

"Cheer up Beca. Santa has got work to do."

***
After Beca's unusually late appearance on set, the rest of the shoot went off without an incident. Beca did her scene as Noelle and Chloe photographed it and occasionally posted it to Beca's Instagram. Chloe was pleased to have access to Beca's Instagram. And even though Beca would never admit it, deep down, she loved Chloe's cute posts. But, like all good things, the shoot came to an end.

The cast and crew held a party at Alice's bar to celebrate their last day of filming in Utah. Beca and Chloe were in the corner of the bar, cuddled up away from everyone else. Beca didn't really feel like socializing. She was going to see them all again on Monday except for Chloe. Chloe stroked Beca's back as the watched Jessica and Flo sing for everyone.

"Chloe, can we talk?" Beca asked.

"Shh... Let's enjoy tonight," Chloe smiled at Beca.

"I love you," Beca whispered in Chloe's ear.

"I love you too," Cloe smiled back at her.

***

Two days later, Beca was in Arizona feeling miserable. Not only was it hot as hell, but she also had to wear her cold-weather gear. Her green and white Noelle costume had been fine in snowy Utah, but in Arizona, it was a death sentence. But worse than the heat was, her heart was broken. After all those years of longing for Chloe, she had her, and she slipped through her fingers.

"Beca sweet, they need you on set," Jessica said as she nudged the actress.

Beca collapsed on the sofa in her trailer, refusing to move.

"What's the point?' Beca groaned.

"Whats the problem?" Flo asked, walking into the trailer. "They are kind of freaking out out there."

"She's having a break down," Jessica said as she rubbed Beca's back.

"Whats the point?" Beca cried. "Nothing matters."

As she spoke, something snapped in Jessica.

"Beca Mitchell, get off your ass!" Jessica snapped, taking both Flo and Beca by surprise.

"What?" Beca asked in shock.

"Look, we all know you love Chloe…Jesse… whatever. You love her, and she loves you. I've been with you since day one back in Braden, but I won't sit by any longer," Jessica said, calming down. "But you're not going to accomplish anything mopping around here. You need to get off your ass and go to her."

"But the movie? And she's two states a way."  Beca stuttered

"I can get you on the next flight to Salt Lake," Flo added.

"We'll cover for you. Just get your girl and get your head right!" Jessica smiled at her.

Beca thought for a moment before shooting up.

"You know what? You're right, I'm going." Beca smiled as she grabbed her purse and a couple of other things. She hugged both Jessica and Flo. "Love you two."

"You're taking that?" Flo asked, looking at the red suit Beca was holding.

"I've got a plan," Beca said before she was out the door.

"That was hot, babe," Flo said once they were alone.

"Well someone had to do something," Jessica said as she leaned in to kiss her wife. "Besides, this way, we'll have more alone time."

Flo leaned in and kissed Jessica again.

"We should probably tell them their star is gone," Jessica mumbled into Flo's mouth.

"After," Flo purred as she unbuttoned Jessica's jeans.

"And you need to get Beca's ticket."

"Already did," Flo smiled as she pushed her wife's pants and underwear down. Jessica gasped as Flo dropped to her knees. "I knew Beca would be crawling back to Chloe."

"God, I love you," Jessica moaned as her wife started going down on her.

***
Chloe felt a tear come to her eye as she looked through the photos she had taken on the Noelle set. The redhead was sitting at her computer in her office, working on the last promo picture for the studio. She smiled as Beca's face lit up the screen. It was a picture from that first day on set when Beca had ice skated.

"Um, boss," Becky said, popping her head into the redhead's office. "Santa is here for you."

"Santa?" Chloe asked, confused. 

"I think it is some charity thing," Becky said, confused.

Chloe wiped a tear from her eye before getting up from her desk and walking to the main lobby. The redhead felt her heart drop as she saw Beca standing there dressed as Santa. This time, Beca was in a Santa suit that actually fit her.

"Beca? What are you doing here?" Chloe exclaimed. "You are supposed to be in Arizona."

"Look, I can't do this without you," Beca said, pulling Chloe into a hug. 

"Of course you can," Chloe reassured her. "I'm just a photographer."

"No.. I can't do this.. Any of it... I can't do a single day without you again," Beca cried into Chloe's arms.

"Beca, I.. " Chloe started to say before the shorter woman cut her off. 

"No, let me finish," Beca said. There were tears in her eyes. "I was so confused about why people were calling you, Jesse, that I never stopped to ask you what you wanted to be called. So I just want to say it doesn't matter to me. I love you no matter what. Beca and Chloe. Jesse and Noelle Kringe. It doesn't matter as long as it's me and you."

Chloe felt another tear come to her as Beca pulled away from you. Beca pulled out her phone.

"This is going to be really corny, so don't laugh," Beca said as she pushed a button on her phone. She sat it down on the beach in the lobby as she started to sing.