Centry

“Did you get all that?”

The brunette immediately snaps out of her trance. “I, uh, totally!”

Izzie raises an eyebrow. “Oh really? What did I just say then?”

Casey notices her girlfriend’s paper is visible to the far right of the screen; her eyes immediately directed towards there. “You said something about power rule and-

Izzie notices where her eyes are pointing and slowly slides the paper out of frame. “Hey!”

They both begin to laugh and Izzie slides the paper back into Casey’s view. “Well… are you excited for later Newton?”

“Maybe, you know I'm excited about the food… the mall, I think the movie too.” Casey teases, trying to fight back a smile. “...and of course, I'm excited to see you the most.”

Izzie gently tugs at her bottom lip, blushing seemingly spreading across her face. “You’re so dumb, Newton…”

“Oh, you love it.” The brunette glances toward her mirror and notices that she's still in her Clayton uniform from earlier. She springs up from her bed and leaves her phone facing up toward the ceiling.

“Uh, Case you alright there?” Izzie only heard hangers slamming in the distant as a response. “I guess someone is dressing up last minute…”

The brunette smirks as she goes through two of her flannels, determining what would go well with Izzie’s outfit. “Pffft, what, I'm not doing that.” She goes with a black and white checkered one and slips off her Clayton uniform. 

“I can hear your hangers clattering in the background… and I just saw your tie fly across the room.”

Casey completes her outfit by slipping on her pants and fixing her hair a tiny bit. “It wanted to take a 5-minute break y'know?”

The brunette collapses back onto the bed, catching her breath. Izzie lets out a laugh as Casey motions her hand up and down her body, gesturing towards her last-minute outfit. “Not so bad right?”

“Eh, 7/10,” Izzie replies, knowing damn well her girlfriend looks amazing.  “By the way, you never told me what movie we were gonna watch.”

“Oh! Uh, Paige recommended it to me actually. It’s like a remake of a popular fairy tale… hopefully, you won’t fall asleep during it.”

Izzie rolls her eyes. “Hey, I only fall asleep during movies when I watch it at home or with you… in theaters, I tend to do the bobbing head thing.”

“I’ll make sure you’ll stay awake somehow. I mea-

From Izzie’s end of the call, a door slams shut loudly. Izzie yells for her mother but no response was heard. The black-haired girl immediately shoots her head toward the entrance of the room she was in and rushes out, Izzie’s end of the call sounding windy as she runs towards the door that was slammed loudly. Casey’s face immediately drops into a look of concern for Izzie, hoping that everything is alright.

“Iz, what’s going o-

Casey is interrupted by Izzie immediately ending the call; the brunette’s stomach immediately drops and she rushes out of her bedroom towards the dining room, shoving her phone into the pocket of her pants. She storms down the stairs and frantically looks for Elsa who contains Casey’s car keys whenever her daughter isn’t using the car. The brunette finds her mother in the kitchen, mixing a bowl of batter for what seems to be tonight’s dessert along with an open pizza box. 

“Elsa, I need the car keys. I was in a call with Izzie and it ended with a door slamming and she hung up abruptly and we were supposed to go on a da- hang out later but I need to check on her.”

Her mother’s eyebrow immediately furrow and her mouth drop into a frown. She immediately places down her bowl and wipes her hands against a towel. “Oh uh, the car keys are in my purse on the table.” 

Casey immediately rushes over to her purse and makes way for the door. “Wait!”

The brunette lets out a groan and turns back around, only to be met with a pizza box being shoved into her chest by Elsa. “Take it for Izzie and her siblings…”

Casey smiles slightly and says goodbye to Elsa. She quickly exits out of her house and rushes into the car, intensely hoping that everything is alright with Izzie and her family and knowing how her mother behaves sometimes… Casey couldn’t help but think negatively. 

-

The brunette knocks on the door, holding the pizza box in one hand. She rapidly taps her foot against the ground, her heart rate rising with every second when the door isn’t unlocked. Casey looks around the small space she’s standing in, anticipating for the door to be unlocked by Izzie or her little siblings. After a few seconds that felt like excruciating hours, she hears footsteps approach the door and her heart rate begins to level out. The door is opened and Casey is greeted by a puffy red-face Izzie, the brunette nearly dropped the pizza box from wanting to enclose her girlfriend in a hug.

“I’m sorry I- my mom just… you know how she is.” Izzie dejectedly answers, wiping her face with the sleeves of her sweater. The black-haired girl notices the pizza box and Casey hears her exhale out of her nose. “Thanks… you didn’t really have to.”

“Anything for you Izzie,” Casey says, slowly entering her girlfriend’s home and placing down the pizza box on a nearby table; she notices the toys scattered around the floor of the small living room. 

“I’m sorry, I know we were supposed to go on a date… you don’t gotta stay.”

Casey, without missing a beat replies. “I’m staying right here with you Izzie.” 

She notices how the shorter girl’s mouth begins to tremble and her eyes become watery. The brunette walks over to her girlfriend and wraps her arm securely around Izzie, putting her arms around Izzie’s waist. Casey tightens her embrace around her girlfriend, wanting to make her feel safe, secure, and appreciated. The brunette felt the chest of her shirt becoming wet but she didn’t mind, as long as Izzie and her siblings are safe. Casey slightly pulls away and so does Izzie; the two lean in and share a quick kiss so her younger siblings don’t see. Their small moment is interrupted by tiny footsteps approaching the couple. 

Izzie frantically pulls away from Casey and stares at what seems to be one of her younger siblings. “Is your brother okay?”

The girl silently nods, fiddling with the hem of her light pink t-shirt. Izzie kneels down to her sister and Casey follows her girlfriend’s actions. Izzie’s younger sister appears to be on the verge of tears and the black-haired girl slowly raises her chin up. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. Alright? You’re the strongest little girl I know!”

Her younger sister begins to smile as Izzie wipes her eyes off. Casey notices the little girl directs her eye contact towards her. “Oh hey there! I’m Casey, your sister’s friend.” 

The brunette holds out her hand for the little girl to shake; she hesitantly does so. She runs off into their living room area and once she does, Izzie leans into the side of Casey’s face and places a quick kiss on the check; the brunette blushes when she feels Izzie’s mouth form into a smile. “I’ll go check on my brothers…”

She walks down the narrow corridor of the house and Casey stands back up, looking towards the little girl who appears to upset. Something in the brunette’s brain clicked and she begins to approach the girl slowly, lowering herself on the couch very gently. Casey notices the little girl eyeing the pizza box hungrily.

“You want one? I got it for you guys.” The little girl’s mouth forms into a smile and she nods very happily. Casey grins, leaning forward to grab a slice for the little girl and is surprised to notice that the pizza is still warm. “Here you go.” She hands the little girl the slice and watches her eat all happily. Izzie’s little sister muffles out a thank you as she chews, causing Casey to laugh a bit.

“Are you in college?” The little girl asks, her voice sounds very light and squeaky.

“Nope, I go to school with your big sister! I’m in the same sport as her too.” 

Casey’s heart warms when she notices the little girl become more excited as she takes one more bite from her pizza. “My sister dances when you called her.” The brunette clears her throat and fights back a grin.

“Does she really?” Casey asks, entertaining the thought of her girlfriend doing a little celebratory dance. 

“Yep! Your name also has thousands of hearts next to it!” Before Casey could get a word in, Izzie’s little sister continues to spill many secrets. “On her bedroom wall, there’s a picture of you two with a heart drawn! And whenever she gets home, she’s very happy and glad. And-

A hand clamps over Izzie’s little sister’s mouth. “Okay, Mia that’s enough!” Mia furrows her eyebrows and Izzie immediately retracts her hand, wiping it against the couch. “Gross! Don’t lick me!” Mia runs out of the living room, laughing while Casey’s girlfriend proceeds to rest on the couch with a small smile.

“Aw come on, she was spilling all your secrets!” Casey teases, slinging an arm over her girlfriend. Izzie basically nuzzles into her side and plants a small kiss against Casey’s jawline.

“Oh shut up… Mia tends to overshare.”

“Clearly… so what’s up with your brothers?”

“My brother Aidan is taking care of the baby… he was crying when I saw him. When I asked what happened, he just said that mom walked out again…”

Casey secures her hold against Izzie, pulling her closer into her side. “I’m sorry about that… you taking them to your grandmas?”

“Maybe later tonight… I’m letting the baby have his nap time.” 

“I can drive you all then we can head to my place.” Izzie began to protest but Casey insisted on her offer. “Hey, it’s alright with me. I mean, I was already thinking of driving you guys there anyway so…”

Izzie sniffles, wiping tears away from her eyes. “You’re the best Newton…”

Casey turns to face her girlfriend’s face. “I know.”

Beca, a name that swiftly induces a noticeable blush across Chloe’s face with no hesitation. Starting from Day 1 of freshman year where the redhead’s seat was directly behind Beca’s, she couldn’t help but notice the immediate butterflies fluttering in her stomach or an immediate stutter when Beca would ask her something; Chloe felt enamored by her presence.

Perhaps Chloe loves how blunt Beca is or the amount of confidence the brunette exerts around her huge group of friends; nevertheless, Chloe definitely feels something for Beca and could possibly rant how amazing she is.

One problem.

The popularity circulating around the brunette would raise attention to Chloe if she ever communicated with Beca and its definite rumors would be spread. And, she’s definitely dating that Jesse Swanson guy. So, the redhead prefers to admire from afar, even if it may hurt. 

She slowly raises her head and is met with bright light along with the bell that echoes throughout the school, signaling that it is time for 6th period. Chloe sighs as she slings her baby pink backpack over her shoulders as she waves goodbye to Aubrey and Stacie. She adjusts with the sleeves of her sweatshirt as she walks towards her AP Calculus classroom. Heading up the staircase, she feels a slight tap on her shoulder. 

Tap-tap, tap-tap

It’s almost too rhythmic for a simple shoulder tap... Chloe glances over her shoulder and finds navy blue eyes looking directly at her. The redhead trips on the final step of the stairwell, her heart rate picking up faster. Chloe immediately springs up and repositions herself against the wall, avoiding the swarm of underclassmen and upperclassmen. Again, she finds a short brunette, quirking up an eyebrow.

“You seem clumsy…” Chloe’s mouth goes dry as she attempts to create a response. A taller male wolf-whistle at the two, Beca immediately whipping her head back and glaring at the male. Chloe swears he mouthed “Good luck Beca.”

“I-I, uh, yeah! Heh, sorry about that. Um, d-did you need something or… something.” 

Beca lets out a short amused chuckle. “Actually, I just transferred classes and I know you’re in that class and stuff.” Chloe could feel her knees go weak and her head become light-headed. “Can you like take me there maybe?” 

The redhead nods enthusiastically and immediately wraps her hand around Beca’s wrist, pulling her towards the classroom. To her surprise, the brunette doesn’t pull away. 

Chloe and Beca enter the classroom together, the redhead escorting the brunette towards an empty seat that luckily is next to the redhead. Chloe lets herself relax as the teacher begins class once the tardy bell rings its annoying popping pattern. He claps his hands together and walks to the front.

“Team-up. You will be preparing a project about limits, basically a lesson video. Groups of two, no exceptions since there are now 28 of you.” He makes eye contact towards Beca who surprisingly sinks lower into her seat. “It is due next Friday. You will have today and tomorrow to prepare. I will not accept any late videos. Good luck. The rubric will be distributed at the end of class.” The teacher claps his hands together and the class roams about with the sound of desks and chairs scraping against the tiles echoing throughout the room.

Not having her friends in this period, Chloe immediately turns to Beca, a smile spreading across her face. Yet, someone is asking Beca already.

Damnit.

Before the redhead turns back around, she notices the person walking away sadly and Beca turning towards her; the feeling of light-headedness came back.

“You uh, wanna work on this together?”’

Chloe couldn’t believe it, Beca Mitchell is asking her to be her partner! The redhead clears her throat, biting back a gigantic grin. “Yes, that would be awes.”

Beca slides her desk towards Chloe’s. “Uh yeah… awes.”

“Time’s up.” The class goes silent. “What are you waiting for? Go work on it!”

Chloe notices how Beca tenses up: her jaw is stiffened, her shoulders are raised slightly, and her navy blue eyes are wide open. She clears her throat and turns her body towards Beca, who’s tugging her sweater sleeve frantically. The redhead taps Beca on the shoulder. “Hey, are you okay?”

The brunette immediately stops tugging her sleeve. “Uh, yeah. Just, kind of nervous I guess? So let’s get started on this fucking project!” Chloe raises an eyebrow at Beca’s hand gestures and emphasis of the cuss word. The brunette immediately shoves her hands into her pockets. “I-I I’m sorry, I don’t know what I’m doing.” 

Chloe only smiles at Beca’s nervousness. “You’re fine Becs… let’s get started on the project before Mister yells at us.” The redhead slips out a piece of lined paper as the brunette slips out her phone. 

“You wanna like… exchange numbers or something?” 

Chloe happily complies, taking out her own phone and swapping numbers with her project partner.

She found it amusing that someone who exerts an intense amount of confidence is actually pretty nervous and awkward.

-

Aubrey finds her friends in the library, Stacie beside a seemingly giddy Chloe. The redhead’s face has flushed shade of pink with Stacie trying to capture her attention. Aubrey walks closer to the table and notices the Cheshire Cat-like grin washed over Chloe. She pulls a seat across from the two and sets down her belongings.

“Uh, what’s going on?”

Chloe doesn’t reply but instead lets out a series of giggles. “Beca is coming over to her house tomorrow… found her like this after the bell rang.”

Well, well, well, looks like Chloe is perhaps one-step closer to dating that annoying alt-girl.

-

Chloe is running back and forth throughout her household, arranging her family’s belongings to ensure that her home is tidy and clean. She spent around an hour and a half vacuuming around her place, making sure the floor is free of crumbs. Although Beca wouldn’t care since she generally seems laid-back, Chloe wanted her first impression of the Beale household to be perfect; she even went as far to mow the lawn!

She glances towards the clock, 12:45 P.M, Beca is scheduled to arrive in 15 minutes. The redhead storms up the stairs, dashing swiftly into her room - the untouched place of her household. Chloe quickly gathers the scattered clothes and tosses her laundry in the closet. She arranges the school items on her desk in the corner and quickly makes her bed. The redhead’s adrenaline finally simmers as she takes a step in her doorway, feeling satisfied with the cleanliness of her room. 

Her adrenaline quickly emerges once again when she hears the first note of the doorbell; it has her rushing down the stairs, attempting to not slip and fall. Chloe unlocks the door and takes a deep breath; thank God her family isn’t home.

She swings the door open and finds Beca with her backpack and laptop and Chloe notices how her mouth slightly parts. “Hi Becs! Come in.”

“Oh, uh yeah… where are your uh-” The brunette gestures towards her face

Chloe slightly blushes as she leads the brunette towards her room. “Oh… I wear contacts at home.”

“You should wear those at school y’know… you look really pretty.” The redhead widens her eyes at Beca’s comment, her blush growing frantically. “Not that you’re not pretty without them! Uh, just like, you should wear those more often… I guess.”

“Why thank you! You’re so sweet… uhm, let’s get started on this?”

The brunette takes a seat on Chloe’s freshly-made bed, booting her laptop up. “Yep.”

Once Beca’s laptop starts up, she notices dozens of MP3 files scattered across her home screen, each one labeled as a song. Her background is her gigantic group of friends at what appears to be an amusement park… she sure is well-known. The brunette selects the editing program and retrieves a USB cable from her school bag along with the Calculus textbook.

“How come you just transferred into our class? It’s the third week of school.” 

Beca flips through the book, settling on the page where the Limits lessons and problems are located. “Uh, my math teacher beforehand told me to ask the counselor to see if it was possible… the teacher for AP Calc let me in.”

“How come she wanted you to switch?”

The brunette meets Chloe’s gaze. “Said I’m ‘too smart’ for the regular math class.”

“Is popular Beca Mitchell secretly a math whiz?” 

Beca rolls her eyes, an amused smile spreading across her face. “That’s one way to phrase it… and I’m not really popular dude.”

“Says the one with like what? 3 friend groups? And a boyfriend!”

Chloe notices how quickly Beca’s demeanor changes, her eyebrows raising and her face scrunching up, her smile quickly replaced with a grimace.“Boyfriend?”

“Yeah! That Jesse dude?”

Beca pauses for a bit before breaking out into a fit of laughter. “You think Jesse and I are dating? Dude gross! Not in a million years… he’s like my brother.” The brunette catches her breath after laughing for a bit. “Besides… I uh, play for the other team y’know?”

Chloe attempted to hide her felicity, a smile fighting to be seen. The redhead bit the inside of her cheek and tightened her hands into fists, bundling an area of her bedsheets. The girl she’s been pining on since freshman year is gay! Chloe might have a chance only if Beca feels the same way. “That’s really cool… but you are popular though. You’re always going to those parties right?”

The brunette skims over the textbook, dragging her finger delicately across the thin pages. “Uh yeah. For money.” Beca notices the redhead tilt her head like a confused puppy… cute. “I just play music. A DJ type of gig I guess?” 

“Do you make your own music?” 

Beca exits out of the editing program seeing how their conversation is clearly not math-related. She leaves her home screen visible for Chloe and slides the laptop towards her curious project partner. The redhead drags the cursor over each file, reading the titles of her mashups. Her mouth drops open when she comes upon a certain file.

“Titanium AND Million pieces? Those are my favorite songs!” 

A corner of Beca’s mouth lifts up. “Really? None of my friends have heard of them. You wanna listen to it?” 

Chloe immediately nods her head enthusiastically, double-clicking on the file. The audio player appears on the screen and the redhead’s room fills with the melody of Titanium and the lyrics of Million Pieces. A smile gradually grows on Chloe’s face as Beca appears to be worried, tugging at her bottom lip, looking at the redhead who seems happy with the music.

“This is so good Beca! No wonder you get paid for these types of things…”

The brunette returns a soft small to Chloe, adjusting her position on the bed to face towards Chloe. “I guess… it’s not that much. Maybe like $20 or $30 dollars.”

“An hour?”

“No for the whole night.” Chloe lets out an astonishing gasp

“You need to be paid by the hour! Your an amazing DJ. I’ll talk to those party people if I have to!”

Beca snorts, laughing at Chloe’s exasperation. “What are you, my manager?”

“I could be.”

“Since you seem so good at math and all… I’ll consider it.”

The redhead nudges Beca’s shoulder. “You’re good at math too you nerd.”

“Not as good as you though… you’re like what, the top of the class?” Chloe goes silent as she reopens the editing program, sliding Beca’s textbook between the pair. “Knew it~”

“Oh shut up, let’s just get started on this.”

--

Sprawled out before the pair are stacks of lined papers along with Chloe’s whiteboard that is filled with graphs and mathematical equations. The brunette is arranging the video clips together as Chloe leans in, directing which clip should be placed. The textbook is wide open, a few pencil marks marking the thin laminated pages and the clock reads 6:23 P.M… Beca’s been at Chloe’s house for five hours which the redhead is trying to remain calm about. As the last video file transfers into the editing program, the brunette’s phone vibrates once. Chloe leans away, allowing space for Beca to retrieve her phone from her back pocket. A slight smile is replaced with a frown as the brunette slips her phone away.

“My mom is here, I need to leave.”

Chloe frowns as well, hoping to spend more time with Beca. “Aw… okay. I’ll walk you down.”

The brunette gathers her belongings and gently slips them into her backpack. Beca puts her shoes back on and as the two are about to walk out of Chloe’s bedroom, the brunette springs back around and looks at Chloe.

“You wanna come to a party with me next Saturday?” Before Chloe could answer, Beca interrupts her with one more proposal. “And if you want… we can go out before? Like uh… a date.”

The redhead’s knees go weak as a wide grin appears on her face. “I would love to. Both the date and the party.”

Beca smiles. “Sweet.”

The two walk downstairs, Chloe escorting Beca to her mother’s car. As the two drive away, the redhead whips her phone out and messages the group chat with her two best friends.

GUESS WHO ASKED ME OUT

Stacie immediately replies YES CHLOE!!!!! 

And of course, Aubrey isn’t as enthusiastic oh dear god.

-

2013

The sky turned dark when Chloe noticed the reverberating noise of sobs when she walked upstairs - she had just completed hanging their ICCA Championship Banners. Like a bloodhound, the redhead poked her head around the seemingly empty house - most of the Bellas were in their college lectures - and attempted to locate the noise. She passed by all the bedroom doors and came to a stop in front of a room she became familiar with, Fat Amy and Beca’s room.

She pressed her ear against the white wooden door and heard faint sniffling and crying, it seemed to have died down. Chloe froze when she heard what sounded like “She doesn’t feel the same.” The redhead stood in front of the room, hesitant to walk in, not wanting to disturb the sophomore. Chloe knew well that Beca was sobbing, Fat Amy was currently out with Bumper. The redhead took a deep breath, turned the doorknob and peeked in.

Chloe’s eyebrows furrowed, seeing an empty cluttered bed where she assumed Beca would be. The redhead took one step further and found her friend, on the floor, hugging her knees. The redhead’s heart ached when she saw the state Beca was in, the brunette didn’t seem to be the one to cry. Chloe approached the crying brunette and kneeled down.

“Becs? You okay?” The brunette seemed to tense up, her once shaking body movement frozen by the sound of Chloe’s soothing voice. With her body still tense, Beca only nodded. “You don’t seem okay… do you wanna talk about it?”

The shaking body movement returned as Beca lifted her head, staring at Chloe with strained eyes and a somber expression. Her mouth was wavering as she tried to speak. “I- was I being loud?”

Chloe’s heart pounded when she heard the sad-sounding voice, Beca’s tone lacking her wittiness. “Kind of, I heard you crying from down the hall.” The brunette mouthed “sorry.” “Don’t apologize for being upset, you’re okay really. Do you wanna tell me what’s going on?” Chloe wondered what she was crying about, especially after hearing what she heard through the door.

The brunette only averted her eyes away and slowly let go of her knees, straightening out her legs and resting her hands on her lap. “Not really…”

“Okay. Do you need anything?”

Beca tugged at her bottom lip, shooting an inconsistent glance at Chloe. “Can you just… stay with me please?”

The redhead nodded as she slowly stood up. “Of course… do you wanna move to your bed maybe? It’s much comfier than the floor y'know.” Beca sniffled once more before slowly rising to her feet. She shuffled to her bed and took a seat, pressing her back against the wall. Chloe sat next to her, ignoring the temptation to hold Beca’s hand or to kiss her, she hated seeing her best friend in this solemn state.

To her surprise, Beca lowered her head onto Chloe’s shoulder and curled her body against the redhead’s side. She took that as an invitation to wrap her arms around the upset brunette and Beca eventually was cuddling with Chloe. The redhead remained quiet as Beca slowly fluttered her eyelids closed and took on a steady breathing pattern. She glanced down to examine Beca’s face, noticing how puffy her cheeks are and the multiple tear tracks that ran down her face. Whatever it made Beca upset must’ve been really hurtful.

Especially when the person you love, probably will never love you back.

-

2014

The brunette ignored the feeling of throwing up and the stream of tears wanting to escape. She disregarded how heavy her head became and the feeling of her skull being pressed against from all angles, like the stop in tear flow flooded Beca’s head. She didn’t want to break down in front of the girls, especially in public.

Earlier that day, Beca received a message from her father that the brunette’s grandfather passed away. The two were close, Beca spending the majority of her childhood with her grandpa. He would take the young brunette out for ice cream, he would aid Beca with her science homework, and most importantly, heavily influenced her passion for music. The brunette’s grandfather played a tremendous role in Beca’s and life and now he was gone. It took every fiber in her body to not break out into a sob, not wanting to awaken Chloe, her roommate while they were in the hotel.

They were out of town, the Bellas were competing in the ICCA’s once again and the venue was located in Tampa, Florida. Tampa is the city where Chloe grew up in, the redhead wanted to bring the Bellas to a mall she would often frequent during her high school years. Beca didn’t want to ruin the happy enjoyable moment with the news of her grandfather’s passing. So, she sucked it up and continued on with the shopping trip.

She was staring blankly at a clothing rack when she heard someone call her name. Beca slowly looks up and finds her friend, Stacie.

“You good there Beca? You’ve been staring at that ugly polka-dotted romper for the past few minutes. I mean, Chloe would probably think it’ll look good on you.” The brunette blinked, trying to process Stacie’s sentences amongst the thoughts of her grandpa. Her brain couldn’t even take in the Chloe remark. “Earth to Beca~”

The brunette shook her head. “Oh! Yeah, I’m fine. Just wondering if I should buy anything…” Stacie narrowed her eyes before she shrugged her shoulders. “Alright, come on let’s go, we’ve been waitin’ for you by the entrance.”

Stacie grips Beca’s wrist, leading her to the entrance of the clothing store. Once she’s settled with the group, Chloe leads them to the next store, Beca trailing far behind. The brunette’s arms were crossed against her chest as she kept her gaze on the brick floor, distracting herself by examining the pattern. A sudden change from the bright sunlight to the dark and loud environment became enough for Beca to pay attention to where she was again. She perks her head up and laid her eyes on bright blue ones.

“Come on! Let’s find like a matching jacket or something.” Chloe grabbed Beca’s wrist and pulled her farther into the store as the other Bellas waggled their eyebrows at one another. Before the brunette knew what was happening, she found herself holding a denim jacket. “What’d you think about that?”

Beca’s hands began to tremble as she looked at the jacket, remembering how her grandpa would always wear one. She recalled the rough feeling of denim whenever he would hug the young brunette and the way it sounded. The brunette’s pounding headache came back.

“Hey, you okay?” Chloe asked. When Beca gave no response except for the trembling body movement, similar to the one from sophomore year, she dragged her into a secluded corner of the store. “Stacie told me there’s something up with you. What is it Becs?” Beca only pressed her lips together. “Come on… you’ve been a little checked out lately what’s wrong?”

Chloe took the denim jacket out of Beca’s hands and placed it on a nearby rack. “My, grandpa he… he passed away this morning.” The redhead’s mouth gaped open, immediately taking Beca in for a hug. For the first time, Beca relaxed into her arms and started sobbing lightly.

“I’m so sorry Beca. But don’t worry, it’s okay, it’s okay. You’ll be fine.” Chloe was reminded of where they were when an employee passed by the two. The redhead didn’t let go. “We’ll talk about this in the hotel okay? I know how you like your privacy.”

Beca nodded as she pulled away, wiping her face with the neckline of her shirt. For the rest of the shopping trip, Chloe held her hand.

Later that night, Chloe settled into her side of the bed, unsurprised to see Beca already curled up in a ball. The redhead inched closer to the brunette as rested a hand on her side, Beca at first tensed up from Chloe’s gentle touch but eventually relaxed. After a couple moments of silence, Beca spoke.

“I didn’t wanna tell you guys because I didn’t wanna ruin the shopping trip… you seemed so excited. I didn’t wanna rain on your parade.” Chloe tugged at her bottom lip, running her hand up and down Beca’s side.

“Don’t hesitate to tell me things like this Becs, I’ll always be there for you. Don’t feel like you’re being a burden, because you’re not. Okay?” Beca nodded. “I know you like keeping things pent up but I’m here for you whenever okay?” Beca nodded once more as she turned over to face Chloe. The brunette slowly scooted closer to the redhead and Chloe smiled at Beca’s movements.

The redhead lowered herself onto the mattress and wrapped her arms around Beca, the brunette resting her head underneath Chloe’s. The redhead pressed a kiss on Beca’s forehead and held the brunette protectively. When she knew that Beca was asleep - the brunette is famous for being the heaviest sleeper, the runner-up being Fat Amy - she whispered softly:

“I love you so much Beca…”

The redhead drifted to sleep, unbeknownst that Fat Amy and Flo had their ears pressed against the wall, and listened to the exchange between the two - other than the I love you.

Beca woke up that day to the Bellas in their hotel room, with flowers and food.

-

2016

The words exchanged with Jesse were laced with venom, the two spewing aggressive words until their voices were hoarse.

It was supposed to be a movie night, Beca found herself in Jesse’s bedroom in the Treblemakers house and the Treblemaker wouldn’t quit the incessant questions about Chloe.

Sure, Beca did feel something for Chloe during her relationship with Jesse, but she stopped trying.

Jesse didn’t seem to believe her.

He accused Beca of cheating, claiming that Chloe was the only one that the brunette would allow to touch her. Jesse brought up how Beca and her behaved more like a couple than they ever did, stomping his foot on the ground heavily that Beca was scared of the floor breaking underneath them.

The brunette eventually had enough, gathering her belongings and storming back to the Bellas house. She could feel the other Treblemaker’s eyes create dozens of holes on her body as she slammed their door shut.

Her walls grew stronger as she felt the tears emerge from her eyes and the intense pounding that came from her head.

Even with her walls becoming firmer and indestructible, there’s always someone she could turn to.

Even if the situation may involve them.

Beca rushed into the Bellas house, immediately directing herself towards Chloe’s room as if she were on auto-pilot. Her thoughts rushed through her head, specifying on her feelings for Chloe; those words drowned out the Bellas calling after her in the living room. The brunette reached her hand out even before she was at Chloe’s door and once she was, she grasped the metal knob and twisted.

“Becs what-

"Jesse and I broke up.”

Chloe’s mouth didn’t form a frown or a surprised expression like Beca would assume it did. Instead, the redhead smiled sweetly and stood from her mattress, walking over to Beca and wrapping her in a hug. The brunette didn’t tense up for once… she clenched onto Chloe and sobbed, her eyes tightly closed as she gripped the back of Chloe’s shirt. The redhead rubbed circles on Beca’s back, kicking the door closed behind them. Chloe led the brunette to her bed where Beca still didn’t let go.

“Wanna say why you guys broke up?”

Without thinking, her mouth formed words before her brain could process them. “T-thought I was cheating on him with you because I still have feelings for you.”

When Beca realized what she said, she immediately tore herself from Chloe’s comforting grip, both letting out a slight whimper. “Shit I- Chlo…”

Chloe could feel her own tears forming, but kept strong for the upset brunette. Instead of questioning Beca, the redhead simply reached back out for her. “We don’t have to talk about it… for now we can just sit here in silence if that’s what you want?”

Beca could feel her flight or fight response pulsing throughout her petite body. She could feel her feet wanting to run and her body wanting to be away from Chloe’s.

She didn’t.

Instead, Beca curled back up into Chloe’s body and closed her eyes, still sniffling as she drifted to sleep. The redhead held Beca firmly and securely and couldn’t help but feel so selfish.

The girl she failed her Russian Lit exam for liked her as well.

And that’s what managed to fill her entire brain.

-

2017

“Lemme get this straight… you basically told Chloe that you like her and you two haven’t talked about it since then.” Aubrey smacks Beca lightly on the forehead with her straw - the two agreed to meet each other in a small cafe located a few blocks away from their hotel after the whole hostage situation. It’s early morning, still many hours away from Beca’s performance tonight.

“Look, we just never really… talked about it.” Aubrey begins to open her mouth but Beca stops her. “Yes we live together but it just never came up.”

Aubrey only rolls her eyes. “I’ve watched this sexual tension go on for so long Beca, when will you give in?”

The brunette picks apart her croissant, the flakey crumbs scattering across her lap. Her feelings for Chloe have been picking apart at Beca for so long and she could never manage to turn her thoughts into words and her words into actions.

“What if she doesn’t like me anymore? I mean, it’s been a year.”

Aubrey smiles a bit. “It’s been 7 years and she still hasn’t given up. I think you’re fine.”

Beca gapes her mouth open. “Holy shit 7 years?” Aubrey nods as the brunette shoves her head into her hands, ignoring how the silverware clattered against the table. “I’m so dumb.”

“Yes, that’s very clear.” The brunette shoots her head back up, glaring at Aubrey. “I’m kidding but yeah you were oblivious.” The blonde bites her bottom lip for a bit. “If it means anything… Chloe was kind of oblivious too at first… she kept obsessing over you when she saw you at the activities fair. It was really clear she had a toner for you but never admitted until Hood Night.”

Beca’s head remains in her hands. “How should I tell her?”

Aubrey waves their waiter over for the check, pulling out her cash. “That’s for you to decide Beca.”

The brunette releases her head, finishing off her croissant before they leave.

She has an idea.

-

The brunette’s been silent ever since she returned from her little morning conversation with Aubrey, not wanting to speak in fear she would confess at the wrong time. Her being silent wasn’t much before, but now, it has everyone concerned.

Other than Aubrey of course.

her walls have been beginning to lower and ease down all because of the sweetest and sincerest redhead on planet Earth.

Her performance is inching closer and closer along with her confession. Beca is scheduled to arrive two hours earlier for a microphone check, costume, hair, and makeup. The brunette proceeds to store all of her items into her suitcase, the Bellas will be leaving Europe in two days. As Beca stores her shower supplies away, she feels a tap on her shoulder. She turns and finds Chloe standing there, smiling as great as ever.

“Hey what’s up?”

“Just wanted to wish you luck since you’re leaving in like… 30 minutes. And also, are you okay? You’ve been kind of quiet.”

It pains Beca to not tell Chloe, especially since they are currently alone at the moment. But Beca wanted to save it for later…

“I’m fine, just kind of nervous.”

Chloe nods accordingly and pecks a kiss on Beca’s cheek - something that the brunette has become accustomed to. “Well, you got nothing to worry about.”

The redhead helps Beca with the packing process and the brunette had to bite her tongue down with every thought she had of wanting to tell Chloe.

-

Her eyes remain on Chloe’s icy blue eyes for the majority of her performance, seeing as they were the most visible amongst the crowd. Beca slowly approaching the Bellas was all apart of her plan: wanting to sing as a group one last time and to confess to Chloe.

She wasn’t one for big gestures but this sure would be the biggest step that Beca has ever taken outside her comfort zone.

The brunette makes sure to surround the Bellas in the most loving hug she could muster without letting the tear flow break.

As she slowly backs up into the line with everyone’s hand holding one another’s, Beca couldn’t help but smile.

The crowd erupts into a gigantic cheer and Beca turns immediately on her heel, with her eyes set on Chloe.

The brunette taps Chloe on the shoulder once and she turns around right away. Before the redhead could hug Beca, the brunette cradles Chloe’s face and presses her lips onto hers. Beca takes into account how satisfying it feels to kiss the girl she’s been chasing for so many years. The redhead kisses back with as much passion, her arms settling on Beca’s waist.

The Bellas cheer as the two kiss on stage, the crowd erupting in bursts of cheers as they continuing kissing.

Her walls have been taken down and Beca couldn’t have asked for a better person to take those sturdy barriers down.

Chloe Beale never left Beca.

Chloe hears Beca pick up and takes a deep breath. “Okay, first of all, good morning, I love you. Secondly, why didn’t you tell me that my mom invited you to our place?! I mean, we now have to pretend that we aren’t dating and are just friends and that’s going to be really complicated since I’m super affectionate. Also, she’s already baking so I know she won’t have her mind changed about this!” 

There’s a pause.

“Well good morning to you too Chlo,” Beca chuckles into her phone. “First, let’s calm down okay? It’s just a dinner it’s not like they’re inviting us to like a double date or something.”

The redhead grimaces at the idea of a double date with her parents. “Ew gross. And I cannot be calm! They don’t know we’re dating!”

“Well, why don’t we tell them tonight? It shouldn’t be that hard... your parents are the nicest people ever.” Beca adds, attempting to comfort her panicking girlfriend.

“I- But I’m scared... what if something bad happens?”

“I’ll take you to my hotel room and we can cuddle or whatever. I’ll be right beside you throughout the whole thing okay?” Chloe smiles at Beca’s suggestion

“Okay...”

“I’d love to talk more Chlo but Theo is on my ass... not literally but, yeah. He’s making work extra hard today since I’m leaving early. Love you, babe!”

“Love you too Becs.”

The call ends and the redhead collapses face-first onto her mattress.

Tonight is either going to be a shit-show or the best night of her life.

-

Chloe is seated on the couch, anticipating for the doorbell to ring; her family is preparing the table while the redhead pretends to read a novel. Each sentence she reads ends with a quick glance towards the door, her heart rate increasing if she notices a car passing by or a dog-walker. The redhead resumes her fake-reading and the first note of the doorbell has Chloe climbing over the couch.

“I’ll get it!” The redhead rushes towards the door, making sure that her family doesn’t open the door before her. Chloe swings the door open and sees Beca, fiddling with the hem of her collared shirt. The redhead glances behind herself and presses a short kiss on the brunette’s lips, keeping the door open with one foot. Chloe escorts Beca inside her home, the brunette walking in casually as the redhead begins to fidget with her hands, rubbing the sweat on her jeans. 

“Mom, Beca is here!” Chloe yells; her mother immediately exits the kitchen to greet the brunette.

“Hello, Beca it is so nice to see you!”

The two share a quick embrace. “It’s nice to see you too Mrs. Beale.”

“Agh please,” Chloe’s mother waves Beca off dismissively. “Call me Theresa. Anyway, the food is still cooking so you guys can stay in Chloe’s room for now!”

“Sounds good mom.”

Ignoring the temptation of the aroma of roast beef and pastries, the couple begins to walk upstairs, heading for Chloe’s childhood bedroom. Beca smiles at the number of stuffed animals huddled in the corner and the flowery wall-pattern that adds character to the redhead’s room. The brunette sits on Chloe’s recently made bed and frowns at the sight of a panicking redhead.

“Hey, you wanna talk about your pacing around the room?” Beca says, watching her girlfriend pace back and forth in the small room.

“Just, I’m scared of telling them!” Chloe says and the brunette urges her to continue. “Like what if they don’t accept us? Or maybe don’t let us see each other anymore! Or they kick us out!” The redhead begins to hyperventilate, along with her eyes beginning to water. Immediately, Beca stands up and holds Chloe’s hands, pulling the redhead closer.

“I don’t know your family as well as you do but I do know one thing. They love you no matter what Chloe and it always be that way. Okay?” Chloe nods, a smile spreading across her face. “Everything will be fine. And I mean hey, at least I’ll be with you.”

The redhead nods once more and places another kiss on Beca’s lips, this one lasting longer than the last. Their lips break apart when they hear footsteps approaching Chloe’s room and when the two look towards the open door, they let out a sigh of relief from the sight of no one there. 

“Chloe! Beca! Dinner is ready!” The redhead’s older brother screams from below

Beca looks to Chloe as they both let out a deep breath. “Ready Chlo?”

“Definitely.”

The brunette and the redhead walk downstairs towards the dining room, loving the scent of freshly made dinner. Chloe sits next to Beca and once they join the table, the redhead’s family starts grabbing for food - Chloe’s family waits until everyone is joined at the table to start eating. Beca places food onto hers and Chloe’s plate, immediately stuffing her face with Theresa’s famous roast beef.

“How’s the musician life Beca?” Chloe’s father, Michael asks as he pours a cup of iced tea for himself

The brunette swallows her food before answering. “Pretty busy, it’s keeping me productive at least. I mean, I would’ve preferred being a producer but being a musician is pretty cool too.”

“Didn’t you work as a producer beforehand?” The oldest Beale, Robert, questions

“Ah, I quit. The people there were gigantic di- I mean rude people. They just uh, didn’t treat me well so I left.” Chloe lets out a laugh at Beca’s avoidance of using a cuss word, she’s happy that the brunette knows not to swear so often around her family.

“What about you sunshine?” The redhead blushes at her mother’s old nickname for her. She glances towards her mother’s direction and notices Beca teasingly mouthing the word “sunshine” and kicks her under the table. 

Chloe faintly smiles as Beca’s face begins to scrunch up. “N-nothing much actually. Vet school will be starting soon which is exciting. But, uh, yeah nothing really.” The redhead gulps loudly. “B-but Beca here is very productive actually.”

“You okay Chloe? You seem kind of nervous.” The second oldest Beale, Elijah, inquiries, his mouth forming a frown. The redhead begins tapping her fork against her plate repeatedly as she tries to form an answer.

The brunette slips her hand under the table, placing her hand on top of Chloe’s thigh and gently squeezing it - Beca’s way of secretly comforting the redhead other than holding her hand. The redhead glances quickly towards her girlfriend and back to Elijah. Chloe clears her throat as she places her silverware down. 

“Actually I uh, have to tell you guys something.” The family slowly lowers their silverware as they focus on the youngest Beale. “So uh...” The redhead slips her hand under the table as well, lacing her fingers with Beca; Chloe begins to relax. “Me and Beca are dating. And we have been since her DJ Khaled opening performance...”

She slowly raises their interlocked hands up, awkwardly smiling and blushing. Chloe squints her eyes, preparing for screaming and anger... yet, she’s met with a few chuckles. Her eyes slowly open and she sees her family, grinning cheek to cheek. 

“Oh Chloe... we always kind of suspected that the two of you were dating.” Chloe’s father says, chuckling at the end of the sentence

“Yeah, I thought you two were dating since like you met her from the way you spoke about Beca.” The brunette’s ears flush red at Robert’s comment, fighting back an amused smile

“Same here sweetie. But just know we love okay? And are fully supportive of this relationship.” 

Chloe’s eyes begin to tear up, feeling emotional from her family’s acceptance of her. The redhead turns to the brunette and plants a quick kiss on her lips, both of their eyes rolling when they hear Elijah fake gag. They pull away and continue eating, small smiles on everyone’s faces.

“Also I kind of saw you two kissing upstairs in the bedroom and told everyone,” Robert adds, quickly standing up from the table with his plate

Beca and Chloe shoot their heads towards the oldest Beale who is making his escape. 

“If you could excuse us for a second mom, dad.” 

The redhead and the brunette stand from their own chairs and begin chasing Robert around the house. 

“Get back here you idiot!” 

Chloe couldn’t have asked for a better family and a better girlfriend. 

-