#pleaseactsurprisedxx

She snorts, rubbing her eyes for a long moment. Laying her head back on the arm of the couch she runs her hands down her face, contemplating on whether or not to wake Beca up so that they can return to their respective beds to prepare for more school and work and rehearsals tomorrow (well, later in the day, now) when a crick in her neck and shoulder blades suddenly makes the decision for her.

Chloe groans. Her phone vibrates against her collarbones from where it had fallen for the reminders that she had set for herself in the morning, and like it is an alarm, she sits up.

Beca stirs, wakening. Her eyelashes flutter like it always does when she is slowly taking in her surroundings and at the realization that she is spread across Chloe's lap, she shoots up as well.

"What- what time is it?"

Chloe decides to keep it to herself that Beca looks ridiculous and adorable (ridiculously adorable? Is that a thing? She can't really think right now) with her glasses hanging from her ears and her hair mussed on one side. She stretches, sighing at the crack in her back and in her neck, after rolling it around.

"Four."

Beca seems to blink out of a stupor at the quiet rasp in Chloe's voice. "Oh. Wow. That's uh. That's late."

Chloe raises her eyebrows, dropping her arms back to her side. They are staring at each other now, Beca's eyes wide and alert, while Chloe is just bewildered (and secretly excited, really) about how Beca hasn't run away yet. "Yep."

And then, just to break the tension because it is starting to thicken and it has only been a month that Chloe has come to terms with the fact that she is in love with Beca, she says, "You used me as a pillow."

"Sorry."

Chloe shrugs, because it isn't like it is a big deal, she just needed something to confess. Before she says something that she might regret later.

She reaches out to pull her glasses off of Beca's face. She feels Beca draw in a sharp breath and her own heart seems to do the same by beating a bit faster. She smiles to hide her nervousness.

"Do you wanna come back to my room?"

There is a difference between sleeping wrapped up in each other on the couch versus upstairs, in her bed. Maybe it is the fact that there is more space, but Beca isn't as clingy, as needy, or as soft, and there is always the excuse of her being too tired to go up to the attic.

Chloe can see Beca swallow. She fiddles with the fabric of her shorts while she waits for Beca's reply, which instantly comes in the form of a nod after some brief hesitation.

Chloe's grin broadens. "Awes."

And if her heart seems to tighten in her chest on its way of climbing into her throat as she sets down her glasses to use both of her hands to pull Beca from the couch, she ignores that, too.

Because wakening up accidentally next to Beca in the middle of the night is the second-best possible thing, and if the first one cannot be achievable, then she can settle for the second one just as well.

It can never be just as good, just as wonderful, though.

----

Fortunately, despite the fact that she cannot actually be there with her parents in person, she has the magic of FaceTime to see her through, and Chloe has shut herself away for the afternoon to spend virtual time with her family, while Beca does whatever it is she may be doing in her attic bedroom.

That had been the plan anyway. Barely five minutes into the video call, however, and the connection had begun to lag before finally cutting out altogether, and Chloe is left to stare, hands cradling her chin, at the blank screen of her laptop with an entirely perplexed look pulling onto her pale features.

“Again?” Chloe murmurs under her breath, a quick glance to her phone screen telling her that the WiFi icon is not displayed there anymore, either.

Technology is not really Chloe’s area of expertise, but fortunately for her, there is someone else in the house who has a way better grasp on that particular area, so following another failed attempt at reconnecting, Chloe pushes herself back from her small desk with a soft huff, then floats lazily from the room in pursuit of a little help.

The Bellas’ house is not exactly huge, but rather than simply call out to Beca, Chloe swiftly makes her way toward the attic, focus preoccupied for now with her failed attempt to fix the WiFi setting on her phone.

“Bec, is the internet working for you?” Chloe mumbles distractedly, only glancing upward from her screen when she doesn’t receive an immediate response. She trails off slowly at the scene before her, however.

Her brows lift as she takes in the from-the-back view of a very much in the zone Beca Mitchell, wireless Beats headphones positioned over her ears, and body moving in a way that Chloe thinks might be...dancing? It is a very loose depiction of the term dance, of course; Beca’s limbs move somewhat sluggishly, and Chloe thinks that she should probably back away, leave Beca to have her moment alone, but it is impossible for Chloe to tear her widened stare from Beca’s movements, especially as the energy of whatever song she may be listening to seems to pick up, with her loosely moving body effectively doing the same.

And no, Beca really is not the reason Chloe had stayed here during break—not the whole reason, anyway—but God, she is so glad she did… Because this is the person Chloe has been quietly pining over for years now, the person who causes Chloe’s heart rate to quicken and a host of lively butterflies to begin flapping in her stomach as she watches her simply being her normal, dorky, adorable self. She cannot help the way she stares now, the way she drinks in this very moment and allows it to consume her in a way that the music seems to be consuming Beca, too.

She means to leave before Beca sees her, to keep this particular instance to herself in the interest of not completely embarrassing Beca, but she turns before Chloe gets the chance to even attempt to move, and while Beca pauses instantly, pale cheeks flushing a deep crimson shade as her widened eyes lock with Chloe’s, all Chloe can do is suck in her bottom lip in a meager attempt to bite back her adoring grin.

“Chlo, uh,” Beca tries, hands grasping at the cups of her headphones to quickly tug them away from her ears and to instead settle the band loosely around her neck. “I was just, uh—”

“You’re so adorable, Bec,” Chloe says in a much softer, much more affectionate tone than she really means to.

“What? No, I…” Beca’s voice is a little panicked at first, though she cuts herself off with a petulant whine, hands lifting to quickly cover her face. Her words come out muffled by the barrier. “Dude, can we just pretend you didn’t see that?”

It is really not unusual for Chloe to dish out physical affection, so although Beca stiffens slightly as long fingers wrap loosely around her wrists to gently pull her hands away from her face, she doesn’t actually stop her. She just stares at her with flushed cheeks and pleading eyes, before repeating, “Can we just—”

She doesn’t get the chance to finish, though. It is without proper thought nor even much warning, save for a drop of her eyes toward Beca’s mouth, that Chloe leans forward to brush a small, slow peck to Beca’s lips.

While Beca freezes at first, it is only for the briefest second, before Chloe feels the way soft lips push back against her own in a way that causes her entire body to melt. It is like years of tension, of fruitless pining and unspoken desires pour out into that one small touch, and Chloe pulls back to take in Beca’s surprised expression with her teeth resting delicately over her bottom lip.

“Um…” Beca begins quietly, arms relaxing in Chloe’s gentle grasp. “Wow, okay,” she chuckles somewhat bashfully, wide gaze darting away from Chloe’s, though it seems she struggles to keep it from drifting right back. “What was that?”

Chloe responds with an uncharacteristically bashful look, though the corners of her lips are curved into a soft smile all the same. “I’m sorry, I probably should’ve given you a little more warning,” she admits, nose scrunching apologetically. “You’re just...really cute, Bec. And I’ve kind of been wanting to do that for a really long time, so when I came in here and saw you doing whatever you were just doing, I just couldn’t resist.”

Although Beca still looks mildly surprised, Chloe is almost positive she sees the threat of a smile dancing on her lips now, too.

“Is...that okay?” Chloe questions almost cautiously, softened eyes studying Beca’s face in an effort to find any clues of her wanting to run.

In response, Beca seems a little shaky, but she proceeds to shortly nod her head, and Chloe’s heartbeat picks up in that distinct way only Beca Mitchell can ever truly cause. “Yeah, it’s okay,” Beca promises, tongue flickering out to lick over her dry lips. Her darkened cheeks redden further. “Uh, I might’ve been waiting for you to do that for a while, too.”

“Really?” Chloe’s brows raise at that, though it is definitely in pleasant surprise.

“Mhm,” Beca nods, lips pulling inward as her gaze drops briefly to Chloe’s mouth. She pauses then, stare narrowing in as it lifts upward once more. “Wait, what do you mean whatever I was doing? I was dancing.”

Chloe cannot help her amused chuckle in response. “Mm, yeah, I saw that…” she nods, fingers finally unwrapping from around Beca’s wrists to exaggeratedly flail her arms in a contrived mimic of Beca’s movements.

“Dude, shut up,” Beca whines, though there is amusement lacing her tone despite the fact that her head tips back in embarrassment.

*****

Meanwhile, at an apartment across town, Stacie was having a similar conversation with Beca.

“I hate parties,” she said.

“Beca, come on,” Stacie said. “Seriously, you never go anywhere. You’ve been working your ass off lately.”

“It’s not my fault I’ve got a new artist at the label who thinks they’re the next big thing.”

“They can’t expect you to work on a Friday night. Besides, I have a feeling Fat Amy is going to do something embarrassing at Bumper’s party. You don’t want to miss that.”

“I’m sure you’ll take video,” said Beca.

“And then you’re going to be pissed you didn’t see it in person. Besides, there’s free booze.”

“Now you’re talking!”

“I should have opened with that,” said Stacie.

“It’s like you don’t even know me.”

*****

Chloe and Aubrey arrived at the hotel, dressed to the nines. Aubrey had a short sleeveless sequined dress that showed a ton of cleavage, and Chloe wore a green sequined dress with spaghetti straps. Aubrey had helped Chloe put her hair up, and Chloe had helped Aubrey wear her hair down in soft curls.

“Aubrey, you’re here!” exclaimed an older woman.

“Aunt Sandy!” Aubrey replied, hugging the woman.

“And, who might you be?” the older woman asked Chloe.

“I’m Chloe, Aubrey’s roommate and best friend.”

“Right, you’re in vet school?”

“That’s right.”

“I hope you two enjoy yourselves. I need to check on the catering. I don’t see one of the hors d’ oeuvres I ordered,” Aubrey’s aunt said, heading toward the buffet tables.

“Your aunt really went all out,” said Chloe.

“That’s my aunt,” said Aubrey. “Oh, there’s my mom!”

“Aubrey! Chloe!” she said, wrapping the two women in a hug.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hey, Mama Posen,” said Chloe.

“Did you see your aunt?” asked Mrs. Posen.

“Yes. She’s already fussing at the caterers,” said Aubrey.

“Sounds like her. Please make sure you say hello to your cousin.”

“There he is!” exclaimed Chloe. She led Aubrey across the room.

They were about halfway to Bumper when Aubrey stopped dead in her tracks.

“Aubrey?” Chloe tugged on her arm.

Aubrey shook her head. “Sorry. I just saw...never mind.”

Chloe looked in the same direction as Aubrey. Two brunettes were walking in. Both were gorgeous, but Chloe knew from past experience that Aubrey was likely eyeing the taller woman. She had a thing for long-legged women. Chloe saw the short woman whisper something to the taller woman who caught Aubrey’s eye and gave her a little finger wave, causing Aubrey to blush and quicken her pace toward her cousin.

*****

Beca slowly climbed out of the Uber she’d shared with Stacie. They’d agreed to split an Uber so nobody would have to be the designated driver. She dragged a bit behind Stacie until the taller woman pointed out that the sooner they got there, the sooner she could start drinking.

“Legs! Shortstack!” Fat Amy exclaimed, hugging the two women. Fat Amy had a fancy silver dress on and a long ponytail extension in her hair.

“Hey, Ames,” Beca said.

“Couldn’t get Mitchell to wear a dress, could you?” Amy asked Stacie.

“Never,” said Stacie.

“I’ll have you know this jumpsuit is only slightly more comfortable than the dresses you two are wearing,” said Beca, who wore a sleeveless jumpsuit that went a lot lower in the chest than she would have preferred.

Stacie was wearing a red dress that was as low cut as Beca’s jumpsuit. It was short in the front and long in the back, and she’d flat-ironed her hair so it was smooth and sleek.

“Oh, there’s Bumper!” Fat Amy exclaimed.

Beca and Stacie followed Amy, and Beca began to snicker.

“What?” asked Stacie.

“The blonde across the room is totally checking you out,” said Beca.

Stacie glanced over at the blonde, gave her a finger wave and both women began to laugh as the blonde blushed and then practically ran in Bumper’s direction.

“Who are they?” Stacie asked.

“Who?” asked Fat Amy.

“The blonde and the redhead,” said Beca, nodding in their direction.

“Oh, them. The blonde is Bumper’s cousin Aubrey, but I don’t know the redhead.”

*****

Things got underway fairly quickly. Aubrey’s aunt was still running around all over the place, going back and forth between pestering caterers and trying to be a good party host.

Bumper hit the booze pretty quickly, even getting some friends of him to bring him drinks so he wouldn’t have to get up.

Once Aubrey and her friend sat down, Fat Amy grabbed both Stacie and Beca by the arm and practically threw them into seats at the same table.

“Hey, Aubrey,” said Fat Amy. “Who’s your friend?”

“I’m Chloe,” said the redhead.

“I’m Fat Amy, Bumper’s main squeeze.”

“You call yourself ‘Fat Amy’?” asked Chloe.

“Yeah, so twig bitches like you don’t do it behind my back,” said Fat Amy. “These are my friends Stacie and Beca. We’re old college roomies.”

“Hi,” said Stacie and Beca.

“I’ll leave you four to it. I’ve got to get ready to go jump out of a cake!” Fat Amy called as she headed toward the kitchen.

“Is she really going to jump out of a cake?” asked Chloe.

“I’ve learned it’s best not to ask questions,” said Beca. “But I really hope not!”

The four chatted for a while at the table, Stacie and Aubrey making eyes at each other. Once the DJ declared the cocktail hour over and called everyone to the dance floor, Stacie took Aubrey by the hand and asked her to dance. Aubrey was about ten shades of red as she quietly accepted.

Beca and Chloe continued to chat while watching Stacie subject Aubrey to one sensual move after another.

“I can’t believe she got Aubrey to do that. That girl is normally wound awfully tight,” said Chloe.

“Stacie has that effect on a lot of people.”

“You?”

“No. I’ve known Stacie since we were little. That would be like hooking up with my sister if I had one. How do you know Aubrey?”

“College,” said Chloe. “So, what do you do?”

“I produce music.”

“Anything I’ve heard?”

“Not yet,” said Beca with a sigh. “What about you?”

“I’m in vet school,” said Chloe. “Aubrey dragged me here after my last final of the semester. Animal Anatomy and Physiology was a bitch.”

“It sounds difficult,” said Beca.

“It is. I’m glad to be here, though. I needed to blow off some steam after spending last week with my face in my textbooks. Want to dance?” she asked.

Beca ordinarily would have said no, but Chloe was giving her the sweetest face, complete with puppy-dog eyes. Add that to the amount of alcohol coursing through her system, and Beca found herself being led to the dance floor.

She followed Chloe’s lead, and she was more than a little surprised that Chloe’s moves were only maybe a notch below Stacie’s in sensuality. Just as that thought entered her mind, Beca looked around the dance floor.

“What?” Chloe asked.

“Do you see Stacie or Aubrey?” asked Beca.

“I saw them grab their purses and head out of the room.”

“The Hunter strikes again,” said Beca, shaking her head.

“Come again?”

“It’s what Stacie calls her...ummm…” Beca’s face was on fire, and she couldn’t finish the sentence.

Chloe chuckled. “Well, that’s different. Can we keep dancing?”

Beca was getting a little tired, but a slow song had begun to play. She nodded as Chloe moved close to her and brought Beca’s hands up to her shoulders. Chloe pulled her close as they swayed, and Beca couldn’t believe how amazing this felt. She relaxed enough to let out a sigh.

She was about to pull away in embarrassment when she felt two lips on her cheek.

“What was that?” asked Beca.

“Was that not okay?”

“It just took me by surprise.”

“I heard the sigh and I took a chance,” said Chloe.

“I’m not used to this. I have no game.”

“Really? Have you seen yourself?” asked Chloe.

“Never. I don’t own a mirror,” said Beca, grinning.

“You get my point.”

“I’ve never had someone make a move that fast.”

“I see something, or, in this case, someone I want, and I go for it. Besides, our friends dragged us to this party and have gone off to hook up. They left us to fend for ourselves, so…”

“So, you’re interested because Aubrey left you with me?” asked Beca, her voice a little angrier than she’d meant.

“No, of course not. I like you, Beca. And, I’d definitely be making a move even if Stacie and Aubrey were still here. And Aubrey would probably give me shit for it.”

“Why is that?”

“She’s pretty protective of me, and she says I fall too easily.”

“Well, she’s gone off to hook up with Stacie, so…”

“I can’t believe they didn’t even stay for cake!” exclaimed Chloe.

“I’m definitely having some cake,” said Beca.

“Me too. Can we go back to dancing?” she asked.

Beca nodded and moved back in to dance closely with Chloe.

It wasn’t long before she felt lips on her cheek again. This time, she turned to face her dance partner and planted a chaste kiss on her lips.

Chloe quickly responded, deepening the kiss.

“Finally!” Beca heard Fat Amy exclaim.

The two women broke apart.

“I can’t remember the last time Shortstack saw any action,” Amy continued.

“Thanks, Amy,” Beca said through gritted teeth. “Don’t you have a cake to jump out of?”

“Bumper’s mum forgot to order one for me,” she said. “I’ve got a backup plan, though. See you two later!”

“Do I even want to know?” Chloe asked.

“Probably not. Should I take a video of whatever happens, or is it Stacie’s problem that she missed whatever it is Amy’s about to do?”

“Stacie and Aubrey left the party they dragged us to, so, no. I’m not taking a video to show Aubrey.”

The song ended, and the DJ asked everyone to clear the dance floor. Fat Amy ran up to the DJ booth, grabbed the microphone, and began a rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” that would have made the late Marilyn Monroe blush. The vast majority of the guests looked incredibly uncomfortable, but Bumper appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it.

“I almost wish I’d taken a video of that,” said Chloe.

“Me too,” said Beca.

Bumper’s mother managed to get the microphone from Amy, and she led everyone in a more appropriate version of “Happy Birthday” before announcing that they’d be serving cake momentarily.

Beca and Chloe talked more over the cake. Beca explained that she’d shared a suite in her freshman year of college with Fat Amy, Stacie, and this other girl named Kimmy Jin.

“She’d just throw shade at us. We didn’t even know she spoke English for a solid month! She’d bring her friends over to play video games until all hours of the night. I slept on Amy and Stacie’s floor a lot that first semester.”

“Ouch.”

“What about you? What was college like?”

“Aubrey and I went to the University of Maryland. We were roommates in our freshman year as well, and we actually clicked well enough to stay roommates for all of college.”

“That’s cool. Amy and Stacie and I managed to convince our parents to pay for us to live together in an off-campus apartment after our freshman year. My dad teaches at Barden, so he was the only one who complained about having to pay. My tuition and room and board were free. My mom reminded him that he hadn’t touched any of my college funds and to suck it up and pay.”

Chloe chuckled. “Love it.”

“Yeah. They divorced when I was in middle school.”

“That must have been hard.”

Beca shrugged. “I mostly remember them fighting all the time, so I think I was more relieved than anything else.”

“Right,” said Chloe. “Look, I hate to be a party pooper, but I’m beat. I’ve spent so many hours studying for finals, and I don’t think I can stay awake much longer.”

“I tend to conk out by 10:00, too. This artist is making me crazy. I already got a text from my boss that they want me to come in tomorrow morning. Have they not heard of a weekend?”

“That sucks. So, before I leave, can I have your number? I’d really like to take you on a date,” said Chloe.

“I’d love to go on a date with you,” said Beca. She gave Chloe her number and made sure she got hers as well.

“Should we tell Stacie and Aubrey we’re leaving?”

“If I know Stacie, they’re still going at it.”

“I’m so going to give Aubrey hell for this later.”

Beca grinned. “You should.”

Beca and Chloe waited outside for the respective Ubers. Chloe’s arrived first, and she surprised Beca with a quick kiss before climbing into the back seat.