Sitting comfortably on the high stool in her friends' kitchen, Chloe sipped from her hot coffee, hoping the small hangover headache would pass soon. It didn't bother her as much, after all, the nights or early morning high still had her lips sporting a warm smile.
Slipping off the chair, Chloe made her way outside, Billy following her along. Her mind recalled the early morning phone call with Beca, moreover the woman's light and enchanting voice when singing her happy birthday.
She had done that for me…
It was a small high that Chloe was feeling, but a high nonetheless. It wasn't imaginary of their lingering touches and glances during the party last night either. Their connection was still there, and maybe it always will be.
Chloe wandered around the garden and let her thoughts drift until Jess called her inside and that it was time to go. She tried to control her quickly forming smile for the day ahead.
"Earth to Beca?"
Beca held her pen loosely, pressed against the notepad in front of her. At the sound of her name she finally clicked back into reality and turned her spaced gaze to Amy, "Hm?"
The next thing to happen was Amy's hand connecting with the side of Beca's head. It was a light slap, regardless it left Beca blinking incredulously at the woman standing in front of her.
"What are you doing?" Cynthia asked as she walked into Beca's office.
"Wha-?" Beca began but was cut off by Amy who chose to answer the question.
"I'm trying to bring this dazed shrimp back." Amy answered.
Again Beca blinked, confused by her words.
"You've been in here since early morning. Like disgustingly early." Amy offered.
Beca placed her pen down on the pad, waiting for more information as to the problem.
"You've been sitting in here with a dopey smile on your face and haven't so much as looked at you work-," Amy gasped in excitement, "Did you knock boots last night?"
Beca slowly shifted her gaze to Cynthia, silently asking for help, "Could we get a translator for her?"
Amy jumped up and sat her bum on the desk, half of Beca's utensils and papers scattering on the floor. Beca sat back, shocked by the sudden move.
"I'm asking if you got laid!" Amy asked in excitement, "You know, not to divert from you, but I have my eye on a certain guy. And let me tell you I am using my fine ass lumberjack skills to climb that tree, which is one hell of a fine specimen. Ohh yes. Hmm," Amy seemed to disappear into her own thoughts much to Beca's unease, only to snap back," SOO, Did you get LAID?!" the blonde called out in excitement.
Cynthia turned her gaze to the door behind her finding some of the staff staring in. Quickly she gave them a forced smile and shut the blinds.
Beca briefly placed her hand to cover her eyes, "No, Amy."
Amy's excitement deflated, "Well you're boring. You must be about ready to burst, when was the last time-"
Beca slapped her friend's arm, "Get out!"
"Oh wait, the googly eyes remain for Miss. Red, amiright?" Amy's brows moved up and down suggestively.
"Cynthia, help." Beca simply stated whilst she stood and collected her things off the floor.
"Okay lumberjack, climb down and reel it in. We have work to do." Cynthia stated and walked towards the desk.
"Yes!" Beca was actually thankful that there was work to switch this conversation too. Once Amy had the bite she just wouldn't let go. If anything she could have been a detective in another life.
"Let's go team!" Beca enthused and made her way out of the office. Amy was close behind, followed by Cynthia whose eyes lingered upon the notepad left on the desk. Lines of lyrics filled the page, and she smiled deeply in anticipation for her friend to return to music.
Recordings continued throughout the day, and it was going well. Beca rejoiced when it came time for everyone to take a break for lunch. She had been busy, and so had Chloe. She hadn't seen the redhead, who would have been with Ellie this morning.
Beca leaned against the wall and waited outside the recording studio, bag in hand.
Soon enough the woman she was waiting for opened the door.
"Thanks Ellie! Are uou sure you don't want me to bring you something?" Chloe asked to the woman behind her.
"No that's okay, thank though. I'll get something later." Ellie returned.
Chloe nodded and turned, freezing in place just outside the door.
"Hey," Beca warmly greeted, "No hangover?" she teased.
Chloe lightly laughed, "Hey, no, no.. thank god. But I definitely had a little more than what I promised myself I would."
Beca shrugged, "It was your birthday. Treat yo self, right! Are you hungry?" she held up the spare bag, "I thought we could have lunch?"
Chloe nodded, her warm smile spreading across her lips, "That sounds great."
"Awesome," Beca pushed off the wall, and gestured that they head down the hallway. Chloe walked beside her and soon enough they entered Beca's office, both taking a seat on the two chairs in front of her desk.
Pulling out the salad boxes she handed one to Chloe whilst placing the other in front of her.
Chloe gave a faint smile, wanting to ask Beca about last night.
Beca could feel Chloe's eyes on her, both of them shifting in their chairs to face each other. They sat quietly for a moment, taking bites of their food.
"How did you sleep?" Beca asked.
Chloe nodded, "Good, thank you. You?"
"Yeah, good." Beca's eyes flicked from her food into Chloe's, both sharing a look as to why.
"Thank you for my song." Chloe's voice was quieter then she thought when saying the words.
Beca actually blushed at this, "You-.." she cleared her throat, "You're welcome."
Chloe grinned at the familiar sight of the blush and nervous brunette, "You really do have a beautiful voice Beca."
Beca stabbed a piece of salad, feigning interest in the food to make her shaky hand busy. Chloe watched Beca fiddle around with her food, watching the woman's cheeks tinge with red as she blushed. This sparked Chloe's own small smile, waiting for Beca to speak.
"Thank you." Beca finally replied in a hush and genuine tone, her eyes flicking up from her food to Chloe's, taking in the woman's smile and found herself momentarily lost. Beca snapped herself out of it at Chloe's eyebrow rising in question at her stare.
Forcing their attention back to their food they continued to eat and talk about the day's tasks.
"So we're recording and learning the choreography the next couple of weeks," Chloe started, finishing her food, "It's going to be hectic."
Beca nodded, "Yes. It will be." She sighed, a little nervous in how this was all going to go. For the movie, yes, and in other aspects around her also, one of which being directly in front of her.
Despite Beca's mask, Chloe heard the deep sigh, understanding it for what it was. Doubt.
"You're going to do great, Beca. You're a critical factor to making this sequel successful. And you'll do just that."
Beca shifted her eyes to look directly into Chloe's, only finding determined truth shining back.
"You're that sure?" Beca asked with a hint of a smile, despite still doubting herself.
"Yes." Chloe replied without hesitating.
Beca cleared her throat, pushing her salad back, she released her hands to run through her hair as she leaned back on her office chair. Inhaling and exhaling, taking in Chloe's words, it helped settled her. It always does, and probably will always.
"Beca?"
Chloe's voice brought Beca back to looking over at the blonde, "I still need to give you your present." The brunette suddenly voiced.
Chloe's concern was slowly replaced with excitement, but it would have to wait. The door swung open the exact moment, whilst Beca's phone simultaneously rang out with her alarm. Lunch was over and it was time to go back to work.
Beca nodded to her assistant that entered, telling her the actors were in studio, "Thanks, I'll be there in a moment. Are Ellie and Sam with their groups? Cynthia is editing on yesterday's audio with Amy, or?"
Lauren gave a quick rundown, whilst Beca listened her eyes apologized to Chloe, who returned it with her own understanding gaze.
Chloe collected her things, picking up her phone she turned to Beca whose eyes had never left her.
With a small smile, and mouthing the word 'Later.' Chloe took her leave.
Beca nodded her response to Chloe before she focused once more on Lauren, collecting what she needed. Her eyes glanced down to her bottom drawer where Chloe's present had remained since she brought it in this morning. Yes, Later.
Stepping out from around her desk she made her way towards the studio with Lauren by her side, informing her on other emails and business.
This is going to be a long week already.
Later was yet to happen. It was finally Friday marking the end of week 1 rehearsals, and everyone was more than excited to go out for drinks to relax.
Except, Beca.
During the week Beca had been dealing with an acapella group that would be apart of a rivalry group in the movie. They were yet to arrive and Beca was kept busy with their constant changes in the songs they wanted to sing.
It was safe to say, they were doing her head in. Every song mix she proposed was shot down, or not good enough.
Jesse had heard through the grape vine that they aren't exactly enthused on Beca being the lead music producer on the movie. Beca basically dismissed his word, telling him that if they had a problem they could tell her directly.
That was her front, but internally Beca was somewhat of a nervous wreck. This group was known worldwide for their work being able to mash songs together brilliantly in acapella style. She knew this from spending the afternoon watching their YouTube videos. Constantly she fiddled around with the soundboard in front of her that was hooked up to her laptop.
The last thing Beca wanted to do, was to stay late at the studio, but that looks like the way things are going if the clock has anything to say.
It was 11.30 at night and Beca was starting to nurse a migraine. I can't do this.
Beca pushed herself back on her roller chair from her soundboard, "Fuuuck." She groaned out to the empty room.
The group would be arriving first thing Monday morning to lay down their vocals. Well, so that's the plan if everything is agreed upon. Which it doesn't look to be going that way so easily.
I can't do any more of this. Not tonight.
Beca knew she wasn't going to have much further productive progress on this project tonight. Instead she collected her things and locked up shop. Making sure everything was off and locked, Beca left the studio and made her way home.
Only to come to an abrupt halt in the parking lot.
I don't have a car.
Beca let out another long groan; her head tilting back to the sky before it rolled back around to look at her phone. She had forgotten Sykes left early to spend time with his daughter.
Pressing call she lifted the phone up to her ear, only to pull it away once Amy answered, "YAAAAA-HELLOOOOO?! POUR ME ANOTHER SHOT, YA SASSY SHRIMP!"
Beca winced at the voice, though her deadpan expression showed that she wasn't surprised by her friends' antics, "Amy." She simply stated, already knowing it was a lost cause to ask her friend to pick her up.
"Beca! Won't you be so kind as to pour me another shot?" Amy hiccupped.
"I'm not there Amy."
"No? But I feel as though you are my sweet Beca. Right here with me. You-you're my home girl, my inspiration, my failing bartender, my banana to my sundae split."
"Amy."
"You- you're… what?" Amy finally seemed to be listening, so Beca hoped.
"I'll talk to you in the morning."
"Aren't you coming to this party?!"
"No."
"Well-.. ugh no I don't think she is…." Beca waited as Amy was clearly talking to someone else, "Hang on mighty shrimp. CYNTHIAAA?!"
Beca once again winced in pain, "Amy stop screaming! I'm going to be deaf by the time I'm 30 thanks to you!"
"It's not Amy it's Cynthia, why aren't you coming home?"
"What? No, I said I'm not going to the party."
"THEY ARE ONE IN THE SAME MY TINY SIZED HUMAN!" Was Amy's background reply.
"Cynthia could you remind Amy that I'm also her landlord, so to speak, and I will have no regrets moving her to the pool and fencing her off in there."
"YOU HEARD THE MINIATURE WOMAN! TO THE POOL!" the blonde yelled, and receiving a roaring cheer in response.
Beca could only blink with a less then impressed expression and look around the empty car parking lot.
"Sorry Beca," Cynthia's human toned voice returned, "Amy, is well… Amy."
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I'll figure something out. Just make sure Amy doesn't burn the house down."
"Don't be sill-" Cynthia's voice suddenly cut off in screaming something out to Amy, "Uh shit."
"What?" Beca's worry was cut off by Cynthia following up with "Put that down! Okay, don't worry, I gotta go, but I got this. I will see you soon!"
"Wha-?" the call was disconnected before Beca could respond. Closing her eyes and placing the phone to her forehead briefly, exasperated and even more tired then before.
Looking around the abandoned parking lot there wasn't much she could do right now. Deciding to go back inside, she made her way back into the studio. Feeling her phone vibrate she looked down to find a new text from Jesse.
"Hey! Cynthia just told me you're still at the studio. I'm on my way."
Beca mentally sighed, thanking him immensely, "Hey, are you sure I don't want to put you out. You're not drinking at this party?"
"Nah decided to be the driver for tonight. Bree wanted to have some drinks. I'll see you soon."
What?!.. Is everyone at my house? Awesome…
It didn't take long for Jesse to pull up outside. Beca made her way back out, locking the door behind her and going over to the car. Opening the door she sat down with a sigh and strapped herself in.
"Hey there, finally finished?" Jesse asked when Beca closed the door.
Beca huffed, running a hand over her face in irritation, trying to be rid of the headache she'd been having for the last hour or so. The car continued on towards its' destination. Jesse's eyes flickered from the road to the brunette beside him, "That good huh?"
"I just-…" God where do I even begin? "It's fine. I'll handle it tomorrow."
"Beca, take a break. You have been pushing yourself too hard this week."
"Jesse. It's week one."
"Exactly!" Jesse stated exasperatedly, "It's only week one."
Beca levelled a glare at Jesse, "This is week one of me trying to compose and mix music for a movie. A widely known and recognized movie. Oh, and a second project of pulling together a soundtrack for another movie I've never even heard of or have even started on yet."
Jesse winced, knowing that it was partially his fault for the extra workload. "That's not due for a while yet anyway Beca. And I'll help you out on that! Ellie was saying she had written some notes for a possible song for the soundtrack."
"Okay." Beca simply stated, "How many people are at my house?"
Jesse whipped his head in the direction of Beca.
"Eyes on the road Jesse!" Beca snapped.
Jesse quickly returned his eyes to the road, "Sorry. Wait so you didn't know?"
"Know what?" her tone conveying the glare she was still directing at Jesse.
"Amy invited everyone over for a house party to celebrate week 1 of starting."
Beca rolled her eyes, "I'll kill that Australian."
Jesse scoffed, turning the wheel and directing them towards the closed gate, "I can ask everyone to go?"
"No, just leave it. Is everyone here?" Beca asked as she pressed her code into the box and the gate opened.
"Yeah Chloe is here."
Beca bit her lip. She had been wanting to properly sit down with the blonde and talk.
Jesse remained quiet, not wanting to push anymore buttons tonight. Pulling the car up to halt in a free spot amongst other cars, he parked the car.
"Thanks Jesse." Beca smiled at him before making her way out of the car. Jesse followed the brunette towards the open door. Already Beca could hear the loud thumping music and see people through the door.
"Beca?"
"Hm?"
"What would you have done if I didn't come and pick you up?"
Beca just shrugged, "Called an uber? Maybe just pass out in the studio."
Jesse just levelled his stare, taking a hold of Beca's arm lightly before they could step inside. Beca looked to Jesse with a waiting expression.
"Why don't you get a drink, go upstairs into your room and just relax. I can start hustling people out of here."
Beca gave a small thankful smile, "That's okay. Let everyone have some fun. Thanks though."
Jesse nodded and they made their way inside. Jesse soon excused himself to go find Aubrey.
Beca only gave a nod in return and waded her way through the people scattered around the kitchen. Alcohol bottles ranging from everything, looked to be... well, everywhere. Cups were littered around the large kitchen island, including a keg.
A fucking keg?!... Beca knew exactly who would have brought this, Amy. Legend.. no wait! No, I'm totally annoyed with her. I'm angry… and tired, and have a sore head.
"Beca Mitchell in the house!" someone announced behind her.
Turning around she found the young actress with a drunken smile on her face, her nerves clearly showing as she gave an awkward wave
"Sorry, that was weird. I've had a bit too much of… whatever, Amy has given me."
"Amy is not to be underestimated. Especially in her drink making concoctions." Beca stated, "Emily, right?"
The young actress nodded keenly, "Yeah, that's me. Thanks for throwing this party! We've all been wondering where you've been!"
Beca gave a small laugh, her eyes scanning the area for a particular Australian housemate who might just end up locked outside tonight, "Yeah.. I was catching up on some work."
"Oh okay. Well work is important!" Emily gave an innocent and sweet smile, her face contorting into a dreadful wince, tipping the red cup back and downing another mouthful of Amy's booze.
Beca felt sorry for the young actress, she will experience one of the worst hangovers of her life tomorrow. She could only smile and give a thumbs up when Emily proudly showed her the empty cup.
"You shouldn't drink too much." Beca warned, "Not that great for the vocal cords." And some amazing vocal cords they were. Beca knew this girl would smash it each time she came into a booth after recording her first session. Cynthia and Sam were blown away also in her vocal training sessions.
Emily gave a pout, knowing it was true, "You're right.. Maybe I should have a water?"
Beca nodded, "Wait here." and walking over to the fridge to grab a bottle she handed it over to the girl before sharing a smile, "Have a good night, I'll probably see you later!" and excusing herself.
Beca continued to make her way towards the back patio, again moving through the crowds, most of who were dancing around the pool.
"Ah! Beca!"
There was no mistaking that voice.
Beca swung her attention around, almost too eagerly, and found Chloe with a wide smile making her way towards her.
Beca met her half way, both sharing a smile before Chloe finally broke the silence between them,
"You're here." Chloe tried to tone down her enthusiasm, mentally scolded herself with that being all she could come up with.
Beca gave an awkward nod and smile, "Well I do live here."
"Yeah, I remember." Chloe winced internally from her words, but didn't let it show, only taking a sip of her drink.
Beca could hear the change of tone in her voice when delivering those words. They weren't with malice intent or anger, more so to just acknowledge the last time she was here was far from pleasant.
How do I respond to that?
Chloe shook her head, trying to get back on track, "I didn't mean-"
"Hey, it's okay." Beca's eyes showed genuine understanding. Chloe saw this and let her demeanour settle a little in relief.
"Can I get you a drink?" Beca asked, diffusing any tension.
Chloe smiled, "Yeah. Sounds good."
Chloe followed Beca's lead back inside, the brunette scanning around the cabinets. Finding a yellow cup and a red one she went up to the keg and poured herself and Chloe a drink.
"Did you not know there was a party here tonight?" Chloe suddenly questioned.
Beca scoffed, "Is my shock that obvious?"
Chloe's eyes widened, "Well I knew something was a bit… I don't know.. off? I ask Jesse where you were and he had said you must've stayed back to work. I was-" she coughed giving herself a second to tame her eager tone, "I was going to give you a call soon and try and convince you to leave the office."
Beca's warm smile was directed her way, "Yeah I was tied to my soundboard I guess. There's a lot to do after all." She sighed.
"I know it's probably a lot to take on. You just need to follow your instincts." Chloe gave a reassuring smile.
"Do you want to go outside?" Beca could barely hear what Chloe was saying and would much rather talk to her then stand around dealing with drunken people. Chloe nodded and followed.
"Uhm yeah," Beca started as they made their way through to the patio and pool on the first level. They carefully step around someone who is slumped on the stairs, a friend consoling them and asking that they don't go to sleep just yet.
Chloe held back a snigger at Beca's eyes taking in the party, "This probably won't be the last one, right?"
Beca exhaled, knowing that blonde was more than likely right, "Yeahh. But maybe no more parties until mid-break production."
They turn the corner past the dancing group near the pool. Beca spotted a vacant wall space that she could lean up against. Chloe followed and stood in front of the brunette, taking a sip out of her cup she waited.
Everything that Beca still had left to do was swirling around her mind, she exhaled and asked, "Speaking of, when is mid-break production?"
Chloe snickered, "It's like you're a child whose been dragged back to school after summer break."
Beca just gave a playful pout and nodded.
"This week has been pretty crazy already," Beca started, trying to pull her brain into play here, with Chloe's agreeing nod she continued, "I've barely seen you this week." Her tone possibly giving away her dislike for that.
Chloe reeled back, a small smile still gracing her lips, "That's not true. Yeah we have." But Chloe quickly clued in on what she had meant. There had been cameras in and out of the studio already that had started to shoot some 'behind-the-scenes' shots.
Beca diverted her eyes briefly from the blues in front of her, giving a small shrug "Work wise, yeah."
Chloe's smile was subtle but warm, "Yeah, well we are catching up now right?"
Beca gave a nodded, and taking a mouthful from her drink…
Chloe watched Beca's expression, slightly surprised when she showed a small but hesitant smile.
"Can I show you something?" Beca asked.
Chloe nodded, having to calm her expression before her excitement showed through.
Beca itched to take her hand and lead her inside, her eyes glancing down past the cup wishing she could. Instead she nodded towards the house, "Cool, come with me, it's back inside."
Chloe followed through the house, stopping every now and then to say her hello's to others. Beca was much the same with people intercepting and wanting to talk. She hadn't exactly been very social with everyone else yet. There would be time for that later – those exact words running through her mind when Aubrey suddenly entered the large lounge room.
Chloe's eyes soon connected with Aubrey's over her cast mates' shoulder that had been talking to her. The gaze was awkward, filled with hurt and anger. Beca quickly picked up on this and turning her eyes to Aubrey she could see how torn the blonde was. But as quickly as she had seen that expression it was gone, and the blonde was sporting a small but hopeful smile walking towards them.
Beca glanced at Chloe, only to find that she had excused herself from the group, her eyes pleading that she follow.
Beca actually felt bad for the blonde, she was clearly trying with Chloe but not receiving much in return. Chancing another glance behind her as she followed Chloe she found the blonde deflated, beginning conversation with those they were just speaking to.
Chloe didn't look back however and continued on into the next room and hallway before she stopped to feel Beca's hand softy take her wrist. In the moments it took for her to stop and turn, Beca slid her hand further down further to hold her hand, "Hey, you okay?"
Chloe searched Beca's face, not sure what exactly she was looking for, she stopped at her piercing dark blue eyes, "Yeah. I just.." she sighed and looked past Beca in the direction of where Aubrey is before looking back at the brunette, "I just don't want to deal with that tonight." Unconsciously her fingers twined with Beca's.
Beca nodded in understanding, with a small comforting squeeze to her hand she changed the subject with a smile, "Come on. Your present is downstairs." The brunette having to quickly turn away, her stomach flipping, with how exuberant Chloe's expression had returned.
Leading Chloe into the home-studio set up, Beca let her hand reluctantly slip away from Chloe's before walking over to one of the chairs.
Chloe's mind went wild with what her present could be. One stood out at the forefront of her mind, Oh my god, is she going to sing? I would love to hear her voice again.
"I uh-, well yeah I didn't get to give you your present at your birthday party. I thought it might get damaged or something, so I left it here. I was going to bring it in during the week but everything has just been chaos, but I can give it to you-" Beca stopped talking at the sound of Chloe's giggle that had been slowly building up as Beca continued to ramble.
"Sorry," Chloe snickered, placing her half filled red cup on a table beside her. Refreshing to know that the brunette was still a nervous rambler.
Beca rolled her eyes, trying to control her own smile from showing, but wasn't very successful at the attempt.
"Have you recorded in here yet?" Chloe couldn't help but ask, eyes taking in the large soundboard in front of them.
Beca slowly nodded, "A few things, here and there…" the brunette watching curiously as the blonde's eyes scanned the set up, her small smile soon widening, "What?" Beca's voice quiet, revelling in how that smile always seemed to disarm her.
"I was just remembering that time when we were in the studio with Hayley, you were so in your zone," Chloe was slipping into her own reminiscing thoughts, maybe she had more alcohol then she thought, "And when I fell asleep on one of the couches," she shook her head, smiling and near laughing at the random memory. Her fingers scanned carefully and softly across the soundboard, remembering how the brunette had done so. Oh right, she was talking about my present!
"Chloe?"
Beca's soft voice brought her attention back around, only to be captured by a bright flash, closing her eyes suddenly from the slight burn, she heard a mechanical whirl of sorts. Her anger and surprise quickly faded away with Beca's light laugh, and the concerned voice that followed.
"I-I'm sorry! I actually didn't think it would be that bright!"
Chloe froze in her seat, feeling one had trail up her arm, and the undeniable comfort of Beca being closer. Rubbing her eyes, she slowly opened them to find dark blues piercing into her own.
Beca was again struck by bright vibrant blues, pausing in her motions with the image in her other hand. Despite her very best efforts, Beca's eyes couldn't help but descend to the other woman's lips. So very familiar, she wished to feel them again, the desire burning so deeply within.
Chloe's arms remained frozen beside her, the air suddenly seeming so thin between them. Seeing those eyes unexpectedly drop from her own, down to her lips, she couldn't help but part them to inhale and swallow what air she had taken. An ache burned from her heart at this look, one she'd never thought she would see again from the brunette. However, this shot to her brain in warning, and easing her eyes away, she returned her attention in curiosity at the small image in Beca's other hand.
Beca swallowed deeply at the feeling of Chloe's arm moving up her own, slowly before reaching for the image. The brunette was powerless and let the blonde take it from her loose hold, hoping she had shaken it enough.
"I had," Beca's voice cracking, she gathered herself with clearing her throat before continuing, "I mean, you just seemed-" you looked so beautiful I had to capture it.. she watched on as Chloe's eyes scanned the image. What was I even saying? Oh, "I got you this," Beca quickly fumbled for the Polaroid camera she had placed on the desk while making sure Chloe was okay, now holding it out to her.
Chloe's eyes slowly diverted from the image in front of her to Beca once more, before following her outstretched arms to find the vintage Polaroid camera. Chloe continued to scan over the camera, trying to reconnect why it seemed familiar.
"Happy Birthday, again.." Beca nervously laughed, before quickly continuing, "I uhm, I know you like photography, and when we were in London I saw you looking over this a lot in that gallery we were in.." Beca's own lips twitched upwards at her own reminiscing, as Chloe carefully took the item from her hand, "It's really old but I was able to take it to this guy that was able to change out the shutters, replace the flash, the buttons were jamming but was able to replace the springs, and cleaned it out.." you are rambling, you rambling idiot! Fuck what if she hates it, no she'll like it… maybe I've gone to far with this.
A flash took her by surprise, Beca fumbling back slightly in her chair, before letting a laugh escape. I guess I should have seen that coming.
Chloe shook out the photo and slipped it into her pocket. Her feet soon shifted her in closer on the roller chair, her smile starting off small before it flared full force. Chloe held the camera carefully, she was afraid it would break if she held it any tighter, and of course she treasured it. Suddenly Chloe understood what Beca had been trying to say, and she needed this moment to be captured also. Quickly she jumped up and landed in Beca's lap, the brunette letting out surprised 'oof' but felt the woman's arms enclose around her waist within seconds.
Chloe swung her own arm around Beca's shoulders, and pulled herself in close, cheek resting against Beca's. Her other arm held outstretched with the camera posed, finger at the ready to capture them. However she allowed herself to briefly revel in the moment, and feel of whom she was with.
"Smile," Chloe's voice soft, forcing herself not to move and keep her eyes on the camera in front. Feeling Beca's eyes finally shift from her to the camera, the brunette obliged, arms lightly squeezing around her in time with Chloe's finger capturing them.
The mechanical whirl, along with the faint thrum of music above was all that could be heard. Remaining in there spots for a moment more, Beca was the first to reach forward for the printed image, shaking it in front of them to develop.
Chloe watched on, her arm that held the camera lowering to her side.
Beca could only work on autopilot, taking in how this is the closest they had been in so long. Trying to remember this, with Chloe's skin still touching hers, yet to move, the hint of perfume that made her want to nuzzle into the long blonde locks, which also smelt divine.
Chloe exhaled at the feel of Beca's very soft nuzzle towards her, somehow that encouraged her to move her attention to the appearing image in front of them. Chloe's fingers also brushing against Beca's as she lightly touched the picture, the brunette slipping it into her fingers. Chloe looked it over, moving her forehead to now rest just lightly on Beca's. With her hand free, Beca brought it up to sweep some of the locks away from Chloe's neck, allowing her to move closer.
Chloe swallowed deeply at the feeling of Beca's hot breathe against her neck.
"You're so beautiful."
Chloe's eyes involuntarily closed as the whispered words hit her skin. It pained her so deeply, that her mind and heart were so torn in this moment, a moment she has let go too far already. It was too easy to fall back into this, and that was scaring Chloe as much as it was enticing her also. With incredible effort Chloe slowly inched away, only to feel Beca's arm that remained around her waist try and hold her closer. When that didn't work Beca went to follow "Beca,"
Chloe's whisper was effective, if only for a moment Beca inched away, allowing her arm to slacken, their eyes now connecting once again.
Pained, lust-filled, caring; Chloe couldn't look on and decipher anymore within the stormy blues in front, her head becoming a painful throb of a headache, still debating her next move. But she also saw Beca realise this, and eased back, taking her hand instead she placed a soft kiss, "Do you like your present?"
Chloe nodded, searching for her words, still she remained sitting half on top of Beca's lap "I really do. Thank you, Beca."
Beca's brain fizzled like a short circuit wire as Chloe's head moved in closer once more before placing a soft kiss on her cheek. It burned, those lips of Chloe's leaving their seared imprint, wishing they were on her own lips, before the blonde hastily pulled back and was once again standing.
"We should head back upstairs."
Beca made to follow after her, coming back to her senses, only to see Chloe moving closer to the exit.
"Yeah," Gathering herself she smoothed down her top, waiting for the air to return to her lungs, "Chlo-"
They both didn't get far before a piercing alarm throbbed and pulsed throughout the house and into their ears. Fire?!
Both ran up the stairs as fast as they could, and expecting to see chaos they instead found everyone parting the way for two individuals that looked to be using some kind of fire sticks for a duel.
Beca checked beside her, nodding to Chloe to make sure she is okay, and receiving one in return, Beca quickly took hold and squeezed Chloe's hand before making her way into the crowd, "What in the fuck is going on!?"
Being tiny had its advantages of being able to dodge and weave through the crowds that were moving closer outside. Finally Beca's eyes were able to take in the scene that was Amy and Michael duelling with fire twirling sticks. This is obviously what had sent off the damn alarm.
Beca was frozen with her mouth near hitting the floor, as both of them finally made their way outside. Amy roared out a warriors cry at ultimately disarming Michael, only to spin her back to him and using her rear-end, sent the bodyguard flying into the pool.
Rubbing her eyes profusely to make sure she had actually seen that happen, Beca looked back to find the scene still there in front of her, with Amy dousing out the sticks in the water the boisterous blonde now sent herself flying into the pool, joining Michael. With an encouraging yell at the others, everyone else began to join the pool party.
Seriously… what in the fuck?
Arms outstretched beside her in disbelief, Beca could only look around, finding that most were cheering or making their way to dance beside the pool. Finally her eyes locked into someone familiar back inside. Jesse was quickly switching off the fire alarm and also appeared to be on the phone, to she strongly guessed, the fire department.
Beca covered her eyes in embarrassment, trying to take in what just took place in a span of 20 minutes, deciding she was definitely not drunk enough for this.
Grabbing a free cup off the counter beside her and filling it a quarter way with wine, she took a long mouthful as she made her way over to Jesse.
Hanging up and putting his phone away, "So, this party needs to stop now." Jesse voiced as Beca approached.
With her eager nod and sarcastic expression, she strongly agreed, "You think! Was that Sykes!?"
"Uhm, I think so? I didn't even know he was here!"
"Okay, I'm calling it. I want a tranquilizer gun for that Australian out there. Please can we make that happen?" finishing off her drink Beca looked around, "OKAY EVERYONE OUT! OUUUUUT!"
Jesse helped her with the task, "YOU HEARD HER! THE PARTY IS OVER! THE BAR IS CLOSED!", turning the music right down, he continued his chant and started ushering everyone out. Easier then Beca had thought it would be, everyone was respecting their wishes, and making their way out.
In the crowd Beca was helping people out and arranging for cabs, allowing some of those to stay that clearly weren't going to be moving anytime soon. In her efforts she searched for Chloe, but with no luck, she instead found Cynthia in the hallway, "Hey! Have you seen Chloe?"
Cynthia was parting with a tall brunette woman, both very close to one another, Beca thought she was leaving but was surprised by the ferocity of the brunette as she pushed Cynthia back into the wall and attacked her neck with her mouth.
Oh come on… Beca tried not to roll her eyes, and yes maybe because of the slight jealousy of others seeming to have a fantastic night/morning. Cynthia was able to catch her breath and finally answered, "Aubrey pulled her outside before!" her lips were quickly taken over by the other woman's.
Beca couldn't deny she felt happy for her friend, and gave her a salute of thanks and congratulations, which was only briefly returned before seeing them disappear behind a door.
It was now 4am and Beca only prayed she would be able to get some sleep soon, but first she needed to find Chloe and make sure she was okay.
A/N – I know, I know, and I'm annoyed at me too. (Apologies for the spelling/grammatical errors also!)
But it has literally been a whirlwind that is life, for the past 2 years with my traveling, and also private family health issues. I'm starting to bring myself back into the realm of writing, and hope to get back on track with this.
Thank you all again for your kind words, stay fab, and thanks for reading! X