Avoiding Calamity

When Chloe got up to the floor her room was on, she paused coming off the elevator. Calamity, the lead singer of Evermoist, was leaning on the wall next to her door, arms crossed over her chest. No on else was in sight, so Chloe squared her shoulders and kept walking. “How did you find my room?” she asked when she got to her door.

“I asked Theo.”

“Wow, okay, stalker much?”

Calamity stood straight, holding her hands up. “Look, I didn’t come to start shit, okay? The opposite, actually. I wanted to apologize for the way things went down when the Bellas first got to Spain.”

Chloe’s brow furrowed a bit, a tiny line appearing between them. She didn’t know what was going on, but she didn’t want to just ignore the other woman. “Yeah, well, we didn’t know what was at stake when we first got there. Your friend was a bit harsh over everything.”

“Yeah, Serenity can get pretty competitive. She wanted to rattle your cage, put you off your game. But you pulled it off anyway.”

“Beca pulled it off. And she has worked her ass off to get where she is.” Chloe crossed her arms. Beca was her best friend and she wouldn’t let anyone minimize her accomplishments.

Calamity nodded, leaning against the wall again, hands in her pockets. “I can tell. But I came here to talk to you. First, to congratulate all of you. You earned the spot fair and square. Second,” she pulled a CD and business card out of her jacket pocket and held them out. “We’re in New York a lot. You should call, and we’ll get you tickets to a show.”

The ginger accepted the items. “I… you ladies do rock pretty hard…” she said uncertainly.

“Just think about it. It’ll be a couple months before we’re back in the city.”

Chloe nodded, thinking she heard a door click shut and looking up and down the hallway before answering. “Yeah, we’ll see what’s up when the time comes. Uhm, thanks. I should get some sleep; not sure what the plan tomorrow is.”

The tall singer pushed off the wall. “We’ll be around if you get bored. Come find me.” With that, she strode confidently toward the elevator and disappeared.

Just as Chloe was opening her door, she heard the room next to hers open and looked up.

***

Beca had seen Calamity waiting for Chloe in the hall and had ducked into her room to listen in, curious and a bit suspicious as to why their erstwhile rival was hanging around.

Holding the door just slightly ajar, she listened to the whole exchange. She could hear the flirtation in Calamity’s voice, though Chloe seemed oblivious. Beca clenched her jaw. First, the kiss with Chicago, which was why she was waiting for Chloe, and now this. She absolutely needed to talk to the redhead while she had both the adrenaline and the opportunity. She when Chloe opened the door, so did Beca, stepping up behind her.

“We need to talk, Chlo.” Chloe jumped at the nearness of her voice.

“Jesus, Beca, you startled me.” She peered at her best friend. “Come in, let’s talk.” She let them both into the disaster of her room. “Just find yourself a seat. Tos whatever out of the way.” She put the CD and card on the table, which Beca stood next to, not sitting.

She couldn’t sit yet, she had things to say. “So what did Miss Congeniality want?” she asked, wondering what Chloe would say.

Chloe recounted the conversation, seeing no reason not to tell her best friend. “I didn’t promise anything, so I may never follow through.”

Beca, her hands in the pockets of the pajamas she had changed into, looked down as Chloe started changing. They were so used to sharing a small space, neither really cared about changing in front of the other, but Beca was trying not to get distracted. “I’d rather you didn’t,” she said, a bit quietly.

Chloe paused, having traded skirt for shorts and removed her shirt. “Why not? It’s just a concert.”

Beca sighed. “Not to her. Chlo, she was flirting with you.”

“Uh, no, she was apologizing. And how would you know?”

“Because I was watching. My room is next door, remember?” Beca moved to the room’s mini fridge and pulled out a beer, tossing the cap on the counter. “She was very definitely hitting on you.”

Chloe crossed her arms. “Even if she was, who cares?”

Beca locked gazes with her. “I care, Chloe.”

The ginger’s jaw dropped. This was news to her. Beca had never reacted like this before, and she had seen countless people hit on Chloe. “Why do you care, Becs? All of a sudden, you have an opinion on who flirts with me?”

The brunette sipped her beer and looked away. “It’s not as sudden as you think. I’ve… I’ve always cared, I’ve always had an opinion. But this time… it matters this time.”

Chloe thought she’d seen something in Beca’s eyes, now she heard something in her voice. She stepped closer to her best friend. “Beca, why does it matter?”

Beca took a deep breath, which was harder with Chloe standing closer. She could feel her proximity. “Because… Chloe, I…” She chewed on her lip as she searched for words.

Chloe closed the gap between them, putting a hand on Beca’s shoulder. “I’m your best friend; you can tell me anything, Becs.”

“It matters because I’m jealous. Chloe Beale, I’m in love with you, and have been for years. There, I said it.” She turned around, taking a long drink of her beer. She couldn’t watch Chloe’s reaction, too afraid of what it would be.

Chloe blinked at the confession. She hadn’t seen that coming. “Becs… I had no idea… I…”

“It’s fine, Chlo. Don’t worry, I don’t expect…”

“Beca, let me finish.” She moved around to face her friend again. “Look at me, Becs. Please?” Beca slowly looked up from the floor. “If I had known, I would have done things very differently.”

“Yeah. I’m sure you wish you’d found a different roommate,” Beca said, bitterness and sadness in her voice.

“No, Beca, listen.” Chloe sighed. Words weren’t cutting it. Beca was in defense mode and she only had on idea of how to get past her armor. She took Beca’s beer and set it down. Before she could protest, Chloe grabbed her shirt in one fist and pulled her into a deep, aggressive kiss.

Beca froze a second, then she was leaning into the kiss, her hand buried in red hair. The world spun away from her, leaving only the two of them locked together. Beca’s other hand found Chloe’s hip and pulled her closer, the kiss continuing until they were both breathless. Resting their foreheads together, Beca breathed, “Chloe…”

“Beca Mitchell, I have wanted to do that since your audition. I’ve been in love with you for seven years now. And now it really doesn’t matter who hits on me, because you’re the only one who’s ever mattered.”

Beca lifted her head in surprise. “You… but you never…”

“You didn’t say anything, either. I didn’t want to risk losing your friendship. I told myself I could be content with that. But I have been pining for you. Think about it. How many people who hit on me ever got a real chance?”

The brunette considered, realizing Chloe was right. “None. You haven’t even dated since…” She struggled to remember.

“Since I met you, Becs. After your hood night, I broke up with Tom and haven’t been with anyone since.” She paused to let that sink in.

“But you kissed Chicago…”

“Because I didn’t think I could kiss you. Becs, we don’t have to do this all at once. It’s getting late…” If Beca didn’t leave, if they kept spilling their guts, she didn’t know what might happen and she didn’t want Beca to regret anything.

Beca shook her head. “No. It’s been too long already. I’m not… I can’t…” She bit her lip a moment, then framed Chloe’s face with her hands for a long, deep kiss. Chloe gripped her hips as she kissed back. “I don’t want to leave, Chlo. I want to stay with you, for as long as you’ll let me.”

Chloe didn’t have Beca’s impenetrable armor; she had no defenses at all when it came to Beca effin Mitchell. So when Beca took her hands and started walking backwards toward the bed, she followed, sky blue eyes locked on deep blue that flashed with a series of emotions. She knew if Beca kissed her again, there would be no more restraint, no more holding back. Her heart raced, her pulse pounding in her ears as Beca stopped next to the bed and gently drew her closer. And when she leaned in for another kiss, Chloe crashed into her, tangling her hands in soft chestnut hair as they kissed fiercely.

Beca splayed a hand over her lower back to hold her against her, the other trailing her fingers down Chloe’s spine lightly, raising goosebumps as the ginger shivered. “Please, Becs… I’ve wanted this for so long… don’t start what you can’t finish.” There was a plea in Chloe’s voice: touch me or let me go.

Beca met her eyes. “I plan on finishing, Chloe. I won’t leaving you hanging.” Her hand moved to the clasp of her bra, her eyes seeking permission.

Chloe nodded, and the brunette unhooked the garment and slid it down off her shoulders, making Chloe shiver again. “Don’t… don’t be delicate, Becs. I need the passion you try so hard to hide,” she whispered.

In answer, Beca claimed a demanding kiss, her hands moving to push her shorts down off her hips to the floor. Sitting on the edge of the bed, the brunette pulled Chloe down to kneel over her lap. One hand in red locks, she set about tormenting Chloe’s ear and neck with nips and bites, gauging how rough Chloe was looking for.

“Harder, babe. Let me feel it all,” Chloe murmured in her ear. She almost didn’t care what Beca did, as long as she did something. When Beca closed her teeth hard on her shoulder, she whimpered and gripped her arms with her nails. “God, don’t stop, Becs. I need you.”

Chloe’s urgency fed Beca’s own and going slow went out the window. She lowered her head and caught one pebbled bud in her teeth, making Chloe gasp before moaning as she felt Beca’s flicking tongue. The redhead felt Beca’s hand drifting up her thigh from the knee and she tensed in anticipation, until she felt the stroking of a gentle finger, and she groaned loudly. “Christ, Becs, yes,” she whimpered, carving crescents into the flesh beneath her nails. When the brunette sank her fingers inside her, she arched her back with a loud moan.

“Ride me, Chlo,” Beca instructed gruffly. “Let me see you take what you want.”

Chloe claimed a deep, needy kiss as she rocked her hips to meet Beca’s thrusts, hard and fast as she chased relief. Beca nipped and nibbled and bit at her neck and shoulder, then rasped in her ear, “Come for me, Chloe.” Moments later, the ginger threw her head back with a cry, trembling as she clutched at Beca to avoid falling. Beca wrapped her arms around her and laid back, stroking her hair as she panted hard.

Chloe trembled in Beca’s arms, trying to catch her breath as she tried to process what was happening, what had just happened. She had been dreaming of this for years and now, here she was, naked in her best friend’s arms. Taking a deep breath, she pushed deep thoughts out of her mind in favor of enjoying the moment, unsure if another would ever come. She pushed herself up on her hands and looked down at Beca. “Strip so I can touch you, Becs,” she requested quietly. She shifted to let her sit up.

Her eyes never leaving Chloe’s face, Beca quickly got out of her pajamas and tossed them to the floor. Chloe surged forward, capturing her lips in a rough, hungry kiss, tangling a hand in her hair and pulling, eliciting a surprised moan. She grinned into the kiss as she laid Beca down, kneeling over her as her hand explored, teasing and seeking out any weak spot she could utilize. Beca shivered and bit her lip as Chloe’s nails raked down her ribs and side to her hip. “Harder, Chloe. Tear me up.”

Chloe clawed again, and Beca whimpered and writhed beneath her. Leaning down, she nibbled on Beca’s hip bone, making her groan quietly until Chloe’s finger made contact, drawing a deep growl from the brunette. “Chlo… please…” Beca begged raggedly. Chloe slid her fingers inside her, and Beca grabbed her shoulders tightly. “Fuck me hard, Chloe. We’ve waited too long.”

The ginger obliged her with strong, slow thrusts, driving Beca higher with each motion. “Let me hear you, Becs. Let me see you come for me.” She bit her shoulder roughly, and Beca cried out hoarsely, then pulled her into a ferocious kiss.

“Jesus fuck, Chlo,” she panted as Chloe laid next to her, resting her head on her shoulder. “How did we wait so long? Why…”

“Shh. It doesn’t matter anymore. Now we know. But what do we do about it?” Chloe traced random designs with her finger on Beca’s chest over her heart. “What are we now?”

Beca knew what she wanted. “I want… I want us to be together. For real, not just a hook up. A relationship, me and you.” She fell quiet, her hand combing through Chloe’s hair as she waited to get shot down.

“I… I want that, too, Becs. Can we make it work? You’re a signed artist now, will you have time for me?”

Beca reached to tilt Chloe’s face up to meet her eyes. “I will make time, Chlo. The rest means nothing if I’m alone. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said I’m in love with you.”

Chloe nodded. “Me, either. But I had to ask. There are things we need to work out.”

“I know. But… can we wait? Just till we get home? In fact, I have an idea. Why don’t we stay here in France a few more days, just us?”

Chloe took a moment to consider. They lived together, but they also lived with Amy, and the apartment didn’t provide for much privacy. Another thing they would have to navigate. “Yeah,” she nodded. “Let’s do that. How often will we get the chance to hang out in France?”

“I’ll bring you back whenever you want. But I want a chance to be a tourist with you while we’re already here. I want the romantic walks and candlelit dinners.” Beca kissed her forehead. “Let me spoil you a few days.”

Chloe giggled. “You’re adorable. Yes, we’ll stay.” She paused. “Um. We should pick one of these rooms and call down to reserve it a few more nights.”

Beca grinned. “I can do better than that. Theo works for me now. I’ll have him book us a room at a nicer place starting tomorrow. For tonight,” she claimed a soft, lingering kiss. “I don’t want to let go.”

The ginger cuddled closer. “You don’t have to, babe. Stay here. We’ll collect your stuff in the morning.”

***

Chloe woke up slightly confused, until she remembered just who had their arm around her waist and how they had gotten in her bed. She smiled thinking about the night before. Seven years had come to a head, and she couldn’t be happier with the result. Checking the clock, she saw it was only 6:45. No one was expecting them before breakfast at 8. She cuddled closer to Beca, feeling the brunette’s arm tighten around her.

Just after seven, Beca yawned as she woke up, then smiled when she realized she was still in bed with Chloe. They had shared a bed plenty of times over the years, but never like this. This, Beca decided, was much better. She could tell Chloe was awake and kissed the back of her neck. “Morning, beautiful.”

Chloe rolled over for a soft kiss. “Morning, love. Sleep well?”

“Better than usual,” she replied. “But please tell me you have a coffee maker in here.”

Chloe laughed. “Yes, dear, I can make coffee.” She moved to get up, but Beca caught her wrist.

“Kiss me again, Chlo,” she said quietly. The ginger leaned close for a long, deep kiss. “Much better. Thank you, babe.” Chloe giggled and kissed her nose before getting up to start the coffee, pulling on a robe to walk around. Beca rolled on her back, her hands behind her head to watch Chloe go about the task, humming as she went.

“Don’t forget to get Theo to find us a new hotel. We have to pack up before breakfast.” Chloe brought two steaming cups to the bed and Beca pushed herself up against the headboard to accept hers as Chloe sat on the edge of the mattress.

“Can you grab my phone from the table? I’ll text him now.” The brunette took the device and texted the music executive who now worked for her with her change of plans and request. That done, she returned her attention to Chloe. “So, uh, we seemed to agree to be together, right? We both want that?”

Chloe nodded. “I’ve never wanted anything more, Becs.”

“So what does that make us? Like, partners, right?”

“Absolutely. Unless you’d prefer a different word for it.” Chloe looked at her over the edge of her cup as she took a sip.

Beca shook her head. “No, that works for me. I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page.” She sipped her own coffee. “Do we care if the others know? It’ll be obvious at breakfast that something happened.”

Chloe shrugged. “I hope it’s obvious. I don’t want to hide us from our friends. I’m sure they’ll be happy for us.”

Beca smiled. She imagined it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone. “Alright then. That’s decided.” She set her cup aside. “I should grab my stuff and dress. Then we can get your stuff packed and ready.” She collected a sweet kiss and stood to find her pajamas among the clothes on the floor.

By 7:45, their stuff was packed and stowed in Chloe’s room while they went down to the café in the lobby. They ordered lattes and breakfast, then carried it out to the large table occupied by the other Bellas in front of the hotel. They were the last to show up, and Beca caught a couple knowing smirks from Stacie and Aubrey in particular. Then she remembered Aubrey’s room was on the other side of Chloe’s and realized she must have overheard; they hadn’t tried to be quiet.

Despite the looks, no one said anything right away as they talked about plans for their last day. Beca and Chloe stayed quiet until Cynthia Rose leaned over to ask, “You’re awfully quiet. What are you two doing?”

Beca cleared her throat and slipped her hand into Chloe’s, sparking widened eyes and snickers, depending on who it was. “Actually, we’re staying a few more days. No concrete plans, though.”

“We?” Aubrey asked with a smirk. “So you two are finally a thing?”

Chloe blushed furiously. “Yeah, well, right place, right time and all. Yes, we’re together, for real.”

The Bellas all cheered, and those closest to their seats reached for hugs and high fives and fist bumps until Beca finally got them all calmed down.

“Well, before anyone else does it, I’m claiming you two for lunch today,” Aubrey declared. “Meet me here at noon?” The new couple exchanged a glance and nodded. “Good. Alright, most of us have packing to do.” She stood up, and the others followed her lead, leaving Beca and Chloe to finish their lattes.

“Well,” Beca observed, “that was relatively painless.”

Chloe nodded. Much as she had no interest in hiding their relationship, she hadn’t been sure all of the Bellas would understand. On one hand, it didn’t much matter, but on the other, the Bellas were her - their - family, and having their approval felt good. “Have you heard from Theo yet?” she asked.

Beca pulled out her phone. “Yes. He booked us a suite. For a week. And the label is paying. Wow, that’s generous.” She kept reading. “We can check in at 3. Do we want to do anything before lunch with Aubrey?” She put her phone in her pocket and finished her coffee.

Chloe hugged her arm. “We have a whole week, hm? Let’s stay in today, at least this morning. I want to lie in bed and cuddle you properly.” She claimed a soft, lingering kiss. “And lots of kisses.”

Beca chuckled. “Alright, let’s grab fresh lattes and head back upstairs.” They stood and turned to go in, just in time to come face to face with Chicago. They froze, not sure what to expect.

“Well. I was coming to ask you to lunch today, but somehow I don’t think that’s gonna happen, is it?” The soldier fidgeted with the hat in his hands.

“I… Aubrey already claimed us for lunch. And…” Chloe stumbled over her words.

“It’s fine. I mean, you’re headed home and I’m stationed over here, so that wasn’t really practical anyway, was it?” He gave her a slightly sad smile. “It was really nice meeting you, Chloe. I hope… I hope you found what you need.” With that, he ducked his head a bit and walked away. Chloe sighed heavily.

“You okay, babe? That was… not easy, was it?” Beca squeezed her hand.

“Not really, no, but it needed done. Come on. Coffee and cuddling.”

At noon, the new couple returned to the hotel courtyard to meet Aubrey for lunch. The blonde greeted them with hugs, then led them to a small restaurant a few blocks away. “I know you want to spend time alone, so I won’t keep you long,” she promised as they walked. “Emily and I saw this place earlier, and I want to try it before bringing her for dinner.”

Chloe poked her best friend. “You and Emily? How is that gonna work, 900 miles apart?”

Aubrey blushed. “I’m not sure yet. She graduates soon, so who knows? Maybe she’ll move to New York like the rest of us.”

Beca looked over at her. “Does she realize you’re flirting with her?”

“Uh, yes. Yes, she definitely knows what I’m after.” Aubrey opened the door for them and Chloe grabbed her wrist.

“You kissed her!” she declared.

“I… yeah, I did. Last night after the show. We did a lot of talking.” They got a table and ordered drinks. “She kissed me back, so I guess we’ll see.”

Chloe grinned at her across the table. “Good for you, Bree. I’ve seen those looks in her direction for four days. At least there’s a chance, right?” Aubrey nodded, and Chloe let it go rather than continue pushing.

They ordered lunch and talked about the tour while waiting, texting pictures back and forth so they all had what there was. After they ate, they lingered over their drinks. “So, are you bringing her here later?” Beca finally asked.

“Unless she has another idea, yeah. You think it’s nice enough for a first date?” Aubrey looked around the small, intimate dining room.

“I think it’s perfect,” Chloe said. “For just two, it would be very romantic.” Beca nodded her agreement and Aubrey smiled.

“Good, that’s what I was going for. Guys, I really, really, like her. Am I crazy for wanting to try and see where it goes?”

“No,” Beca replied. “You should absolutely try, or you’ll always wonder about what might have been.” She glanced at Chloe. “Don’t wait; if you wanna know, find out.”

Aubrey nodded. “You’re right, Becs. Thanks. Anyway, you two lovebirds go do your thing. We’ll catch up when you get home.” They exchanged more hugs, and Aubrey went off to find Emily, leaving Beca and Chloe outside the restaurant.

“I hope it works out for them,” Chloe said, slipping her arm into Beca’s as they meandered back towards the hotel.

“Me, too. I think they’d be great together.” She kissed Chloe’s cheek. “Almost as great as us.”

Chloe blushed. “Charmer.” She poked Beca’s side playfully, making her laugh. They ordered yet another round of lattes at the hotel café and went upstairs. They still had an hour till check in at the new hotel.

Beca settled into an armchair near the large window that looked out over a river. Chloe got comfortable in her lap, draping an arm around her shoulders. “While we’re here, I want to walk by the river,” Beca asserted, sipping her latte. “Maybe even a second time at night.”

The ginger smiled and kissed her forehead. “As long as we’re together, we can do whatever you want, Becs.”

Beca looked up at her. “Whatever you want, too, babe. This week is for us.” Chloe nodded, looking down at her cup. “Hey, Chlo, what’s wrong?”

“It’s… nothing. I’m fine.” She moved to get up, but Beca took her hand gently.

“Love, talk to me. We’ll figure whatever it is out together.”

Chloe sighed. “I left out part of the vet school acceptance.”

“What part?”

“I would have to move. And now I don’t want to. I don’t know what I want anymore, except you. You are the one certainty I have.” She fidgeted with the lid of her latte. “I don’t know if that changes things for you, but I would understand if…”

Beca placed a finger across her lips. “No. I’m not changing my mind about us, and I’m not going anywhere without you. Chlo, we’ll find something you wanna do. But there’s no rush, okay? When we get home, we have plenty to strategize and sort out. But for now, this week, can we just… be us? Walk, explore, eat, observe. Cuddle, kiss, hug. Just us, together.”

Chloe met her eyes, her own still holding uncertainty and a touch of fear. “You’re right, babe. Let’s enjoy our trip and leave reality back home for now.” She smiled a bit. “Thank you for being you, Beca. I’ve never had to pretend to be someone else with you.”

“Not pretending is part of why I fell for you. You’re so genuine all the time, I don’t have to worry about you changing at the drop of a hat.” Beca laid a hand along her jaw and drew her into a long, deep kiss.

Chloe’s fears and worries drained away, dispelled by Beca’s heartfelt words and gesture. When Beca kissed her, nothing else mattered. A tiny part of her wondered if that would ever change, but she doubted it.

“We should check out and get moved,” Beca murmured. “We’ll get settled and order room service for dinner and get drunk on French wine.”

Chloe nodded. “Okay, Becs. Let’s do it, before I drag you to bed here.” Beca chuckled, and they got up to gather their bags.

The suite at the new hotel was bigger than expected and included a sitting room and kitchenette. The bedroom had a king sized bed with a padded headboard and canopy.

“Jesus,” Chloe breathed as they stowed their luggage in the bedroom. “The label doesn’t play around, do they? They’re expecting big things from you, love.”

“Apparently,” Beca agreed. “This is way more than I asked for.” They wandered back into the sitting room and got comfortable on the couch, Chloe leaning against Beca with her legs curled under her. “Music?” Beca asked, holding up her phone.

“Always. I think it’s safe to say at least one of us will always want music.” Beca grinned and chose a playlist, setting the device on the coffee table. They sat quietly a while, occasionally humming to the music, but generally just enjoying being together. They had both waited for this for so long, they were still processing that it was actually happening.

Beca cleared her throat. “I, uh, I should warn you. I don’t… I don’t casually date. When I’m with someone, I’m with them. I always intend for it to be longterm.”

Chloe smiled and laced their fingers. “I intend this to be longest term, Becs. I don’t want anyone else. I haven’t seriously considered anyone else since I met you.”

The brunette nodded. So Chloe had never been serious about Chicago. That made her feel better. “I love you, Chloe Beale.”

“And I love you, Beca Mitchell.” She kissed her temple. “We should order dinner. And see about that wine you mentioned.”

Beca laughed. “The wine should be in the fridge. That part I did ask Theo for.” She picked up the menu from the coffee table and they went over it together before Beca called down with their order. Chloe went to the kitchen and located wine glasses, pouring generously and carrying them to the couch.

“To us,” she said simply, clinking her glass with Beca’s before their first sip. She was developing a taste for good French wine. “I may be too spoiled for American wine, now,” she commented idly, swirling her glass.

Beca chuckled. “I’ll keep the good stuff around just for you. You know I’m more of a beer or liquor person. I just figure it would be a crime not to drink good wine while in France.”

There was a knock at the door, and Chloe went to let the porter in with the cart carrying their meal. Beca stood and they sat at the table to eat, sharing bites from each other’s plates and laughing when they dropped food on the table between them as they reached.

“We’re so messy,” Beca said as she speared a roasted potato from Chloe’s plate.

“That’s part of the romance,” Chloe asserted as she buttered a piece of warm, fresh bread. “Laughing together is more fun than laughing alone.”

Beca reached over and touched her wrist lightly. “We never have to be alone again, love. We have each other, well and truly.” Chloe gave her a warm smile, and they went back to eating.

Several glasses of wine later, they were lounging on the couch, Chloe giggling as Beca tried at random to tickle her. “C’mon, you have to be ticklish somewhere,” Beca protested.

Chloe shook her head. “You’ll need some other way to torment me.”

The brunette smirked. “I’ll think of something.” She put a hand in Chloe’s hair and pulled her into a deep, aggressive kiss. The ginger leaned into it, tasting the wine they had both overindulged in, but feeling more in Beca than alcohol. “Take me, Beca. I want to feel your hands on me.”

“Get out of all those damn clothes so I can reach you.” Chloe stood carefully and dropped her clothes as fast as she could manage without falling. Beca held a hand out to pull her back down next to her for a hungry, demanding kiss. Chloe slid her hand under the back of Beca’s shirt to grip her back, pressing close against her. Beca gripped her hair and pulled, making her gasp, then whimper as she felt nips at her neck and shoulder. “Bite hard, love. Let me feel it.” She moaned quietly as Beca’s teeth closed on the juncture of her neck and shoulder.

Releasing her hair, Beca shifted them so she was kneeling over her partner, kissing a slow trail down from her collarbone. Chloe’s breathing got harder as she went, feeling like a fire started with each kiss until she was burning with need. Then she felt Beca’s tongue flicking against that spot and she groaned deep in her chest, burying her hands in Beca’s hair. She felt Beca’s fingers inside her and arched her back, pulling her hair as each hard thrust built up the pleasure until she voiced a hoarse cry and shuddered powerfully.

Beca shifted again to lie next to her, gathering her close in her arms. She ran her fingers through soft red hair and kissed her forehead. “I love making you feel like that,” she murmured against her skin.

Chloe snuggled closer, wrapping her arm around Beca’s waist. No one had ever affected her the way Beca did. Every kiss, every touch, was somehow more because it was with Beca. She never wanted anyone else.

Beca closed her eyes and inhaled the familiar, floral scent of Chloe’s hair, loving it all the more now that she was hers. When she had confessed her feelings to Chloe, she had never imagined it would lead to this. Not the sex, though that was excellent. But this incredible feeling of closeness and emotional intimacy. Sure, they had been best friends for seven years. They knew an awful lot about each other. They had lived together at Barden, and shared an apartment with Amy now. But somehow, admitting the true depths of their feelings had made everything take on new meaning.

She opened her eyes as she felt Chloe nibble along her collarbone, then nip the soft skin below her ear, making her breath hitch. Chloe reached up her shirt to claw her back hard, and Beca arched with a quiet moan. Chloe captured her lips in an urgent kiss. “Strip, babe,” she instructed in a gruff whisper. Beca wriggled out of her clothes, tossing them over the back of the couch. Chloe claimed another kiss as her hands wandered, raising goosebumps in their wake.

“Chlo… I need you… please,” Beca begged quietly. The ginger responded by coasting her hand down until she could stroke gently, making Beca groan low and loud. She whimpered as she felt Chloe’s fingers, rocking her hips against her hand desperately, seeking her release.

“Come for me, Becs,” Chloe murmured in her ear, her hand moving to the rhythm Beca set. Soon, the brunette gave a guttural cry as she clutched her partner against her. Panting, she nuzzled her face into Chloe’s neck, feeling the redhead’s arms encircle her.

Chloe stroked her hair, whispering endearments in her ear as she caught her breath. Eventually, she started humming, though Beca didn’t recognize it till she started singing quietly. It was “1,000 Years” by Christina Perri.

She found herself blushing at the promises in the lyrics, hearing Chloe’s sincerity in her voice, seeing it in her eyes when she pulled back to watch. She was touched soul-deep by the pure emotion she heard. “Chlo… I love you so much.”

Chloe kissed her forehead. “Let’s move to bed, babe.”