AN: This one is a bit different from my usual style, but it was an idea that got stuck in my head and I couldn't get it out until I wrote it down. It is inspired by Taylor Swift's "Endgame." Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1

It was in those moments, Stacie knew. The trickling and gentle tapping of rain on the bedroom window was the only other sound she could hear besides Aubrey's content sighs. It was a Sunday, an off day for the Bellas, which meant no practices or rehearsals. There were no classes or even crazy parties to attend. Stacie would never admit it but Sundays were her favorites and it was all because of who she got to spend the day with. She and Aubrey had fallen into a comfortable routine, even though they didn't put a name to what they were doing or what they meant to each other. Fridays and Saturdays were spent having fun with their friends. An unspoken understanding passed between them weeks ago that Saturday nights would be spent in bed together and Sundays were only for them. Sundays were for sleeping in, cuddling, and pretending for one day that the only thing that mattered in the world was them. Stacie smiled sleepily when Aubrey tenderly kissed her. Their eyes locked as the blonde stroked her hair and while the silence remained, so did another unspoken understanding. It was more than just hooking up and for the first time in Stacie's life, she realized what it meant to be in love.

"Stace, you still there?" The words of her best friend snapped her out of her daydream about the woman she vowed to forget.

"What," asked Stacie as she blinked a few times and sat up a bit straighter in her chair. She grabbed the phone off her desk and placed it back to her ear as she stared out at the picturesque view of Portland she had from her office.

"Yea Bec, still here, just thinking," mumbled Stacie.

"I know how fucked up all this is, but you did say you wanted to remain friends." Stacie smirked at that.

"What else was I supposed to say, Beca? Our lives are going to be connected. Our best friends are married. Even if I only wanted to see her once every couple of years for a Bella Reunion or something, it doesn't change that we can't have a clean break."

"When was the last time you saw her?"

"We haven't spoken since she got engaged. You know that."

"I was just checking. I mean you and Posen always had a way of sneaking around when the rest of us weren't paying attention. I guess a part of me hoped you two had spoken and worked things out."

"You wouldn't be the one asking me to go to her bachelorette party if we had."

"That's true. For the record, Chloe wanted to ask you and try to guilt you into coming but I thought it was better if I called. Just think about it. All the Bellas will be there and this is a big deal for Aubrey. I know you love her. Maybe love means being there for her…even if it isn't in the way you want to be."

"That's rich coming from the woman who strung Chloe along for years and still got her happy ending," muttered Stacie. Beca was quiet and Stacie sighed.

"Sorry, I am just…this just sucks."

"It sucks a lot. Trust me, I am not exactly a fan of Posen right now but Chloe is right. You don't even have to be alone with her. Just come and hang out with your friends."

"I will think about it."

"Thank you. I have to get in the studio, but I will check in later. Don't go disappearing on me again," warned Beca and Stacie smirked.

"You'll know where to find me if I do," said Stacie before hanging up the phone. She tried to regain her composure, but couldn't stop her mind from roaming back to the blonde who occupied more space in her head than she wanted to admit. Her thoughts took her back to their last morning together, the morning when Stacie knew she had to find a way to move on. It was the Sunday morning after Beca's first Coachella performance and all the Bellas came to support their friend. Stacie wasn't surprised when she and Aubrey ended up in bed together. It was the plan after all, to use the weekend as a way to reconnect after not seeing each other for three months. What surprised her was how distant Aubrey was. While the woman was always a bit high-strung, often seeming like she was dealing with an internal struggle she didn't know how to win or solve, Aubrey was quieter than usual. It didn't stop her from going back to Stacie's hotel room or smiling when Stacie asked her to stay the night, but Stacie knew something was wrong when Aubrey wasn't in bed with her the next morning. Instead, she was wrapped in a blanket, staring out the French doors leading to the balcony and looking lost in thought.

"What is it, Bree? You've had something on your mind all weekend. Just tell me," said Stacie as she walked over and wrapped her arms around Aubrey from behind. She could see the tears in her eyes through her reflection on the door and Aubrey leaned into her touch as she closed her eyes.

"We can't do this anymore," she whispered and Stacie frowned in confusion.

"Since when?"

"Since…I started seeing someone," she admitted, but reached out for Stacie when she stepped away from her, hurt and anger in her eyes.

"So you are cheating on someone with me? What the hell, Aubrey? Why didn't you tell me before we slept together?" Aubrey quickly shook her head.

"We've been dating, but not exclusive. It isn't serious yet, but it could be and I think I should give him a chance."

"Him," said Stacie with a sigh as she shook her head. "Oh, I get it now."

"Stace, don't."

"Don't what? Let me guess, Daddy Dearest loves the guy, right?" Aubrey looked down and wrapped her arms tighter around herself.

"He's the son of one of my father's friends."

"Wow, you got yourself a military man."

"No, he's a teacher. He works in a school district outside of Atlanta and is nothing like the image popping up in your head right now."

"Do you love him?" Aubrey sighed.

"Please don't do this."

"Do you love him the way you love me," asked Stacie as she pulled Aubrey into her arms. Aubrey closed her eyes as a tear slid down her cheek.

"No, but I could," she confessed and Stacie gulped at the words.

"How can you even say that?"

"Because it is different with him…"

"Oh I am sure it is."

"I am not talking about sex. I mean that's…that doesn't matter. I just mean things are simpler with him."

"Why because he lives up to the traditional lifestyle your dad wants for you?"

"Yes and he also lives in the same state as me. We can see each other every day and not have to try to fit each other into our busy schedules every few months."

"So you really are going to try to make this about the distance?"

"You know deep down it is more than that. You and I have never been a couple. We've done everything a couple does, but it has never been official, not even when we both were at Barden."

"And whose fault is that? I never once shied away from my feelings for you."

"I know," admitted Aubrey.

"I wasn't the one holding back, so if you are going to do this you better damn sure be willing to call it the breakup it is." Stacie angrily grabbed her clothes from the previous night and began getting dressed. Aubrey watched her in silence for a moment before taking in a deep breath and walking over to her. Stacie tried to pull away, but couldn't stop the tears from falling when Aubrey cupped her cheek.

"I do love you. How could I not? You are the only person in the world who has ever made me feel completely safe, but I can't be what you need me to be and I never could."

"You mean out of the closet," challenged Stacie and Aubrey gulped.

"It isn't that simple for me." Stacie laughed bitterly.

"Of course it is Bree, you just don't want it to be."

"Stace…"

"I get it. Aubrey Posen, the mask you wear, is all about structure and tradition. You want to be the good girl your father can be proud of even if it means not being proud of yourself. Have fun with that," said Stacie before grabbing her purse and heading for the door.

"So that's it? You won't even let me explain," cried Aubrey and Stacie sighed as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. She glanced back at Aubrey over her shoulder and smirked.

"I'm a genius, Posen, and this sure as hell isn't rocket science." With that, Stacie stormed out of the hotel room, leaving Aubrey behind.

A knock on the door of her office made Stacie jump and spin around in her chair. Lexi frowned in concern when she saw the tears in Stacie's eyes and rushed into the office.

"Hey, are you okay," asked Lexi and Stacie gave a curt nod.

"Yea, just thinking about some unimportant stuff, what's up?"

"Unimportant stuff doesn't make Stacie Conrad cry. Hell, important stuff doesn't make you cry. You sure you are…"

"Did you need something," asked Stacie and the raven-haired woman cleared her throat as she decided to move on.

"The results are in from last week's trials. They look quite promising."

"And you needed to come all the way up to my office to say that? What happened to your emails are best policy," teased Stacie with a sly smile and Lexi rolled her eyes with a smile of her own. Lexi walked around the desk and sat down on top of it with her legs crossed close to Stacie's.

"Some things are better in person. Look," said Lexi as she held her tablet out. Stacie arched an eyebrow at her and took it. Her eyes widened when she looked at the data.

"Whoa."

"Yep," giggled Lexi as Stacie scrolled through the report.

"It is responding just like we predicted it would."

"Like you predicted," corrected Lexi and Stacie rolled her eyes.

"You did the work. Take credit for it," encouraged Stacie.

"You know, it amazes me how someone with their name on the building can be so modest about their intelligence."

"Technically, it is my parents' name."

"Don't belittle yourself, Dr. Conrad. Two PhDs and a MA you got just for fun is quite impressive."

"Well I wouldn't want to make the rest of my family to think I am the slacker in it. You know the rules though. It is Stacie. Dr. Conrad is my mother."

"You can both be Dr. Conrad, Stacie."

"Now you sound like her and my dad. Thank you for showing me this. I will be down to the lab later. I just need to finish up a few things."

"It is already five. You plan on working late?"

"You know me," said Stacie as she shrugged.

"Want some company?" Stacie glanced up at her for a moment before focusing back on the report.

"I don't want to keep you. I plan on working through dinner."

"Then it is a good thing I had a big lunch. The cafeteria served my favorite today."

"Chicken curry."

"You remembered," Lexi said with an impressed smile and Stacie winked at her.

"I have an eidetic memory and I am pretty sure you could eat curry for every meal."

"Don't let my mom hear you say that. Her proud Latina heart breaks every time she even thinks about my preference for naan over tortillas." Stacie laughed.

"Tortillas are definitely better."

"Oh you would fit right in at family dinners. So, are you going to let me help you tonight or are you still trying to play the stubborn boss that has to go it alone?"

"Fine, you can tag along."

"My, you are quite the flatterer. I am your best geneticist and all I get is a fine, you can tag along," challenged Lexi and Stacie smiled slyly as she handed the tablet back to her. Lexi gulped when Stacie stood up from her desk and brushed her legs against hers as she walked around the desk.

"I have to keep you on your toes. You coming? I can finish up here later," called Stacie over her shoulder and Lexi giggled as she hopped off the desk to follow her.

The next day, Stacie waved at the grounds crew before heading up the stairs to the deck where her mother was waiting for her with lunch. It was a beautiful, sunny day and she was happy her mother decided to move their business meeting outside onto the terrace. Helen stood up and pulled her daughter in for a big hug before sitting back down.

"Hello my love, how are you? Your eyes look tired," said Helen and Stacie shrugged as she sat down.

"I stayed late in the lab to work on some things. The additions to the pool look great. Does this mean you are ahead and the annual pool party is a go?"

"Yes, we know how much you and the boys love it, so we asked for more hands on deck to finish up. Was Lexi with you?" Stacie rolled her eyes.

"We have been over this. I don't mix business with pleasure and you shouldn't be encouraging me to. That's how corporations get sued."

"No, they get sued when both people do not consent or want the advances. You and Lexi are two consenting adults with a lot in common and I think you would be good together. Besides, I trust that you wouldn't make any moves that could jeopardize her future with the company."

"Which is why we are just colleagues and besides, I am not really looking at the moment. My love life has been an utter mess. I used to think that by being pansexual I would have more opportunities to find the one, but apparently that isn't the case."

"You will find the right person when you are ready. Don't dismiss Lexi so quickly though. I have seen the way she looks at you."

"Okay enough about my personal life. What is it that you wanted to talk about?"

"I have a proposition for you, one your father may not like but it may be a happy compromise for the both of you." Stacie grabbed a croissant from the table and sat back in her chair.

"I am listening."

"I know you are not happy here and while I don't think it is just because you feel stifled by Conrad Industries, I do understand your need for more. Your father sees it as an insult but deep down he knows you are just being the independent thinker we raised you to be. The two of us created Conrad Industries on our own and while EJ and Derek don't have those ambitions, you want something you can call your own. How about we help with that?"

"Dad would freak. He is already threatening to fight me tooth and nail for the patents if I start my own company."

"He is bluffing and we all know it. He loves you, Stacie. He is just hurt that his baby girl doesn't want to be a part of the corporation in the way he always assumed you would be. You can still be part of it though if you started a subsidiary," suggested Helen and Stacie perked up a bit.

"How?"

"You are an owner of Conrad Industries, so if you were to start another company and attached it to ours, you would both get what you want. The heiress of the biggest scientific research corporation in the Pacific Northwest doesn't cut ties and become competition, but is still given room to grow."

"I want my own patents."

"Anything you create under the subsidiary would be yours," assured Helen.

"I would want it in Los Angeles. I want to be close to Beca and Chloe." Helen nodded and pushed a folder on the table toward her.

"Here is a list of laboratories in the region to consider. Breaking new ground is always an option but there are plenty of laboratories on the brink of bankruptcy that are viable options as well. Some even already use Conrad tech."

"And dad would be okay with this?"

"Your father and I have always planned on expanding the company. The branches in New York City and Austin are doing well. There is room for growth and this would allow you to do everything you want without worrying about the legality of patent ownerships."

"You know I love what we do. I just need more than this and I don't want to have to ask for your permission every time I want to explore and take risks."

"This would be a way to help you with that. Now, enough about business, I have given you plenty to think about. What else is going on?" Stacie frowned in confusion.

"Nothing," she said quickly and Helen smirked before taking a sip of her orange juice.

"My love, please do not insult my intelligence. I thought it was about Lexi and that maybe something happened between you, but that doesn't seem to be it. What is it?" Stacie took in a deep breath and ran a hand through her hair.

"Aubrey is getting married," she whispered out of fear of saying it too loudly and making the tears start up again. Helen scooted her chair over to hers and pulled her in for a hug.

"I am sorry, Stace. I know how much you loved her."

"That isn't even the worst part. I am invited to the bachelorette party. Beca asked me yesterday and I just don't know what to do. If I go, it is like I am supporting this. If I don't, I look like the jealous ex that hasn't moved on."

"You don't owe her or anyone for that matter anything. Contrary to what you two told people, you were in a very serious relationship. She was your first love and you don't owe her an explanation for declining an invite to her wedding, especially after how things ended."

"A part of me just always thought she would come back to me. I know it is stupid, but I thought we would be apart for a bit, realize we can't live without each other, and then be together forever like you and dad. Thanks for making me believe in romance and epic love stories. Talk about setting the bar too high." Helen giggled as she stroked her daughter's hair.

"Sorry you grew up in a house full of love," teased Helen.

"I just don't know if I can see her again."

"And you don't have to, but closure can be a powerful thing as well. Maybe seeing her again, seeing her move on, will allow you to give yourself permission to do the same. You have been waiting for her and while I can appreciate the sentiment, it has been years. Aubrey is not comfortable with her sexuality. She isn't going to be the person you want her to be and she didn't give you many suggestions that she ever would. Being in the closet is her choice, but you don't have to put yourself through this anymore."

"There were moments. That's why it is hard to move on. There were these moments when it was just the two of us and she would say things or do things to show me we were everything I know in my heart we could be," confessed Stacie and Helen smiled sympathetically at her.

"But she said yes to him. She is going to vow to be his forever and you don't owe her anymore time. You don't owe anyone, Anastacia. That is what I have been trying to tell you. You don't owe Aubrey or your father or any of us. You are Anastacia Conrad, the most intelligent, talented, and one of the most amazing people I have ever known and that is saying something."

"Well, you do know Oprah," teased Stacie and Helen laughed.

"Your father and I wanted to teach you about love. We wanted to make sure you grew up in a home where you understood how precious love is and that you can love whoever you want, but love can be blinding too. Never forget your worth and what you deserve in order to remain true to love." Stacie slowly nodded and Helen kissed her forehead. She held her daughter in her arms as Stacie sobbed and it broke her heart. She wasn't sure who Stacie belonged with, but she knew her daughter needed to heal.