Disclaimer: I don't own Pitch Perfect.

A/N: Just trying out this idea I have; still not sure where this story is going to go sooo… I'm open for suggestions. :)

Apologies in advance for any error (not beta reviewed).

Beca just finished performing her first solo-if anyone can really call it a solo- in south of France and under contract with DJ Khaled. Her dream is well and truly on its way of coming true and she couldn't be any happier; well… she could and she's actually on her way of making that.

She's ready.

Finally.

Amy would be so proud of her.

Because finally, she's ready to admit to Chloe how and what she really feels about her. What she really is in her life.

Chloe.

Her best friend.

But…

Also so much more.

Chloe is the reason why she has whatever she has in her life right now.

People say (most likely Chloe) that she is where she is, because of her talent. But Beca would beg to differ. Because, yeah, maybe she has the talent, but if anyone will truly look back to where it all started, well, they would agree that everything started with Chloe.

How?

Freshman College Beca, had no interest in getting an education or going to college at all. Everybody knew, she did that just so her father would get off her back and let her be. She wanted to produce music and she wanted to get her career in music industry started as soon as possible, but being underage, even with people saying you can do whatever you set your mind in to, regardless how adamant and strong-willed you are, a parent is a parent and they always have a say; and you as a child, will always have this nagging deep inside that you have to obey. It was kind of like parent's secret power.

Anyway, now, even if Beca will never say it, she was and still is secretly grateful for her father's meddling because if he hadn't, she wouldn't have had her Bellas. Chloe.

Okay, back to how it started with Chloe.

Sure, Beca's father forced her to go to college and sure it was her father that forced her to join any group club to see her trying to give college life a chance but she could easily have ended in any other club (or none at all) if it wasn't for Chloe barging in her shower (butt naked) demanding she sing with her or she won't leave her in peace to have her shower.

What would you do in that scenario, right? Someone, invading your shower stall (and personal space) while you're in your birthday suit and asked you to sing? Of course, you'll have to sing!

So, if that little… incident (we'll call it incident) didn't happen, she would never have considered auditioning for the Bella. If she didn't audition for the Barden Bella, she wouldn't have had these amazing group of girls that had been her support group through everything since then –her family. And the chain of events that led to tonight in south of France wouldn't have happened.

But Chloe's role in all of her successes didn't end there.

No.

It is important to note that not only did it all started with Chloe but also Chloe had been the demanding yet (thankfully) constant force that made sure she stays on her path to her dream and success –even if she didn't know it then.

How?

These were the chain of events that led to south of France.

Agreed that if Chloe didn't barged in her shower, she wouldn't consider joining the Bella. But, also, if Chloe didn't vouch for her –always defending her to Aubrey- she wouldn't have remained a Bella especially once her fight or flight attitude kicks in. Chloe had been the one willingly attempted to stand up for her when she and Aubrey had a head-to-head after the regionals. Chloe had been the one that texted her about the Bella meeting after they had been advised that they were given a chance to compete for the ICCA finals –even after she walked out on them after regionals. So, in hindsight, if Chloe didn't text her about the meeting, she wouldn't have found out and she wouldn't have had the chance to be part of the Bellas again. If that had been the case, she wouldn't have met Emily. If she didn't meet Legacy, then she wouldn't have had the chance to be recognized in Residual Heat as more than just an intern who took lunch and coffee orders. She also wouldn't have had the chance to produce Emily's Flashlight and they wouldn't have had the chance to redeem the Bellas from the disaster they had that year. Chloe would've been devastated if that happened because, it was no secret that Chloe also was the glue that kept the Bella intact all through her years of college. Only god knows how she would've handled the Bellas as their captain if it wasn't for Chloe being her co-Captain; she loves the Bellas but they were a handful batch of females so… thank heavens for Chloe purposely failing her Russian Lit.

Anyway, so, if she hadn't been recognized in Residual Heat, then she wouldn't have gotten the job in New York. Now, sure she hated working for that recording company, sure that company made her hate producing music a little (only because the artist they made her work with were… let's just say they didn't deserve to be called an artist at all), but on a positive note, if it wasn't for that company, she wouldn't have had the experience whether it be good or bad experience; like, she did experience working with music executives because of that job and she did kind of saw how the business actually works because of that company.

Anyway, what was Chloe's part in this?

Chloe made moving to New York bearable.

Sure, she got Fat Amy, but the two of them wouldn't have survived without Chloe. And they know it.

One, because she wouldn't have been able to afford providing for the both of them (as Fat Amy didn't have an actual job that pays). Two, because Chloe kept her sane. Between the stress of her job and Fat Amy being Fat Amy, she would've lost it in New York.

Chloe was/is her rock. Chloe was her listening ears. Chloe's were the arms that held her when everything became too much; like when she and Jesse broke up. Chloe was the positive part of her day every day.

Chloe was everything that kept her in her path.

So, if Chloe hadn't moved to New York with her, herself and Fat Amy wouldn't have remembered about Legacy and the new Barden Bellas' performance in New York. If they didn't remember, they wouldn't have had the chance to be reunited with the other Bellas and the plan to join the tour to support USSO wouldn't have been made. Ergo, she wouldn't have met DJ Khaled and tonight would've been just another night for her, probably looking for a new job. Granted, she would still have Chloe but she would've been too busy and preoccupied looking for another job to even think about how she feels for her best friend –much less tell her.

But anyway, it was a long road to success but it was worth it.

Especially if she could find Chloe already and tell her, finally, that she, Beca Mitchell is in love with her.

Thinking about it all, while looking for her best friend made her feel giddy, excited, nervous and everything else in between and question her sanity for never realizing till Amy pointed it out, how so much more she feels for Chloe Beale.

Fat Amy had been making jokes and had been teasing her for years. She even directly pointed it out to her; how Chloe was always more touchy-feely when it comes to her, how Chloe failed college three times just so she could be with her -she still wasn't sure about that one, because for all they know, Chloe just loves being a Bella, but that's beside the point- how Chloe didn't even hesitate to say yes when she asked her to move in to New York with her and most of all, how Chloe looks at her. Beca vehemently denied all of it, especially the touchy-feely one, because Chloe just has no regard for personal space and also because, c'mon, it was Fat Amy; Amy could very well be seeing things that she wanted to see. But even so, she however, couldn't deny how she, herself feels.

When Amy pointed it out, admittedly –only to herself- she started noticing things. Not the way Chloe interacts with her, but the way she feels with how Chloe interacts with her, or how she feels around Chloe. How even when they were still in Barden, her most favorite part of the Bella house was not her shared attic room with Fat Amy, but Chloe's room. How she loved the smell of it, because it made her feel calm even when in the chaotic house of Bella; and it also smelled like Chloe too. So, if she has nowhere to be, she would be hanging in Chloe's room, even when the redhead was not there because Chloe's scent alone could bring her peace. And when they moved to New York, on a bad day at work, she couldn't wait to get home so she could climb the rooftop of their apartment and wait for Chloe so she could rant and then cry in her shoulder until she doesn't feel that bad anymore; how on a good day, she still couldn't wait to get home so she could tell Chloe all about it and received a hug from the red head.

Chloe's hugs are her favorite. She particularly love the ones they share every night before going to sleep. Ever since they moved and had to share a double bed, they somehow acquired a habit of cuddling each other as they talk about how their day went or just any random things they could talk about. She loves having those amongst the other hugs they share because, she found an overwhelming sense of tranquility in them. It's always so quiet in Chloe's arms that, somehow it became the only place where she could find a good night sleep. And now she doesn't like sleeping where the redhead isn't because she just know that she would have a sleepless night without Chloe beside her. Because it wouldn't feel like home.

Thinking about it, Beca had to smile more.

Home.

Every day, she couldn't wait to get to their shabby little studio type room apartment she called home, because Chloe would be there.

Chloe is her home.

It is really laughable when she thinks about it. How could've it taken her so long to realize that it has been Chloe all along? That it has always been Chloe.

And now she couldn't wait to tell Chloe, just that and more.

She couldn't wait to tell Chloe how much she loves her and then apologize for waiting till now to tell her. But she would of course explain that it all has to do with timing.

Because in New York, even when she relented and accepted and stopped denying to herself how much she loves her, she still didn't have the confidence she needed to voice it out. Maybe it was due to because, she didn't fully understood how it happened when all her life she never ever looked at another woman even though it was kind of understandable because it was Chloe; Chloe is everybody's ideal everything. Or it could be due to the fact that she didn't feel comfortable with where she was at in her life. She has dreams that she was yet to fulfil –not even sure then if she would ever achieve those dreams- and so at the back of her mind, she has nothing to offer Chloe.

She didn't have the confidence and therefore she deemed herself not ready or worthy of Chloe. And so, she waited for the right time, for everything to align so she could tell Chloe she loves her.

Before DJ Khaled, she was just Beca Mitchell, an aspiring, one-of-the-many wannabe music producer in New York City.

But now, she's at the start of fulfilling that dream and she wants to start that journey by telling Chloe. Tonight is 'the' time she waited so long for. When she sang for the first time as a solo artist, she knew she had to start her first performance with her Bellas and when the performance ended and she turned, the first arms she seek (and immediately found) was Chloe's and she knew then.

This is the time.

And she couldn't have asked for a better timing.

She's about to start a new chapter and what better way to start it with than to start again with Chloe.

Now, if she could just find her favorite person already.

Beca, after asking the Bellas if they had seen Chloe and been pointed to where they last saw the ginger, she swore she never in her life walked faster but it was worth it, because she caught glimpse of Chloe's red hair, and she walked even faster and with purpose only to slow down once close to Chloe.

She found Chloe, alright.

She found her in Captain Chicago Walp's arms, lips locked in a passionate kiss; a kiss she imagined they would have once she finds her.

Maybe.

If she had found her earlier.

Maybe.

If she didn't find her too late.

Luckily for her –she guessed- that Theo was there. Sure she didn't like that he tried to kiss her even after knowing that they will be now working together and she would be his superior, but she was thankful anyway because she had the reason to get away from the scene in front of her.

If anyone saw her walking away, she could easily lie and say she and Theo had some things to discuss with regards to her contract or career or whatever… it doesn't matter, just that at least she would have a reason ready, other than the truth that… she was too late.

Sighing, Beca found herself at the bar –thank heavens the place has an open bar- ordering another drink.

Tonight should've been the best night of her life. She was sure of that at the start of the evening. She was sure that her long road to tonight was worth it and she wouldn't have it any other way –except maybe just without Fat Amy's father kidnapping the Bellas and putting all their lives in danger.

Downing another shot, she shook her head in disgust of the burning feeling in her throat that she welcomed nonetheless. Then she laughed humorlessly at how wrong she had been. Her long road to achieving her dreams started tonight, but in exchange it took Chloe away.

Tonight she watched her best friend –the woman she loves- in the arms of another, and now she wonders… is it not their time yet? Was her timing wrong? Or was it the case of being too late?

She waited till she could have something to offer Chloe and now that she does have something, Chloe was no longer there.

So really, what's the point?

In the south of France, in one of the private ladies comfort rooms, Chloe found herself alone and once again staring at herself in the mirror.

The Bellas had just had their not only impromptu –thanks to one Beca Mitchell- performance but would also probably the last; so it wasn't a surprise that all the girls were a bit emotional. After tonight, they will all go back to their separate lives –the lives that they made for themselves or for most, making for themselves. And although Chloe wanted to be with them, surrounded by the comfort of her friends' (family's) supportive arms, she knew, she also needed this quiet time alone, for herself.

The day before they were kidnapped by Amy's father and much earlier today, they were rescued but not before they were faced with danger that could've easily cost their lives; and it was during that time that Chloe proved what other people say to be true because it happened to her –her life flashes before her eyes when she jumped off of Fat Amy's father's yachts and into cold Mediterranean Sea. And it was silly or perhaps sad, but when her life flashes before her, it was of only those of with regret.

There were very few in her life that she has regrets with, and maybe it was why when she had a flashback of her life, the flashback only featured one pair or dark blue eyes belonging to her best friend –Beca Mitchell. Because sadly, as much joy as Beca brought in her life, she also and would always be Chloe's biggest regret.

The regret of never being able to tell Beca how much she loves her more than she should and allowed.

The moment she jumped off the yacht and there was explosion behind her, her mind was immediately transported back to Beca's freshman year in college during the activity fair where Chloe first saw her.

Chloe never believed in love at first sight; sure she was and maybe still is a hopeless romantic but she was never a believer of love at first sight. Lust at first sight, she knew to be possible but not love. Love develops, rooted from an emotional level of intimacy rather than just physically. But this was before Beca Mitchell came to Barden and in her life.

She saw this tiny alt girl wandering around the Activities Fair and immediately she caught Chloe's attention. She didn't think much of it then other than she found this freshman mysterious and therefore intriguing. She remembered it well, how Beca turned them down and how disappointed she felt when Beca did so. For some reason, she felt like she had lost the chance of getting to know the mysterious freshman more.

But the universe had plans for the both of them, because she found the tiny brunette again in the most unexpected place and in the most unexpected way.

The shower room.

When she heard the melodic singing voice, she had no choice but to follow the sound where it was coming from. It was like her ears had been hypnotized and her feet grew a mind of its own. She was thankful nonetheless because the voice belonged to none other than the mysterious alt girl from activities fair; and there she found Beca again –and finding the brunette naked was also not something she was gonna complain about either. Because really, anyone with eyes would see that the tiny brunette is pretty if not beautiful –and apparently sexy as well if her naked figure was to note down. But mainly, it was Beca's voice that captured her. When Beca relented and sang, she couldn't help but join her and oh what a melody they created. No harmonization needed, they sounded wonderful together.

It was the start and she should've realized it then.

She should've realized that when she first saw Beca Mitchell, she was suddenly on the edge of the cliff, hanging, and when she heard her sing for the first time and saw her the second, she fell.

Cliché, even Chloe would say so herself. But she could only describe what happened as that.

Of course, she didn't realize what was happening to her then, just that she found herself drawn to Beca. At the beginning she passed it as that, she just knew they would be really fast friends and they did become fast friends. She was not known for respecting personal space, but she still has boundaries –sometimes; but with Beca, she just couldn't help herself. She wanted to always be close to her, always touching her if she could get away with it –surprisingly enough, Beca lets her do-, and always talking to her and just… always be with her. It was pathetic how much she wanted to be close to Beca. Pathetic enough that she purposely failed her Russian Lit. 3 times just so she could stay at Barden and be with her feisty DJ best friend.

She didn't really plan on being pathetic, of course. Once she realized she was in love with Beca Mitchell, she actually device a plan on how to tell her and when. Everything was perfect in her head. After the ICCA Championship in New York whether they win or lose, she would tell the tiny DJ how she feels about her. But, she guessed time wasn't with her, because as soon as the turned to face Beca, she found her gone and to Jesse, having their movie worthy ending or maybe it was their beginning.

It was Chloe's first attempt and first failure.

But regardless, she found it in herself to be happy. Beca's happy and isn't it what friends and more so best friends do? Be happy for their best friend when they find love? So, Chloe found peace with the idea of Beca dating Jesse. Jesse is a nice boy and treats Beca well. It hurts, but, she could live with it. What she couldn't live with was when it downed on her that she will be graduating. At first, she thought of it as a welcome escape. It was painful seeing Beca and being close to her but not close enough, not enough to know her the way she wanted to; but when faced by the reality of leaving the Bellas, leaving Barden, leaving Beca not knowing if she'd see her again as often as she would like, she chose to fail and not graduate.

She didn't really know what she wanted to do with her life then, anyway. But she knew what she wanted –even if she couldn't have them… her. And so she stayed, knowing at least she wouldn't have to ask 'what if'.

She stayed even though it was hard. She told herself, she will only stay for 1 year. She told herself that she couldn't just leave and that she has to do it gradually… slowly, but surely. She thought, maybe bit by bit, she would slowly learn to let her feelings for Beca go, seeing every day that it was one sided.

She was wrong though. After the first year of her repeat senior was up and she had that choice –again- to graduate or stay, she chose to stay.

She wasn't ready.

She wasn't ready to leave Beca and move on. Sure, Beca was –at the time- still with Jesse and seemingly happy with their relationship, but so was she with their friendship. It was only friendship she could have with the tiny DJ, but it was enough to make her stay. It was hard but she lives for the moments like getting to see Beca every day; the brunette was a constant feature in her room, whether they were studying together or her just listening to Beca's new mixes while the brunette makes a new one. She lives for every day, without a miss, when Beca wasn't working (and didn't have a date with Jesse) then she would be in Chloe's room. Every day, Chloe would have the opportunity to admire the brunette freely without the chance of the other Bellas catching her. Beca –for Chloe- is at her most beautiful when she's oblivious-to-the-world focus on making her music, even with her eyebrow crease from concentration, and she get to see that. And sometimes, when she couldn't help herself, she would sit next to Beca close enough to rest her head against the brunette's shoulder. And those sometimes that she does that, Beca would move her arm so she could snuggle in closer and said arm would be wrap around her shoulder. And sometimes, she would fall asleep and would wake up the next day still in Beca's arms.

So, Yes. It was hard seeing Beca every day, looking at her with so much affection only for the tiny DJ to look pass her; it was hard… because, wasn't it always, when your love is unrequited? It's like reaching for the stars, you know you'll never reach it, but you still try anyway. But, she lives for those little moments she has with Beca, and she wasn't ready to let go of that just yet.

And so, when it was time for her to graduate –again- she chose to stay.

And she stayed 'till it was both hers and Beca's senior year.

Chloe deemed it was where she got it wrong.

Her mistake.

She stayed.

She had every intention of moving on from her unrequited feelings for Beca, but she just couldn't find it in herself to turn around and leave. So she stayed. She excused her actions as, just like an addict, she had to let go slowly, gradually. But, instead of letting go, the found herself holding on instead. Holding on to those little moments she get to have with Beca. Instead of moving on, she found herself falling deeper and deeper in what seemed like a bottomless pit. And when she realized… it was too late; she just couldn't let go anymore.

It was scary but she brought it upon herself, when she wouldn't let go. When she wouldn't turn around when she had the chance. But she accepted the mistake she made and she just anticipated the day when she would bid Beca goodbye.

She thought it would be when they all graduate. The graduation being the abrupt stop. The end of her time with Beca. Beca was already setting up for her future and it was a future that she could not be a part of. She envied Jesse in that regard because, well… being the boyfriend automatically earned him a spot in the tiny DJ's future, not to mention that Jesse got accepted in UCLA to study film and Beca always wanted to go to LA.

But the universe wasn't done with whatever plan they have.

Just when she was just about slightly mentally prepared for the inevitable goodbye, Beca came to her one afternoon and asked casually what her plan would be after graduation –aside from thinking of becoming an exotic dancer. She remembered laughing at that, but admitted that she actually doesn't have a plan still and it was quite depressing that everyone seemed to have their plan ready and here she was, not having a single clue what to do with her life.

It was depressing really, but it quickly changed when Beca asked her if she wouldn't mind moving to New York with her. She said, "It's totally ok if you don't want to. I just thought… I just thought I'd ask you. I mean, if you ever decided on something you want to do, you can always do it in New York or… I just… I got a job offer in New York and I… I would love it if I could… like… maybe… still… you know what? It's ok. Forget I said anything."

It was quite funny how embarrassed Beca was that day, but she didn't have the heart to tease her. Well, she didn't get to because she squealed "YES!"

Beca would eventually leave her. She's made for something great but until that day comes, Chloe decided she would stay.

It was also then, Chloe decided that, maybe, she was ok being pathetic.

She's in love. She couldn't help it.

Maybe, just maybe… the universe is telling her to wait.

That maybe, there will be a time for her to tell Beca how she feels and maybe when that time comes, Beca would be feeling the same way for her too.

So she moved to New York with Beca –and Fat Amy- and they lived in a small studio type apartment because that was all they could afford; technically she could've offered her parent's two bedroom apartment in Manhattan. Her parents were happy for her to use the property when she told them she was moving to New York, but she wanted to see for herself that she could do it on her own. She hasn't told anyone -not that she was keeping it a secret but because nobody particularly asked- but her parents are actually… well… loaded so to speak. Her father is a successful engineer and her mother an architect and together they built their own construction company –it was also why, she could afford to repeat her senior year three times.

So living in New York, in their littler apartment, her feelings for Beca grew -she still hasn't decided if moving to New York can be deemed as her second mistake but she already accepted that until it was time for Beca to leave, she would stay. She should've known by then that staying close to Beca would only make her fall deeper. Especially when it wasn't even Jesse she talks to whenever something good happens to her at work or something bad; or when eventually Jesse and Beca decided to call it even as they couldn't make the long distance relationship work.

When Jesse and Beca broke up, she felt guilty for feeling hopeful –although she would never admit it to anybody and she wasn't required to anyway- but she just couldn't help herself. Although, regardless of her feelings, she made sure that whatever words of assurance she gave Beca that it was coming from a an unbiased opinion. But she was still hopeful, she was hopeful that one of these days, would be the day that she could finally tell Beca that she loves her.

Every day she was hopeful, especially on a lazy Sunday when she would find Beca staring at her with her laptop and headphone covering her ears few weeks after the break up; Beca would smile at her and she would smile back. The brunette would then mouthed a 'thank you', before shifting her focus back to whatever she was working on, on her laptop.

Those moments made her hopeful; made her think that maybe, Beca would feel the same way too. So she waited and waited. She promised herself that if Beca would so much as look at her the same way she looks at the brunette that she would tell her. She would confess her long suppressed feelings. She just need that one tiny sign from her DJ.

But that sign didn't come.

Beca instead buried herself in her toxic work; adamant in proving herself in the company that never truly realize her potential. The tiny brunette sole focus was to her career and achieving her dreams that she never had time for romance. And Chloe was left watching her hope of Beca reciprocating her feelings go further and further away.

She never got her sign.

And she considered it to be her second attempt that failed.

And she kept her feelings to herself.

There was no point telling Beca, her best friend would probably run the other away, away from her. By now she knew Beca's fight or flight attitude and unfortunately, the tiny DJ is prone to flight rather than fight. She didn't want to risk her friendship with Beca.

Now, in south of France, inside the ladies comfort room, Chloe watched herself wiping the tears that had fallen from usually vibrant eyes.

They just shared Beca's supposedly solo performance and it was also –would probably- the last Bella's performance. It was emotional, but she hers would probably of a different reason from the other Bellas. When the song finishes, Beca seek her out, throwing her arms around her. It was probably one of the tightest hug Chloe had ever received from the brunette and she returned it with as much passion. She was very proud of Beca, of her achievements, but during the hug she felt it.

But in her bid to deny what she felt during their embrace, after the performance, once they were backstage, she tried to look for Beca. She was going to tell her how she feels. Maybe what she felt was wrong. Ever the optimistic, she thought maybe it was the other way; maybe it was the feeling of 'it's time to be honest and finally tell her how you feel', maybe it was time for their movie worthy ending.

And she found her.

But she found her with DJ Khaled and Theo. They were talking and she heard it, 'we would be very pleased to start your recording in our studio in LA'.

And it was enough and Chloe made her way to the ladies room.

Third attempt… and would probably be the last.

She was right about the embrace. What she felt –it felt like a goodbye.

So it has come.

The day when Beca would leave and she won't be able to follow.

Wiping another batch of tears, Chloe tried to compose herself. She knew this day would come and she told herself that when it does, she would accept it. She would accept that maybe, there was never really a time for them. And she would finally, finally allow herself to move on.

With that acceptance in mind, she readied herself to leave, re-touching her make up to –maybe- hide her sorrow and conceal her heartbreak. She was putting away her lipstick in her clutch bag when she found a folded piece of paper and remembered it to be the one Chicago slipped in her hand when he kissed it as a congratulations after the performance.

Curiously, she opens it-

'Please meet me backstage, around the corner where the two pillars are. I'll be waiting.'

Chloe stares at the note, and for a good while.

Would it be so wrong?

Beca's leaving and she can't deny that she finds Chicago attractive and very nice.

Would it be so wrong? To seek help in moving on from someone that may actually have feelings for her.

Taking a deep breath, hoping it would clear her mind a bit, Chloe made her way out of the bathroom and to the direction of where the note said Chicago would be waiting.

She found him straight away, eyes smiling that she couldn't help but return.

Maybe this is the universe telling her that it is time.

It is time for her to move on.

Any maybe Chicago is the help the universe has sent her.

Because heaven knows, she won't know how on her own.

How do anyone move on from the love they've always wanted?

When she neared Chicago, it was like the movies. He swept her in his strong arms and kisses her like he has been waiting for her all his life.

Maybe… this is how.