a Pitch Perfect/glee fic
Title: We're Singing the Same Song (Even If the Lyrics Aren't the Same)
Author: slacker_d
Crossover: glee/Pitch Perfect
Pairing/Characters: eventual Rachel/Quinn, Beca/Chloe
Summary: Beca Mitchell is falling for Chloe Beale, while her roommate Quinn Fabray seems to be in love with Rachel Berry. Will they ever tell them how they feel?
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Spoilers: Pitch Perfect and general glee spoilers
A/N: Okay first off, I stopped watching glee at the beginning of season 3, so I have no idea what's going on anymore. Second, this idea came from marshnallowhobo on tumblr who wanted a fic based off this photoset. And being a crossover junkie, I couldn't resist.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
Part One
Though it wasn't her first choice, Rachel is still excited to be attending Barden. They have an excellent music and theater department, so hopefully she'll get as much experience as possible and when she graduates, she'll be ready to take New York City by storm.
She's one of the first to arrive on campus. After her dads help her move all her things inside, she shoos them out. For some reason, she doesn't want to meet her new roommate with her fathers hovering. College is going to be a positive, uplifting experience and for some reasons, having her dads around seems like too much.
And honestly, it's not like they can really help her unpack. As expected, the dorm room is rather small, especially for two people. Rachel just hopes her new roommate doesn't mind that she took the left side of the room.
…
Beca is not impressed with Barden. Not that she expected to be. She knows that it's a top rated school and all that, but the fact that they actually employ her dad loses them major points.
She's tempted to blow the rape whistle just because. With all the chaos surrounding her, would anyone even notice? She dodges students dragging suitcase, carrying boxes and pushing carts as she makes her way to Baker Hall.
…
Rachel is trying to decide if she should hang up both her Wicked and her Les Misérables poster when the door swings open and in bounces a smiling redhead.
"Hi," she greets. "I'm Chloe."
"Rachel."
The redhead looks at the Wicked poster that Rachel just put up.
"You like musicals?" Chloe asks as she sets down a box on the other bed.
Cautiously, Rachel nods.
"Only musicals?" Chloe continues.
"Um, well, no," Rachel replies. "Though my dream is to perform on Broadway, I believe in all music."
Chloe lets out a squeal and suddenly Rachel finds herself caught up in a hug.
"Good," Chloe says. "Because I don't think I could live with someone who doesn't like music."
"Oh, I agree," Rachel replies. "Not liking music is akin to kicking puppies."
"Exactly."
Rachel's smile is full of relief. She'd been so worried about what kind of roommate she'd end up with.
"So you won't mind if I sing a lot?" Rachel asks.
Chloe looks up from her unpacking. "Course not. I do that too. Sometimes a song just gets stuck in your head and you gotta sing. Right?"
"I know we just met," Rachel says. "But I think I may already love you a little."
Chloe smiles. "I am very loveable."
…
When Beca arrives in her room she finds it occupied with a blonde having a quiet, but furious argument with her dad. They don't even acknowledge her when she enters the room, so she throws her stuff on the bed on the right and begins setting up her laptop and other DJing equipment. She tries to ignore the hisses of anger coming from the other side of the very small room.
"…uphold the Fabray reputation…"
"…over five hundred miles away…"
"…paying your tuition…"
Once Beca has enough of the equipment set up, she slams her headphones on and tries to work on a mix. It's tough; it turns out awkwardness is not good mix inspiration. Still, she does her best.
Despite the difficulty she had initially, Beca quickly loses herself in the music. It really never takes much for her. She's so in the zone, that when she's tapped on the shoulder, she actually jumps a bit.
"Holy shit," she says, pulling down the headphones and turning in her seat.
"Sorry," the blond replies. "Didn't mean to scare you."
"S'okay," Beca replies, looking around the room.
The blonde rolls her eyes, though Beca gets the feeling that it's not directed at her. "He's gone. Hopefully for good, though you never really know with Russell."
"Step dad?"
"Just dad," she replies. "He's just not very good at it. I'm Quinn."
"Beca."
"What are you working on?"
"Oh, uh, I mix songs," Beca replies. "DJing."
"Like a mash up?" Quinn asks.
Beca grins. "Yeah, kinda."
"Cool."
"You're into music?"
Quinn nods. "I was in my high school's glee club. Our advisor really liked mash ups. It became like our thing."
"Glee club, huh."
"Yeah, yeah, I know, but I needed another activity to get my dad off my back and it was the only one that worked with my schedule."
"Another activity?" Beca asks.
Beca had never really been involved in high school stuff. She knew most of the band kids, since she played freshman year for a few months because her parents said she had to try something, and a lot of the AV nerds because she liked to borrow the equipment. But after her dad left when she was fifteen, she threw herself completely into DJing. She dropped out of band, got a hold of as much mixing equipment as possible and became a loner. It was just easier that way.
Quinn sighs. "Cheerleading."
Beca raises an eyebrow.
"Hey, we were national champions three years running," Quinn protests. "Besides, it got me scholarships."
"No, it's cool," Beca replies. "I just honestly didn't have you pegged as one of those popular girls."
"You say popular the way I would say leper," Quinn says.
"At least it's not as bad as a serial killer?" Beca suggests. "Hey did you have to wear those super short cheerleading skirts all the time?"
"Yes," Quinn replies. "And let me tell you, it's not the best idea in Ohio in the middle of January."
"I can imagine."
…
"So this is probably a stupid question," Chloe says once she finishes unpacking. "But are you a theater major?"
Rachel looks up from where she's rereading Les Misérables. "Technically I'm a musical performance major with a theater emphasis."
"So lots of singing?"
Rachel grins. "Yep. What's your major?"
"Biology. Pre med."
"Oh."
"Not what you were expecting?" Chloe smiles.
"I guess I was expecting something a bit more music related," Rachel replies.
"My passion for music doesn't really translate into actual employment the way yours does."
"I suppose I can see that."
…
"Hey this is campus police, hide your wine coolers."
Recognizing her dad's voice, Beca looks up as the door swings open and her dad enters smiling. "Just joking around."
"I'm laughing on the inside." Beca returns to the mix she'd just been working on.
Seeing the blonde in the room, who's arranging things on her desk, her dad introduces himself.
"I'm Dr. Mitchell, Beca's dad. I teach comparative literature here."
"Nice to meet you sir," Quinn says, turning to face him, though she doesn't stand. "Quinn." And then she returns to what she's doing.
"So, when'd you get here?" he asks. "How'd you get here?"
"Cab," Beca replies. "Didn't want to be a bother."
"You're not bother, Beca," her dad says. "Shelia or I would have been glad to pick you up."
"I can't think of anything more uncomfortable than a car ride with the stepmonster," Beca retorts.
"Of course." Her dad looks around the room, obviously struggling for another topic. "Have you seen much of the campus? The quad is where everyone hangs out whenever it's nice."
"Yeah, well, I don't want to hang out here," Beca replies, as she begins unpacking so she doesn't have to look directly at her dad. "I want to be in LA, getting a job at a record label, so I can start paying my dues."
Her dad sighs. "Beca we've talked about this. DJing is a hobby, not a profession. Unless you're someone awesome, like Rick Dees."
"Wha--I can't even, really?" Beca stops unpacking for a moment. "I want to produce music, dad, make music."
"After you get a college education," her dad replies. "For free, I might add. End of discussion."
Looking uncomfortable, Quinn stands and announces, "I think I'll go to the activities fair."
"Yeah, that's a good idea," Beca says. "I'm gonna go to the activities fair with my brand new, super awesome friend, Quinn." She follows Quinn out and slams the door behind her.
…
Rachel and Chloe are wandering around the activities fair. There are almost too many activities to choose from. Looking around Rachel sees a club or association for everything she could ever imagine and some she hadn't even thought of.
"Are deaf Jews really that different than other Jews?" Chloe asks as they walk by a booth.
"Um, maybe," Rachel replies. "I don't really know that many deaf Jews."
Suddenly a flyer is thrust into Chloe's face.
"Hi. Can you sing?"
Accepting the flyer, Chloe replies. "We both can."
The other girl looks at Rachel in disdain. "Oh." She grudgingly gives her a flyer as well. "You're both welcome to audition, but we do have certain standards."
The flyer is for the Barden Bellas, a competitive all female a cappella group. Looking at the other girls surrounding the booth, Rachel can agree they definitely have a type. She definitely doesn't fit it, though it looks like Chloe does.
"I've never sung a cappella," Chloe tells the girl.
"That's fine," she replies. "As long as you can sing."
…
Quinn is apparently a theater major and so when they pass a booth for the theater fraternity, the blonde stops for a chat. Beca listens for a moment, but figures she might as well keep looking, so she tells Quinn she'll see her later.
A few minutes later, Beca's pretty sure she's not going to find anything to hold her interest when she spots a sign that says "Barden DJs". Of course, it turns out that DJ stands for deaf Jews and so Beca keeps walking.
Her phone beeps with a text from her dad. She contemplates not reading it, but she knows if she doesn't, he'll just reference it later and be pissed that she didn't read it.
Even though you only went to the activities fair to escape me, it wouldn't hurt to join a group or two.
She groans. God, can't he just leave her alone? It should be enough that she's even at this damn school. Agitated and still glaring at her phone, Beca isn't looking where she's going and runs into someone.
…
The girl, Brooke, is explaining the a cappella hierarchy on campus to Chloe and Rachel, well mostly Chloe, when someone stumbles into the redhead.
"Watch where you're going bitch," Brooke snaps.
The brunette is about the apologize, but stops at Brooke's statement.
"Right." She turns to Chloe. "Sorry. Didn’t see you."
"It's fine," Chloe replies, cheerfully. "It's crazy around here, right?"
The brunette nods.
"I'm Chloe," she continues, sticking out her hand.
"Uh, Beca," the girl replies, awkwardly shaking Chloe's hand.
"And this is my roommate Rachel," Chloe says, gesturing to Rachel.
"Hi," Rachel says offering a little wave.
"Hey." Beca shoves her phone back into her pocket. "Listen, it was really great to meet you guys, but I've gotta… be elsewhere." She quickly walks off.
…
Beca's only gone a few steps, before the redhead is by her side again. "Uh…"
"Can you sing?" the redhead, Chloe asks.
"Um…"
"Because I was thinking of auditioning for the Barden Bellas," she continues. "And my roommate isn't really interested."
"What the hell are the Barden Bellas?" Beca asks.
"Apparently they're an all female a cappella group," Chloe replies.
"Really? Sounds kinda lame."
"Maybe," Chloe agrees. "But sometimes lame is fun. Right?"
"Um, listen, I really am sorry I ran into you, but I’m not really looking for--"
"I don't believe in coincidences, Beca," Chloe interrupts. "You ran into me for a reason."
"I did?"
Chloe nods. "The universe is trying to tell us something."
"Really? Because I sorta feel like the universe has already screwed me over enough, so I'm not sure I really want to listen anymore."
"But everything the universe did got you to this point," Chloe says. "And it got you to run into me. Totally kismet."
"Um, wow, I don't think so," Beca replies. "Once again, it was nice to meet you, but I really do need to get going."
"Fine," Chloe says. "But when we run into each other again, you'll have to admit I'm right."
Beca just half waves over her shoulder and heads back towards the theater fraternity booth, hoping Quinn is still there.
…
Rachel watches with amusement as Chloe follows after Beca and stops her a few feet away. She glances over at the pair as she mulls around the Bellas booth.
"Just because your friend is our type, doesn't mean we'll accept you automatically," Brooke sneers. "I don't care how great of singer you are."
"Don't worry," Rachel replies. "I have no intention of auditioning. Besides the fact that I have no interest, you don't seem like the sort of person I want to associate with."
Apparently this was the wrong thing to say. "Listen, bitch," Brooke growls, leaning closer and lowering her voice. "You're a freshman. Obviously. So I won't crush you under my heel. But we're the shit on this campus. And you're making yourself enemies."
"Wow, really," Rachel says. "Are you going to knock my books out of my hands as I walk to class?"
Brooke scoffs.
"Hey guys," Chloe interrupts.
"Oh, hey Chloe," Brooke says, an obviously fake smile now plastered on her face. "I hope I see you at auditions."
Once Brooke has broken away, Rachel and Chloe keep walking.
"So…that was interesting."
"Are you going to audition?" Rachel asks.
"I'm thinking about it," Chloe replies. "It sounds like fun."
"Could be," Rachel offers sarcastically.
"Yeah, she was kinda a bitch, but I still think it'll be fun."
"And the reason you chased after…Beca?"
Chloe shrugs. "You know how you meet someone and you just know?"
"Know what?"
"That they should be in your life," Chloe replies. "I felt it with you. And I felt it with Beca too."
"Well, she seemed a bit reluctant, so good luck with that."
"I'm not worried," Chloe says. "Things like this have a way of working themselves out."
Grinning, she hooks her arm with Rachel's as they continue to explore the activities fair.
Part Two
At least Barden has a radio station that offers internships, Beca thinks as she walks across campus. Maybe she can get a little experience before she heads out to LA; then her time here won't be a complete waste.
It's not much, she thinks as she opens the door that reads, studio. It looks more like a storage room with a booth in the corner. Filled to capacity with records and CDs, Beca wanders in slowly as she hears the guy in the booth intro the next song. Just as she reaches the door, it swings open and the DJ pops out.
"Hey."
"You been there long?" he asks.
"Uh, no. I wasn't--just got here." Beca tries to lean in through the open door frame, curious.
"No freshmen in the booth," he tells her, grabbing a crate of CDs.
"Right. Sorry."
"I'm Luke," he says. "You're Beca? The intern?"
"Yeah, I--"
"Hey guys, what's up?"
Beca looks over to find one of the tallest guys she's ever seen. He had to be at least a foot taller than her.
"I'm Matt," he says.
"Luke. And you're late." He sets the crate on a nearby desk. "So your guys job is to stack these CDs. After that, there'll be more."
"Yay," Beca mutters.
Luke raises an eyebrow, but just says, "Also, no sex on the desks, okay? Only leads to trouble."
After they both awkwardly nod at him, he returns to the booth.
Beca grabs several CDs out of the crate. "This sucks. I wanted to play music."
"Yeah, well, gotta pay your dues and all," Matt replies as he begins to put away CDs. "Besides, after this, we'll totally be qualified to work at Tower Records."
"Didn't they close all those stores?" Beca asks, pulls more CDs out of the crate.
"Empire Records then," Matt says.
"Never heard of it."
"Too bad. They are open 'til midnight," Matt replies. "You should watch it. It'll totally put this whole CD stacking thing into perspective."
"Oh, so it's a movie."
"An awesome movie," Matt says.
"Yeah, well, I'll just have to take your word for it."
"You wound me with your doubt," Matt says, placing both hands over his heart mockingly.
"Nah," Beca replies. "I just don't watch movies."
"Like all movies?"
"Yeah."
"Hmph. I'll keep that in mind when I ask you out next week," Matt jokes.
Beca stops stacking for a second and glares at him.
"It was a joke."
"Whatever dude, you're not my type, anyway," she retorts.
"Is it the height thing? Because, no offense, you're making me feel very tall right now."
Beca rolls her eyes. "No, it's not the height thing."
"It's not a race thing, is it?"
”No, it's not a race thing."
"Is it because I was late?" Matt asks. "It wasn't my fault. A parade of deaf Jews was literally blocking my path for a good five minutes. And it's not like they can hear you when you try to push through."
"Seriously?"
"Fine. I stopped and bought a bottle of water on my way over," Matt replies. "And don’t worry, I really was kidding at the whole asking you out thing. I mean, what if it leads to sex on the desk?"
"Technically we don't need to date to have sex on the desk," Beca retorts. "And no, that's not an invitation."
"Good to know. So you're really not going to tell me why I'm not your type?"
"I barely know you," Beca says.
"So? We're gonna be stacking CDs together for a long time. Might as well get to know each other."
"No thanks."
"Come on, I'll start," Matt says. "My last girlfriend was a bouncy redhead named Heather, but when she found out I was going to college down here, she wouldn't even discuss a long distance relationship and immediately dumped my ass."
"That sucks dude."
"So?"
Beca shakes her head.
"No way, I shared something. Now you have to," Matt insists.
"I never agreed to that."
"It was unspoken," Matt replies.
"No it wasn't."
"Just tell me why I'm not your type and I promise to be quiet the rest of the time we're here."
"Really?"
"Well, singing doesn't count, does it?"
"I suppose not," Beca replies. She's not exactly sure why she's so reluctant to tell him. It's not like she's hiding her sexuality. Actually, it might be the sharing part, more than anything else. After all, she just met this guy. But he's right, they are going to be seeing a lot of each other. "And I prefer girls."
"Oh," Matt nods. "Fair enough. See? That wasn't so hard."
Beca flips him off, smirking.
Matt grins in response and makes a zipping motion over his lips.
…
Classes still don’t start for another day, but that doesn't mean Rachel can't explore the theater, maybe try out the acoustics. After all, if she, a freshman, is going to get a decent part in the spring musical, she needs to start practicing.
Not that she's ever really stopped. Her summer was filled with various lessons. Knowing how busy college can be, Rachel wanted to get in as much practice as possible.
The ghost light is the only thing illuminating the stage. It creates an eerie atmosphere that is build upon with the singular echo of Rachel's heels clicking on the wood.
Standing center stage, Rachel takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. She listens for a moment because she thought she heard someone shuffling about in the audience, though she can't imagine why someone would be out there. After a moment of listening, Rachel feels like she's alone in the space. Opening her eyes, Rachel tries out the acoustics.
People
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world,
We're children, needing other children
And yet letting our grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside,
Acting more like children
Than children.
Lovers are very special people,
They're the luckiest people
In the world.
With one person, one very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half,
Now you're whole.
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person
Who needs people.
People who need people
Are the luckiest people
In the world!
With one person, one very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half,
Now you're whole.
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person
Who needs people.
People who need people
Are the luckiest people
In the world!
Letting the note hang in the air, Rachel gives a slight bow to her imaginary audience.
…
When Beca returns from her first day of stacking CDs, she finds Quinn practically vibrating with excitement as she sings and dances around the room. Beca shuts the door a little louder than normal to announce her presence. Quinn whirls around, looking embarrassed as she turns down the volume.
"Dionne Warwick, huh?" Beca greets.
"It fits my mood," Quinn smiles.
"And what's got you in such a good mood?"
Quinn shrugs. "I, uh, walked around the theater. It's a pretty cool space."
"Okay."
"How's the internship?"
"Sucks," Beca replies. "All I get to do is put away CDs."
"Because you're a freshman?"
"Yep."
"That does suck."
…
Rachel hears Chloe singing before she actually steps foot in the room. She has to admit, the redhead can definitely sing.
"Sounds good," Rachel says, entering the room.
Chloe stops mid word and face Rachel with a smile. "Really?"
Rachel nods. "You'll totally get in."
"I wish you'd audition with me," Chloe says.
"They wouldn’t let me in anyway," Rachel replies. "Brooke made that abundantly clear."
"Yeah, but if they heard you sing, they'd totally change their minds."
"Perhaps."
"At least come with me to the audition," Chloe tries.
"Fine," Rachel agrees. "But if you think you're going to pull me on stage and force me to audition, you're going to be disappointed."
…
The first couple days of classes are almost unbearable to Beca. She sits through mind numbing lectures on things she doesn't give a shit about and curses her dad. The only good thing is the boredom gives her a lot of mix ideas. While everyone else are taking copious notes about whatever the professor is blathering on about, she's trying to write down as much of the mixes in her head that she can.
…
Rachel tries to pay attention in her History of Theater class. While she realizes that knowing all this history is important, the professor teaching it must have the most monotone voice in the world and it's very hypnotizing, almost lulling her to sleep. It makes her wish that she was the sort of student who sat in the back, so she could hide her drooping eyes.
The blonde sitting next to her is scribbling furiously in her notebook. Rachel wants to look over and see what she deems so damn important to be taking down so quickly, but the notebook is sitting in her lap. And while Rachel is very comfortable with her bisexuality, she realizes that trying to glimpse at another girl's lap, may be construed as sexual harassment.
Instead, she lets out a soft sigh and mentally composes an email to her dads about how her first week of classes are going.
…
Having stayed up late working on the mix she'd come up with in Intro to English Lit, Beca decides the day's classes aren't worth the effort it would take to get up. She simply rolls over and pulls the covers over her head. She can hear Quinn sitting at her own desk, typing something on her laptop, but it's a nice rhythm that lulls her back to sleep.
Of course, that sleep is short lived when she's woken up by additional weight on her bed.
"Funny, this doesn’t look like your Intro to Philosophy class," her dad says.
"I'm posing an important philosophical question," Beca replies, sitting up. "If I don't actually go to that class, will it still suck?"
Her dad sighs as Beca climbs out of bed. "You're not even trying, are you?"
"I'm here when it's the last place I want to be," Beca retorts. "Isn't that enough?"
"College is a great experience, Beca," her dad says. "But you're only going to get out of it what you put into it."
"Yeah, well, I don't want anything from it," Beca tells him.
"You have to try things," her dad says, sitting at her desk and moving the mouse around. "Join in. Make some memories."
"I got a job at the radio station."
"That place, great. It's dark and dirty, and has like those three weirdos working there?"
"Well, four now," Beca replies, pointing to herself.
"You need to try something new, Beca," her dad says. "That's what college is about. Just join one club. And if, at the end of the year, you still want to leave, you still want to run off to LA and try to be P. Diddy, well, then you can quit college. And I will help you move to LA."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously," he dad replies. "But only if you really try." Her dad stands and walks to the door. "This is college. Go experience it." And then he lets himself out.
…
Contrary to what she'd been expecting, Rachel isn't the best dancer in her Advanced Tap class. That title belongs to a guy named, Mike Chang.
At first, she'd been a bit annoyed. After all, she prides herself at being the best, at everything, period. But after watching him tap, Rachel's resentment has melted away. Mike is dance, in the same way she is her singing. He's poetry on the dance floor and every other cliché she can think of.
She wonders if this means she's maturing because after watching Mike dance, she doesn't hate him for his superior talent like she hated Jesse St. James in high school. Though it might also be because Jesse was an arrogant jerk off, whereas Mike seems like a nice, easygoing guy.
Being the best male and female dancer in the class, they're paired together. Their instructor, Randy, the gayest man Rachel's ever seen, and she would know, shows them their half of the dance. First Mike's part and then Rachel's.
It's definitely a test because he only shows them their part once and at a moderately fast pace. Despite her immense talent, it takes a great deal of Rachel's concentration. Mike, on the other hand, seems to be having no problems. He glides through the routine while she pushes herself to simply glide through it.
She must have been successful because everyone claps as they take small bows and Randy tells them both, "Very nice."
…
Still mulling over her dad's offer, Beca makes her way to shower. It's late enough in the day that everyone should be in class, so for once, she relaxes enough and allows herself to sing. She's been a little obsessed with Titanium lately. It's been part of her last three mixes for some strange reason and so it just slips out as she steps into the shower and turns on the water.
Just as the water is heating up, there's a voice behind her.
"Oh my god, your voice is amazing!"
Beca whips around. The redhead from the other day is standing naked in her shower stall. "Dude!" She yanks the flimsy curtain back, to cover herself.
The redhead, Chloe, she vaguely remembers, yanks the curtain back open. "Seriously, your voice…" Chloe reaches past Beca and turns off the water.
"Oh my god!" Beca exclaims, trying to cover herself.
"I know you said a cappella is lame, but you should still totally audition with me."
Beca tries not to let her eyes wander too much, but it's really difficult when there's a beautiful naked girl in her shower stall. "I can't concentrate on anything you're saying until you cover your junk."
"Just consider it," Chloe continues, taking a step closer.
Starting to feel a bit claustrophobic, which is an odd thing to feel when so exposed, Beca tries pulling the curtain back around herself. "Seriously? I am nude." Once again the curtain is pulled away as Chloe takes a step closer, so Beca faces the shower wall and looks over her shoulder.
"You were singing Titanium, right?"
This question makes Beca pause mid panic. "You know David Guetta?"
"Have I been living under a rock?" Chloe asks. "Yeah. That song is my jam." And then, which Beca really didn't think was possible, she leans in even closer. "My lady jam."
Beca feels herself blushing a little as she tries not to let that image float through her brain. "That's nice." She turns back to face the wall.
Chloe chuckles. "It is. That song really builds."
The only thing Beca can think to say is, "Gross."
Still unperturbed, and letting her eyes wander, Chloe asks, "Can you sing it for me?"
"Dude, no," Beca protests, ignoring the pleased warmth she was feeling from Chloe obviously checking her out. "Get out!"
"Oh, not for that reason," Chloe replies. "I'm not leaving 'til you sing. So you might as well…"
After a moment of Chloe standing there, waiting, Beca awkwardly turns around to face her and resolves herself to singing naked with this stalker chick, so she can shower in peace.
I'm bullet proof, nothing to lose, fire away, fire away
Smiling Chloe joins her.
Ricochet, you take your aim, fire away, fire away
Shoot me down, but I won't fall, I am titanium
The way their voices meld together takes Beca by surprise and as she stares back at Chloe while singing with her, a small smile appears.
Shoot me down, but I won't fall, I am titanium
Of course, once they're done singing, it doesn't take long for Beca to remember that she's standing naked in the shower with a stranger. Her eyes can't help but look one more time before she averts her glance.
"Oh yeah," Chloe says as if she's just realized she's naked. "I'm pretty confident about all of this." Beca can't help but stare at her boobs, since that's where Chloe seems to be gesturing.
"You should be," Beca replies. Because it's true.
Chloe grins in response.
"Uh, why do you care so much if I audition?" Beca asks since she's pretty sure the redhead isn't actually part of the Bellas yet.
"Because I'm going to audition," Chloe replies. "And if we're going to become fast friends, we should really start spending more time together."
"Well, singing naked in the shower together definitely helps that doesn't it?"
Chloe's smile grows.
"I still need to shower," Beca tells her.
"Oh. Right." Chloe takes a step back. Beca's mildly disturbed to realize she's disappointed by that. "I'll just…" And then the curtain is pulled shut.
Beca lets out a shaky sigh as she takes a step towards the now closed curtain.
"I'll see you at auditions," Chloe calls out as Beca hears her return to her own shower stall.
Beca sticks just her head out of the shower stall and manages to catch a quick glance of Chloe walking away. Definitely should be, she thinks. And then stopping that line of thought, she shakes her head and returns to her shower.
Part Three
Chloe is incredibly giddy when Rachel walks into the room.
In fact, Rachel's fairly certain that she's never seen anyone this bouncy. It's a bit disconcerting. But all she says is, "Good day?"
Chloe nods. "I saw her again."
"Who?"
"Beca, that girl with the ear spikes at the activities fair."
"Ah, yes, the one you just know should be your friend. I take it that it went well?"
"She can totally sing," Chloe replies. "And she's super hot."
"Didn't you already know that?"
"Totes. But then I heard her singing in the shower and so I had to go convince her to audition."
"You waited outside her shower stall?" Rachel questions. "That seems… a bit creepy."
"Her voice was really awesome," Chloe replies. "And we sounded even more awesome singing together."
Rachel who is about to sit on her bed, actually pauses mid sit and stares at Chloe. "Um, so you're saying…"
"I may have burst in on her in the shower," Chloe says.
"You're not worried that your stalker like behavior will scare her away?"
Chloe shakes her head, grinning. "She sang with me, didn't she?"
…
"Don't you have any classes today?" Beca asks Quinn when she returns from her shower.
"Uh, yeah," Quinn replies. "This morning."
Beca looks at the clock and sees that it's almost three. "Oh. Yeah."
"What club are you going to join?" Quinn asks as Beca begins to change.
"I have no idea, but…"
"But?"
"You remember that redhead I told you about? That I ran into at the activities fair?"
"At the a cappella booth?"
Beca nods and then realizes that Quinn isn't looking at her. "Yeah. Her. She, uh, I just ran into her again and she told me I have to audition for the Bellas."
Quinn half turns and seeing Beca mostly dressed, faces her. "Why are you acting so weird? I mean, I know you said she was hot, but still."
"Shemayhaveburstinonmeintheshowerandmademesingwithher," Beca lets out in a rush.
"I'm sorry, did you say that she burst in on you in the shower?"
Beca nods.
"That's…forward."
Beca nods again.
"So you have a stalker?"
"I'm not sure I'd call her a stalker," Beca replies, conveniently forgetting she'd thought the same thing earlier.
"She burst in on you in the shower," Quinn points out.
"Uh huh, and all those drawings of that girl you heard singing last week? You don't think she'll be weirded out that you've been staring at her every time you see her? Or that you've drawn dozens of pictures of her."
"She's an actress," Quinn replies. "She'll probably be flattered."
Beca raises an eyebrow. "If you really thought that was true, you would have already introduced yourself."
"I…"
Quinn seems so flustered, so Beca decides to drop it. What little Quinn has shared about her dad, makes Beca almost grateful for own situation, especially after what her dad offered earlier; at least her dad tries. Quinn's dad… "Can't I just tag along with you and like make costumes or build a set? That should totally cont."
Quinn looks relieved. "Do you even know how to do either of those things?"
"Well, no," Beca replies. "But I can learn. And sometimes even follow instructions."
"And the radio station?"
Beca waves the concern away. "I can stack CDs anytime. Besides, if, and I emphasis if, those stuck up bitches actually let me in the group, wouldn't I have rehearsal to add to my schedule? If I help you out, I can just go on my own time."
"Yeah, I don't think that was what your dad was going for," Quinn replies.
"So what? I go to him with a list of possibilities and he can tell me the ones he approves of?"
"Well, no," Quinn says. "That doesn't sound like something you'd ever actually do. I'm just saying that what you're suggesting doesn't seem to fit with what he was asking. And that if he thinks you're not putting yourself out there enough, he might say you didn't follow through or whatever and not help you if you still want to leave at the end of the year."
"Why wouldn't I want to still leave?" Beca questions. "I mean, besides you… and I guess Matt, down at the station, there's nothing here worth staying around for."
"What about your naked stalker?"
Beca grins, but quickly sobers. "Um…"
"You like her."
"Well, she's not normally someone I would hang out with," Beca replies. "But her enthusiasm is certainly… infectious. And, well she's definitely persistent."
"She's hot and you've already seen her naked," Quinn adds. "And she obviously likes you."
"Not like that she doesn't," Beca retorts. "She's just really nice and apparently a fan of a good singing voice."
"She burst in on you in the shower," Quinn points out.
"So what? You're saying she was hitting on me?"
"I wouldn't presume to know anything," Quinn retorts. "I'm just saying that you're defending your stalker pretty vehemently."
"She's not a stalker," Beca insists. "And she does have a name."
"Which is?" Quinn asks. "Technically when you told me the story, you never said her name."
"Chloe."
"You should see the look on your face right now," Quinn says. "You totally like her."
"Oh, just thought of a mix idea. Better sit down and figure it out before I lose it," Beca replies, sitting at her desk.
"Like you didn't mock me for ten minutes when you found my drawings the other day," Quinn manages to say before the headphones are firmly back on Beca's head.
…
The blonde in her History of Theater class is still scribbling furiously. Rachel's starting to wonder if she's some sort of weird history junkie. Which sounds absurd, Rachel knows, but her daddy once told her a story from law school about these people that everyone called, "law junkies" and apparently they just liked to fawn over pivotal court cases like Rachel fawns over Barbra.
And even though she's not sure of her name, Rachel will definitely be asking to borrow her notes if she ever misses a class.
Towards the end, Rachel's phone begins to vibrate. Thankfully, since it's in her bag, Rachel is really the only one to hear it; well, her and the blonde sitting next to Rachel. She ignores it and continues to listen to the professor. Except that it keeps buzzing; she can feel the blonde next to her glancing Rachel's way. She starts to get a bit paranoid. What if it's an emergency?
Luckily, class ends as her phone buzzes for the eighth time. She reaches into and pulls out her phone. It's Chloe.
"Chloe," Rachel answers. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. No. I don't know."
"Okay, take a deep breath and tell me what's wrong," Rachel says.
"I'm panicking about the auditions this afternoon."
"You shouldn't be," Rachel replies. "You'll be perfect and they'll love you."
"But what if I mess up?'
"Then you'll start over and totally wow them," Rachel tells her.
"What if they won't let me?"
"Then I'll make them."
Chloe chuckles. "I appreciate the effort, Rachel, but I'm not sure that'll work."
"I'm tougher than I look Chloe," Rachel huffs.
Chloe is now genuinely laughing.
"Keep that up, missy and I won't be going with you this afternoon."
This seems to sober her as the laughter quickly dies away.
"I'm sorry," she says finally. "I was just picturing you attacking Brooke and trying to tap her to death."
"You mean with tap dancing?" Rachel asks. "Is that even possible?"
"I believe you would be excellent at attacking people using unrelated performance skills, yes."
Rachel chuckles. "Class just finished. So I'll be back soon and you can practice one more time if you want."
"Deal," Chloe says. "Thanks Rachel."
As Rachel ends her phone call, she's surprised to find the blonde sitting next to her since the rest of the class, including the professor has already left.
"Hi," she says.
"Hello," Rachel replies.
"I know this is a bit forward, but who were you talking to?"
Curious as to why she cares, Rachel answers, "My roommate."
"Redhead?"
Now Rachel's getting slightly weirded out. "Um, yeah?"
"Your roommate is a redhead named Chloe?" she asks.
"Why?"
"Because my roommate, Beca," she says. "Well, she's run into Chloe a couple times and she kind of likes her."
"Oh."
"But I think she's too… I don't know, shy, I guess, to talk to her," the blonde continues. "And I thought if the four of us hung out, she could relax a bit and, you know, get to know her."
"You're not worried that Chloe isn't interested?" Rachel questions.
"They're comfortable enough with each other to sing together in the nude," the blonde retorts.
"That does seem to be true," Rachel agrees. "But how do I know you're who you say you are?"
"Who else would know about the shower thing?" she replies. "Especially since it just happened yesterday."
"Excellent point," Rachel says. "I don't think I caught your name."
"Oh. Quinn. Quinn Fabray."
"I'm Rachel Berry."
Quinn nods, grinning. "So what do you think?"
"I do know that Chloe wouldn't mind," Rachel says. "So, okay. Do you just want to come over to our room Friday night? I have an extensive movie collection."
"Beca's really not a movie fan," Quinn says. "In fact, it takes a lot of persuasion to convince her to watch one."
"Oh. Well, as I said, I do have an extensive collection. I'll pick out a few that a cold hard cynic may like and we'll see. I have enough that there has to be something she'd be willing to watch."
"That sounds great," Quinn replies. "She'll be thrilled."
"Maybe it can even be a celebration that they both got into the Bellas," Rachel continues.
"If Beca auditions," Quinn says. "She's still on the fence about it."
"I hope she goes. Chloe'll be disappointed if she doesn't."
"I'll mention that to her," Quinn replies.
…
"Don't hate me."
After hours of stacking CDs, this is not the greeting Beca needs. "Not a good opening, Quinn."
"I talked to her today," Quinn says. "Her name's Rachel Berry."
"Congrats," Beca replies. "Why would I be mad about that?"
"Um, well, apparently, she's roommates with your stalker," Quinn explains.
"How do you know that?" Beca asks.
"I overheard them talking on the phone."
"Okay. And why am I mad?" Beca prompts.
"I may have suggested that the four of us hang out Friday night because you like her."
"What?! Why the hell would you do that? What if she tells her?"
"Did I lie?"
"Don't even, dude," Beca replies. "Unless you want me to tell Rachel that you've been drawing dozens of pictures of her for the past week."
"My situation is entirely different," Quinn insists. "You've already had conversations with Chloe."
"At her insistence," Beca counters. "You share a class with Rachel. You could have talked to her anytime."
"Which I did," Quinn replies. "Today."
Beca groans. "So the four of us are hanging out Friday?"
Quinn nods.
Beca lets out an even louder groan. "And what are we doing?"
Quinn's voice becomes quiet. "Watching a movie in their room?"
"A movie, really?"
"I told Rachel that you're a tough sell on movies and she said she'd try to have something besides the usual."
"Great."
"And Chloe must like you too," Quinn adds. "After all Rachel has no problem telling the truth, no matter what and if her roommate didn't like you, I think she might have said something."
"You better be right, Quinn."
"Thanks," Quinn replies. "I just couldn't work up the nerve without a good reason. You know?"
Beca nods. Because she does understand. "You totally owe me."
"Hardly," Quinn scoffs. "You get to hang out properly with your stalker and I get a chance to get to know Rachel. It's win win for both of us."
"I meant for making me watch a movie," Beca replies.
"Whatever," Quinn retorts. "You never know. You might actually like the movie that Rachel picks."
"We'll see, but somehow I doubt it."
"Oh and you're auditioning for the Bellas this afternoon," Quinn tells her.
"What? Why?"
"Because I promised you would."
"Why do I have a feeling you're leaving out important parts of your conversation?"
Quinn shrugs.
"This girl better be worth it," Beca grumbles.
…
Chloe is pacing when Rachel enters the room.
"What took you so long?"
"I had a very interesting conversation once we hung up," Rachel explains.
"With?"
"Beca's roommate."
This catches Chloe's attention.
"And you know this because?"
"Because the four of us are going to hang out on Friday night and watch a movie," Rachel explains.
"We are? Why?"
"Because you want to get to know her better and this seems like a good start."
"Whose idea was it?" Chloe asks.
"The roommate's, Quinn, actually."
"Hmmm."
"What?"
"Why do I feel like you're not telling me everything?"
"We just thought it'd be fun," Rachel says. "You want to get to know Beca. Quinn seems intriguing enough and she obviously has some interest in theater since we were in History of Theater and no one takes that unless they have to."
"That I get."
"Isn't that what college is about?" Rachel asks. "Making new friends?"
Chloe raises an eyebrow.
"Okay, fine," Rachel huffs. "Quinn's kind of hot. Are you happy?"
Grinning, Chloe nods.
"Good," Rachel says. "Now that that's settled, let's hear your song one more time."
Part Four
"Can't we just say we got the time wrong?" Beca asks. She knows she's pretty close to whining, but she can't help it. She has no need to join an a capella group. The only problem is that the only choices are even less desirable.
"I don't know why you're worried," Quinn replies. "You've got a great voice."
"How do you know that?"
"Because you sometimes sing while you're mixing songs," Quinn tells her.
"I do not."
"You do," Quinn nods.
Beca groans.
…
Rachel had already planned on going to the auditions with Chloe, wanting to be supportive, especially since the Bellas seemed like a really cruel bunch. However, as she sits in the back row, trying to stay out of sight, she can admit she's more curious about whether or not Beca will show up. Though, she has a feeling that Quinn will actually physically drag Beca here if needed. Recognizing the familiar sheer tenacity in the blonde is really why Rachel agreed to Quinn's plan.
Chloe is sitting in the third row where are the hopefuls are supposed to sit. The Treble Makers are sitting in the middle, looking causal and arrogant. The Bellas are seated in the front row, house right, looking formal and intimating. The BU Harmonics are huddled between the other two groups, looking intense. The High Notes are nowhere to be seen, but somehow that doesn't really surprise Rachel. She's starting to wonder if anyone in the group can actually sing or if it's just a cover for a marijuana group.
When the clock strikes exactly four, a dark haired guy jumps onto stage.
"My name is David and I am running this audition," he announces. "For your audition, each of you will be singing sixteen bars of Kelly Clarkson's Since You've Been Gone. If a group likes you, they will contact you directly. My tone deaf side kick here, Justin will be collecting your information."
Justin walks across the stage and down the small stairs, stage right. "If I could sing a lick, in any human way possible, I would, but I can't. And I hate myself everyday for it."
"I know," David says, as Justin goes through the audience, gathering everyone's information.
Rachel doesn't really pay attention to the guys. She's only curious as to what kind of competition Chloe's going to have.
The girls are a different story. Having been told that the Bellas have a certain type, Rachel finds herself trying to decide who does and doesn't fit the type they seem to be looking for. Very few seem to. Rachel supposes that's why the group is so small; they seem to have ridiculous standards. Because most people that audition can sing well, but only a handful of the girls have "bikini read bodies".
Rachel's attention is also drawn to the girl sitting in the row ahead of her. She's blonde and apparently very snarky since she seems to have commentary on everyone on stage, but more so for the members of the a capella groups. Rachel can't help but laugh.
After one particularly hilarious comment, Rachel laughs a little too loud and finds the blonde's eyes on her. She doesn't seem upset. In fact, she seems pleased by Rachel's reaction.
"Sorry," Rachel whispers.
"It's okay. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds this a bit amusing," she responds. "Though, why are you here?"
Now that she's speaking directly to Rachel, the girl's Australian accent is obvious.
"Support for me roommate," Rachel replies.
"Oooh, which one?" she asks. "I didn't insult her, did I?"
Rachel shakes her head. "She was the redhead."
"Oh. She was good. And probably exactly what those Bella bitches are looking for."
Rachel nods. "I know."
"You don't sound happy about that."
"Well, it's just that Chloe's so nice and they're so…not."
"Cruel cunts is what I call them."
"Accurate, yet crass," Rachel replies.
The blonde grins. "I’m Fat Amy."
"You call yourself Fat Amy?" Rachel asks.
Fat Amy nods. "Yeah, so the skinny twig bitches don't do it behind my back."
Rachel smiles. "I'm Rachel." She leans forward, so she can better hear Fat Amy. "So how come you're not auditioning?"
"Oh, well I won't get in," Fat Amy replies. "And I'm not up for the rejection this year."
"You've auditioned before?"
"My freshman and sophomore year," Fat Amy confirms. "Not only did they not let me in, but they were incredibly and unnecessarily insulting. I've never been more glad that I call myself Fat Amy before. They were brutal."
Rachel nods. "Brooke had some particularly choice words for me, too."
"You were going to audition?"
"No, but Chloe was interested."
"Ah. Yeah, Brooke is pretty bad, but Lizzie is the worse."
"Which one is she?"
"She's the leader," Fat Amy answers.
"The one with the pitch pipe?" Rachel asks.
"Yep."
"Why the hell does she have it now?" Rachel questions. "They're not going to sing too are they?"
"No, that's just their thing."
"God, I hope Chloe knows what she's getting into."
…
"Okay, so that was everyone," David says. "Not the best I've seen, but not the worst."
Self-conscious, Beca walks on stage and stands next to David. "Um… I know I'm a bit late, but…"
David looks at her with contempt, but nods.
"I didn't know we had to prepare that song," Beca continues.
Yes, well, then you can't audition," one of the Bellas huffs.
"Just let her sing whatever she wants," one of the Treble Makers calls out. "It's not like you chicks are going to win anything anyway."
"Shove it Bumper, we don't take advice from you."
"Let her sing!" someone else in the audience calls out. Others begin to join in.
"Fine," the Bella huffs. "Sing whatever the hell you want."
Beca nods and looks around the stage for a moment. Seeing a plastic cup sitting offstage, she disappears a moment to grab it. When she returns, she sits with her legs crossed near the edge of the stage. She sets the cup upside down in front of her and begins clapping.
I got my ticket for the long way ‘round
Two bottle ‘a whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I’m leaving tomorrow, wha-do-ya say?
When I’m gone
When I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me by my hair
You’re gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
Feeling triumphant, Beca can't help but slam the cup down for the final beat. She looks up at the audience, smirking.
…
Rachel is impressed with Beca's audition. Her voice is as incredible as Chloe claimed and the rhythm she clapped out was perfect. Though, Rachel thinks her favorite part might be the arrogant smirk that Beca finished with. She appreciates that kind of confidence. She hopes Beca gets in for Chloe's sake, but more so because she has a feeling that Brooke and the others would hate it.
"Well, well," Fat Amy says as Beca stands and shuffles off stage. "That was different."
"You almost sound impressed," Rachel replies.
"I am," Fat Amy says. "Whether she meant to or not, she put those stuck up bitches in their place for a moment."
"Because…"
"Because she auditioned her own way, her voice is awesome and that whole cup thing shows she's got rhythm and could easily follow a routine. But then you add to that her style, and I'm pretty sure the Bellas won't pick her."
"That's too bad."
"So how'd I do?"
Rachel looks up to find a glowing Chloe standing next to her.
"You were aca-mazing," Fat Amy says. "You'll totally get in."
Chloe looks appreciative, but bemused. "Thanks."
"Um, this is Fat Amy," Rachel introduces.
"Fat Amy?"
Rachel nods.
"Okay then." Chloe sits next to Rachel. "Did you see? Beca showed up."
"Just barely," Rachel says.
"You know her?" Fat Amy asks, raising an eyebrow.
"I heard her sing and I told her, she should audition," Chloe explains.
"Did you?"
The tone of Fat Amy's voice, tells Rachel that Chloe's crush on Beca is obvious.
Chloe nods.
"Hmph, well then let's hope that she gets in," is all Fat Amy says.
…
"I'd thought you'd audition," Beca says to Quinn as they leave the auditorium.
"Why?"
"To try and impress Rachel."
"Who says I can sing?" Quinn asks.
"Who says you can't?" Beca counters.
Quinn shakes her head. "It doesn't matter. I've heard her sing, raw and unfiltered and it was the most astonishing thing I've ever heard."
"Holy shit, you've got it bad."
"You couldn't have figured it out from the drawings?" Quinn questions. "Besides, I'll be busy enough. Apparently being a freshman theater major means you get stuck doing a lot of extra shit that the upperclassmen don't want to do."
"Just refuse," Beca retorts. "Your professors are the only ones whose opinions matter anyway."
"Yeah and they totally support the put the newbies through the wringer," Quinn replies. "After all, it's a tradition."
"Oooh, are you going to get hazed?"
"God, I hope not."
…
When Mike asks Rachel if she wants to hang out Saturday night, she's honestly not sure if he's asking her on a date or to just hang out. She answers immediately because honestly, it doesn't matter. She likes him either way. They've hung out a couple times after Advanced Tap and she's always had fun.
Walking across campus with him, she spots Quinn. Now that Rachel knows her name and not just as the crazy blonde note taker in History of Theater class, she's been seeing her around more.
When Quinn looks up from the textbook she's reading and meets Rachel's eyes, Rachel waves. Quinn waves back, though it looks awkward. Rachel knows she just met Quinn, but the unreadable expression on her face stays with Rachel for the rest of the afternoon.
…
"So did I see you leaving the a capella auditions yesterday?"
Beca looks at Matt in surprise. "What?"
"I did, didn't I?"
"How do you know I was leaving the a cappella audition?" Beca asks.
"One of the Treble Makers tried to get me to audition," Matt replies. "Um, Donald, I think his name was. Told me the when and where."
"You didn't audition then?"
"Um, no," Matt says. "That's why you didn't see me at the audition."
"Oh, well I was late," Beca replies. "I had to work up a bit of nerve to go through with it."
"I bet," Matt chuckles. "I just can't picture you singing Since You've Been Gone."
"Well, I didn't."
"They let you sing another song?" Matt questions. "I heard the Bellas are pretty strict about that sort of thing."
Beca shrugs. "Maybe. But the Treble Makers were all about it."
"Ah, yeah, that I can see."
"What's that mean?"
"I ended up talking to them for a while," Matt explains. "I don't know why, but they wouldn’t let me leave. Anyway, I heard quite the commentary on the Bellas."
"And you're not sharing?"
"Well, a lot of it isn't appropriate for mixed company," Matt mutters.
"Don't think of me as a girl you're worried about insulting," Beca tells him. "Think of me as a fellow freshman who's doomed to stacking CDs all year."
"You want to be bros?"
"Um… yeah, I guess that's one way to put it," Beca replies.
"Well, then we should hang out tonight," Matt says. "Normally I'd say we should drink and watch something, but since you hate movies, we could just talk music and drink instead."
"Now that is something I could get behind," Beca replies. "But unfortunately, I can't."
"I won't start calling you bro, if that's what you're worried about."
Beca smirks at him. "No, I apparently already have plans."
"Apparently?"
"My roommate has this crush on this girl, but she's too scared to really talk to her, so she used me as an excuse and so we're going hang out with the other girl and her roommate tonight and watch movies."
"But you hate movies," Matt points out.
"I don't hate movies," Beca replies. "I just… they're all so predictable. The guy gets the girl, the underdog wins the competition and everyone lives happily ever after."
"I'm not sure that's entirely true," Matt says. "I can think of plenty of movies where they don't live happily ever after."
"How do you know, though?" Beca asks. "I mean, after the credits start rolling, there's no way to know."
"Well, yeah, because movies are usually just about one part of the journey that is life."
Beca stops stacking CDs and turns to face Matt. "That was really deep, dude."
Matt shrugs, looking a bit embarrassed. "Sorry. Philosophy major."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah."
"No offense, dude, but what the hell are you going to do with a philosophy degree?"
"Besides teach? Probably nothing. Which is why my parents are making me double major in business as well."
"Oh."
"Am I going to have to separate the two of you?" Luke interrupts, handing them another crate of CDs.
"Course not," Matt replies, taking the crate.
"Does that no sex on the desk apply to this whole room or just the desk?" Beca asks.
"The whole room," Luke grins. "Especially because if you knock over all these shelves, you'll be in here cleaning up until everything's back the way it was. Like, I won't even let you leave to go to class."
"That's kidnapping."
"Technically it'd be holding you hostage," Luke retorts. "But don't knock over the shelves and it won't matter."
"Right," Beca says. "No sex anywhere in the radio station."
"That includes the bathroom," Luke adds as he heads back to the booth.
"Wait a minute, we have a bathroom in here?"
more
Author: slacker_d
Crossover: glee/Pitch Perfect
Pairing/Characters: eventual Rachel/Quinn, Beca/Chloe
Summary: Beca Mitchell is falling for Chloe Beale, while her roommate Quinn Fabray seems to be in love with Rachel Berry. Will they ever tell them how they feel?
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Spoilers: Pitch Perfect and general glee spoilers
A/N: Okay first off, I stopped watching glee at the beginning of season 3, so I have no idea what's going on anymore. Second, this idea came from marshnallowhobo on tumblr who wanted a fic based off this photoset. And being a crossover junkie, I couldn't resist.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
Part One
Though it wasn't her first choice, Rachel is still excited to be attending Barden. They have an excellent music and theater department, so hopefully she'll get as much experience as possible and when she graduates, she'll be ready to take New York City by storm.
She's one of the first to arrive on campus. After her dads help her move all her things inside, she shoos them out. For some reason, she doesn't want to meet her new roommate with her fathers hovering. College is going to be a positive, uplifting experience and for some reasons, having her dads around seems like too much.
And honestly, it's not like they can really help her unpack. As expected, the dorm room is rather small, especially for two people. Rachel just hopes her new roommate doesn't mind that she took the left side of the room.
…
Beca is not impressed with Barden. Not that she expected to be. She knows that it's a top rated school and all that, but the fact that they actually employ her dad loses them major points.
She's tempted to blow the rape whistle just because. With all the chaos surrounding her, would anyone even notice? She dodges students dragging suitcase, carrying boxes and pushing carts as she makes her way to Baker Hall.
…
Rachel is trying to decide if she should hang up both her Wicked and her Les Misérables poster when the door swings open and in bounces a smiling redhead.
"Hi," she greets. "I'm Chloe."
"Rachel."
The redhead looks at the Wicked poster that Rachel just put up.
"You like musicals?" Chloe asks as she sets down a box on the other bed.
Cautiously, Rachel nods.
"Only musicals?" Chloe continues.
"Um, well, no," Rachel replies. "Though my dream is to perform on Broadway, I believe in all music."
Chloe lets out a squeal and suddenly Rachel finds herself caught up in a hug.
"Good," Chloe says. "Because I don't think I could live with someone who doesn't like music."
"Oh, I agree," Rachel replies. "Not liking music is akin to kicking puppies."
"Exactly."
Rachel's smile is full of relief. She'd been so worried about what kind of roommate she'd end up with.
"So you won't mind if I sing a lot?" Rachel asks.
Chloe looks up from her unpacking. "Course not. I do that too. Sometimes a song just gets stuck in your head and you gotta sing. Right?"
"I know we just met," Rachel says. "But I think I may already love you a little."
Chloe smiles. "I am very loveable."
…
When Beca arrives in her room she finds it occupied with a blonde having a quiet, but furious argument with her dad. They don't even acknowledge her when she enters the room, so she throws her stuff on the bed on the right and begins setting up her laptop and other DJing equipment. She tries to ignore the hisses of anger coming from the other side of the very small room.
"…uphold the Fabray reputation…"
"…over five hundred miles away…"
"…paying your tuition…"
Once Beca has enough of the equipment set up, she slams her headphones on and tries to work on a mix. It's tough; it turns out awkwardness is not good mix inspiration. Still, she does her best.
Despite the difficulty she had initially, Beca quickly loses herself in the music. It really never takes much for her. She's so in the zone, that when she's tapped on the shoulder, she actually jumps a bit.
"Holy shit," she says, pulling down the headphones and turning in her seat.
"Sorry," the blond replies. "Didn't mean to scare you."
"S'okay," Beca replies, looking around the room.
The blonde rolls her eyes, though Beca gets the feeling that it's not directed at her. "He's gone. Hopefully for good, though you never really know with Russell."
"Step dad?"
"Just dad," she replies. "He's just not very good at it. I'm Quinn."
"Beca."
"What are you working on?"
"Oh, uh, I mix songs," Beca replies. "DJing."
"Like a mash up?" Quinn asks.
Beca grins. "Yeah, kinda."
"Cool."
"You're into music?"
Quinn nods. "I was in my high school's glee club. Our advisor really liked mash ups. It became like our thing."
"Glee club, huh."
"Yeah, yeah, I know, but I needed another activity to get my dad off my back and it was the only one that worked with my schedule."
"Another activity?" Beca asks.
Beca had never really been involved in high school stuff. She knew most of the band kids, since she played freshman year for a few months because her parents said she had to try something, and a lot of the AV nerds because she liked to borrow the equipment. But after her dad left when she was fifteen, she threw herself completely into DJing. She dropped out of band, got a hold of as much mixing equipment as possible and became a loner. It was just easier that way.
Quinn sighs. "Cheerleading."
Beca raises an eyebrow.
"Hey, we were national champions three years running," Quinn protests. "Besides, it got me scholarships."
"No, it's cool," Beca replies. "I just honestly didn't have you pegged as one of those popular girls."
"You say popular the way I would say leper," Quinn says.
"At least it's not as bad as a serial killer?" Beca suggests. "Hey did you have to wear those super short cheerleading skirts all the time?"
"Yes," Quinn replies. "And let me tell you, it's not the best idea in Ohio in the middle of January."
"I can imagine."
…
"So this is probably a stupid question," Chloe says once she finishes unpacking. "But are you a theater major?"
Rachel looks up from where she's rereading Les Misérables. "Technically I'm a musical performance major with a theater emphasis."
"So lots of singing?"
Rachel grins. "Yep. What's your major?"
"Biology. Pre med."
"Oh."
"Not what you were expecting?" Chloe smiles.
"I guess I was expecting something a bit more music related," Rachel replies.
"My passion for music doesn't really translate into actual employment the way yours does."
"I suppose I can see that."
…
"Hey this is campus police, hide your wine coolers."
Recognizing her dad's voice, Beca looks up as the door swings open and her dad enters smiling. "Just joking around."
"I'm laughing on the inside." Beca returns to the mix she'd just been working on.
Seeing the blonde in the room, who's arranging things on her desk, her dad introduces himself.
"I'm Dr. Mitchell, Beca's dad. I teach comparative literature here."
"Nice to meet you sir," Quinn says, turning to face him, though she doesn't stand. "Quinn." And then she returns to what she's doing.
"So, when'd you get here?" he asks. "How'd you get here?"
"Cab," Beca replies. "Didn't want to be a bother."
"You're not bother, Beca," her dad says. "Shelia or I would have been glad to pick you up."
"I can't think of anything more uncomfortable than a car ride with the stepmonster," Beca retorts.
"Of course." Her dad looks around the room, obviously struggling for another topic. "Have you seen much of the campus? The quad is where everyone hangs out whenever it's nice."
"Yeah, well, I don't want to hang out here," Beca replies, as she begins unpacking so she doesn't have to look directly at her dad. "I want to be in LA, getting a job at a record label, so I can start paying my dues."
Her dad sighs. "Beca we've talked about this. DJing is a hobby, not a profession. Unless you're someone awesome, like Rick Dees."
"Wha--I can't even, really?" Beca stops unpacking for a moment. "I want to produce music, dad, make music."
"After you get a college education," her dad replies. "For free, I might add. End of discussion."
Looking uncomfortable, Quinn stands and announces, "I think I'll go to the activities fair."
"Yeah, that's a good idea," Beca says. "I'm gonna go to the activities fair with my brand new, super awesome friend, Quinn." She follows Quinn out and slams the door behind her.
…
Rachel and Chloe are wandering around the activities fair. There are almost too many activities to choose from. Looking around Rachel sees a club or association for everything she could ever imagine and some she hadn't even thought of.
"Are deaf Jews really that different than other Jews?" Chloe asks as they walk by a booth.
"Um, maybe," Rachel replies. "I don't really know that many deaf Jews."
Suddenly a flyer is thrust into Chloe's face.
"Hi. Can you sing?"
Accepting the flyer, Chloe replies. "We both can."
The other girl looks at Rachel in disdain. "Oh." She grudgingly gives her a flyer as well. "You're both welcome to audition, but we do have certain standards."
The flyer is for the Barden Bellas, a competitive all female a cappella group. Looking at the other girls surrounding the booth, Rachel can agree they definitely have a type. She definitely doesn't fit it, though it looks like Chloe does.
"I've never sung a cappella," Chloe tells the girl.
"That's fine," she replies. "As long as you can sing."
…
Quinn is apparently a theater major and so when they pass a booth for the theater fraternity, the blonde stops for a chat. Beca listens for a moment, but figures she might as well keep looking, so she tells Quinn she'll see her later.
A few minutes later, Beca's pretty sure she's not going to find anything to hold her interest when she spots a sign that says "Barden DJs". Of course, it turns out that DJ stands for deaf Jews and so Beca keeps walking.
Her phone beeps with a text from her dad. She contemplates not reading it, but she knows if she doesn't, he'll just reference it later and be pissed that she didn't read it.
Even though you only went to the activities fair to escape me, it wouldn't hurt to join a group or two.
She groans. God, can't he just leave her alone? It should be enough that she's even at this damn school. Agitated and still glaring at her phone, Beca isn't looking where she's going and runs into someone.
…
The girl, Brooke, is explaining the a cappella hierarchy on campus to Chloe and Rachel, well mostly Chloe, when someone stumbles into the redhead.
"Watch where you're going bitch," Brooke snaps.
The brunette is about the apologize, but stops at Brooke's statement.
"Right." She turns to Chloe. "Sorry. Didn’t see you."
"It's fine," Chloe replies, cheerfully. "It's crazy around here, right?"
The brunette nods.
"I'm Chloe," she continues, sticking out her hand.
"Uh, Beca," the girl replies, awkwardly shaking Chloe's hand.
"And this is my roommate Rachel," Chloe says, gesturing to Rachel.
"Hi," Rachel says offering a little wave.
"Hey." Beca shoves her phone back into her pocket. "Listen, it was really great to meet you guys, but I've gotta… be elsewhere." She quickly walks off.
…
Beca's only gone a few steps, before the redhead is by her side again. "Uh…"
"Can you sing?" the redhead, Chloe asks.
"Um…"
"Because I was thinking of auditioning for the Barden Bellas," she continues. "And my roommate isn't really interested."
"What the hell are the Barden Bellas?" Beca asks.
"Apparently they're an all female a cappella group," Chloe replies.
"Really? Sounds kinda lame."
"Maybe," Chloe agrees. "But sometimes lame is fun. Right?"
"Um, listen, I really am sorry I ran into you, but I’m not really looking for--"
"I don't believe in coincidences, Beca," Chloe interrupts. "You ran into me for a reason."
"I did?"
Chloe nods. "The universe is trying to tell us something."
"Really? Because I sorta feel like the universe has already screwed me over enough, so I'm not sure I really want to listen anymore."
"But everything the universe did got you to this point," Chloe says. "And it got you to run into me. Totally kismet."
"Um, wow, I don't think so," Beca replies. "Once again, it was nice to meet you, but I really do need to get going."
"Fine," Chloe says. "But when we run into each other again, you'll have to admit I'm right."
Beca just half waves over her shoulder and heads back towards the theater fraternity booth, hoping Quinn is still there.
…
Rachel watches with amusement as Chloe follows after Beca and stops her a few feet away. She glances over at the pair as she mulls around the Bellas booth.
"Just because your friend is our type, doesn't mean we'll accept you automatically," Brooke sneers. "I don't care how great of singer you are."
"Don't worry," Rachel replies. "I have no intention of auditioning. Besides the fact that I have no interest, you don't seem like the sort of person I want to associate with."
Apparently this was the wrong thing to say. "Listen, bitch," Brooke growls, leaning closer and lowering her voice. "You're a freshman. Obviously. So I won't crush you under my heel. But we're the shit on this campus. And you're making yourself enemies."
"Wow, really," Rachel says. "Are you going to knock my books out of my hands as I walk to class?"
Brooke scoffs.
"Hey guys," Chloe interrupts.
"Oh, hey Chloe," Brooke says, an obviously fake smile now plastered on her face. "I hope I see you at auditions."
Once Brooke has broken away, Rachel and Chloe keep walking.
"So…that was interesting."
"Are you going to audition?" Rachel asks.
"I'm thinking about it," Chloe replies. "It sounds like fun."
"Could be," Rachel offers sarcastically.
"Yeah, she was kinda a bitch, but I still think it'll be fun."
"And the reason you chased after…Beca?"
Chloe shrugs. "You know how you meet someone and you just know?"
"Know what?"
"That they should be in your life," Chloe replies. "I felt it with you. And I felt it with Beca too."
"Well, she seemed a bit reluctant, so good luck with that."
"I'm not worried," Chloe says. "Things like this have a way of working themselves out."
Grinning, she hooks her arm with Rachel's as they continue to explore the activities fair.
Part Two
At least Barden has a radio station that offers internships, Beca thinks as she walks across campus. Maybe she can get a little experience before she heads out to LA; then her time here won't be a complete waste.
It's not much, she thinks as she opens the door that reads, studio. It looks more like a storage room with a booth in the corner. Filled to capacity with records and CDs, Beca wanders in slowly as she hears the guy in the booth intro the next song. Just as she reaches the door, it swings open and the DJ pops out.
"Hey."
"You been there long?" he asks.
"Uh, no. I wasn't--just got here." Beca tries to lean in through the open door frame, curious.
"No freshmen in the booth," he tells her, grabbing a crate of CDs.
"Right. Sorry."
"I'm Luke," he says. "You're Beca? The intern?"
"Yeah, I--"
"Hey guys, what's up?"
Beca looks over to find one of the tallest guys she's ever seen. He had to be at least a foot taller than her.
"I'm Matt," he says.
"Luke. And you're late." He sets the crate on a nearby desk. "So your guys job is to stack these CDs. After that, there'll be more."
"Yay," Beca mutters.
Luke raises an eyebrow, but just says, "Also, no sex on the desks, okay? Only leads to trouble."
After they both awkwardly nod at him, he returns to the booth.
Beca grabs several CDs out of the crate. "This sucks. I wanted to play music."
"Yeah, well, gotta pay your dues and all," Matt replies as he begins to put away CDs. "Besides, after this, we'll totally be qualified to work at Tower Records."
"Didn't they close all those stores?" Beca asks, pulls more CDs out of the crate.
"Empire Records then," Matt says.
"Never heard of it."
"Too bad. They are open 'til midnight," Matt replies. "You should watch it. It'll totally put this whole CD stacking thing into perspective."
"Oh, so it's a movie."
"An awesome movie," Matt says.
"Yeah, well, I'll just have to take your word for it."
"You wound me with your doubt," Matt says, placing both hands over his heart mockingly.
"Nah," Beca replies. "I just don't watch movies."
"Like all movies?"
"Yeah."
"Hmph. I'll keep that in mind when I ask you out next week," Matt jokes.
Beca stops stacking for a second and glares at him.
"It was a joke."
"Whatever dude, you're not my type, anyway," she retorts.
"Is it the height thing? Because, no offense, you're making me feel very tall right now."
Beca rolls her eyes. "No, it's not the height thing."
"It's not a race thing, is it?"
”No, it's not a race thing."
"Is it because I was late?" Matt asks. "It wasn't my fault. A parade of deaf Jews was literally blocking my path for a good five minutes. And it's not like they can hear you when you try to push through."
"Seriously?"
"Fine. I stopped and bought a bottle of water on my way over," Matt replies. "And don’t worry, I really was kidding at the whole asking you out thing. I mean, what if it leads to sex on the desk?"
"Technically we don't need to date to have sex on the desk," Beca retorts. "And no, that's not an invitation."
"Good to know. So you're really not going to tell me why I'm not your type?"
"I barely know you," Beca says.
"So? We're gonna be stacking CDs together for a long time. Might as well get to know each other."
"No thanks."
"Come on, I'll start," Matt says. "My last girlfriend was a bouncy redhead named Heather, but when she found out I was going to college down here, she wouldn't even discuss a long distance relationship and immediately dumped my ass."
"That sucks dude."
"So?"
Beca shakes her head.
"No way, I shared something. Now you have to," Matt insists.
"I never agreed to that."
"It was unspoken," Matt replies.
"No it wasn't."
"Just tell me why I'm not your type and I promise to be quiet the rest of the time we're here."
"Really?"
"Well, singing doesn't count, does it?"
"I suppose not," Beca replies. She's not exactly sure why she's so reluctant to tell him. It's not like she's hiding her sexuality. Actually, it might be the sharing part, more than anything else. After all, she just met this guy. But he's right, they are going to be seeing a lot of each other. "And I prefer girls."
"Oh," Matt nods. "Fair enough. See? That wasn't so hard."
Beca flips him off, smirking.
Matt grins in response and makes a zipping motion over his lips.
…
Classes still don’t start for another day, but that doesn't mean Rachel can't explore the theater, maybe try out the acoustics. After all, if she, a freshman, is going to get a decent part in the spring musical, she needs to start practicing.
Not that she's ever really stopped. Her summer was filled with various lessons. Knowing how busy college can be, Rachel wanted to get in as much practice as possible.
The ghost light is the only thing illuminating the stage. It creates an eerie atmosphere that is build upon with the singular echo of Rachel's heels clicking on the wood.
Standing center stage, Rachel takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. She listens for a moment because she thought she heard someone shuffling about in the audience, though she can't imagine why someone would be out there. After a moment of listening, Rachel feels like she's alone in the space. Opening her eyes, Rachel tries out the acoustics.
People
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world,
We're children, needing other children
And yet letting our grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside,
Acting more like children
Than children.
Lovers are very special people,
They're the luckiest people
In the world.
With one person, one very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half,
Now you're whole.
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person
Who needs people.
People who need people
Are the luckiest people
In the world!
With one person, one very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half,
Now you're whole.
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person
Who needs people.
People who need people
Are the luckiest people
In the world!
Letting the note hang in the air, Rachel gives a slight bow to her imaginary audience.
…
When Beca returns from her first day of stacking CDs, she finds Quinn practically vibrating with excitement as she sings and dances around the room. Beca shuts the door a little louder than normal to announce her presence. Quinn whirls around, looking embarrassed as she turns down the volume.
"Dionne Warwick, huh?" Beca greets.
"It fits my mood," Quinn smiles.
"And what's got you in such a good mood?"
Quinn shrugs. "I, uh, walked around the theater. It's a pretty cool space."
"Okay."
"How's the internship?"
"Sucks," Beca replies. "All I get to do is put away CDs."
"Because you're a freshman?"
"Yep."
"That does suck."
…
Rachel hears Chloe singing before she actually steps foot in the room. She has to admit, the redhead can definitely sing.
"Sounds good," Rachel says, entering the room.
Chloe stops mid word and face Rachel with a smile. "Really?"
Rachel nods. "You'll totally get in."
"I wish you'd audition with me," Chloe says.
"They wouldn’t let me in anyway," Rachel replies. "Brooke made that abundantly clear."
"Yeah, but if they heard you sing, they'd totally change their minds."
"Perhaps."
"At least come with me to the audition," Chloe tries.
"Fine," Rachel agrees. "But if you think you're going to pull me on stage and force me to audition, you're going to be disappointed."
…
The first couple days of classes are almost unbearable to Beca. She sits through mind numbing lectures on things she doesn't give a shit about and curses her dad. The only good thing is the boredom gives her a lot of mix ideas. While everyone else are taking copious notes about whatever the professor is blathering on about, she's trying to write down as much of the mixes in her head that she can.
…
Rachel tries to pay attention in her History of Theater class. While she realizes that knowing all this history is important, the professor teaching it must have the most monotone voice in the world and it's very hypnotizing, almost lulling her to sleep. It makes her wish that she was the sort of student who sat in the back, so she could hide her drooping eyes.
The blonde sitting next to her is scribbling furiously in her notebook. Rachel wants to look over and see what she deems so damn important to be taking down so quickly, but the notebook is sitting in her lap. And while Rachel is very comfortable with her bisexuality, she realizes that trying to glimpse at another girl's lap, may be construed as sexual harassment.
Instead, she lets out a soft sigh and mentally composes an email to her dads about how her first week of classes are going.
…
Having stayed up late working on the mix she'd come up with in Intro to English Lit, Beca decides the day's classes aren't worth the effort it would take to get up. She simply rolls over and pulls the covers over her head. She can hear Quinn sitting at her own desk, typing something on her laptop, but it's a nice rhythm that lulls her back to sleep.
Of course, that sleep is short lived when she's woken up by additional weight on her bed.
"Funny, this doesn’t look like your Intro to Philosophy class," her dad says.
"I'm posing an important philosophical question," Beca replies, sitting up. "If I don't actually go to that class, will it still suck?"
Her dad sighs as Beca climbs out of bed. "You're not even trying, are you?"
"I'm here when it's the last place I want to be," Beca retorts. "Isn't that enough?"
"College is a great experience, Beca," her dad says. "But you're only going to get out of it what you put into it."
"Yeah, well, I don't want anything from it," Beca tells him.
"You have to try things," her dad says, sitting at her desk and moving the mouse around. "Join in. Make some memories."
"I got a job at the radio station."
"That place, great. It's dark and dirty, and has like those three weirdos working there?"
"Well, four now," Beca replies, pointing to herself.
"You need to try something new, Beca," her dad says. "That's what college is about. Just join one club. And if, at the end of the year, you still want to leave, you still want to run off to LA and try to be P. Diddy, well, then you can quit college. And I will help you move to LA."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously," he dad replies. "But only if you really try." Her dad stands and walks to the door. "This is college. Go experience it." And then he lets himself out.
…
Contrary to what she'd been expecting, Rachel isn't the best dancer in her Advanced Tap class. That title belongs to a guy named, Mike Chang.
At first, she'd been a bit annoyed. After all, she prides herself at being the best, at everything, period. But after watching him tap, Rachel's resentment has melted away. Mike is dance, in the same way she is her singing. He's poetry on the dance floor and every other cliché she can think of.
She wonders if this means she's maturing because after watching Mike dance, she doesn't hate him for his superior talent like she hated Jesse St. James in high school. Though it might also be because Jesse was an arrogant jerk off, whereas Mike seems like a nice, easygoing guy.
Being the best male and female dancer in the class, they're paired together. Their instructor, Randy, the gayest man Rachel's ever seen, and she would know, shows them their half of the dance. First Mike's part and then Rachel's.
It's definitely a test because he only shows them their part once and at a moderately fast pace. Despite her immense talent, it takes a great deal of Rachel's concentration. Mike, on the other hand, seems to be having no problems. He glides through the routine while she pushes herself to simply glide through it.
She must have been successful because everyone claps as they take small bows and Randy tells them both, "Very nice."
…
Still mulling over her dad's offer, Beca makes her way to shower. It's late enough in the day that everyone should be in class, so for once, she relaxes enough and allows herself to sing. She's been a little obsessed with Titanium lately. It's been part of her last three mixes for some strange reason and so it just slips out as she steps into the shower and turns on the water.
Just as the water is heating up, there's a voice behind her.
"Oh my god, your voice is amazing!"
Beca whips around. The redhead from the other day is standing naked in her shower stall. "Dude!" She yanks the flimsy curtain back, to cover herself.
The redhead, Chloe, she vaguely remembers, yanks the curtain back open. "Seriously, your voice…" Chloe reaches past Beca and turns off the water.
"Oh my god!" Beca exclaims, trying to cover herself.
"I know you said a cappella is lame, but you should still totally audition with me."
Beca tries not to let her eyes wander too much, but it's really difficult when there's a beautiful naked girl in her shower stall. "I can't concentrate on anything you're saying until you cover your junk."
"Just consider it," Chloe continues, taking a step closer.
Starting to feel a bit claustrophobic, which is an odd thing to feel when so exposed, Beca tries pulling the curtain back around herself. "Seriously? I am nude." Once again the curtain is pulled away as Chloe takes a step closer, so Beca faces the shower wall and looks over her shoulder.
"You were singing Titanium, right?"
This question makes Beca pause mid panic. "You know David Guetta?"
"Have I been living under a rock?" Chloe asks. "Yeah. That song is my jam." And then, which Beca really didn't think was possible, she leans in even closer. "My lady jam."
Beca feels herself blushing a little as she tries not to let that image float through her brain. "That's nice." She turns back to face the wall.
Chloe chuckles. "It is. That song really builds."
The only thing Beca can think to say is, "Gross."
Still unperturbed, and letting her eyes wander, Chloe asks, "Can you sing it for me?"
"Dude, no," Beca protests, ignoring the pleased warmth she was feeling from Chloe obviously checking her out. "Get out!"
"Oh, not for that reason," Chloe replies. "I'm not leaving 'til you sing. So you might as well…"
After a moment of Chloe standing there, waiting, Beca awkwardly turns around to face her and resolves herself to singing naked with this stalker chick, so she can shower in peace.
I'm bullet proof, nothing to lose, fire away, fire away
Smiling Chloe joins her.
Ricochet, you take your aim, fire away, fire away
Shoot me down, but I won't fall, I am titanium
The way their voices meld together takes Beca by surprise and as she stares back at Chloe while singing with her, a small smile appears.
Shoot me down, but I won't fall, I am titanium
Of course, once they're done singing, it doesn't take long for Beca to remember that she's standing naked in the shower with a stranger. Her eyes can't help but look one more time before she averts her glance.
"Oh yeah," Chloe says as if she's just realized she's naked. "I'm pretty confident about all of this." Beca can't help but stare at her boobs, since that's where Chloe seems to be gesturing.
"You should be," Beca replies. Because it's true.
Chloe grins in response.
"Uh, why do you care so much if I audition?" Beca asks since she's pretty sure the redhead isn't actually part of the Bellas yet.
"Because I'm going to audition," Chloe replies. "And if we're going to become fast friends, we should really start spending more time together."
"Well, singing naked in the shower together definitely helps that doesn't it?"
Chloe's smile grows.
"I still need to shower," Beca tells her.
"Oh. Right." Chloe takes a step back. Beca's mildly disturbed to realize she's disappointed by that. "I'll just…" And then the curtain is pulled shut.
Beca lets out a shaky sigh as she takes a step towards the now closed curtain.
"I'll see you at auditions," Chloe calls out as Beca hears her return to her own shower stall.
Beca sticks just her head out of the shower stall and manages to catch a quick glance of Chloe walking away. Definitely should be, she thinks. And then stopping that line of thought, she shakes her head and returns to her shower.
Part Three
Chloe is incredibly giddy when Rachel walks into the room.
In fact, Rachel's fairly certain that she's never seen anyone this bouncy. It's a bit disconcerting. But all she says is, "Good day?"
Chloe nods. "I saw her again."
"Who?"
"Beca, that girl with the ear spikes at the activities fair."
"Ah, yes, the one you just know should be your friend. I take it that it went well?"
"She can totally sing," Chloe replies. "And she's super hot."
"Didn't you already know that?"
"Totes. But then I heard her singing in the shower and so I had to go convince her to audition."
"You waited outside her shower stall?" Rachel questions. "That seems… a bit creepy."
"Her voice was really awesome," Chloe replies. "And we sounded even more awesome singing together."
Rachel who is about to sit on her bed, actually pauses mid sit and stares at Chloe. "Um, so you're saying…"
"I may have burst in on her in the shower," Chloe says.
"You're not worried that your stalker like behavior will scare her away?"
Chloe shakes her head, grinning. "She sang with me, didn't she?"
…
"Don't you have any classes today?" Beca asks Quinn when she returns from her shower.
"Uh, yeah," Quinn replies. "This morning."
Beca looks at the clock and sees that it's almost three. "Oh. Yeah."
"What club are you going to join?" Quinn asks as Beca begins to change.
"I have no idea, but…"
"But?"
"You remember that redhead I told you about? That I ran into at the activities fair?"
"At the a cappella booth?"
Beca nods and then realizes that Quinn isn't looking at her. "Yeah. Her. She, uh, I just ran into her again and she told me I have to audition for the Bellas."
Quinn half turns and seeing Beca mostly dressed, faces her. "Why are you acting so weird? I mean, I know you said she was hot, but still."
"Shemayhaveburstinonmeintheshowerandmademesingwithher," Beca lets out in a rush.
"I'm sorry, did you say that she burst in on you in the shower?"
Beca nods.
"That's…forward."
Beca nods again.
"So you have a stalker?"
"I'm not sure I'd call her a stalker," Beca replies, conveniently forgetting she'd thought the same thing earlier.
"She burst in on you in the shower," Quinn points out.
"Uh huh, and all those drawings of that girl you heard singing last week? You don't think she'll be weirded out that you've been staring at her every time you see her? Or that you've drawn dozens of pictures of her."
"She's an actress," Quinn replies. "She'll probably be flattered."
Beca raises an eyebrow. "If you really thought that was true, you would have already introduced yourself."
"I…"
Quinn seems so flustered, so Beca decides to drop it. What little Quinn has shared about her dad, makes Beca almost grateful for own situation, especially after what her dad offered earlier; at least her dad tries. Quinn's dad… "Can't I just tag along with you and like make costumes or build a set? That should totally cont."
Quinn looks relieved. "Do you even know how to do either of those things?"
"Well, no," Beca replies. "But I can learn. And sometimes even follow instructions."
"And the radio station?"
Beca waves the concern away. "I can stack CDs anytime. Besides, if, and I emphasis if, those stuck up bitches actually let me in the group, wouldn't I have rehearsal to add to my schedule? If I help you out, I can just go on my own time."
"Yeah, I don't think that was what your dad was going for," Quinn replies.
"So what? I go to him with a list of possibilities and he can tell me the ones he approves of?"
"Well, no," Quinn says. "That doesn't sound like something you'd ever actually do. I'm just saying that what you're suggesting doesn't seem to fit with what he was asking. And that if he thinks you're not putting yourself out there enough, he might say you didn't follow through or whatever and not help you if you still want to leave at the end of the year."
"Why wouldn't I want to still leave?" Beca questions. "I mean, besides you… and I guess Matt, down at the station, there's nothing here worth staying around for."
"What about your naked stalker?"
Beca grins, but quickly sobers. "Um…"
"You like her."
"Well, she's not normally someone I would hang out with," Beca replies. "But her enthusiasm is certainly… infectious. And, well she's definitely persistent."
"She's hot and you've already seen her naked," Quinn adds. "And she obviously likes you."
"Not like that she doesn't," Beca retorts. "She's just really nice and apparently a fan of a good singing voice."
"She burst in on you in the shower," Quinn points out.
"So what? You're saying she was hitting on me?"
"I wouldn't presume to know anything," Quinn retorts. "I'm just saying that you're defending your stalker pretty vehemently."
"She's not a stalker," Beca insists. "And she does have a name."
"Which is?" Quinn asks. "Technically when you told me the story, you never said her name."
"Chloe."
"You should see the look on your face right now," Quinn says. "You totally like her."
"Oh, just thought of a mix idea. Better sit down and figure it out before I lose it," Beca replies, sitting at her desk.
"Like you didn't mock me for ten minutes when you found my drawings the other day," Quinn manages to say before the headphones are firmly back on Beca's head.
…
The blonde in her History of Theater class is still scribbling furiously. Rachel's starting to wonder if she's some sort of weird history junkie. Which sounds absurd, Rachel knows, but her daddy once told her a story from law school about these people that everyone called, "law junkies" and apparently they just liked to fawn over pivotal court cases like Rachel fawns over Barbra.
And even though she's not sure of her name, Rachel will definitely be asking to borrow her notes if she ever misses a class.
Towards the end, Rachel's phone begins to vibrate. Thankfully, since it's in her bag, Rachel is really the only one to hear it; well, her and the blonde sitting next to Rachel. She ignores it and continues to listen to the professor. Except that it keeps buzzing; she can feel the blonde next to her glancing Rachel's way. She starts to get a bit paranoid. What if it's an emergency?
Luckily, class ends as her phone buzzes for the eighth time. She reaches into and pulls out her phone. It's Chloe.
"Chloe," Rachel answers. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. No. I don't know."
"Okay, take a deep breath and tell me what's wrong," Rachel says.
"I'm panicking about the auditions this afternoon."
"You shouldn't be," Rachel replies. "You'll be perfect and they'll love you."
"But what if I mess up?'
"Then you'll start over and totally wow them," Rachel tells her.
"What if they won't let me?"
"Then I'll make them."
Chloe chuckles. "I appreciate the effort, Rachel, but I'm not sure that'll work."
"I'm tougher than I look Chloe," Rachel huffs.
Chloe is now genuinely laughing.
"Keep that up, missy and I won't be going with you this afternoon."
This seems to sober her as the laughter quickly dies away.
"I'm sorry," she says finally. "I was just picturing you attacking Brooke and trying to tap her to death."
"You mean with tap dancing?" Rachel asks. "Is that even possible?"
"I believe you would be excellent at attacking people using unrelated performance skills, yes."
Rachel chuckles. "Class just finished. So I'll be back soon and you can practice one more time if you want."
"Deal," Chloe says. "Thanks Rachel."
As Rachel ends her phone call, she's surprised to find the blonde sitting next to her since the rest of the class, including the professor has already left.
"Hi," she says.
"Hello," Rachel replies.
"I know this is a bit forward, but who were you talking to?"
Curious as to why she cares, Rachel answers, "My roommate."
"Redhead?"
Now Rachel's getting slightly weirded out. "Um, yeah?"
"Your roommate is a redhead named Chloe?" she asks.
"Why?"
"Because my roommate, Beca," she says. "Well, she's run into Chloe a couple times and she kind of likes her."
"Oh."
"But I think she's too… I don't know, shy, I guess, to talk to her," the blonde continues. "And I thought if the four of us hung out, she could relax a bit and, you know, get to know her."
"You're not worried that Chloe isn't interested?" Rachel questions.
"They're comfortable enough with each other to sing together in the nude," the blonde retorts.
"That does seem to be true," Rachel agrees. "But how do I know you're who you say you are?"
"Who else would know about the shower thing?" she replies. "Especially since it just happened yesterday."
"Excellent point," Rachel says. "I don't think I caught your name."
"Oh. Quinn. Quinn Fabray."
"I'm Rachel Berry."
Quinn nods, grinning. "So what do you think?"
"I do know that Chloe wouldn't mind," Rachel says. "So, okay. Do you just want to come over to our room Friday night? I have an extensive movie collection."
"Beca's really not a movie fan," Quinn says. "In fact, it takes a lot of persuasion to convince her to watch one."
"Oh. Well, as I said, I do have an extensive collection. I'll pick out a few that a cold hard cynic may like and we'll see. I have enough that there has to be something she'd be willing to watch."
"That sounds great," Quinn replies. "She'll be thrilled."
"Maybe it can even be a celebration that they both got into the Bellas," Rachel continues.
"If Beca auditions," Quinn says. "She's still on the fence about it."
"I hope she goes. Chloe'll be disappointed if she doesn't."
"I'll mention that to her," Quinn replies.
…
"Don't hate me."
After hours of stacking CDs, this is not the greeting Beca needs. "Not a good opening, Quinn."
"I talked to her today," Quinn says. "Her name's Rachel Berry."
"Congrats," Beca replies. "Why would I be mad about that?"
"Um, well, apparently, she's roommates with your stalker," Quinn explains.
"How do you know that?" Beca asks.
"I overheard them talking on the phone."
"Okay. And why am I mad?" Beca prompts.
"I may have suggested that the four of us hang out Friday night because you like her."
"What?! Why the hell would you do that? What if she tells her?"
"Did I lie?"
"Don't even, dude," Beca replies. "Unless you want me to tell Rachel that you've been drawing dozens of pictures of her for the past week."
"My situation is entirely different," Quinn insists. "You've already had conversations with Chloe."
"At her insistence," Beca counters. "You share a class with Rachel. You could have talked to her anytime."
"Which I did," Quinn replies. "Today."
Beca groans. "So the four of us are hanging out Friday?"
Quinn nods.
Beca lets out an even louder groan. "And what are we doing?"
Quinn's voice becomes quiet. "Watching a movie in their room?"
"A movie, really?"
"I told Rachel that you're a tough sell on movies and she said she'd try to have something besides the usual."
"Great."
"And Chloe must like you too," Quinn adds. "After all Rachel has no problem telling the truth, no matter what and if her roommate didn't like you, I think she might have said something."
"You better be right, Quinn."
"Thanks," Quinn replies. "I just couldn't work up the nerve without a good reason. You know?"
Beca nods. Because she does understand. "You totally owe me."
"Hardly," Quinn scoffs. "You get to hang out properly with your stalker and I get a chance to get to know Rachel. It's win win for both of us."
"I meant for making me watch a movie," Beca replies.
"Whatever," Quinn retorts. "You never know. You might actually like the movie that Rachel picks."
"We'll see, but somehow I doubt it."
"Oh and you're auditioning for the Bellas this afternoon," Quinn tells her.
"What? Why?"
"Because I promised you would."
"Why do I have a feeling you're leaving out important parts of your conversation?"
Quinn shrugs.
"This girl better be worth it," Beca grumbles.
…
Chloe is pacing when Rachel enters the room.
"What took you so long?"
"I had a very interesting conversation once we hung up," Rachel explains.
"With?"
"Beca's roommate."
This catches Chloe's attention.
"And you know this because?"
"Because the four of us are going to hang out on Friday night and watch a movie," Rachel explains.
"We are? Why?"
"Because you want to get to know her better and this seems like a good start."
"Whose idea was it?" Chloe asks.
"The roommate's, Quinn, actually."
"Hmmm."
"What?"
"Why do I feel like you're not telling me everything?"
"We just thought it'd be fun," Rachel says. "You want to get to know Beca. Quinn seems intriguing enough and she obviously has some interest in theater since we were in History of Theater and no one takes that unless they have to."
"That I get."
"Isn't that what college is about?" Rachel asks. "Making new friends?"
Chloe raises an eyebrow.
"Okay, fine," Rachel huffs. "Quinn's kind of hot. Are you happy?"
Grinning, Chloe nods.
"Good," Rachel says. "Now that that's settled, let's hear your song one more time."
Part Four
"Can't we just say we got the time wrong?" Beca asks. She knows she's pretty close to whining, but she can't help it. She has no need to join an a capella group. The only problem is that the only choices are even less desirable.
"I don't know why you're worried," Quinn replies. "You've got a great voice."
"How do you know that?"
"Because you sometimes sing while you're mixing songs," Quinn tells her.
"I do not."
"You do," Quinn nods.
Beca groans.
…
Rachel had already planned on going to the auditions with Chloe, wanting to be supportive, especially since the Bellas seemed like a really cruel bunch. However, as she sits in the back row, trying to stay out of sight, she can admit she's more curious about whether or not Beca will show up. Though, she has a feeling that Quinn will actually physically drag Beca here if needed. Recognizing the familiar sheer tenacity in the blonde is really why Rachel agreed to Quinn's plan.
Chloe is sitting in the third row where are the hopefuls are supposed to sit. The Treble Makers are sitting in the middle, looking causal and arrogant. The Bellas are seated in the front row, house right, looking formal and intimating. The BU Harmonics are huddled between the other two groups, looking intense. The High Notes are nowhere to be seen, but somehow that doesn't really surprise Rachel. She's starting to wonder if anyone in the group can actually sing or if it's just a cover for a marijuana group.
When the clock strikes exactly four, a dark haired guy jumps onto stage.
"My name is David and I am running this audition," he announces. "For your audition, each of you will be singing sixteen bars of Kelly Clarkson's Since You've Been Gone. If a group likes you, they will contact you directly. My tone deaf side kick here, Justin will be collecting your information."
Justin walks across the stage and down the small stairs, stage right. "If I could sing a lick, in any human way possible, I would, but I can't. And I hate myself everyday for it."
"I know," David says, as Justin goes through the audience, gathering everyone's information.
Rachel doesn't really pay attention to the guys. She's only curious as to what kind of competition Chloe's going to have.
The girls are a different story. Having been told that the Bellas have a certain type, Rachel finds herself trying to decide who does and doesn't fit the type they seem to be looking for. Very few seem to. Rachel supposes that's why the group is so small; they seem to have ridiculous standards. Because most people that audition can sing well, but only a handful of the girls have "bikini read bodies".
Rachel's attention is also drawn to the girl sitting in the row ahead of her. She's blonde and apparently very snarky since she seems to have commentary on everyone on stage, but more so for the members of the a capella groups. Rachel can't help but laugh.
After one particularly hilarious comment, Rachel laughs a little too loud and finds the blonde's eyes on her. She doesn't seem upset. In fact, she seems pleased by Rachel's reaction.
"Sorry," Rachel whispers.
"It's okay. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds this a bit amusing," she responds. "Though, why are you here?"
Now that she's speaking directly to Rachel, the girl's Australian accent is obvious.
"Support for me roommate," Rachel replies.
"Oooh, which one?" she asks. "I didn't insult her, did I?"
Rachel shakes her head. "She was the redhead."
"Oh. She was good. And probably exactly what those Bella bitches are looking for."
Rachel nods. "I know."
"You don't sound happy about that."
"Well, it's just that Chloe's so nice and they're so…not."
"Cruel cunts is what I call them."
"Accurate, yet crass," Rachel replies.
The blonde grins. "I’m Fat Amy."
"You call yourself Fat Amy?" Rachel asks.
Fat Amy nods. "Yeah, so the skinny twig bitches don't do it behind my back."
Rachel smiles. "I'm Rachel." She leans forward, so she can better hear Fat Amy. "So how come you're not auditioning?"
"Oh, well I won't get in," Fat Amy replies. "And I'm not up for the rejection this year."
"You've auditioned before?"
"My freshman and sophomore year," Fat Amy confirms. "Not only did they not let me in, but they were incredibly and unnecessarily insulting. I've never been more glad that I call myself Fat Amy before. They were brutal."
Rachel nods. "Brooke had some particularly choice words for me, too."
"You were going to audition?"
"No, but Chloe was interested."
"Ah. Yeah, Brooke is pretty bad, but Lizzie is the worse."
"Which one is she?"
"She's the leader," Fat Amy answers.
"The one with the pitch pipe?" Rachel asks.
"Yep."
"Why the hell does she have it now?" Rachel questions. "They're not going to sing too are they?"
"No, that's just their thing."
"God, I hope Chloe knows what she's getting into."
…
"Okay, so that was everyone," David says. "Not the best I've seen, but not the worst."
Self-conscious, Beca walks on stage and stands next to David. "Um… I know I'm a bit late, but…"
David looks at her with contempt, but nods.
"I didn't know we had to prepare that song," Beca continues.
Yes, well, then you can't audition," one of the Bellas huffs.
"Just let her sing whatever she wants," one of the Treble Makers calls out. "It's not like you chicks are going to win anything anyway."
"Shove it Bumper, we don't take advice from you."
"Let her sing!" someone else in the audience calls out. Others begin to join in.
"Fine," the Bella huffs. "Sing whatever the hell you want."
Beca nods and looks around the stage for a moment. Seeing a plastic cup sitting offstage, she disappears a moment to grab it. When she returns, she sits with her legs crossed near the edge of the stage. She sets the cup upside down in front of her and begins clapping.
I got my ticket for the long way ‘round
Two bottle ‘a whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I’m leaving tomorrow, wha-do-ya say?
When I’m gone
When I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me by my hair
You’re gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
Feeling triumphant, Beca can't help but slam the cup down for the final beat. She looks up at the audience, smirking.
…
Rachel is impressed with Beca's audition. Her voice is as incredible as Chloe claimed and the rhythm she clapped out was perfect. Though, Rachel thinks her favorite part might be the arrogant smirk that Beca finished with. She appreciates that kind of confidence. She hopes Beca gets in for Chloe's sake, but more so because she has a feeling that Brooke and the others would hate it.
"Well, well," Fat Amy says as Beca stands and shuffles off stage. "That was different."
"You almost sound impressed," Rachel replies.
"I am," Fat Amy says. "Whether she meant to or not, she put those stuck up bitches in their place for a moment."
"Because…"
"Because she auditioned her own way, her voice is awesome and that whole cup thing shows she's got rhythm and could easily follow a routine. But then you add to that her style, and I'm pretty sure the Bellas won't pick her."
"That's too bad."
"So how'd I do?"
Rachel looks up to find a glowing Chloe standing next to her.
"You were aca-mazing," Fat Amy says. "You'll totally get in."
Chloe looks appreciative, but bemused. "Thanks."
"Um, this is Fat Amy," Rachel introduces.
"Fat Amy?"
Rachel nods.
"Okay then." Chloe sits next to Rachel. "Did you see? Beca showed up."
"Just barely," Rachel says.
"You know her?" Fat Amy asks, raising an eyebrow.
"I heard her sing and I told her, she should audition," Chloe explains.
"Did you?"
The tone of Fat Amy's voice, tells Rachel that Chloe's crush on Beca is obvious.
Chloe nods.
"Hmph, well then let's hope that she gets in," is all Fat Amy says.
…
"I'd thought you'd audition," Beca says to Quinn as they leave the auditorium.
"Why?"
"To try and impress Rachel."
"Who says I can sing?" Quinn asks.
"Who says you can't?" Beca counters.
Quinn shakes her head. "It doesn't matter. I've heard her sing, raw and unfiltered and it was the most astonishing thing I've ever heard."
"Holy shit, you've got it bad."
"You couldn't have figured it out from the drawings?" Quinn questions. "Besides, I'll be busy enough. Apparently being a freshman theater major means you get stuck doing a lot of extra shit that the upperclassmen don't want to do."
"Just refuse," Beca retorts. "Your professors are the only ones whose opinions matter anyway."
"Yeah and they totally support the put the newbies through the wringer," Quinn replies. "After all, it's a tradition."
"Oooh, are you going to get hazed?"
"God, I hope not."
…
When Mike asks Rachel if she wants to hang out Saturday night, she's honestly not sure if he's asking her on a date or to just hang out. She answers immediately because honestly, it doesn't matter. She likes him either way. They've hung out a couple times after Advanced Tap and she's always had fun.
Walking across campus with him, she spots Quinn. Now that Rachel knows her name and not just as the crazy blonde note taker in History of Theater class, she's been seeing her around more.
When Quinn looks up from the textbook she's reading and meets Rachel's eyes, Rachel waves. Quinn waves back, though it looks awkward. Rachel knows she just met Quinn, but the unreadable expression on her face stays with Rachel for the rest of the afternoon.
…
"So did I see you leaving the a capella auditions yesterday?"
Beca looks at Matt in surprise. "What?"
"I did, didn't I?"
"How do you know I was leaving the a cappella audition?" Beca asks.
"One of the Treble Makers tried to get me to audition," Matt replies. "Um, Donald, I think his name was. Told me the when and where."
"You didn't audition then?"
"Um, no," Matt says. "That's why you didn't see me at the audition."
"Oh, well I was late," Beca replies. "I had to work up a bit of nerve to go through with it."
"I bet," Matt chuckles. "I just can't picture you singing Since You've Been Gone."
"Well, I didn't."
"They let you sing another song?" Matt questions. "I heard the Bellas are pretty strict about that sort of thing."
Beca shrugs. "Maybe. But the Treble Makers were all about it."
"Ah, yeah, that I can see."
"What's that mean?"
"I ended up talking to them for a while," Matt explains. "I don't know why, but they wouldn’t let me leave. Anyway, I heard quite the commentary on the Bellas."
"And you're not sharing?"
"Well, a lot of it isn't appropriate for mixed company," Matt mutters.
"Don't think of me as a girl you're worried about insulting," Beca tells him. "Think of me as a fellow freshman who's doomed to stacking CDs all year."
"You want to be bros?"
"Um… yeah, I guess that's one way to put it," Beca replies.
"Well, then we should hang out tonight," Matt says. "Normally I'd say we should drink and watch something, but since you hate movies, we could just talk music and drink instead."
"Now that is something I could get behind," Beca replies. "But unfortunately, I can't."
"I won't start calling you bro, if that's what you're worried about."
Beca smirks at him. "No, I apparently already have plans."
"Apparently?"
"My roommate has this crush on this girl, but she's too scared to really talk to her, so she used me as an excuse and so we're going hang out with the other girl and her roommate tonight and watch movies."
"But you hate movies," Matt points out.
"I don't hate movies," Beca replies. "I just… they're all so predictable. The guy gets the girl, the underdog wins the competition and everyone lives happily ever after."
"I'm not sure that's entirely true," Matt says. "I can think of plenty of movies where they don't live happily ever after."
"How do you know, though?" Beca asks. "I mean, after the credits start rolling, there's no way to know."
"Well, yeah, because movies are usually just about one part of the journey that is life."
Beca stops stacking CDs and turns to face Matt. "That was really deep, dude."
Matt shrugs, looking a bit embarrassed. "Sorry. Philosophy major."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah."
"No offense, dude, but what the hell are you going to do with a philosophy degree?"
"Besides teach? Probably nothing. Which is why my parents are making me double major in business as well."
"Oh."
"Am I going to have to separate the two of you?" Luke interrupts, handing them another crate of CDs.
"Course not," Matt replies, taking the crate.
"Does that no sex on the desk apply to this whole room or just the desk?" Beca asks.
"The whole room," Luke grins. "Especially because if you knock over all these shelves, you'll be in here cleaning up until everything's back the way it was. Like, I won't even let you leave to go to class."
"That's kidnapping."
"Technically it'd be holding you hostage," Luke retorts. "But don't knock over the shelves and it won't matter."
"Right," Beca says. "No sex anywhere in the radio station."
"That includes the bathroom," Luke adds as he heads back to the booth.
"Wait a minute, we have a bathroom in here?"
more