#a cyc fic tease

[cycwrites]

Never Have I Ever - A Fic Tease

A/N - Honestly, I don't know what this is and I'm not sure if it'll go into a story at all or remain a Fic Tease for life.

This iteration of it is currently set 6 months before Nowish. Could change. Still not sure if i like it.

Oh, it's also fully unbeta'd, so none of this is @tiny-maus-boots fault.

--------------

~A~

Saturday, September 24, 2016

“Never have I ever… had sex in the auditorium.”

Turning from Stacie’s wickedly pleased grin, Aubrey watched, absolutely fascinated, as Beca’s expression went perfectly still, her smile dropping away and taking all the color in her face with it.  Then Chloe gave a hum of pure satisfaction, taking a drink of her wine as Beca’s cheeks flared in a very impressive blush.

The four of them were celebrating Beca’s 23rd birthday – albeit a few days late. Aubrey had made Beca’s favorite dinner, Chloe had taken care of dessert and now they were lounging on the sectional couch in the Posen-Conrad living room.

Beca steadfastly refused to look at anyone as she drained the glass Stacie had just filled. Clearly pleased with herself, Stacie picked up the bottle and filled it again before settling back on the couch next to Aubrey.

“You did what in the auditorium?” Aubrey didn’t know if she was scandalized or amused. “That’s – you…” A mix of both, she decided, unable to stop smiling at Beca’s obvious discomfort. But really, the auditorium?

“Don’t give me the ‘It’s a sacred Bella space’ speech, Bree.” Beca rolled her eyes and looked up, ignoring the blush still high on her cheeks. “It’s just a room on a college campus with a bunch of horny young adults.”

Aubrey blinked – that had been exactly what she’d been about to say out of pure reflex, but it surprised her that Beca knew her well enough to anticipate it.

“Don’t be embarrassed, Becs.” Chloe bumped their shoulders together. “I’m sure countless generations have snuck in there for the same purpose.”

“Ew.” Beca’s face twisted. “Why would you say that?”

“You’re the one who said it, Beca.” Stacie topped off the rest of their glasses and shook the bottle. “Going to need another, I’ll be back.”

“Doesn’t mean I thought it through.” Beca shuddered as Stacie went into the kitchen. “Now I need a shower.”

“Need a hand?” Chloe blinked wide innocent blue eyes when Beca just arched a brow at her.

“Wait.” Aubrey looked over at her wife when she came back in the room. “How do you know about it and I don’t?”

“Chloe’s got great volume.” Stacie set the bottle on the table to let it breathe a little. Beca groaned and grabbed one of the throw pillows and tried to smother herself. To Aubrey’s shock, even Chloe started to blush through her grin. “I happened to be outside.”

“Pure chance. Mmhmm, right.” Aubrey looked at the three of them. “There’s more to this story, isn’t there?”

“No!” Beca’s yell was muffled from behind the pillow. “I am not drunk enough for this conversation.” She let the pillow fall to her lap. “I will never be drunk enough for this conversation.”

It was a testimony to how much she trusted the other three that not once did Aubrey become worried that she wasn’t in on the joke. While Past Aubrey and her insecurities weren’t entirely gone, she trusted the women in this room with her life and knew they would never keep anything from her with any malicious intent.

Besides, she knew eventually one of them would spill the details, they always did.

-------------

This definitely came about purely from "You did what in the auditorium?!" popping into my head yesterday before bed. Not quite the direction I saw it going once I had it down, but thought I'd throw it out anyway.

[chloes-yellow-cup]

The commitment to bringing Cyberpunk 2077 to life as a story is almost complete in my head. The actual writing process and blending of quest lines is still intimidating af but the idea of putting this story that has weirdly come to mean so much to me, in front of people who would never otherwise experience it is oddly important to me. Even if they only try it because they support my writing (which still boggles me), the hope is that I’ll make it interesting enough for them to continue. That maybe they’ll begin to care for this band of misfits like I do.

Did I write a snippet of a random extra scene with Panam while I couldn’t sleep yesterday? Maybe.

Am I willing to share that with folks? It terrifies me, but yes.

Does it need editing and polishing? Absofuckinlutely.

No context snippet below the cut.

————-

In her haste to turn around, V forgot she’d been in the act of pulling up her own jeans. Until she tried taking a step toward the back of the tent and the unexpected restriction around her thighs ruined her balance and pitched her forward, hands stupidly still clutching the waistband.

“Oh.” A shuffling step. “fuck.” Another, already knowing the battle with gravity was lost before it began. “me.”

She didn’t have the time to waste on putting any energy into the curse, sounding more resigned than anything, as she was too busy wrenching herself around so she landed on her side and not her face.

Her breath exploded out of her painfully, just glad she hadn’t hit the edge of her cot before landing on the tent floor. A sudden rush of air behind her told her she had company, the quick sound of footsteps suddenly halting. There was the deliberate sound of the tent zipper being pulled partially down to shield them from anyone else passing by.

As if her dignity could be saved now.

“V.” Not a question. Not yet. But the mirth in that one letter was so thick V could feel it wash over her.

“Ow.”

“Your body or your pride?” Somehow Panam sounded even more amused than before.

“Ha. Ha.” V’s shoulder would sting for a bit but she’d had worse bruises. What she wasn’t sure she could survive was knowing that she was laying on her side, legs half bent with her underwear clad ass sticking out while the object of her so-far-unspoken affection stared down at her. But hey, at least she had underwear on in the first place, yay for laundry day.

She also wasn’t sure the best way to pull her jeans up while not losing any more cool points but she did know that the longer she laid there, the more shit she was going to get.

“You… good?” The hesitation spoke volumes, like Panam was about to ask if she needed help but wasn’t sure how it would be received. The laugher still lurked under the surface and V could admire the restraint it must be taking to keep it contained.

“Preem.” No choice for it. Simplest route was fastest route. V rolled to her back and arched it, allowing her to pull her jeans the rest of the way up where she buttoned them. As if she always got dressed this way. She also didn’t look at Panam. Not yet.

Or at least that was the plan but a hand was suddenly held out to her and without thinking she took it, letting the nomad help her to her feet.

[twistedcharismaaa]

The Boring are the Most Interesting pt 3 ...

Summary: You have been dealt an unfavorable hand and you’re trying to make the best of it. Maybe your new roommate Trevante can help you with that?

Author’s Note: Hi guys, I don’t have too much to say about this post. I hope you guys enjoy. I love you all, please comment for ya girl. Peace and love.

The tension was so thick that it made the air in the room hard to inhale. Every breath you drew made your throat become dryer and dryer. Your swallowing hardened as you felt the tickle of a trickle of sweat glide down your forehead. You wiped it quickly in hopes that Tia wouldn’t notice. 

“It’s not like you to have doctor jitters?” she inquired.

Unfortunately, she did.

“You know how I hate getting introduced to new doctors. They’re always trying to do something entirely different than the last one and I never end up feeling any better,” you responded. 

You slowly climbed off of the bed and sat in the empty chair that was located beside Tia. You smiled at her innocently but you were everything but that. Innocent. You were holding a secret that made you feel every bit of guilty. And you knew Tia would have no problem playing judge and jury. 

“Hm, well let’s be a little more positive Charisma. Maybe this doctor will know exactly what he’s talking about. And maybe he’ll be cute too.” she joked.

“Damn girl! Here, take my water. You’re sweating up a storm.” she continued.

You hesitantly grabbed the water and eyed it skeptically. 

“Tia is this half-empty?” you questioned. 

“I was drinking out of it earlier. Girl. it’s fine! I’m your sister!” she yelled.

“And also Rico’s girlfriend. I’ll pass. Maybe they have ice chips in here.” you teased.

Tia rolled her eyes and opened the water for you. It took about two seconds for her motherly instincts to kick in. She clearly saw the state that you were in and insisted for you to take a sip. She didn’t have to mutter another word because her posture said it all. To your disliking, you drank from the water bottle.

“Now, what is it that is really bothering you?” she asked.

“M-my roommate is…”

“Is? Is what C?” she asked impatiently.

“A man. A male. He goes to school and plays on the football team with Rico. His name is Trevante.”

“I’m sorry. What the fuck did you just say?” she screamed at the top of her lungs.

You heard a brief knock at the door and the doctor entered shortly after. He shook your hand and then Tia’s. He introduced himself and thoroughly recapped your long depressing medical history. You named your current medications for him and what you used them for. After about an hour of questions being answered, examinations, and observations he decided his plan of care.

“Unfortunately Ms. Charisma, it seems that your Lupus is active. I think we need to attack this more aggressively. I am strongly suggesting that we start you on cyclophosphamide within the next week.”

“Cyc- how do you say that again?” you quizzed.

“Cyclophosphamide. It is also known as Cytoxan. This drug is used to treat different types of cancer and in your case fight your Lupus-”

Tia grabbed your hand quickly and gave it the tightest squeeze. Her intentions were to calm you if weren’t calm. And if you were calm, she intended to keep you that way. 

“So, you’re talking chemotherapy?” Tia asked with an unsteady voice.

“Yes. The dose will not be nearly as high since it is not cancer. But, yes chemotherapy is my plan of action for your sister. I plan to start this immediately. My goal is to have her off of the oxygen machine and to get her stable within the next 4 months. I assure you both that this is something that needs to be done. This actually should’ve been done when Charisma was first diagnosed.” Dr. Jones explained.

“Doctor, we don’t have insurance,” Tia responded as she blinked back tears.

Tia looked at you apologetically.

“Charisma, we don’t have insurance. I couldn’t make the payments,” she said.

For the first time, you saw your rock crumble.

You smiled at her lovingly and grabbed both of her hands. 

“It’s ok T. I promise you it is more than ok,” you said warmly.

You instantly pulled her into a hug. You gave everything you had left and transferred it into that hug. She gave you so much and it was time to return everything that you borrowed. It was time to lend your strength, your hope, your love, and your spirit. You said a silent prayer to yourself. You prayed that she could feel you. And most importantly, that she would believe you.

“I love you T.” you whispered in her ear.

You felt her arms wrap around you as you felt her breathing ease.

------

Trevante unlocked the door of the apartment, turned on the light, and tossed his keys onto the kitchen counter. He didn’t notice you sleeping soundly on the couch. He went into his room and dropped his book bag in the corner between his bed and his desk. He stretched and sighed. He was physically tired between lengthy classes and difficult football practices. He was always excited to come home after a trying and busy day. Living with you gave him peace of mind and peace of spirit. He liked that you were quiet and reserved. It gave him more time to analyze you. He learned so much about you just from merely watching you. You hated eating first thing in the morning, you loved any and everything fuzzy. Fuzzy socks, fuzzy slippers, fuzzy pajama pants - you name it. He even noticed that you never wore bras when you were home. He loved how your nipples would harden when he would gently brush past you. Your hair always smelled like coconut oil and he discovered that it had to be your favorite product to use on your hair. He thought it was absolutely hilarious watching you try to avoid him as if he didn’t live with you. You were intimated by his presence and he was allured by yours. Trevante kicked off his shoes and took off his shirt and tossed it into the dirty clothes hamper. He walked into the bathroom and decided to take a hot shower. 

After his shower, he threw on a white t-shirt, grey sweatpants, and a black durag. He knew that it was his night to cook so he re-entered the kitchen area. A few steps away from the kitchen area was the living space. He finally noticed you sleeping. He chuckled to himself decided to cook a little later since you were sleeping. Before Tre could leave, he heard you groaning in your sleep. He didn’t want to seem like a creep and walk up on you while you were sleeping. But he just wanted to make sure you were ok. He walked lightly towards you and saw streams of tears gliding down your honey brown heart-shaped cheek. You suddenly started gasping for air.

“Charisma. Charisma,” he called out while gently shaking you.

Your gasping began to worsen.

Trevante sat on the floor in front of the couch and caressed your damp cheek. 

“It’s just a nightmare. Wake up for me? Please?” he whispered against your cheek.

Your eyes opened and sprung forward. You looked at Trevante with fear and hint of embarrassment. Trevante stroked your arm softly and watched you struggle to gain your composure.

“Want to tell me what that was about baby girl?” he asked.

You sniffled.

“Nothing.” you lied.

He stared at you longingly and waited patiently for the truth.

“I had a doctor’s appointment after my classes today,” you admitted.

“With Dr. Jones right?”

He remembered.

“Yes. Him. It didn’t go very well. I don’t wanna talk about it. At least not now …. Trevante I’m terrified.” you answered while shaking.

Trevante stood over you and smiled. 

“Aight, so we won’t talk about it tonight. But tomorrow we will. Come to my room tonight? Let me hold you?” he begged.

“Hold me?” you asked confused.

“I want to hold you Charisma. Will you let me do that?” He pleaded again.

You wiped your face and felt a smile creep across your face. That’s the first smile that you conjured since you received the news.

“Yes, please hold me,” you answered.

-----

Part 1 Part 2 Part 4

@bugngiz​ @lostennyc @foulmouthedandfanfic

@raysunshine78 @tip222u @xo-goldengirl @blackmissfrizzle @artsninspo

@ghostfacekill-monger @soulfood-fics @l-auteuse @keiva1000 @thickemadame @liyahshaeking @quietstorm-73 @rolemodelshit @tyees

[chloes-yellow-cup]

Yet another no context Cyberpunk snippet. It’s sad how many of these I have - or just random lines for scenes as I game - and yet the idea of wrapping it all together in a semi-cohesive story scares the crap out of me.

Anyway, here ya go. I got tired of thinking it and had to jot it down finally.

———————-

"Hey, V." Judy smiled at her through the phone. "How's my favorite solo?"

"Got something to show you." V knew it was a leading statement and Judy didn't disappoint her.

"Oh yeah?" Her slow smile spoke of sinful things done in the dark. Well, and sometimes in the light. On a sofa. Or a kitchen counter. Against the wall of Judy's den at Lizzie's. "Does that mean you're on your way?"

V looked up at the building in front of her. "Maybe. Should take a look out the living room window." She laughed when Judy's head immediately appeared in the opening. "Don't hurt yourself, sheesh. It's just me."

"Well hurry up and get in here to..." she paused, her voice hitting that deeper register that made V's stomach tighten in anticipation. "Show me." V had to swallow before she could answer and Judy gave a wicked chuckle at the hesitation. "Door's open."

"I don't know that I can wait long enough to walk around the building." V's excitement grew again, both for showing off her new acquisition and taking Judy to bed.

Judy clucked her tongue. "Well unless you can fly, better get a move on. If you're not in here before I'm naked, I'm starting without you."

V tilted her head, tensing the new cyberware in her lower legs. "If you insist." She hung up and crouched, keeping her eyes on Judy who smiled down at her in puzzlement.

With an explosion of motion that V thought she would never get tired of, she leapt into the air. It was at least twice the height of a normal jump, allowing her to easily reach the top of a nearby van before turning and immediately making another leap to land neatly on the small platform-slash-balcony in front of Judy's apartment.

Her grin almost fucking hurt as she saw Judy's mouth drop open in surprise and she waved the other woman back away from the window so she could slide through it.

"Holy shit, V!"

[cycwrites]

WIP Things aka Unofficial Fic Tease

In order to remind myself that I’ve left all of you hanging for the rest of my trilogy rewrite, I thought I would post my unbeta’d, unedited, good with the bad chapter 1 for the second movie. I also have hope that it will make me feel guilty for taking so damn long and get back to it. Especially since I’ve basically closed myself off from writing (and the muses) and I’m trying to pry the doors back open because I really do miss sharing my stories with you guys.

I wrote this well over a year ago, along with a 2nd chapter that deals with the Dean’s office, and really just hope you like it. 

--------

About Damn Time 

Chapter One: So That Happened

Word Count: 2600 -------- ~B~

At the end of Beca’s junior year, two things of note happened.

First: Chloe, once again, made the decision to stay with Beca and the Bellas and failed Russian Lit for the third time.  Beca had tried to talk her out of it, torn between wanting Chloe to move forward in her life beyond Barden and guilt that she was relieved they wouldn’t have to figure out how to work a long distance relationship. She wasn’t ready to try that and couldn’t imagine leading the group without her.  But Chloe had insisted this was where she’d wanted to be and she didn’t feel like she was missing out on anything.

Second: The Bellas were asked to perform at President Obama’s 50th birthday celebration at the Kennedy Center on August 8th.

Beca had laughed when the call had come through the never used landline at the Bella house.

“Good afternoon, this is Mack Johnson and I’m calling on behalf of the White House…”

“Yeah right. Nice try, Jesse.” She hung up and pulled out her cell phone as she walked into the kitchen. Pausing by the counter she typed out a quick message to him.

Beca: I’ve gotta give you points for originality though. You almost sounded like an actual adult.

She poured herself a glass of lemonade before he answered.

Jesse: I’m going to take that as a compliment and ignore the wound to my manly pride, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Beca: Whatever you say, ‘Mack.’ If you’d said you were calling from anywhere but the White House I might’ve let you keep talking.

Instead of answering via text, Jesse called her.

“Are you day drinking, Mitchell?” Jesse clucked his tongue. “Without your lesbro? I’m hurt, Becaw.”

“I was going to ask you the same thing.” Beca lifted her glass and took a sip. “What inspired your call today?”

“Uh, your cryptic and confusing texts to me, of course.” Jesse chuckled. “Want to clue me in?”

Beca sighed. “Man you’re committed to this.”

“To what?”

Beca set her glass on the counter. “Fine – you just called me and –” She jumped as the phone in the living room rang for only the second time in her years at Barden. “Pretended… to be… from the White House.”

“I thought you said you weren’t drinking?” Jesse laughed but it sounded distant as Beca watched Chloe answer the phone.

Her girlfriend’s blue eyes went wide and locked on Beca’s as she said, “I’m sorry, did you say you’re calling from the White House?”

“Jesse?” Beca said absently.

“Yes, Beca?” His voice took on an echo as all the blood drained from her face.

“I gotta go pass out now.” She swallowed dryly. “I’ll call you later.”

“Beca wa-”

Beca had remained frozen in the kitchen while Chloe became more and more animated, frantically scribbling down notes on the notepad sitting beside the phone, though her voice was carefully calm and collected. Then she’d run into the kitchen, screaming and jumping in excitement and talking faster than Beca’s shocked mind could process. Drawn by the commotion like a frat boy to a kegger, the rest of the girls soon joined the chaos while Beca still stood frozen by the counter as they swirled around her.

The school had allowed them to stay on campus through the summer so they could discuss songs and choreography. The time had been a whirlwind of security checks and practice and everything they planned needed to be vetted by the performance organizers. Of course, since they’d come to the Bellas after their third ICCA win in a row, there weren’t any real problems.

Until the night of the performance when one set of tangled silks and a desire for no panty lines wrecked everything.

No pun intended.

~B~ Sunday, August 24th, 2014

Beca lay on their bed and stared at the ceiling, listening to Chloe pace beside her.

“I’ve ruined everything.” Pace to the head of the bed. “Destroyed our reputation.” Pace back to the foot. “Made the Bellas a joke.”

Beca sighed and pushed herself up on her elbows. “Chloe. It’s a capella. It’s already a jo-” She stopped as Chloe spun to face her, outraged. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.” Beca tried a smile. “I was just trying to lighten the mood.” She let it slip when Chloe just stared at her and Beca dropped back down to gaze at the ceiling. “Won’t make that mistake again.”

“I’m the one who gave Amy the green-light to do ‘Wrecking Ball.’” Chloe resumed pacing.

“Because, despite most of her claims, she actually had done some training on the silks before coming to the states.” Beca countered, as she had for the past three weeks. “She was good on them and never once in our rehearsals did she get tangled up.”

“But-”

“No.” Beca cut her off and sat up, pulling her legs up to sit cross legged and face her. “We all agreed to let her do it. It was a group vote.” She softened her voice and held out her hand. “This isn’t all on you, Chlo.”

With a sigh, Chloe took her hand and let herself be tugged onto the bed. Beca stretched back out and Chloe settled against her side. “It feels like it.”

“That’s because you’re the one who looks out for us.” Beca gently rubbed her back. “No one could’ve predicted this, love.”

“No…” Chloe said grudgingly. “But…”

Beca cut her off again. “There’s no buts.”

“Except Amy’s.” Chloe huffed, tension that had begun to fade making her stiffen up again in Beca’s arms. “All over the news.” She groaned. “Why didn’t I just use the cloth I was freaking holding to cover her up?”

“Same reason I didn’t,” Beca said reasonably, having heard a version of this several times before. “My mind went blank and I couldn’t move. I just… kept waiting to wake up.”

“Same.” Chloe pressed her nose to Beca’s shoulder. “I still am. This is such a nightmare.”

“She feels bad.” Beca offered. “It was her idea to do that press conference.” She winced as Chloe snorted.

“Yeah, where she then tried to show her ‘silk burn’ to the entire world.” Chloe sat up and pushed herself off the bed. “Again.” She resumed pacing and Beca’s mind hunted around for anything she could say to defuse things.

“At least we saved Aubrey’s college legacy from Pukegate?” Even as the words were out of her mouth Beca knew they were stupid and wrong.

“And ruined ours with Muffgate.” Chloe snarled.

“I wish I could find the asshole that came up with that. Bet it was those podcast people and of course everyone else jumped on it.” Beca made a face. “It was an accident and eventually there will be another crisis for them to focus on.” She slid over to the edge of the bed and swung her legs over. “It won’t be forever, Chlo.”

Pace, turn. “But tomorrow we go see the Dean.” Pace, turn. “With those podcast people who are apparently actually part of the Collegiate A Cappella Association.”

“They’re still weird and he’s an ass.” Beca stood up and stretched as she heard the door open at the bottom of the stairs. “Think you’ll be able to enjoy yourself at dinner tonight?”

Chloe stopped by the small table they inherited from Aubrey and took a deep breath. “Of course. It’s Amy’s birthday. I’m not going to ruin it for her.” She flashed Beca a small grin, the first in an hour. “Why do you think I’m up here instead of downstairs?”

“Speaking of,” a new voice said from the stairs. “There’s maybe… A situation.” Jessica smiled apologetically when they both looked at her as she reached the top.

Beca sighed. “Of course there is.”

“Do I even want to know?” Chloe pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Probably not, but Stacie sent me to get you.”

“Coward,” Beca muttered. “She knows I can’t hit you because you’re too nice.” She took a deep breath. “Okay, quick like ripping off a band-aid.”

“Amy’s sitting on the couch. With a towel on her lap.” Jessica hesitated.

“That’s… Why is that a big deal?” Chloe asked, confused.

“She’s… commando. Because of her silk burn.” The blonde’s shoulders bounced once but she didn’t say anything else.

“I swear to fucking god I’m going to glue underwear on her,” Chloe muttered under her breath.

Beca was struck by a horrible thought. “Is she sitting on another towel?”

“We were afraid she’d show us if we asked.” Jessica looked at Beca. “That’s when Stacie sent me to get you.”

“Why do I have to do it?” Beca knew she was whining but couldn’t help it.

“Because you’re the captain.” Jessica shrugged again. “You can threaten her with cardio if she tries to flash us again.”

“Yeah but Amy doesn’t always listen to me and I don’t want to have flashbacks.” Beca reluctantly headed for the stairs as Jessica started back down.

“Birthday or not…” Chloe muttered as she followed.

“I’m sure Lilly has a hot glue gun you can use,” Beca mused, not surprised to find Ashley hanging out in the hallway when they left the attic.

“Don’t tempt me.” Chloe didn’t say anything else the entire trip down the stairs.

Beca rounded the corner, passing Jessica and Ashley who had stopped in the entry and came to a halt herself, Chloe running into her back.

All she could see was the back of Amy’s head but she appeared to be looking straight at Lilly who sat cross-legged on the ottoman and staring back.

“Do I even want to know?” Beca turned her head toward Jessica but didn’t take her eyes off the scene.

“I didn’t ask that either,” came the whispered reply.

Beca took a bracing breath then walked into the living room. Despite the reassurance that the covering towel existed, Beca didn’t relax until she saw it for herself. It was nothing personal against Amy, but Beca just didn’t want to see any of the Bellas naked, Chloe being the obvious exception. You never knew when the visual would pop back in your head and Amy had already shown up enough in the past few weeks to last a lifetime.

“Amy.” Beca looked up at a sound from the kitchen and saw Stacie leaning in the doorway with Cynthia Rose and Flo sitting at the center island.

“Captain.” Amy didn’t turn her head or avert her gaze.

“Are you guys in a staring contest?” Beca frowned, looking between the two women. “And if so why?”

“I don’t know,” Amy lifted one shoulder. “All I know is she hasn’t blinked since she sat down and why take the risk of losing.”

Beca felt her eyes twitch at the thought. “Jesus, please cut it out before my eyes start watering.” She stepped between them and Amy closed her eyes in relief.

“Thanks, Shawshank. That was starting to burn.” She started to lift one corner of the towel to wipe her eyes and Beca threw out her hand.

“Nope. That stays there.” Chloe said it before Beca could.

“Please tell me you’re sitting on another towel.” Beca sighed and ran her hand through her hair.

“Of course I am!” Amy actually looked indignant. “I’m not a heathen, Beca.” She rolled her eyes. “The pants I want to wear to dinner are tight, so I’m giving my bits time to breathe first.”

“Now that’s in my head.” Cynthia Rose muttered from the kitchen.

“That’s in all our heads,” Ashley said from the doorway behind them.

“You could always wear that blue skirt,” Chloe offered diplomatically. “That way you’re not uncomfortable for your birthday dinner.”

“I do look hot in that.” Amy thought about it while the rest of them made sounds of agreement. “Alright, you’ve swayed me. And as it’s almost that time, guess I’ll go upstairs and change.” She started to stand as Beca moved back then paused. “If you’d all turn around and give me some privacy while I wrap?”

Beca rolled her eyes as she turned to face the front window that, thankfully, had the curtains drawn. “That’s what you get for being half naked in the public areas of the house.”

“I got bored in my room.” Beca heard Amy stand up and the rustle of fabric. “Alright, I’m decent.”

“Hey!”

Beca jumped at the unexpected shout and looked over her shoulder. Stacie had come out of the kitchen and was pointing at the couch.

“That’s my favorite towel!” Outage filled her face. “I was looking for that for over a week!”

“It’s also the softest towel in the house.” Amy said as she picked it up, tucking the other firmly around her waist. “It’s the only thing that doesn’t hurt when I’m sitting.”

A choked sound from behind her brought Beca’s eyes back around to Chloe, who was biting the inside of her cheek and trying not to giggle. “I’m sure she’ll wash it before she gives it back.”

Beca tried to choke back her laugh and ended up sounding like a pug with a cold as she snickered into her hand.

“I think…” Stacie sighed. “Happy Birthday, Amy. It’s all yours.”

“You sure, Stretch?” Amy threw the towel in question over her shoulder. “I don’t think I’ll need it for much longer.”

“Yup.” Stacie nodded emphatically. “I’ll go get another one this weekend.”

“Thanks, Stacie.” Amy smiled at her before her lips twisted slightly. “Sorry I didn’t ask first.”

“’S okay.” Stacie shrugged. “Now go get changed so we can celebrate your day.”

“Are you allowed to give me orders on my birthday?” Amy mused as she headed for the stairs.

“Probably not,” Beca said. “But I’ll probably do it anyway.”

“Bossy.” Chloe whispered behind her and Beca flashed her a grin.

“Alright.” Beca clapped her hands once. “Show’s over, let’s go get our party outfits on and get some grub. We’ve got a Bella to celebrate.”

Stacie walked past her, shaking her head. “Bossy.”

Beca let her head fall back as she stared at the ceiling. “I can’t with you two.”

“What?” Stacie paused in the door to the entry. “Did we do the thing again?”

“Yup.” Chloe pushed Beca toward the stairs. “I called her that thirty seconds ago.” She high fived Stacie over Beca’s shoulder when the tall woman grinned and held out her hand.

“Score one for us.” Stacie laughed and started up the stairs.

“I hate you guys.” Beca said weakly as she followed.

“Liar,” Chloe laughed and ran her hand down Beca’s back.

“Maybe.” Beca let Chloe go before her.

“Definitely.”

“Yeah yeah,” Beca waved her up the stairs, unable to help admiring the way Chloe’s muscles flexed as she moved. “But seriously, my stomach just woke up and if I don’t feed it soon it’s going to take over the world.”

“Aye aye, Captain.” Stacie saluted as she stepped into her room.

“Smartass,” Beca threw back.

“And you love it.” Stacie closed the door with a laugh.

“Stop flirting with Stacie and let’s go change before you get hangry.” Chloe took her hand and tugged on it.

“She wishes,” Beca muttered but followed Chloe up to their room, ignoring the ‘Often’ that came from Stacie’s room behind them.

‘She’s got bat hearing, I swear.’ Beca thought to herself as she went to the closet to get her outfit for the night.

Tomorrow was still looming over them, but Beca pushed it all away, determined to think about Amy and the Bellas for the rest of the night.

It was one mistake and they’d just won three years in a row. Surely they weren’t in that much trouble.

Right?

[chloes-yellow-cup]

Another no context Cyberpunk fic tease for FemV and Panam.

I really need to write more than part of the first chapter so I can get to where these bits and pieces are in the story.

NSFWish? Kinda?

The warm strength in hands used to working on cars was more delicate than V would have expected. Not that she thought of Panam as rough or harsh but her ability to find the precise points of pain in her neck and erase them was high on the heavenly scale and V felt herself relax for the first time since Panam fell through her door last night.

She had no idea when it happened but when Panam ran her fingers up both sides of V's neck, she was suddenly, painfully, turned on. She knew without a doubt that nothing in Panam's actions were intended to tease her, that she really was just trying to work the knots out of V's shoulders. She knew she should move, should say thanks and get up to go take a cold shower but she didn't know if she could do it without being obvious. And the last thing she wanted to do was make Panam uncomfortable. Sure they flirted outrageously whenever they were together, but V had never been so turned on before. The closest had been the night they first met - from the buzz of surviving the Raffen camp running through her veins - but even then she'd known nothing would happen, even if she'd hoped otherwise.

But now she was desperate, hungry and really hoping Johnny wouldn't tease her about it later.

Then Panam ran one of her hands through V's hair to massage her scalp, fingers scratching idly and it was all V could do to keep from making a sound. She knew she should get up, that continuing to let Panam touch her while she was definitely not thinking purely friend based thoughts was a bad idea, but she was afraid if she moved she'd moan.

"You know," Panam's voice was almost muffled as V's blood pounded through her body. "I would not have thought your hair would be this soft due to all the product you put in it to spike it." She closed her fingers together and lifted upward to approximate V's normal style. "That will teach me to assume things."

When Panam tugged a little harder, likely on accident, V was unprepared for the almost violent wave of need that caused her body to clench. An honest to god whimper escaped her lips and Panam went still around her, fingers resting against the top of V's head.

Awkward and obvious be damned, V pushed herself to her feet, feeling Panam's touch run down her back as her hand dropped, and went straight into the bathroom, hitting the button to slide the door closed and cutting off the rest of her room. She'd have to deal with the consequences of just leaving, but she'd do it later, when her whole body wasn't on fucking fire.

As she stripped off her boxers and tank, she was furiously debating on if she should just take a cold shower or if she needed to take care of her problem just to function.

*I know what I vote for.* Johnny thankfully didn't appear, though she'd gotten used to him randomly showing up when she was naked. It wasn't like he was actually looking at her and he always knew how she felt even when she tried to ignore it.

Since moving had made it abundantly clear how wet she was - seriously, when the fuck had that started; it was like she'd been turned up to 11 and missed all the stages in between - V didn't think she really had a choice. Except she was never going to be able to look Panam in the eyes again if she got herself off in the shower while Panam was still in the other room.

*You could always-*

*Don't finish that thought.* V told him as she turned the warm water knob for the shower. *Go away for a few minutes.*

She stepped under the spray and put her hands on the wall in front of her, bowing her head to let the water run over her. It was incredibly disconcerting to still be able to feel Panam's fingers kneading into her shoulders and definitely wasn't doing a damn thing to calm her down.

She was so deep into the argument with herself, knowing she was going to give in because the ache between her legs was physically painful, that she hadn't even noticed she wasn't alone until hands curved over her shoulders.

[cycwrites]

Waking Aubrey - A Fic Tease

Waking Aubrey

A/N: For @smolletts 

Even though I’m a little early for the day of your birth, I’m 84 years past due on my Staubrey origin story. In an attempt to appease you, I give this likely unsatisfactory fic tease of a single scene as a poor attempt at an offering.

Aubrey visits and stays with the girls for their final Thanksgiving in the Bella house and causes a certain brunette a wee bit of confusion. Takes place during my as yet unwritten PP2 story, “About Damn Time” aka “Rise of Staubrey”.

Also on AO3

 ------------------------

~S~

Stacie carefully carried the giant brimming mug of coffee up the attic stairs, deliberately stepping on the one that creaked; it was something she usually avoided purely because scaring the shit out of Beca by materializing behind her was one of her favorite past times. But when she reached the top of the stairs, the figure was still asleep, half on her stomach at the edge of the bed, one hand drawn up to rest under her cheek. Stacie set the coffee down on the small table in the center of the only open floor space and made her way to the bed where she knelt and gently moved a blond lock of hair that was draped over Aubrey’s nose.

It was weird. This was a wake up process she had done a million times with Beca or Chloe over the past two years, but she found she was nervous. She told herself that it was because she didn’t know if Aubrey would be mad, which was true, but it was because she really was trying to do everything in her power to not make Aubrey uncomfortable this trip. It was the longest that Aubrey had spent at the house in over a year and they’d never been alone in it like they were this morning.

Not anything was going to happen. They’d had their moment years ago and Aubrey had made her stance clear, no matter what Beca and Chloe sometimes let slip when they were in a drunk Bella pile in this very bed. It was a declaration that Stacie had been more than fine with for almost a year and a half. But recently she’d felt something inside her changing, a wistful feeling that twisted through her when she’d find Chloe at the center table in the kitchen talking to Aubrey over Skype. She was doing her damnedest to ignore it but now Aubrey was here in the house for a week and Stacie was nervous for the first time in her life.

Realizing that she’d been staring at Aubrey, taking in the edges softened in sleep, Stacie forced herself back to the task at hand. If Aubrey woke up and caught her leering like a creeper, Stacie would never forgive herself.

“Aubrey.” She waited but all Aubrey did was purse her lips for a second before they went lax again and Stacie decided it was the most adorable thing she’d ever seen. (It edged out a sleepy Beca blindly grabbing the finger Stacie had been using to bop the end of her nose and cuddling it to her chest.) She used her tried and true method and gently ran her finger from between Aubrey’s eyes and down along the tip of her nose. “Aubrey.”

“Mfph.” Aubrey’s lips pursed again and she wrinkled her nose, making Stacie almost coo at how fucking cute she was.

Stacie hated to wake her for a variety of reasons, but she was under strict orders from Chloe on when it was to be done. She leaned closer, like she was afraid of being overheard. “Bree.” She ran her finger down Aubrey’s nose again, lightly tapping the end of it like she would a stubborn Beca. It was a nickname she used sparingly even in her own mind, bringing up memories of her dorm room and a single night behind closed doors. Without thinking she let her fingertips graze Aubrey’s cheek and cup it gently, something she could never do while Aubrey was awake and definitely shouldn’t be doing while she was asleep. Even as she went to pull her hand away, Aubrey’s hand slid from under her to cup the back of Stacie’s neck and tug gently. Startled into freezing she jerked her eyes up and found sleepy green ones smiling at her.

Too shocked to stop it as Aubrey pulled her down into a soft kiss.

Just like she had that morning after, before they were once again Captain and Bella. Soft lips, warm breath against her face from an even softer sigh as Aubrey pressed close. In the back of her mind Stacie realized she had been chasing kisses like this since then – in a general sense as she rarely had a ‘morning after’ anymore - but no one had ever made her feel like Aubrey had.

Like she was making Stacie feel right now.

Too overcome with feelings she thought didn’t exist to stop herself from closing her eyes and returning it for several long heartbeats before guilt slammed into her.

Trying not to jerk herself violently out of temptation range – the sudden urge to slip between sheets warmed by Aubrey’s body almost too strong to ignore – eased herself back to find Aubrey’s eyes were closed again and her breathing on the way to evening out. She was thankful she had a moment to pull herself together even as she berated herself for her kneejerk acceptance of the kiss. She knew it wasn’t something Aubrey would’ve done if she was awake. Hell, she didn’t even know if Aubrey really knew it was Stacie she was kissing.

What it would mean for either of them if she had.

Or what it would mean to Stacie if Aubrey thought she was someone else.

She sat back on her heels, trying to calm herself before she reached out to gently shake Aubrey’s shoulder. Arm’s length was better. Arm’s length would let her pretend until she was in her room and could sort out the maelstrom of her thoughts.

“Aubrey. You’re late for practice.” If she’d known the reaction she’d get, Stacie probably wouldn’t have picked that particular phrase. But it worked.

Aubrey’s eyes shot open and she flung the blankets back. Her feet were already swinging for the side of the bed and Stacie had to scramble to avoid them. She awkwardly crab-walked backward until she could get her legs out from under her but they still tangled together and she fell with a thump to her ass. Aubrey halted, wobbling at the suddenness of her get up and go becoming a hard stop, and looked down in confusion.

“Stacie?” She blinked as if Stacie would vanish. “Why are you in my room?” Stacie started to laugh and let herself fall back to the floor, needing the outlet for a variety of reasons. Aubrey looked around the room, the confusion still lingering. “This isn’t my room.”

“Nope.” Stacie crossed her hands on her stomach. “I’m sorry.”

Aubrey sat back down on the bed heavily, blinking at her. “For?” She shook her head. “What’s going on?”

“I’m an asshole.” Stacie sat up and crossed her legs. “I tried waking you up and when it didn’t work, I told you that you were late for practice and you practically kicked me in the face getting out of bed.” She looked up under lowered lashes and eyed Aubrey, wondering if she remembered that first attempt or not. And if Stacie should tell her if she didn’t.

“Oh.” Aubrey blinked at her then yawned. “Yeah, that’d do it.” She stretched and Stacie averted her eyes, not trusting herself with an Aubrey clad in an old Barden shirt and a pair of shorts. There was a lot of leg on display and the memory of them wrapped around her back was too close to the surface. “Holy shit!”

Stacie winced, sure that Aubrey had remembered the kiss. “Look, before you say anything…”

“I overslept!” Aubrey said it indignantly, her eyes locked on the clock beside the bed that said it was 9:30. “I never oversleep! The alarm is usually a ‘just in case’ factor. I’m always awake by 7.”

Stacie let out a breath and hoped Aubrey didn’t hear it. “That’s Chloe’s fault.” Aubrey looked at her, one brow high and Stacie grinned at the indignant familiarity of it. “She turned off your alarm when she got up for her early class and gave me strict instructions to wake you now if you weren’t up sooner.” She held up one hand as Aubrey gave out a grunt of annoyance. “She said you never get to sleep in as a fancy Director at the lodge, cause someone’s always needing something from you. And you’re on vacation and going to start it right.” She hesitated, her lips pursing. “And since you did sleep until now, I’m going to say she’s not wrong. You needed the extra rest - especially since we were all up semi late last night.”

Aubrey sighed, shoulders that had been ramrod straight relaxing. “She’s right. You’re both right.” Her lips twisted in a way that reminded Stacie of Chloe. “I hate it when that happens.”

“When people other than you are right?” Stacie felt on more solid ground with the teasing. It was familiar. Safe.

“Yes.” Aubrey said crisply then grinned. “Especially you two. The only way it’d be worse is if Beca was right too.”

Stacie rolled over and pushed herself to her feet. “Then you’re going to love this.” She took the coffee from the table and handed it to Aubrey. “Beca told me that if we’re going to let you sleep late, I need to bribe you with coffee so you don’t make us do cardio over the holiday.”

Aubrey laughed and carefully took the mug in her hands. “I hate how well you all know me.” She took a sip and her eyes closed in bliss. “Okay, no I don’t.” She opened one eye. “You got my blend, didn’t you?”

Stacie pulled out one of the two chairs at the table and sat down. “Beca did.” Distance.

“Chloe tell you how much cream and sugar?” Aubrey let her eye close again as she took another cautious drink.

“She didn’t have to,” Stacie shrugged. “I remembered.”

“You did?” Aubrey didn’t look up and Stacie tried not to wonder if that meant something.

“Sure. It’s how I take mine.”

“Oh.” Aubrey said again, this time sheepishly. “I forgot, I guess.”

“You’ve been running an entire lodge,” Stacie laughed. “You’ve got a lot of things crowding your brain.”

“I’ll say,” Aubrey muttered behind her cup before looking back over and smiling. “Thanks. For the coffee and letting me sleep in.”

“You’re welcome, Bree.” Stacie bit her lip much too late to stop the nickname from coming out. “They’ll both be back before lunch and the others later in the afternoon. Chloe thought we could all drive into town tonight for dinner instead of cooking, since we’ll be making so much on Thanksgiving.”

“That sounds great.” Aubrey set the mug down on the bedside table. “I hope I’m not keeping you from anything just to let me sleep in.”

“Nah.” Stacie shook her head. “I’m done with classes till after the holiday. Thought I’d keep you company.”

“Oh.” Aubrey said a third time and this one had the least inflection of them all and worried Stacie the most. Then Aubrey smiled and Stacie’s mind settled before it could race down a path that would lead her to thinking Aubrey would rather die than be alone with her. “Just like old times.”

If Stacie’s chuckle held more relief than amusement, Aubrey didn’t react. “Except this time I won’t have books spread across the counter while you make amazing pasta sauce from scratch.” She paused, considering. “I don’t suppose you’d give me the recipe for that?”

Aubrey sniffed. “Posens do not reveal their family secrets to just anyone, you know.” She lifted one brow as she narrowed her eyes. “Are you worthy of that trust? Many have tried. All have failed.” She was clearly trying not to smile and it was infectious.

Feeling giddy, Stacie lifted her hands. “I mean, I think so.” Aubrey hummed thoughtfully as she stood up and stretched again, her shirt riding up slightly on her stomach before Stacie could look away. Though, to be fair, it had been directly in her line of sight and surely she couldn’t be blamed if she made a comment about Aubrey’s tan, right? She cleared her throat and sighed dramatically. “Okay fine. I’ll settle for you making some before you leave so I can freeze the leftovers.”

Aubrey laughed. “That’s a deal, at least.” She turned toward the suitcase that was sitting on top of the dresser against the back wall to pull out neatly folded clothes. “I’ll think about the other.”

“I can live with that.” Stacie stood up and moved toward the stairs. “I’ll figure out your weaknesses later and bribe you with them.”

“Good luck,” Aubrey called after her. “I’ll come find you after my shower; you can tell me how things are going with the rest of the girls.” She looked over her shoulder when Stacie stopped at the top of the stairs to look at her. “Chloe and Beca have kept me updated, of course, but Chloe’s only a few steps away from a freak out and Beca…” She frowned, looking for the right word. “Beca’s distracted. It’s weird. I can’t put my finger on it.”

“You don’t think there’s anything wrong between them, do you?” Stacie knew her best friends were fine as a couple, but Aubrey also wasn’t wrong. There was definitely something else going on in the DJ’s head that Stacie hadn’t been able to figure out.

“No.” Aubrey said it immediately and with as much confidence as Stacie had in the fact. “But there’s…”

“Something.” Stacie finished for her. “Alright, I’ll be downstairs. No rush.” Aubrey smiled at her then turned back to the suitcase as Stacie made her way down the stairs.

For the moment, she had decided not to tell Aubrey about the kiss. Knowing her former Captain and one-time lover as she did, Aubrey was guaranteed to react with extreme embarrassment. It would likely make her uncomfortable in Stacie’s presence if she didn’t outright leave - and that was if she didn’t hold Stacie responsible for it. Stacie knew she’d confess what had happened at some point, it was the right thing to do.

But maybe not until she had worked through it herself.

[cycwrites]

A Mitchsen Teaser.

Be gentle, it’s unbeta’d and I haven’t tinkered with it since I wrote it, but I’d love your thoughts.

Editing to add it’s a standalone AU that I’m using to get back to writing as I haven’t since March.

———

Beca crouched down behind the planter, feeling all kinds of stupid as she did so, and looked around the yard like one of the Trebles was going to jump out at her.

“Guess I should’ve asked what my story is if they find me like this,” she muttered as Aubrey slowly made her way around the corner. After a minute she lowered herself to her knees, deciding she didn’t need her legs cramping from crouching so damn low. She tried not to think about how the fact that this meant so much to Aubrey offset her own sense of awkwardness as she peeked over the edge of the planter and through the flowers every few seconds.

Despite their completely rocky beginning at the Activities Fair, Beca had always thought Aubrey was beautiful. She and Chloe were a perfectly matched gorgeous pair that had drawn her to the booth in the first place. But a capella was lame and she wasn’t quite that desperate to fit in at the school she didn’t even want to be in. Her beauty hadn’t diminished once Beca had joined, but it did take a backseat to all the constant knocks she gave against Beca’s clothes and “ear monstrosities” and her refusal to hear Beca out.

It wasn’t until after spring break, when all hell broke loose, that Beca had been able to realize that she’d been pushing where she hadn’t earned the right. She started to see things from Aubrey’s perspective and the two of them had spent a long time talking that night after the breakthrough in the pool. Apologies came easily to both of them and it only took a few days of awkwardness for them to put the past behind them and focus on the now and beating the Trebles at the ICCA’s.

What she hadn’t expected was just how much she liked the woman behind the pitch pipe.

All year she had known that Chloe had been interested in her. Had even returned some of it. But something had constantly held her back from committing to anything and it wasn’t just her fear of letting people into her heart. Sure, that fear of being hurt and left behind loomed large and with Chloe and Aubrey set to graduate - at least until they found out Chloe failed Russian Lit and she’d be staying behind – she was bound and determined not to start anything when the future was so uncertain.

What she was coming to realize, slowly and against her will, was that it hadn’t been fear that had kept her from Chloe. It was her attraction to another Captain entirely.

An attraction that was just as stupid as the fact that she was hiding in the neighbor’s back yard while said Captain scouted the place for prime prank locations.

Nothing had changed there. Aubrey was still graduating, though she was taking a year off before going to law school. She was still leaving Barden, Beca had decided she was staying and she didn’t know if she could do a long distance thing.

The more time they spent together, however, the more she wondered if she shouldn’t maybe figure that out because she wasn’t quite ready to walk away from Aubrey Posen.

Running footsteps from the direction Aubrey was supposed to emerge from jerked her upright though still kneeling. She felt her mouth drop when Aubrey came running full speed around the corner. The second she saw Beca, she started gesturing at her and at the back of her mind Beca thought she was going to have another talk with Aubrey about how no one understood her weird military shorthand.

Aubrey threw herself to her knees beside Beca when she reached the planter and before Beca could ask anything, Aubrey threw an arm out across her chest as she pulled both of them to the ground.

[cycwrites]

Still Falling - A Fic Tease

The Return of the Nowish Fic Teases! This one is a series of Staubrey scenes from a story I plan on writing called “Proposals, Weddings and Promises.” Did I call it that JUST so I can shorten it to PWP? Maybe… That story will, eventually, be both the Bechloe and Staubrey weddings from proposals to final dance (and maybe honeymoon). But for now have a much delayed Staubrey Week 2019 entry.

Plus I hurt my soul writing Can’t Help Falling and this was my way to get past it.

Edited to add that it takes place post-Worlds and pre-Nowish.

As always, thank you to @tiny-maus-boots for being the Master Beta, editor and sounding board.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 6834

On AO3 with my other Fic Teases.

---------

~S~

Friday, January 15th 2016

“Stacie! Did you call to give me more embarrassing stories about my sister? Please tell me yes!”

Stacie laughed as she adjusted the phone against her ear. “Sorry to disappoint you, Aiden. She’s been on her best behavior.”

He snorted. “That’ll be the day.”

“True.” Stacie leaned back in her office chair. “Despite the pressure of school, I’m glad she seems to have… relaxed… a lot the past couple months.” While the move to LA had been stressful, Aubrey still wasn’t even close to the ball of tension she’d been since Stacie had met her. The visit to the Posen estate over Thanksgiving – and spending time with her brothers – had been exactly what Aubrey had needed to unwind.

“Me too,” he said sincerely. “The past few years she’s been… She’s had…” Aiden trailed off, obviously trying not to be offensive.

“A stick up her ass?” Stacie grinned.

“Your words, not mine.” Stacie could almost see him hold up his hand as if to ward off a blow. “I don’t want her to hit me; it stings like the dickens.” She heard him close a door and the background murmur she’d been hearing cut off. “Everything okay though? Did you have a good birthday last week?”

“Yeah, we’re great and yes I did. Thank you for the picture. I love it.” Asher and Aiden had sent along a baby picture of Aubrey’s that Stacie had fallen in love with the second she saw it in Aubrey’s bedroom. In it a very serious faced Aubrey was standing stiffly at attention, saluting the General who stood opposite her. He was saluting her back, every inch the perfect soldier; but even in profile and only able to see one eye, the pride and love he felt for his daughter was obvious.

“You’re welcome. You know Asher and I consider you family.”

Stacie squirmed in her chair, caught between pleasure at the words and a lifetime of avoiding anything like them. “Thanks.” It felt lame, but it was still hard to express certain things with anyone but Aubrey.  “I… feel the same way.” She rolled her eyes at herself. ‘Real warm, Conrad.’

When she’d set her mind to wooing Aubrey, Stacie hadn’t considered the fact that she would also be accepting the Posen’s as a family into her life as well. Which she should have because she knew how close Aubrey and her brothers were. It wasn’t that she didn’t like them, she did – though she was pretty sure Mother Posen didn’t approve of her – but she had no idea how to express any of it. Except to Aubrey, where she felt safe enough to talk about anything.

“Sorry,” he said cheerfully. “I forgot you’re not big on the feels. Bossy will change that soon enough. With a little teasing – I mean help – from her older and wiser brothers.”

“I have no doubt,” she said with another laugh, feeling the discomfort fade. They really had made her, and Beca, feel like family at Thanksgiving. She didn’t think it would be long before she loved them as much as her own brother.

“I’m sure you didn’t call me just so I could tease you.” She heard him settle into his own chair.

“Not exactly.” Stacie took a measured breath. “Do you think General Posen would give me the recipe for his BBQ sauce?” As she expected there was a long pause.

“I dunno Stacie, the General considers that classified information.” Aiden hesitated. “I mean, you definitely impressed all of us with how much you knew about marinades and dry rubs…” He paused and Stacie heard what had to be a stifled snicker.

“No wonder you and Beca got along so well.” Stacie laughed. “You both live in the gutter.” She ignored Beca’s voice in the back of her head that asked ‘Would you like to be pot or kettle?’

Despite the inappropriately hilarious innuendos, there had been a very intense discussion on all things barbeque over Thanksgiving: The best brands of BBQ’s, best ways to prepare all the various things you could cook on them and then the actual cooking process itself. After twenty minutes Beca had escaped to the kitchen, ostensibly to see if she could help but Stacie knew that she was really hoping to steal something to snack on. Beca still hadn’t developed any real cooking skills beyond breakfast and all the talk of food prep had only served to make her even hungrier and dinner was still at least an hour away. Plus she’d begun to look pained with the effort of not laughing during the dry rub discussion and Stacie imagined she’d paused somewhere to giggle uncontrollably before finding the others.

“Guilty as charged.” He said with another laugh before picking up where he’d left off. “But he hasn’t even hinted at what’s in it to any of us. I don’t even think Mom knows.”

Stacie sighed and played with the pencil sitting on the desk in front of her. “I know Aiden, but if I’ve learned one thing over the past few years, you never know unless you ask.”

“That’s a fair point.” She heard him hum under his breath and could almost picture him purse his lips exactly like Aubrey did when she was considering something big.

“I just… I wanted to give Aubrey a surprise. She followed the three of us to LA without hesitation and…”

“Is she unhappy?” He asked it quick, but she could tell he wasn’t really worried. “She seemed fine at Thanksgiving.”

“No, nothing like that.” Stacie shook her head even though he couldn’t see her. “School has been kicking her ass, just a little, and… She’s got an interview in a few weeks at the law firm Beca’s label uses, to be an intern, and when she gets it, I wanted to surprise her with a taste of home.”

“I knew you were mushy at heart.” Aiden teased but she heard brotherly pride and approval in it.

“Only when your sister is involved,” Stacie said easily.

“Aw, now you’re just buttering me up so I’ll do it,” he accused.

“Guilty.” Stacie cradled her phone to her ear. “Did it work?”

“Of course it did.” He snorted. “I’m her big brother and making her happy is coded into my DNA.”

“I know the feeling,” Stacie muttered and flushed when he laughed. She hadn’t meant to say it out loud.

“If it’s cool, I’ll give Dad your number and have him call you. Is it okay that I tell him why you’re asking?”

“Of course, I expected nothing less.” Stacie felt herself relax, only then realizing that she’d been tense since she’d made the decision to call and picked up her cell.

“I can’t promise anything, but I’m sure he’ll at least call you to say no.” He laughed again. “Of course, if he says yes you know I expect to have you share with me.”

“Aiden,” Stacie sat up and leaned her elbows on her desk. “If he hasn’t given it to you, I’m sure as hell not going to go against him and give it to you if he entrusts me with it.”

“Aubrey always did pick the smart ones,” Aiden said. “Alright, Stacie. I’ll call Dad tonight when I know he’s not in the office anymore. Not sure when he’ll call you though.”

“That’s fine. Thanks, Aiden.” Stacie closed her eyes in relief. She’d been afraid he’d refuse outright because she was an outsider. In hindsight, she should’ve known better; Aiden and Asher had welcomed her in with arms wide open when Aubrey had first told them they were dating. Hell, at Thanksgiving she’d been treated exactly like Aubrey from the second they’d arrived - like a younger sister with all the teasing that accompanied it. It had been strange to realize that she’d already felt almost as comfortable with Aubrey’s brothers as she did with her own. It had also made her miss Derek and she’d gone to see him the following weekend.

“Anytime, Stacie. I hate to say it, but I do have to go. Army never rests and all that.” She heard him sigh. “I hope to be able to come visit soon”

“It’s okay, I understand.  My lunch break is almost over anyway. And we would love you to visit.” Stacie eyed the clock, wishing she was already off work and headed for the condo. “Tell Asher hi for me, will ya?”

“’Course.” She heard someone knock on the door in the background and Aiden’s voice quieted as he turned his head away. “I’ll be out in a minute.” He came back to the phone. “Be good and don’t let Bossy live up to her name.”

“But what if I like it when she does?” Stacie couldn’t help herself and grinned at the gagging sound he made.

“Nope! No! HangingupnowbyeStacie.” He said in a rush.

“Laters, Aide,” Stacie said as the line went dead. “So easy.”

Standing she put her phone in her lab coat pocket and stretched. “Now I just have to convince the General to give up a family secret to an unknown. No big deal. Piece of cake.”

Leaving her office for the lab, Stacie spared one final thought before she put it away. It would do no good to dwell while she waited to hear from Aubrey’s father. ‘Please let this work.’

 ~S~

Sunday, January 17th, 2016

When her phone rang, Stacie almost ignored it. She usually screened unknown numbers by letting them go to voicemail and calling them back if it was a legitimate call. Except she didn’t have the General’s number and she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to call him back. With a quick glance to make sure she was alone – completely unnecessary as Aubrey had gone to the store for dinner supplies – she forced her nerves away and answered. “Stacie Conrad.”

“Stacie.” The General’s gruff voice filled her ear. “How are you?”

“I’m great, Sir. I hope your weekend has been good.” She had never been good with parents and rolled her eyes at her stilted words.

“Passing well. Lydia didn’t have any events this weekend so we’ve just been rattling around the house.” He let out a chuckle. “But I’ll spare you the boring details of two old people filling their days and just hop right into it.” He paused and Stacie took a quiet breath, bracing herself as she sat at their kitchen table. “I hear you want some classified information.”

Despite the smile she could hear in his voice, Stacie’s tension grew as the moment she’d been thinking of for two months finally arrived. “Actually, Sir, the recipe is sort of secondary to why I wanted to talk to you.” She took another breath. “I’m sorry I wasn’t one hundred percent truthful with Aiden, but I wanted to do this right.” The hand not holding her phone began to ache and she forced herself to relax the fist she hadn’t realized she’d been making in her lap, resting it palm down on the table.

“And that is?” Thankfully he sounded curious instead of angry.

“I want to ask Aubrey to marry me and I was hoping to get your blessing Sir, General Posen, Sir.” She stared at her left hand where it pressed into the wood so hard her fingertips blanched white. ‘Maybe that was overkill…’

“I see.” It was completely neutral, no hint of anything she’d been expecting: surprise, disapproval or anything in between.

Her heart, which had already been trying to pound its way from between her ribs, tripled in speed. She would have licked her lips to wet them but her mouth had gone dry. “I realize that we’ve only been together for a short time, but I have loved Aubrey for years even though I didn’t realize it.” She wished she had some water but she didn’t trust her legs to hold her up. “I never thought – I never planned to fall in love. So I didn’t recognize what I was feeling as anything more than fondness. Until a year ago when I…” She trailed off with a self-deprecating laugh. “Until I couldn’t hide from my truth anymore.”

“That you loved Aubrey.” He made it a statement not a question and still there was no hint of what he might be thinking.

“Yes, General Posen.” Stacie shifted in her chair. “By the time I realized it, I thought it was too late… She was dating Thad, had even brought him home.” There was a small sound through the phone but she couldn’t tell if it was because the General had approved or disapproved of Aubrey’s boyfriend. “But then I got this second chance to prove to her what I’d spent all that time hiding from myself. That I love her with everything I am or ever will be.”

Stacie forced herself to take a breath, feeling lightheaded from all the emotions bouncing around inside her. She tried not to read too much into the fact that the General hadn’t said anything at all; he was military, he was a man who needed all the facts to make his decisions and likely rarely gave in to his emotions. Stacie understood it – Aubrey was the same way, though she was listening to her emotions more – and could respect it. She’d been planning different versions of this speech since Thanksgiving.

“So while I realize and appreciate that it could look like I’m moving too fast, that I’m setting us up for failure… I don’t want to waste any more time in starting the rest of my life with the only person I have ever – will ever – love.” She heard her throat click as she swallowed dryly, determined to get the rest of it out before she had her nervous breakdown.

“I know I’m not… what you and Mrs. Posen had envisioned for your daughter as you watched her grow up into the beautiful woman she is today. I know we come from two different worlds…” Stacie trailed off. “But I love her. And I promise to cherish Aubrey as the amazing woman she is for every second of the rest of our life together. Forever. It’s not a word I use lightly – one I never thought I would use at all. But it’s what I want with everything that I am.” She hesitated. “I just hope that I can live up to the way Aubrey loves me; prove to her every day that she didn’t make a mistake in choosing me.”

Stacie let herself fall silent; there was nothing left to do but wait for his answer.

As the silence grew, her heart fell. She knew she wasn’t good enough – not yet – for Aubrey, but she thought that the Posen’s had accepted her over the holidays. At least enough that when she’d realized she was going to ask Aubrey to marry, Stacie knew she had to do it the right way from the start. And in Aubrey’s world, that meant asking her father… Except he still hadn’t said anything and each passing second felt like a stone in her heart.

Even if he refused, Stacie still planned to propose to Aubrey; there wasn’t a force on Earth that could prevent that from happening. She’d had the ring since the beginning of November, already knowing that Aubrey was her future, but had only recently solidified how she wanted to propose. They were meant to be, she knew that now, so while Stacie didn’t really worry that Aubrey would say no – brief moments of insecurity aside – she didn’t want to be the cause of a rift between Aubrey and her family.

“And the recipe?” His voice startled her from her musings.

“She told me that, as a child, she loved barbeque nights. Because that meant you were home.” Stacie didn’t think Aubrey would mind her sharing this secret, but she still wanted to squirm a little. “And I want to show her that I… want… to be her home. Because she is mine.”

There was another long silence before he spoke again.

“Do you have pen and paper handy?”

“Yes, Sir!” Too afraid to let herself hope, Stacie scrambled to stretch out an arm that had become leaden with nerves and pull over the notepad they used for groceries.

"First, I want to remind you that if you give this to any of my children, I will both be disappointed and then lock you away in a bunker for treason.” Amusement laced his voice though there was something else underneath it.

She nodded before remembering he couldn’t see her. “Of course. I would expect nothing less. But I promise I’ll guard it with my life.”

“I know you will.” This was said softer and Stacie knew they weren’t talking about barbeque sauce anymore. He cleared his throat. “As you know, we go for a sweeter taste up here in Northern Virginia, so it’s more tomato based. But the real trick is to make sure you let it sit for a night after you mix it all together and then heat it slowly when you’re ready.”

“Got it.” Stacie said as he gave her the ingredients, taking meticulous notes in a shorthand she had made up in college. The last thing she wanted was for Aubrey to find it and ruin the surprise.

As he spoke, silent tears tracked down her face, moved beyond words at the unspoken but unmistakable approval of her as a partner for Aubrey.

 ~S~

Sunday, February 14th, 2016

Stacie was sure she was going to throw up.

The tension in her body had grown all day and now that the moment of truth was almost here, she wasn’t sure she could eat the dinner she’d spent the day preparing.

On Saturday she’d been spared coming up with an excuse to get Aubrey out of the house by Beca insisting that Aubrey go with her for a last minute gift consultation. Apparently she’d bought something for Chloe and decided that maybe she’d picked up the wrong thing – earrings versus bracelet, if Stacie heard right – so Stacie had had several hours free to mix together the recipe given to her by the General the month before.

Chloe, who Stacie had confided in three weeks before, had stored the various ingredients Stacie picked up in preparation. It was a testament to how nervous Stacie was that she hadn’t realized one simple fact until Chloe pointed it out: Putting together the incredibly complicated recipe was essentially chemistry and who better to replicate it than an actual chemist? Chloe had also offered moral support as Stacie had carefully measured and poured, more focused on getting everything correct, more meticulous than she even was in her lab.

Once she was done, Stacie had sealed it tightly and wrapped plain brown paper around the container and neatly printed “Aubrey Keep Out” on it with a smiley face and a heart. She knew that single command to stay away would drive Aubrey absolutely insane for the next day but she’d also respect Stacie’s desire to surprise her.

“She’s going to love it.” Chloe put her hand on Stacie’s shoulder as she closed the fridge. “Even without the marinating, that test taste definitely tasted like the sauce I remember from the last time I was there.”

“Yeah?” Stacie turned to clean up the mess she’d littered over the kitchen counters. “You’re not just saying that?”

“You know better.” Chloe shoulder bumped her. “It’ll be perfect.” She turned on the faucet and set it to warm so she could start rinsing plates to put them in the washer. “I knew you had a sappy side.”

“Don’t tell anyone.” Stacie started to gather her trash to throw out before Aubrey got home.

“Too late, they all know.” Chloe said easily.

Stacie just hoped that Aubrey wasn’t disappointed that they weren’t going out on their first official Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t a day that had meant anything to Stacie in the past, but like asking the General for Aubrey’s hand, it was one more thing she wanted to do right. And for what she had in mind, she didn’t want it to be in public. She wanted it to be just for them. So she’d asked Aubrey if it would be alright if she made them a home cooked meal and she had immediately agreed.

Now, after cooking the ribs for several hours and then slathering sauce on one side and then the other for another half, Stacie carried two plates out to the table Aubrey had finished setting out on their balcony.

“I know it’s not a glamorous restaurant, but I wanted to try and give you something special for our first Valentine’s Day together.  I know I can’t really match it, but you said how much you miss home cooked barbeque, so I thought…”

“I love it.” Aubrey interrupted her rambling and put her hand on Stacie’s. “I love you.” She took her seat. “It smells amazing, love.” Aubrey had kept coming out to the balcony to sniff over her shoulder, something Stacie had allowed until it was time to sauce them.

Stacie’s mouth was dry again and she wished she could gulp the beer Aubrey had poured earlier. “Thanks.” She sat on the edge of her chair, surreptitiously wiping her hands on her napkin she draped over her lap. “Guess it’s the moment of truth.”

Aubrey picked up her glass and held it up. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Stacie.”

“Happy Valentine’s, Bree.” Stacie gratefully lifted her glass and clinked it gently against hers. “There is nowhere else I want to be than with you.”

Aubrey’s voice softened. “Me either.” She reached her free hand over and rested it on Stacie’s arm while they both sipped their beer. Setting down her glass she looked at her plate. “I still can’t believe you cooked this all day.”

Stacie took another small drink, for courage and moisture. “It wasn’t that much trouble. Just let it sit and do its thing ‘til it’s time to turn it and poke it with a fork to see if it’s done.” She couldn’t figure out what to do with her hands and felt she was dangerously close to turning into Beca with her gestures, so she put them in her lap where her fingers twisted tightly together.

Nothing in her life had been more important than this moment; than the woman sitting bathed in sunlight that lit the highlights in her hair and brought out the sparkles in her eyes. It was more than living up to the legacy left to her by her grandmother’s rose quartz, a fact she knew would amuse Gran endlessly. She could almost feel her Gran’s hand on her hair and the loving way she’d have told Stacie ‘I told you one day you’d need it.’

Aubrey shot her a glance out of the corner of her eye, her lips curling into a smile. “The anticipation is killing you, isn’t it?”

“You have no idea,” Stacie muttered.

“Aw, baby.” Aubrey shook her head. “Alright, I’ll put you out of your misery.” Like any true connoisseur of fine barbeque, Aubrey picked up one of the ribs with her fingers and delicately took a bite, her eyes closing to savor the moment. Stacie, watching closely, saw the second realization hit. Aubrey’s eyes flew open and met hers. “Stacie?” Aubrey took another, bigger bite, and Stacie felt relief wash over her even as she smiled at the smear of sauce that ended up across Aubrey’s cheek.

“Yes?” She strived for nonchalance and leaned back in her chair, her left hand dipping into the band of her skirt where she’d stored the small box she’d had for months, waiting for her heart to actually break through her ribs.

“This is… Dad’s… how did…?” Aubrey took a third bite instead of continuing. “It’s perfect, love.” Her eyes closed again, a hum of pure contented enjoyment coming from her throat as Stacie reached out and wiped away the sauce with her thumb. “He hasn’t even given us that recipe. How?”

Stacie slipped from her chair and knelt on one knee. “He gave it to me the day I asked his permission to marry the love of my life.” She opened the box and waited. It wasn’t that she was worried about a no… except she’d been wrong before. At the retreat. And she didn’t know what would happen if she was wrong again.

Aubrey’s fingers opened in shock, dropping the rib back to her plate as she turned to face where Stacie had been sitting before turning shocked emerald eyes downward. Her mouth opened but no words came out as she took in the ring before her.

“Aubrey Marie Posen,” Stacie said, her voice shaking from the strength of the love coursing through her veins. “I didn’t know it, but I have loved you since the night of the riff-off and I watched you laugh at a horror movie.”

Aubrey’s hand reached up to trace her throat, fingers looking for a Bella scarf that hadn’t been there in years. Stacie smiled gently at her; wanting so much to reach out and touch her reassuringly and hoping one day to make that nervous tick a thing of the past.

“It took me too long to realize it and I’m sorry.” She licked her lips again. “I know we’ve only lived together for a short time, but I don’t want to wait any longer to start our life together.”

Aubrey’s eyes flickered from the ring to Stacie’s eyes, wondering and filled with something Stacie couldn’t pin down. Her hands wanted to shake from nervousness but she willed them to behave as she waited for Aubrey to say something.

Instead, Aubrey frantically wiped her hands on her napkin, turning away slightly and Stacie’s heart stuttered in its wild beat, wondering if she’d been wrong, if this wasn’t the time… But Aubrey merely pulled something from underneath a second napkin that Stacie hadn’t realized was sitting on one of the empty chairs. Stacie looked down as the small box that mirrored her own was opened and balanced in one delicate palm.

Everything inside her went calm and still as she met Aubrey’s watery gaze with her own.

“Yes.”

~S~

Thursday, August 18th, 2016

“I told you she was going to cry.”

“Beca!” Amy threw a small handful of rice at Beca where she sat at the piano. “Even I know you’re not supposed to say that during a wedding rehearsal. It’s expected that the bride cries.”

“Then you should also know that you don’t actually need to bring rice to the rehearsal.” Beca shot back, unable to wipe off the ones that had landed on her shoulder. “It’s also not nice to throw things at the pianist.”

“Did you just call yourself a penis?” Amy asked incredulously. “What else about you do I not know?”

Stacie grinned as Chloe broke off singing and began to laugh. “I’ve missed you, Amy.”

“Because I’m fun.” Amy shrugged and threw a few more pieces of rice at Beca. “Even when my friends keep secrets from me.”

“Oh my god.” Beca stopped playing and covered her face though Stacie knew it was to hide her grin. “There are no secrets, Amy.”

Stacie looked back up the aisle as Aubrey walked toward them, clearly torn between amusement and annoyance. Amusement won as Stacie reached for the box of Kleenex she had kept close.

“Like we’d trust you to tell the truth.” Aubrey took the tissue Stacie handed her and wiped at her face. “We’ll have to ask Chloe if we want answers.”

“Oh, well.” Chloe said, covering the microphone confidentially. “In that case…”

“Do not.” Beca turned on the piano bench and pointed a finger. “Do not give Amy any ammunition to make things up.”

“Oh, Beca.” Ashley shook her head. “Don’t you know that just fuels us more?”

“Did you really need all of them tonight?” Beca looked at Aubrey. “Like, couldn’t we have just used chairs since only Chloe and I are moving around during the procession?”

“Nope.” Aubrey said cheerfully. “It’s my wedding, I get to do what I want.”

“Bridezilla.” Beca winced as Chloe backhanded her shoulder lightly. “We’ve been married not even four months and the abuse starts.”

“Like we don’t know you love it.” Jessica grinned at her.

“Guys – maybe not in front of the parents?” Aubrey cleared her throat. “Chlo, Beca, do you guys mind going through it one more time?”

Beca answered first. “Of course not, Aubrey.”

“Thanks, DJ.” Stacie smiled at Beca before turning to give Aubrey a kiss on the cheek. “I think that last pacing was fine, love.”

“Thanks.” Aubrey squeezed her hand before joining her father to walk back down the aisle and out of the room.

After one last look around to make sure everyone was in place, Beca began to play “Can’t Help Falling in Love." As Chloe started to sing, Aubrey and the General reappeared in the doorway and made their way down the aisle.

At first Stacie wasn’t sure the song was appropriate; it had broken her heart when Aubrey had told her what had happened after their single night together in college. It hurt her in ways she wouldn’t have dreamed possible to think of Aubrey standing in the Bella living room, listening to this song and burying all her feelings. When Stacie had come back downstairs, she’d had no idea that Aubrey had been crying minutes before and learning about it had brought Stacie to tears.

But over the past few months, Aubrey had convinced Stacie that it would turn the song into something wonderful instead of a painful memory. “Besides, it’s my truth. I tried not to... but I couldn’t help falling in love with you.”

Now, watching Aubrey walk toward her, Stacie knew it was her truth too.

And tomorrow, finally, they would belong to each other and she’d never let Aubrey go.

 ~Amy~

Friday, August 19th, 2016

Amy took the microphone off the stand and looked over the reception room.

“As is tradition, the two brides will have their first dance and they’ve given me the honor of singing it for them.” She waited as the room erupted into whistles and cheers before looking over at the table behind her. “So, if you two would please stop snogging for two seconds and make your way to the dance floor?” The cheers became catcalls as a half blushing, all smiles Aubrey was led to the center of the room by a grinning Stacie.

Amy took a deep, steadying breath and, with one last glance around at her sisters, began to sing “Still Falling For You” by Ellie Goulding. There was no music or instruments, they were aca-people after all, but her voice was steady and smooth. While she’d been practicing this song almost daily for two months, she was still afraid she’d screw it up. Rationally, she knew no one would care but she would feel terrible even as she pretended to laugh it off.  

Fire and ice This love is like fire and ice This love is like rain and blue skies This love is like sun on the rise This love got me rolling the dice Don't let me lose Still falling for you Still falling for you

She couldn’t help but smile as she watched Stacie gently spin Aubrey, both of them lost in each other’s eyes. There had been bets amongst the Bellas on who would lead this first dance, but it hadn’t even been a thought in Aubrey’s head. Once she’d stopped running from her feelings, Aubrey had given everything she was to Stacie without hesitation – including putting Stacie’s name above her own.  

Beautiful mind Your heart got a story with mine Your heart got me hurting at times Your heart gave me new kind of highs Your heart got me feeling so fine So what to do Still falling for you Still falling for you

There were a few low whistles as Stacie dipped Aubrey and kissed her, both of them motionless as they got lost in each other before Stacie righted them again. Aubrey pulled her close, her arms winding around Stacie’s neck as they moved in perfect sync.

It took us a while With every breath a new day With love on the line We've had our share of mistakes But all your flaws and scars are mine Still falling for you Still falling for you

It had definitely been a journey, watching the two of them circle each other over the past five years and Amy was honored to be part of their new beginning.

Amy had never been big on family, her own having devolved into a nightmare that drove her away once her mother passed, but she had begun to realize that the women sitting on either side of the head table behind her were just that. So it didn’t surprise her that when she reached the chorus, eight voices joined her own, filling the space around her with music. Because of course they would. Unrehearsed. Without thought. No hesitation or even a question amongst them.

Aubrey and Stacie both looked up, eyes bright and shining in the dim light, their smiles flashing as the Bellas sung them into this new phase of their life. Their voices lifted and weaved, announcing to everyone in the room how much they loved the couple gliding smoothly across the center of the room.

And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me I'm in And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me No one can lift me, catch me the way that you do I'm still falling for you

Stacie and Aubrey looked around at them, their eyes bright and shining with unshed tears and shocked wonder. Amy could relate as she felt goosebumps on her arms as a rush of adrenaline hit her. They hadn’t talked about this, had never practiced singing this particular song together, but their voices lifted hers up and she felt she was starting to understand why people cried at weddings.

Family. This was her chosen one and she would lay down her life for any one of them. Even Legacy.

While they stopped singing for the next stanza, they kept the beat with snaps as Lilly provided the bass, letting Amy take the lead once more.

Brighter than gold This love shining brighter than gold This love is like letters in bold This love is like out of control This love is never growing old You make it new Still falling for you Still falling for you

It took us a while 'Cause we were young and unsure With love on the line What if we both would need more But all your flaws and scars are mine Still falling for you Still falling for you Still falling for you

Amy thought the song was definitely the perfect choice for the two of them. They had been fire and ice; they had both been young and unsure. But even Amy had figured out by the ICCAs that there was more to the two of them than just Captain and Bella. Of course, Amy herself had been young and stupid and hadn’t given it much thought until that last Thanksgiving at the Bella house. Even then she’d not realized the depth of their emotions, both of them too adept at hiding it at that point. But seeing them together over the past two weeks leading up to the wedding… Aubrey was like a completely different person. Or, rather, she was the person they’d only caught glimpses of that first year; completely relaxed, open and… Amy smiled to herself as Aubrey laughed at something Stacie whispered in her ear. Someone not afraid to let go.

The rest of the Bellas joined her for the chorus again and Amy realized that they were approaching the end of the song.

And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me I'm in And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me No one can lift me, catch me the way that you do Still falling for you Falling, crash into my arms Love you like this Like a first kiss Never let go Falling, crash into my arms Never breaking what we got Still falling for you Still falling for

There was a breathless pause before they gave it their all and Amy was glad this was being recorded because she never wanted to forget a second of how connected to them all she felt in this instant.

And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me I’m in And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me All for me

Then, one by one, their voices fell silent until only Amy’s remained.

And just like that All I feel is you All I feel is you You are all for me I’m still falling And just like that All I feel is you All I feel is you

As she sang the last few lines she fought to keep from tensing up.

Amy had been waiting for this moment for five very long weeks. She had told no one the plan and while she may have been a safe that locks there were just some things that begged to be shared. But she’d held off and now that the moment was here she couldn’t wait to see the looks on their faces.

Stacie and Aubrey had slowly been moving around the floor, whispering and nuzzling each other, but over the last few lines they had drifted to stand in front of Amy.

Amy took a breath, hoping no one thought anything of her pause before singing the last few lines of the song, as she casually held the mic out further than she had been.

“You are all for me.”

Stacie and Aubrey sang it together, both their faces going almost comically slack in shock, before identical smiles of pure joy lit up the room. Stacie cupped Aubrey’s face with both hands as the two of them finished the song together.

No one can lift me, catch me the way that you do I’m still falling for you

Aubrey pulled her in and kissed her while the room went still around them. Amy stepped to the side, leaving them alone and hoped the photographer was on the ball and capturing this moment of sheer perfection.

Stacie had come to her with the idea first: “So, if Bree and I happen to end up in front of you at the end of the song, do you think you could hold the mic out for me to sing the last bit?”

Amy had agreed and immediately called Stacie whipped – affectionately, of course.

Aubrey had called her a week later: “Would it be crazy if I wanted to sing the last three lines at the end of the dance?”

Amy almost laughed, except she knew Aubrey would assume Amy was laughing at her and that was the last thing she wanted. So she’d choked it back and told Aubrey it wasn’t crazy at all and she’d be happy to hold the mic out for her if she could get Stacie there.

She’d obviously heard about their double proposal and the fact that they both had the exact same idea about their first dance song proved that they were obviously meant for each other. It had killed her not to share this secret with Beca but some things were better as surprises. Speaking of…

Amy turned and looked where Beca and Chloe had been sitting and couldn’t help the laugh that burst out of her – thankfully she’d turned the mic off when she’d stepped out of the way, she’d have hated to ruin the still ongoing kiss but she couldn’t help it. Beca was full on ugly crying as she held tightly to Chloe’s hand; not that Chloe was beyond that herself, but the only other time Amy had seen Beca cry this hard was at her own wedding.

Not that Amy was one to talk. She took the tissue that Lilly held out to her and dabbed at her cheeks as the entire reception room filled with a roar of approval as the brides finally separated, even if it was only to rest their foreheads together.

Amy cleared her throat and turned on her mic.

“Ladies, gentlemen… And Trebles.” She only waved as good natured jeers came from the far side of the room. “I present to you Mrs. & Mrs. Posen-Conrad.”

Family.

Amy thought it again as the noise grew deafening but the Bellas were still louder than the rest as they stood up and cheered at their tables.

My family.

-------

(x)

[cycwrites]

The Reckoning - A Fic Tease

Fic Tease time again. The Bella Reunion post USO Tour. I swear I’m going to end up writing all of PP3 in teases unintentionally.

Nowish takes place March-July 2017, USO tour happens March 2018, Tattoos in Aprilish 2018 and this is after.

Fair warning – this is only a partial chapter and could change a bit when it’s finally included in the actual story.

Rating: Teen

Words: 8200

Also on AO3

A Shared Lifetime  - All my works in my alternate timeline so far, including my other fic teases. 

Thanks, as always, to @tiny-maus-boots for the above and beyond Beta/Editor work she does.

Saturday, June 23, 2018

~B~

“I texted CR to let her know we’re here and about to check in.” Beca looked up as Stacie opened the rental car door to let her out of the backseat. “Thanks, babe.” She groaned as she got out and stretched her legs. It wasn’t a long drive from the airport to their hotel, but after the plane ride even she was feeling a little cramped.

“Think they’re readying shots for us again?” Aubrey asked from the other side of the car as she opened the door for Chloe.

“Probably.” Beca leaned back and felt her spine pop back into place. “I quite enjoyed being handed vodka shots when we walked in at Barden last year. I just hope Amy keeps away from the Tequila this time.” She shuddered. “It doesn’t even taste good, why do we keep doing it? Better yet, why do I keep drinking till I throw up?”

“But I held your hair back and everything.” Stacie ran her hand through Beca’s hair. “I didn’t think such a small body could hold that much vomit.”

“I did.” Chloe walked around the trunk to wind her arm around Beca’s waist. “I’m just glad you were there to get her to the bathroom.”

“Eh.” Stacie shrugged. “You and Bree were dancing. B and I were only gone a few minutes. I’m just glad Aubrey came prepared.”

Beca made a face. “Me too.” Aubrey, based on past experiences, had taken the precaution of bringing four different mini toothbrushes as well as a mini tube of toothpaste in her purse that night. “I’d take any version of Amy’s Aussie Surprise over Tequila. Someone please remind me of that tonight when I’m drunk and making bad choices?”

Aubrey laughed as Stacie popped the trunk open. “No promises, love.”

“You just want to get me drunk and take advantage of me.” Beca moved to the back of the car and took Aubrey’s bag out before she could.

“I don’t need you drunk for that,” Aubrey leaned down and purred in her ear, her voice deliberately deeper.

“Aubrey Marie Posen, do not start that right now.” Beca closed her eyes as a shiver went through her, having to lean on the edge of the trunk as her legs felt momentarily wobbly. “We promised we’d just drop the bags off and go right to the convention room. You give me that voice now and we’re never going to make it.” Which, Beca knew, was exactly the response Aubrey was trying to provoke and one that she was more than willing to give into.

Aubrey laughed and ran her hand down Beca’s arm. “Sorry.”

“Yeah, I don’t know that I believe that.” Chloe said from where she leaned against the side of the car, watching them. “I think you just like it when Beca’s all horny and can’t do anything about it.”

As Aubrey only smiled, the heat of which caused Beca to shiver again, Stacie gently moved Aubrey away from the trunk before she could grab more than their shared carry on and began to help Beca unload the rest of their bags. “I know I like it when she does that.”

“To you or Beca?” Chloe smiled as Beca handed her the small bag that held their combined toiletries.

“Yes.” Stacie answered absently, scanning the trunk for anything left behind. “Watch your fingers. I’m awful fond of them.” She looked to make sure everyone was clear and then closed the trunk. Fishing the keys out of her pocket, she hit the lock before replacing them so she could grab the handles of both her and Aubrey’s rolling suitcases.

Beca did the same for hers and Chloe’s and headed for the entrance to the Miami Hilton. “You guys are the worst.”

“That’s not what you said last night.” Aubrey said, her voice skirting the line between Normal Aubrey and Sex Voice Aubrey. She laughed when Beca almost tripped over her own feet. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ll behave.” She waited until they had almost reached the door. “At least until tonight.”

Beca felt her stomach tighten with desire and groaned. “Oh my god. I can’t believe you just…” She trailed off. “How long do we have to stay at this thing?”

“It’s tradition to close it down.” Chloe said, smiling at the doorman who held the door open for them. “Thank you.”

“That feels like a year away.” Beca groaned.

“Won’t that just make it all the more fun when we’re back in our room?” Stacie whispered in her ear as they joined the back of the small line waiting to check in.

Beca drew a deep breath and tried to wrestle her hormones down long enough to deal with the desk staff. “You’re right. I’ll stop whining.”

She shuffled forward in line, Aubrey and Chloe talking about their previous Bella group as they waited, and reminded herself that she was about to see her self-made family. It had only been a few months since their return from overseas, but she missed them already. Spending time with them was never a bad thing, even if her mind was already trying to envision three beautiful women naked under her in bed.

In short order they’d checked in, gotten their keys and were headed up to their room. As Aubrey opened the door and led the way, Beca whistled as she wheeled in their luggage. “Okay. This is fancy.” She moved the suitcases against one of the walls and turned in a circle. They’d all vetoed the idea of separate rooms and had decided to get one of the Bay view suites. It had a separate bedroom with a king sized bed and a large living room area; they had paid for the room in advance when they’d booked it just after Christmas, thinking to entertain the Bellas over the weekend. The sofa bed would hopefully keep the rest of them from thinking too hard about why they’d gotten a single bed room.

Now, however, Amy had booked a presidential suite with the balcony, thanks to her newfound fortune, and likely would do a lot of the entertaining up there. At least until Bumper showed up the following day and Amy kicked them all out for a while. Amy had also generously paid to extend all their stays for an extra few days, giving them time to explore the city and hit the beaches.

“Just wait till you’re a big music star, B.” Stacie said as she brought over her suitcases. “You’ll be in those suites that have three bedrooms and a parlor or the presidential suite soon yourself.”

Beca frowned. “We don’t even know that the album I’m going to have to start thinking about will sell.” Aubrey snorted on her way to the bathroom. “We don’t.” Beca insisted then grinned. “But if I do, I guess I’ll just have to find excuses to bring you all with me, since we’ll have so many bedrooms and all.”

Chloe kissed her on the cheek and patted her on the ass. “You’ll be great.”

“Damn right she will.” Aubrey agreed as she walked out of the bathroom. “Okay, that shower stall is big enough for at least two.”

Stacie laughed. “Wait – is that why you wanted to get this room?”

Aubrey lifted one delicate brow. “You got a problem with that?”

“Not at all.” Stacie said as she walked over use the bathroom herself. “You know we’ve all got a shower fetish.”

“Now, at least.” Beca laughed. “And it’s entirely your fault, Bree.”

Aubrey shrugged. “You’re welcome.” She handed out room keys to the rest of them. “But we gotta go, unless anyone else has to use the facilities?” She looked at Beca with a knowing smirk. Beca stuck her tongue out as her bladder reminded her of its existence, slipping into the bathroom when Stacie came out. “I’ll text Cynthia Rose.” Chloe was next and then Aubrey was ushering them out the door.

“She said Concerto C, right?” Stacie asked as she hit the button for the elevator.

“Yes. Ballroom level.” Aubrey answered absently, looking into the mirror by the elevator and combing her fingers through the ends of her hair.

Beca watched her for a few seconds, realizing that Aubrey had done the same thing in the room. At the time, Beca hadn’t really been paying attention, since Aubrey had also tied her Bellas scarf in place around her neck. But looking at Aubrey now, alternating between fluffing at her hair and adjusting her scarf, Beca could clearly see the nerves. But before Beca could move, Stacie was there.

She put her hand on Aubrey’s forearm to still it. “You look beautiful, Bree.” Stacie gave one final adjustment to Aubrey’s scarf and linked their fingers together.

Aubrey smiled. “Thanks, love.” Her hands finally stilled under Stacie’s touch.

Beca smiled gently, watching how Aubrey immediately settled under Stacie’s touch; implicitly believing her over her own insecurities that Beca knew whispered in the back of her mind. Stacie was always so soft with Aubrey, so loving and gentle and the ‘forever love’ between them had always resonated deeply within Beca as it was the same as she shared with Chloe. It was real and deep and, though she’d never admit to having one, Beca’s insanely strong romantic side had always considered Staubrey’s slow burn love affair a beautiful, if sometimes heart wrenching, romance.

Now that love was shared between the four of them and Beca sometimes thought she’d burst from how happy they all made each other.

The four of them piled into the elevator and Beca pressed the button for the ballroom floor, feeling her own nerves start to rise. Beca forced herself to stop tapping her foot, afraid Aubrey would pick up on her tension and let it spin her back up.

Even though That Whore Alice™ hadn’t been at any of the reunions, Beca always became keyed up just before they walked in. This year was even worse, knowing more about how awful she’d been to both Aubrey and Chloe for three years. She knew Stacie had moved from being angry but amused and willing to let Beca fight for their girls honor to ‘I’m going to rip this bitch apart with my bare hands.’

As adamant about ripping into her as Beca was, she was equally sure that Aubrey wouldn’t want them to make a scene. That she would insist that they just put everything behind them even as she played with the scarf at her neck the entire time, screaming out her nerves for anyone who knew her body language as well as Stacie, Chloe and Beca did.

The door opened and Aubrey and Chloe stepped out first, Beca and Stacie like bookends on either side. Following the signs, they made their way around the corner and down to where most of the event rooms opened into a large foyer. Following the sounds of music – Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” – and laughter to the third set of doors on the left, they walked into the room, Beca and Stacie still bracketing the other two.

Stopping just inside the doorway, they surveyed the room, looking for familiar faces. Cynthia Rose hadn’t told them where their table was, but even in a room filled with almost two hundred Bellas, they should be easy to find. Beca bopped her head, wondering who had control of the music as the song changed and began playing another Swift song, “Bad Blood”. Not that she minded Swift and this particular video always made her laugh because ‘The Trinity’ looked like Emily but usually DJ’s liked to switch up the artists to keep people from being bored. Maybe she should have taken them up on the offer to do the music this year.

“I see you two are still with the anti-Bella and the college tramp. I thought you slut bags were paired the other way. Or do you deviants just wife swap?”

The unpleasant voice broke into Beca’s musing and she looked in confusion at the woman who stood in front of them. She wore a condescending sneer, clearly amused with herself, and without even knowing who she was, Beca hated her on sight. Then she felt Aubrey stiffen beside her and the realization of who this was and what she had said washed over Beca like a wave of heat. She swore her vision tinted red as she went from casual to volcanic in the space of a heartbeat.

“Yes.”

Chloe’s voice knocked Beca – already thrown from suddenly being confronted with the woman she’d spent the past six years despising – further off balance. She turned her head and blinked at Chloe, who was standing contentedly on Aubrey’s other side. Peripherally she realized that they’d drawn a crowd that formed a half circle around them.

That Whore Alice™ paused, whatever sarcastic comment that she was about to say dying on her lips. “Excuse me?” The tone, however, that was still pure vile bitch and Beca felt her jaw clench again.

“Yes.” Chloe repeated patiently, as if to a small child. “To both. And it’s goooood.”

And, in front of every single Bella in attendance, as Taylor Swift sang the most fitting song for this long overdue confrontation, Chloe pulled Stacie down into a kiss that looked like it was guaranteed to pull the breath from her lungs and make her forget about anyone else around them.

Beca, torn between watching what was always one of the hottest things she’d ever seen and That Whore Alice’s™ reaction, gave a mental shrug. Chloe had put them on this path and Aubrey hadn’t run out of the room in panic or thrown up on anyone. Yet – though she did maybe look a little bit green. If there was ever going to be a moment to have that stress reaction come back, this was it. Since she hadn’t, Beca hoped Aubrey would be okay with what she was about to do.

She slipped her arms around Aubrey’s waist and prayed she’d follow Beca’s lead as she turned them both to dip Aubrey into the most dramatic, cliché movie moment kiss. Thankfully Aubrey relaxed enough to let her and Beca felt herself warmed by the trust in those green eyes. She smiled gently before looking up, her eyes hardening. “Jealous that she never let you kiss her when you tried, egg breath?”

That Whore Alice™, who had been watching Chloe and Stacie essentially going for the deep kiss world record, look over at Beca, her shocked expression switching back to anger. Beca gave her a small vicious grin before looking down at Aubrey, watching carefully for any sign of panic or disagreement. When she didn’t see either of those things, and in fact Aubrey was looking at her with a hint of dare in her eyes, Beca let herself close the distance between them and kissed Aubrey deeply and thoroughly.

Beca tried to channel all her anger into tenderness, wanting to make Aubrey feel safe and loved even in the midst of her literal nightmare come to life. Aubrey returned the kiss hesitantly at first then eagerly, her body relaxing further into Beca’s embrace as her right hand cupped Beca’s cheek. Eventually Beca heard Chloe came up for air and, reluctantly, lifted her head.

“That’s never not hot.” Stacie fanned herself, turning as Beca brought Aubrey up from their dip. Stacie reached across Chloe and briefly, gently, gripped Aubrey’s wrist. Right over the watch she’d given Aubrey for her birthday last year. The one that reminded Aubrey that Stacie was always with her and kept her centered.

Chloe’s face was flushed as she reached up and wiped off a smudge of her lipstick from Stacie’s face. “I’ll say. Makes me want to go back upstairs to our room.”

Beca snorted as she watched Aubrey carefully for signs of distress and found nothing but love. “You’re the one who told me that we had to close the place down because it’s ‘tradition.’” Beca strove to keep her voice light, all too aware of the ball of anger standing beside them.

Chloe shrugged. “I’m allowed to change my mind.” Beca noticed Chloe was also watching Aubrey carefully, though she didn’t think it was obvious to anyone but the three of them. Chloe ran her hand down Aubrey’s side where her tattoos lay hidden under her dress and Aubrey relaxed just a fraction more.

“Yeah, B.” Stacie winked at Beca. “Chloe’s definitely allowed to change her mind if it means we get to go back up and make use of that king sized bed.”

Beca, desperately trying to ignore the fact that they were now the central focus of the room, shrugged. “It’s not like I’m going to argue getting naked.”

Aubrey cleared her throat. “While that sounds like heaven, love, I think the rest of the gang would be disappointed if we didn’t stay.”

Beca linked her right hand with Aubrey’s left, deciding that ignoring the former Bella captain was the best course of action. She was afraid if she looked into that disapproving face again, she’d lose what little control she had over her anger. Aubrey’s hand in hers kept Beca grounded as much as she was trying to reassure Aubrey that she was loved.

As the four of them detoured around her, That Whore Alice™ turned in place and watched them go. Just when Beca thought they were in the clear, she spoke up behind them.

“They’ll end up leaving you too, Posen. Everyone does when they realize you’re just a one note show.” She scoffed and let out a bray of unattractive laughter. “I mean, if daddy doesn’t care, you can’t expect anyone else to.” She snorted and Beca thought she sounded like a bull. “And really, can you blame them? You’re such a disappointment.  Unable to hold a team together for one single year? I knew you’d screw it up.”

Beca felt her pulse pounding in her face as her blood pressure shot up. Someone to her right practically snarled and she couldn’t tell if it was Stacie or Chloe. Her left fist was already clenching as let go of Aubrey’s hand with her right and turned, taking a step forward. She was already picturing the connection of her fist to that bitch’s jaw despite the portion of her brain that was telling her Aubrey would not want her to cause a scene. But that part was steadily shrinking and gave up without a fight when she saw the cow standing there, one hand on her waist as the other waved up and down in Aubrey’s direction. Sneering at Aubrey like she was trash.

Beca was going to tear the fucking bitch’s head off.

There was a flash of red, the sound of air whistling around a fast moving object followed by a loud and meaty smack.

By the time Beca’s brain had parsed out what happened, That Whore Alice™ was flat on her back with a wrathful Chloe Beale standing over her, blue eyes flashing like the embodiment of Zeus’ own vengeful lightning.

Dimly Beca realized the song had changed to “Look What You Made Me Do.” It didn’t even start at the beginning – it jumped straight to the chorus a minute in.

Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do

‘That DJ is on their game,’ she thought idly, jarred right out of her anger for several incredible surreal moments.

Dazed, the prone woman put one hand to her already swelling eye and started to push to her feet but stopped with a flinch when Chloe pointed at her. Aubrey stepped forward and put a restraining hand on Chloe’s shoulder but the redhead merely patted it without turning around.

“You just stay down there on the ground where you belong.” Chloe’s voice was quiet and all the more deadly for it. “You have always been a bitch and I see nothing has changed since you graduated. You are a horrible, spiteful and jealous person who takes their own insecurities out on others and I’m not going to stand for it anymore.” Chloe looked up at the crowd, most of which took a step back, to Beca’s amusement. “Your minions aren’t here and even if they were, I’d still try and take you apart before I let you say anything else mean about Aubrey.”

“Chlo,” Aubrey slid her hand to Chloe’s back. “You don’t have to…” She trailed off Stacie stepped over and put her arm around Aubrey’s waist. Beca took her hand again, feeling the slight tremor in Aubrey’s fingers before they tightened on Beca’s own. She raised their hands and pressed her lips to Aubrey’s knuckles.

Chloe didn’t even slow down. “You’re trash, Alice. You were a slut in college so you called everyone else a slut bag to make yourself feel better. You apparently also had repressed lesbian tendencies as you tried to kiss Aubrey your senior year. Fortunately Aubrey has better taste.” Chloe paused to smirk and even in her anger, Beca wanted to laugh because she knew Chloe was remembering her first taste of Aubrey. “Beca may have been the ‘anti-Bella’ at the start, but she’s the one who helped us win finals. Her arrangement is the one that helped us win Worlds.”

Chloe paused to take a deep breath and Beca wasn’t ashamed to admit she was in awe of her normally laidback wife. Though, really, she shouldn’t be surprised as Chloe had always been fierce in her defense of her loved ones.  

“And Stacie was never the college tramp, you sad little hag.” Chloe spit out contemptuously. “Just because you had to sleep around to get anyone to spend time with you doesn’t mean everyone has that problem. Stacie has more class in her pinky than you will ever have in your entire. Worthless. Body.”

Beca looked over at Aubrey and could see she was warring with an almost giddy delight at watching Chloe take their tormenter apart and a rising worry about the repercussions of the past few minutes. Stacie, her arm firmly around Aubrey, merely grinned with glee. Beca could relate – while she desperately had wanted to be the one to take her out, she’d have been willing to let Stacie do the honors; after all, it sounded like Aubrey had taken the brunt of things. Neither of them had even suspected that Chloe would literally beat them to the punch.

Beca couldn’t lie. It was hot.

That Whore Alice™ finally pushed herself to her feet, her left eye almost all the way shut now. “My lawyer liked that.”

Aubrey let out a startled laugh. “Did you actually just quote ‘Scream 3’ at us?” She laughed again when Alice flinched. “You would be the person who would memorize a line like that to try and sound cool.” Aubrey shook her head, already digging into her purse and pulled out one of her business cards. “Call my office, they’ll arrange a meeting.” She tossed the card and it bounced off That Whore Alice’s™ chest and Beca stifled a laugh as she jerked in reaction. Aubrey closed her purse and looked back at her, disdain practically dripping from her words.

Beca was thrilled to see Aubrey’s paralysis break as the confident and strong women Beca had always known came forward; to watch as  Aubrey finally reclaimed - for good - those small pieces of herself that Alice had shaved off with every horrible word spoken over three years.

“As Chloe’s lawyer, I advise you both to stay away from each other the rest of the night.” Aubrey took a step forward though not enough to bring her out of Stacie’s grip. “And as their lover,” her wave encompassed the three women around her and Beca heard the love and pride in her voice. “I’m telling you that you better not come near us or I’ll let them do what they’ve been dreaming of doing since they found out all the shit you put us through during college.”

Stacie eyed That Whore Alice™ as if she were a particularly disgusting bug. “You ever come near any of my girls again, I will end you.” Her voice was knife sharp and Beca felt the steel in it. She took a step past Aubrey and smiled with satisfaction when That Whore Alice™ took a matching step back. “They will never find your fucking body.” It was said with such finality that even Beca was impressed, a little nervous and lot turned on.

Beca shook herself and forced the weight off her shoulders. “C’mon, let’s go find the girls. She’s not worth a single second more of our time.” She felt lighter having said it and even more as the truth of it settled and she let go of her rage. “She’s just a small person who needs to make others suffer so she can get off on it.” Beca eyed her disdainfully. “You’re less than nothing.”

Already dismissing Alice from her thoughts, Beca turned to the rest of them. “I need a drink. I’ve got a really bad taste in my mouth.” She knew she’d said the wrong thing before she’d finished speaking and could only watch as the sly smirk spread across Stacie’s face.

“We’ll take care of that later, Baby. Don’t you worry.” She urged Aubrey forward with the arm around her waist and collected Chloe with her right. “But we can definitely drink first.”

“Dirty bird.” Aubrey said casually as they moved into the space left by the crowd that parted like water, tugging Beca with them by their linked hands.

“That’s why we love her.” Chloe agreed as the music changed again.

“Seriously, when the fuck did our life become scored by Taylor Swift,” Beca said, exasperated as “Shake It Off” started playing. She looked around and began to laugh as she saw Cynthia Rose step away from the DJ platform to their left. “Oh for fucks sake. Of course it’s one of ours.”

Familiar faces appeared in the crowd as one by one the rest of their Bellas surrounded them.

“Our table is over here, slugger.” Ashley half bowed and pointed the way. “Jessica went to get some ice.”

Beca let go of Aubrey’s hand as they reached the table and pulled out a chair. “Madam.” She grinned when Aubrey rolled her eyes and sat. Stacie had done the same for Chloe and when she would’ve sat on Chloe’s right, Beca pulled on her arm. She knew Stacie still needed to be near Aubrey, still able to feel the waves of emotion rolling off her usually reserved friend. Stacie smiled gratefully at her and took the seat Beca held out. Patting her shoulder, Beca moved over to the seat on Chloe’s right.

“I’m sorry I…” Chloe began but Beca shook her head. She knew Chloe didn’t need to apologize for bringing their relationship to the open; she could tell by the utter lack of tension in Aubrey and Stacie that they weren’t remotely mad either.

“No need, Chlo.” Aubrey put her hand on Chloe’s arm.

“None.” Stacie rested her hand next to Aubrey’s and they both smiled. Beca heard Chloe’s breath hitched once and knew she needed to provide a distraction before Chloe started them all down the path to waterworks.

“Let me look.” Beca gently took Chloe’s hand in her own and inspected it carefully. “Can you move it?” Chloe wiggled her fingers and Beca let out a sigh of relief. “Good. I almost broke mine when I punched that guy at regionals.”

“Aubrey was totally turned on by that, by the way.” Chloe said casually as the rest of the girls took seats around them.

“What?” Beca looked up with a laugh. “I was sure you were going to kick me out of the group.”

“Totes. At one point I thought she was going to start yelling things like a coach from the sidelines.” Chloe grinned at her best friend.

Aubrey shrugged and leaned on the table. “Looking back at it… yeah, it was hot. My brothers still ask me to tell them the story at least once a year.”

Beca rolled her eyes. “You should never have told them that at Thanksgiving. They still call me Rocky.” She looked up as Jessica brought over a baggie of ice wrapped in a towel. “Thanks, Jess.” She took it gratefully and placed it over Chloe’s knuckles who winced. “Sorry. But this will keep the swelling down.”

She was completely aware that they were the center of attention and was trying to avoid dealing with the events of the past ten minutes. Focusing on Chloe’s hand gave her some breathing room to sort out what she was feeling.

There was worry – maybe a lot of worry – because she knew what they had would never be considered normal. Most people couldn’t or wouldn’t understand it. And the women sitting at this table were her family and she was afraid they would turn their backs once they knew it hadn’t just been said for Alice’s benefit.

There was some relief at finally having it in the open – keeping secrets from their friends had never sat well with her, no matter the fact that she had agreed with the others to keep it just theirs for the time being. That had been especially true of the last few months. It had grown more difficult to remember not to run her hand through Aubrey’s hair or lay on Stacie’s back when Jessley was over.

Part of that difficulty was that they’d essentially lived together since they got back, migrating from one house to the other in a group 90% of the time. But most of it was the fact that they were still skittish after the events in France. Their reassuring touches and kisses had remained constant and maybe even more frequent after Chloe and Beca had got the second half of their ‘gay wedding vows’ as Beca called it, mostly to keep from crying whenever she thought of their matching tattoos.

One way or another, they wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore. Either they would be accepted or… they’d be left alone. Beca tried not to think about the pain that would cause her and took a deep breath.

‘Time to face the music.’

But when she looked up, half braced for disgust, she found nothing but love and acceptance. Emily was practically vibrating in her seat next to Beca, her grin so wide Beca was surprised it didn’t hurt.

What she didn’t see was surprise.

“Holy shit.” Beca stared around the table, seeing Aubrey’s head turn sharply toward her. “You guys already knew, didn’t you?”

There was a pause that felt like an eternity before Amy spoke into the silence. “It’s not like you guys were really subtle about it on the tour.”

“Or since we moved into our house,” Ashley added. “I think the number of times you guys have kissed thinking we weren’t in sight is up in the double digits.”

“Triple,” Jessica said with a grin. “It’s cute as hell to watch you guys catch your breath and try to not look all mussed up.”

Beca groaned and lowered her burning face to the table. “I may need your ice, Chlo.”

“I can’t believe you guys didn’t say anything,” Chloe murmured as she reached over to stroke Beca’s hair with her left hand.

“Wasn’t our story to tell.” Jessica offered. “Isn’t that what you always say?”

“Though, if we’re being honest,” Cynthia Rose said. “We may have started a betting pool two years ago. After the first all group Disney trip.”

“What are you talking about?” Beca rolled her head to look at her. “That was right after we all got married. We didn’t even know then.”

“Yeah, but…” She trailed off, taking out her phone as she thought. “The way you guys interact – honestly since you guys moved – was like four interconnected pieces. You weren’t just anticipating Chloe’s needs, but Aubrey’s and Stacie’s too. All of you were, really, but it stood out with Beca because she’d only done that before with Chlo.”

“You were like that in our first trip.” Emily offered almost hesitantly. “If I didn’t know you guys, I’d have had a hard time telling who was actually dating who.”

Aubrey finally spoke up. “And you aren’t…”

“Aubrey Posen-Conrad, you better not be about to say ‘disgusted.’” Flo sat up straight in her chair. “You know us better than that. You’re family and the four of you have created something amazing and there is no shame in love.”

“It’s beautiful.”

They all looked in surprise at Lilly – though Beca supposed it was ‘Esther’ today, since they could hear her so clearly. Beca wasn’t sure yet about this whole ‘Lilly was Satan’ thing, or the fact that she seemed to move easily between the girl they’d known for the last seven years and this new persona three months ago. She decided her prior decision was best – react based on who she seemed to be on a given day and, at the worst, apparently Satan was on their side as he had helped them win the ICCA’s and Worlds. Beca barely avoided the trap she’d gotten stuck in last time, which was wondering if a capella was the devil’s music after all. That spiral had lasted a weekend until the other three had pulled her out of it with enforced naked cuddling.

“You guys mean that. You… really don’t care?” Stacie said slowly.

“Just because it’s not everyone’s normal doesn’t mean that yours is wrong.” Emily shrugged. “My mom says the world would be a happier place if people would stop worrying about whoever everyone else was fucking and have more sex of their own.”

The laugh that left Beca was loud, ragged and more than half a sob. “You can’t swear, Legacy, it’s too ado-.” She broke off and blinked rapidly as her words finally sunk in. “You told your MOM?!”

“It was an accident!” Emily grabbed Beca’s hand. “The day I played my song for you guys over Skype, Aubrey almost kissed you and I ran into my doorframe when I figured it out.”

Stacie gave a delighted laugh. “I told you. Totally should’ve bet.”

“I ended up with a small black eye and mom wanted to know why.” Emily squirmed in her chair. “I’m still a terrible liar…”

“We know.” Amy snorted then laughed when Emily flipped her off. “You’re getting more and more Beca-like after every visit, Legacy.”

“…and I told her what I thought I saw.” Emily grinned at Amy then looked back at the four of them. “I’m really sorry. I know I shouldn’t have, but… She wasn’t surprised either. Not after last year’s reunion.” She looked at Stacie and grinned. “You put your boobs on Beca’s head and she didn’t try to kill you.”

“Still before we’d figured it out ourselves.” Beca shook her head. “Seriously, why am I always the last to know these things?”  She sat back in her chair and put her hand on Chloe’s thigh, needing the contact to stay grounded as her emotions swirled chaotically through her.

She was surprised she didn’t have whiplash from the violent swing from protective rage through fear of losing their friends to the current feeling of giddy joy and relief making her heart swell with extremely schmoopy happiness.

She looked over at Chloe but was instead greeted by all three of her girls watching her affectionately. Her heart skipped a beat and, without thinking, she spoke. “I love you.”

‘I am so fucking mushy.’ Beca thought to herself.

“We love you too, sweet cheeks.”

Beca flushed at Ashley’s sly tone. “Oh my god. You guys have been saving up all your teasing, haven’t you?”

Cynthia Rose nodded. “You have no idea.”

“But you wiiillll,” Jessica said, practically singing it.

Beca heaved out a sigh and her three girls reacted as expected. Stacie winked at her, Aubrey’s lips twitched into a grin and Chloe leaned over to kiss her cheek. All three of them spoke in unison.

“You love us.”

Beca laughed again, this one free of tears. “Holy shit do I need a drink.”

“Ooh, I’ll go get a bottle of something.” Amy pushed up from her seat and was gone before Beca could stop her.

“One of us will hold your hair.” Chloe promised as she flexed her hand slowly under the ice pack. “We promise.

‘I am so fucking lucky to have all of these women in my life.’

~A~

Aubrey sat back, Stacie’s hand a warm presence on her back, and took stock of how she was feeling.

Lighter, was the biggest answer.

She hadn’t even been aware of how much Alice’s treatment of her had weighed in her mind until it was suddenly gone. It wasn’t even like she thought of Alice outside of any discussions with the other three or for the two or three weeks before one of the reunions.

But apparently that nagging voice had drilled its way into her brain where it lodged and poisoned her self-image from the inside out. Chloe had knocked some of it loose their senior year. Stacie had dulled more of it when Aubrey stopped running from her feelings. The three of them together had made the biggest difference. All those talks they had before, during and after sex had gone a long way to soothing the anxieties that had lingered.

But today, finally being face to face with her former captain had brought it all back in one sickening heartbeat.

At first she’d braced for Beca to immediately launch herself like a tiny rage missile; waited for that amazing left hook to make a repeat appearance. Or for Stacie to pull her apart piece by piece.

She’d begun the process to prepare herself to shield them from Alice. She was their Captain and it was her job to take the brunt of anything that came their way and protect all her Bellas.

Until her girls had physically and verbally formed a wall to protect her.

She’d certainly never expected Chloe pull Stacie into a kiss so deep that Aubrey knew Stacie’s toes had curled. The shock of it made it easy to give in to Beca’s silent plea and allow herself to be dipped and kissed in front of the entire reunion. Kissing Beca was as natural as breathing, at this point, and it was easy to lose herself in it for a precious few moments. She wasn’t ashamed of them or what they had and anyone who tried to sling insults would have to go through her first.

The fact that each of them reminded her that she wasn’t alone, each In their different way, had almost cracked her façade and moved her to tears.

She definitely couldn’t have predicted Chloe would also be the one to put Alice on the floor and give her a black eye.

Aubrey wasn’t even ashamed to admit – now that she’d had time to collect her thoughts – that it had been just as hot as when Beca had done it all those years ago. Chloe had certainly been right about that, though it wasn’t something they’d ever discussed or that Aubrey had even realized consciously until this past year. She’d spent a lot of time remembering different moments her senior year in a new light. Some she shared with the others, some she kept back until the right moment. Like Beca punching that Tonehanger.

They had always gone out of their way to show her she was special to them – something that had only increased when they’d merged their lives together as one. But today they’d showed it to the world and Aubrey felt the warmth of it surround her in a coat of armor that Alice couldn’t even dream to scratch.

Chloe’s punch was nothing to the verbal assault she then unleashed. Every single word uttered in complete and calm disdain, reducing Alice from the towering figure in their memories to a sad, pathetic creature clutching her swollen eye as they walked away.

And Beca – the onetime pain in her ass – had been her center and held her hand the entire time; lending her strength and unending faith in Aubrey. Keeping her grounded when she’d started to spiral at the talk of lawyers before she’d been able to get a grip on her fear. Aubrey knew she’d talk circles around Alice’s lawyer before offering an out of court settlement that would satisfy even that greedy bitch.

Stacie’s quiet promise of what would happen if Alice opened her mouth again had melted Aubrey’s heart into a puddle, a response she wasn’t sure was appropriate when one’s spouse threatened to kill someone. Especially when you knew they would follow through on it without hesitation.

And, in typical fashion, they covered their deep running emotions with sex banter until they reached the dubious safety of their table. Banter that Aubrey couldn’t wait to bring to life when they were safely back in their room alone. And naked.

Aubrey almost cracked then, at the acceptance from these women who had become her family in a way that Alice’s group had never been. It didn’t surprise her that they knew; they’d been getting the eye from Emily for a while now and she was almost certain that Jessica had walked into the kitchen once while Chloe had Aubrey pinned against the counter – and then just as quickly walked out - but by the time they looked up at what Aubrey had thought sounded like a tiny ‘Eep!’ they were alone again.

She turned to her right and watched Chloe’s familiar profile as her best friend laughed at something Emily was saying. After a brief hesitation, realizing that it couldn’t really get any worse, she leaned forward to rest her chin on Chloe’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

Chloe turned her head until their noses brushed. “For what?”

“Standing up to her for me.” Aubrey shifted her head slightly, making Chloe’s nose scrunch at the slight tickle.

“How do you know I didn’t do it for me?” Chloe’s eyes were so blue this close and Aubrey never got tired of finding how the light revealed something new every time it shifted.

“Because, like you – like our girls – I’ll let people say whatever they want about me, just let it roll off my back.” Aubrey tilted her head further, Chloe’s breath whispering over her lips. “Say one thing about any of you, and I will end them.” She brought their lips together in a gentle kiss that Aubrey felt from head to toe. “And I love you so very much for it.”

“You’ve always been part of me. I won’t let anyone hurt what’s mine.” The voice was soft, the tone gentle, but the possessive fire underneath it sent a pleasant shiver down Aubrey’s back. Chloe tipped their lips together once more. “Ever.”

Aubrey forced herself to sit back, otherwise she wasn’t sure if she could keep their kisses soft and gentle. A motion caught her eye and she looked past Chloe and Beca to find Emily wiping away tears that were streaming down her face.

“Sorry, I just… This is like finding out Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are real.” She took the tissue that Aubrey dug out of her purse and blew her nose. “It’s dumb, I know, but seeing how much you love each other just… Oh it’s beautiful, Aubrey.”

Aubrey felt herself blush. “Thank you. For not… rejecting us.” It wasn’t quite what she wanted to say, but it was close enough for now. “You mean a great deal to all of us and I would have been crushed if this made you change your mind about moving in in a few months.”

“What!?” Emily’s voice briefly covered everyone else’s as they all stopped to look at her. “Um. Sorry. Ignore me. Please?” The conversations at the table slowly picked back up though Aubrey could tell they were all half keeping an ear out to see what had caused the outburst.

Her face red, Emily shook her head. “Are you kidding? Nothing could make me change my mind about that. It’s what I’m looking forward to the most now that I’ve graduated. I mean, I’ll go see my parents for a month, Benji till however long before he has to start rehearsing for his new play – but I’m totally stoked about coming to live with you!”

“Nobody says ‘stoked’, Legacy.” Beca said it almost absently, as if she wasn’t really paying attention. “Stop trying to copy me.”

“If no one says it, how can I be copying you?” Emily bumped their shoulders together. “Just wait, soon you’ll have me around to keep you in line all the time.”

Beca let out an exaggerated groan. “Why did I agree to this?”

“Because you want me to write all your songs for your new album.” Emily answered immediately. “And because you loooooove me.”

“More the first than the latter,” Beca said before Chloe poked her in the side. “Alright alright. Yeah. I do.”

“And we may have filmed that.” Jessica was telling Stacie, pulling Aubrey and Beca’s attention immediately.

“You what?” Beca asked, her eyebrows high.

“Recorded your rumble.” Cynthia Rose repeated. “We heard someone say her name and, when she was a raging bitch, we realized it had to be the same person. That’s I came up with the idea to play TSwift when you came in.”

“Thanks for that.” Chloe grinned. “It was definitely interesting.”

“Or insane,” Beca muttered. “But continue – I didn’t see any of you until after it was all over.”

“Hold on, there was a whole process.” Emily bounced in her chair and Aubrey smiled in response to her excitement. “CR was in charge of the music and Jessica, Ashley and Lilly were the designated camerawomen.”  

“Why those three?” Stacie asked, sliding her hand over to play with Aubrey’s fingers.

“Because no one ever notices us,” Ashley said with a smile. “We’ve literally been here the whole time.”

Aubrey laughed easily, another hurtful moment of their past having been changed to new memories made with joy instead of anger. “Guess you guys got more than you bargained for, huh?”

“I’ll say.” Jessica leaned forward in her chair. “I got a perfect shot of Alice’s face when Chloe punched her. Lilly said she’d edit all three videos together to make one amazing montage.”

“Thanks… Lilly.” Beca said with only the smallest of hesitations. They were still trying to decide how to refer to her, most of them still using Lilly by default. She didn’t seem to mind, thankfully, as seven years was a tough habit to break. They were working on it, but sometimes Lilly seemed to regress back to her silent, slightly terrifying ways and Aubrey often wondered if the rest of them had suffered a group hallucination brought on by the explosion.

“You’re welcome, Beca.” Lilly said happily. “I’ll have Jessley send their videos to me before we leave so I can work on it when I get home.”

“Aca-awesome!” Chloe said enthusiastically. “It kind of all passed in a blur and I don’t remember half of what I said.”

“By the power of your words, you gutted and field dressed her like a deer and it was kind of hot.” Aubrey said without thinking. She blinked when she became aware of the entire table watching her. “Too much too soon?”

“No – it was more the image of a deer juxtaposed with the four of you in The Expanse that I’m having problems with.” Jessica said, fanning herself. “It just took me a minute to get rid of the deer. I’m good now.” She wiggled her eyebrows when Beca just stared at her.

“Holy crap.” Beca shook her head. “What have we created?”

“A safe space to bring out all our secret fantasies.” Cynthia Rose said then raised both her hands. “Just kidding. Maybe.” She winked and clicked her tongue.

Beca groaned again. “You guys are going to be the death of me.”

Emily stroked her hand down Beca’s hair and Aubrey choked back her giggle. “It’s ok, Aca-Mom. I’ll take care of you.” She beamed when Beca flipped her off. “See, you’re doing better already!”

“Seriously, Amy better come back with a bucket full of beers and not just the tequila she’s going to try and make me drink. I need at least five beers before that happens.” Beca started looking around the room. “Is there a waitress or just the bar on the far side?”

Letting the presence of her three soothe her ragged edges, Aubrey took a cleansing breath, willing the last of her tension out of her body. She turned to ask Chloe how her hand was and saw Beca’s face go slack in shock. Before she could turn around, someone spoke behind her.

“Aubrey.”

Aubrey froze, suddenly lightheaded as all the blood drained from her face. As if trapped in a nightmare, she turned slowly in her seat, her eyes reluctantly lifting to meet green eyes the exact shade of her own. From far away she heard herself answer.

“Mother?”

[chloes-yellow-cup]

Got my tattoo today.

Symbols are from Nowish (Part 5) because it kinda changed my life.

Curious though, is there any interest in a chapter/excerpt from my unwritten Post-Nowish/PP3/Post-USO Tour that explains a bit about why these are important to the girls?

[chloes-yellow-cup]

Tattoos - A Fic Tease

Tattoos

A/N: I got some tattoos this week, inspired by ‘Nowish’. The symbols were picked out for the story by the wonderful always-saves-my-ass-when-I’m-stuck @tiny-maus-boots​ and we later hashed out that Aubrey would probably get the symbols for her girls as tattoos after they get home from the tour.

Since ‘Nowish’ became such a huge part of my life, and these girls wound their way into my heart, I wanted to make it permanently part of me for largely the same reasons.

So I wrote a couple of scenes from a future PP3 based story. It was intended to be short, but then Aubrey started talking and now we have a full chapter. Again, this is not the complete story and these scenes will likely go through some changes by the time I get around to actually writing it. 

Takes place after they get home from the USO tour, so after ‘Nowish’, which happened in July 2017.

A Shared Lifetime  - All my works in my alternate timeline so far, including my other fic teases.

Words: 12,000

Rating: Mature. It was going to be teen, but Beca and Aubrey had other ideas. As. Usual.

AO3

For mobile users, there is a ‘keep reading’ and I’m sorry if the app does that thing where it makes you scroll for a year.

~A~

Last week of March 2018

Aubrey gently shook Stacie awake, trying not to wake Beca and Chloe at the same time. When Stacie rolled to her back to face Aubrey behind her, Aubrey leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“I can’t sleep. Shower with me?” She pulled back enough to read the worry starting to replace sleep in Stacie’s eyes and smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine. Just restless.” She looked over as Beca gave a particularly loud snore. Aubrey smiled affectionately. “And I don’t want to wake Sleeping Beauty.”

At Stacie’s snort and relieved nod, Aubrey slipped quietly from the bed, feeling her wife follow. Padding through the dark bedroom to the bathroom she waited until Stacie had shut the door before turning on the soft nightlight. She didn’t want or need the overhead lights tonight.

While she took care of that Stacie had stepped past her to start the shower. As it warmed, she turned around and pressed herself against Aubrey’s back as her arms slipped around Aubrey’s waist.

“You sure you’re ok?” Stacie’s voice was soft against her ear.

Stacie had always been quick to make sure there was nothing wrong, but after the whole USO debacle, she asked it a little more often. Aubrey knew she was partly to blame; she was still processing what had happened. It had made her quieter than normal the past few weeks and she knew the other three had picked up on it; just as she had picked up on their quiet moments. They all had some baggage left over since getting home, but they were together and that had made it easier.

“Yes, love.” Aubrey leaned back, never tired of the feel of Stacie’s skin sliding against her own. She felt Stacie kiss the side of her head and she hummed in contentment as she turned in the circle of Stacie’s arms, Stacie’s lips already seeking hers.

They traded lazy kisses until the room grew warm and steamy. Aubrey stepped under the spray where Stacie resumed her place against Aubrey’s back. Her lips moved over Aubrey’s shoulders before lifting her hands to knead them and Aubrey groaned in bliss.

“I’ll give you forever to stop doing that.” Aubrey bent her head and let the water pour over the back of it.

“Then forever it’ll be.” Stacie said, humor lacing her tone.

Aubrey relaxed into the light massage, feeling her body respond as it always did to Stacie’s touch. The last few weeks had been difficult, in a way. After a single week back at work, they both took a leave of absence. Aubrey because she wasn’t quite ready to dive into the world of contracts, though she did continue to look over everything for Beca as the one ‘client’ she kept; the changes to the contracts sent by Khaled were small but she wanted to make sure she stayed on top of them.  Stacie wanted the time off because she wanted to be close to Aubrey, though not in a way that ever felt clingy or oppressive. She didn’t have to be in the room with Aubrey, but she was never far away; a byproduct of being miles apart when disaster struck.

Aubrey didn’t think she herself was really suffering PTSD, not the way her father had ever talked about. But whenever she had a strong memory of what it was like in the van, when they realized what was happening even if not why, she found that she had to swallow to keep back a faint wash of bile. Intense moments at work had made it even stronger and prompted her desire for time off. It was an involuntarily stress response that hadn’t happened in a long time – not since she and Stacie had moved in together, actually. It bothered her a lot that it was back and she was determined to get past it, not just for her sake, but for Stacie, Chloe and Beca. She knew they worried about her, that the gag reflex was a bad sign. But they never gave her the pity eyes she expected when it happened. They simply waited until it passed and offered her a glass of water. In the past she might have felt like they were hovering and gotten angry – but now she only felt loved and cared for.

It had also made her a touch more serious, a bit slower to laugh than the rest of them. Sometimes, when a dream woke her up and she was in the middle of their warm cocoon, she’d simply lay there with her eyes closed and listen to the soft breathing around her. Feel the steady rise and fall of whoever was spooned against her back. Eventually her racing heart would calm and her own breathing would slow to match until she slipped under once more.  

Other nights, such as now when she was one of the bookends, she’d slip out of bed and go downstairs to where Chloe had set up an elliptical and treadmill. Aubrey would use one or the other – or both, on particularly bad nights – until she was exhausted. She would go back upstairs and take a quick shower before slipping back into bed. More often than not, whoever she had been resting against was waiting for her and simply opened their arms to pull her in. None of them pushed, they knew she was working through it on her own and she loved them all so much for it.

But mostly, no matter what activity she was doing in the middle of the night, Aubrey thought a lot about what she almost lost. What she put Stacie through, no matter how unintentionally or unpredictable it had been. She couldn’t help but picture Stacie walking around their house after Beca had called, wondering if Aubrey was hurt, or worse. She could still hear the devastated yet hopeful tone in Stacie’s voice when Aubrey had called her once they were safe. Still feel how tightly Stacie had gripped her when they were finally face to face again.

Rationally Aubrey knew she wasn’t to blame and Stacie reassured her as often as she could in a million ways.

But her irrational side blamed herself. That she should have known better. That she should have realized what was going on. That she had put Stacie through absolute hell.

That she should never have had the idea to go on the tour. But then her rational side - helped by Chloe’s oft repeated ‘There’s a silver lining anywhere if you just look hard enough, Bree.’ - would remind her that without the tour, Beca might not have been given the opportunity to go on the amazing journey she was now on.

While she’d been lost in her thoughts, Stacie had begun to gently soap Aubrey’s body. Currently her hands were sliding up Aubrey’s stomach and over her breasts, pulling her back to the here and now. Aubrey pushed herself into the touch, craving it. “I was wrong – you have forever to stop doing that.”

Stacie chuckled and Aubrey felt it more than heard it. “So this is why you lured me into the shower? To have your way with me?”

Aubrey took a deep breath. “That, and…” She trailed off again. “I wanted to tell you something. Or, ask you something, is probably more accurate.” She said the last quickly, feeling Stacie begin to tense around her.

“Alright.” Stacie said evenly but Aubrey could hear the caution under it.

It was Aubrey’s turn to laugh. “Except I can’t concentrate when you’re doing that to my nipples.” Stacie’s fingers had begun to slowly trace around them, then over, her fingers feeling wonderfully warm and slick.

“Do you want me to stop?” Stacie leaned down and pulled Aubrey’s earlobe into her mouth.

Desire shot through Aubrey as she groaned quietly. “Never.” Her body began to move against Stacie. “But… I’ve been thinking about this for a while…” She gasped as Stacie pulled gently. “Except now I’ve forgotten everything.”

“Nah, you never forget anything important.” Stacie slid her hands back down to Aubrey’s stomach, who whimpered softly at the loss. “This was important enough for you to wake me up for this time, so it’s important to me.” She turned Aubrey around. “Usually your midnight wanderings have been solo.” There was no judgement there – there never was.

“You’ve joined me on the treadmill a few times.” Aubrey wound her arms around Stacie’s waist. “But…” She took a deep breath. “I was thinking of getting a tattoo.” She watched Stacie carefully, saw her eyes widen. She knew she’d surprised Stacie by even entertaining the idea, much less felt it was important enough to address in the middle of the night.

“A tattoo.” Stacie repeated it slowly. “What brought this on?”

“The tour.” Aubrey said. That’s what they called it, just ‘the tour.’ It was rarely ‘the kidnapping’ or ‘the hostage crisis’ anymore as they were all still a little touchy. “I just…” She tilted her head and looked into Stacie’s eyes, loving how patiently she was waiting for Aubrey to get out her thoughts. “I know I’ve been… quiet.” Stacie reflexively pulled her closer and Aubrey smiled. “And you’ve been amazing in the way you’ve given me space to… work it through.”

“I told you I’d wait until you were ready.” Stacie kissed her brow. “As long as you weren’t pulling away from me or doing something crazy like not eating, I’d let you work this at your own pace.” She traced Aubrey’s jaw with one fingertip. “You’ve been amazing through this, Bree.”

“I wouldn’t say that, but I think I’m getting there.” Aubrey smiled. “We’re all getting there. But I kind of want to… Oh I don’t know. Not mark the tour, or the occasion, because honestly that whole thing sucked.” She grinned at Stacie’s bark of laughter. “Well, part of it. The last bit ended up being pretty awesome, considering.” She squeezed Stacie’s sides. “But I was thinking I wanted something permanent. Something that’s… all of you.”

“Oh?” Stacie’s hands began to stroke Aubrey’s back. “I’d say our marriage is pretty permanent.” She grinned. “At least to me.” Aubrey thumped her lightly in the side. “Hey! No violence in the shower, we could slip and fall.”

Aubrey ignored her. “You do know what I mean, though?”

Stacie grew serious again. “Yeah, yeah I do. Not a reminder, exactly, but kind of… so we’re with you even when we’re not with you?” Aubrey nodded, thinking she should stop being surprised that Stacie always knew what she was trying to say even when Aubrey didn’t quite have the words. “What are you thinking, babe?”

“Three designs, just in black. Down my right side.” Aubrey said, picturing it again.

“Of what?” Stacie prompted gently.

“A tribal sun.” Stacie’s smile was immediate. “Yes, that’s you.” Aubrey accepted the kiss she was given. “Then a crescent moon.”

“Beca.” Stacie said, obviously remembering the conversation that took place before they had all climbed in bed together, not realizing it would change their lives.

Aubrey nodded. “And then I found a star with a treble clef in it. If that didn’t scream ‘Chloe’, nothing ever would.”

Stacie waited a heartbeat. “And why here?” She ran her hand down Aubrey’s side.

Aubrey felt her face flush as a wry smile twisted her lips. “That’s where you three marked me for the first time?” Stacie was silent long enough that Aubrey began to worry. “But if you…” She fell silent when Stacie shook her head.

She slowly knelt to place three kisses down Aubrey’s side, almost exactly where those first love bites had been left. She looked up at Aubrey who moved to block the water from the shower. “I think it sounds perfect.”

“You do?” Aubrey asked; she felt strangely shy as she brushed wet strands of hair out of Stacie’s face.

“I do. In fact…” She stood up and kissed Aubrey softly. “So much so that I kind of want to get them myself, but on my left side.” She paused. “Except the sun – that’s… I’d get something else to symbolize you.”

“A ball and chain?” Aubrey yelped when Stacie pinched her butt.

“No, though now that you’ve given me the idea…” Stacie trailed off, searching Aubrey’s eyes. “No. For you it would be an outline of the Earth. Because you’re my whole world.”

Aubrey felt unexpected tears reach her eyes. “Stacie…” She stopped, all the words jumbling up in her chest. So she said the only thing that had ever really mattered between them. “I love you.” But it meant everything. She pulled Stacie into a kiss, soft and gentle, full of the promise of forever.

“Then it’s ok?” Stacie asked once they parted again. “You wouldn’t feel like I’m jumping on your bandwagon?”

“Not at all.” Aubrey felt her desire stretching upward again, needing to express how much it meant to her that not only did Stacie understand, but she got it in a way that she wanted to share in such a permanent declaration.

“I’ll call in the morning and see when we can get appointments.” Stacie said. “I still have the number of the guy Beca went to when we got her birthday tattoo.” She let Aubrey pull her down into another kiss. “I’m going to assume you want them as soon as possible?”

“Oh yeah.” Aubrey slid her hand down Stacie’s stomach and between her legs. “But right now, I need something else on my body.” She moaned softly at the warm and slick skin that met her fingers.

“What’s that?” Stacie asked, her own hands reaching down to grip Aubrey’s ass and squeeze gently.

“You.” Aubrey whispered against her lips. “Always you, my love.”

“Sounds-“ Whatever else Stacie was going to say was lost when Aubrey claimed her mouth again.

Later, as they crawled into bed happy, satiated and exhausted, Aubrey felt another piece of herself slip back into place. She didn’t know how many more were still out of alignment but tonight, finally, she had the feeling it wasn’t as many as she feared.

 ~C~

Two weeks later

“You guys got tattoos.” Beca said flatly.

“Yup.” Stacie replied, amused. It was the third time Beca had said it.

“For Bree’s birthday.” It was like she expected the answers to change. Chloe thought it was adorable.

“Yes.” Aubrey said, with a fond eye roll. “We got matching tattoos – sort of – for my birthday.”

“Sneaks.” Chloe said with a grin.

Stacie and Aubrey had said they had a few errands to run and had left earlier that morning. They promised to be home by late afternoon, but to not wait for them for lunch. None of them were really back at their jobs yet; Aubrey and Stacie had extended their leave of absence and Beca was still in the flux period of signing with DJ Khaled. Chloe occasionally went into the dance studio, but was also in a bit of limbo as her boss prepared to pass the reins. She knew she would have really to go back in soon. But not yet.

When the other two had finally gotten home, they looked like the proverbial cat that ate the canary and led Beca and Chloe upstairs.

/

Beca smiled. “You guys miss us that much that you’re going to jump us the second you get home?”

“Like you wouldn’t be up for that,” Stacie replied.

“But that’s not why we brought you up here.” Aubrey said before Beca could make a snarky and probably dirty reply.

“What?” Beca sounded so disappointed in that instant that Chloe had to stifle a laugh. “I mean… Oh?”

“Nope. But we are going to take off our shirts.” Stacie said even as she and Aubrey reached for the hems of their shirts. “Because we have a surprise for you.”

Chloe frowned, not sure where this was going and then gasped when the bandages on their sides came into view; Aubrey’s on the right, Stacie’s on the left. “Oh my god. Are you guys okay? Were you in an accident?”

But Beca had stepped forward. “You didn’t.” She touched beside the bandage on Stacie’s side and Chloe understood. She’d seen bandages like this last year for Beca’s birthday.

“Oh yeah.” Stacie laughed.

“Will you take them off for us?” Aubrey asked.

Beca met her eyes, startled. “Me?”

“Who else is the expert?” Aubrey said with a smile.

Beca took a breath. “Chlo, can you go get a fresh roll of paper towels?” Beca looked over her shoulder.

“Of course, babe.” Chloe ran downstairs and grabbed their spare roll from the pantry. Opening it, she threw away the plastic and headed back where she found the three of them in the bathroom. Stacie and Aubrey were sitting side by side on the counter and Beca was washing her hands carefully with hot water. Beca had already gotten out her favorite tattoo wash and salve and had them sitting on the counter, ready to go.

“Towels.” Chloe said, tearing off a few and handing them over with a smile.

“Thanks.” Beca smiled at her and dried her hands before turning to the others. “You guys ready?”

Chloe watched as Beca carefully pulled the tape and bandage from Aubrey’s side, revealing bold, crisp black lines in the symbols down her side. Saw Beca’s hands still as she took them in and realized what they were – what they meant – before she turned and did the same for Stacie’s bandage.

Aubrey had explained their meaning once when she’d given gifts representing them a few months ago.

A sun for Stacie, the center of her universe.

A crescent moon to represent the phases of the moon, because Beca showed her that you could change without losing who you are.

And a star for Chloe, because Chloe had always been there for her. The treble clef inside it – for the music that had brought them together and remained a constant backdrop in their lives – melted Chloe’s heart.

She didn’t even have to ask Stacie about the Earth, she knew it was because Aubrey was her world.

Beca didn’t say anything, her face serious as she set about washing their tattoos, Chloe holding a towel to catch the water as Beca poured it over them to let it rinse clean. She then carefully patted them dry with the paper towels and began to dab salve onto each symbol, making sure they were covered adequately.

Chloe took the wet towel to the hamper and felt her breath catch when she came back in. Stacie was watching as Beca took care of Aubrey and the expression on her face, so lost in love, Chloe had only ever seen when she was looking at Aubrey.

Chloe swallowed to try and stem her rising emotions. Aubrey was simply watching Beca’s face, so focused and efficient in her movements and care, and Aubrey’s own held a tenderness that Chloe could feel down to her toes.

/

The four of them had sprawled on The Expanse once Beca announced them done and told them they’d have to apply the salve again in a few hours. That was the last full sentence before she’d gotten stuck repeating ‘You guys got tattoos.’

Chloe ran her finger beside the designs on Aubrey’s ribs.

“Without me.” Beca finally said something different and Chloe snorted. “You guys got tattoos. Without me?”

Aubrey bit her lip. “Are you mad?”

Beca shook her head rapidly. “No! No, not at all. But…” She trailed off, her hand going to Stacie’s side where she cupped Stacie’s ribs under the Earth design.

“But you’d have loved to have been there for us.” Stacie said and Beca nodded. “To be fair, we thought about telling you, but decided we wanted to surprise you instead.”

“Is that ok?” Aubrey actually looked worried and Chloe hoped Beca noticed.

“Of course that’s ok.” Beca said absently then looked up at Aubrey. Her expression changed immediately and she reached over Stacie to take Aubrey’s hand. “No, Bree … That’s… I’m sorry. They’re gorgeous. I just never thought you would… I would have…” She trailed off then repeated, softer, “They’re gorgeous.”

Aubrey’s worried expression turned shy and it almost made Chloe’s heart ache with the love she felt at that moment. “Beca’s right, they’re beautiful.” She touched the star necklace she never took off except to shower. Aubrey noticed the movement and nodded, smiling as she realized Chloe knew what the meanings behind her choices were.

“Did you guys just gay marry us?” Beca blurted suddenly, her head tilted as she looked between Stacie and Aubrey, twisting the thumb ring Aubrey had given her the same day as Chloe’s necklace. It was delicately etched with the stages of the moon. Stacie had gotten a bracelet with a sun charm and all, including Chloe’s necklace, were simple platinum designs. But so elegant and full of meaning. Like their tattoos. Like Aubrey.

Both of them laughed but Aubrey managed to get out, “What?”

“Because this here,” Beca touched both their sides, stretching to reach Aubrey’s right side. “This is all of us. And it’s permanent.” She sat back on her heels again, her hands folded in her lap. “Like you want to keep us.” It was said softly, but Chloe heard a mix of hope and wariness under it.

Chloe looked at Beca and saw her heart in her eyes, as vulnerable and exposed as Chloe had ever seen her. It showed her how much Beca had grown and she felt her heart actually ache with how happy it made her. Because in the past Beca would never have asked it in this way. She’d have made it into a joke while desperately hoping it was anything but. But Chloe had spent years patiently showing Beca that it’s ok to be vulnerable. To let her heart show – to take the leap and trust that Chloe would be there to catch her.

The question hung between them and Chloe knew all the layers Beca protected herself with were stripped away with it; knew what this meant to Beca, who always had some small part of her, still wounded and always waiting to be left behind. And Staubrey, these two wonderful women who they were so lucky to have in their lives, had just given their hearts in a way that Beca at even her lowest could never deny. A way she understood intrinsically, having her marked her own truths on her skin over the years.

Stacie’s laughter faded first as what Beca was saying sank in. “Of course we want to keep you. Please don’t tell me you’re worried about that? Or having second tho-” She placed her hand over Beca’s on her side. “Beca…” Her voice was soft. “You’re always going to be ours.”

In so many ways, they showed Beca they would now catch her too.

“No, no I’m not.” Beca shook her head quickly. “You know we feel the same way. We love you.” Beca fell silent for a moment. “I love you. After everything, it’s only grown stronger. And this… this feels like a commitment to that. To us.” She waved her hand to encompass them all this time.

“Well, when you put it that way…” Aubrey looked over at Stacie who nodded, a happy smile beginning to form. “I guess it kind of was.”

Chloe ran her hand along Aubrey’s ribs again, feeling her shiver. She hadn’t realized she was going to speak, hadn’t realized her mind had been busily working in the background, until she heard herself say, softly, “I do.” She looked up when she felt the room had gone still around her. All three of them were watching her with affection. “Oh, that… I didn’t know I was going to say that.”

Beca took her hand. “It’s ok, it’s kind of perfect.”

Stacie cleared her throat and said, “Say it again?” Her eyes held a faint sheen and Chloe felt herself fall a little more.

Chloe met her eyes and said it louder. “I do.” She looked down as Aubrey took her hand then back up to Beca, one brow quirking.

“Oh hell yeah.” Beca sniffled. “We totally fucking do.”

“Then get over here and kiss the brides?” Aubrey teased as she eased over to make room between herself and Stacie. Chloe and Beca knelt between them, kissing one then trading places to kiss both equally and thoroughly before stretching out and snuggling their non-tender sides.

“You guys are just going to stay here and let me take care of these every day.” Beca said as she curled her arm carefully over Aubrey’s stomach. “Don’t even think about arguing with me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Stacie said, pulling Chloe closer. “You’re the expert, after all.”

In truth, they’d spent most of their nights together for the past six weeks or so and Chloe knew it was only going to make it harder when they finally had to settle back into their work routine. But she would deal with that bridge when they came to it. Until then she was just going to enjoy every second they spent together - like the fact that she kind of loved that Aubrey was letting Beca take care of her without a fight. Aubrey was normally the one who took care of them, up to and including coming home on lunch if someone was sick to make sure they were okay and didn’t need anything.

One such occasion had resulted in a new photo for Beca’s contact in her phone.

/

This past January, Chloe was watching Lilo & Stitch while Beca worked on her mixes. Aubrey was lying with her head in Chloe’s lap and was reading over some new contracts for the label.

Stacie had walked in, taken one look at the screen and said “I always thought Beca was a lot like Stitch.”

“What?!” Beca looked up. “I am not,” she said, indignant.

“You mean to tell me you don’t stop being ornery and begin to purr when you get lei’d?” Stacie asked pointedly.

Beca pointed a finger at her, mouth open, then let her hand drop. “Damnit.”

That weekend Stacie had gotten her a Stitch onesie. While Aubrey and Chloe had leaned on each other, laughing, Beca had held it up. “I will get you for this, Bucky.”

“Promises, promises, 8 Seconds.” Stacie blew her a kiss.

A few weeks later Beca had picked up a wicked cold from someone at the studio and it put her in bed over the weekend. It was a bad enough cold that Aubrey had ordered her to stay home for an entire week until she’d beaten it. They’d all taken turns taking care of her in the mornings and evenings, but Aubrey had taken over lunch duty because Chloe had back to back classes and couldn’t get away. So Aubrey had come home every day to check on her, taking an extended lunch so she didn’t have to basically just run in and out.

On Wednesday she’d quietly made her upstairs and found Beca passed out in a pile of blankets, her body in one of those awkward contortions that only the truly unconscious can manage. Wearing the Stitch onesie and snoring open mouthed because she still couldn’t breathe through her nose.

Aubrey said she had immediately and without any hesitation whatsoever, taken a short video of how loud she was snoring, because Beca would deny it until she died. Then she took several of the most adorable pictures Chloe had ever seen before gently waking Beca up to make her some soup. Once Beca had eaten enough, Aubrey had tucked her back into bed, still in her Stitch pj’s.

And immediately sent the video and pictures to Stacie and Chloe.

When she showed Beca the new picture that would come up when she called, Beca had replied “Well, at least it’s not my ass anymore.”

“I thought you said you’d never wear them?” Stacie said, bumping Beca’s shoulder with her own.

“It was the warmest thing I could find.” Beca shrugged. “I was freezing.”

“Uh huh.” Chloe said. “And…” She could see there was more Beca wasn’t saying.

“And nothing.” Beca said, not looking at them.

“Beca.” Aubrey chided. “You know we can tell when you’re lying.”

Beca sighed deeply. “I felt better when I put it on. I felt like complete crap all week and needed… It was like…” She visibly forced herself to finish. “Like you were hugging me.”

“Holy shit, B.” Stacie sat back, her face soft. “That may be the most –”

“Don’t –” Beca put her hand out to stop her.

“Fucking adorable thing I have ever heard.” Stacie pulled Beca into her lap and hugged her gently. “I’m glad it made you feel better.”

Beca sighed and burrowed in. “Me too.” She looked up as Aubrey and Chloe piled onto the couch with them. “Even if some monster took video of me in my vulnerable state.”

“At least I didn’t take one of you rubbing your eyes with the hood over your head while you were at the table. I thought I was going to die from how cute you were, all groggy and spooning up your soup.” Aubrey shrugged. “Think of it as payback for that time you got them to film me sleep groping you.”

“Hey, you’re the one who said there needed to be pictures or it didn’t happen.” Beca protested.

“She’s got you there, Bree.” Chloe said as they all wiggled into a more comfortable dog pile.

Aubrey looked down where Beca’s hand had casually landed on her breast. “Apparently in more ways than one,” she said wryly.

“Like she said.” Stacie said with a laugh. “She’s a boob man.”

/

Chloe let the memory slip away when Beca finished explaining how she planned to handle their aftercare. She tucked herself closer to Stacie’s back, propping her chin on her shoulder and looked at Aubrey. “Would you guys mind if-”

“-we got them too?” Beca finished with her and Chloe smiled, never tired of the way their thoughts ran parallel. She knew she should probably have waited until they could talk, but it felt right. And with Beca’s instant agreement, she figured she only beat her at saying it by mere seconds.

“You’d do that?” Aubrey asked shyly and with a kind of wonder. Chloe saw Stacie’s eyes focus on Aubrey before looking back to Chloe with a familiar wry expression that she returned with a smile. One of the many things they had bonded over was their wives’ lingering fear that something was going to break. Because even without seeing her, Chloe could tell Aubrey was pleased at the idea that they’d want to get them even as she shared Beca’s slight hesitation in believing. Chloe knew it would never have occurred to her to ask them, but how could they not do this after everything they had been through and all that they meant to each other.

Chloe half shrugged. “Can’t have our wedding vows be incomplete, can we?”

“Yeah. The Earth is great for us too, because you keep us grounded, Bree.” Beca offered.

“Always have.” Chloe nodded. “So it’s perfect.”

“Well great, now I’m crying.” Aubrey said with a choked laugh.

Chloe wiped away the tear that had slipped down Stacie’s cheek as her eyes closed briefly. It matched the one rolling down her own. “It’s ok to cry at weddings.” That broke the tension that had been building and they laughed through their tears. Several long minutes were spent in comforting kisses and small touches of reassurance as they settled back into a quiet contentment.

“Where would you get it?” Stacie asked once they had recovered enough to talk without trembling voices, though she still had to clear her throat before she could speak. Like Beca, Stacie kept her real emotions hidden but in situations like this, even she couldn’t hide them completely. Chloe could almost feel the adoring smile Aubrey had to be directing at them because Stacie’s cheeks took on a faint blush.

“I was thinking of between my shoulders or…my spine, actually.” Chloe said. “Down the center.”

“That’s hot.” Beca said immediately. “Like, super hot.”

“Seconded,” Aubrey said right behind her.

“Thirded.” Stacie paused. “That’s totally not a word but I’m going with it. DJ?” Chloe rolled to her back and propped herself on her elbows to look at Beca.

“I’m not sure, actually.” Beca paused for a moment and Chloe could almost hear her thinking. “My hips, maybe.”

“Hips?” Aubrey asked, confused. “Both?”

“Yeah. Chloe’s star on my left, the sun and earth on my right.” Beca said, her voice firming.

Aubrey stifled a laugh. “I feel like there’s a statement here about your junk being the center of the universe. All kinds of puns intended including ones I know all your dirty bird minds just thought of.” Beca’s face had immediately taken on smirk that was both smug and lustful at the same time. Chloe turned her head enough to look at Stacie and found a matching expression as she looked Beca over carefully, from head to toe. Chloe could relate to them both and let out a deep yet happy sigh as various images of the four of them in bed over the past nine months. Aubrey looked over at the three of them and rolled her eyes.  “Seriously you guys?” But her face took on a faint flush and Chloe knew she was thinking her own parade of indecent thoughts.

Stacie shrugged. “Some people keep their love close to their hearts; Becs keeps them close to her parts.” She looked over as Beca rolled over and flipped her off. “I mean that as a compliment, B. You know how fond I am of your junk.”

Chloe and Aubrey exchanged a look that clearly said ‘Well, she’s not wrong.’

Beca put her head back on Aubrey’s shoulder. “We’ll call the guy in a bit.”

“Not now?” Chloe asked, curiously.

“Nope. I’m going to enjoy getting engaged for the second time for just a little bit longer.” She ran her hand down across Aubrey’s stomach to grip her hip.

“Beca Mitchell.” Aubrey said slyly. “Are you getting sentimental in your old age?”

“Can’t be helped when I have people worth being sentimental over.” Beca said.

Chloe snuggled back down into Stacie who pulled her close. “Told you, Bree. She’s a keeper.”

“It may take a while, but eventually I can admit when I’m wrong.” Aubrey said.

“Hey, no one badmouths my fiancé, not even my fiancé – or her wife, who is my other fiancé – or my wife, who is their other fiancé.” Beca said indignantly.

Chloe laughed. “Say that three times fast.”

“Becs.” Stacie chided and lifted her head to look over Chloe’s. “I don’t think any of us has ever done anything bad with our mouths.”

Beca began to laugh. “I walked into that one, didn’t I?”

“It’s why we love you, B.” Stacie trailed her fingers down Chloe’s arm and until she could tangle their fingers together. “One of many reasons we love you both.”

Chloe smiled into Stacie’s shoulder. Beca was right, they could call later.

What they needed now was to be together.

She ghosted their joined hands down Stacie’s side again. “We totes do.”

 ~B~

Beca rubbed her thumb against the skin of Aubrey’s stomach just above her jeans, occasionally dipping below just because. She squirmed closer as she felt Aubrey’s lips press to her forehead, bending her head until she could feel as well as hear the strong beats of Aubrey’s heart. Beca felt the brief sting of tears again when she thought of the symbols Aubrey had chosen, what it meant that she would make them part of her, a declaration of love emblazoned on her skin for anyone to see.

It wouldn’t have surprised Beca to learn that Aubrey had been born as a full grown proper lady, so she was almost literally the last person Beca would have expected to get a tattoo. And Stacie, who had never wanted anything permanent with anyone before Aubrey, getting something that declared she belonged to Aubrey – and including Beca and Chloe in that?

It was so much deeper than just the tattoos. It was the women wearing them and what they truly meant by getting them.

She knew Chloe had seen to the heart of her earlier thoughts, what it meant to Beca to have that kind of commitment and promise made to her. While that younger, fearful version of herself was quieter now, tucked safely into the circle of Chloe’s arms, sometimes she woke up in unexpected moments. This time, however, it wasn’t fear that had made her surface, but the pure wonder Beca had felt when she realized how deeply Aubrey and Stacie felt about them. About her. Something that shouldn’t have surprised her at all, considering how she felt about them. She guessed that was another thing she and Aubrey had in common – that instinctual reaction that they would be left behind. But now there would be a reminder, for all of them, that they would always be part of each other.

She pushed up on her right elbow, adjusting her body until she could look down into Aubrey’s face. Beca traced Aubrey’s fine features first with her eyes, then with the lightest touch of her left hand. Across one brow, down her cheek, along her chin until Beca brushed her thumb across Aubrey’s lips. Aubrey only watched her, her expressive green eyes never leaving Beca’s face as she leaned down and kissed her gently, merely the lightest touch of her lips before pulling back and studying her once more.

There was no trace of the disdainful woman Beca had first met all those years ago. The one who declared Beca ‘alternative’ and tried to ward Chloe off before plastering on a fake smile when Chloe ignored her. The smiles now were the furthest from fake and Beca cherished every one of them, like the one slowly unfolding below her. Beca felt the light brush of breath against her face as Aubrey lifted her head just enough to close the distance between them again. Beca let herself sink into the kiss as her tongue slipped easily into Aubrey’s mouth, feeling so connected to her she wasn’t sure which of them sighed in contentment first.

As they lazily traded kisses, Beca angled more of her body to rest on Aubrey’s left side, always mindful of her right. Aubrey’s left arm had curled behind them and her hand dipped under Beca’s shirt to rest against her back, pulling her always closer. Beca wasn’t sure when it happened, but her left hand was resting over Aubrey’s heart, feeling it speed up the longer they kissed. It pulled at her, making the muscles in her stomach tighten as desire rose, slow and languid.

It was only natural for her hand to slip the few inches necessary to cover Aubrey’s bra clad breast and massage gently, feeling Aubrey’s back arch just a little. Her fingers traced over the hardening nipple as she kissed her way down Aubrey’s jaw. Beca paused for a moment over her pulse, her tongue pressed flat to feel how it jumped under touch, before continuing to press open mouthed kisses down to her collarbone.

Beca’s fingers slid upward to tug gently, pulling down the cup of Aubrey’s bra as her head dipped to pull the nipple into her mouth. Immediately Aubrey’s left hand was in her hair, holding her close, while Beca’s hand moved to the other breast, squeezing gently. Until Aubrey’s right hand covered it and urged her be firmer. When Beca complied, nipping with her teeth at the same time, Aubrey’s back arched again, lifting them off the bed as she cried out.

Beca slid her body over until she was straddling Aubrey’s legs. “Off.” She tugged at the front of Aubrey’s bra. “Can you…” But Aubrey was already lifting herself up and Beca slid her hand around her back to undo her bra, pulling it free and tossing it behind her. Beca lowered herself again, left hand firmly planted to keep herself off Aubrey’s side, as she pulled Aubrey’s right nipple into her mouth. Almost immediately she felt movement against her shoulder and pulled back to see Chloe had rolled onto her side and was nuzzling Aubrey’s other breast. Stacie was taking advantage of her height and was pushed up higher on the bed and half leaning over Chloe to kiss Aubrey.

Feeling her own desire rise higher Beca couldn’t stop her hips from grinding down against Aubrey’s as she leaned back down. She knew the way Chloe’s mouth worked as well as her own and tried to match it from memory; half hoping they would end up in sync. They must have succeeded as Aubrey pulled back from Stacie long enough to gasp, “How the fuck – nevermind. Don’t stop.” Beca grinned to herself. Having Aubrey use that tone, hearing it go breathy – that was never going to get old. Any time she was able to get Aubrey or Chloe to actually use ‘fuck’ because of something she was doing to them, well that was always a sexy bonus.

A sudden pressure between her legs caused her to pull back and look down as Aubrey’s whine of protest turned into a high moan. Stacie had stretched out her long arm over Chloe’s back and had cupped between Aubrey’s legs. Beca saw her forearm flex, pressing into Aubrey’s center and Beca felt the last tethers of her control fraying. She ground herself down into the back of Stacie’s hand, pushing her harder against Aubrey, her eyes closing as her body sought release in the friction between them.

Then she felt Stacie’s hand moving and lifted up, thinking she was moving to get more comfortable, but instead Beca heard the unmistakable sound of a zipper. Another movement, this one unmistakably downward and Beca looked up in time to see Aubrey’s eyes close as her body arched again, mouth open in a soundless cry. Stacie was watching Beca with a hooded gaze filled with promise. Beca suddenly felt her clothes were too stifling, too constricting, and she needed them gone.

She pushed backward until she was off the bed, stripping almost as quickly as Stacie these days. She crawled back on the bed until she could reach up and hook her fingers into the top of Aubrey’s jeans. She pulled them down, along with her underwear, and dropped them to the floor behind her. Aubrey’s legs were already parted, Stacie’s hand never stopping. Chloe continued to nuzzle Aubrey’s breast, but her eyes were open and watching to see what Beca would do next.

Beca moved between Aubrey’s legs, watching as Stacie’s long middle finger stroked up and down, pulling quiet gasps from Aubrey. Even as she got closer, Beca saw it dip further down and slide inside briefly, but the angle was wrong for anything more. Stacie slid down the bed, spooning Chloe and pushing her tight against Aubrey’s side. Beca watched, breathless, as the angle allowed Stacie to thrust inside fully, each push of her hand matched by a roll against Chloe’s ass.

After a moment Beca moved her left hand up, already forming a cup and eased it under Stacie’s as she withdrew. At Stacie’s short gasp of approval, Beca fit their hands together and pushed them forward. Aubrey’s slick heat enveloped their middle fingers as she moaned, pushing back against them. Chloe had her head on Aubrey’s shoulder, her hand roaming over Aubrey’s stomach and chest, stroking here and pulling there, as she watched.

“You’re so beautiful, Aubrey.” Beca said, meeting green eyes that were dark with desire. “That tattoo looks so good on your skin.” She looked at Chloe and Stacie. “Maybe not as good as they do against you…” She gave a crooked smile as Chloe winked at her. “You’re incredible, Bree.”

Aubrey opened her mouth to say something but Stacie gave a particularly hard thrust and it was lost in a high grunt of pleasure, her body pushing against them all. She hitched in a breath, “I don’t know about that… what you guy s are doing is what feels incredible.” She bit her lip as they pushed again, the heel of Stacie’s palm pressing against her clit. “Oh, fuck.”

Stacie rolled her hips against Chloe again, causing her to groan softly. “You’re all beautiful and I am the luckiest Bella in the entire world.”

Beca smirked at her. “You better not try to high five yourself for doing three Captains again.” Stacie had amused herself so much with it that first night that she’d done it a few times over the past nine months. Beca secretly, or not so, thought it was one of the most adorable things she’d ever seen Stacie do. And, to be honest, Beca couldn’t really blame her because it was an amazing feat that she kind of admired.

Stacie shook her head. “I’ll save that for later.” Beca knew she would, too. “Right now, I have more important things on my mind.” She flicked a glance down at their hands and back up at Beca, one brow quirked.

Beca thought she knew what Stacie was getting at, so when she pulled back and extended her index finger as well, Beca was half a second behind her as they slid back into Aubrey. Beca felt Aubrey clench around them. “Already, Bree?” She half teased. “Thought you could hold out longer than that.”

Chloe laughed. “Don’t play with fire, Becs. You know you’ll get burned.” But her own breathing was ragged, her body pushing back against Stacie’s with every roll of her hips.

“Beca.” Aubrey paused to swallow. “Shut up and finish what you started.” She met Beca’s startled look and underneath the blown pupils and sex voice was Captain steel that Beca felt herself instantly respond to.

Beca licked her lips, distracted by how much her body reacted to Aubrey’s deeper voice, and felt her own body clench around nothing. “Jesus… How… do you… do that?” Beca inhaled deeply, trying to pull her scattered thoughts together. “Just remember, Bree. You asked for what’s about to happen.” She met Stacie’s eyes and the two of them smiled in perfect understanding and as one they sped up their thrusting, pushing Aubrey up the peak.

Chloe’s hand slid down Aubrey’s stomach and Beca watched the muscles jump until Chloe’s fingers rested on Aubrey’s clit. She hissed out a breath. “Jesus, Bree.” She lowered her mouth to flick lightly at a nipple with her tongue. “You’re so wet.” She pulled it into her mouth, eyes closing as she helped Aubrey climb higher with every circle her fingers made.

Aubrey cried out, her body bucking against them, meaningless pleading falling from her lips. “Becs… right there.” Her body locked for a second and Beca thought she was about to come undone, but Aubrey let out her breath again, as if she’d held her orgasm back by sheer will. Which would be a very Aubrey Posen like thing to do, since Beca felt she could do anything by sheer force of her will. “Stace… I need…” But Stacie was already moving, trusting Beca to keep the motion of their hands, pushing herself a fraction higher with her feet as her neck stretched to meet Aubrey’s raised head in a kiss. It was an awkward angle and Beca spared a thought to hope that neither of them pulled something, but then Aubrey fell back to the bed. Her body locked again, except the motion of her hips, meeting each thrust of their hands as she climaxed, even as they pushed her higher. As she finally went limp, they slowed, easing her back down again.

Stacie pulled her hand free and Beca captured it, pulling Stacie’s fingers one by one into her mouth, her eyes locked on Aubrey’s as she watched. Aubrey licked her own lips, her eyes still dark with desire. Beca stretched herself out on the bed, sliding her hands under Aubrey’s thighs to hold her in place.

“What…” Aubrey started but Beca cut her off.

“You told me to finish what I started, Captain.” Beca said. “I’m just following orders.” Aubrey’s mouth dropped and Beca could almost hear the ‘Oh fuck’ that must have gone through her mind if the sudden need in her eyes was any indication. She lowered her head, licking the length of Aubrey’s center and feeling her shudder. She felt two hands wind their way into her hair, holding her in place.

Beca lost track of time as she tasted and nuzzled, licked and even nipped. She was briefly aware of movement beside them, figuring it was Stacie and Chloe finally removing their own clothes, but she was focused on Aubrey. She loved pulling these sounds from her, each gasp and keen stoking her own fire higher. Each time Beca’s name fell from Aubrey’s lips, it made her push Aubrey further, faster, even though she wanted to make this last. But Aubrey was already bucking beneath her, her second orgasm rolling through her with every curl of Beca’s fingers.

Beca couldn’t help but think of that first time, where the three of them had made love to Beca then Aubrey had lifted her up the second time. That moment had forever changed her, bound her to Aubrey and Stacie in ways they hadn’t stopped discovering. She slowed her movements, hoping Aubrey understood how much it had meant to Beca, how much she cherished that first moment between them.

Then she heard Chloe cry out beside her and it was deep and guttural enough that, startled, Beca lifted her head.

Chloe was lying naked on her side, though still pressed against Aubrey, and her left leg was hooked over Stacie’s bent knee which held it up in the air. Stacie’s hand was on Chloe’s hip and Beca was treated to an extremely close up view of the strap-on Stacie was wearing being thrust into Chloe from behind.

“Holy fuck.” Beca whispered, her breath leaving her body in pure reaction.

“Oh my god.” Aubrey said immediately after her, her body still shuddering under Beca.

Stacie thrust deep and fast, her hand tightening on Chloe’s hip to anchor herself. All of Chloe’s hidden muscles were in sharp relief as her body strained against Stacie.

Beca had long realized that she had a massive toner for all her girls having muscles, but it wasn’t until that moment that she realized she had a thing for thigh muscles and both Chloe and Stacie had them in spades. If all the moisture in her body hadn’t already been heading straight between her legs, watching the two of them flexing in front of her would have sealed the deal. The desire to trace them with her tongue was almost overpowering but she couldn’t move. ‘Thigh muscles for fucking days.’

Chloe’s eyes were closed, moans and high pitched gasps slipping past her lips and all Beca could do was stare in awe at how fucking amazing the two of them looked together. She found she was completely unable to look away from Stacie’s pounding hips and the shaft disappearing into her wife.

~S~

When Beca had lowered herself back down between Aubrey’s legs, Stacie had patted Chloe on the hip. “Let’s get naked.” Chloe had nodded, her eyes hooded, and followed Stacie off the bed. They’d wasted no time in stripping, but Chloe had gone to the dresser. When she came back, she’d held one of their strap-ons out to Stacie. They had taken advantage of Stacie’s IOU shopping trip for Chloe’s birthday – several times.

Stacie had pulled the underwear on without hesitation, letting Chloe put the dildo in and lock it in place. She’d shuddered at the feel of Chloe’s fingers against her center, but Chloe had merely kissed her and backed toward the bed.

Helpless to do anything else, Stacie followed as Chloe crawled back onto it and assumed her previous position on her right side, looking over her shoulder at Stacie with need in her eyes. Stacie lay behind her, her left leg bent at the knee, and helped Chloe lift her leg over it. She dropped her hips and slid forward, allowing the length of the toy to run between Chloe’s folds, though not inside quite yet. She felt Chloe hold it in place and Stacie thrust gently, allowing Chloe’s natural lubrication to coat it while they watched Beca work Aubrey into another orgasm.

Then Stacie pulled back, angled her hips and let Chloe guide her until she could slowly press inside. After the first resistance eased, Stacie paused with the head inside, letting her adjust. Then her hand tightened on Chloe’s hip and she jerked her hips upward sharply.

Chloe cried out as she was filled, her body arching as she pushed back against Stacie. “Harder.” Stacie felt her body shudder at Chloe’s demand even as her hips picked up speed.

“Holy fuck.” She heard Beca whisper and opened her eyes to see Beca staring at them.

Aubrey had pushed herself up on her elbows and was watching them. “Oh my god.” Stacie looked up and the look on Aubrey’s face caused her to shiver again at the lust in those beautiful green eyes. If anyone other than Beca was going to understand the desire coursing through Stacie’s veins, it was Aubrey. She knew what it was to need Chloe and have Chloe demand even more in return. Then Chloe moaned again and Stacie pulled her attention back to the woman in her arms.

She gripped Chloe tighter and pushed herself to go faster with every sound Chloe made. At this point they had all used one of the strap-ons on each other, but they never grew tired of it. The trust and intimacy of it, even when it was fast and rough like now, never stopped being as exciting as the first time. Nine months later and they were still in the honeymoon stage for all that they were just now making engagement jokes. Or promises, she supposed. Stacie didn’t see any signs of that ever fading for any of them. When she had told Aubrey that she wanted to get the design as well, she’d meant it for the same reasons.

The thought of almost losing Aubrey had plagued her since they’d gotten back home, waking her more than once in the middle of the night. While the fear of losing Beca and Chloe was also there, it was to a slightly lesser degree – a thought that always made her feel instantly guilty and added to the misery she felt in the dark. While they were her heart, Aubrey was her entire world. Stacie didn’t know if she could have survived that. She knew Aubrey had the same problem, often going to work out until she came back to bed damp from a shower and trembling with overtaxed muscles. Stacie had joined her a few times, silently claiming whatever machine Aubrey wasn’t using, until Aubrey was ready to shower. There they would slowly make love as they washed each other and finally go back to bed, where, more often than not, Beca and Chloe were waiting for them.

Sometimes one of them simply woke the rest up, needing reassurances in the form of kisses and quiet moans. Beca and Chloe usually started those and Stacie had a secret suspicion they were partially doing it to ease Aubrey’s middle of the night worries without having to get up and work herself to exhaustion. And it seemed to be working because lately Aubrey had begun to follow their lead, not needing to go downstairs as frequently as before. Stacie hoped that meant Aubrey was close to putting it fully behind them. She thought the tattoos were a giant leap toward that goal and Beca’s question about marriage and Chloe’s instant, unhesitating ‘I do’ brought them even closer.

Beca scrambled sideways, taking advantage of their positioning, to lean forward toward Chloe. Stacie changed her pace to slow and deep thrusts, allowing Beca to, Stacie assumed, get her mouth over Chloe’s clit and suck. She felt Chloe tighten as she gave another cry, making each thrust require more effort. Stacie bit her lip, trying to keep her pace steady to not bounce Beca out of the way, but the need to push Chloe faster and faster was inching up her spine.

Beca made the decision for her as she pulled back, her eyes glazed but locked on them as she settled between Aubrey’s legs again. Chloe bent her body forward as Aubrey reached for her to kiss her fiercely. Stacie pulled Chloe’s leg back up and over, pushing deep within as she urged Chloe to recline half on her stomach and half on Aubrey’s side with her left leg still bent and propped up slightly by Aubrey’s leg.

Stacie rolled with her, getting her legs between Chloe’s and planted her right forearm on the mattress and her left hand back on Chloe’s hip. Finding her footing, she began to thrust again, watching Aubrey run her hand down Chloe’s arm and back up, tangling in her hair. Chloe’s face in profile was flush with exertion and beautiful; her eyes were closed, her mouth open and pulling in air to exhale a string of profanity that only urged Stacie to go faster. Sweat dripping down her body, Stacie braced herself and drove her hips, hard and fast, feeling Chloe tighten again, her body beginning to tremble under Stacie. Every time she thrust, she felt Beca’s hand where it gripped the back of Chloe’s thigh.

Stacie felt her own body tightening and wondered if she’d come undone from this alone, but then Chloe was screaming her release, her hand closing on the far side of Aubrey’s neck as her anchor. Stacie gradually slowed, though it was difficult to pull herself back from the edge. She came to a stop, still deep within, and dropped to rest on Chloe’s back, pressing kisses into her shoulder.

“You’re fucking amazing, Chloe.” Stacie said, trying to get her breath back.

Chloe let out a half laugh, her voice shaking as aftershocks rolled through her as Stacie felt her twitch. “I think I should be saying that to you.” She exhaled. “Holy shit. I can’t feel my legs.”

Stacie groaned and lifted up enough to slide backward and slip free though Chloe groaned at the loss. “That may be my fault.”

“You don’t weigh that much,” Chloe protested.

Aubrey stroked Chloe’s arm but watched Stacie. “You’re all kind of fucking amazing right now.” She laughed as Beca crawled her way up so she could kiss Aubrey. She kept her knees tucked under Aubrey’s legs, causing them to wrap high around Beca’s waist as Chloe’s leg fell to the bed. “Yes, including you.” She pulled Beca in and kissed her soundly.

Stacie smiled at their antics, the two of them were seriously adorable more than half the time, and Chloe watched them from where she was cuddled into Aubrey’s shoulder. Then Stacie’s eyes traced Beca’s body and she felt that insistent need pulse back to the front of her mind.

She moved behind Beca, her voice low and commanding. “Spread your knees, Beca.” Startled, Beca looked over her shoulder but her knees were already parting at the order. Stacie slid behind her and guided the shaft inside, watching Beca’s body press down into Aubrey as her hips tried to rise.

“Oh fuck.” Beca said on an exhale. “Please… oh Jesus, please Stacie.” Beca pushed back as Stacie ground against her.

Stacie put one hand on Beca’s hip and the other up on her shoulder as she began to move.

 ~A~

Aubrey’s breath had left her when she realized what Stacie was about to do. Knowing Beca as she did, Aubrey wasn’t surprised at her Pavlonian response to being taken this way – Aubrey felt the exact same since taking Beca that first night and the muscle memory of it was strong enough to take her breath away.

Then Beca pressed down into her when Stacie pushed her hips home and Aubrey inhaled sharply at the sensation. When Stacie found her rhythm, as hard and fast as she had taken Chloe, each thrust pushed Beca down and Aubrey was wide open and still sensitive enough that it was starting to drive her crazy. The sight of Stacie rising up behind Beca, need in every taut muscle, combined with Beca’s expressive face inches from hers, filled with blind lust and changing with every lunge from Stacie had Aubrey halfway up the peak again already.

Aubrey cupped Beca’s cheeks and saw those midnight eyes focus on her. “Bree.” It was said reverently and Beca pushed her hands between Aubrey’s shoulders and the bed until she could grip them from behind and use her as an anchor. She bit her lip as Stacie continued drive into her, muffling the scream Aubrey knew was trying to get out.

Chloe’s hand slid up into Beca’s hair. “We got you.” Aubrey tightened her legs against Beca’s sides as Chloe urged Beca’s head around until she could kiss her. “Let it out, Beca.”

Aubrey swallowed. “She’s right, love.” She leaned up and whispered into Beca’s ear. “We’re so far past holding back.” She pulled Beca’s earlobe between her teeth and bit lightly.

Stacie suddenly drove forward, pushing Beca down into Aubrey as she thrust as deeply as she could. Her hands slid down and between Aubrey and Beca. “Let me hear you, Beca.” It was that same soft commanding voice and Aubrey cried out as the thumb from Stacie’s left hand pushed firmly over her clit. As she writhed, she felt Beca lock above her as Stacie’s right hand pressed into her at the same time.

Beca’s forehead pressed into Aubrey’s left shoulder, the sound starting low in her throat, gaining in strength and volume as her body shook with the force of her release, a high keen that broke at the end with Stacie’s name on her lips. She dragged air into her lungs and moaned again, only slightly softer but no less intense as Stacie finally stilled her hands and flattened them against Beca and Aubrey’s stomachs instead. A third moan trailed off into a whimper as she clung to Aubrey.

“Holy shit.” Stacie was panting. “I love you guys.”

Aubrey watched her swallow and felt a grin twitch her lips even as she tried to regain her own breath. “Little worn out, love? And you said cardio would never come in handy.” Aubrey felt Beca give a small hiccup of a laugh and pulled back slightly to focus on her. “Hey.” She felt drops on her shoulder and knew they weren’t sweat. “Hey.” She said again, softer as she brushed Beca’s hair out of her face. Beca was still trembling in reaction but her eyes were clenched shut and fresh tears slipped free as she gave a stifled sob. “Baby.” She felt Chloe’s fingers comb through Beca’s hair, her voice soothing and gentle as she whispered words of comfort. Beca ducked under Chloe’s chin and pressed her face against Chloe’s neck with another sob, though her hands still clutched at Aubrey.

Aubrey met Stacie’s concerned gaze and smiled slightly. “She’s okay, love. That was just… a little intense for all of us.”

Stacie eased her hands from between them. “I’ll say.” She lightly stroked Beca’s back and made to move away, but Aubrey shook her head once. She and Beca were alike enough that she knew, in this moment, she’d want Stacie to stay right where she was. Need to feel connected, to keep her close. Stacie nodded slowly, her hands continuing their soft caress.

Aubrey felt Beca’s hands finally begin to lose their desperate hold on her shoulders, her body finally relaxing under their touch. She met Beca’s sheepish look with a soft smile. “Hi.”

Beca sniffled once. “I’m sorry.”

Chloe brushed Beca’s hair back and Beca turned her head to look at her. Chloe’s face was filled with such tenderness that Aubrey felt it was a little hard to breathe through the tightness in her chest. “For what, love?”

“Having emotions.” Beca replied. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “All over Aubrey’s shoulder.”

“I think I’ll live.” Aubrey tightened her legs around Beca again. “And don’t ever apologize for your emotions. I kind of love them.”

“Yeah, DJ. At least you’re up to plural now.” Stacie said, always knowing when to help Beca with humor. “Freshman you would’ve said you only had one.”

Beca laughed. “Fuck you, Bucky.”

“Mmm.” Stacie hummed thoughtfully. “Let’s save that for next time. I don’t think you can move right now.”

Beca twitched again as her breath hissed out. “Holy shit. You can’t say that right now, Stace.” Aubrey heard her swallow heavily. “Not… not where you are, because you’re right, I don’t think I can move.”

Stacie chuckled. “Sorry, B. Should I…?” She trailed off briefly. “I can’t imagine you’re not… uncomfortable.”

Beca sighed. “I am, but I really don’t want you to move yet… but yeah. Maybe.” She closed her eyes as Stacie pulled away, hissing again. Aubrey smiled and nodded when Stacie pointed at the bathroom and slipped from the bed.

Moving slowly, Beca lifted herself off of Aubrey and moved to the space Chloe created between them. She lay on her back, her eyes closed and her hands folded on her stomach. Chloe slid against her side and pressed a kiss to her temple, then her cheek where Beca turned her head to meet her lips instead.

Aubrey watched them with a smile as they reassured each other wordlessly before laying back and closing her own eyes. Slowly she stretched in place, feeling only the slightest soreness in her legs that was already easing. While she hadn’t expected the afternoon to go the way it did, she wasn’t ever going to argue with how satisfied she felt in this moment. She heard the water running in the bathroom and knew that Stacie was cleaning off the toy and would place it back in the drawer for next time. She heard the water shut off and pictured Stacie walking out of the bathroom and to the dresser, the drawer opening and closing, with a detour to the hamper for the harness.

“Bree?” Beca’s voice pulled her from her musings. Aubrey looked at her. “Can you roll on your side? Left side,” she added. “Be the big spoon?”

Aubrey immediately shifted and Beca moved over, letting Aubrey pull her close. Aubrey kissed her shoulder. “How’s that?” It took Aubrey a second to remember why Beca would specify what side to lay on, having briefly forgotten her tattoo. Though, thinking back, Beca never had. Not once had she accidentally bumped it in everything that had happened.

“Perfect.” Beca sighed as Stacie crawled back into the bed. “C’mere, Stace.” She patted the space between her and Chloe. “Please?” Aubrey was deeply touched by the care Beca always took with them, because she’d arranged it so Stacie would also lay with her tattoo side free.

“Like you need to ask me twice.” Stacie said lightly as she slipped between them, Chloe pressing against her back. “Oh, wait.” She leaned back against Chloe and threw both her hands up in the air. “Go team!” And she high fived herself.

Aubrey watched her with bemused fondness. “It’s a good thing you’re soooo good in bed.” She dropped her voice and practically purred, feeling Beca twitch against her. Beca’s reaction to Aubrey’s bedroom voice never, ever, failed to make Aubrey shiver along with her.

“Psh, you love me.” Stacie said as she lowered her arms again, beyond pleased with herself.

Chloe and Beca chimed in with Aubrey. “Yeah we do.”

When Stacie had settled back into place, Beca immediately pulled her into a kiss that left them both breathless. Aubrey watched, amused, as Stacie’s eyes blinked open, almost dazed with the thoroughness of it. “I don’t even have words for what you just made me feel.” Beca said softly and kissed her again. “Or how to tell both of you…” She trailed off again.

“That’s ok, Becs.” Stacie ran her fingers across Beca’s jaw. “I know.” She met Aubrey’s eyes. “We know.”

Aubrey buried her nose in Beca’s hair and pulled her close. Sleep was tugging at her and a nap sounded like heaven. She just didn’t want to be the one to reach down for the blanket folded at the end of the bed, she was too comfortable. But as their skin cooled, she knew they’d need the covers. But before she could make herself move, Beca spoke up again.

“Um… Stace?”

“Mph?” Stacie clearly was worn out. Aubrey was going to give her such a bad time later. She sensed a lot of jogging in their future.

“Um… are you… don’t you need…” Beca stopped. “To… You know.”

“Beca.” Chloe said with exasperated affection. “Seriously? You still can’t say sex or orgasm?” She propped her chin up on Stacie’s arm. “You’re sometimes so prudish for someone who lives in the gutter.”

“It’s all part of my charm?” Beca lifted her shoulder in a shrug.

Stacie was shaking her head. “That’s Beca: An 18th century gentleman. Worried about my getting off but unable to actually say it. It’s so cute.” She grabbed Beca’s hand before it could poke her in the stomach. “But to answer the question you’re dancing around…” She smiled sheepishly. “I actually came the second you screamed my name.”

“Oh.” Beca’s voice was shyly pleased. Her hand shifted and pulled Stacie into another kiss. Her voice was stronger the next time she spoke. “Just the thought of me does it for you, huh?”

“And she’s back.” Stacie rolled her eyes.

“That’s my girl,” Chloe said fondly. Beca pushed up to kiss her.

Aubrey laughed and sat up to scoot a little toward the end of the bed.

“Where are you going?” Beca said, looking over her shoulder. Aubrey could see the vulnerability still lurking under the surface.

“Getting the blanket.” Aubrey hooked it with her foot and dragged it upward until she could get a grip on it. Stacie immediately reached up and grabbed a couple of pillows and dragged them down.

“Oooh, naptime!” Chloe sat up and reached over to help spread it over them.

Burrowing into a pillow, Stacie’s eyes were already closed. “I could nap.”

Beca waited until Aubrey was nestled against her back again, immediately pulling Aubrey’s arm around her. “Did we get old?”

“No, B.” Stacie said, opening one eye. “We’re just exhausted because we all thoroughly celebrated our engagement.”

Aubrey leaned down to whisper in Beca’s ear. “She means we just fucked the shit out of each other and now it’s time to rest up.”

“So we can do it again.” Chloe said in the most innocent of tones. “But this time I get to wear it.”

Stacie’s eyes had shot open and she stared at Beca. “They’re going to kill us.”

Beca breathed out a quiet, “Holy fuck.”

Aubrey couldn’t help but laugh. “It certainly felt like it.”

Chloe burrowed into Stacie’s back with a yawn, her arm low across Stacie’s hip, mindful of her tattoo. “Sleep now.”

“You expect me to sleep after that?” But Stacie’s eyes were closed despite her protests; her words slow as she drifted.

“You are a wicked, wicked woman, Aubrey Posen.” Beca shivered against her.

“You love it.” Aubrey teased.

“Yeah I do.” Beca sounded like she wanted to say more, but the rest was lost in a soft snore.

Aubrey let sleep pull her under, feeling several more pieces of herself slide into place.

‘Soon,’ she thought to herself. ‘We’re all safe. We’re all home. I’ll finally just be me soon enough.’

[chloes-yellow-cup]

Unknown Number Part 1 - A Fic Tease

So, as I’m trying to write Nowish 11, this thought popped into my head. It takes place in my PP3 rewrite and stems from a thought of “Will Beca call Stacie on the way to save the day?” The short answer, now, is yes. Yes she will. This is not a story I’m writing yet, I still have several things in front of it - like PP1 and PP2 - but it is a story I want to tell one day in the Nowish universe.

Um, angst warning?

Part 2 Here

AO3

~S~

Stacie paced the house, her hand wrapped tightly around the necklace that held the three wedding rings left to her for safety. She sobbed, wishing her girls were there with her now, laughing in bed. That Aubrey was in the kitchen, making her dinner. That they had never agreed to go on this tour.

Her mind ran with all the possible worst case scenarios before she forced them away and ran down all the ways they would be fine.

Why hadn't she gone with them?!

Logically, she knew her being there probably wouldn't have made a difference. Without knowing the details, there was no reason to believe she wouldn't have been kidnapped with them… But she tortured herself with the what ifs.

And then her phone rang with her default tone.

Not the tone of one of her girls.

Not the tone of her heart. Not Aubrey's at all.

Slowly her hand came up and her eyes focused on her screen and the unknown number.

It wasn't Beca.

It wasn't Chloe.

It wasn't Aubrey.

She felt her world slowly collapsing. Felt each brick as it crumbled into dust and choked her throat. Her heart seemed to slow as her lungs grew too heavy to work.

The screen faded as the call went to voicemail and almost immediately lit up again. The unknown number was bright in her eyes.

What would she do without Aubrey. Who would she be. What was left for her if her entire world was gone.

Once more the line went to voice mail. She waited idly for it to ring again. She felt herself growing detached, briefly wondered if she'd pass out.

Her text alert went off. Automatically she opened it and read it. Her heart shifted and thumped once.

"Answer the phone, Mon Soleil."

Stacie sobbed as the phone rang again. Her fingers shaking, she answered it.

"Bree?

————-

[chloes-yellow-cup]

Unknown Number Part 2 - A Fic Tease

Part 1 Here

Alright, there was a little more that came to me for this. To answer a question, the 3 rings that Stacie’s holding are Aubrey’s, Beca’s and Chloe’s. Since my PP3 rewrite will quasi stay accurate, Stacie will not be able to join them, so they all give her their wedding rings for safety.

So, this little bit comes after the last, and is while they’re still soaked from the ocean and basically have just been pulled onto the Police boat at the end of 3.

~A~

“Aubrey, you need to call Stacie.” Beca held up the phone she’d just grabbed out of Chicago’s hand.

“What?” Aubrey took it automatically, but just blinked at her, still trying to wrap her mind around what had happened in the past few hours.

“I…” Beca sighed, frustrated. “I called Stacie before Amy and I got you.”

“You… What?” Aubrey’s focus sharpened. “You – she knows…” She wasn’t sure if she was touched or angry that Beca had called Stacie. “Oh my god, she’s probably freaking out.”

Beca had tears in her eyes. “Right, yell at me later. Punch me later, I don’t care. But you need to call her right fucking now.”

Aubrey forced her cold, wet fingers to work, dialing Stacie’s number as quickly as she could. Her heart fell as it went unanswered and finally to voicemail. What if Stacie… no, there wasn’t enough time… She dialed again quickly. “She’s not answering.”

“Because it’s not our numbers.” Chloe’s voice was suddenly beside her, her hand like a vise on Aubrey’s arm. “Oh shit. It’s not any of our numbers and we’re calling her after Beca tells her we’ve been kidnapped…”

Aubrey’s heart clenched in her chest, imagining what Stacie must be thinking, how she would feel if she thought something happened to Stacie. “How do I… How can I make…” She quickly brought up the text messaging app and typed the one thing she knew would work.

She gave it a minute and then called again, her heart leaping when this time it was answered.

“Bree?” The voice was broken, choked with tears, but it was the most glorious sound she’d ever heard.

“Yeah, baby. It’s me. I’m ok.” She held the phone tightly to her ear, trying to bring Stacie closer. Dimly, she felt Beca and Chloe form a protective shield around her. Not from her Bellas, but from all the strangers on the boat. She hoped she remembered to thank them later. But for now… “I’m ok and I love you.”

[chloes-yellow-cup]

Ahhhhhh! Thank you for sharing that CP2077 snippet! :D

You’re welcome! Thanks for letting me know you liked it!

I’ve been trying to come up in-between scenes and visits, cause 3 quests do not a soulmate make, no matter what the game says.

Will definitely be stretching the timeline from “weeks” to “months+” for novelization purposes lol.