Belong To Me (Bechloe)

twenty six.

Beca's POV

"Aubrey, I-" I freeze as I notice that Aubrey and the company aren't the only people here. I'm still a few steps away from the group, so there's always the possibility my eyes are lying to me, but that ginger hair is impossible to mistake for being part of anyone else.

Chloe turns her head suddenly and her eyes lock onto mine. She looks so beautiful, yet so pained, and I can't help thinking it's all my fault.

God, I can't believe I thought these feelings were purely platonic. She's so mesmerising, I could stare at her all day.

But I can't.

She quickly looks away from me, frowning a little at Aubrey as Aubrey explains the equipment to the company. I'm guessing I wasn't the only one who didn't realise the retreat offer wasn't just a ticket for one.

Aubrey makes a pointed look at Chloe before announcing: "This task is all about communication and staying level-headed. I want you to all work together as if you've been close for years." She pauses. "Which I'm sure some of you have. So let's get on with it, ladies and gentlemen. I'll be here if you have any questions."

The business people start to walk towards the first activity, leaving the three of us to stand there, waiting for someone to say or do something.

"What are you two waiting for? This is the Lodge At Fallen Leaves, where we discover that all opportunities should be grasped with both hands."
"Aubrey, look, I don't know if that was your dad's saying or just some professional waffle, but we don't need this," I say, raising an eyebrow as I glance at Chloe.

She doesn't look back at me. If anything, she completely avoids eye contact, which, to tell the truth, hurts a little. But I guess I brought it on myself.

"I didn't sign up for this, Bree! I can't believe you'd betray me like this," Chloe exclaims, gesturing in my general direction. "I told you I needed to be alone, I needed to get her out of my head. So what do you do? You go and bring her here. She doesn't even like me-"
"I think you'll find-"
"I don't want to hear it, Aubrey. Leave me alone!" Chloe storms off in the direction of the cabins. Aubrey sighs.
"To tell the truth, it worked out better in my head."

~~~

After participating in activities with a bunch of strangers for a couple of hours, I decide to call it quits.

"You could've warned me about Chloe," I say, walking over to Aubrey. "I mean I know I wanted to see her, but you didn't really let me prepare myself. She's so gorgeous-" I cut myself off, finally noticing just how into her I am. Shit, well it only took 26 years for me to realise I was gay.
"I know." Aubrey smiles. "And you two are perfect for each other, she just doesn't know what to do with herself at the moment. I was going to tell you she was here... I just wanted it to be natural."
"By intentionally bringing us together?" I ask doubtfully.
"Well... I guess you got me there. She wasn't going to see you otherwise."
"But she thinks I hate her?"
Aubrey shrugs.
"I don't think so."
"So why would she walk off and not stay and talk?"
"Because, clearly, she's angry at me." Aubrey shakes her head, laughing a little. "You're not one to pick up social cues, are you?"
"I'm not that bad-"
"The Bellas figured out Chloe was into you on Aca-Initiation Night. You, on the other hand, took 7 years. And she had to kiss you for you to work it out."
"That's only one thing-"
"Beca, you can't even pick up on your own cues. You've adored Chloe from basically the moment you met, yet you never knew what that meant. Naturally, I could make a guess, but you were the one who needed to confirm it."
"By telling you I'm gay?"
"Bi would've sufficed, but yes. I knew you were attracted to Chloe," Aubrey says confidently.
"So why aren't you letting me go after her?"
"Because it's pointless."
"How does that fit in with anything you've just said?" I counteract, frowning.
"Pointless to go after her now. When she's ready to talk, then she may decide she wants a nice bit of around-the-campfire fun with the others."
"You really think she's gonna sit down and chat?"
Aubrey wrinkles her nose up a little.
"Well... probably not. But you know what she's like, Beca. It takes her a while to sort things out."
I run a hand through my sweaty hair and sigh.
"Yeah... I know, I just wish I could try and explain things to her. Make it up to her..."
"You'll get there," Aubrey says in a firm, certain voice.
"And you know that because...?"
"Because... well, why not? There's every reason why you should end up together. Journeys just don't always go from A to B straight away."

Unfortunately, I know she's right. And naturally, that's something I'm going to have to tolerate.

-

Okay I'm sorry the company wasn't the Bellas, but I was thinking of including more of the Bellas if I do a sequel ☺️

I know there's still quite a bit left of this story, but is that something you guys would want? Bc I have some ideas for a sequel if people want one 😄