The Basketcase and The Princess

Chapter 33

"Hey check out y'girl in this photo. She's looking fine!"

"She always does." Jesse smiled. Assured. As he carried on down the side walk, him and the rest of the Treblemakers headed back to the hotel. He was proud they had placed third, Bumper wasn't. Jesse didn't care. He was happy. He was doing something he enjoyed, synchronised choreographed singing, but more so he got to hang out with Benji and the other guys he had met through aca pella, and it had given him something he could share with Beca, had given him more time to spend with her. Alternating shifts at the radio station didn't suffice, he wanted to spend every spare free moment with her. He had figured that with this shared interest that would have allowed them to do just that. But somehow it had divided them. Her time always spent with the Bellas, his with the Treblemakers. But at least most nights he could head back to hers and crash. Together. Her stumbling in late from a Bella rehearsal, usually drunk, supposing that was the only way Beca could stand Aubrey. Alcohol. But thanks to Stacie, a lot of the time, at least he knew she was safe coming back home. He means her home. Nope, he does, he means home. Beca's feels like home. More home than his dorm. He sure spends more time there. Beca is home. Jesse headed back to shower, change and pick up the woman he loved. Night on the town. The two of them. Alone. He'd already booked a table at some well reviewed restaurant. Thanks Yelp. Jesse smiled to himself. His mind a wash of visions of Beca. How she looked up into his eyes, or down at his eyes as they would make love. His favorite look. He couldn't wait to see that look at the end of the night. Dark. So full of passion it almost terrified him.

"No but you're... Jess!" Bumper hit him lightly on the shoulder. "... Jesse! Man!" Another hit, harder. Firmer. "Look." Bumper whined as he shoved his phone in Jesse's face. Jesse backed up. Tried to move around Bumper. Bumper was instance. "Jesse." Bumper said like a petulant child. "Look man."

Jesse sighed, shook his head.

He already knew where Bumper was heading. Been there before. Done that.

Jesse never gave credence to what Bumper had to say, especially when it came to the shit he said about Beca and Stacie.

"Bumper man, she's not even in that photo."

"Exactly." Bumper said, eyes wide. A nod.

"What... what are you on about?"

"Check out the caption man." Bumper shoved his phone back in Jesse's face. Once. Twice. "Bro, the caption." Three times. Jesse took the phone out of Bumper's hand. Skimmed the caption. Shrugged.

"What?" Jesse said confused, "So it's Chloe now? Who next? Beca and Aubrey? Bro you're pathetic."

"Didn't you read it?" Jesse sighed at Bumper, a small smile at him.

"Bella love," Jesse read allowed. "Through to Nationals," Jesse continued. "Beca and Chloe couldn't make it in the photo because they are busy making out. Hashtag Bellas Rule"

"Right...? Bro!"

"Bumper," Jesse shrugged. Shook his head, a small smile. "That's what... meant to be serious? Don't think so."

"You're blind bro."

"And you're delusional."

"Blind." Bumpers eyes were wide. He was up in Jesse's face. Perfectly Bumper. Obnoxious. "Blind!"

"Delusional."

"What was the kiss back at Sectionals about then?"

"They all kissed, I saw Amy kissing Cynthia. What does that mean?" Bumped opened and closed his mouth.

"Uhhh..."

"See. Nothing. It means nothing."

"Bree what the shit?"