Work Text:
Chloe had always been a morning person, but that Friday she was practically glowing when she walked into the kitchen. Her hair was loose around her shoulders, eyes bright with the kind of excitement that was impossible to ignore.
“Good morning, Bellas!” she sang, twirling around before dropping into her seat at the table.
“Wow,” Stacie said, raising an eyebrow over her coffee mug. “Someone’s extra perky today.”
“It’s my birthday weekend!” Chloe reminded them with a grin, as if she needed an excuse. “I’m twenty-four tomorrow. Twenty-four. Can you believe it?”
Most of the girls groaned at the idea of having to move so much energy before breakfast, but Chloe’s smile was contagious. Even Cynthia-Rose cracked a grin. Beca, however, stayed leaned back in her chair, earbuds tangled around her fingers as she tried to focus on anything but the way Chloe’s laughter filled the room.
Amy nudged her with an elbow. “Mitchell, you’re staring again.”
“I’m not,” Beca muttered quickly, shoving an earbud into her ear as if that made it less obvious.
“You are,” Amy teased. “But it’s okay, because she doesn’t notice. She’s too busy floating around like it’s Christmas morning.”
Beca groaned under her breath and looked down at her plate. She didn’t need Amy narrating her life. Still, she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips when Chloe leaned across the table to swipe a piece of toast.
The day passed quickly. By the time evening rolled around, the Bellas were sprawled across the couches and floor in the living room, snacks spread out on the coffee table. Movie night was a sacred tradition—every Friday, one Bella got to choose the film. No arguments, no vetoes. Tonight was Chloe’s pick.
She stood at the front of the room, hands behind her back, practically bouncing on her toes. “Okay,” she announced. “I’ve been thinking about this all week. Since it’s my birthday weekend, I want something fun. Something romantic. Something with music and dancing.”
“Please don’t say—” Beca started.
“High School Musical 3!” Chloe declared proudly.
The Bellas cheered. Amy threw popcorn in the air. Stacie wolf-whistled.
Beca groaned. “Seriously?”
Chloe giggled and walked straight over to the couch, grabbing Beca’s wrist and tugging her forward. “Come on, Mitchell, don’t be such a grump. Sit with me.”
Reluctantly, Beca allowed herself to be pulled down beside Chloe, who immediately curled up against her side like it was the most natural thing in the world. The movie began, and the room filled with laughter and music.
Beca tried to keep her attention on her phone, but Chloe’s excitement was impossible to ignore. She sang along to half the songs, laughed at the cheesy lines, and sighed dreamily at every romantic moment.
When Troy and Gabriella began singing together on the rooftop, Chloe’s voice softened. “I’ve always wanted something like that,” she said, not taking her eyes off the screen. “Singing and dancing with someone you love… it’s so romantic.” She tilted her head slightly, almost as if speaking to Beca. “Or imagine being up in a treehouse, looking at the stars, just… sharing music. That would be the dream.”
Beca swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how close Chloe’s shoulder was to hers. Her brain screamed at her to say something—anything—but all she managed was a faint, “Huh.”
Chloe glanced at her with a curious smile. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” Beca muttered, looking away quickly.
But inside, her mind was racing. A treehouse. Music. Stars. Chloe’s dream.
When the movie ended, the Bellas stretched and yawned, talking over each other about their favorite songs. Chloe excused herself, announcing she was going to take a bath before bed.
The second she disappeared upstairs, Beca sat forward, nerves buzzing under her skin.
“Okay,” she said quickly, her voice low. “I need your help. Tomorrow. For Chloe’s birthday.”
All heads snapped toward her.
Amy gasped dramatically. “Mitchell has a plan?!”
Beca glared. “Yes, but I’m not telling you what it is.”
Stacie smirked. “You’re asking for our help but not telling us anything?”
“Exactly,” Beca said. “All I need is for you guys to keep Chloe out of the house tomorrow. All day. Spa trip, shopping, I don’t care. Just keep her busy.”
Amy leaned closer, eyes wide. “What are you planning, Becs? A flash mob? Fireworks? A skydiving mariachi band?”
“None of your business,” Beca snapped, standing up quickly. “Just do it, okay?” She retreated to her room before Amy could pry any further.
The next morning, Chloe woke up to the Bellas insisting on taking her out. She squealed with excitement, hugging each of them in turn, though she kept glancing around. “Wait—where’s Beca? She didn’t even say good morning.”
“She’s… uh…” Amy searched for words. “Busy. Very busy. She’s, like, at a… haircut convention.”
Chloe blinked. “A what?”
“Yep,” Amy said confidently. “She’s learning the latest trends in bangs. Very important.”
Chloe laughed but shook her head, clearly unconvinced. Still, she let herself be pulled along, delighted at the idea of a surprise outing.
Meanwhile, Beca was in the backyard, phone pressed to her ear. “Jesse, I need a favor.”
An hour later, the Trebles showed up, tools in hand. Jesse grinned at her. “You picked the right guy. Treehouses are, like, my specialty.”
“Since when?”
“Since now,” he said, and clapped her on the back. “Let’s do this.”
By the afternoon, fairy lights were strung from the branches, candles dotted the yard, and flowers—Chloe’s favorites—were carefully arranged. The treehouse itself was small but cozy, with blankets and cushions inside.
Beca sat on the grass, guitar in her lap, practicing the songs. She hated how nervous she felt, but every time she pictured Chloe’s smile, it made sense.
When the Bellas returned with Chloe that evening, she was glowing from head to toe, arms full of shopping bags and laughter. Amy could barely contain herself, practically bouncing with the secret.
Beca waited by the back door, hands shoved in her pockets, trying not to look like she was about to pass out.
“Beca?” Chloe said softly when she saw her. “Where have you been all day?”
“Come with me,” Beca said, her voice quieter than usual. She reached out and took Chloe’s hand before she could argue.
Chloe followed, eyes widening as they stepped into the backyard. The lights, the flowers, the candles—it all shimmered in the night air.
“Oh my god,” she whispered. “Beca… this is beautiful.”
Music began to play softly, and Beca turned to her with a shaky smile. “Can I have this dance?”
Chloe laughed in disbelief, but her eyes were shining. “Are you serious?”
Beca extended her hand, awkward but determined. Chloe took it without hesitation. Together they moved, clumsy at first, then falling into rhythm as they sang. Chloe’s laughter mingled with the music, her gaze locked on Beca’s.
When the song ended, Beca led her to the treehouse. They climbed up and sat together, looking down at the glowing yard.
“No one has ever done anything like this for me,” Chloe said, her voice full of wonder. “Beca… it’s perfect.”
Beca shifted nervously. “It’s not over yet.”
She picked up her guitar, strummed the opening chords, and began singing Right Here, Right Now. Chloe joined in almost instantly, her voice harmonizing with Beca’s. By the end, they were inches apart, breathless, hearts racing.
Beca swallowed hard, then finally leaned forward and kissed her.
Chloe froze for only a second before kissing back, soft and certain.
Neither of them noticed the group gathered on the porch. The Bellas stood shoulder to shoulder, grinning ear to ear. Amy held her phone high, whispering into it like a documentary narrator.
“And here we see the elusive Mitchell finally making her move. Took her long enough.”
Stacie shushed her, but none of them looked away.
In the treehouse, Beca and Chloe stayed close, wrapped up in each other, oblivious to the world. For once, Beca wasn’t overthinking or running away. She just stayed—right there, right now.
⸻