A/N: This has been in my mind for a while now and I can't help it but write it down, effectively being my first ever published fanfic. I would accept constructive criticisms so as to improve my writing skills. Let me know if I should continue this fic or not. Brittany might be a little OOC in here. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing this :)
Summary: After an unexpected encounter in a bar, McKinley High's Resident Diva comes face to face again with now newly transferred Youtube sensation Quinn Fabray . Will a fierce competition arise from the two divas? Or will something deeper develop between them?
"Come on, Rach. Loosen up a bit. Nationals is still ages away. Let's go have some fun!" Kurt pleaded as they sat down on the brunette's bed.
"That's the idea, Kurt. Nationals is only two months away and we haven't even started preparing our setlist yet. I strongly suggest that the perfect time to start preparing is today. Besides, I still don't get the idea of loosening up by going to a bar," Rachel countered.
"God! I'm only asking for one night out. After tonight, I will leave you alone in preparing our 'winning setlist'," Kurt rolled his eyes at his last words.
"Come on Hobbit! I'm not planning on staying here in your hell of a room the whole afternoon," Santana finally said, irritated at the bickering of the two divas.
"If I may point out, Santana, I did not invite the three of you here today. As you can see, I'm still exhausted from our tremendous yet successful performance last night at Regionals and I'm planning to have my much needed withdrawal from stressing activities, which includes going to a bar may add, and spend the rest of the day sleeping," Rachel replied. "Besides, we're still Sophomores, we're not mature enough to enter in such establishments."
"God! Just shut up! Don't make me want to put a duct tape to your big mouth and tear your vocal chords out!" Santana said irritatingly.
"I wouldn't go into my natural way of replying which makes you annoyed and you refer as a proof of my loud mouthness if you didn't provoke me in the first place."
"Will you two just shut up? Rachel, final answer: yes or no?" Mercedes chirped in.
"And don't give us another set of your verbal diarrhea because we've had enough of that crap," Santana added as Rachel was about to go to her rambling stance.
"No. And that's that."
"Well, if that's what suits you. I guess we'll just have to finish up all the free breadsticks at Breadstix and all the vegan lasagna at Max's. Let's go Mercedes, Santana," Kurt dramatically sighed but let out a silent smirk as he turned his back to Rachel. Oh yeah, breadsticks and lasagna will do the trick.
Rachel almost dropped her newly-booted laptop from her lap as she stood hastily at Kurt's last statement. There's no way in hell she heard him right.
"I guess so, Dollface. Plus I heard Breadstix will have Broadway musicals as their background music tonight. Aren't they, Aretha?" Santana said as she caught up with Kurt's plan.
"Oh hell to the yes! Let's go then. We don't have much time to prepare," Mercedes replied and shared a wink with Kurt and Santana.
"Wait, wait, wait. I think I'm having a chronic case of confusion right now. Why are you going to Breadstix and Max's when you unmistakably said a while ago that you are going to a bar? Are you three trying to play with me? That won't work because honestly, I'm not that easy to manipulate," Rachel quirked her eyebrow dangerously high as she crossed her arms.
"Ok first, what did I say about the word vomit? Second, did you honestly think we'll not have a proper dinner and go directly to a bar? We don't want to catch a fucking ulcer, Hobbit. Finally, we're not trying to play you. I thought it was kinda obvious that we'll grab dinner first," Santana informed the now stunned brunette.
"Nevermind San, Rachel's still not going, right? Let's move out now, we are still yet to choose our outfits," Kurt added.
"Wait guys. While I do appreciate Santana's clarifications, I'm still yet to process those things to ensure that no unfortunate events will happen if I do go against my first decision. Can I ask for a few moments to ponder properly on these conditions?" Rachel hopefully asked.
Mercedes shared a knowing smile with Kurt as she addressed Rachel "Of course, honey. Take all the time you need."
"Oh hell hell to the no! Decide right away Midget before I ends you," Santana casted an evil glare to Rachel.
Rachel didn't even flinch at Santana's glare in the slightest. "Honestly Santana, are you really that inconsiderate? And Kurt and Mercedes, after weighing the given conditions in a shorter time than I've preferred because of Santana's 'ministrations', I think I'll consider your offer."
"Is that a yes?" Kurt asked.
"Do I have to repeat my previous statements? Now, what can I wear to fit in this particular event?"
"Just no argyle, no animal sweaters, no stockings and most of all, none of those horrible vests," Santana butted in.
"Thank you for the restrictions, Santana, but I do believe that the adjective wasn't needed."
"Ohh, I have the perfect outfit idea for you!" Kurt excitedly said.
Kurt went straight to Rachel's walk-in closet followed closely by Santana. After shoving those horrible sweaters, because really, they're horrendous, Kurt and Santana went out with matching grins and shoved their chosen outfit for the brunette. Rachel's eyes comically went wide as she recognized the clothes.
"There's no way you can ever make me wear these! I've had enough embarrassment in wearing them in Puck's party!"
"Oh please, you were totally hot on these tight jeans," Kurt said.
"And the leather jacket totally made you look badass, I must admit," Santana added.
"They're right, Rachel You will be smokin' in this hella outfit," Mercedes commented.
Rachel was about to disagree more but the combination of Kurt's eyebrow raised in challenge, Santana's irritated expression with matching scowl and Mercedes impatiently tapping her foot, she sighed in defeat.
"Alright! What time are you going to pick me up?"
"We'll be here at 6 sharp."
"That's way too early for my liking!" Rachel retorted.
"Apparently, we have to do a couple of restaurant-hopping to satisfy you vegan appetite and of course, we wanna have great spots at the bar," Mercedes replied.
"Ok then," Rachel sighed. "What time are we going to head home?"
"Honestly? Your two dads are on a cruise together and it's a Saturday tomorrow. I think it's fucking obvious that we'll go home VERY LATE," Santana said emphasizing her last two words.
"Fine, fine. Now will you excuse me? I have to take a much-needed shower before preparing for this event which I have a hunch will turn out negatively."
"That's just your ass talking, Berry. I know you really want to go with us. You just love playing fucking hard to get," Santana provoked.
"Now enough of that. See you in five hours, Rach!" Mercedes said as she went out of the room, followed closely by Santana.
"I promise you'll not regret this night out Rach. Thanks for reconsidering. See you later," Kurt said as he kissed Rachel's cheek.
Rachel watched as the trio drove off from her doorway and went straight to the bathroom.
"This night should better end up nicely. If it'll not, I swear to God," she thought to herself as she prepared herself for a nice, warm shower.
Hours later, Rachel was already wearing a stylish black tank top, tight jeans, leather jacket with matching boots. She had admitted to herself that she does look good on that outfit and she's quite comfortable with it. She's just worried on what the others might say to her "out of the normal" outfit. She brushed those thoughts off and had her make-up retouched when she heard Kurt's car park on her driveway followed by two honks. She grabbed her purse, made sure her hair is in place and went down the stairs to have "the greatest night out".
"Ohh Berry, I could totally tap that!" Santana greeted as Rachel went out the house. She blushed at the compliment.
"T-Thanks Santana, but I do believe Brittany will not allow you."
"Of course I will. If she also allow me, too," Brittany winked and Rachel flushed deeper.
"Now, enough of that ladies, I don't want my mind corrupted. We're here to go to a fabulous night out, not proposing a threesome," Kurt butted in from the driver's seat.
"Hop in, guys, we're going to party!" Mercedes said and the three girls laughed as they entered the car, Rachel by the leftmost part followed by Santana then Brittany. They drove off and Rachel could only pray that she'll not regret this night.
"So rachel, ready for the best night out ever?" Kurt asked from the driver's seat.
"Though earlier I had my doubts in coming with you guys, I'm actually starting to feel excited about this," Rachel said, excitement evident in her tone.
"I'm glad you reconsidered Rach. It would be less fun without you," Brittany said, sporting a smile to Rachel.
"Thanks Brittany and to you lot for inviting me."
"Babe, you deserve some break from all those stressing music sheets. Just enjoy and we'll make this night perfect for you," Mercedes added from the passenger's seat.
"Yeah and might as well lessen your word vomit so this night will be perfect for all of us. And as a reward, I might treat you some good stuffs," Santana said and gave Rachel a genuine smile.
"I'll try to, Santana. And Mercedes, I'm looking forward on how you'll make this night perfect."
"Ok, enough of that cheesy thank you's. We're here guys," Kurt said as he unbuckled his seatbelt and went out of his Montero Sport. He was followed closely by the four girls and they stood outside Breadstix.
"What are you waiting for bitches? Them bread sticks are waiting for us in there," Santana said as she tugged Brittany inside. They followed the Latina inside and settled themselves in an empty booth. They immediately grabbed the diner's signature bread sticks and they all munched happily.
"I swear, these bread sticks will be the death of me. They're so damn good!" Santana said as she requested the passing waiter a refill of bread sticks.
"It's confusing because these bread looks like a stick but when I tasted a stick, it doesn't taste like bread at all," Brittany commented, gaining horrified looks from her companions. All of them are too shocked to utter a reply.
"Brittany, that's disgusting," Kurt finally said, clearly horrified.
Brittany let out the laughter she's been holding. "Seriously guys, I'm not that stupid. I'm just playing you all."
"You almost got me there, B," Santana said.
"Ok, enough of that. Oh, I almost forgot! I have to get the lasagna form the car. If you excuse me for a while," Kurt said and slided out the booth.
"Wait, Kurt already bought lasagna?" Rachel inquired.
"Yeah, when we picked Brittany up. Max's is just a couple of blocks away from her house so we figured we can save time by ordering a take-out instead," Mercedes explained. Rachel just nodded her understanding.
A waiter passed by their booth and they gave their orders. The waiter excused himself to get their orders. As if on cue, Kurt arrived and sat the box on the middle of the table. He was about to call the waiter for his order but Mercedes stopped him.
"It's fine. I already ordered your chicken platter with extra gravy," Mercedes winked.
"Oh you know so well!" Kurt said.
Their order came in a few minutes later and they started digging in.
"So guys, what's with this bar that you're so excited about?" Rachel asked as she took a bite of her vegetable salad.
"Oh you know, some strippers, weed, more strippers," Santana smirked.
Rachel almost choked on her food and stared disbelievingly to the Latina. The other four just laughed at her.
"There's no way I'll be entering that type of premises. I might as well head home now," rachel said.
"Chill girl, Santana's joking. Nightlife City is way different than the normal bars. It's like made for teenagers who wanted to cool stress off. It's almost children-friendly. The drinks are mild so we don't have to worry on getting wasted. Plus, the music's really soothing and I heard they even invite bands and singers to perform there," Mercedes clarified, clearly making Rachel relaxed.
"That's good to hear then. Any other amenities of the said bar?" Rachel asked.
"Well, I heard that there are videoke booths and there's this 'Diva Off' I'm looking forward to. It's like an on the spot singing contest, but of course with class. Are you on, Rach?" Kurt winked.
"I'm so totally on! Let's finish up quickly so we can sign up already! What's the prize, I may ask?"
"You can consume everything for free: drinks, food, videoke fees, basically everything. We haz to win this damn 'Diva Off'," Santana said.
They finished their dinner quickly because the idea of winning then basically having everything you want for free is like heaven in this damn town. They paid and drove off to Nightlife City. rachel is both ecstatic and excited brought about by the fact that this will be the first time she'll go to a bar and the natural excitement she feels whenever she's about to compete. She breathed deeply and went out the car.
"Alright, this is it. Just enjoy the night and this will be worth it," she thought to herself.
"Whoa! The buzz is so inviting! Let's go inside San," Brittany said and dragged Santana inside.
Rachel, Kurt and Mercedes were about to follow suit when they noticed a big tarpaulin announcing who the guest performer will be that night.
"Oh, hell to the no!" Mercedes exclaimed.
Rachel expected Mercedes to have a look of disapproval of the guest performer but instead, she was met with a clearly dreamy look and a fangirling about to erupt.
"Oh, hell to the yes," Kurt added, having a look identical to that of Mercedes'.
Clearly confused, Rachel inquired. "I'm not trying to be a mood killer, but can I ask what's the buzz about this performer?"
In reply, Kurt and Mercedes stared at her, disbelief clearly evident on their faces.
"You mean, you haven't heard her name yet or the amazingness of her talent anywhere?" Kurt finally managed to blurt out.
"I get it, she's a Youtube personality as stated on that tarpaulin, but I haven't really heard anything regarding her," Rachel admitted.
"Oh God, you're such a neglected so-called 'star in the making', Rachel," Mercedes commented.
Rachel is still confused but her internal monologue on how she might have possibly missed the name when Santana came bac.
"Are you bitches coming or what? They're already accepting contestants for this darn 'Diva Off'," Santana said, clearly irritated.
Kurt and Mercedes followed Santana inside the bar, leaving Rachel alone in her resumed internal monologue. She looked up the tarpaulin again and tried to digest the words written on it:
Tonight's Guest Performer: Youtube Sensation, Quinn Fabray.
"Quinn Fabray, you must be something big. I can hardly wait to have a 'Diva Off' with you," Rachel thought and followed her friends inside the bar, a confident smile across her face and a plan inside her mind.
A/N: So, what do you think? Should I continue this or think of another plotline? Reviews are very much welcome :)