A/N: Wanted to try something new here...we'll see how it goes.

Disclaimer: I own nothing and that includes the songs!


Her short blonde hair shined in the sunlight along with her green eyes. Her blue scarf, brown tee, and leather jacket blew with the wind and she felt the cool fall air brush against her knees through the holes in her denim jeans. She walked down the streets of New York with her messenger bag strung across her chest and hands fisted in her jean pockets. Her black Converse crunched the fallen leaves that made it into the city. A smile occupied her angelic face. Looking up she allowed the bright sun to warm her face. It was days like this that made her feel alive. The sun shining, weather getting cold, but not cold enough to really wear a coat or jacket, and all around her were people going to work, leaving work, or simply going for a stroll, and possibly some shopping. But she was Quinn Fabray, the newest songwriter and alternative/pop artist.

She didn't mind when fans walked up to her asking her for her autograph on this and that, and she was always happy to give them a photo with her. She promised herself when she first started that she'd always remain herself and that's exactly what she's done. Granted she didn't expect to actually make it. After all she lives in New York City. But by some miracle when she was performing at a local café, a record label was there and fell in love with her music. Safe to say they loved her and her music, and she was quick to sign. They gave her a studio apartment that she loved, and took care of the rent for her as long as she remained with them. They weren't big, but they were a good label and they treated her well. Her manager, Santana Lopez, had just booked her a small gig at the café where they discovered her. And that's where she was headed right now.

Arriving at Joe's Café, she took a deep breath and braced herself for the warmth she was about to get hit with when she opened the door. Opening the door she breathed in the warm coffee smell and looked around. Joe's Café wasn't big nor small, it had a lounge area to the left and a small stage and piano for anyone to use to the right. Up front was the counter, where people could eat their meals. And scattered all around were tables for customers. This place had become her second home. She couldn't count the amount of time she's sat at the piano writing music, or at the counter studying for classes. She didn't know what it was, but she loved it. And she knew Joe, a man with salt and pepper hair and the kindest blue eyes to ever be on the planet, loved her as well, with all the free coffee she's been given and with just an extra bit of fries or bacon. After all, she was his number one costumer.

Smiling she walked over to the right and saw the rest of her small band. Sam Evans, a blonde boy with big lips that were absolutely adorable, slinging his bass on and fiddling with the tuning. And on the drums was Finn Hudson, a tall, dopey, but sweet boy, he was tightening his drum set.

Approaching them she gave them both high fives and said, "You guys ready? I know it's not much, considering we've only played in the recording studio and for practice, but I think we're ready to finally do this."

Sam and Finn shared a look then smiled at her. "Oh yeah, we're ready," Sam said.

A huge grin made its presence known and she removed my messenger bag and leather jacket. Carefully she placed them down against the wall and sat down at the grand piano. She played a couple of keys and heads turned. Quinn smiled and made contact with the small audience in the café. Some were anxious fans, and others had no clue why three people were about to give a concert. "Hello? Can you all hear me?" She asked when she spoke into the microphone. There were some nods and some excited woos. She saw Joe give her a thumbs up from the counter and sent him a wink. She played some more random keys making a soft tune with them. "All right, it's good to see you all out here and of course you people who are looking at us like "what the hell?" good to see you too." She joked and some of the audience laughed gently. "How about we just get to the music, huh?" There was some cheering and she gave Sam and Finn a nod.

Sam, Finn and Quinn all started playing a steady rhythm then Quinn opened her mouth and sang.

You took a left turn when clearly,

Well you should've stayed to the right.

I think you're banking that your pretty face,

It can help you sleep through the night.

You've wanted everything but see,

Well you have not said a word.

Have you anything to say?

Except I can take care of all the physical needs and I'm taking all the oxygen to make it hard to breathe.

And so,

I'm givin' it all back just to take it all away and I think that you were playing just to have a game to play.

You think you're loved

By all, voices and clarity they sing: Ha-la-lala

Well dream on

And here I am,

I could crush you with one hand.

I've already flown much higher than you ever can

So I spread my wings and dive

Just to feel like I'm alive.

Those were the kinds of things I was born to do so,

Let's see what happens to you.

They continue to rock out on their instruments and the crowd seems to love it, Quinn can't stay still in her seat and she's pouring her heart and soul into the music.

The only thing that you are drawing here are:

Mechanics of a mess.

Well you're the silent type,

I see that type as nothing but a test of patience here.

So good luck to anyone

But better luck to you.

And it's alright if you can't put up a fight,

See I am the reigning champion of everything,

I will set your world on fire!

And here I am,

I can crush you with one hand.

I've already flown much higher than you ever can

I'll spread my wings and dive

Just to feel like I'm alive.

Those were the kinds of things I was born to do so,

Let's see what happens to you.

Quinn's fingers are moving with such grace and poise even though she's trying her hardest not to completely rock out to her own music. The music is flowing through her body and she's trying her hardest to rein it in. She looks up from the keys and smiles brightly at her other two band members who return the smile and don't miss a beat. A saxophone part approaches and she reaches into her case and starts to play the notes. She doesn't miss the way the audience seems to be amazed and in awe. She then makes the switch back to piano and doesn't miss a note. She closes her eyes and sings with ferocity and passion that the audience members feel it as well.

And it's alright if you can't put up a fight,

Dear I am the reigning champion of everything,

I will set your world on fire!

And here I am,

I can crush you with one hand.

I've already flown much higher than you ever can

So spread my wings and dive

Just to feel like I'm alive.

Yeah, those were the kinds of things I was born to do so,

Let's see what happens to you.

When the final note is struck the crowd breaks out into applause and the people that originally came in for a cup of coffee are sitting at tables listening to them. She beams at the audience and then nods to her band members and they start up another song. Just like the first the next five songs go on without a hitch and the crowd seems to be building with every new customer. Taking a sip of water, Quinn takes a deep breath and says into the microphone, "All right, you guys have been awesome tonight. This is our last song for the night. We do have CDs and other merchandise available up at the counter. Have a good night, and stay safe on these crazy New York streets."

Quinn starts playing the keys softly, losing herself once again. And when the drums and bass softly join her she closes her green eyes and sings softly.

Some have the throne,

And others lost their crown they come tumbling down

And they ended on their own.

Some are on their knees

The better men then them are falling down

To the more severe degree.

So let's sing a song of love,

We're calling all the earth

And all the angels above.

Can't you see that we all cry?

Together we could heal a life

I believe the right

I think it's time we learn to fly.

Can't you see if we fall down

We just take a look around.

See our brother on the ground,

Here's your lifeboat please don't drown.

Here comes the storm

Let's gather all our friends

Plant our feet defend in order to keep warm.

We will build a bridge,

In order to recover everything

And find a better way to live.

So let's sing a song of love

We're calling all the earth

And all the angels above.

Can't you see that we all cry?

Together we could heal a life

I believe the right

I think it's time we learn to fly.

Can't you see if we fall down

We just take a look around.

See our brother on the ground,

Here's your lifeboat please don't drown.

Can't you see that we all cry?

Together we could heal a life

I believe the right

I think it's time we learn to fly.

Can't you see if we fall down

We just take a look around.

See our brother on the ground,

Here's your lifeboat please don't drown.

The final chorus approaches and Sam and Finn gently join in with back up.

Can't you see that we all cry?

Together we could heal a life

I believe the right

I think it's time we learn to fly.

Can't you see if we fall down

We just take a look around.

See our brother on the ground,

Here's your lifeboat please don't drown.

The last note is struck and Quinn smiles and says, "Thank you all for spending your time with us tonight! Hope to see you next time. For those of you who don't know, we are: Lost in Paradise. Good night." The final applause dies down and people move to purchase CDs and tees.

She stands and stretches from the piano and gulps down her water. She gives Finn and Sam another high five and says that she's going to go get some air and asks them to take over at the counter, they nod and they part ways. She grabs her jacket and steps out the door. She leans against the windows and breaths in the fall city air. And that's when she sees her for the first time.

Long, wavy chocolate hair fine tan skin, dressed similar to her own attire, sitting in the bean bag in the corner of the lounge area with her nose stuck in a book. And as she looks at her through the blinds in the window, she knows she is staring at an angel; an angel she has to know.


A/N: Thoughts? Leave a review!

Songs: Mechanics of a Mess by JWride , Lifeboat by JWride .