Summary: Basically a fic from Quinn's perspective. It looks back on her and Santana from before S1 (freshman year) and how they have evolved. It interprets storylines and scenes from her perspective including 'missing scenes/songs'. Follow Quinn's story and see how differently you look at her. (Follows glee up to S3 with few changes to what we have seen but beyond graduation it doesn't really follow S4)
Disclaimer: I do not own glee/characters/songs used.
A/N 1: I have so many ideas for this fic that I'm finding it hard to concentrate on anything but planning it lol!
A/N 2: I use a song called I'm not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance by Black Kids. Youtube it and listen to it when the entire song lyrics are shown. That way you can just read what's happening in the italics before each verse etc.
As Quinn walked across the stage in her cap and gown to collect her Diploma, she felt as though she was watching someone else; like she was still in the crowd with her fellow graduates, watching some random collect their high school diploma. She looked at this girl, striding confidently towards the Asian man; with her trademark smirk plastered across her face. Apparently, she needn't have bothered signing up for acting classes this summer; she could already pull off an Oscar worthy performance.
So maybe she was over reacting. It's not like she was depressed or anything, she just expected to feel more.. alive? She imagined upon hearing her name being called, she would get a burst of adrenalin and feel some sort of self-satisfaction. Currently, all she was feeling was relief that she would never have to return to this school ever in her life! That and the fact she didn't trip over her gown on stage, now that would have been embarrassing!
Walking back towards her friends in the front row, Quinn allowed herself to reminisce on how her life got turned inside-out. She certainly wasn't the same girl that had walked through the school gates four years ago. No, she was much less the optimistic, happy go-lucky teen than she was the pessimistic, hard Ice Queen. But Quinn couldn't blame herself, or anyone for that matter. Some people simply can't survive without pushing others away. It was a technique she'd learnt as a sophomore. Self-preservation was of the up-most importance and to do that you had to build walls, bury emotions and live a lonely existence with the only comfort being that the pain of loneliness was a result of your independence; not rejection from others.
As Quinn grimaced at the sadistic person she had become, she couldn't help cursing herself for ever moving to Ohio. Surely even life as Lucy Caboosey wouldn't have been this painful! There was nothing she could do to change that now, so she focused back to the stage in time to see Kurt pose oh-so camply for Burt, diploma in hand.
After realising that all her friends had now accepted their diplomas, Quinn allowed herself to be pulled back into her nostalgia; thinking back to a time when she wasn't marred with pain and regret.
It was her freshman year and Quinn had been enjoying her new found popularity for a few months now. She was in a new town where no one knew anything about Lucy and that's exactly how she wanted things.
Quinn chuckled to herself as she remembered her first day as a freshman. She had been belting out Taylor Swift- Fifteen the entire morning before finally leaving her Mom's car; a block from the gates.
Quinn strutted through the campus as though she actually had a clue where she was going. She didn't care where she was heading. She could be walking to Timbuktu for all she cared; she was too busy basking in the looks she was getting. Cheer try-outs had been the previous weekend and she'd been one of few freshman recruited. Walking through the school, it was clear to see people respected the uniform; slutty as it was.
Knowing her ego had been stroked more than enough for one day, Quinn dug into her bag for her schedule and locker information. Conveniently, she was in the right corridor for both her first lesson and her locker. She threw open her locker door, after taking a second glance to check she had the correct one. She pulled out what she needed for first period and stuffed the rest into the dusty locker.
She was just replacing the lock when she heard a familiar voice directed at her. "Can you believe they let us wear these uniforms? We look so hot! My Dad nearly popped a vessel when he saw me!"
Quinn grinned at the Latina she'd met at try-outs and rose a brow. "I know! My dad hasn't seen it yet but she wasn't impressed to say the least." Quinn noticed the girl's smile turn into a smirk as she was pulled to link arms with her.
"Not to mention we're automatically popular! I mean, a freshman cheerleader is more popular than your average Senior!" The brunette paused for a moment; grinning "We're definitely going to be good friends." Before the smirk has back and Quinn found herself being pulled through the corridor. Her heart rate skyrocketed upon the realisation that this was her first real friend. Not a cousin or the daughter of her parents colleagues. An actual friend! That she made without help from ANYONE!
"It's Quinn right? I'm Santana." And with a smile of recognition from the blonde ,a new friendship began.
Over time, she had become quite close to the Latina; whom was in most of her classes. Not unlike herself; Santana was new to the sudden social life thrust upon them. In middle school she had been one to hang out with the guys; roughhousing. It was safe to say when she turned up on her first day of high school in her short, well fitted cheer uniform; she was no longer considered 'one of the boys'. Now she hung out only with her fellow Cheerios and more exclusively Quinn. They were expected to attend anything that could be remotely labelled a social-gathering. Missing a trip to the mall was just as detrimental as missing a seniors party. They couldn't tell you why but they had been warned enough times to not risk it.
Come January they were inseparable. Looking at them, you would assume they'd known each other their entire lives. Being freshman; neither was obviously head cheer leader but that didn't stop them from walking the corridors like they owned them. People would make way for the two girls, cowering at the thought of being at the end of one of the Latina's many tongue-lashings. Quinn had learnt fast that her friend had a short temper and an even shorter tolerance of not getting her own way. Fortunately, she hadn't learnt this first hand but she'd witnessed enough people being torn down to vouch for her reputation. They were the perfect duo, balancing each other out perfectly. The best good-cop/bad-cop the school had seen in a long while. Santana, obviously being the bad-cop with her fear factor and Quinn being the good-cop with her ability to cool the Latina at the brush of her hand and charm anyone with her hypnotic eyes.
Most days were spent attached at the hip; gossiping and jerking around with the occasional lull in conversation after a glare from a teacher. They were ground into a routine of Santana swinging by Quinn's, walking to school, returning to one of their houses for dinner and then home in time for curfew. Weekends were much the same. Santana would be dropped at Quinn's and they would spend their time watching movies or attending the latest parties with the squad. Of course, Sunday morning meant mass but even then; their families attended the same Catholic Church.
Both sets of parents couldn't have been happier that their daughter's lives had turned round so drastically in the space of six months. Not only had Quinn's image completely changed but her entire personality. She was much more confident and outgoing but most of all, she was truly happy. Santana's parents were just relieved she wasn't hanging around with boys all the time still. Finally there daughter was turning into a woman; a lady.
Quinn had always been a touchy person, it was just how she expressed herself. Add that with the fact she was an excitable teenager whose best friend was Santana Lopez and the result would not be good! Or at least not quiet. One thing was for sure, they couldn't last five minutes before something caused an eruption of giggles. The girls would rarely be seen sitting still and were almost always touching each other in some way or form. Whether holding hands or playing with each other's hair, even poking each other in the ribs when they were irritated; just the usual antics of girls their age. For the most part anyway.
By April they had become closer yet; if that was even feasible. They felt almost like they needed each other, like they couldn't survive without being as close as possible to one another. As their emotions ran high along with their hormones; feelings became more prominent. The girls didn't really understand what it was exactly they were feeling, but whatever it was it felt.. intense. That was all normal though, right? Best friends acted that way, didn't they?
As time progressed, so did their friendship. They didn't bother going home at night and practically lived in each other's houses. Their parents didn't need much convincing before allowing them to split their wardrobes between the two houses; after numerous poor punctuation notes were sent home. Okay so maybe they hadn't always remembered to pack a change of clothes! And maybe sometimes they had but just wanted to ditch first period.. Either way, things were different. Hugs goodnight had turned into kisses. Top 'n' tailing had turned into spooning. It had all evolved naturally and now it wasn't even given a second thought; it was just what they did.
Both cheerleaders were constantly sought out by the Jocks of the school whom they barely glanced twice at until Prom was around the corner. Santana and Quinn were asked to go by two juniors from the football team. They were both extremely cute and not to mention popular. Their reputations would catapult after attending Prom as freshman.
Quinn fiddled with her diploma as she remembered the conversation she'd had that night with Santana.
The two girls were lying on Quinn's bed; pulling the petals of the red rose they had each been given by their prom dates. "Can't we just swerve it? It sounds like the night from hell!" Santana whined, exasperated.
Quinn laughed as she pulled the Latina into her side, stroking her back comfortingly. "A night of awesome music, classy dresses and my best friend for company. Yep, definitely sounds like hell." Quinn deadpanned with a strong nod of her head. Santana pushed her away and turned onto her back with an exaggerated eye roll. Quinn couldn't help grinning; she loved winding the Latina up, if only to see how cute she was when she tried not to smile.
"Yeah more like lame, sappy music; slow dancing with Ken-wannabe and trying to avoid getting groped the entire night." Quinn brought her head to the brunette's chest with a sigh and began tracing patterns on the skin on show above her skirt.
"You know we have to go right? It's part of the deal; Cheerios MUST attend all social-gatherings." Quinn recited.
"We can only go if we've been asked." Santana began with a small smile tugging on her lips. She looked down to Quinn's furrowed brow and knew she wasn't following. "Prom is for juniors and seniors. So, if we don't get invited we can't go. All we have to do is tell her bitchy-highness that we weren't asked and then we're home free!" Santana sat up in excitement; already planning what they could do instead, leaving Quinn's head to fall into her lap. "It'll be perfect! My parents are away that weekend so you can come round and we can sneak some of the alcohol she thinks I haven't noticed-"
Quinn abruptly sat up with her back to Santana giving a blunt "No."
"Huh?"
"Those guys are juniors on the football team. By now the whole locker room will have heard how they bagged cheerleaders as dates for the prom. The squad will know before we even get a chance to tell them we've changed our minds." Quinn turned sadly to face Santana, knowing it wasn't what she wanted to hear.
Santana threw herself back down on the bed with a huff. "You're right. But I'm still pissed off." Santana's scowl softened and she had to contain a grin when she saw Quinn pout at her from across the bed. She never could resist that pout. Knowing this; Quinn crawled back to Santana with a small smirk at how easily she could manipulate her friend's mood. The blonde girl snuggled closely into Santana's side, keeping eye contact as the brunette allowed her forehead to meet Quinn's. Instinctively, they shared a chaste kiss; knowing they both needed cheering up. One kiss turned into two and then three.. Before they knew it, Quinn had crawled on top of Santana, leaning down to make out with the stunning brunette (strictly PG of course!)
It wasn't sexual. It was just normal. It's what they did to cheer each other up. Okay so maybe it wasn't strictly normal and it wasn't something they'd do at school but in the little world they had created; this was just who they were. They knew each other better than they knew themselves so when it came to showing affection the line was pretty blurred.
Quinn was brought back to reality from the roar of applause, bellowing round the room. Her eyes scanned the stage, looking for the cause of the commotion. It looked like she'd missed Finn's speech, what a shame! She thought sarcastically. No longer interested in her surroundings, Quinn returned to pondering the question How in the hell did she not realise what they were doing?! Jeez sure it was her first best friend but they'd watched enough chick flicks to know that was not what friends did to cheer each other up. In the movies they'd talk forever about their feelings and cry into a tub of ice cream; not make out on each other's beds!
Still, she had only been a freshman, it wasn't like she'd ever met a lesbian, she hadn't even kissed a guy yet. Maybe that should have told her something.
Delving back into her memory she thought about the day of the Prom, how despite everything, they'd managed to kinda look forward to it.
They had just been dropped back to Santana's house by Mrs Fabray after a day of pampering at the salon. They'd enjoyed mani-pedis and getting their hair styled for the evening ahead. They'd bought their dresses a few days prior; only settling for perfection.
"But seriously," Quinn continued as she slumped onto the couch with Santana. "Have you seen him dance?! He looks like he has a turd in his pants or something!" Santana burst into laughter, clutching her sides from the force of it.
"It's not funny Santana!" Quinn jabbed the brunette with her newly manicured finger directly into the ribs; causing her to stop laughing and frown, rubbing her side. "You know you should give him a few tips when he comes to pick us up; nothing too difficult just The Idiots Guide: to not dance like a tool." Quinn suggested, deadly serious.
"Yeah, right! Like I could help him if I wanted to! That boy is beyond help."
Quinn turned on her knees to face Santana. "What do you mean if you wanted to? Do you want me to look like the douche who turned up to prom with a socially-stunted freak?"
Santana smirked at Quinn with an eyebrow raised. "How does that song go again? Oh yeah!" Santana dragged Quinn to her feet before belting out the chorus to one of her favourite songs "The word's on the streets and it's on the news, I'm not gonna teach him how to dance with you, He's got two left feet and he bites my moves, I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance!" Santana had been jumping up and down and fist pumping to the last line. She erupted into laughter after her impromptu performance and dragged Quinn on top of her as she sat back down on the couch.
"Okay firstly, you're a complete dork! But that was totally cute so I don't care. Just for that I forgive you for not saving me from dumpy-pants." Quinn grinned before leaning in to kiss the Latina's cheek which was now burning from the compliment. "Secondly, if you dance like that tonight then I don't know you." Quinn ran up the stairs laughing as Santana chased her into her bedroom.
A few hours later and after at least four-thousand photos, the girls finally left the Lopez house with their dates. They were walked to the limo, arm in arm with their dates but upon the opening of the door; they both climbed in and made sure to be sitting next to each other.
Exiting the limo; all eyes were on them. To say they were stunning would be an under-statement. Santana was clad in a floor length red dress, hugging her in all the right places. Her hair was in perfect curls and she was owning the red lipstick, showing off her perfectly full lips. Quinn on the other hand, was looking flawless in her deep blue frock with a plunging, v neck line. Her hair had been put up and she donned the perfect smoky eye. The girl's shot a satisfied smile to each other before being escorted into the dance.
More than half the night had passed and Santana had been right in regards to the music. So far all they had played was a mixture of pop music and Michael Buble. Of course she lived the Buble but she didn't love that it meant slow dancing with –whoever the hell her date was. She hadn't bothered learning his name, it's not like she planned to speak to him. He was already well trained to answer to Ken when Santana ordered him to get more punch.
The boys were getting drinks for their dates when Santana let out a high pitched squeal "OhmyGodOhmyGodOhmyGod! It's my song!" The intro had just finished and Santana was already pulling Quinn's hand to make her dance along.
Santana was singing along, holding up their hands as she danced to the beat
You are the girl that I've been dreaming of,
Ever since I was a little girl,
You are the girl that I've been dreaming of,
Ever since I was a little girl
Santana motioned through the lyrics, holding up fingers for the numbers and pointing at Quinn
One, I'm biting my tongue,
Two, he's kissin' on you
Three, oh why can't you see?
One, two, three, four
Quinn finally recognized the song as the chorus began and sung along with Santana.
The word's on the streets and it's on the news,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance with you,
He's got two left feet and he bites my moves,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance
Santana was clutching her heart, pretending to be heartbroken before fist pumping the last line just as she had back at home.
The second I do I know we're gonna be through,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance with you,
He don't suspect a thing, I wish he'd get a clue,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance
The boys had left the cups at their table and separated the girls to slow dance, despite the fact it was clearly an upbeat song and Santana gave Ken a death glare. They were pulled into their date's chest as they began slowly swaying in circles. Quinn met Santana's eye on the third line of the verse, not losing contact until they were turned away by their partners
You are the girl that I've been dreaming of,
Ever since I was a little girl,
You are the girl that I've been dreaming of,
Ever since, ever since
Quinn smiled into the boys chest as her heart began to flutter from the wordless conversation she was having with Santana.
One, I'm biting my tongue,
Two, he's kissin' on your hand,
Three, oh why can't you see?,
One, two, three, four
Before she knew what was happening, Quinn's date had stuck his tongue down her throat. Her eyes flew wide in panic. She'd never kissed a boy before, let alone with tongue! She pulled away, uncomfortable with the advance but continued the dancing.
The word's on the streets and it's on the news,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance with you,
He's got two left feet and he bites my moves,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance
As she was turned round to face Santana, all she saw was Ken with his hands stuffed in his pockets as his eyes followed Santana walking out the hall. Quinn instantly apologized to her date; murmuring something about the ladies room before chasing Santana down, out of the hall and down a corridor.
The second I do I know we're gonna be through,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance with you,
He don't suspect a thing, I wish he'd get a clue,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance
Quinn caught up with the Latina down a deserted corridor and pulled her back by her shoulder. When Santana turned, she had glassy eyes, threatening to spill tears at any moment. Quinn instinctively pulled her into a tight hug; her arms around the girl's neck whilst Santana's slid round her waist.
One, you're biting my tongue,
Two, I'm kissin' on you,
Three, is he better than me?,
One, two, three, four
"I don't even know why I'm crying." The Latina whispered into the blonde's ear. Quinn pulled out of the hug and stroked her thumb across her friend's cheek, capturing the escaped tears.
The word's on the streets and it's on the news,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance with you,
"I get it." Quinn whispered into Santana's hair before kissing her head. She pushed the brunette's back against the wall, interlacing their hands down by their sides. She leant her head into her neck and breathed in the scent of her favorite person.
He's got two left feet and he bites my moves,
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance
"You know there's always gonna be some guy. It doesn't mean anything." Quinn spoke softly into Santana's ear, stroking her thumb across the back of her hand.
The song wound down leaving only the doo-doo's to be heard.
"It's always going to be you." She spoke with deep sincerity; looking deep into Santana's beautiful brown pools. She didn't know the true weight of her words in that moment but she would soon find out how real they were. They stood, holding each other close until they felt calm enough to leave the sanctuary they found in each other. Quinn pulled Santana by the hand, back towards the music; sharing an intimate glance as they returned to the real world.
A/N 3: Please give feedback as a lot of thought has gone into this and even a one-worded comment both positive/negative is encouraging.
A/N 4: I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I have writing it!