Before You Say I do, Remember Me.
Will continue, but more so if the response is good.
Includes all glee cast and some unexpected characters, but many relationships will arise in this fic always open to suggestions!
My original character got quite a positive reaction in my last fic so decided to go in a different direction but keep the character around (think of it as five or six years later lol). This bit is only relevant if you read my last fic so a big thankyou to those who did and especially those who gave feedback!
Rated M for later.
Sorry for any mistakes!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Glee, the songs or any of the characters from the series!
I hope you enjoy!
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"Morning! Rise and shine!" Kurt's shrill voice filled the New York apartment which was only really lit by the strong singular beam of sunlight creeping through the half closed silk curtains. He clapped his hands eagerly, earning a disheartening groan from Mercedes and not even a moment from a sleeping Tina.
"Nice to see your both wide awake." He commented dryly, shaking his head and walking over to the massive bean bag Tina was slumped over, nudging it with his brand new Prada Gentleman's Slip On's (they were the newest beloved possession from his closet). In his hand's he held two separate hangers which each presented the selection he'd clearly already chosen for Mercedes and Tina to wear for the 'big event'. To say he was prepared was an understandment when he went back over to the open door and wheeled in a whole rail of dresses.
Mercedes opened one eye and moaned at the sight before rolling over on the sofa and burying her head back in an array of blue and silver pillows and blankets.
Early morning starts were clearly neither girl's strongest points and judging from the left over bottles and the occasional pizza box, they hadn't been planning Kurt's arrival either, well atleast not this early anyway. He was meant to be staying with Mike last night wasn't he?
Kurt made his way over to the sink, turning his nose up at the stench of stale beers. Who drinks beer in this household? He scrunched his brows together and daintily picked up an empty bottle, keeping it at arm's length at all times.
If Mercedes and Tina weren't going to wake up themselves he was going to have to give them a small helping hand. One of the benefits of living in the Hummel-Anderson household.
The smashing and banging Kurt was purposely making, trying to prove his point whilst clearing the clutter with yellow rubber gloves and an apron, was enough to get Mercedes attention though.
The boy always seized to amaze her how prepared he was and so efficient too, but really this early in the morning there was no need for the boy to be up, let alone trying to wake her!
"Kurt I'm trying to sleep, so take your banging, smashing and Mr. Efficient ass outta here or atleast have the curtesty to order coffees first!" Mercedes snapped, glaring at Kurt as he dropped another glass bottle into the bin in response to her.
Tina groaned from her spot and eyed Kurt tiredly.
"What time is it?" She blinked, the sunlight blinding her as she dug her toes further into the fur mat and stretched.
"Time for you lazy diva's to get of your asses!" He smirked, hovering a bottle over the bin and threatening to drop it. Coughing once just to make sure Mercedes understood the comment was directed towards her, mainly.
"Knock Knock delivery." Blaine's voice entered the apartment, as did the smell of fresh coffees and addictive cologne.
"I resent being called a diva." Tina warned, siting up and waving half-heartedly at Blaine. Kurt dismissed her comment with a wave of his hand.
"Diva's are the know it all of today's world, I'll have you know, and I'm proud to say I'm one of them." Mercedes sat up, waving a finger in Tina's direction and graciously receiving her coffee from Blaine.
Tina just shrugged and rose from her position on the floor, holding her knees up to her chest before taking Kurt's immaculately dressed attire and sighing. She needed to get dressed which meant she needed to get up.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome" Blaine grinned at the ruffled diva, graciously buzzing his way around the modern yet small apartment to Tina.
"Tina?"
"In here." She called from the bathroom, walking out too retrieve her latte from Blaine, with her toothbrush in one hand and her deodorant in the other. Blaine pressed a small kiss to her cheek and said good morning before humming his way towards Kurt who was still rustling around in his apron, sighing now and again at the mess and already his dramatics were in full swing.
"Here you go." Blaine smiled, gently passing the non-fat latte over Kurt's shoulder and placing a tender kiss to his cheek before wrapping his arms around Kurt's trim waist.
"Thank you, you have no idea what a life saver you are." Kurt sighed dramatically, only proceeding to make Blaine and Tina laugh as she re-entered the room.
Leg's folded and her arms crossed, she sat on the fur rug and clapped her hands happily, obviously more awake now, much to Kurt's excitement.
"So, what exactly am I wearing today?" She inquired cheerfully, eyeing cautiously the millions of hangers and lines of shoes Kurt had already organised the previous day.
Kurt grinned triumphantly, as if he already knew Tina would love what he'd chosen for her and discarded the frilly apron and rubber gloves into a heap which no doubt Blaine would end up tidying.
The old Tina would have dreaded this, but it had actually become rather fun now.
After her lengthy relationship with Artie ended, she'd come up to New York to stay with Kurt and Blaine, needing the time away. Kurt's career as an interior decorator had soon become apparent to her when he decided to help her look for apartments as well so he could redecorate.
Blaine's job as a realtor had come in handy too, earning her first viewings to all the nearby apartment's and she'd soon found one she loved. The only problem was, Kurt wouldn't let her move into it! He insisted on redecorating for her from door to door and making sure it was perfect, which she was extremely grateful for.
He dismissed her idea's when they became to like the old her, but somehow had still managed to keep elements of her in the apartment that she loved!
He certainly was talented and she could easily see why he was quickly becoming successful.
They were almost done decorating, but still had the bedroom left to do which Kurt and Blaine were insisting on keeping as a surprise, despite her protests. They'd hoped the apartment would have been ready this weekend so that Tina could have moved in and Mercedes could have stayed with her, but that just didn't happen hence the reason their little New York apartment was currently housing the four of them.
Not that any of them minded, it was actually quite homely.
"I'm thinking pastel! Not too bright, just perfect for the colour scheme! Compliments her skin tone as well doesn't it?" Kurt enthused, pulling two pastel coloured dresses from the rail and draping them over a day-dreaming Mercedes.
Playing dress up had become his new favourite past time since Quinn had hired him to coordinate outfit's and the décor for her wedding. He was in his element and it was probably the biggest job he'd ever had to do so far as an interior designer/ wedding planner.
"It would look lovely on her." Blaine complimented from the side lines, knowing that was his job when Kurt was in this mood. He couldn't help but feel a little smug as Kurt flitted around, holding dresses up to Tina's petite frame.
"Exactly my thought."
"Great minds…"
"Think alike." Kurt finished, smiling.
"Now get up Mariah and get dressed, your outfit is layed out on your bed and remember no make-up! I've hired a professional to do exactly what suits you best." Kurt informed, arching an eyebrow and pointing Mercedes towards the bedroom.
When she didn't hear, or did hear but didn't respond he stamped his foot impatiently and flicked her on the arm. Her immediate grin meant she had heard and Kurt could only smirk at the girls attempts, but she rose from the sofa anyway and sipped the last of her coffee.
"Did you say extra make-up, Bootylicious?" Mercedes called through the arch connecting the small hallway to the living area, purposely smirking. It could be heard in her voice much to Tina and Blaine's amusement.
"Do not call me Bootylicious!" Kurt snapped, exasperated.
It was a nick name she'd come up with after he showed her his video of him and Blaine performing Run the World with Rachel's little cousin Maddie who was only three and a half. She was young but the tiny girl had sure out shined them.
"Got it." Mercedes chuckled.
"It's a compliment Kurt." Tina smiled softly and Blaine agreed, although Kurt's only acknowledgment was a sniff. Mercedes called out, her jokey sarcasm could be heard in her light tone.
"Totally!"
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"You look so beautiful Quinnie." Judy gushed, gently tucking a piece of the younger blonde's silky soft hair behind her ear.
"So flawless."
"Thank you." Quinn blushed under her Mom's affection, emotion overwhelming her as she watched in the mirror.
The smile on her mother's face had never been brighter or prouder. It wasn't as if Judy had been around that much in past years, but the pair had made a breakthrough recently. Judy was stronger, more independent and more giving. Everything Quinn had ever wished for, yet she didn't know how to deal with it.
Off course she was proud as her Mum busied herself around the expensive cream room, reading the tags on gifts and occasionally stopping to neaten the bride's belongings and gaze at her beautiful daughter who, in her eyes, was a very lucky young woman to marry such a wonderful guy, but something was missing.
Judy was improving every day, becoming stronger as a single independent woman and much happier. Quinn could see that, but she could also see the loneliness which had come from years of living under her father's pressure. It saddened her when she realised that she too often felt that way.
"Mike's looking rather handsome." Judy winked making Quinn cringe before laughing despite herself.
"He always does."
Off course she was extremely proud to be walking down the aisle into the arms of her gorgeous and talented soon -to –be- husband, and she did love him. She did, she really did, but he wasn't her first love and never would be.
She turned and glanced over her shoulder at her Mother, who was lovingly looking at a picture of Quinn and Mike together dancing at their final Glee club performance. It was an old picture, but full of loving memories Quinn could never forget, like their first kiss together.
She sighed and rose from the stool she was sat on, taking one last glance in the French styled mirror before walking towards Judy slowly, smiling fondly.
"We won that year."
"I can tell by the smiles."
It's then that Quinn noticed her Mom wipe a single tear from her face. They weren't sad tears, maybe regretful, but still proud and the slightly smaller blonde understood.
She reached out and took the photo from her Mom, tears threatening in her own beautiful bright green eyes.
"Only one person missing." She breathed out, not intentionally but more from habit. It was the same thought she had over and over again when she saw the photo. For all the happy memories there was always one sorrowful one that never went away.
"Who's that darling?" Judy probed gently, standing beside Quinn and placing her arm around her daughter's shoulders in a reassuring hug, glancing down at the photo.
She couldn't see anyone missing, but then again how much did she ever really know back then?
"Doesn't matter." Quinn immediately stated, pushing the photo into Judy's hands and turning back towards the mirror, noticing Judy's confused frown. She wiped the remaining tears from her eyes and breathed in deeply.
This was no time to expose her past to her Mom. The part she missed out on, the best part in Quinn's opinion, but if Judy knew then it would certainly cause more emotions to go flying than Quinn could handle.
It didn't matter anyway, that's what she always told herself and it was no different now.
She ran her hands down her designer gown (curtesty of Kurt's inside knowledge), inhaling a shaky breath and smiling unsurely to the mirror.
"I love him." She whispered, hoping her mother wasn't listening. Judy's attention span was much shorter than average anyway which always managed to amuse the young blonde, but Judy wasn't thoughtless.
She may be the one who doesn't deal with the truth if she doesn't like it, but she'd sure know if Quinn doubted her love for Mike.
"I know you do sweetie." Came Judy's soft response. It startled Quinn that her mom had been listening; she turned around to face the older woman with a worn smile.
"Do you think he loves me?"
"Quinn! How could you even question that?" Judy shook her head smiling, moving forward to embrace her in a reassuring, motherly hug.
"I don't know." Quinn laughed into her mother's hair, calming slightly. Maybe all this was just nerves. She was ready for this, for him, for life and she wouldn't ruin it.
She just couldn't help but think about the 'what if's' as much as she tried to advert her mind elsewhere. Would she feel this way if it was her first love standing outside those massive oak doors? Or if she knew the one she would be with forever was the one who first stole her heart all those years ago?
She couldn't afford to think that way. It scared her, but the answer to every question in her head was 'probably not.'
She had a home back in Lima to return to. This New York life style was only temporary and she had to keep telling herself that. Once they returned to Lima Ohio as a married couple she'd forget her stupid day dreams consisting of what could have been and what if's. Basically in her mind, she'd forget the past full of her dreams and move onto a future that was practically her security blanket.
It was only when Kurt swung open the door to the dressing room and announced his official arrival with a series of overwhelming compliments that Quinn was pulled back to reality.
She blushed as she realised she'd been caught day dreaming and then blushed further as Kurt, followed by her five bridesmaids all gathered around her admiring the dress and her beauty. She wasn't used to this attention anymore. Well she was, but this was different.
"Thank you." She gushed, as Brittany jumped up and down excitedly squealing.
"You look so so beautiful Quinn!"
"It's gorgeous." Rachel gasped "You look lovely."
"Yeah, she's right Quinn. You look perfect." Tina smiled gently, and Quinn smiled softly in return, grateful for the girl's soft spoken manner and instant reassurance.
The lavish room, decorated in cream French styled furniture and stunning gold wallpaper, accessorised with red roses, artwork, presents, cards and the occasional suitcase fitted her five bridesmaids plus Kurt and her Mother perfectly.
Mercedes and Santanna also each took their turns in coming forward and complimenting the bride to be, whilst Kurt and Judy looked on proudly. Kurt admiring his amazing work and Judy proudly admiring her equally beautiful daughter.
"You ready then Q?" Santanna inquired, picking up a perfectly arranged bouquet and giving the blonde a haste kiss on her flushed cheek.
Feelings and shit still weren't her forte, but she had improved a lot since six years ago. That was only around her old friends though, the ones who knew her for all her faults and still loved the feisty Latina. Don't get her wrong, she still was ready to go all "Lime Heights adjacent" on anyone's ass if they offended her in any way, but now it was more just words rather than fists.
"I'm ready." Quinn breathed out, nerves shaking her voice a little, but all in all she was composed and ready.
"Yay!" Squealed Kurt and Brittany clapping excitedly making Quinn and the others laugh when Rachel's little cousin Maddie joined in.
Puck arrived in the room right on cue, clearly taken aback by the girl's beauty.
Her simple strapless white dress hugged every curve and wasn't over complicated whilst the bridesmaids stylish dark navy dresses all complimented each girl perfectly. They're hair was all pulled back into tasteful messy buns whilst Quinn's was loose and wavy around her porcelain shoulders. Everything was simple but screamed elegance and beauty.
It was just how Quinn always imagined her New York wedding.
"You look stunning. Good job Kurt." Puck smirked, linking his arm carefully with Quinn's preparing to walk her down the aisle in place of her father.
Quinn slapped his arm playfully before placing a kiss to his cheek.
"Thank you for doing this Noah."
"Anything for my baby mama." He grinned, squeezing her arm, watching as her smile grew unconsciously more affectionate.
"If we haven't said this before, we all love you Quinn." Judy stated warmly, kissing her daughters cheek and squeezing her hand. The blonde ducked her head, and smiled fondly, blushing yet again.
Her mom's affection was beginning to become ordinary, but some things still caught her of guard and overwhelmed her a little.
Everyone agreed with Judy's sentiment and each gave Quinn another kiss on the cheek before signalling out towards the massive oak doors.
There was only five minutes to go and Quinn stomach was now flipping endlessly, nerves now really taking over as little Maddie gripped her hand and the music began.
As Quinn made her way through the big doors, Santanna squeezed Brittany's hand before offering a hushed excuse for staying in the room for a second longer.
"Okay San, but remember Bride's don't walk down the aisle without us." Brittany warned, pointing her finger at San and earning a soft laugh.
"I promise I'll be out on time." The Latina grinned, placing a quick kiss on Brittany's pouting lips and smiling encouragingly.
Brittany's lips broke out into a massive smile as soon as the Latina's lips left her own and she ran of happily towards the rest of the awaiting bridesmaids.
Santanna smiled affectionately watching the blonde bounce off through the wooden doors and sighed inwardly. She looked beautiful. In fact everyone did, even the men looked handsome and groomed.
Brittany would always be her first love and she knew it. Nothing in the world would keep them apart and it was about time she really acknowledged it.
Pacing around the champagne coloured room, filled with gifts and the occasional card she spotted a photo she knew all too well. She had one very similar, but it was of her and Brittany bowing as they accepted the trophy.
She loved the photo and the fact they were all there, even Mr. Shue, Miss Pillsbury and Beiste. It was her family, but the one person who was there for her most, besides Brittany in her last year, wasn't there. The person who had made it all possible for them to even get to that stage wasn't smiling back at her through the frame.
They weren't even here today to put that dazzling smile back on Quinn's face that Santanna had only ever witnessed when the pair were together.
She slammed the photo back down on the side and gritted her teeth. Thinking of the reason the only other person who really had been her friend wasn't there. It still made her an angry kind of upset, even to this day, not that she'd ever admit it.
It didn't matter though to anyone else did it?
It just didn't matter.
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As the light shone through the church highlighting the gorgeous stain glass window, Quinn sent out a little pray herself. This is what I want; I'm not turning back now. The alter seemed further away than before, but she could see her nervous fiancé smiling warmly at her. Keep walking, one foot in front of the other.
Maddie's tiny clammy hand gripped onto hers firmly as she made her way slowly up the aisle decorated with white and cream roses. Looking down at the angelic girl she smiled warmly, loving the way the little girls hand felt in hers and the way Puck walked so perfectly in time with the little angel's tiny footsteps.
The admiring gazes from everyone invited didn't make her feel insecure like she thought it would, but instead grateful they had all chosen to join them. Seeing the tears roll down her mother's cheek as they shared a tender smile, or the way Burt and Carol smiled encouragingly mouthing that she looks stunning just made her feel warm inside.
As she reached the aisle she bent down to place a loving kiss on Maddie's forehead before placing her petite hands in Puck's large ones.
"Thank you Noah." She whispered before squeezing his arm and turning to look fully into Mikes awaiting eyes.
Noah gave Mike a discreet hand shake and nod of their heads before retreating to his position beside Kurt, Finn and Mike's two brothers with little Maddie closest to Quinn.
As Mike moved forward to gently hold one of her hands they shared a knowing smile of love and trust, each of them melting into each other's eyes.
It wasn't how Quinn thought she'd feel, but finally for the first time since she started planning this whole thing with Rachel and Kurt it felt right. See, you do love him you idiot.
Looking over to her five beautiful bridesmaids she smiled and they each smiled back supportively, but something wasn't quite right.
The surprised look on Rachel's face, the smirk across Santanna's and the nervousness across Tina and Mercedes's faces didn't sit right with her. What the hell is going on? Brittany's face was impartial to it all but looking round to see what Tina was nervously eyeing from the corner of her vision was never what Quinn expected.
Immediately her heart stopped as she swung her head back round to face Mike, happiness shining in his eyes and confusion settling across hers.
"Surprised?" He whispered, smiling softly as the music started to fade out. It was the track that she had first sung after having Beth. No one had been able to get her to sing or 'express' herself as they had called it, but this girl had and that was the song they'd sung together.
To say she was surprised was never going to be the word to describe how she felt right now.
I can't believe she came. After everything and she's here to watch me get married! Here of all places…
Her mind wandered whilst her body stayed composed and her brain answered automatically.
"Yes. You knew?"
Mike smiled down at her compassionately and nodded, seemingly happy by her reaction.
"I love you."
"I love you more." Quinn breathed out, smiling but fighting an overwhelming surge off emotions inside.
"Are we ready?" The priest warmly inquired, gesturing for the guests to be seated.
They both nodded in unison and smiled.
