Disclaimer: The characters belong to the creators of glee. I own nothing.
Authors note: This first chapter is written for Faberry Week day one: Blind Date, but this story will be continued independently. I'll try to update regularly. Read & review please
Rachel absolutely hates this dance class, not because she is lacking the talent to succeed, but rather because of the instructor. Cassandra July began to pick on her as soon as Rachel set foot inside this class in the beginning of her freshman year at NYADA. And even now as she is quietly stretching in the back of the room to avoid any snarky comments from the blonde, Rachel feels the cold glances of the older blonde. She quickly got used to it and learned to ignore most of Cassandra's bitter remarks but sometimes it hits too close to home and reminds her of her years in middle and high school.
Initially Rachel hoped that she finally managed to escape the painful bullying she went through in Lima, but Cassandra picked right up where her former classmates left off. Though, being Rachel Berry forbids her to be overly pessimistic. This is her dream and with the exception of this one class, it is all she ever imagined it would be. She found some great friends, she is on top in almost all of her classes and she actually managed to get the solo at the famous winter showcase a few months ago.
And at least she doesn't have to endure this class by herself. She smiles as she spots Brody sneaking through the door, even though he knows that Cassandra would never chastise him for being late. He is her favourite student after all and Rachel still shudders whenever she thinks of Brody and Cassandra in bed.
Rachel has known Brody long enough know to tell that he is up to something when he approaches her with a wide grin on his face. "You are going to love me!" he tells her as he drops his duffel bag next to hers and quickly starts his warm up exercises as well.
The last time Brody told her the exact same words she ended up in the back room of a supposedly well known casting director, who tried to seduce her in exchange for a role in his rendition of Moulin Rouge. And it was not even Broadway! So Rachel is not quite sure if she even wants to know what he's up to this time.
"Please don't tell me you booked me another audition with your creepy casting friend. I still have nightmares of his slimy advances." she shudders as she thinks about the sleazy guy, who tried to grope her during her very emotional interpretation of Your Song.
Brody actually looks offended at her remark "That was one time and I already told you that I didn't know he only exchanges the female roles for some sexual favours."
"His "office" looked like the set for some weird porn and I wouldn't be surprised if he secretly films these auditions to sell them later" she hisses at the boy
"When I auditioned for my role he was really professional" Brody huffs "I'm sorry Rachel. I'll never set you up for something like that again" he pouts at her "I promise"
Rachel can't deny that he actually looks cute when he is looking at her with his way to pretty face, not that she would ever be interested in him in any other way than friendship. And she is very curious by nature so she has to at least hear his idea "Okay, please share your wisdom with me. What is going to make me love you?"
His pout instantly turns into a proud grin. "I found the perfect girl for you" he tells her "I met her a few days ago and I know that you will love her."
"You want to set me up?" Rachel quietly screeches
"Yes, and before you start to lecture me on the danger of meeting up with strangers, I got to know her a bit and she shares an apartment with the girl I'm currently seeing, so I'm confident that she won't turn out to be a sexual predator."
"The girl you are currently seeing?" Rachel quotes and smirks "You're probably seeing at least three girls right now" she ignores the bewildered look Brody gives her and continues "And from all the stories you've told me so far I'm not sure I want to associate with any of these girls. Or their friends."
"Hey!" Brody protests "You associate with me and the girls I go out with are perfectly fine, just a bit on the easy side. But that's why I'm friends with you. You keep me grounded Rachel" he smirks at her and fist bumps her shoulder
Cassie starts the class before they could further elaborate and Rachel tells him that they will continue this discussion after class. She takes her place and concentrates on the choreography to not give her teacher any ammunition today.
Surprisingly, the lesson ends without any major incidents involving Ms. July and Rachel happily packs up her things and waits for Brody to finish as well. Dance class on Wednesdays is their last lesson of the day and they usually go and get lunch together somewhere off campus.
Today they decide on a little diner they both like and that is close to both of their apartments. Rachel tried out living in the student dorms during her first semester but she could not get used to the low hygiene standards of the communal bathrooms and luckily her fathers are happy to help out with the rent for her own small one bedroom apartment.
"Just give it a chance Rach. If you don't like her you can always just fake some emergency and leave." he mumbles around some bites of his bacon sandwich.
Rachel finds the sight quite disturbing "That would be rude and please Brody, if you insist on eating this poor piggy right in front of me please swallow before you speak."
"Poor little defenceless piggy" she mumbles to herself and pokes around in her salad
"I'm just not entirely sure I'm comfortable with a blind date. What if I get stood up or even worse what if she sees me waiting for her and leaves because I'm not quite what she is expecting?"
The constant bullying she went through during her years in school left her with a heavy load of insecurities that are not easy to get rid of. Rachel constantly feels as if she is not enough. Brody puts down his sandwich and takes one of her hands in his own as a comforting gesture. Rachel grimaces but refrains from pulling her hand back just because he touched his dead piggy sandwich. She can just discreetly wipe it on a napkin later.
"She won't do that Rachel. No one would miss the chance to get to know you. But I already suspected that you'd have these doubts so I arranged a group outing" his smile is reassuring and Rachel knows that she is lucky to have found a friend like Brody. Even though she can be difficult at times, he cares enough about her to consider her weird insecurities.
"I thought that we could all go to Callbacks tonight and if you and Quinn, that's her name by the way, like each other you can go out again. Just the two of you." he suggests
Rachel finally relents and her thoughts instantly circle around possible outfits for her date. Though, she quickly comes to the conclusion that she'll need help.
Later that evening Rachel nervously picks at the hem of her dress as she waits for Brody to pick her up. After she couldn't find a suitable outfit she asked her neighbour Kurt for advice on what to wear. She met him when she first moved in last year and he is quite adapt in fashion.
He looked through her closet for about 30 seconds before he decided that her skirts and sweaters are definitely not acceptable for the occasion. Without a word he left her apartment and returned a couple of minutes later with a beautiful dress in his hands. She doesn't even know why he had that in his closet but she also doesn't care. So right now Rachel is clad in a cute but also kind of sexy dark blue dress that hugs her body perfectly and shows a small amount of cleavage but not too much for a first date. Kurt assured her that she looks pretty and hot and sexy and that everyone would be happy to go out with her. Still, Rachel is not convinced and added a dark cashmere cardigan to cover up a bit.
She would never admit it to Brody, but even though she had some doubts in the beginning, she is thankful that he arranged this for her. It has been a while since she has been asked out and more often than not she feels a bit lonely.
She lets out a tiny squeal when the doorbell finally sounds and rushes to grab her purse not wanting to keep Brody waiting outside.
"Wow Rachel, you look beautiful" Brody pecks her cheek in greeting
"Thank you Brody. I must say that you look quite handsome as well tonight." she tells him and takes his hand, as he helps her into the waiting cab. Callbacks is actually only a 15 minute walk from her building but don't want to be late and keep the two girls waiting.
She gets nervous as soon as they pull up in front of the bar a few minutes later. "Do you think she'll like me?" She hates that she sounds like a insecure child looking for comfort but so far Rachel did not have the best experiences when it comes to dating. Her high school boyfriend was too ashamed of her for their relationship to be public, so she put up with secret dates and quick makeouts in janitor closets for almost two years before she finally grew a backbone and dumped him. Since she moved to New York she went out with three people. One worse than the other. Jen, a former NYADA student sweet talked her into sleeping with her and instantly dumped her the next day. She went out with Molly, whom she met at a concert, for three months before she caught her cheating. And the last time she had a date the guy was so horrible and rude to everyone at the restaurant they had dinner at, that she never answered his calls again.
"She will adore you Rachel. I'm sure of that." he softly smiles at her "Come on, Madison texted me that they are already waiting inside" Brody takes her hand and leads her into the popular club. As soon as they're inside he stops and turns to his friend and points to the bar. "You see the pretty blonde over there next to the stage? That is Quinn"
Rachel lets her eyes wander across the crowded room and her breath hitches as she spots the blonde "Brody!" she swats his arm "She is way out of my league."
Rachel takes in the blonde woman in more detail "She's really stunning." Women as beautiful as the blonde are quite intimidating but Rachel's mood lightens as she watches the other girl some more. Quinn is happily chatting with another girl, who probably is Brody's date "She seems really friendly though."
"She's even more pretty up close and she honestly is one of the nicest people I've ever met" he reassures her once more and drags her along "Come on and just be yourself Rachel. She'll love you"
Rachel puts on her bravest smile as Brody leads her over to their dates. "Hi ladies. We're really sorry that we kept you waiting." He greets Madison with a peck on the lips and shortly hugs Quinn, whose eyes find Rachel's right away.
"So pretty" Rachel notes to herself and keeps herself from touching the soft looking blonde hair that falls around Quinn's shoulders in light waves.
"Quinn, this is my friend Rachel and Rachel this is Quinn" he introduces them and happily watches their first interactions.
"Hi Rachel, it's really nice to meet you" Quinn holds out her hand and Rachel sends her a shy smile as she accepts it "Hello Quinn it's nice to meet you too" she tells her "And you too Madison. Brody has told me a lot about you" He actually didn't but she's all for helping her friend get some tonight after he scored her such a beautiful date. Her comment earns Brody a kiss on the lips, which leaves him grinning from ear to ear.
"Wanna see if we can find a table for four?" Quinn suggests and only looks at Rachel for confirmation, who blushes in return and barely manages to nod her head.
"I already see one. Just follow me ladies" Brody once again takes the lead and even offers to get the first round of drinks.
"I'll just have a vodka cranberry please" Quinn says and Rachel nods "Yeah me too please" Some alcohol might finally loosen her up a bit and she didn't get that ridiculous fake ID for nothing. She still can't believe that the guy checking it at the entrance fell for it. Holly Holiday certainly is not a very realistic name and she feels for the countless children that have to endure the taunts of others just because their parents felt particularly creative.
They are left alone for the first time when Madison goes with him to help carry the drinks and Rachel takes some time to really look at Quinn. Brody was right before, she is even prettier up close. "Your dress is lovely Quinn" she shyly compliments the other girl and lazily draws some circles on the table with her index finger.
Quinn's cheeks turn pink but she doesn't avert her eyes and returns the compliment "You look lovely too Rachel"
"Have you been here before? My friends and I regularly attend the open mic nights and I've never seen you here before. Do you even go to NYADA? I don't think many people outside of our school know about this establishment. But this place is always crowded with people so it is quite easy to oversee someone" she nervously rambles which causes Quinn to giggle "I apologize Quinn. I tend to ramble when I'm nervous"
"It's fine" the blonde assures her with a honest smile "I've been here a few times but I'm not a singer and only ever sit back here and watch all the performances."
"So you are a student at NYADA as well?" Rachel asks
"Yes. I'm in my third year. Piano and composition" she explains
'So she's at least one year older' Rachel thinks
"A double major? That is quite impressive if I may say so. I'm in my second year now and my major is musical theatre. I don't even want to imagine the stress of adding more courses to my schedule"
Quinn gently shakes her head "playing piano is my passion so I wouldn't describe it as stress. I love all my classes"
Brody and Madison return a few moments later with two drinks for each of them. "The bar is very busy tonight and I don't feel like wasting my time by waiting for more drinks" Brody explains "Let's toast to an amazing night" he grins and holds up his glass. All three girls pick up their glasses as well and toast each other.
"So Quinn, has Rachel already told you the story of how we met?" Brody asks Quinn with a wicked smile.
The blonde just shakes her head and once again smiles at a groaning Rachel, who frantically shakes her head "Please don't Brody. That incident was so embarrassing."
But her friend ignores her pleas and starts to explain...
Two hours later all four of them are on their fourth drink and a bit tipsy. Rachel is even drunk enough to laugh along as Brody shares yet another embarrassing tale with their dates. All of them laugh at the image of a furious Rachel lecturing the pervy casting director on the importance of professionalism.
"It actually is not very funny" she informs them "I could have easily become the victim of a sexual predator or even worse I could have lost my chance to be on Broadway because I refused his advances. But when this sleaze didn't even pay attention to my outstanding rendition of a musical classic I knew he was an amateur and didn't know anything about Broadway, let alone be allowed to set foot on a real stage" she drunkenly giggles at the dazed look on Quinn's face "What?" she smiles at the blonde.
Quinn grins "Nothing" she hakes her head "It's just...You're so cute" the blonde admits with a flushed face.
Rachel blushes for what feels like the 50th time "Most people don't like my rambles"
Quinn just shrugs her shoulders "Then they're stupid" both girls spend the next minute just looking at each other with light smiles on their faces. Brody was right. Rachel does love him very much right now. Quinn is nothing like any other girl she ever met, so insanely beautiful without letting it get to her head and Rachel knows that she can't get a complete picture so fast, but she seems so sincere. She feels so comfortable with the other girl and she only met her a couple of hours ago. So far they only exchanged the basic information and some amusing stories of their past.
Quinn couldn't be more perfect in Rachel's eyes. They share the same interest in music and the perv in Rachel notes that the pretty pianist must be reasonably skilled with her fingers. Also she learned that Quinn is 22 years old and that she is originally from San Diego, but moved to New York ten years ago when her father got a better job offer. In return, Rachel shared some information about her life in Lima but left out the unpleasant parts.
There is something about the girl that seems so welcoming and Rachel can't help but be drawn to her. The blonde exudes a pleasant sense of carefreeness and calmness but at the same time seems passionate and lively. So far they only exchanged some innocent short touches to the hand or shoulder but Rachel already yearns for more. Quinn is just so gentle and sincere in the way she carries herself.
Another hour later, the three girls are huddled together by the entrance as Brody tries to hail them a cab outside. Rachel feels tingles running down her spine as she feels the blonde's hand slip into hers while her body presses closer to hers to whisper in her ear "Can I walk you home?" She turns her head to meet the soft hazel eyes and nods in affirmation. "Yes, I'd like that"
Quinn smiles brightly and squeezed her hand "Mads? Rachel and I will walk okay? I'll see you tomorrow" she quickly hugs her goodbye.
"It was really nice to meet you" Rachel tells the other girl, who returns her short hug "You too Rachel. I'm sure we'll see each other again sometime soon"
The two girls make their way outside and Rachel looks for Brody, whom she spots at the corner of the street, still trying to get them a cab. "Wait a moment?" she asks Quinn "I just want to say goodnight to Brody" the blonde nods and Rachel quickly walks over to her friend and pulls him into a hug "Thank you" she tells him when they pull apart
He just smiles at her "I knew you'd like her"
"She's going to walk me home" Rachel says and raises holds her hand in front of his face "Don't even start. You know that I will not engage in any sexual acts on the first date. We're just walking"
He winks at her and waves to Quinn, who is watching them intently. "Sure Rachel. Have a good night okay?"
The brunette nods "Thank you again" she walks back to the waiting blonde and sends her a bright smile "Ready to go?" They walk in a comfortable silence for a few moments.
"Are we even going in the right direction?" Quinn laughs "I just realized that I don't actually know where you live. Please don't tell me it's on the other side of town"
Rachel laughs "Don't worry, my building is only a few block in this direction" she points to the street ahead of them and they continue walking in silence. Rachel contemplates some suitable topics to discuss when Quinn beats her to it.
"I have to confess something." she shyly glances at Rachel, who urges her to continue "This isn't really a blind date because I've met you before"
Rachel shakes her head as she thinks about it "I am quite sure that I would remember ever meeting you before Quinn" The blonde is not the kind of woman you forget and Rachel is sure that she has never seen her before tonight.
"I was in the band that accompanied the performances at the showcase last winter." she explains "You were so focused Rachel and probably didn't even notice me. I helped out last minute and never got to rehearse with all of you, so I only saw you the night of the performance. But I was so amazed and wanted to talk to you right after but somehow you disappeared after your solo and I never saw you on campus"
For once in her life Rachel doesn't know what to say right now. Sure, her solo was praised by many of her fellow classmates and even the NYADA newspaper printed a glorious review, which is proudly displayed on her dads fridge. But she is shocked that Quinn actually remembers her even 4 months later.
When Rachel doesn't say anything Quinn continues to explain "When Brody mentioned that you guys were friends I persuaded him to set us up. I know it seems a bit stalkerish but I really wanted to see you again" she smiles sheepishly
"Not at all Quinn. I just don't know what to say right now but I must admit that I would have probably done the same if I was in this situation. I can be relentless if I want to achieve something. Though, I don't quite understand why you would be this interested in getting to know me." Rachel says as they continue to walk
"Who wouldn't want to get to know you Rachel? You are interesting, smart, funny and beautiful"
"I'm happy that you got Brody to arrange this" Rachel giggles "I've been so nervous all day. This afternoon I was actually worried that you'd just turn around and leave when you saw me." she admits sheepishly "Therefore it is rather reassuring to know that you are behind this set up" Rachel can't even describe what it feels like to know that the blonde intentionally sought her out and arranged this "blind date" to meet her personally.
"That good to know" Quinn chuckles "I was worried that you would be offended. But you had a nice time tonight, right?"
"Yes!" Rachel exclaims eagerly "I had a lovely evening" she hopes that this won't be the last time they went out.
"I had a lovely night too. Remind me to thank Brody sometime"
Rachel will make sure to thank Brody many times. She is already planning on baking him two or three batches of special thank you cookies. When he first approached her with his plan she would have never expected the evening to turn out to be this perfect. Even though she now knows that it was Quinn's doing, Brody still talked her into it and deserves some delicious treats.
The spend the next few minutes in a comfortable silence and only exchange a few side glances and smiles. Though, the smile slips right off Rachel's face as she stops them in front of her door. "This is me" she nods to her building "Thank you for this lovely evening Quinn. I had a lot of fun"
"You're welcome Rachel. I would love to take you out again soon, if you'd like that" she gives the other girl a hopeful smile
"I'd love to go out with you again. Soon."
"How about Sunday?" Quinn suggests
"Sunday would be fine." That's still four days away but Rachel doesn't want to get too pushy so she happily accepts the offer.
"Great, I've got something in mind that I'm sure you'll love. Just keep the day clear okay? I'll pick you up for lunch and we'll spend the day together?" Quinn says and rummages through her purse to get her phone "Just put your number in and I'll send you a text so you'll have mine too"
"Sounds amazing" Rachel tells her and quickly punches in her phone number adding a little star after her name. Metaphors are important after all.
She hands the phone back to Quinn, who shyly checks the new contact info "Great"
Rachel quickly considers a few scenarios to stall Quinn's departure for a few more minutes but her hazy mind can't think of anything suitable. "So..." she trails of not knowing what to say anymore.
"Yeah" Quinn murmurs and drops her gaze to Rachel's lips. "I guess this is goodnight" she whispers and takes a small step towards the other girl.
"Goodnight Quinn" Rachel's breath catches in her throat and she swears that Quinn would be able to hear her heart thump against her chest as she takes yet another step forward. Rachel's gaze flickers between Quinn's eyes and her mouth as she leans forward. She licks her lips subconsciously and waits for the other girl to finally close the gap.
Both girls let out an audible sigh as their lips meet for the first time. Quinn's hands instantly move to Rachel's head as one gently cups a soft cheek and the other tangles in the luscious dark locks. Rachel's grip on Quinn's back tightens as she trails her tongue along the blonde's plumb bottom lip, who immediately opens her mouth and allows their tongues to brush for the first time.
They continue to kiss softly for a few moments before Quinn hesitantly pulls away and rests her head against Rachel's, her right hand caressing the flushed cheek "Goodnight Rachel" she whispers and once again presses their lips together in a short peck and moves back. Rachel is left in a bleary daze and smiles contently as she watches Quinn depart. She squeals to herself as she quickly opens her door and happily skips all the way to her apartment.
When Rachel settles into bed 30 minutes later and checks her phone for the last time of the night she squeaks as she notices the text message from an unknown number: Sleep tight Rachel* she doesn't even try to fight the grin as she notices that Quinn added the little star after her name. This woman really was perfect. Rachel quickly answers her and then turns out the light and settles down. For the first time in a very long time, Rachel falls asleep with a light flutter in her belly. She really does love Brody right now.