Fabray residence
Friday evening
A short while later Quinn led Sam up to her bedroom as the two linked hands and smiled at each other. The blond paused by the side of her bed and turned to face the eager teen boy in her presence.
"Sam, do you think I'm a good person?"
Any further reply was cut off as Sam closed the distance between them as he gently kissed her on the lips. The two teen's need and hunger flared into full desire as the kiss deepened into urgent lip rubbing and tongues seeking entrance inside the others mouth. They both broke apart with a gasp then they hugged each other in silent gratitude. Sam leaned back to look into Quinn's hazel eyes with his typical intensity.
"You make me feel good, Quinn. I'm the lucky one here. I just wish I had not lost my temper and listened to what you were telling me babe."
Sam playfully kissed Quinn's nose and did his usual boy in a candy store smirk. Quinn laughed out loud and sighed in relief then hugged the excited bleach blond boy with much excitement.
"You're wrong, Sam. I'm the lucky one. It's just hard to feel like I deserve you giving me another chance."
Sam gently rubbed Quinn's check with one hand then put his arm around her shoulders.
"Don't be like that. So, are you hungry yet? I'm starving!"
Quinn let out the first real laugh she had truly felt like doing in quite awhile.
"You boys and your appetites. If it's not sex, sports or video games it's food. C'mon let's go back downstairs and look in my fridge. I can't have a growing boy going hungry in my house."
Sam gave Quinn a grin of such intensity she shivered all over inside. He held out his hand and she gratefully linked her hand in his.
"You're the best, Quinn. It's so easy to love you."
The ambitious blond girl felt an almost painful rush of shame and guilt well up inside her.
"I'm not sure I deserve you but thanks for those compliments, Sam. I love you too."
Sam gave Quinn another brief but passionate kiss as the blond girl melted into his embrace. She felt and heard an involuntary groan come out of her mouth.
OMG I am so screwed. I want to say hell with being prom queen but it would mean the world to my mom if I was elected. Why can't I have both the crown and Sam's love too? Damn it he's just not that well known enough to get the winning votes needed. I hate myself so much right now. Just enjoy this moment.
Quinn broke off their kiss and looked up with a dazed expression into Sam's amused eyes.
"Hey, let's take this slow, okay? We need to just enjoy each others company. Let's get you fed now. We have all the time in the world."
Sam put his arm around Quinn as they started walking downstairs.
"Always thinking about my needs, babe. How did I survive without you?"
Quinn flinched internally as her heart tightened painfully and her head felt like it was going to explode.
I'm so sorry Sam, but you're soon going to find that out. Why am I such a horrible person? Damn it I can't help myself. It's like watching another person and not being able to stop them. Fight this Quinn; why am I so weak?
Fabray residence.
Sunday morning
Quinn rushed to open her front door and waved Finn inside with much excitement.
"Hi Finn. Let me tell you about all the plans and ideas we can get started on tomorrow at school. Our first stop is to register our prom court candidacy, then"
Finn put a hand on the strung out babbling girl's shoulder and squeezed gently to get her attention.
"Quinn, just stop!"
The blond looked up at the tall wide shouldered teen boy with some concern.
"What's wrong? Is something bothering you? Let me take care of it."
"You can't fix it. Only I can. Just please listen and let me explain, okay?"
Finn waited until Quinn nodded her understanding before expelling a deep breath and started speaking with a gentle but insistent tone.
"Most everything is wrong with my life. If not for football and glee I would have gone insane. I've let my personal feelings screw up my judgment but that's stopping now. But the main thing I want to tell you Quinn is that we just don't work as a couple."
Quinn's face alternated between sorrow, anguish and guilty relief as her core beliefs and upbringing fought with new feelings of female rival jealousy and all the anger she had stored up inside her fragile teen heart.
"Don't say that, Finn! I thought you wanted this as much as I did." We make a good team."
Quinn placed her hand atop Finn's arm that was still touching her shoulder and smiled back at him. Finn struggled with his emotions and tried to convey his intent with a pair of hurting and sad eyes looking into her hazel colored ones.
"Back when we first started going out I thought that too. Before your pregnancy and all the lies came out I really wanted to be a father and start a family with you. But even before I found out Puck was the dad and not me I realized something else."
Quinn was very afraid of asking him but had to know for sure.
"What's that?"
"I had fallen in love with Rachel."
The blond's unblemished face suddenly darkened with anger.
"No, she's poisoning you against me. She does it all the time."
"Just listen, Quinn! You need to hear this and accept it. The only thing Rachel does is let me be myself. Not what others want me to be, but who I feel like being. You keep badgering me about how important this prom stuff is but I couldn't care less about it. You only want me so you can feel better about yourself and be on top at school again. There's no love from either of us so find yourself another king. I'll always care about you Quinn, just not the way you'd wish it to be. I have to go now."
Finn released his grip on Quinn's shoulder and started walking towards the front door. The stunned teen girl had to catch herself by grabbing onto the back of the nearby couch. She was breathing heavy and turned towards his retreating back to make her reply.
"You dare do this to me! Running back to your precious Rachel now? What the hell do you see in her? Tell me!"
Finn rested one hand on the doorknob and watched his former girlfriend's agonized facial expression and body posture crumble by the second. Quinn wiped some tear streaks angrily off her flushed face. Finn replied quickly as he knew that her question had an easy answer.
"I see the better person I am when I'm around her. Yes, I'm driving over there now to see if she'll have me again, in spite of all the heartbreak I've put her through this time."
Quinn's outrage mixed with intense embarrassment at being dismissed so easily finally forced some harsh words out of her mouth.
"Just how messed up are you, Finn? You know it's not going to work out."
Finn let out a disappointed sigh and shook his head.
"I'm willing to give it my best shot because she's worth it to me. Rise above it, Quinn. I still want to be friends and we'll see each other in Glee. Try not to be so negative all the time. It really helps."
Quinn stood there in total shock as she watched Finn walk both out of her personal life and house in the same motion.
Berry residence.
Sunday afternoon.
Rachel was spending a quiet day by herself watching one of her favorite musicals Rent when suddenly the door bell rang. She stood up while putting her show on pause and walked over to answer the door. Finn stood on her front porch.
"Finn, what are you doing here?"
"I came to talk with you. Can I come in if you don't mind?"
Rachel closed the door and walked over to where Finn stood in the living room.
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Us. You and me."
"So, did Quinn dump you? I find that hard to believe."
"No, I ended it with her. I refuse to live a lie anymore."
Finn paused briefly for emphasis while his face darkened with the inner conflicts he was fighting.
"Look, I know I've been a big jerk to you, but I was so confused …. and I thought you didn't really love me the way I love you…..and I know you think I don't really love you and I'm not good at expressing my feelings. So I'm going to sing for you. Listen carefully to the words."
Rachel's mouth opened in surprise. She struggled to keep her cautious excitement in check.
He remembered! Can I dare get my hopes up?
She barely managed to say the rest of their preset performance routine.
"Okay. Break a leg."
Finn used one hand to wipe his damp forehead then gathered his nerve back together and started singing. He kept a steady and intense eye contact with Rachel throughout the song.
It still feels like our first night together
Feels like the first kiss and
It's gettin' better baby
No one can better this
I'm still hold on and you're still the one
The first time our eyes met it's the same feelin' I get
Only feels much stronger and I wanna love ya longer
You still turn the fire on
Rachel let out a little gasp of surprise but her eyes shone with happiness and pleasure while she watched Finn perform. He tried to convey his love and hurt through his emotional facial expressions and body language as he sang out the words to her with all his heart.
So If you're feelin' lonely.. don't
You're the only one I'd ever want
I only wanna make it good
So if I love ya a little more than I should
Please forgive me I know not what I do
Please forgive me I can't stop lovin' you
Don't deny me
Finn gave Rachel his most winning smile and pointed first to her then back to his chest where his heart was located. Rachel put her hands up to her face as she attempted to wipe away the tears that were falling unbidden down her cheeks. Her body shook with her pent up feelings that threatened to burst out at any second. A half smile broke out on her face too.
This pain I'm going through
Please forgive me
If I need ya like I do
Please believe me
Every word I say is true
Please forgive me I can't stop loving you
Still feels like our best times are together
Feels like the first touch
Finn reached forward to lightly touch Rachel's hair for a second then stepped back again. His voice threatened to break up but the very emotional teen boy sang the last two stanzas without faltering or forgetting any of the words.
We're still gettin' closer baby
Can't get close enough I'm still holdin' on
You're still number one I remember the smell of your skin
I remember everything
I remember all your moves
I remember you
As Finn's voice faded away more tears ran down Rachel's face. She swallowed down a big lump that had gathered in her throat and continued wiping the water out of her eyes. Finn walked towards Rachel and kneeled down in front of her. He placed his two warm hands over her two shaking ones.
"I didn't sing to make you cry. I want us to be happy."
Finn leaned forward and gave Rachel a brief kiss. Rachel pulled back soon after their lips made contact and asked the question foremost on her mind.
"Why did you forgive Quinn? She did a far worse thing than me. You forgave her but not me?"
Finn took both of Rachel's hands in his and spoke to her in soothing tones.
"It was easy to forgive her, because I didn't really love her. But what you did hurt me bad Rachel, because I really love you and because of that I was so confused and couldn't forgive you. Every time I wanted to forgive what you did and be with you I remembered how you didn't keep my feelings safe inside your heart and choose to hurt me anyway."
Rachel returned Finn's serious look with a stricken expression of her own.
"I'm so sorry for hurting you like that and I told you before I don't care about anybody but you, Finn. I was so angry about Santana and you. I did a really stupid thing, but you hurt me more by pushing me away."
Finn reached out with one hand and softly cupped Rachel's cheek. He gently stroked it for a few seconds. He tucked a few loose strands of her dark hair behind one ear and continued telling her his feelings.
"I know. I'm so sorry for that. What I did with Santana meant nothing to me. I will never do something stupid like that again, and I will listen to you. We will never lie to each other again. We are part of something special."
He stopped talking and looked at her with his serious face.
"I really love you, Rachel."
Rachel put her arms around Finn's neck and kissed him on the lips again. After a second intense kiss Finn helped Rachel to her feet and put his arm around her shoulders. He kissed her forehead and used one finger to slightly tilt her chin upwards.
"So, you want to go see a movie then I'll treat you to dinner? I've missed spending quality time with you very much."
Rachel considered his offer for a few seconds, decided to make him wait longer than necessary then punched Finn in the arm.
"Hey, what was that for?"
"That was for believing anything Quinn said to you."
Rachel punched Finn on his other arm.
"This one is for acting like such a jerk to me for so long. Don't make me hit you again."
Rachel mock glared up at Finn with her most intimidating scorned glare.
"Whoa, scary Rachel. I promise to get it right this time."
Finn laughed and started tickling Rachel on her midsection. As she squirmed and giggled he glanced over at the TV screen and noticed what Rachel had paused before answering the door.
"You're watching that movie again?"
Rachel laughed again and smiled up at his amused expression.
"We can watch it again later."
"It's a date."
Choir room.
Monday – 12 noon.
Quinn walked up to the entry door and was about to enter when she glanced through the glass window and suddenly paused in her stride. She furiously processed the fact that Rachel and Finn were sitting together by themselves in the front row. They had their arms around each other with silly grins as Finn held out his arm holding his cell phone up then taking a few snapshots of them posing together as a couple. The blond's breakfast threatened to come up as Quinn forced down the taste of bile as her mind worked furiously trying to come up with a strategy.
As Quinn opened the door it banged against the wall with some force which startled the picture taking twosome out of their happy bubble. Both of their faces lost their luster and joy as they noticed who had just interrupted their alone time. She attempted to put on a show face grin for their benefit and stopped a few feet away from the newly reunited couple. Just then some of the other teens started filing in and found seats.
"Finn, may I speak with you over there?"
Finn looked at Rachel who nodded silently. He held her hand for a few seconds then stood up and followed Quinn over to the far wall where they huddled together talking in low voices. The blond gave Finn her determined don't mess with me stare.
"Please think about what you're turning down and throwing away. We can be the golden couple again and rule this school. None of your so called football goons would even dare try to slushie us or they would be punished severely. Finn, if you say yes and run with me right now we can forget that unpleasant scene at my house yesterday. I know what's best for you."
Finn crossed his arms in front of his chest and eased out the breath he had been holding.
"Quinn, I'm trying really hard now to not lose my temper and start yelling. I told you exactly how I felt towards you and my wanting to be with Rachel. I'm so happy that she agreed to be my girlfriend again. You have to move past this setback and just be the girl that I would gladly call my friend and glee teammate. You have a lovely voice so just help the rest of us get ready for Nationals. Wouldn't winning that be awesome? Have a nice day."
Quinn's answer came out with a low voice but the bitterness could have been heard a long distance away.
"Great. Just throw your life away. Don't forget I tried to help. See ya, loser. Time for plan B."
Finn walked back and sat down next to Rachel. He glanced with sadness at Quinn's retreating back then she sat down on the far end of the second row next to Sam. Rachel stood up and walked over to the podium. As the final few members in the New Directions glee club walked in and sat down for this teen only meeting Quinn raised her hand to get Rachel's attention as the brunette diva stood up at the podium.
This is the moment of truth. I will soon be the most popular girl in school again and Finn will beg for another chance with me. Besides, I've relished this moment all weekend. Hey Man Hands, I'm looking forward to breaking your spirit for good very soon. How dare she strike me? Oh, I'll play like it's all forgotten today.
"Rachel, I have an announcement to make. May I speak now?"
Rachel's body tensed visibly and a bad feeling coursed through her lithe, compact frame. She reluctantly met Quinn's gaze and nodded in reply.
Be the better person, Rachel. Don't let her get you flustered again. Rise above it.
"Go ahead Quinn, have your say."
Sam looked very interested and tried not to stare at Quinn too much. Hie eyes shone with a loving gaze. Finn looked tense and anxious and Rachel felt a headache coming on. The other teens looked mostly clueless. The blond smiled back at Rachel then glanced at Finn. Quinn cleared her throat and started her prepared speech.
"Before we get to Glee stuff I have some school news to report. I've decided that what cooler way for the rest of the students to take us seriously is if some of us were part of the upcoming prom dance royalty. Therefore, I have decided to run for prom queen."
Another surprised murmur ran throughout the assembled teen crowd. Rachel glanced at Finn who looked back at her with an impassive face. Quinn did not miss the look they shared but remained confident in her plans so she sneaked another flirty look at Sam who broke out his rock star smile for her benefit. Rachel closed her eyes and muttered something under her breath. Quinn raised her voice to get everyone's attention again.
"Hey! I'm not done yet. One more thing, the guy I have picked as my running mate and date is Sam Evans."
Quinn smiled at Sam as he stood up and linked hands with hers. Everyone looked stunned then checked to see what Santana's reaction would be. The Latina looked half asleep and totally bored. Finn stood up and walked over to shake Sam's hand.
"Way to go, dude! I hope you two win."
After a few more awkward seconds the other teens joined in with some half attempted applause. Quinn still acted like they were being thrown a victory parade. She smiled at Sam and they sat down again. Finn stood up and walked over to Rachel. He looked at the rest of the seated teens and put his arm around Rachel's shoulders.
"We have an announcement too. I think this song says it perfectly."
Rachel looked over at Brad the piano player and nodded for him to begin. They separated and stood on opposite ends of the piano. All the other usual jazz band musicians started playing their instruments as Finn started singing.
Finn:
You know the words
"Once Upon A Time"
Make you listen?
There's a reason.
When you dream there's a chance you'll find
A little laughter
or happy ever after
While Finn sang he walked over to Rachel and took her hand in his. The twosome turned to face the seated teens.
Both:
Your harmony to the melody
It's echoing inside my head
A single voice
Above the noise
And like a common thread
Finn:
Hmm, you're pulling me
To illustrate the words of the song Finn gently moved Rachel closer to him by twirling her around once 180 degrees. She ended up with her body in front of his as their faces were close together. Finn lifted Rachel in his arms and kissed her playfully on the nose then set her down again. He spun her around to his other side and she started singing her part while giving Finn her special smile reserved only for him.
Rachel:
When I hear my favorite song
I know that we belong
Together: Oh, you are the music in me
Rachel:
Yeah it's living in all of us
And it's brought us here because
Because you are the music in me
Finn: Yeah yeah yeah
Rachel:
It's like I knew you before we met
Can't explain it
There's no name for it
Finn :
I'm saying words I never said
And it was easy
Because you see the real me
Together:
As I am You understand
And that's more than I've ever known
To hear your voice
Above the noise
And no, I'm not alone
Rachel:
Oh you're singing to me
Finn/Rachel with ( Group ):
When I hear my favorite song
I know that we belong
You are the music in me
It's living in all of us
And it's brought us here because
You are the music in me
Together we're gonna sing (Yeah)
We got the power to sing what we feel (What we feel)
Connected and real
Can't keep it all inside (Ohh)
You are the music in me (In me)
Yeah it's living in all of us
It's brought us here because (Here because)
You are the music in me
Finn held Rachel's hand with gentle tenderness. They started gliding around the piano as Finn twirled Rachel through some more spins. The couple looked at each other with several silly but fun expressions as their joy of being together shone through their musical performance. On the last extended chorus run they waved to the others to join them and sing along. Mike, Tina, Brittany and Santana broke out more of their wicked insane dance moves with Puck and Lauren grooving on the outside edge. Mercedes joined hands with Rachel and Finn then everyone formed into their practiced conga line for a lap around the room. Quinn stayed put in her chair and stopped Sam from standing up. He looked like he wanted to protest but held her hand in silence. Much shouting and hugging ensued after the last note faded away.
Songs:
Please Forgive Me - Bryan Adams
www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=7x8wPt8xarE)
You Are the Music in Me-High School Musical 2 soundtrack
www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=cxznbn-BLXs
