A/N : Okay so, this is the next part. I had opted for a One-shot at first because I'm kinda bad with multi-chaptered fics, but then many of you asked for more, and then I had some ideas again. So that's it ! The second (and I think LAST part of this story).

This chapter takes place in New-York, just before Nationals. It's a long chapter (not too long, I hope). And also, I hope you guys kinda like Santana's character cause she has a pretty big part in this chapter too. BUT THIS A STILL A FABERRY STORY, don't worry ^^

last but not least, thanks for reading, and thanks so much to those who left reviews... they just make my day :)


Great. Just fucking great.

How I ended up sharing a crappy bedroom with Berry instead of having the time of my life in the greatest city in the world… someone has to tell me.

x

"Guys ! Guys ! Attention please ! So, remember you have 5 bedrooms at your disposition. I'll let you chose your partners, but hey, guys stay with guys, and girls with girls ! No mixing the genders. Okay ? I'll come and check your night arrangements before I go to bed so… don't try and mess up with me. I'll be sharing the room 506 with Ms. Pillsbury if someone needs anything."

"And how is that not mixing the genders…" I hear Santana mutter beside me. Not that she really cares. Obviously.

x

I should have known better than to wait for somebody to propose to share a room with me. Tina, Mercedes and Lauren literally scurried into the first bedroom, declaring it their own. And while I tried to convince Brittany to let me sleep in her and Santana's bedroom, the proposition didn't go well with Santana. So, it led me there. Stuck in the last bedroom with Rachel Berry.

We haven't talked about the kiss -or should I say the "make out session"- since. Not even once. Everything almost got back to normal after that. Like it never even happened. Almost. I don't say it wasn't a bit awkward at first. There were… looks, a few times… which made me uncomfortable. And I would jump a little every time our body barely brushed. I don't think she really noticed though. God I hope not. It's already humiliating enough.

The whole party is really just a blur in my head now. But that kiss. It seems like I CAN'T get it out of my mind, no matter how much I want to. I shouldn't have feelings for her. She is Rachel Berry. Okay, she is pretty in her own way, and she has a great body –not that I really pay any attention to it, but we have PE classes together, and it's only natural for a girl to take a look at the others in the locker room, and compare her body with theirs… you know what I mean. I'm not a perv or anything… Anyway. Like I said, she is pretty. But she is a girl. An annoying one on top of that. Plus, I have a boyfriend ! Okay, I told Finn I wanted to be with him because it'd be more likely for me to win Prom Queen if I had a popular boyfriend, but still. He is my boyfriend. So I shouldn't be thinking about how his hands are too big, his chest too flat, or how she smells better than him, kiss better than he does… God, that's so wrong…

"Is it okay for me to take this bed ? I'm afraid the air conditioning on this side of the room might impair my voice for tomorrow. It could have great consequences, reduce our chances to win Nationals…"

"Yeah. Okay. Whatever, I don't mind." Thank God we don't have to share a bed. This would have been the end of me.

"Thank you Quinn, that's really nice. You can have the bathroom first, if you want."

It's only 9:30pm. Does she expect me to go to the bathroom and change ? I mean it's not like we are going to get out of that room until we go to bed, but still. 9:30, really ?

"No you can go if you want. I'll change later."

"Oh okay."

I grab my suitcase and shove it beside my designated bed, before plopping down ungraciously on top of it. She is eying me suspiciously. I know she's gonna say something, it's only a matter of time…

"Later, as in twenty minutes ? Or as in two hours ?"

"What the fuck, Berry ! The sun is still up ! Do you want to go to bed now ?"

"Well, tomorrow is the big day, and-"

"We don't have to perform until 3 in the afternoon ! You can sleep in the morning, you know ?" That girl is just too much. Why do I have a crush on her again ?

"But I have my morning routines to-"

"Rachel ! Just… Stop. Talking. I'm not going to bed at 9:30 and that's all ! End of discussion." I look away to prove my point, and start fumbling into my bag, looking for a magazine.

"Okay. I guess I'll just go and first then…"

"Right. Just go."

With that, she grabs her toilet bag and pyjamas, and heads towards the bathroom.

x

I'm already half-way through the magazine –it's not like there's that much to read in those…- when I hear a knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Hey Quinn !" Mr Schue is standing in the doorway. "Is everything's fine ? Rachel is with you somewhere ?"

"Yeah, yeah. In the bathroom." The girl has been in there for at least twenty minutes or so. The water stopped running a long time ago. I wonder what she is doing, it's not like she puts a lot of make up on during the day. Maybe she has an evening routine too, with organic vegan products or something…

"Alright. Good night then. Don't forget, room 506 if you have any problem."

"506. Got it. Good night."

With that he closes the door and I return to my magazine. Did you know Lindsay Lohan was in rehab again ?

x

It's only a few minutes later when I hear someone knock again. Probably Schue who forgot to tell us something, like "And remember girls, meeting at 10 in the hall. Don't be late !". I don't even have the time to answer before I see a cranky Santana barging in with her enormous suitcase.

"Santana ! What the hell are you doing ? I never said you could come in..."

"Whatever Q. I'm moving in. And anyway why did you want me to wait outside, it's not like I haven't seen everything before, in the locker room after Cheerio practice."

"What if Rachel had been naked ?"

"Ugh, gross." She scoffs. "And the midget would have locked the door."

She pulls her suitcase furthermore inside, before removing her shoes and throwing them on the opposite side of the room.

"Oh ! And I'm taking your bed."

"What ? No way ! What are you even doing here ? Aren't you supposed to sleep with Brittany or something ?"

This is seriously NOT happening.

"Well, apparently, Wheels thinks it's okay for him to get his mac on with Britt Britt in our bedroom. So I'm sleeping here."

"What the fuck, San ! Just tell him to get out ! You're not sleeping here !"

"Why not ? Do you want to get your freak on with Berry ?"

No. I do not. Well, maybe a little, but that has nothing to do with that… and it's not going to happen anyway.

"Haha. Very Funny. Just get out. This is MY bed."

"I can't. There is probably some sperm on the sheets now-" OMG, she did not just say that... "-you don't want to impose that to me."

"San ! God ! Gross ! That is so… disgusting."

Okay, that's REALLY disgusting. Now I just can't get the image out of my head.

"Yeah, yeah, right. Miss Celibacy Club. So you're giving me your bed because I'm NOT sleeping with the midget."

This seriously CAN'T be happening. I can't share a bed with Rachel. This is so beyond the limits of my comfort zone…

"In that case, you're sharing the bed with me."

"Certainly not. I need my space. And I what I don't need is a hot blonde beside me to remind me what the cripple has been doing with Britt !"

"I can't sleep with Rachel." I just say, with no arguments left.

"Why not?"

"It's just… gross."

If only she knew…

"Get over it tubers."

"No."

"Okay, then, we'll just ask Berry who she'd rather share her bed with. And she'll say you, because I scare the shit out of her."

God, she is probably right. I'm so screwed…

"Anyway, I have to pee."

She walks to the bathroom and pushes the door open without even knocking first. And then I hear a shrill noise…

"Damn it, Berry, shut your face. I've seen a girl in a bra before." She doesn't even bother raising her voice.

"Santana, I'm not done yet ! Just wait for your turn outside and let me put a shirt on."

"I'm sorry but you have to get out if you don't want me to pee in your suitcase. That's pretty urgent."

"At least let me put my shirt on !"

"Just get out, Rupaul. They're not that impressive anyway."

And with that I see Rachel being literally thrown out of the bathroom, with tiny shorts and no top on, indeed. My eyes rake over her body, I can't really help myself. Toned legs, flat stomach… perky bra-clad breasts… God, Fabray, stop staring.

Our eyes meet briefly and we both blush. She clears her throat a little.

"Okay, so… I'm just gonna… put something on." She says, obviously embarrassed.

I don't say anything. I don't think I can say something that won't sound totally lame right now. My brain is focused on her body, or rather, on how NOT to stare at it. And it needs all the concentration it can get…

As she walks past me, I can smell a faint scent of coconut, probably from the shower gel she used. Could she be any more tempting ? She puts an oversized T-shirt on and turns towards me. She suddenly frowns and gapes, like she just realised something.

"Wait, what is Santana doing here ?"

"She wants to sleep with us." I state, matter-of-factly.

"Wha-what ?" A look of sheer panic flashes across her face. Oh sweet Jesus, she did not just go there…

"No ! God ! Not like that ! She wants to sleep… here ! In our bedroom."

"Oh."

She looks relieved.

"Don't ever do that to me again Quinn. I have asthma."

I can't help but start laughing at that comment. She smiles and joins in. God, I love that sound…

"Who knew you have a kinky mind, Berry."

"I do not."

When our laughters subdue, she asks again :

"But why ? I thought she shared a room with Brittany ?"

"She did, she did. But she said Artie came in, and, well…"

"Oh. I see…"

We fall silent for a bit, and Santana barges in again.

"So, Berry" she starts, letting her hair down, "You have a choice. Who do you want to sleep with ? Me, or the blonde?"

I cast a glance at Rachel who looks back at me. I repress a smile as I know she must have gotten the innuendo again.

"Why do I have to share my bed ? Why don't you both sleep in Quinn's bed ?" she answers, avoiding the question.

"Because… we're the two HBIC in here. And you're just… Berry, which means : you're nothing. So you lose."

"That's not fair !" she cries.

"Stop whining. It just gets on my nerves. It's already enough to have to put up with you…"

"I'll have you know, Santana, that if your unsatisfied you can still go back to your room ! Nobody is keeping you here against your will."

"Like I said to Quinn earlier-"

"Oh no… no no don't." I cut in suddenly, remembering too well what she said about Britt and Artie…

"Okay, I won't. So Berry, we don't have all night. Quinn, or me, who do you pick ?"

I avert my gaze, looking at my imaginary friend on my right… I can't look at her. I'm too confused. I can't share a bed with her. This is just too much. But yet, I want her to chose me. What if she chooses Santana over me ?

"Then I guess… I'll go for Quinn." She says in a low voice.

I'm screwed !

I look back at her and she smiles, somehow shyly. I was about to smile back, but then I remember I'm supposed to hate her for picking me. So I just glare in her direction.

"Told you so." Santana tells me. "So Fabray, get your stuffs out of my bed, now."

I sigh. This is gonna be a looong night…

x

I've been sitting on Rachel's bed –well, our bed now- for the last 15minutes or so. And Rachel is also on that said bed. Sitting right next to me… Hell and Heaven have never felt so much alike. I just pretend I'm reading that same magazine again, but in fact I'm only skimming through the pages without even looking at the articles. From the corner of my eyes, I see her fidgeting on the bed. I'm not so sure what she is doing. Nothing, apparently. I raise my head when I hear Santana coming out of the bathroom, wearing sweat pants and a tank top. She plops down on the bed across the room and looks back at me, resting on her elbow. The room is silent for a bit.

"This is like the kingdom of Boredom in here." She finally says, breaking the heavy silence. I guess she is not totally wrong. She grabs the remote on her bedside table and puts the T.V. on.

"Santana, don't you know that watching T.V. just before bed is not good for the brain? It disturbs one's biological clock."

"Whatever Berry. Like there is something better to do."

"We could just… go to sleep ? It's almost 10:30 now. It's a pretty decent hour to do so, right ?"

Santana stares at her like she just got hit with a brick or something.

"Do you ever… you know… live, sometimes, Berry ? I though you just dressed like a grandma/toddler, I didn't know you behaved like one, too..."

"We are performing tomorrow !" Rachel answers desperately. "This is important ! It's already past my usual bed time and Quinn hasn't even changed yet ! We really need to be in good form for the show ! My broadway carreer could depend on it !"

She really is passionate about it…

"I know someone who won't be in good form with my fist in their face." Santana mumbles under her breath.

"Okay, Berry, you know what, I'll just go and change…" I'm afraid her nerves have enough to bear already with Santana's presence in the room, this is the least I can do for the girl…

"Thank you Quinn." With that, I head towards the bathroom.

Once inside, I let out a breath I realise I had been holding. This situation is not healthy. First I get stuck with Berry and I have all these… feelings to keep in check, and then I get Santana as a chaperon, watching my every move, like a vulture. This is fucking Hell. Can tonight be over already? And God I'm gonna share the bed with Rachel. What if she brushes against me in her sleep ? What if I say something compromising? What if she tries to kiss me again ? No, she wouldn't do that. She was drunk last time. She probably kissed me because I had said nice things to her and well, she's needy when she drinks. So she probably just assumed it was appropriate to thank me like that…

After briefly washing my face and brushing my teeth, I get out wearing a white wife beater and a pair of grey shorts.

"I don't want to be a bitch Q, but your fat is showing a little in those. You should think about getting back on the Cheerios."

"What ?" I look at Santana blankly, totally dumbfounded.

"Take it as an advice from aunty Sany, I don't want you to go back to Lucy. Q. Fabray."

This is so… I'm not fat. I mean I might have gained like… barely two pounds since I quit the cheerios. Maybe three. I gaze down at my body. Am I fat ? Now I'm insecure. I feel naked, and shy. I feel like Lucy Q right now. Totally self-conscious again.

"Santana ! This is bullshit !" I hear Rachel cry out, taking my defence. I'm a little shocked. Rachel Berry never swears. "Quinn doesn't need to lose weight! Are you insane?"

"Like you would know anything about it, Hobbit."

"I know what I see, Santana. She is gorgeous, she doesn't need to lose weight!"

She said I was gorgeous. She said "gorgeous". I'm blushing now, I can feel it. Does she really mean it ? I reach the bed quickly and jump under the covers, hiding the proof of what Santana is implying. Since when do I let Santana get to me like that ? Usually I just have a snarky answer about everything she throws my way. Rachel Berry in the room is cramping my style. It's like my brain is off all the fucking time when she is around !

"Berry, you like puffy pyramid nipples. You don't know what's hot and what isn't."

"This is about Quinn, okay ? This has nothing to do with Finn !"

"Yeah, well, Quinnie is getting a bit curvy, that's all I'm saying."

"Will you just… stop gossiping about me ? I'm here ! This is rude !"

Seriously, what's wrong with people ?

"But Quinn I was defending you, here." Rachel says, scowling at Santana.

"Yeah, well, thanks. But the "rude" part of my sentence was mostly directed at Santana."

"Okay, but don't listen to her Quinn. You're not fat. You're the prettiest girl at McKinley." Rachel adds softly, gently putting a hand on my knee above the covers. She smiles sweetly at me and I feel myself drowning in her brown orbs. Just remember how to breathe, Fabray…

Neither of us says anything for what seems like a long time. Santana is closely watching the interaction, her eyebrow raised in a perfect arch.

"Okay, girls, I don't want to interrupt this disgustingly fluffy moment of yours, but my gaydar is beeping, like, furiously right now."

Gay ? What ? Her comment gets me out of my stupor.

"Like you can talk, Santana !" I snap, clenching my jaws.

"What can I say? I have the hots for Britt. It's out there, anyway. That's precisely why I know what I'm talking about."

"You don't know anything Santana! Anything at all! So just back off !" I snarl back at her. Can't she just mind her own fucking business for once ? Does she have the secret mission of ruining my life? I'm not gay. I'm not ! I'm into Berry. That's all. And she doesn't have to fucking know that. Fuck! Now I'm angry.

"Okay…" she adds, raising her hands defensively. "Looks like I hit a nerve or something…" she mutters, barely audibly.

I don't pick up on that comment. I don't want us to go on forever on the subject. I'm already totally busted. I fucking hate my life right now.

I cast a tentative glance at Rachel who, I discover, was looking at me the whole time. I avert my eyes, afraid of what she'd be able to read in them.

I lie down eventually and roll onto my side, facing the wall. I have to calm down. I don't wanna talk anymore. I fucking hate Santana. The room is silent. I just hear the sheets shuffling behind me.

"Alright man-hands, you just won that one. I guess we're just going to bed early after all… Crazy atmosphere in here…"

"Thanks to whom, Santana." I tell her from my spot, my voice still bitter.

"Just Chillax Fabray…" She gets off the bed and starts walking towards the door.

"Where are you going ?" I hear Rachel ask behind me.

"See if Puck is having more fun in his bedroom."

"You know he is sharing his bedroom with Finn and Sam, right ?" she informs her.

"Ugh. Gross. I guess I'll stay here…"

x

A few minutes later, the lights are finally turned off.

"Good night." Rachel whispers from behind me. I'm not sure if she whispers because it is the polite thing to do or if her words were addressed just to me. Knowing the girl and her tendency to be pretty "loud", I guess it's the second solution…

It must have been barely ten minutes when we hear a soft knock on the door. I had not drifted off to sleep yet anyway. My mind has been processing all this time… a lot.

"What the fuck." I hear Santana mumble on the other side of the room.

Rachel must know neither Santana nor I will get up to answer it, because she takes it upon herself to go and check who is behind the door.

"Rachel." I recognise Brittany's voice. "Is Santana here ?"

"Yes, she is."

I hear the door being closed and I finally turn over, facing Rachel and Brittany. What can I say I'm a curious girl…

"What do you want Britt." Santana asks, sounding totally blasé.

"San, go back to bed with me. I can't sleep when I'm alone. You know I get scared in the dark…"

"Wait, I though Artie was in there with you." Rachel intervenes.

"He was, but he left. Boys and girls can't sleep in the same room. That's what Mr. Schue said."

"That didn't prevent the two of you from doing the nasty in my bed ! I'm not sleeping in those sheets, Britt !"

"We didn't do anything San. We just cuddled for a bit."

"Like that's not even worse…"

"Please San." Brittany's voice is soft and pleading. "Please go back to bed with me ?"

The room fall silent. I hear Santana sigh.

"Fine… I'll grab my stuffs back tomorrow."

Only Brittany can talk Santana into doing something. That's pretty impressive. I'll always respect her for that…

x

They close the door behind them and Rachel finally walks back towards me. I stay under the covers, not moving an inch. He see her hesitate a bit as she reaches the bed.

"Do you want to go back to your bed ?" she asks carefully.

Right. I should go. But seriously I don't really feel like moving to the other side of the room now that I have been safely tucked under the sheets for almost twenty minutes. And honestly, I kinda want to share the bed with her... I've been doing it for fifteen minutes now, I think I can handle it a bit longer.

"Go there if you want. I'm not getting out of that bed now." I tell her, sounding a bit sleepy. It's just a ruse, really.

"But Quinn, the air conditioner is there…"

"I said I'm not getting out of this bed, Berry ! So go there or stay here, your choice." I turn towards the wall once again, and a few seconds later I feel the bed shift a little under her weight. I guess she chose to stay on this side of the room…

Maybe Santana should have stayed. This is very awkward now. When she was still here, I just had to behave, I had no other choice. It was simple. Nothing could happen. Now, I'm not so sure. All I can focus on is my shallow breathing, her own breathing. I feel oppressed. Just go to sleep Fabray, just stop thinking…

"Quinn ?" she whispers behind me. God, help me.

"Mmm ?"

"Are you sleeping ?"

What kind of fucked up question is that ? Of course I'm not. I don't answer at first. But I can feel her eyes burning holes at the back of my head…

"What do you want Berry." I reply coldly. I have to preserve myself. My bitch mask is back on.

"I was just wondering… I thought… do you mind if I ask you something ?"

"You just did."

Ask me what ? This can't be good…

"I was wondering…" she goes on. "Have you ever… thought back to what happened at my party ?"

I can feel my heart thumping furiously in my chest. We are not having this conversation…

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I'm talking about the kiss, Quinn."

No. No no no…I don't wanna talk about it. I can't. God, Santana please come back.

"What about that ? Why are you asking me that ?" I sound angry now, but the truth is I'm terrified.

"Don't yell at me Quinn… I'm asking you because I want to know…"

"Well no. I haven't thought about it. Ever. And we were drunk Rachel, it didn't mean anything, why would I think about it ?" Liar. Big, fat, liar.

"Yes, we were drunk, at least I know I was but… still."

"What are you implying ?"

"Nothing. It's just… I happen to think about it sometimes, that's all."

Really ? She has thought back to it. Could she have feelings for me too ? God don't think about that Fabray, that'd be even worse! I can't be with her ! I just… can't.

I'm still facing the wall. I certainly can't look at her right now. I don't know what to say. What can I say ? I can't tell her that I've been thinking about it all the fucking time and that it's driving me insane! I don't want my life to be like that. It'd fucking ruin everything!

"Quinn ?"

I guess she's still waiting for an answer.

"What ?"

"Are you mad ? You're not saying anything."

"What did you expect me to say ?"

"I don't know. To get mad, to tell me I am a freak. That you don't want to share my bed anymore. That you don't want to be in the same room…"

"Are you making all this shit up just so I'll go back to my bed ?"

She wouldn't do that, right ?

"No Quinn, I'm not. I'm… I'm pouring my heart out, here."

My breath catches in my throat. God, she likes me. She does.

"Because I know we were pretty drunk that night, but, I had the impression it had been more than that. Nobody had ever kissed me like that…"

I can't process what she is saying. It is too much. I feel like I'm on the edge of a cliff. I'm petrified.

"I … I saw fireworks when I kissed you, Quinn."

Wow.

I know I should turn around and face her. She is making herself so vulnerable here, and it's so rude of me to stay in that position, my back to her. But I'm afraid that if I see her face, all my resolves are going to crash down. Say something Fabray… My brain is processing so fast it hurts. What can I answer to that ?

"Why are you telling me this, Rachel ? I have a boyfriend! I have Finn!" The same guy you were still trying to steal from me not so long ago!" The guy I convinced I was in love with to win Prom Queen, but especially the guy I tried to keep Rachel away from. If I can't have her, then nobody can. And if I'm with Finn, then he is not putting his paws on her… I know that's evil, but I'm extremely possessive.

"I know I tried to get him back for a while. But I'm over him Quinn."

"You say that, but you think I don't see the way you stare at us when we kiss? You're obviously not over him." My voice is wavering .Tears are welling up in my eyes and I blink them back. Can she please let it go?

"When I see you two kiss, I'm not jealous of you Quinn, I'm jealous of him."

I just want to run away and cry so badly. I just can't breathe properly anymore. I won't be able to hold back much longer.

"Please, don't say that Rachel…" I utter brokenly, barely over a whisper. A lone tear is streaming down my cheek. I can't pretend anymore.

"Quinn? what's wrong ?"

I don't say anything, as silent sobs start to shake my body.

"Are you crying ?" she sounds concerned and scoots closer, putting a hand on my bear shoulder. The contact is electrifying. I want her so badly.

"Quinn, tell me... What's wrong?"

"I- I can't."

"Is this because of Finn ?"

Why does she have to mention him NOW ?

"No ! God ! Why are you always so fucking obsessed with him ?" I brush my tears away forcefully and she squeezes my arms a little.

The room is silent for a moment, as I try to regain my breath.

"You don't really love him, do you?" she asks softly, after a moment. I'm not seeing her face, but I just know she's looking fondly at me.

My tears subdue and I try to breathe normally again. I just shake my head as a reply.

"Do you like someone else?" she whispers, putting a strand of hair behind my hear.

I exhale heavily and nod, still avoiding eye contact with her.

"Are you confused about your feelings for them ?"

I nod again and she scoots even closer, resting on her side and an elbow. I know she knows. We both know. I've never felt more vulnerable in my entire life. I can feel her body flushed against my back. I close my eyes, revelling in the sensation.

"It's okay to be confused." She adds before laying a kiss on my shoulder blade. When I don't flinch, she goes on, trailing a path of sweet kisses from my shoulder to the crook of my neck. I keep my eyes closed, silently begging her not to stop. As if on cue, she whispers :

"Do you want me to stop ?"

I shake my head. I really don't.

"No."

She rubs my arm up and down slowly and starts sucking on my pulse point. My breath catches in my throat and my eyes flutter close again. I turn my head a little, granting her more access. Her teeth rake slightly over the spot and she continues with open-mouthed kisses on my neck and collar bone. I'm breathing heavily now and I feel my body flushing with heat. I finally yield and roll onto my back, capturing her lips in a searing kiss.

My tongue explores her mouth hungrily and I hear her moan against my lips. My body reacts instantly, as I feel wetness pooling between my thighs. I pull her on top of me even further and my hands start roaming, desperate too feel each and every inch of her body. They scoot under her large T-shirt as they discover for the second time the soft extent of skin on her back, before brushing lower, over her ass and legs. Her thigh finds a way between mine and I gasp at the soft pressure, breaking the kiss momentarily. Her mouth hovers above mine as we're craving for oxygen, both of us panting heavily.

The kiss-well, kisses- we shared at her party are nothing in comparison with what's happening tonight. Tonight we are sober. Tonight there are feelings involved on both parts. This is so much more powerful. And scary. I feel dizzy but I can't get enough. My arms circle the back of her neck and I pull her into another kiss. Her hands caress my sides softly and finally reach the bottom of my top. A small hand finds the skin of my stomach and draws lazy patterns there, sending shivers through my spine.

In a sudden surge of boldness, I roll us over and pin her onto the mattress, our fingers intertwined above her head. I guess I tend to be bossy… My eyes land on hers. She's staring back at me, her gaze full of desire. I feel so beautiful when she looks at me like that, like I'm the one. I hope she feels the same right now, as my eyes are plunged into hers.

"You're so beautiful, Rachel." I whisper sincerely, my inhibitions down.

She untangles one of her hands and buries it into my hair, before it trails down my neck. She hooks a finger in my gold necklace and pulls down on it, bringing me towards her.

Our bodies and lips press together once again, gently this time. Our lips meet like it's the first time, brushing, sucking, getting acquainted. There is no rush this time. I want to enjoy each and every second of it. This is beyond everything I have ever experienced. Our tongues dance together, slowly, achingly so. I can't get enough of her.

My lips leave hers and trail down her jaw. I burry my head in the crook of her neck and inhale deeply. My senses are in overload. I suck on the soft flesh I found, as I let myself drown in the sweet scent of coconut and something uniquely Rachel. My hands find a path under her shirt again. Her stomach twitches under my palms and I hear her gasp as they travel up to cup her perfect breasts.

And then it hits me. I love her. This is not just a stupid crush. It is so much more than that. And just like that, a wave of sadness engulfs me. I feel trapped. My whole body tenses over Rachel. What am I gonna do? This is so fucked up! I can't be with her. What if I'm gay ? What am I gonna do ? What are people gonna say ? What about my parents ? I'm gonna be homeless again. And then, out of nowhere, I start crying.

I let out a choked sob against her neck and fresh tears starts running down faster than even.

"Quinn ?"

My whole self is shaking, violent sobs raking through my body. Without a second though, she holds me tight against her until my tears subdue. They are soaking her shirt at the collar, but she doesn't seem to mind. At least she doesn't say anything.

"I'm sorry." I tell her after a few minutes of silence, my throat a little sore from all the crying.

"Shh, it's okay."

We stay like that a little longer, my head nestled against her neck, her chin on top of my head, our bare legs entangled. I'm mentally exhausted now.

"Do you want to tell me why you cried ?" she whispers, like walking on egg shells.

I sigh.

"You don't have to." She adds quickly.

I hesitate a little, and let it out eventually.

"It's just… I'm so scared."

"About what ?' she asks, stroking my hair soothingly.

"About everything." I reply honestly. "It scares the shit out of me."

"You don't have to be afraid Quinn. Everything will be fine."

"It's easy for you to say. Your dads are gay and you've been bullied your whole life anyway."

I feel her tense a little under me.

"Wait, I didn't mean it like that."

I untangle myself from her and level my head with hers, looking straight into her eyes. Hurt is written all over her face and I have to admit it breaks my heart a little.

"Rachel, I'm sorry…"

"No, you're right." She murmurs, looking down.

I lift her chin back up.

"No, really. I didn't mean that. It's just… I'm afraid. Of what people would say if we were, like, together… If they knew I was gay."

"You are?"

"What?" What is she talking about ?

"Are you gay ?"

I avert my eyes. Am I ?

"I don't know… Maybe…"

"What about Finn ? And Sam ? and… well, Puck ?"

It's not easy, accepting that you might be gay. Try doing it in front of someone…

"Finn was the popular Quarterback and I kinda needed him when I first arrived at McKinley. Sam was nice to me, but, I don't know… it never really clicked. And Puck… well, that's when I tried to convince myself that I liked boys. It didn't go too well obviously…"

She is silent for a moment.

"You were never... attracted to them ?"

I shrug. I guess not...

"But why Finn now ? You don't need him anymore. You're the most popular girl at school."

"I need him to win Prom Queen." I answer, a bit ashamed of myself. I don't say anything about not wanting her to be with him. She doesn't have to know the entire truth behind Finn and me…

"That's not true Quinn." She smiles sweetly at me. "You don't need anyone to achieve anything, trust me."

I smile back at her, grateful. I'm so glad she is here right now. It's more complicated when I'm with her, and yet… I feel safe. She has so much confidence, in herself, in me… It's overwhelming. I lean in a little. I want to kiss her. Yet, I'm not sure how. We're not together. We just… like each other. A lot. I'm not good with feelings.

She seems to understand my hesitancy and closes the gap between our lips. See ? So much confidence !

When we break apart, I move a little closer and nuzzle against her nose. She puts her arm around my waist.

"What if my mom tells me to get out of her house again?"

My whisper is so low I'm not sure she hears it. I can feel my stomach churning at the bare thought of this happening again to me.

"I really hope she won't Quinn. But if this ever happens, you won't be on your own. I promise. And anyway, you don't have to tell anyone until you're ready. Okay?"

"Okay." I answer, tightening my grip on her.

A few minutes later, as we are both steadily drifting off to sleep, I finally say:

"Rachel?"

"Mmm?"

"I saw fireworks, too."

x

x

x

I wake up to the sound of Rachel's phone, the first notes of "Rain on my parade" blaring from her bedside table. I groan as she shifts slightly under my arm, reaching out to switch the damn thing off. I realise I've been spooning her from behind in my sleep, my arm wrapped around her torso.

The room falls silent again. I blink furiously as I try to open my eyes, the morning light already invading the space. I decide to keep them closed a little longer. I'm not a morning person…

I feel Rachel rolling over. I know she's facing me now, probably looking at me. I open one eye briefly. I was right. She's definitely looking at me.

"You know it's creepy to watch people sleep…" I tell her with a hoarse voice.

"I can't help myself. And you're not asleep anyway." She answers softly. I can hear the smile in her voice.

I put my hands on my face, sleepily.

"Don't look at me. I must look like shit…"

"You never look like shit, Quinn…"

I groan again and lower my hands, finally opening my eyes, staring back at her. God, she looks so sweet with her tousled hair and stuffs. I look like a mess in the morning… She is lucky I'm even talking to her right now. Usually, I don't utter a proper word to anyone before I've taken a long shower and had a cup of coffee.

"Are you freaking out ?" she asks, tentatively. I can see she's not as confident as last night.

"No."

I'm not freaking out, which is surprising, even for me. But what can I say. I feel peaceful. Actually more peaceful that I have felt in a long time.

"Do you have any regrets… about last night ?" she asks again, biting her lower lips with anxiety.

"No Rachel, I don't… I just wish I could have been honest with you and myself a bit sooner…"

I have to admit, it took me quite a long time to acknowledge that I had feelings for the girl, let alone that I was probably gay.

"Good."

I take her hand in mine and squeeze a little, to prove my point. She squeezes right back.

"What are we gonna do now ? What do you want to do ?"

...I have no idea.

"I don't know… I want to brake up with him. I do, I will. But… just give me some time, okay ?"

"Okay. I don't want to be pressuring you or anything. I know this is difficult for you."

"Yeah…"

"..."

"What about us, though ?" she asks again, shyly, after a few seconds.

"What do you mean ?"

"Are we… you know, together ? Not officially, I mean. But, between us… Do you want to… see each other, outside of school, and… you know, do things that… couples do…"

I can't help but smile at her nervous rambling.

"But maybe it's to soon, and it's okay, I won't get upset if you think so, I just-"

"Rachel."

"Yeah ?" she chokes, out of breath.

"I'd love that. Doing couply stuffs with you."

She let out a sigh in relief and beams that perfect smile of hers. She's too pretty… It melts my heart to know I'm the one who does that to her.

"Just… not in public though… no yet."

"Yeah, of course."

I smile back at her and revel in the fact that the spark in her eyes is just for me. I lean in and kiss her softly and she reciprocates immediately with the same- if not more- fervour.

"As good as this is -" she says between kisses. "We really should get ready – After all – we have Nationals today – I'm afraid to say – I almost forgot."

"Good ? That's all ?" I ask before kissing her again, focusing on the first part of her sentence.

"As amazing as this is."

"Yeah, that's more like it..."

x

A few minutes later, she pulls away eventually.

"Quinn, seriously, we are going to be late."

"Alright..." I surrender. "I'll go take a shower then."

Just as I'm about to enter the bathroom, Santana barges in once more. I had almost forgotten about all her stuffs scattered in the room.

"Berry. Q." she greets us without a single look, walking to her suitcase.

"Satan." I greet back, coldly.

"I know you love me, tubers."

"Right…"

She scans the room eventually and her eyes fall on Rachel. She's eying her suspiciously. This can't be good…

"Why are you looking at me ?" Rachel asks, a bit fearful. This is awkward.

"What's up with you Berry ? You haven't uttered a word since I came in. The Berry I know would have attacked me with her verbal diarrhea or something, greeting me with an overly annoying and perky "good morning!". This feels... just wrong."

Now that she pointed it, she isn't totally wrong. I Guess she has other things on her mind, this morning...

"Well, I, uh, I'm just preserving my voice, Santana. One's vocal chords have to be treated with the utmost care before such a-"

"Okay, shut up. I've had enough already."

"Well, set up your mind Santana, you just told me that-"

"I told you it was weird, Rupaul. It didn't necessarily meant it was a bad thing."

Her gaze then settles on our bed, and hers, alterning between the two, back and forth.

"Wait, you slept in the same bed ?"

My eyes go wide in panic, I look at Rachel, begging her to say something. How can she know that for Fuck's sake ? Okay, the sheets on her former bed are barely even crumpled… Shit.

"No. Quinn slept in yours. She just…"

"I don't move in my sleep." We're so screwed… seriously. Shitty excuses, much?

"...Whatever." She seems to drop it. Thank God.

x

She gathers the rest of her stuffs quickly and eventually heads towards the door. She's about to cross the threshold, when she adds, finally:

"Oh, and Quinn, you might wanna cover up that hickey."

Oh my god, I gasp internally. And with that she is gone. I rush to the bathroom, looking for the proof. Is that one of her sick joke again ? Oh Fuck. I suppose the mirror can't be lying. My fingers brush tentatively over the dark purple spot on the side of my neck. Oh fuck fuck fuck! Rachel scurries into the bathroom right after me, and gasps at the sight.

"Oh my god, Quinn, I'm so sorry. I didn't… I didn't mean to do that. Oh god…"

x

What they don't see is a tanned brunette dragging her suitcase along the corridor, with a smirk on her face. Awesome gaydar, indeed.