Disco lights, music booming through the speakers from different directions, laughter and people dancing; those were the things that welcomed Rachel and the gang. It has this particular vibe that got Rachel even more excited than before. Kurt and Mercedes followed Santana to the booth where contestants for the "Diva Off" can sign up. Rachel breathed deeply and made herself familiar to the new environment. She was about to find a seat when Kurt tapped her shoulder.
"Rach, we have a problem," Kurt said.
"What? What is it about?"
"Apparently, they're only accepting a maximum of four members for each group, and as you can see, there are five of us," Kurt explained.
"Is that so?" Rachel asked, trying to hide her disappointment.
"Yeah, so I think we have to withdraw," Mercedes said, standing beside Kurt. "Seems like tonight's really not our night."
"Those bastards are so damn uptight!" Santana angrily said. "No I can't get them boozes for free!"
Seeing the disappointment on the faces of her teammates, she realized she had to take the whole ordeal, and a decision immediately bubbled up.
"It's ok guys, you can join without me. I'll just cheer for you from the audience while you go kick some ass," Rachel said, giving them a reassuring smile.
The other four had their eyes wide open, disbelieving the fact that Rachel stoop down for them.
"Oh my God, Rachel are you sure?" Kurt asked.
"Really Rach? You'll allow us to perform without you?" Mercedes added.
"Thanks Rachel! We'll win this for you," Brittany simply said.
"Yes guys, I'm fine with it, as long as you share your prize with me because it's obvious that you'll win," Rachel said. She noticed that Santana's a bit too silent with her jaw slightly dropped. "What's the matter, Santana? Is everything fine?"
"I can' believe you just said 'ass'. I never expected it," Santana managed to utter.
"I fully understand that you didn't expect it but I do mutter slang occasionally. It wouldn't hurt since it is for encouraging you guys," Rachel explained.
"I can totally hug you right no, but that would just be ew. Seriously, you're surprising me right here," Santana replied.
"Rachel's full of surprises, San. You just have to deal with her," Kurt added.
"As much as I do love continuing this pleasant chat, you still a 'Diva Off' to compete on. Go show them who's in-charge guys," the brunette said, leading them towards the sign-up booth.
"Oh, we will surely show them some ass-kicking performance, Berry," Santana winked.
"I know you will. I'll just be on the other side guys while you perform."
Mercedes signed them up and they will be the third ones to perform out of the four groups. They decided on what to sing and settled for their rendition of Hate one Me.
"We did a great job on that song, I'm sure as hell we'll be nailing it tonight, just like how we did," Mercedes said, smirking at the memory.
"That's a great song choice, but how about the instrumentals? An acapella version will not be a strong hit," Rachel commented.
"You, lady, underestimate the capabilities of Kurt Hummel," Kurt said as he got his iPod and looked for the instrumentals. Sure enough, it was there.
"Ok, wow, I'm impressed. Good luck guys, I'll just be by the bar." Rachel said.
"Ok Rach. Enjoy," Brittany said.
With that, Rachel left and Kurt immediately remembered another special event that will happen that night.
"Santana, Brittany, you won't believe who will be the guest performer tonight," Kurt said and winked at Mercedes.
"They better be good Dollface or I'll go all Lima Heights if they're just pathetic hobos."
"If you think Quinn Fabray is good, you won't have to all Lima Heights," Mercedes said, rolling her eyes.
Santana literally stopped on her tracks at the mention of the performer. "Quinn Fabray? As in QuinnFbrayMusic of Youtube? The one who covered shithole songs and turned them into masterpieces harmonized by angels?" Santana inquired, wide-eyed.
"We only know one Quinn Fabray, right? So yes, that's the one."
"Oh God, oh God, oh God! This is fantastic!" Brittany commented.
"I know, right? But apparently, Rachel doesn't share the same enthusiasm with us. She hadn't even heard of her," Mercedes said.
"What? That Hobbit doesn't have a fucking idea who the epitome of perfection that is Quinn Fabray is? Another reason to shut that Munchkin down," Santana glared at the direction of the bar. "I'll seriouslyends her."
"Now, now, no need to ends her. We'll just have to introduce her to Quinn's music and she'll find another person to fangirl on," Kurt suggested.
"More like she'll find a new rial. We know how Rachel can be," Mercedes added.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Now, let's give the instrumentals to the DJ and warm up a bit. This song really needs some warming up," Santana said.
Brittany volunteered to hand the iPod to the DJ and the other three started to have some vocal exercises.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the club...
"Can I have a glass of orange margarita please?" Rachel ordered after looking over the menu of the bar. The bartender nodded and prepared her drink.
The DJ of the club announced the start of 'Diva Off'. Rachel adjusted herself to have a better view of the stage. The first group was called up and sang a metal rock song unknown to Rachel. The bartender handed her her orange margarita and she took sip. Rachel criticized the horrible song choice but her internal monologue was disturbed when a voice broke out beside her.
"Orange margarita? I guess this is your first time in a bar, right? a soft, breathy voice from her back surprised Rachel and she faced the unexpected voice.
"Well, y-yeah it is," Rachel managed to say despite her surprise. Rachel took in the appearance of the smiling blonde sitting on a bar chair beside her. The new girl has piercing hazel eyes, impressive high cheekbones, an adorable nose and has a vibrant smile she can't returning. She was wearing a fashionable black top with a headphone icon on it, a sleeveless grey cardigan which she left unbuttoned, a white skinny jeans,a black low top converse and a fedora hat over her long blonde locks. It was a simple outfit but the blonde looks captivating to Rachel. She must have zoned out a bit because the smile from the blonde's angelic face faltered a bit into a concerned one. Rachel shook her head to refocus to the blonde in front of
her.
"My friends brought me here for a little night out, sort of a celebration for us," Rachel said.
"Yeah? What for? And where are they?"
"We won the Regionals Show Choir Competition last night. And my friends we're participating on the 'Diva Off'"
"Wow, that's pretty heavy. Congratulations on your win!" the blonde said, giving Rachel a genuine smile. "Why didn't you join them?"
"Thank you so much. We worked hard for it and it was totally worth it in the end," Rachel gave her a smile of her own. "The club only allows four members each group so I just let them compete without me."
"That's so nice of you," the blonde commented.
Rachel doesn't know why she's so relaxed in talking with this girl. She's a total stranger for God's sake! She doesn't even know her name!
"I'm not intending to be a mood killer, but can I ask what your name is?" Rachel inquired.
"Oh, sorry, shame on me for not introducing right away. You can call me Quinn. How about you?"
"It's perfectly fine. My name's Rachel, Rachel Berry. Nice to meet you." She offered her hand and Quinn shook it with her own.
"Same here, Rachel. And since your friends are competing for this 'Diva Off', I'll gladly be you companion for the time being, if you let me."
"That would be great Quinn. Thank you!"
"No worries, I came here alone so I'm making myself a favor, too. So, what year are you in?"
"I'm currently a Sophomore at William McKinley High School. How about you?" By that time, the first group was finished and the second group was called. A pop song intro blared from the speakers.
"I, too, is a Sophomore student in Copper Canyon Academy in Arizona, but we're currently on a school break right now so I'm here in Lima now.
"Lima's pretty far from Arizona. Any reason why you're visiting here for your break?"
"My family is looking for a place to move in since he was transferred here by his company. Also, we're looking for a legit school for me to transfer to."
"Oh, you should totally consider going to McKinley!"
"I guess, but my father got an eye on West Greenbelt High School, though it's not final yet. I think I'll suggest that to my dad. Is McKinley good?"
"West Greenbelt is great, too but speaking as a completely objective individual, McKinley is so much better with its facilities like our gigantic auditorium, fully functional laboratories, spacious hallways, numerous clubs and orgs like Glee Club on which I am the co-captain and oh, did I mention that our football and cheerleading team have been competing in Nationals for consecutive years now?" Rachel paused for a while and realized she's been rambling for the last minute. "Oh my God, I'm sorry for my ramblings. I tend to fo that a lot."
Quinn gave her an amused grin. "It's fine Rachel. Besides, you just gave me numerous reasons to consider McKinley. Thanks for that."
"You're welcome Quinn," Rachel was interrupted by her vibrating phone. She opened it and saw a message from Santana.
From Santana: Where in the freaking face of earth are you? Just so you know, we're up next so you should have your ass cheering for us. We're counting on you, Hobbit.
"Is that your friend? She's pretty used in cussing, huh?" Quinn said, looking over Rachel's shoulder to look at the screen.
"Yeah, her name's Santana. And yes, she's quite attached to this obnoxious attitude, but you'll get used to her eventually."
"She's pretty cool, I presume. So, they're up next? Wanna get closer to the stage?"
"Sure, let's go. And yeah, Santana can be tolerable if you get past her name-calling character," Rachel said as they walked closer to the stage.
The announcer welcomed Santana's group and they immediately saw Rachel but failed to see her companion clearly. Rachel gave them a thumbs-up and her signature smile.
"Ok bitches, let's start the real competition," Music blared and Mercedes took the lead.
Mercedes:
If I could give you the world
On a silver platter
Would it even matter?
You'd still be mad at me
If I can find in all this
A dozen roses
That I would give to you
You'd still be miserable
'Cause in reality
I'm gon' be who I be
And I don't feel no faults
For all the lies that you bought
You can try as you may
Bring me down but I say
That it ain't up to you
Gonna on do what you do.
Mercedes with Back Up:
Hate on me hater
Now or Later
Cause I'm gonna do me
You'll be mad baby
(Kurt: Go head and hate)
Go head and hate on me hater
Cause I'm not afraid of
What I got I paid for
You can hate on me
Santana:
Ooh if I gave you peaches
Out of my own garden
And I made you a peach pie
Would you slap me high?
Wonder if I gave you diamonds
Out of my own room
Would you feel the love in that
Or ask why not the moon
If I gave you sanity
For the whole of humanity
And had all the solutions, for the pain and pollution
Mercedes with Kurt:
No matter where I live
Despite the things I give
You will always be this way
So go ahead and ...
Mercedes with Back Up:
Hate on me hater
Now or Later
Cause I'm gonna do me
You'll be mad baby
(Kurt: Go head and hate)
Go head and hate on me hater
Cause I'm not afraid of
What I got I paid for
You can hate on me...
Hate on me hater
Now or Later
Cause I'm gonna do me
You'll be mad baby
(Kurt: You can not hate)
Brittany and Santana
Go head and hate on me hater
Cause I'm not afraid of
What I got I paid for
You can hate on me (Kurt: You can not Hate on Me)
Now or Later
Cause I'm gonna do me
You'll be mad baby
(Kurt: So shall it be)
(Kurt: Go head and hate)
Go head and hate on me hater
Cause I'm not afraid of
What I got I paid for (Kurt: So shall it be)
You can hate on me...
Hate on me hater
Now or Later
Cause I'm gonna do me
You'll be mad baby
Mercedes
Go head and hate on me hater
Cause I'm not afraid of
What I got I paid for
You can hate on me...
Applause roared the entire club after the superb performance of the group. Mercedes, Kurt and Santana's vocals combined with Brittany's exhilarating moves, they have successfully impressed the mob.
"Whoa! That was some smashin' vocal powers guys! Our competition's really tough this night!" the announcer said as they went down the stage. Santana has her smug smile on, fully knowing they just give a great performance.
"Wow, they're really good," Quinn commented.
"That's the product of being devoted members of the Glee Club. You should really consider going to McKinley. You'll be a great addition to Glee. You sing, right?"
"I do sing, and it will be an honor to join your club. I'll talk to my father about this."
"That will be great! We will be unbeatable next year!"
The next minutes were spent with more getting-to-know-you questions and playful remarks. The final group was done with their performance and the announcer went up the stage.
"This gotta be one of the toughest competition Nightlife City had ever witnessed! As you all know, the winner can get everything, I repeat, everything they can for free as a reward. Before we announce the winners, I think it's time to call in our guest performer for tonight..."
"Well, I guess that's my cue. See you later, Rach," Quinn said as she stood from her seat beside Rachel.
"What do you mean your cue?" Rachel asked, clearly bemused.
"Uhm, I gotta sing up there, you know, as the guest performer."
"...Youtube sensation, Quinn Fabray!"
"You're... Oh my God! You're Quinn Fabray? THE Quinn Fabray? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Uhh, I thought it was obvious? Anyway, I'll be right back," With that, Quinn went up the stage.
Rachel was literally frozen on her seat, jaw hanged and eyes wide with shock.
"Damn Hobbit! You were seriously talking with Quinn Fabray the whole time?" asked Santana who saw the exchange between Quinn and Rachel.
"I seriously have no idea I was talking to THE Quinn Fabray. I thought she was just another partygoer."
"She gave you her name, right?"
"Well, yeah..."
"Then how the fuck did you miss to put two freakin' puzzle pieces together?" Santana asked.
"We were talking about her earlier Rachel, how did you miss her name?"
"I don't know. Must have slipped my mind?" Santana was about to smack Rachel for her cluelessness when Quinn finally spoke.
"Thank you guys and good evening Nightlife City!" Quinn started, earning an impressive roar from the partygoers. Rachel and the gang faced front and listened to Quinn. "Well, as most of you may know, posting Youtube videos of me singing has been one of my greatest hobbies, and I am fortunate enough that Nightlife City has invited me to be a performer tonight. Anyway, bar-hopping has a lot of quirks, the greatest one is being able to meet new amazing people. I, myself, has experienced that this night," Quinn said and gave Rachel a smile which she returned. "This song is for those who have met unexpectedly this night and with this is a hope that this will not be your last meeting," Quinn backed away slightly to clear her throat as a familiar tune floated in the air. Then, Quinn started to sing, looking at Rachel as she did so.
There I was again tonight
Forcing laughter, faking smiles
Same old tired lonely place
Walls of insincerity,
Shifting eyes and vacancy
Vanished when I saw your face
All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you
Your eyes whispered "Have we met? "
Across the room your silhouette
Starts to make its way to me
The playful conversation starts
Counter all your quick remarks
Like passing notes in secrecy
And it was enchanting to meet you
All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you
This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you
The lingering question kept me up
2 AM, who do you love?
I wonder 'til I'm wide awake
And now I'm pacing back and forth
Wishing you were at my door
I'd open up and you would say, "Hey,
It was enchanting to meet you,
All I know is I was enchanted to meet you"
This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you know
This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, dancing around all alone
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you
This is me praying that
This was the very first page
Not where the story line ends
My thoughts will echo your name
Until I see you again
These are the words I held back
As I was leaving too soon
I was enchanted to meet you
This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you know
This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, dancing around all alone
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you
Quinn sang with her soothing voice that got everyone mesmerized. Throughout the song, Quinn looks at Rachel and smile at her, letting her know that this song is dedicated to her.
The crowd erupted into an applause and cheers. Rachel found herself clapping as well. She must admit, Quinn has a n angelic voice. She would be lying if she won't say she's really amazed by the performance. Quinn bid her thanks and goodbye to the crowd and went down the stage. The announcer went up the stage and praised Quinn some more. Then he went back to business. "And now, for our 'Diva Off' results..." Rachel's group felt the tension creeping back as they anticipated the announcement. "And the winner is... Rachel's Angels!"
"Rachel's Angels? Really, guys?" Rachel asked, but her smirk gave way, fully knowing they have won the competition.
"Whatever Hobbit. Let's go claim our goddamn prize!" Santana said as they ascended teh stage. After receiving the coupon and listening to the crowd's praises for them, they went down and went straight to the bar, where Quinn was sitting.
"Wow guys, you rocked the whole house! Congrats on your win!" Quinn congratulating them as she stood to shake their hands, but she was met with dropped jaws and glazed over eyes.
"T-Thank you, Q-Quinn. Oh my God, I'm talking to Quinn Fabray!" Kurt exclaimed as he took Quinn's hand and shook it.
"Oh, stop it guys. I'm nothing special, really."
"Of course you are! This Midget here just had the misfortune of not knowing that she's been hanging out with a diva."
"Uhm, thanks, I guess. So Rachel told me that you guys are competing for Nationals. You must be really, really great."
"You just saw our performance, right? We're pretty amazing," Brittany said, darting a playful wink to Quinn.
They continued to conduct their chat as they savored the rewards of their victory. True enough, the drinks were pretty mild and they were offered with a variety of food. Rachel shared more about their club and school as Quinn talked about some parts of her personal life. Kurt, Santana and Mercedes were still starstrucked by Quinn while Rachel and Brittany were already relaxed with her.
"I'm really looking forward for you to attend McKinley next year. We'll be hella more unbeatable!" Mercedes said, earning a high five from Santana.
"I am, too. I hope my dad will allow me. Rachel got me really excited for you school and also for Glee Club."
"Looks like our resident diva has found her match," Kurt commented playfully.
"I do believe that if Quinn will continue her studies in McKinley and hopefully join Glee Club, we will form an unbreakable truce which is in opposite of what you're guessing as a possible rivalry," Rachel defended, earning five stares.
"Sorry about that, Quinn. This Midget tends to word vomit from time to time. You'll get used to it, but it'll take all your freaking self-control not to tear her vocal cords out," Santana smirked.
"Hey!" Rachel retorted, but her smirk gave away and they all laughed.
More bottles and plates later, Quinn received a call from her Mom saying she'll be picked up in a few minutes. She promised that she'll be at the Nationals in New York to support them. They exchanged personal contacts and bid goodbyes to Quinn. The five of them were left dazed at their forune of meeting the real Quinn Fabray.
Not long after, they decided to call it a night. Rachel was dropped off first, thanked her companions for a perfect night out, had a warm shower, changed into her pajamas and booted up her laptop. She went directly to Youtube and searched for QuinnFabrayMusic. True enough, her 674, 823 subscribers just proved how dumb she is for not realizing that she had just hanged out with a star. She watched some of the blonde's videos and she was left stunned at Quinn's soft yet overly soothing voice, her ability to play the keyboard and guitar and her goofiness at her Behind the Scenes videos. Rachel found some comments like "epitome of perfection", "goddess of music", "heaven-sent human being" and Rachel couldn't agree more.
"Watch out, McKinley. You will be run by two divas starting next year," she thought to herself as she slowly let sleep come over her. A small smile grazing her face as she reminisced this perfect night.
The night when she met Quinn Fabray.