A/N: So can I just start by saying a massive THANK YOU to everyone who has reviewed/followed/favourited my story. When I first set out about writing this I literally thought I'd get about 2 reviews but 38 has literally blown my mind. Thank you for all your inputs, they've been incredibly insightful.
So originally, I was going to end my story with explaining what had happened to cause the two to break up and end it there but due to the response I've gotten I've decided to extend my story to the best of my ability. As exciting as this is however, it's going to take some time because I'm going to have to plan out where I'm heading whilst gearing up for my end of year exams, hence meaning after this update I'm not going to be able to update for a little while. Have no fear though; I promise you all this story will never be abandoned.
I love how many of you want your Quinn/Amanda and your Faberry. As I had never intended on continuing my story I never considered having to decide on my stories endgame. Due to everyone's responses and my own want to explore, I've decided I'm going to split the story in two. On this story, you'll find the core to my story with Faberry focus. What I'm also going to do though is have my Quinn/Amanda endgame in a separate story (which I'll link you all and notify you when it's done). I can't guarantee you guys they're going to be long, Quinn/Amanda might only be a one-shot because I can see more possibilities in the Faberry side of the story but I'll do my best to make everyone happy.
Okay this is really stupidly long. This chapter is a bit of a filler but I think it's very necessary in shaping how I want my story to turn out.
Apologises for grammar etc mistakes.
"So…the awkward moment when my current girlfriend is your ex-girlfriend" Is what startled you out of your daydream whilst staring at the packed to the ceiling bags of coffee. It's been three days since you last worked with Amanda and you found out her amazingly perfect girlfriend is in fact Quinn.
After you recover from your shock you turn to smile sheepishly at her. You can't quite find the words appropriate for your situation so you go to your immediate reaction to anything that happens these days – apologise. She laughs at your apology and comes over to give you one of her infamous bear hugs. You're surprised at the relief you feel once her arms envelope you.
Over the past few days in true Rachel Berry style, you have thought out every possible scenario for the situation you're in. Perhaps Quinn didn't tell Amanda about the two of you, perhaps she did and Amanda doesn't want to be friends anymore because she feels threatened, perhaps Quinn was happy to see you. Those were the thoughts that plagued your every waking moment for the past 72 hours.
You're glad Amanda's response was to hug you. You're glad you haven't lost her as a friend. When she finally releases you, she moves to sit down on an old crate and positions a second one next to it, gesturing for you to sit down with her. "I think we should talk about this though, for the sake of our friendship" she says as she grabs your hands in hers, eyes brimming with sincerity and kindness.
There's an awkward silence, you have no idea what to say. You feel utterly pathetic and almost on the verge of tears as you look down at your connected hands and question every piece of jewellery on it. Did Quinn give Amanda that bracelet for their anniversary? Did Quinn find that ring at a market and just had to buy it for Amanda because she knew she'd love it?
Amanda senses your hesitation and decides to start the conversation, "You want to know how Quinn and I met?" You look up from her hands and give her your full attention, prompting her to begin her story. "I was working at a bar before I got my job here and there was this girl who used to come almost every night, sit by herself and order drink, after drink, after drink." You cringe a little at this information - you know where this is heading. "She'd never talk to anyone, she'd blatantly ignore any sleazy guy or attention craving girl trying to hit on her" This doesn't surprise you; Quinn would always get hit on when the two of you were together. "Around closing time, a Latina girl would come, accompanied by this bubbly blonde girl. They'd both pick her up and take her home." Santana and Brittany, of course. "One night, it was almost closing time and her –what I assumed were friends didn't come. I got a little worried so I came up to her and asked her if she had anyone to pick her up as she was obviously too drunk to get herself home. When I got to her, she was passed out, her head placed on top of the bar. Funnily enough, she still managed to look beautiful in this state." You both laugh at this, both of you not oblivious to Quinn's evident beauty. Amanda continues on "I didn't know what to do, I had to close up and I had no way of knowing who to contact. I searched for a phone on her to try and find a way to contact her friends but came up empty. Out of desperation, I decided to take her home with me. At least then I'd know she'd be safe." You're grateful for this; the possibility of Quinn getting hurt at the hands of someone else because of your actions makes your stomach churn.
"So I took her home, put her to sleep on my bed and went to sleep on my couch – I figured she needed the comfort more than I did." You can't help but smile at Amanda's kindness. "When I was tucking her in, she was murmuring something I at first couldn't make out. When I got closer I realised she was quietly whispering 'Rachel'". You let out a dramatic gasp at this, your already watering eyes blink away tears as you hear about the pain you put Quinn through.
"In the morning, Quinn was a little freaked out – understandably, as she woke up in a strangers apartment. I explained to her what had happened and she demanded she take me out for breakfast as thanks" Amanda can't contain her smile as she adds "the rest as they say is history." You smile at Amanda's recantation. Sure, it isn't a Disney rendition of how a perfect couple meets but you can't deny it's a little cute.
"I didn't tell you this story to upset you Rae, I just thought you should know that Quinn suffered. She suffered because of how much she loved you – how much she still loves you." You scoff in disbelief at the possibility of Quinn still loving you. You don't deserve Quinn's love.
"Oh don't you scoff at me!" Amanda admonishes playfully, pointing her finger at you in a mock-stern manner.
"Amanda, there's no way Quinn still loves me or even likes me for that matter. From the stories you've told me, she's pretty keen on you" You respond and the brief happy atmosphere disperses when Amanda's face becomes of a severity you've never seen before.
"Firstly, It breaks my heart to watch you hate yourself so much Rae, I don't understand why you think you're so unlovable." You open your mouth to object but she cuts you off "Secondly, I didn't mean in that way. Quinn may not be in love with you anymore the way she used to be but I don't think her feelings could have completely transformed into hatred, I believe she still cares about you immensely. A love like that doesn't just disappear. When Quinn told me about the two of you-" you wince because you now know Amanda knows the mistake you made "-she never talked about you out of hatred. She was heartbroken, of course, and maybe sometimes a little angry and bitter but never gave me the impression of hatred. Which is why I wonder, why do you hate yourself so much?"
"Don't you hate me though? Honestly, after you found out what I did, how I hurt Quinn, didn't you hate me?" You manage to get out surprisingly without crying.
"Honestly? I felt sorry for Quinn having to walk in on it all-" You drop your head in shame and embarrassment. "-But I also felt sorry for you", your head snaps up so fast you're surprised you don't have whiplash. Amanda laughs a little at your response so she explains herself "You made a mistake Rae. A pretty shitty one but hey, you're human. If I'm really honest here, I'm also kind of glad it happened because it meant I could meet Quinn. I know how selfish that sounds but I respect you too much to lie to you. I'm in love with Quinn. She makes me happier than I've ever been" You smile at her despite how much her words hurt. You want to at least try and give the impression you're okay although in reality, you're dying a little on the inside. You're torn between hating how Quinn is making someone else happy and being happy for Amanda. This situation is the epitome of disaster.
Amanda continues "…I know you still love her, I saw how you looked at her in that ever so dramatic meet up. That's why I wanted to talk to you. I didn't want there to be awkwardness because of our situation. Quinn and me? It's something I can see lasting." You desperately try and hide your heartbreak as your friend tells you the one thing you didn't want to hear
"I know it's only been a few months but I can actually see me spending the rest of my life with her, you know?" You nod. You know the feeling very well. You and Quinn used to feel the same way about each other. You can't stop the tears that are falling. "Rae, I'm so so so sorry Quinn that is my girlfriend. I wish I didn't have to put you in this situation, I really do" You smile sadly back at her. You don't blame her for the sucky situation you're all in.
"You're an amazing person Amanda" You force her eyes to meet yours when she scoffs at your compliment. "You are. Quinn deserves someone like you. You seem to make each other very happy." You hate that your voice breaks a little as you say this.
"Rae, I'll always fight for my relationship with Quinn…but if I was to ever be given the indication she'd be happier with you- if you are what would truly make her happy, I'd step aside. All I want is for Quinn to be happy, and although I want forever with Quinn, I love her too much to ever stand in the way of that".
There it is. The single thing that separates Amanda and yourself. Her selflessness. If roles had been reversed, you would have threatened Amanda to stay away from your girl, desperately grasping on to Quinn out of fear of losing her. But here Amanda was, sitting in front of you telling you her love for Quinn is so immense that she'd rather be without her and see her happy than force Quinn into something she knew Quinn didn't truly want. This sole fact resonates deep within you. You may not think you deserve Quinn but you know Amanda definitely does.
You don't know how to respond to what Amanda has just said. Words don't seem significant enough so instead; you wrap your arms around her and bury your face in her chest. It's incredible how after such a short amount of time knowing each other, Amanda can offer you such comfort. You wish you could reassure her you'd never try and come in-between her and Quinn but you can't. You can't help the way that you feel but you can try your best to ignore it.
When you separate, both of you are crying and you laugh together, dispelling the tension that was previously in the room. "We're okay yeah? You and me?" Amanda asks tentatively.
You smile at Amanda as you nod. Not just any smile but one of your trademark 'Rachel Berry' smiles. A smile you haven't had much reason to break out recently. Amanda jumps up and down clapping in excitement at your confirmation. You can't help but share in her happiness. It feels like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders after talking to Amanda. Sure, the issue of your jealousy of Quinn and Amanda's relationship is still there but at least you haven't lost her.
"So…I have a bit of a surprise for you since we're still buddies and all" Amanda exclaims, hands clasped together rocking back and forth on her feet. You look up at her, a little confused. "I'm covering your shift today!" Okay now you're a lot confused.
"Why?"
"Because Quinn's here to see you, she's waiting for you outside right now actually. She wants to have coffee!"
Your heart stops. Literally. It can't be natural to experience so many emotions at once. Panic. Excitement. Fear. You're not sure if you're ready to face Quinn yet but before you know it Amanda's grabbing your hand, leading you out to the café and dragging you towards Quinn. Quinn looks up at the two of you as she hears you approach. She looks up at you and you see the edges of her mouth edge up a little.
"Hey, Rachel."
Well shit.
A/N: So yeah, as I warned a bit of a filler but I think it's important for the two to share this little conversation. I know the lack of Faberry interaction is annoying but I needed this to build a bit of a foundation and to enable me to segue my story into the Amanda/Quinn one and the Rachel/Quinn one. Next chapters i'll address what a few of you pointed out - why Quinn has the time for Amanda she doesn't have for Quinn.
Also, sorry about the little cliff-hanger but I couldn't resist ;)
I don't know when I'm going to be able to update next but please don't give up on me, the update will happen.