"Quinn, we really need to talk about this." Rachel said as she was lying down on her own couch, her head placed lightly on Quinn's lap.
"I really don't want to," Quinn said softly as she stroked Rachel's soft brown locks.
"We can't just ignore it."
Rachel was right. Absolutely right. There was no way of tiptoeing around it. Santana's New Years party was coming up fast and they had two options: go separate and pretend nothing happened between them or go as a couple and out themselves.
"I'm worried about you," Rachel admitted, not looking at the blonde who's eyes went wide.
"What, why?" She didn't hide her surprise. Rachel sat up.
"Well, I know that even though you tell me it doesn't matter, your reputation and popularity are what keep you thriving in school. You're the head cheerleader, Quinn, and on several occasions you made it quite clear that you're not willing to give that up. The first time you were removed from your status, you were positively crushed! But you bounced back anyway, proving that it was and is a huge part of who you are. And I don't want to be the one who is responsible for demoting your status!"
Quinn merely giggled at the end of Rachel's speech.
"Why are you laughing?" Rachel frowned at her.
"Because you're adorable when you rant," Quinn smiled. Rachel dismissed it with a blush.
"Seriously, Quinn. I don't want to ruin your life by simply breathing next to you."
The taller girl sighed before leaning in and resting her head on Rachel's shoulder.
"It's not you, Rach. You're perfect," she gushed before she could stop herself. "It's everybody else." She paused, wondering if she should even continue, but decided honesty is best. "I'm just afraid. I don't want it to go back to like it was before."
Rachel knew exactly what she meant. Her pregnancy. She was ripped from the Cheerios without a second thought and became the school's new favorite person to talk about behind their back. Quinn wasn't accustomed to being at the bottom of the chain. She was the HBIC and she was proud of it. Reputation was everything to her. Or at least it was. She wasn't sure anymore.
"So, we'll go as friends, it's okay," Rachel smiled, trying to sound like it didn't bother her.
"I know you don't mean that. It's not okay."
"It's not," Rachel slightly laughed. "But it's for you. You need time and I have plenty of it," she smiled at her.
"Are you sure?" Quinn knew she wasn't.
"Yes," she said firmly. "Plus, it will give them all a chance to see us as two people who genuinely enjoy the other's company before completely throwing them off with the fact that you're my girlfriend."
"So, I'm your girlfriend now?" Quinn asked, hopeful.
"If you'd like to be." Rachel let the cutest possible smile spread across her face. Quinn literally could have stared at that face for hours.
"I would absolutely love to be your girlfriend, Rachel Berry."
Quinn rested her forehead on Rachel's before capturing her lips in a slow yet passionate kiss.
"So this is what happens when we leave the room?" The two girls jumped apart at the sound of the man's voice.
"Daddy!" Rachel shrieked as if he said something offensive. She immediately lifted a pointed finger, telling him to leave.
Spatula in hand, he ducked back into the kitchen which caused Quinn to giggle.
That night, the two of them went over to Santana's place to help her and Brittany set up for the party.
"Santana, your house is gorgeous!" Rachel said a bit too loud and her voice echoed.
"Thanks," she said trying to be nice. She was going to have to get used to the fact that Rachel was not only in her house, but she had to be nice to her.
"Do you two share lady-kisses now too?" Brittany asked in Quinn's direction which made her cheeks turn pink.
"Yes, B... we do," she replied. Brittany smiled sweetly like a child would watching Snow White.
"About that," Santana said like she was about to yell at the two of them. Rachel braced herself. "What's the deal?"
"I'm not sure what you're asking," Rachel responded carefully.
"Like, are you dating? Or what is this?" She threw the streamers she had in hand on the table in front of her. "Because whatever it is... it's fucking weird.
"Language," Brittany whispered.
"I mean, it's fine, it's totally fine, it's just...weird. I didn't think it would actually happen." The other three girls could tell she was being honest.
"Yes," Quinn began. "We are together. But-" She stopped herself, looking a little sad, still wondering if it was the right thing to do. She didn't want to do it, but she was still scared. And to make it worse, she was absolutely terrified that she'd never be ready.
Rachel knew exactly what she was thinking. "For now, it's between us. So if you could respect that-"
"I understand." Santana nodded. "So, tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow, we're going as friends. Just friends." Her voice shook as she spoke the last two words. It actually pained Quinn to say that. Rachel rushed over to her and wrapped her arms around her tightly. "We'll get there," the shorter girl whispered into her ear. Quinn kissed Rachel's neck lightly before letting her go.
"So, Berry." Santana smirked, worrying Rachel. "How does it feel to be dating the head cheerleader?"
"The most popular girl in school," Brittany continued, poking Quinn in the side.
"The head bitch in charge."
"The top of the pyramid."
"The ultimate jail-bait," Santana said before howling.
"You guys!" Quinn stopped them, secretly loving it. Well, not the last comment.
"Oh, c'mon Quinn, you know you're hot shit," Santana stated, hopping back up on a chair to continue decorating the ceiling. Quinn just rolled her eyes.
"Minus the vulgarity, you're right. It feels absolutely amazing," Rachel said, snaking an arm around the blonde's waist and pulling her closer. Quinn couldn't help but smile. "And she's right. You are hot,"
"Something about that sentence irks me," Santana said, unsuccessfully taping streamers to the ceiling fan. She shrugged, knowing she'd get used to it.
"Q, I think you applied to much blush today," Brittany said, staring at her, causing Rachel to giggle. Quinn immediately brought her hands to her heated cheeks.
"Ooookay," she said, obviously slightly embarrassed. "Back to decorating," she dismissed both girls and grabbed a bag of balloons. She secretly smiled to herself as she went to sit down. She was incredibly happy to be with Rachel, even if tomorrow night she'd have to pretend otherwise.
Brittany shrieked as she threw a balloon in the air, stating her excitement for the following night. Santana just smiled.
Okay, so I'm sorry this is horribly short, but I promise the next chapter (which includes the party) will be longer! I know some people really want to see Jealous!Quinn, so I'll probably sneak that in there. Reviews keep me writing!
