~ The Unlikely
The Sixth Passage ~

K.L.

A/N: I want to take a moment to thank those who have reviewed, subscribed, favourite'd or are currently reading this. It means a lot to me - gives that little flutter in the chest you know? The good kind of course. Now I apologize, this chapter is long but also mostly filler. Also I apologize as the next update likely won't be for a few weeks at best. But with that said I hope you enjoy what is here.

Ps: Zombies equal awesome. Look forward to more Quinn/Zombies in the future.

The movie had been everything Mercedes had first described it to be – horribly cheesy – and Rachel couldn't help but roll her eyes each and every time a zombie made its way across the screen. Whoever had been in charge of the make-up department clearly lacked any ounce of creativity as all that appeared to separate the norm from the infected was a few smears of a greenish coloured paint across their face. Disappointing. The only redeeming quality to the movie had to have been the reactions her fellow Glee clubbers expressed over the course of the film.

Puck sat happily on the floor – back pressed to the couch and knees drawn high – the movie every so often elicited soft chuckles from his broad frame. Tina – who sat to Rachel's right for the duration of the film – seemed unfazed by the film as a whole and had spent the better part of the hour comforting the ghostly looking Mike. Rachel felt bad for the boy it was clear the movie wasn't his cup of tea – if the soft yelps and whimpers had been any indication. As for Matt he seemed slightly perturbed but did his best to keep his cool – an easy feat when seated next to Mike. Artie – parked at the end of the couch – had lost his pale complexion when he took note of the lack of distance between the two Asian's on the couch and spent the remainder of the film glaring daggers at the duo. An interesting development that Rachel would have to further examine at a later point in time. Finn – to Rachel's surprise – appeared to absolutely loath the film. She had speculated that the boy's love for video games of blood lust killing would make the Zombie genre one of great love and fascination however the crossed arms, tense body posture and continual movement seemed to indicate otherwise. Another surprise came in the form of one Santana Lopez. The Latina appeared to be in a similar state as Mike however her yelps and cries were murmured by pale skin – Brittany's. The blonde sat against the arm of the chair with Santana virtually in her lap – nose buried deep in the crook of her neck. Rachel would never say it aloud but thoughts were fair game – they were adorable and in part Rachel found herself green with envy. Mercedes on the far end of the couch seemed to have dazed off five minutes into the film and Kurt? Well this was Rachel's favourite observation of the entire movie and she found her eyes continually drifting back. The moment the lights had dimmed Quinn had leaned to her left and into the awaiting arms of one Kurt Hummel – the fluid motions made Rachel think perhaps this was a tradition. Kurt – feet tucked underneath him – had one arm draped protectively over the ex-Cheerio while the other ran lazily through blonde locks. Quinn wore the most beautiful lazy smile. Her head rest against Kurt's chest, rising and falling with each breath. If Rachel hadn't known any better she would have said the two were in love.

Movement to her right drew Rachel from her thoughts. It seemed that the second movie – to which Rachel had not even noticed playing on the screen – was finished and that meant after movie stretches.

"Uhhhh," Matt stretched his arms high, "Man that movie never gets old."

Santana rolled her eyes. It seemed the initial movie was forgotten and the girl's feisty spirit and sharp tongue returned, "Duh, that's why they call it a Classic there Rutherford. Shame we can't watch the entire set because some people," Coffee eyes darkened, shooting daggers at several of the rooms occupants, "Are just pansies."

"Whatever Lopez, some of us have lives and have to work," Grumbled Puck responding to the Latina's glare with one of his own.

The showdown went unobserved by most – each engaged in their own conversations. The topics ranged from the movies of the evening to Global politics with anything in between being fair game.

"Hey Rachel, everyone's heading out now. You ready to go?"

Chocolate eyes widened again she had let her thoughts wander away with her. Before her stood a coat clad Finn, car keys in hand. All around people were preparing to leave – collecting their items, folding blankets, exchanging hugs. "Oh," Rachel felt silly to be apparently the only one not in motion, "Well as kind of you as that is Finn I think I'll stay behind and help tidy up. I know you work tomorrow and I would hate to keep you waiting." Upon seeing hesitation she added, "I'll catch a ride with someone else."

If possible the boy's smile grew even more, "Thanks Rachel," The boy wrapped his lanky arms about the girl, drawing her into a warm yet slightly awkward hug, "You're the best. I'll see you Friday for game night right?"

Rachel nodded returning the hug. The extreme height difference had always made hugging Finn slightly odd, "Yes Friday, I'll see you then. Have a good night Finn, drive safe."

"Thanks Rachel," Finn turned to leave but stopped midway through the door, "Oh, I think Puck's sticking around for a bit, maybe you could ask him for a lift home or something. Night Rachel," And with that he was gone.

Tina and Mike had left fifteen minutes earlier the boy mumbling something along the lines of angry fathers – never fun.

Rachel busied herself with a few popcorn bowls taking them upstairs into the kitchen – no one seemed to notice – and set about to wash them.

In the front foyer stood Brittany, Santana and Quinn.

"Remember to call when you get in," Quinn had her arms about Brittany the two sharing a hug while Santana seemed to roll her eyes in mild disgust.

"Yeah yeah whatever Tubbers, can we get movin' along with this? I'm friggen' getting old here!"

The two blondes shared a laugh before Quinn wrapped her arms about Santana – who may it be noted did her best to squirm away but alas it seemed the powers of the Fabray were too great even for the Mighty Lopez – and blew a raspberry into the Latina's neck eliciting a high pitched squeak, "Fabray!"

Quinn pulled back her body once again captured by a fit of giggles, "What Lopez? We all know you get a little cranky when you're tired. I'm just trying to lighten your sully mood, right B?"

Through her own fit of giggles the blonde cheerleader managed a convincing smile and nod.

"Why you two, I ought to-"

The Latina never got to finish her sentence as Brittany was already dragging her out the door and down the path, "Nighty night Q! Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!"

"Night B. Night S." The blonde was waving from the doorway, the porch light illuminating her figure, "Remember to call!"

"Don't worry babe, they'll remember to call," While the blonde had been sending her farewells she hadn't heard Puck enter the foyer. His arms wrapped around her midsection, placing a chaste kiss to her temple.

Leaning back into the warmth Quinn intertwined her fingers with the set resting upon her stomach, "I know," Hazel eyes rose skyward, her breath caught at the sight of the night sky, "I just worry."

Puck chuckled, the rise and fall of his chest soothing the blonde, "I know," He mimicked, "But S is a good driver – even when she's tired as hell. And it's the middle of summer. The worst thing she's going to come across are the cops."

"Or a moose," Muttered the blonde. If Puck had heard he gave no indication, "Anyways are you heading out?"

"That I be and I'm giving Artie a lift home – he doesn't live too far from my place," Another kiss was placed to Quinn's temple before Puck took a step back, "He's out by the truck though so I should probably get scooting." Before he was halfway down the path Quinn had parted her lips to speak, the boy however beat her to the punch, offering a wave over his shoulder, "Don't worry Q I'll text when I get home."

Quinn stood in the doorway long after Puck's truck had pulled out and down the street. Surely she would have stayed like that until Kurt or Mercedes sought her but a noise from the kitchen drew her attention. It sounded like the clambering of pots and pans. Perhaps the pair craved a late night snack, "Kurt? Mercedes?" Questioned the blonde, inching her way toward the open arch, to which she was replied with a squeak, a pot dropping and a heavy stream of curses that certain was not Kurt or Mercedes, "Burt?" The voice was clearly feminine – certainly not Burt's – but a panic had settled in and rational thinking had flown out the window. Hazel eyes took quick inventory of her surroundings picking up a sneaker – a makeshift weapon – before jumping into the kitchen entrance, shoe raised she cried, "Freeze!"

"Eep!" Chocolate eyes grew wide and hands flew high the pot Rachel had been holding escaped her grasp tumbling to the tile below.

A voice echoed down the hall accompanied by shuffling, "Quinn what are you doing up here? I know Dad says he sleeps like the dead but I don't think he mea-" In the second open archway leading into the kitchen Kurt stopped dead in his tracks.

The sudden stop was not anticipated by Mercedes and the girl bumped into him from behind, "Kurt wha-" Voice trailing as she took in the sight before her.

"Er… hi." Said Rachel rather sheepishly, offering a wave with one of her still raised arms. Not far away stood a wide eyed Quinn – shoe raised and poised to attack, "I apologize sincerely about the pots. The first time I tripped – clumsy me really – and the second well…" Brown eyes turned to stunned hazel, "Well let's just say Quinn would make for an excellent James Bond. Of course she's not a man and well she doesn't appear to be sleeping with every able bodied individual – in her case of the male variety – unless of course there is some secret side to Quinn I was not informed about. But that would be silly because though we aren't of the closest variety I fully believe Quinn holds herself in higher esteem than to s-"

Mercedes was the first to crack a smile, "Okay we get it there Berry. But that still doesn't explain what you're doing here. In Kurt's kitchen. Finn left nearly half an hour ago."

"Oh that," Rachel shot Quinn a tentative glance and when sure the blonde would not clobber her with the slightly dirty sneaker the brunette let her hands fall to her side, "I told him I would find another ride. I didn't want to be a bother. He works the early shift tomorrow and though Lima is small our residences are on quite opposite ends of town."

Kurt and Mercedes exchanged a look – Quinn still seemingly frozen, "But girl everyone already left."

"But yourself and Quinn…"

"Are staying the night," Said Kurt, "And even if they were neither of them drove and I promised my father I wouldn't drive this late otherwise I would offer to drive you."

"Oh, I suppose that makes very logical sense," A glimmer of sadness flickered across dark eyes before it was masked, "Don't worry, I don't live far from here and it is a beautiful night. I'll just walk. I'll just finish tidying the mess I made then I'll be out of your hair."

"No," It seemed the daze that had held Quinn was now gone. The blonde shot Kurt a pleading expression, "I mean… It's late and we're all tired and who knows what kind of creepers there may be out there. Like Jacob Israel!" At this the room's occupants cringed.

"You stay," Seconded Kurt, a shiver running the length of his spine, "Jacob is just…" There was another shiver, "You stay. I'll fetch you a pair of sleep wear." And with that Kurt left the room obviously greatly shaken by the mental images he may or may not have conjured of Jacob hiding outside in Mrs. Jenkins bushes.

The four exchanged war stories in the basement until the wee hours – apparently being tired, Rachel learned, meant nothing when it came to pre-bed gossip and tales. Normally the brunette would have lectured the other three on the importance of rest, citing the merits of a full eight hours rest. However, once the trio had begun the construction of – what Rachel knew would be the envy of most children – a fort the words died and she joined in on their laughter and half hearted pillow fight. For the first time in a long while Rachel felt normal and she'd be darned it she let her obsessive compulsive nature ruin that.

Surprisingly Kurt was the first to drift his eyes closed followed not long after by Mercedes. The two cuddled together amidst a mountain of pillows.

"Kurt always gets so worked up when it comes to parties I'm surprised he didn't pass out halfway through the movie," Spoke Quinn as though reading the brunette's thoughts, "And well Mercedes," She chuckled, "She's always the first to fall asleep – well minus this instance of course."

"I never would have guessed," Rachel whispered a soft giggle escaping her, "Kurt snores!"

Hazel eyes sparkled and a look of mirth captured the blonde's features, "Just don't tell him that. If you're lucky he'll deny it until the cows come home."

There was a gulp, "And if I'm not?"

"Oh he'll just give you the cold shoulder, glue all your notebook pages together and stand outside your bedroom window offering you the Creepy Eyes until you go insane and admit he doesn't snore." And with that the blonde rolled over, drawing her blanket up to her chin, "Night Rachel."

"He what?" Rachel squeaked, shaking the blonde's shoulders lightly, "Quinn would he really do that?" The thought of Kurt leering just outside of her window every night before she went to bed entered her mind, setting the wave of panic in motion, "Quinn! Quinn!" It was no use. Either the blonde was truly asleep – and slept like a rock – or she was ignoring the pleading eyes of the girl, "Fine," She mumbled, flopping back and drawing her own blanket up, "If I have nightmares because of this new piece of informationQuinn Fabray I fully blame you."

Needless to say Rachel didn't have nightmares of Kurt lurking outside her window – or well thus far. A soft whimper however had drawn her from her sleep. It was dark, the only light coming in from the single high window. The brunette glanced about blearily. It appeared Kurt and Mercedes were still in the same arrangement as they had been when she had fallen asleep, soft snores emanating from their direction. It wasn't them. That only left… "Quinn?" When no response came she tried again placing a hand upon the blonde's shoulder. It was trembling, "Quinn what's wrong?"

"Nothing," It was a croak the kind one makes when holding back tears, "Go back to bed Rachel."

"I can tell for certain it's not 'nothing' Ms. Fabray," Any intimidation she was attempting to portray was lost in the whisper that was her voice. When no response was given Rachel heaved a sigh, this time her voice meek, timid, "How am I supposed to help you Quinn when these walls you've built ascend higher than I could ever climb?"

"Rachel please?"

"Fine," Grumbled the brunette, falling back to the ground with an umph. As soon as she was still Quinn moved. Without hesitation the blonde had snuck under the brunette's blanket invading all personal space, "Quinn?" If Rachel hadn't been bewildered before she was now.

"Please?" Was all she said before nestling further, clinging to the front of Rachel's night shirt as if it were her only lifeline, "Please?"

"Of course," Rachel murmured into blonde locks, and without conscious thought her arms wrapped about the other girl, drawing her closer. Tears permeated through the flimsy material of Kurt's borrowed shirt and tremors ran the length of Quinn's body. It took every ounce of self control not to cry along.

"Don't leave me," Whimpered the blonde.

"Never Quinn. Never."

Sun filtered through the makeshift fortress causing Rachel to stir. It had to be no later than eight in the morning – a whole three and a half hours after falling asleep – and it was at times like these she hated her internal clock. To suppress the urge to groan Rachel distracted herself with the task of taking in her surroundings. Both Mercedes and Quinn were sleeping, the latter still cuddled close, and Kurt was no where to be seen.

For several moments the brunette guiltily basked in the glowing warmth of the girl within her arms – perhaps had the circumstances leading to their current arrangement been different Rachel wouldn't have felt so guilty. Regardless Rachel felt it would best if she not be present when the blonde woke – though it went against her promise – for she wasn't sure what side of Quinn she would see. Would it be the compassionate sweet side or would it be the lioness? The odds – regardless of the past few days – heavily favoured the latter. And so with that Rachel pried herself free from Quinn's death grip and made her way up the stairs.

It was the smell that first caught her attention. Rounding the corner – to what Rachel distinctly remembered was the kitchen – she found an apron clad Kurt mixing a batter of some sort whilst humming a tune and dancing about the kitchen. On the far end of the countertop brewed the aroma she had first noted – coffee.

"Good morning Kurt."

"Ah good morning Rachel, I trust you slept was well?" There was a twinkle in his eyes as he spoke (or rather sung), "I'm making waffles – vegan friendly of course – my specialty!"

His morning cheer was contagious and Rachel soon found herself smiling in return, "I'm excited to taste them."

The two chattered, mostly of music, until the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway.

"Rachel there is something I should tell you," At the sight of her fallen smile, the boy waved his hand dismissively, "Nothing terrible like you must leave at this exact moment," Shoulders visibly relaxed and Kurt could tell he had hit the fear dead on, it pained him but he spoke nothing of it, "Quinn and Mercedes they… Well I suggest you not stand between them and the coffee."

"The coffee?" Rachel raised a brow curiously but before she could inquire further Mercedes entered. Her posture was horrid and her feet drug across the tile, "Good morning Mercedes I hop-"

"Mhmm mm." Her body was in autopilot as she reached for a mug and the fresh brew. There wasn't even a moment to let it cool before Mercedes took in a gulp.

Before Rachel could comment Quinn trudged in looking even worse for wear than Mercedes and in a manner similar to the girl before her Quinn sought out the source of caffeine. Neither girl acknowledged the presence of anyone (except their coffee of course) until the first cup was gone and the second was poured. At one point – the point where Rachel had asked the pair how they slept – Quinn growled and cradled her mug in close. Clearly not enough caffeine coursing through her veins if the animalistic behaviour was any indication.

Kurt offered a wink to Rachel's gaping form, "Morning divas," A chuckle escaped him, "Who wants waffles!" He cheered, holding the plate teeming with waffles in one hand and the fruit sauce in the other. And just when Rachel thought she'd had enough surprise this morning the other girls giggled and like children squealed excitedly chorusing the most enthusiastic me Rachel had ever heard.