Chapter 7 – Sectionals

Ack mini writer's block. To those who asked I didn't write that song its called Obvious by Faber Drive. I kind of have a whole playlist for this fic and the storylines are intertwined around it. The playlist will be released at the end ;) Thanks inkydinki for the kind words I'm trying to make the story believable (my personal vision for S3) XD

/

"Alright guys, Sectionals is in two weeks, we need to get cracking on our set list. I'm thinking that we should do all original songs this year since this is going to be some of your last chances before college and its something that no other teams has."

A cheer erupts in the room. Finn and the blonde ex-captain share a weary look. Oh shit. It's been almost a month since Mary Edward's visit. And there's been nothing but tentative smiles, accidental grazes and random moments of understanding between the blonde and the brunette. Surprisingly… it's enough. It's actually more than either of them can fathom. But, they don't acknowledge it; they try not to even feel it. So when Quinn raises her hand to say what she does, it hurts. It hurts more than Rachel Berry cares to admit.

"Mr Schue, I think Mercedes and Sam should take the solos for sectionals."

What? The divas head whips around, her hand is gripping the red plastic chair in a vice grip.

"You've got to be joking! Everyone knows Finn and I have amazing proven harmonies. If we want to win we should put our best foot forward, that's us, not those two."

Santana rolls her eyes and Mercedes glares at the short singer. Only Sam's hand prevents her from giving the 'annoying little white' girl a firm ass kicking. Quinn simply holds Rachel's look, summoning the will to do this, because God… looking at those innocent browns, this was harder than she thought it'd be. She tries to keep in mind that there is a goal, that she wasn't being cruel for nothing. You'd think it would make things easier. It doesn't. But when she finally speaks, her voice soft and it doesn't waver.

"That might be the case but if this club is really a family, if we are actually equals shouldn't we consider others as well? Sam has a good voice and Mercedes hasn't had the chance to perform a solo in front of an audience for competition. Even Santana has had a lead in Valerie."

A murmur of agreement moves through the group. Despite his friendship with Rachel, Kurt is ecstatic for his other best friend. Santana has a curious look as her eyes flicker in between the blonde and the distraught brunette. There was way too much freaking drama… Mr Schue is taken aback by the truth in the blonde's statement and the determination behind her eyes. He can't fault her logic. So with the knowledge that it could cost him his most talented student he lifts his hands up. The room quiets just a little.

"Quinn raises a good point. So if we can all agree, then the duet for Sectionals will be allocated to Mercedes and Sam."

"Oh hell yes, finally!"

Mercedes exclaimed. Her grin is unmovable as she accepts everybody's congratulations. Sam only nods to Quinn, because he just knows that there must another agenda. She was one of the best people he knew, but she was also very complicated. Her actions had double meanings and her words were always so carefully chosen, like there was something to hide. He hoped one day she was able to work out her issues or would at least find someone that understood. Partly, he's still sorry he couldn't be the one for her because she deserved it. However, those thoughts are easily chased away by the dark goddess next to him. Looking at the Rachel, he feels some sympathy towards her as well. Despite the inflated ego and patronizing nature, he had come to realize that she was a really good person. And if he thinks about it, he's never seen her so depressed. Crestfallen the brunette barely looks up, unable to wipe the betrayal from her expression. Her eyes burn through the blonde. The words are just as accusing when they are faintly whispered.

"How could you, Quinn? I thought…after everything I did for you…"

The blonde clenches her jaw. She wonders how she managed this in the past. But the words slip out before she even has a chance to stop it.

"I wasn't aware there were strings attached, Berry."

All eyes are on the two girls. The brunette's small frame staggers back as if she had been hit. Rachel has no control, no barriers to the tears that appear. Why was the blonde being so mean? She runs from the room. Quinn can't stop the regret that seeps into her green orbs. It takes more than she expects to stay in her seat and not chase after the crying singer. The ex-captain doesn't even notice the lack of circulation in her white gripped hands until Brittany gently pries them open, bringing one to her lap. Finn stands up ready to go after his girlfriend. The ex-head Cheerio still has the good sense to try and stop him.

"Don't. Leave Berry alone for a while. She needs to think."

Finn doesn't listen, shrugging the hand off his shoulder. He's so angry because he doesn't understand. In their own weird way, the girls had been getting along. Instead of her usual single-minded concentration, Rachel had started to relax and smile a little differently. Her scary 'paparazzi' smile was replaced by a shy look of happiness that involved small quirks of the lips. The footballer doesn't mind the change because she's beautiful either way. Quinn, on the other hand, had actually gone out of her way to trip a Cheerio who was making a beeline for the short singer, slushie in hand. He remembers the cautious confused expression that emerged afterwards. The blonde had paused for a second, just staring into the distance. Still, Finn shoves the warning away, following in Rachel's direction.

Quinn's palm meets her head exasperatedly. In a matter of minutes there's crash, a whimper and a clang. A high-pitched scream of 'Go away Finn' is heard. The ex-captain rolls her eyes when the footballer shuffles back with his tail tucked between his legs. Santana snickers; even she knew to leave the argument alone. The rest of the group gathered together to start working on the set list. Rachel would be back eventually; after all they were a family.

/

It's halfway through the lesson when Quinn stands up and heads for the door. Brittany and Santana's knowing gaze follow their friend. Confused, Mr Schue looks up.

"Quinn, where are you going?"

The blonde runs her fingers through her hair sharply, pausing at the door. A deep breath is taken as she turns her head, addressing the music teacher with a bored tone.

"It's been about 15 minutes Mr Schue. So that means that Berry has just about made the transition from complete irrationality to her equally annoying version of a mildly open mind."

No further explanations are given as she walks out the door. Finn moves to follow but is shoved back down by Santana. The footballer cares for his girl but even he doesn't have the nerve to defy the Latina. Frankly, she's just a bit too unpredictable and violent. He often questions how he managed to lose his virginity to her. A stab of shame reappears. He slumps into his chair, glancing nervously at the door. Surely the person who cared most about the brunette should be the one to go?

/

Rachel is sitting on a changing bench in the girl's bathroom with a runny nose and bloodshot eyes. Her knees are brought up against her chest. The sounds of sniffling and sharp breathing bounce off linoleum walls. By now, the anger and shock has dissipated and all that's left is why? She's plotted over a dozen scenarios ranging from robots to drugs. Shockingly, in each and every one the blonde is not at fault.

There's a slight creak of the door as a shadow is cast over her.

"Go away, Finn."

A pause. The person moves to lean against the sinks. It's then that Rachel realizes that the shape is far too graceful and feminine to even resemble the footballer. Her breath catches.

"I'm not Finn."

The brunette snaps to meet Quinn's gaze. It's a stalemate because the blonde has done enough damage already and Rachel won't retaliate. In that moment, they might as well be standing nose to nose because both girls swear they could feel the other breathe. The ex-cheerleader tilts her heads slightly.

"I'm probably just a little more coordinated."

There's nothing her face to suggest that she's joking and it's because of that, that Rachel can't help it. A smile and then a chuckle, pretty soon it's a full-blown laugh. Vaguely, it's registered that Quinn looks a little petulant and put off, charming in its own way. The interaction is simple, comfortable and easier than it should be. Somewhere the diva feels just a little bad that she's being amused her boyfriend's mishaps but it's not in the forefront.

"So why Quinn? Why'd you give my solo away?"

Sighing, the blonde turns to moisten some paper towels under the tap. Quinn isn't looking at anything but the wall when she hands it to the brunette. It'd kind of reminiscent to the bathroom scene during junior prom but the roles are reversed. Eventually she manages to force herself into the spot on the bench, opposite to Rachel. She wishes she hadn't because then, it's not a practiced lie that comes out.

"You wanted this year to be different, right? To mean more? So that you're wanted and not just tolerated."

Motionless, Quinn is staring at the brunette. Rachel is taken aback because it's almost as if the other girl has memorized every word of their exchange at the start of the year. From when she was concussed, the first time. Ignoring the lack of response, the ex-cheerleader continues.

"Look… here's a few things that I know. Fact – you're going to end up on Broadway. Fact – Brittany and Santana are going to be married someday with the 2.5 kids and the white picket fence. And if Brittany is as smart as I suspect she is, Santana's going to be the one carrying them."

There's a gap as the statement sinks in. There's no uncertainty in the blonde's tone and Rachel is shaken because there is a difference between knowing and believing. Quinn was both. When the ex-captain has the diva's attention again, she leaves no room for misinterpretation. The singer feels so warm. And biology dictates that her heart shouldn't be beating this fast.

"…Fact – you're going to be the one to carry this club through Regionals and Nationals. So why can't Mercedes and Sam, or anyone else, have a turn at the start?"

For once, the brunette's mind is blank as her mouth opens and closes. She doesn't have an answer, at least not a logical one.

"Bu –"

Quinn emits a small growl of annoyance as she walks over to the sinks again. She needs to put some distance between them because she's conflicted. There's a desire to punch the brunette in the face. And then there's the fear that she might be revealing way more than she intended, as if there was something else. Her grip on the situation and her sanity is fleeting.

"Berry! I am not asking you to compromise yourself or to stop serenading us during rehearsals. Just try and be a little more open. Let others have a turn in the spotlight…it's their last year, as well."

It's mine, too. The thought is left unsaid, but both girls understand. Eventually, Rachel meets Quinn's gaze, nodding slightly.

"Ok. I can't promise anything but…ok."

The blonde looks away.

"Stop stressing, Berry. Sam and I did quite well last time."

"Ken and Barbie?"

An eye roll follows a scoff. There's no hostility, only a light sparkling in their eyes as they share a smile. They almost fall back to old positions because it's safer that way. Almost. Quinn is certain her life would be simpler if she just ignored Rachel Berry. It's easier said than done.

"I'm right here, Berry…"

The tone is sarcastic. Rachel doesn't say a word. Her feet somehow take her to the blonde and a hand reaches out to touch Quinn's shoulder. Breathe… The tan arm stops, hovering in the middle, held back by some uncertainty, fear… resistance. Quinn's inquisitive gaze scorches, even when her body is stick still and nearly pushed against the sink. Breathe. Please just breathe.

Suddenly, Rachel's at the door and the blonde is only inhaling the air she leaves behind. The diva stops for a moment; casting one more look to the girl frozen against the basins. The ex-cheerleader is focused on a spot on the wall.

"I – I just wanted you to smile, Quinn. There were never any strings attached, you know…"

She doesn't catch the slight shake of the taller girl's head as she walks out.

But things would be so much easier if there were…

Because then, Quinn wouldn't be standing alone, in the girl's bathroom, on the second floor of McKinley, with nothing to say and a host of unwanted feelings. She wonders why the diva's happiness even means anything to her. How did giving Berry friends help her relationship with Finn? Rachel and Finn that was supposed to be the endgame. Maybe she was just an overachiever because there was no way she was doing it for the brunette. No way.

/

The ex-cheerleader gets back just in time to hear the diva's address to the class and she snickers. It was so Rachel, genuine and arrogant at the same time.

"Everyone, I have decided to step aside and let Mercedes and Sam take the solo for Sectionals. I doubt they are going to do it as well and Finn and I could, but nevertheless this glee club has my support. I understand that this is our last year before college and we should all make the most of it."

Mr Schue relaxes visibly as a childlike grin appears. With shaking heads, the amused group pulls out a chair for her. It may not have been an apology but it was as close they were going to get. It's actually a miracle that they've gotten this much already. Finn slips his hand around the brunette's, smiling encouragingly. Puck and Mike give her a thumbs up whilst Tina just smiles quietly. Even Mercedes gives Rachel a quick hug as they start discussing the music. Kurt, Lauren and Sam offer to take a look through her binder list of ideas. It the first time Rachel Berry feels totally accepted. It's the first time she's not pushing everything to her specifications. And it's better.

Quinn…she knew. This was why…But…A flood of awareness enters her mind as she tries to find the blonde. The ex-cheerleader is sitting on the piano stool joking with Santana and Brittany. And Rachel doesn't know how to say it. How does the one person who was never your friend, always make things right? And why can't you turn away? The diva is stuck in her chair and in that moment her advanced vocabulary is useless.

Thank you.

Feeling her senses prick, Quinn glances in the diva's direction, her expression slightly hidden. It's only for a second before she's back to her friends, discussing Sue Sylvester's latest diet edict. One of the girl's on the team had gained two pounds, sending the psychotic coach in to frenzy. Ambassadors of the Sue Sylvester Party will not be seen with baby beer guts! It's a quiet afternoon.

You're welcome…

/

Three days later.

"This is ridiculous, we're not getting anywhere!"

Santana's loud voice blares out from the back; her hands busy braiding Brittany's hair. Kurt and Tina were doodling costumes on their sketchpads and Puck was reading a workout magazine in the corner. The ragtag group was no closer to being finished with the set list. They had been working on the group number but the dynamics were wrong. Everybody had different views and it was starting to show in the way they interacted with each other. Finn had kept rather silent through the process, which was becoming rather difficult. The club now expected him to make significant contributions due to what had happened at nationals. His only saving grace was the few times Quinn was able to slip a scrap of a line into his sweaty palms. An exchange that didn't go unnoticed by Rachel or Santana for entirely different reasons. Still the brunette had managed to rein her jealousy in. Finn loved her. And Quinn? Well it was hard to say the smacks she kept delivering to the poor boy's arms were out of love. Although the blush that emerges on the footballer's face every time the ex-cheerleader had leaned in was a little worrying.

"Alright, alright. I think Santana's right. It seems that we've lost our drive to do this. We need some fresh eyes. So I'm going to separate you guys. Quinn and Rachel can focus on the duet. Finn, since you did such a good job at nationals you should probably join them. The rest of us will try and finish the group number."

The blood drained out of the giant footballer's head whilst Quinn's eyes narrowed in annoyance. Santana is smirking like there's no tomorrow. It was hard enough to hide the fact that Finn had no ideas for songwriting in a large group let alone in one with only three people. The ex-cheerleader refused to be stuck in a room with the stuttering boy and the brunette's random suspicious glaring.

"Mr Schue, I think Finn should join you guys with the group song, he would be a greater asset there."

And hopefully the rest of you cover him.

The music teacher thinks about it for a second.

"Ok, Quinn that might be a better. We might need his ideas here. I trust you and Rachel to cooperate and create a masterpiece for regionals. Remember, we're a team girls!"

Santana leans forward to whisper annoyingly in Quinn's ear.

"Good luck with the hobbit, Q."

"What are you talking about? You and Brittany are with me."

"What? No! Not happening. You can't pay me enough to spend all that extra time with man hands Berry. Its enough that Brittany insists on going to get ice-cream every damn week ever since she found out the dwarf works there."

Quinn rolls her eyes, turning to face the tall dancer. The Latina narrows her eyes.

"Brittany, want to come write songs with me and Berry?"

"Sure, Quinn."

The reply is instantaneous and cheerful. Quinn grins in response. Brittany notices the suddenly still hands in her hair. She tilts her head back in the Latina's lap, looking up concernedly.

"San, what's wrong?"

Santana glares at the blonde, that was low. Whatever, she would find some creative way to get her friend back later. A grin slips on her face. She had missed this version of the blonde. Brittany would stop either girl when their antagonizing got to far.

"Nothing Brits. I guess we're going with Q and the hobbit."

/

Later that night, after a long and arduous softball practice Quinn was sprawled out on her queen size bed trying to focus on her homework. For some reason she couldn't focus, her eyes kept slipping to the green LED alarm clock on her bed. Ten forty two. Thunder could be heard outside as rain splattered against the skylight window in her room. The blonde sighed picking up a pencil, trying to force herself to work on the math equation in the textbook.

-Flashback-

Quinn had run back into her locker to retrieve her softball gear when she heard the diva's pleading voice a few rooms down. Curiously she made her way closer, standing out side the door.

"Kurt, could you please take me home after my night shift today. It's Thursday and my fathers are busy with

work. My shift ends at eleven but I could wait."

The skinny but fashionable boy looked genuinely saddened as he responded.

"I'm sorry Rachel but I've got to keep my dad company at the hospital tonight. It's his monthly checkup."

The brunette's shoulders drop as she nods understandingly. She tries Mercedes who's sitting with Sam at the back of the room.

"Mercedes, I know we sometimes have our issues but do you have the time to drive me home tonight around eleven when my shift ends? This is both my father's late night at work."

"Wait, you don't have a license Rachel?"

Sam asked surprised. He would have thought the diva would be the first to get her hers, considering she seemed to excel at nearly everything else. The brunette turns to explain.

"Well, you have to practice a great many hours and my fathers always had the time to get me to where I needed to go. It didn't make sense to invest my time in something that would detract from my singing and vocal exercises."

"Oh okay. Well Mercedes and I kind of have a date tonight but I guess we can work around it."

The blonde boy offers kindly. Quinn smiles. He really was a good guy, probably the most sensible person she's met in a while. It really was a shame that she couldn't make it work. Maybe Finn was right she didn't really love Sam, at least not enough to keep him safe. Then she remembers what Timothy, the Ferris wheel operator had said at the carnival. Love doesn't let us down…Her thoughts are interrupted by Mercedes voice.

"Let's see, if our dinner is at 8 then the movie starts at 11:30. Let's see. Sam could probably get you home and meet me at the theatre while I'll get the tickets and the seats."

Mercedes did the mental planning in her head, knowing the other girl didn't have any other option. Despite their competitive drives the darker girl still cared about the brunette. They were friends after all, getting along quite well when they were out of the spotlight. Sam nodded.

"Yeah. It'll be a bit tight but totally doa – "

"No! I wouldn't ask you to do that. Don't worry; I'll come up with something else. You two should enjoy your romantic evening together."

Rachel interrupted. She was really glad that her friends were willing to amend their plans but she couldn't impose like that. Especially considering they were still in the initial stages of their relationship. She would figure something else out.

"Really? Are you sure Rachel? It's totally fine, we can still go out on our date and get you home."

Sam asked concerned. The diva nodded her head firmly, refusing to take the offer.

"Well ok then. Good luck Rachel."

The short singer nodded, keeping the wide smile on her face, watching her friends leave the room. From her position Quinn saw Sam and Mercedes walk to the car park. Feeling a pull, she then turned to look in rehearsal room. Through the gap in the door, she registered the slump in the brunette's shoulder and the pasted smile slipped away. Rachel's back to the door as she organizes Mr Schue's sheet music meticulously. The ex-cheerleader feels something heavy settle in her stomach. But before she can think about it any further she hears the Latina's voice in the distance.

"Q! It doesn't take that long to get a bloody catcher's mitt out of a locker. Hurry up, before coach starts throwing softballs at us!"

-End Flashback-

Quinn tries to shake the thoughts from her head. Softball had done a pretty good job of distracting her but now that she's alone again, it's a lot harder. Ten fifty... Forget about it, Berry would have found a ride by now. She pushes the tip of her pencil against the notepad. She recites her working out loud.

"The line is a tangent that cuts the sin graph at the peak so that mea – "

Thunder claps outside as a spark of lightning appears in the distance. Her heart beats a little faster. Part of her swears the giant carnival teddy on her bed is staring disapprovingly at her but she can't bring herself to kick it out of her bed. Quinn can't help but glance at her clock. Ten fifty two… She closes her eyes and repeats.

"It's not that bad outside. Don't even think about it Quinn. You are not worried about Berry. You are not responsible for her safety."

The blonde wants smack herself when she realizes that somehow, she's in her car and outside of Carl's Ice-creamery. Her lips are pursed as she glares at the neon lit sign. It's a Mexican standoff of sorts as Quinn refuses to get out of the car. She was really going to kill Finn. She's also convinced that she's gone slightly dumb from hanging round the footballer so much. It was alarming really, they were spending more time together now than when they had been dating. The rain is bearing down on her windshield and the blonde's only thought is… Yeah, stupidity must be contagious…

/

It's 11:20 when the ice-creamery bell dings as the blonde finally talks herself through the front door. Rachel looks up and she's frozen in shock. Quinn is the last person she had expected to walk through that door and the fact that the ex-cheerleader looks like she's about to hurt something does not calm the diva's nerves. Neither girl has anything to say really. One doesn't know how she got there. The other doesn't want to explain why she's still there. Rachel wasn't able to find another ride home. She had planned to walk but with the weather outside that was no longer an option. For the first time in a while, the air is awkward.

So nothing is said. The brunette continues to clean and close the shop for the night. The blonde sits down in one of the booths. She massages the kinks from her muscles. Sue Sylvester would scare Generals in the army. Quietly she grabs a napkin from the holder and a pen from the counter. As Rachel works and Quinn sketches, awkwardness blends into peace. It's the first time they've been alone since the solo incident in the bathroom. Every time Rachel brought it up or tried to say thanks the soft-baller made a sarcastic comment and walked away.

The radio crackles.

Hello, to you late night listeners. This is KT97.8 station and you're with Robby Rave in the non-stop music hour! Here's one of our favourites now!

The slow start of Ronan Keating's When You Say Nothing at All, filters through the speakers, filing the room. Both girls stop what they're doing for a second. The male's strong soothing voice sings.

It's amazing

How you can speak

Right to my heart

Without saying a word,

You can light up the dark

Try as I may

I could never explain

What I hear when

You don't say a thing

"You know, this is the song they played at the Chasity Ball, ironic isn't it?"

Quinn's voice is soft and slightly bitter. It's the first thing she's said all night. The chorus continues to play in the background. Rachel turns around and meeting the blonde's look from behind the counter.

"Why'd you go? I thought your parents had just kicked you out for being pregnant. Why did you even want to go?"

There's a pause as Quinn looks incredulously at the short singer. Rachel seemed too realize her mistake, answering the unspoken question very quickly.

"Finn told me. He didn't know what to do."

The blonde rolled her eyes, running her hand through her short blonde hair. Of course, he did. She's completely focused on the napkin in front of her, folding and refolding. When Quinn speaks there's a crack in her tone as her voice takes on a very husky quality. She hates that feature because it tells people she's about to cry. However, from the changes of the brunette's expression the blonde suspects the other girl knew anyway.

"I thought…a few days had passed since I moved out. I thought that they might've have forgiven me with that little bit of time. That maybe, seeing me in the dress they picked out would show them that I was still their little girl…"

Quinn looked up, her eyes were self-deprecating.

"I spent the entire night sitting on the sidelines. My parents refused to acknowledge my existence."

Rachel didn't shy away, she can't. She feels her heart bleed a little for the girl opposite her. To have your family ripped away from you, for your father's love to be conditional, she couldn't imagine it. Quinn was stronger than most. There's a gap because the diva didn't know how to respond, how to make it better. So they both listen to the song.

Whenever I fall

You say it best

When you say

Nothing at all

The brunette sings the next verse. It was a beautiful song.

All day long

I can hear people

Talking out loud

The blonde closes her eyes letting the other girl's voice wash over her. Rachel Berry really didn't belong in Lima, Ohio.

But when you hold me near

You drown out the crowd

(The crowd)

The memory of Nationals floods both their minds. The brunette remembers the security provided by the other girl's embrace. Quinn remembers caring.

Try as they may

They could never define

What's been said

Between your

Heart and mine

A thought strikes the diva as she stops singing abruptly and walks to the blonde's booth. Her eyes are excited as her tan arms are extended.

"Come on Quinn, let's recreate the experience for you."

Rachel's smile is blinding as she looks insistently to her hands. The ex-cheerleader doesn't move looking up in disbelief.

"What? No!"

The brunette stomps her foot. Quinn refuses to think of it as adorable but she can't stop the amused smirk that appears on her face.

"You just want to dance."

The voice is accusing but the glint in the green orbs is playful. Rachel doesn't need to think her answer comes out automatically.

"That too."

Rachel thrusts her hands out again, with more emphasis. Quinn shakes her head as she starts to stand up. She couldn't believe she was doing this.

"You're not going to give up are you?"

The brunette nods even if she doesn't have to.

"You lead."

The short diva orders authoritatively. Quinn balks.

"What why?"

"You're taller."

The answer is simple and straightforward, coupled with the diva's raised eyebrow. The blonde feels her self blush at Rachel's obvious tone, actually blush! Get it together, Fabray. You do this and drive Berry home. Then, you can get back to your math homework.

The blonde straightens, holding one arm out and placing the other on the singer's waist. It was so small, Rachel felt so fragile in her arms. Quinn's never been the taller one in a dance before. Rachel takes a step forward, slipping one hand into the pale awaiting one. Her right hand goes around the ex-cheerleaders neck. Quinn is the perfect height and it feels natural. A breath is expelled. Brown meets green and their body's start moving.

The smile on your face

Lets me know

That you need me

There's a truth

In your eyes

Saying you'll never leave me

The two girls are fluid as water as they glide across the floor. Quinn sends Rachel into a twirl, watching the shorter girl pirouette away and then back into her arms. They're laughing as they temporarily forget who they are. Lights dance in both of their eyes. Somehow they can't wipe the grins off their faces.

The touch of your hand says

You'll catch me

Whenever I fall

You say it best

When you say

Nothing at all

The blonde spins both of them around and when she stops, they're both a little disorientated. Their footing is a little less precise, as one accidentally stumbles into the other. It doesn't stop the chuckles though, if nothing else it gives them a second wind.

(You say it best

When you say

Nothing at all

You say it best

When you say

Nothing at all)

The shorter girl is dipped exaggeratedly. She must have misjudged the step because they stumble and the blonde is pulled down on top of the diva. Both girls freeze, breathing heavily from the exertion. Quinn has one hand braced on the floor in the junction where Rachel's neck met her shoulder. The other is still holding onto the singer's waist. She could feel the other girl's ribcage move with her breathing.

The smile on your face

The truth in your eyes

The touch of your hand

Let's me know

That you need me

Shaking herself out of it, the ex-cheerleader stands, offering a hand to the girl on the floor. Her voice is light when she says.

"Ok I think I've had enough of you stepping on my feet for one day."

"What? Quinn I'm an excellent dancer."

Rachel leaves no room for rebuttal as she goes to get her things. The blonde just shakes her head.

(You say it best

When you say

Nothing at all

You say it best

When you say

Nothing at all)

"I'll drive you home…"

The next Thursday, Quinn walks in after softball practice. There's no questions or curious glances. The blonde sits in her booth and completes her homework. When it's closing time, the books go back into the red and white McKinley duffel. She holds the door open for the brunette as they exit the ice-creamery. Quinn takes Rachel home. Sometimes they talk, sometimes they don't. But, Rachel forgets to return the soft-baller's letterman…every time.

/

The kids are buzzing behind the curtain. It's Sectionals! Everyone was doing his or her own rituals. Brittany and Mike were practicing their dance moves. Puck was throwing a tennis ball against the wall. Lauren was adjusting something on her website. Artie was checking the mechanics of his wheelchair. Every one was doing something because as confident as they were about their abilities, the rush that came with competition still threw them off a little. Quinn watched from her position in front of the piano. Ever since Santana had so helpfully blurted out her piano playing skills Mr Schue had become quite adamant about including it in their performance. Kurt, Rachel and Sam had their hands full trying to calm Mercedes down, drawing on their own previous experience.

Quinn hears the host announce.

"Please Welcome the New Directions."

And just like that everybody snaps into his or her cues. It's as if a switch has been turned on as they transform into that group, the well-oiled unit. The blonde starts the piano and pretty soon the house band backs her. Sam starts strong, walking towards Mercedes. The rest of the group stands behind them. They're moving side to side, providing background vocals.

It hasn't been long, but it hasn't been bad

And you may be the very best thing, I've ever had

But you want to know, cause you're making plans

Well, I'll make you a promise I'll keep, I'll do the best that I can

Rachel can't help but catch the pianist's eyes. It's a secret joke because they remember how this song started…

-Flashback-

Everyone was quite bored. They had no idea what to do, considering they didn't know much about the new couple's relationship. What were they comfortable with? How did they feel? Santana was making paper planes from her failed ideas and Brittany drew ducks on her palm. Quinn is sitting in front of the ebony and ivory instrument, she's completely immersed in playing Yann Tiersen's Rue des Cascades. The fast movements her fingers and the passion coiled in her frame captivated the shorter girl.

"Careful there man hands, don't want you going all lovesick of Q's mad piano skills."

Santana's amused tone sounds out next to her. Rachel is rolls her eyes at the Latina who simply shrugs.

"You'd think that I'm joking. But on Q's last recital this girl started following her around like a puppy. I think she even tried making Q play for her birthday."

The Latina looks vaguely thoughtful as she tries to recall the fact. The diva shakes her head amazed by the story. Quinn is winding down as she finishes the piece. It's just in time when she hears the short singer murmur in a stubborn tone.

"I'm not in love yet…"

-End Flashback-

Rachel lends her voice to the chorus. Her eyes somehow linger on the blonde. When Quinn looks up she nearly misses a beat.

I'm not in love yet, but I'm workin' on it

It might take some time

It ain't easy to do if it's gonna be true

I'm not in love yet, oh, but I'm workin' on it

Without thought, the two girls share a grin as Mercedes steps up pushing Sam back playfully. Her voice is smooth and soulful as she starts her part. They had done a really good job with the accompaniment. The ex-head cheerio is singing lightly with her.

There you go again, tryin' to pin me down

Isn't it enough for me to say, I love having you around

Rachel falters a little. Her ears are keyed in on the taller girl's voice.

And why do we always have to talk about the way that we feel

Baby, all the conversation in the world, won't make it more real

Quinn's gaze is compelling. Involuntarily they both remember all the times they've confronted each other about one thing or another. The rest of New Directions help with the chorus but the two girls are focused on each other.

I'm not in love yet, but I'm workin' on it

It might take some time

It ain't easy to do if it's gonna be true

I'm not in love yet, oh, but I'm workin' on it

Yes, I am

Mercedes breathily confesses. The crowd goes wild. Sam walks closer grasping her hand. He's grinning with the next line.

I hear you when you say, you need some kind of proof

The dark diva shakes her head softly as she sings.

Well, it may not be what you want to hear but I'm telling you the truth

Everyone joins in with the question.

And why do we always have to wonder what the future will bring

And baby, all I know is how I feel now but time can changes everything

Sam starts the sentence and Mercedes finishes it. Quinn hits the keys with a flourish. The girls set up behind Mercedes and the boys behind Sam. Their confined voices bring the crowd to their feet as they move their hands to the music.

I'm not in love yet, but I'm workin' on it

It might take some time

It ain't easy to do if it's gonna be true

Once again for the next line the two lead singers alternate. Mercedes starts while Sam finishes. They have surprisingly good chemistry.

I'm not in love yet, oh, but I'm workin' on it, babe

It's gonna take some time

Everyone belts the final chorus. The boys dance with the girls. Finn is dancing with Rachel. The brunette has to look over his shoulder but her eyes are trained on Quinn. She can't, not.

I'm not in love yet, oh but I'm workin' on it

It ain't easy to do if it's gonna be true

I'm not in love yet,

The group takes a pause before finishing. Both girls look away. Its not obvious but Quinn's palms are sweating and Rachel's breathing harder than she's ever had to before.

Oh but I'm workin' on it…

/

OK. I am feeling weird about this chapter, I don't know why. Ah well I'm sure it'll come to me…maybe you guys will know. But yay something there that wasn't there before! XD Quinn's starting to do things that have nothing to do with helping Finn all on her ownsies.