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Title: We're Singing the Same Song (Even If the Lyrics Aren't the Same) - Part Seven
Author: slacker_d
Crossover: glee/Pitch Perfect
Pairing/Characters: eventual Rachel/Quinn, Beca/Chloe
Summary: Beca Mitchell is falling for Chloe Beale, while her roommate Quinn Fabray seems to be in love with Rachel Berry. Will they ever tell them how they feel?
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~2,915
Spoilers: Pitch Perfect and general glee spoilers
A/N: So this part is pretty much pure Faberry.
Part Seven
The room is empty when Rachel returns from what was apparently a date with Mike. Initiation must be a long and drawn out event. Even though she's sorry that Beca didn't get into the Bellas, Rachel is glad that she was able to spend some time with Beca. Because of Chloe's crush, Rachel knows she'll be seeing a lot more of Beca, and Rachel is now relieved to know Beca's someone that she'd actually want to spend time around, even without Chloe pushing. Especially since Rachel doesn't make friends all that easily. She has a feeling that Beca doesn't either.
Thinking about Beca makes Rachel think of Quinn. The blonde is difficult to read. The fact that she would approach a stranger on behalf of her roommate endears her to Rachel, though. It's really sweet.
Apparently Quinn is a theater major, though Rachel only shares History of Theater with her. Rachel's quite curious about what Quinn wants to specialize in. The blonde claims she's not that great of a singer, but Rachel's still curious to hear her. Rachel's not sure if she believes her anyway since Beca claimed something similar and her a cappella audition was a thing of beauty.
Maybe Rachel'll ask Quinn if she wants to hang out after their next History of Theater class.
…
Quinn is not pleased when Beca tells her about her evening. Beca looks almost apologetic about it, as if it's her fault that Rachel went out on a date. Which it isn't; Quinn can admit that, she shouldn't take her anger out on the messenger
"It was only a first date," Beca offers. "And Rachel wasn't even sure about that?"
This catches Quinn's attention. "Really?"
"Yeah," Beca nods. "She wasn't a hundred percent sure it was a date."
"But?" Quinn prompts.
"Mike definitely thought of it as a date," Beca finishes. "And he walked her back to her room."
"Do you think she gave him a good night kiss?" Quinn asks. "Because if she did, then it was definitely a date."
"And if she didn't?"
"Well then I have no idea," Quinn replies. "Maybe you can ask Matt about it."
Beca groans. "No way, dude. We are not doing that. Why don't you just ask Rachel if she likes girls? Seems easy enough."
"Just out of nowhere?" Quinn shakes her head. "Not going to happen."
"No, think about it, Q," Beca says. "It's perfect. You ask her if she likes girls. She says yes. You give her a picture of a flower you've drawn-"
"I haven't-"
"-And then she totally swoons and says yes when you ask her out."
"I'm not doing that," Quinn says.
"Why not? It'd totally work."
"Maybe later. After we've hung out a bit more."
"Because at that point, she'll already love you as a friend and it'll be an easy transition?" Beca asks.
"Well, it sounds kinda stupid when you say it out loud," Quinn grouses.
…
Despite the more chaotic schedule of college, Rachel still gets up every morning at six. She tries to be as quiet as possible for Chloe's sake. Thankfully, very few people seem to get up this early and so when Rachel takes a shower, she doesn't have to feel guilty about singing while she takes a longer than normal shower each morning after she goes for a run.
One good thing about being at Barden is that the weather is warmer than it is at home. Rachel plans on running throughout the whole winter because she assumes the temperature will never drop as low as it does in Minnesota. Just because she had to leave her elliptical behind, that doesn't mean she can't keep up with her exercise regiment. It's been part of her morning routine for too long and with all the other changes recently in her life, she's glad that at least one thing can remain similar.
…
Quinn wakes up a few moments before her alarm is set to begin beeping. She quickly shuts it off before it wakes Beca. She sighs as she lies in bed. She's over five hundred miles away from home and yet she still gets up every Sunday and goes to church. She's not sure if it's out of habit or want. Though it is only her fourth Sunday here. Maybe once things get a bit busier, going to church won't be an option. However, if Quinn's honest with herself, and she rarely is, she'd miss not going. She finds attending church comforting.
Sighing again, she climbs out of bed and grabs what she needs to take a shower.
…
Chloe is still asleep when Rachel returns from her run. She tiptoes around the room, grabbing everything she needs to take a shower and then once again, slips quietly out of the room.
…
The one you warned me all about
The one you said I could do without
We're in an awful mess, and I don't mean maybe - please
Quinn realizes singing Papa Don't Preach is probably a little too spot on, considering her history, but she can't help it. Despite how everything turned out, one of the few good memories from junior year was singing that song with Puck, even if the circumstances were horrible. The song has always just stuck with her and has almost become her go to shower song.
Papa don't preach, I'm in trouble deep
Papa don't preach, I've been losing sleep
But I made up my mind, I'm keeping my baby, oh
I'm gonna keep my baby, mmm...
…
When Rachel enters the bathroom, she's surprised to hear someone singing in one of the shower stalls. She's even surprised that someone else is actually awake at this hour on a Sunday. Maybe she's not such a freak after all.
Papa don't preach, I'm in trouble deep
Papa don't preach, I've been losing sleep
Papa don't preach, I'm in trouble deep
Papa don't preach, I've been losing sleep
It takes her a moment to realize that she recognizes the voice. It's Quinn and her voice is perfect. Rachel actually stops walking and just listens.
Oh, I'm gonna keep my baby, ooh
Don't you stop loving me daddy
I know, I'm keeping my baby
Quinn is apparently in the last stall and unwilling to make any noise and disturb this astonishing free concert she's privy to, Rachel leans against one of the stall walls and just listens.
…
When Quinn exits the shower stall, she almost slips when she hears someone clapping.
"You are a liar, Quinn Fabray."
Quinn is shocked to find Rachel standing there, obviously about to take a shower, applauding her.
"What makes you say that, Rachel Berry?" Quinn counters, trying to find her equilibrium.
"You told me that you weren't that good of a singer," Rachel replies. "What I just heard proves otherwise."
"I'm surprised you didn't burst into my stall," Quinn smirks, blushing slightly under the admiring look Rachel is giving her.
"I considered it," Rachel says. "After all, it would make a nice parallel, wouldn't it?"
Quinn chuckles. "Yes it would."
"Quinn," Rachel says, taking a few steps closer. "Your voice really is amazing. You should have tried out with Beca."
Quinn shakes her head. "I knew bitches like that in high school…" She sighs. "I was one of those bitches in high school. Barden is my attempt to be a better person. That means staying away from those judgmental Bellas."
"Oh. That's really…admirable Quinn," Rachel says.
"Thanks, but it's no big deal."
"No, really, Quinn," Rachel says, reaching out and taking Quinn's hand. And how the hell did she get so close, Quinn wonders. "It is. Change is hard. And recognizing something in yourself that you dislike and endeavoring to improve is commendable."
Now Quinn is positive her cheeks are red. "Thanks, Rachel."
"Please don't think me impolite," Rachel says, still holding Quinn's hand. "But why are you up so early? On a Sunday?"
Quinn's eyes stay on the tile floor. "Oh, um, I'm going to church."
"Don't be embarrassed, Quinn," Rachel replies, gently. "There's nothing wrong with that."
"Maybe," Quinn says. "But we both know religion isn't cool."
"Well, I've never cared about being cool," Rachel tells her. "And it sounds like you're trying not to care either."
Quinn nods.
"So then there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Right?"
Quinn shakes her head.
"Would you maybe want to grab breakfast after you get back from church?" Rachel asks.
"Um, yeah," Quinn replies. "That sounds great."
"Okay," Rachel smiles. "Stop by my room whenever you get back."
Quinn nods again.
"Good. I'm going to go shower now."
"Oh. Right. I'm just gonna go… uh…"
Rachel nods and ducks into the shower stall next to the one Quinn was using. A moment later, she hears the water start and decides she better leave before she turns into some sort of weird shower creeper.
…
Rachel knows she really lucked out with Chloe as her roommate. They get along much better than Rachel could have ever hoped. However, Rachel can also admit that when Chloe told her the story of her shower encounter with Beca, Rachel had thought she was crazy. And it's not like Rachel doesn't understand how the music can make you do crazy things. The list of crazy music related things she's done is probably a mile long. But bursting in on someone's shower seems a bit too far, even for her.
However, walking in and hearing Quinn sing Madonna changed all that. It took every ounce of self control she had to not burst in on Quinn. Especially since Rachel's pretty sure that their voices would sound extraordinary together.
Maybe it's the fact that her privacy has been invaded far more times than she's comfortable that stopped her. And honestly, Quinn seems like a really private person. Rachel wants to be her friend and is insecure enough to worry that surprising someone in the shower might be off putting. Sometimes she wishes she had more of Chloe's confidence and courage.
…
When Quinn returns from church, Beca still isn't up. Not that Quinn expected her to be. She has a feeling that her roommate stayed up late working on another mix last night. Still, this is a crisis and she needs to talk to someone.
"Beca. Beca." Quinn nudges the bed with her knee. "Beca, wake up."
"No," Beca grumbles. "Go away dude."
"Beca!" This time Quinn shakes the bed. "It's an emergency."
Beca groans. "The damn building better be on fire, Fabray."
"I'm having breakfast with Rachel in a few minutes."
This seems to wake Beca up. Or at least make her open her eyes. "I'm sorry, I seem to still be asleep, did you say, you're meeting Rachel for breakfast?"
Biting her lip, Quinn nods.
"How the hell did you manage that?"
"Well, I ran into her in the shower and -"
"I'm sorry, stop a second." Beca sits up, now fully awake. "You ran into her in the shower? Like literally? Did she pull a Chloe?"
Quinn laughs. "You say that like it's a regular thing? I mean, really, when else is someone going to burst into your shower stall and demand that you sing?"
Beca raises an eyebrow. "Didn't you just tell me that it happened to you?"
"Well, Rachel decided to wait outside my stall for me to come out," Quinn replies.
"Sure, you get the more respectful stalker," Beca quips.
"She's not a stalker."
"Right. That's you," Beca replies.
"You can mock me later," Quinn says. "I'm supposed to meet Rachel in a few minutes and you have to help me."
"With what?"
"I don't know."
"Well my first recommendation is to change out of your church clothes," Beca says, gesturing to Quinn.
"Right."
Beca flops back down and pulls her pillow over her head. "Now why are you freaking out?"
"Because it's Rachel," Quinn replies.
"So? You did fine the other night," Beca says. "Just relax and talk to her. Or hell, just listen. That Rachel is a talker."
"But you and Chloe were there," Quinn points out.
"So? It's not like you're going to be alone in an isolation room with her," Beca replies. "Just relax."
"Easier said than done," Quinn mutters.
"Just do whatever you did in high school when you wanted a boy's attention."
"You mean flaunt my cheerleading skirt and then tell her she's an awesome football player?"
Beca takes the pillow off her face and looks at Quinn. "God, I would have hated you in high school, wouldn't I?"
Quinn bites her lip again. "Probably."
…
Lost in her physics text book, Rachel looks up in surprise when there's a knock on the door. She jumps up quickly to answer it since Chloe's still not awake. Rachel doesn't want to wake her because she came in late last night, rather drunk.
Rachel smiles at Quinn's little wave.
"Just give me a second," Rachel whispers. "Chloe's still sleeping."
Quinn nods.
Rachel grabs her purse and cell phone and leaves Chloe a note just in case before tip toeing out of the room and closing the door gently behind her.
"Sorry," Rachel says. "She got back really late. I guess Hood Night is an extensive process that ends with excess drinking."
"Well, we are in college," Quinn replies.
"True enough," Rachel smiles. "So do you want to just go to the cafeteria? It's probably early enough that hardly anyone will be around."
"Okay," Quinn says, nodding.
…
Rachel is right and the cafeteria is sporadically filled at best. They fill their trays with food and choose a quiet corner table. If Quinn didn't know better, she'd think it was a date. Remembering what Beca told her the night before, Quinn tries to let that thought go. It's dangerous and it just makes Quinn feel worse.
"So how long did you plan on keeping your secret from me?"
Quinn looks up in surprise and when she opens her mouth, nothing comes out. Rachel can't be talking about her crush, could she?
"You're an amazing singer Quinn," Rachel continues. "You should let people hear you sing."
"Oh. Well, I guess I never really thought about it. Singing's never really been my thing."
"Weren't you in glee club in high school?"
"Oh. Yeah. But never as a soloist or anything. Just one of the background singers."
"Still, you were good enough to get in," Rachel points out.
"Actually since our advisor was so… um, touchy feely, anyone that auditioned and could sing got in."
"That doesn't seem like a good system," Rachel says.
Quinn shrugs. "He was more about enjoying the experience than actually winning."
"Ah, I see," Rachel says. "It's probably a good thing I didn't go to your school. I'm sure he and I would have not gotten along."
"No, probably not," Quinn agrees.
"So if you're not a singer," Rachel says. "What is your emphasis?"
"Oh, just acting in general," Quinn replies. "I was in The Dining Room during my senior year and I don't know, it just seemed to make sense, you know?"
Rachel nods. "I do. When I won my first singing competition at the age of four, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to be on Broadway."
"You knew that you wanted to be on Broadway at four?" Quinn asks. "I didn't even know what Broadway was until I was in high school." Though considering how her father felt about musical theater and the gays that populated it, that isn't that surprising.
"Yes, well, not to be stereotypical, but I was raised by two gay men. My daddy's two passions are hockey and musicals." Rachel shrugs. "An odd combination, I know, but whatever makes him happy, right?"
Quinn nods.
…
Rachel is glad that her instinct about Quinn seems to be correct. Especially since she knows that Chloe wants to spend more time with Beca. Getting along with Beca's roommate will definitely help the situation. And the fact that Quinn said Beca likes Chloe as well; maybe she and Quinn can scheme a bit to push the other two towards each other? After all, Beca seems like the type that would have a hard time admitting her feelings. And while Chloe is more forward than most people, Rachel knows she's still a bit nervous about how Beca really feels about her. Rachel suppose that she didn't help by not telling Chloe that Quinn told her that Beca likes Chloe, but it just felt so high school, that she couldn't. And honestly, she didn't want to push anyone too much out of their comfort zone. The fact that the four of them had a good time together the other night is enough, in Rachel's mind.
When she and Quinn part company a few hours later, Rachel can't believe how easily the time flew by. It had taken a bit to get Quinn talking, but once she did, Rachel was delighted to listen. Once Quinn had started to open up a little, conversation had flowed with ease.
Rachel had scoffed, internally, when Chloe had told her a few weeks ago that she just knew that Beca is someone she needs in her life. But now, after talking to Quinn for hours, Rachel is reassessing that statement. Maybe her roommate was right; there are just some people you know have to be in your life. It just took Rachel a bit longer to figure out that Quinn was one of them.
