A/N: Thanks thanks and hi hi to ficslover, secrix, anon, haaithair, FaberryOTP, smashintoyou, wagner710, abigail86, asdx, and anon 1&2(mom is that you?) lol. I'm sorry if I missed anyone. Thank you all for reviewing and the nice compliments xoxo.
Chapter Seven: Friday I'm in Love
Off with your head
Dance, dance, dance 'til you're dead
Off, off, off with your head
Dance, dance, dance 'til you're dead
Off, off, off, with your head
The alarm's song of choice for the morning was… creepy. I didn't read too much into it though. Nope, not at all because today was going to be a good day, I decided it last night after Rachel and I ended our phone call. Rachel had texted me her address at five o'clock in the morning, she said to drive over at my leisure. I took that as get your ass over here whenever you were ready. Since I set my alarm for six o'clock everyday I guess we were getting an early start. I got up brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, put on some casual clothes, and was on my way. On the way I had called Rachel telling her that I was on the road. Rachel's place was not too far from mine. It was located at a new upcoming posh village by the Bay Bridge; it was a very nice neighborhood. I felt out of place just driving around the area. Less than fifteen minutes later, I was parked right in front of Rachel's building but before I could grab my cell phone to call her I heard a light tapping on my window. Surprise surprise there was Rachel Berry at my window holding two cups of what I assumed was coffee. I unlocked the doors and signaled for her to hop in.
"How did you know that I was already out here?"
"I was waiting at the lobby," she said in mid-struggle with her seatbelt, "When you called I knew that it wouldn't take long until you arrive so I thought that I'd save you the wait."
She must have remembered where I lived. "There's a button for that," I said, pointing at her seatbelt. "Here, let me."I leaned over the console, "You see this button does everything for you. The seatbelt adjusts to your body type automatically."
As her seatbelt adjusted, I felt the familiar warmth I had felt that night outside of the bar. Our faces were so close yet so far, if I were to move just an inch or two our lips would brush, I backed into the console back to my side of the car as her seatbelt locked.
"Thank you for that," she said, grabbing onto her seatbelt "And for this."
"What's this?" I asked.
"For taking the time out of your busy week to tour me around. I know that we've only established a semi-quasi friendship but…"
"Rachel…" I butted in but with a small smile. "There's really no need for all of that. It's my pleasure really. And as far as the history of our friendship or whatever it was back in Lima I think that we should just go with flow. Start new?"
"I think that is a marvelous idea Quinn."
"I know," I winked, "Just sit back and relax Rachel Berry because I got this."
No I didn't. When I drove off from Rachel's building I had no clear idea as to where I was driving off to. Although I had been living in this city for three years now I haven't done all of the tourist things since my college days. Never one with the plan, I figured that this needed to be an exception s as I drove I mentally mapped out our day. This was going to be a long day.
"You know I've been here many times before but usually in a service car. I have not actually stepped foot here. It really is beautiful."
Our day began at the South Vista Point View of the Golden Gate Bridge. The weather wasn't being too cooperative. Darn you. The Bay Area fog was looming so the visibility was poor but if you squinted just right you were able to see the sights that were worth seeing. From where we were we were able to see all of the middle and bottom part of the bridge, Alcatraz was to our right, and a bit of Fort Point was in view. Fun fact about Fort Point for the movie buffs, it was the location that was used in Hitchcock's film Vertigo. It was where that psycho Madeleine hurled herself into the water. Crazy. It was a fun fact that Rachel enjoyed learning.
"I'm sorry about the weather. Come to think of it though maybe you should get used to it. The weather around here is pretty bi-polar but more often than not it's like this," I said gesturing to the gloomy sky.
"I don't mind it. It's better than the snow," she said, shaking her head in disagreement, "California weather is a step up from New York weather."
"A step up? Definitely," I agreed. "Want to go down closer to the water? There are some cool sea creatures that lurk around there."
With a glimmer of excitement in her eyes Rachel rocked on her heels as she asked, "Like mermaids?"
"If you're lucky," I whispered making my way down the steep hill. I rolled down the hill easily, thank you to my Converse sneakers, while Rachel stood in her place, which was up the hill with her eyes casts downwards.
"What's wrong?"
"I... It's steep. This hill I mean. I'm coordinated but I don't want to give you the satisfaction of watching me fall into the Bay just in case I lose my footing."
Was she being serious right now?
"Oh come on Berry. We'll miss the first sight of sunshine if you keep lollygagging. Just drop and roll. I'll catch you," I joked.
If she really were to go through with it I'd have no problems with that. I'd get a real bang out of seeing Rachel Berry body sledding.
"Okay, fine stay put."
Not wanting to waste anymore time I took a step back and charged up the hill.
"Quinn, what did you do that for?"
"Hold my hand," I said out of breath. I need to exercise more often. After the embarrassment that was my heaving, I extended my hand for her to take.
Her eyebrows furrowed.
"I won't let you fall. Just take my hand. The sooner that you do the sooner we'll see the sunlight hit the bridge. That's too magical to miss. Oh and mermaids."
She swayed her right leg over her left grazing the dirt. A nervous habit perhaps. Before making her decision she took a deep breath, "Okay... Let's just take it slow."
"Of course. I wouldn't want your clumsiness to knock me down this hill too. So..." I waved my free hand in front of her face and stuffed the other in the right pocket of my jeans, "My hand is getting cold Berry. Any day now."
"Fine. I wouldn't want you blaming me for frost bites."
We made our way down the hill very slowly. Rachel insisted upon it. I was walking a little bit ahead of her using my weight to steady hers. When we made it to the safety zone also known as flat land I noticed that she hadn't let go of my hand. Interesting.
"Cold remember?" she said holding up our hands still clasped together.
"Riiigghhhttt. You know if you wanted to keep holding my hand there's no need to lie."
"So where are those mermaids?" she asked gazing out into the water obviously ignoring my comment.
"In your dreams Berry. In your dreams."
We spent two hours at South Vista watching the ferryboats, picking wild flowers, chasing after hermit crabs and waiting for the clouds to clear. By the time I checked the time it was already 9 o'clock.
"Breakfast time!" I announced. "Come on, I know this great vegan restaurant that serves tasty vegan meals and is not adverse to serving real and greasy meat either. It's a wim wim."
"A wim-wim?" Rachel mocked.
And… two hours later and we were still holding hands… for heat purposes of course. "Shut up. So I have a lisp that pops out every now and then. No big deal," I said tugging her towards the parking lot.
"I don't think that was sigmatism or a lisp as you said Quinn but okay," she replied. Humoring me much?
I never ever had a lisp. I was just now conscious of our hand holding so I flubbed. When we finally reached my car I opened the passenger door for her. She gave my hand a light squeeze before letting go. It was almost immediate how much I missed the feeling of her hand in mine. Fluff later, food now.
"Just taste it!"
Another hour later, Rachel and I found ourselves in a heated but playful argument over our breakfast choices. I had ordered my usual of pancakes, hash browns, sausage, and extra bacon while my companion ordered something that looked like mashed greens.
"Rachel… see my plate here. It's filled with real food. Food that not only looks edible but is actually is edible. I know I said that they served tasty vegan meals here but it doesn't mean that I've tried nor want to try them. I only said that for you."
"So you won't even try it and you lied to me?" She asked thrusting her fork in my direction.
"No and Maybe," I smiled.
"It's actually flavorsome just take bite and you'll see."
"Not even a small bite. No, thank you."
"Please?"
"Nope."
"Pretty please?"
"Nah-uh."
"Party pooper."
"Nah, just stubborn."
"I can see that."
"Give up?"
"Never."
When I woke up this morning in the very back burner of my mind I had fully expected a day of suck. Sure, I had told myself that today would be free of Quinnplications but as I've mentioned before good days for Quinn Fabray came rarely so imagine my surprise when the day was turning out to be a day of fun.
"Don't all the tourists bother the residents? We're practically walking on their driveways," Rachel asked, taking in the scene.
The next stop on our tour was Lombard Street. If you weren't familiar with Lombard Street then your thoughts were probably, "What's so special about a street?" Well buddy here's a kicker. Lombard Street, as far as I know, was the crooked-est street in the city. Cars piled up every day for the opportunity to drive down this bad boy. The actual road was in between residential houses and the road itself is narrow, the flow moving in a zigzag motion. It takes some skills to drive down with the narrowness and all. Santana almost killed Emily and I attempting the drive once and once was enough; she was soon banned from ever attempting that again.
"By now I think that they're used to it. I mean if it was that bothersome then they could move," I replied feet together hopping on a pathway step, "You know I watched that movie of yours where you played that bad ass lady skate boarder."
Rachel nodded, "Mmm, that was a fun movie to film."
"Do you see that tree right there?"
"What about it?"
"There's a skateboard hiding in there," I told her nonchalantly, "A year ago Mike and I hid his skateboard in there so whenever we were here and had the urge to…"
The conversation was now finally catching up to Rachel and judging by the look on her face, which could be described as a mixture of deer in the headlights and constipation, she was not keyed up to anything I was about to say.
"No way! Are you crazy?"
"Rachel, let me drop some knowledge on you," I chuckled, "Do you see how there are no cars driving down this road at this very moment? This does not happen too often. I think it's a sign."
"I think it's a sign that you have lost your mind. There is absolutely no way we are skate boarding down this road," she said defiantly.
We had stopped in our stride the moment she had caught up to what I was suggesting. She stood with her arms on her hips looking tall. Only looking tall because she was three steps above me.
"Okay, first off WE are not skating down this road. You are. I will be down there watching. Besides we are halfway down. It'll be fast. Also, I double dog dare you."
"Quinn Fabray!" I heard her gasped. "That is not a fair deal. Why do I have to do it and you don't?"
I took a step forward staring her down. Full of confidence I gazed at her, directly and intently, with desire in the hopes that she'd melt under my too gorgeous for words hazel eyes, with gold specks on the rim by the way. Low Fabray, that's just low. I saw the healthy consideration traveling in those milk chocolate eyes of hers. I took another step, slowly but not seductively, no that'd be too cruel if I did. She wouldn't stand a chance. Confident much?
"Fine."
"Mmm?"
"I said fine I would do it. Now hurry and get the board before I change my mind."
"Yes, Ms. Berry!"
I can't believe that actually worked! I sprinted passed the rose gardens, bushes, and mailboxes jumped to get the skateboard and ran back to a waiting Rachel.
"Here you go." I handed her the skateboard. "I'll see you down there," I said practically bouncing off the steps as I walked, "Oh, and Rachel you're sooo badass," I said smugly.
Rachel waited until I found my place at the bottom of the road. This was unreal. I could not believe that I had convinced Rachel Berry to go a long with one of my ruse. The fact that she was now on the board approaching me like the second coming made it all too real; it was nothing short of amazing. Her hair whiplashed against her face, the look of excitement mixed with terror she was sporting was hilarious, and she was riding that skateboard like a boss. Maybe I wasn't going to get a beating after this? The screeching of the backboard hitting the pavement attracted unwanted attention from the pedestrians. Out of nowhere this man was standing next to me watching Rachel break to a stop.
"Is that Rachel Berry?"
I turned to face him uninterested, "Yup."
Once she got the board to come at a complete stop she kick flipped it and held it by its edge. "Oh my goodness Quinn. I can't believe that I just did that!"
"I can't either to be honest."
Noticing the man next to me Rachel diverted her eyes to him, "Well hello."
"Hi," he said nervously, "I can't believe I just seen Rachel Berry skateboarding down my street. I read on the papers that you moved here which is so cool by the way…"
This dude. Rachel must have been used to this kind of love struck treatment. She waited patiently and was listening attentively as the man gave her a lecture on all of the things that he found "awesome" about Rachel Berry. I remained in my positioned letting the two have their moment. The man finally got the courage to ask for an autograph and a picture. I took the picture of the lovely couple of course. Rachel gave him a goodbye hug and poof he was gone.
"I'm sorry about that."
"Don't even. It comes with the job. I understand."
"So where to next?"
"Mmm," I pondered. "It's still early how about we just take a drive. Grab lunch on the way then take it from there?"
"Sounds splendid."
The evidence of the day being a workday was in abundance as we drove down the financial district. Men and women in business suits littered the street talking onto their headsets with briefcases in hand. Powell and Market Street were bustling with shoppers, protestors, and street performers. Rachel sat in her seat, listened and took note as I pointed out my favorite places to eat and shop, the garbage can that Santana threw up on after partying too hard, the fountain Emily swam in this one hot summer, and the pole that got Mike arrested.
"Mike really got arrested?"
"Oh yeah, that pole got the show of its lifetime. Mike Chang has some sexy moves. So sexy it's apparently not legal so he got arrested for public indecency."
We spent two hours putting my car to work driving up and down those San Francisco hills that Rachel liked so much. If she was in a car then the steepness of any hill was in her words, "completely acceptable," even if it appeared like death on a plate. If she only knew how much I hated, really-really hated driving around the city, but the sheer joy she illuminated took the pain right out of driving. My car got a much-needed break after Rachel proposed that we take a breather. Thank god.
"Have you ever stolen something before?" Rachel asked as we sifted through the bargain bins in this hole in the wall souvenir shop.
"Uh… Yeah, when I was younger. Back home Brittany, Santana, and I stole candies from Pops' Candy Store on a regular basis."
"That wasn't very kind Quinn."
"Well Pops wasn't either."
"Good point."
"What's with the guilt trip anyway?" I joked.
"I haven't stolen anything before," she said quietly.
"Okay… Are you planning a heist or something?" I said teasingly.
"Maybe…"
The day of driving was catching up to me. I was yawning all over the place. I was completely content with letting Rachel just shop on her own but then something caught my eye. On the bottom of the box that I was sifting through was this tricked out snow globe that had to have my attention. This snow globe was huge, the size of Rachel's head, to match the Rachel comparison it was even bedazzled in gold rhinestones. The figurines, if that's even what they're called, looked like… a pimp and a hoe. Seriously. It took both hands for me to hold it up. When I shook it gold flakes swished through the water. That's different. I turned it around and saw a tiny knob. Curious I twisted. Upon my release the cramped space that we were in was suddenly filled with the music of Lil Jon's "Get Low"
3,6,9 damn your fine move it so you can sock it to me
one mo time
Get low, Get low
To the window (TO THE WINDOW), to the wall, (TO THE WALL)
To the sweat drop down my balls (MY BALLS)
To all these bitches crawl (CRAWL)
To all skeet skeet motherfucker (MOTHERFUCKER!)
all skeet skeet god damn (GOT DAMN)
To all skeet skeet motherfucker (MOTHERFUCKER!)
all skeet skeet god damn (GOT DAMN)
Good lord. "Quinn!" Rachel panicked. "I'm sorry!" I yelped, speedily disposing of that thing. All of a sudden I felt all eyes on me. Damn you Lil Jon! Rachel was smirking, the other customers were laughing, and ahhh all was right in the world, my world. Clearly the snow globe episode was part of the diversion that the universe had concocted for Rachel's maybe well not so maybe heist. After the music had faded and when the color returned to my face my senses kicked back in and in time too because just then I saw Rachel stuffing something small and shiny inside of her coat pocket. She's paying for that right?
I looked back to where the sales lady was chatting with another customer. "Rachel, what are you doing?" My eyes were going nuts bouncing back and forth from Rachel to the sales lady.
"Doing something I haven't done before."
"Rachel!"
Nope. Bad move Fabray. Rule number one when it comes to stealing with friends. Be aware of your surrounding at all times. Rule number two, don't scream your friends name while in the act. Rule number three, run when they run. As if we already didn't look suspicious with my eyes darting about like I was scoping out the place and now with Rachel running we really looked like some petty thieves. Well Rachel was…
"Hey!" I heard the lady yell.
Shoot! Run fool run!
Like a teenage boy caught in the act of having sex by the girls parents, I ran out of that store fast leaving a smoke trail behind. Naked if I had to. Once I was sure that the sales lady's voice was now just a faint noise in the background I stopped running. Where in the world was Rachel?
"That was exhilarating!"
You're dead Rachel Berry.
I shook my head in disbelief, "Rachel, what were you thinking?"
"I was thinking that I never stole anything before."
"And you decided that today was the day to do so?"
"Yes, because I know that you wouldn't let anything happen to me," she replied, poise and seriously.
I arched an eyebrow, not really sure on what to say. I then began tapping the bridge of my nose with my index finger, tapping it as if I was in a deep thought when in reality I wasn't in the state where I could even form a simple sentence. If I were to try it'd probably be a run on. Oh to be young and stupid.
Finally deciding to speak, "What did you steal anyway?"
"This." She took her hand out of her coat pocket and produced a heart shaped magnet of I LOVE SF.
"You see they're magnetized to fit together. There's two parts. This half of the heart is yours and this half is mine." Without any hesitation she took my left hand and placed my half of the heart right on top of my palm.
"Something to remember the day by. Don't lose it okay?"
I enclosed the piece in my hand, tightly grasping it, "I won't," I assured her.
The day came and went and now darkness was upon us. Rachel and I had spent the whole day lost in our bubble. Since this morning we had developed a steady rhythm of flirtatious banter. The last stop on our tour was Twin Peaks. It was the perfect backdrop to end our night with. For those who don't know, Twin Peaks was at an elevation of over 900 feet, in other words, it was high and the view of the city was panoramic, romantic if this was a date. You had a view of the city and its neighboring cities in all angles. Tonight Twin Peaks and the weather must have come to an agreement because tonight they worked in tandem in favor of a clear night sky. From our stance, the stars shined brightly along with the city lights that were before us.
"How did you, Santana, Mike, and Emily all end up here?"
"Hmm… Well I went out here for school and just stayed. Umm… Santana went to USC. Mike and Emily went to UCLA. Long story short after graduation they all decided to move here. Santana was offered a job that she couldn't pass up. Emily tagged along. Mike applied for an apprenticeship or something at some prestigious SF dance studio so here he is. It just worked out that way."
"It must be nice to have good friends around."
"It is. I mean they're a nuisance most of the time but I couldn't make it here without them."
We have been exchanging random life stories with each other for the better part of the hour. Before we knew it dinnertime drew near but the smart woman that I' am had already planned out a little something-something.
"How's your dinner?"
"Perfect. Well thought out."
"Oh I know," I said proudly.
On the way to Twin Peaks I had met up with an employee of mine whom I paid a stupid amount of cash to order, pick up, and prepare dinner for Rachel and I. It was money worth spent because the food was great and she even included little knickknacks like a blanket for Rachel and I to lie on while we ate and did I mention the tea light candles? She did well.
"I have to say that you really surprised me today Quinn."
"What do you mean?"
"Well… the times we've seen each other you've been nothing short of catatonic. I was beginning to think that I had offended you in some way."
"Oh... No… Well…. You see… Wait, I told you already. Speechless and breathless remember?"
"And why is that by the way?" she asked, her tone laced with seriousness.
"Because… Because you're Rachel Berry. Your presence alone can cause an uproar of flailing and unconsciousness."
That sounds like a legitimate reason, good job Quinn. I knew you had it in you.
"You're yanking my chain aren't you?"
"A little bit yes."
I smiled at her affectionately as I gathered our dinner scraps to throw in a nearby trashcan. I chucked the plates and utensils back inside the picnic basket and gathered the faux tea light candles that surrounded the edges of the blanket. Rachel was up stretching and wiping herself down making sure she was free of any food scraps. Her low-rise denim jeans were getting lower and lower as she bended. Look away Fabray don't be a pervert. Against my better judgment I continued watching while Rachel contorted her body, this and that way, as she stretched. Man, she's flexible. I don't know how it happened but I was frozen. Rachel was a sight of sexy beauty. I have seen her made up before numerous times in high fashion magazines and etc but there was something about this moment that knocks all of the other times right out of the park. This was real. She was real. I shook my head of all impure thoughts and focused at the view. I gave myself another minute before walking back to a waiting Rachel. She was sitting with her legs sprawled out in front of her, her back arched and her arms resting palms down on the blanket. She had her head back, her hair rustling with wind, and her eyes were closed. A smile crept on her face as I sat cautiously down next to her. Comfortable with the silence we sat in peace just enjoying the moment. Following Rachel's lead and I closed my eyes to let the darkness fall over me.
"The last time I saw you was when I went back home for Christmas vacation. I was getting out of my car when I saw you holding your nose up because it was bleeding. I walked towards you but you ran before I could check if you were okay."
What did she just say? Open your eyes!
"Oh my gosh you saw that?"
"Yes."
"I didn't think you noticed."
"I notice you."
Well I'll be damned.
"You really have to stop doing that."
"Doing what?"
"Leaving me speechless."
