**Hello, my Lovelies! I thank you, from the bottom of my Faberry heart, for all the support you all have given this story. The reviews are wonderful to read, especially the analytical ones :) I love that some of you are able to dissect this fic and the characters' motives because I do try to keep these characters layered and complex; so thank you for taking the time to show me that you appreciate it :D because I appreciate/adore you!

Okay enough of that ;) …On we go…

CHAPTER 10:

Shelby passes me the wine bottle and I have to stop myself from pouring some into Rachel's glass; I don't want to be obvious, now that I know Finn isn't completely clueless. I settle for pouring Joe and myself some, before handing it to Finn. He pours a glass and gives the bottle to Rachel, who practically grabs the bottle, pours some in her glass, then takes a long drink.

"So, Fabray is it?" Shelby asks, with a raised eyebrow. It reminds me of Rachel and I momentarily get stuck on the comparison, until Joe nudges me.

"Yes! It's a family name." I leave it at that because I don't want to have to lie any more than I already am; being in this house with my lover's husband and mother is really making the guilt build up inside. I take a sip of the wine and try to be discreet when I wipe the light sweat, on my forehead, on my shirt sleeve.

"Landscaping? That's your job?"

I look up from my lap to the woman and furrow my brow. I'm not sure what she's getting at, but it doesn't sound like she's impressed, at all.

Instead of getting defensive like I normally do, I nod and smile. "Yes, it's actually very therapeutic."

She narrows her eyes, "Is that so?"

I glance around at the rest of them, nervously, and then back at her, "Mmhm, the labor helps me take my mind off of stressful things, plus I get a good workout, so that's a plus, right." I add a chuckle and she just nods and moves her eyes toward Rachel.

"I'm sure you've been getting quite the workout, here. Am I right?"

Rachel nearly spits out the wine she sipped when her mother's eyes fell on her, and I quickly hand her the handkerchief tucked in my pants pocket, while Finn smacks her back. She shrugs him off and takes the rag from me and softly wipes her mouth.

I look back at her mother, she eyes me like a school teacher waiting for her worst student to do something unruly so she can kick them out faster than she can scribble an F on their test. If this is a test, I don't want to fail it. I don't want her mother to hate me, though I wouldn't blame her. She's obviously against her daughter fooling around behind her husband's back, so why wouldn't she be waiting and pressuring me to screw up. She probably wants to find out enough about me, so she can use it against me and tell Rachel that I'm a loser, so she'll stay with Finn. I can't fail this test; I'll show her that I'm not just some sex slave for her daughter. I love her.

"I do…" I finally answer with a confident tone. "And I am grateful and appreciative of everything I do, here."

There's a silence and I can feel Joe tense up beside me. I can feel Rachel and Finn staring at me, as I keep eye-contact with Shelby. I'm not backing down.

"Really?" She questions. "How so?"

I smile a little, only because I know she's trying to ask me about my intentions with her daughter without being obvious.

"Well…I honestly didn't think that I would be able to do what I do if I wasn't given a chance. My boss hired me, knowing that I had a past, but saw that I was ready to put it behind me and strive for something better. Then Rachel…" I can't help but smile and pause when her name falls out of my mouth, "Rachel, she wanted the best of the best and she got me. I admit she was surprised and maybe a little unimpressed upon seeing me, but despite the fact that I'm a woman, she believes that I can give her what she wants, that I can do what a man can, and more." I hold my gaze with Shelby, trying to show her how serious I am, "And I don't plan on disappointing her."

It's quiet, again, but I ignore the awkwardness and keep my eyes on the older woman. She's not backing off, either. She gives me a look as if she's slowly deciding to ease up on me, a little, until…

"And what about Finn?"

"Hmm?" The question breaks my concentration and everyone else's, as they focus on us.

"Do you plan on disappointing him?"

"What?" I laugh, nervously, and turn to look at Joe, who awkwardly laughs along; Finn and Rachel join in shortly after. I take a big gulp from my glass and shake my head, avoiding meeting Shelby's eyes. "I uh…of course not. I mean, if I did…you know for some reason, it wouldn't be uh-"

"Personal?" Shelby suggests, knowing full well that this whole situation is personal…way too personal.

"Speaking of personal!" Rachel manages to shout over my heavy breathing. "I need to speak with you about something, Mother, privately." She then gets up and walks down the hall into one of the rooms on the first floor; her mom follows, but not before giving me a pointed look.

"Goddamn!" Finn blurts out then quickly lowers his voice, as he laughs into his hands. "She does not like you, at all! Not one bit!"

Joe mumbles, "Your wife does," under his breath, in my defense. I nudge him in his ribs, even though Finn didn't hear because he's chugging his wine.

"I mean, damn Fabray, what did you do to her?" He shakes his head and wipes his upper lip clean of the clear liquid.

I laugh to act like it doesn't bother me, to act like I don't care if Rachel's mom hates me…but it does bother me and I do care. "I guess I'm just too rough around the edges for her taste."

Finn pours himself some more wine and sits back into the couch he's sharing with Rachel, the one across from Joe and me. He takes a sip and dismisses my comment with a wave of his hand, "Don't worry about her, dude. She's just a stuck-up ol' lady."

"She doesn't look old," Joe comments. I quickly turn my head to look at him. "What? She's looks good…"

I smirk and shake my head; Finn laughs.

"Maybe you can get under her skirt and pull out those granny panties that are bunched up in her ass," her son-in-law jokes, slapping his own knee at his…I admit it…funny comment.

I genuinely laugh along with him, as Joe just blushes and sips his wine.

"What's so funny?" Rachel interrupts, as she and her mom walk back into the living room and sit down in their seats.

"Nothing, nothing…" Finn says, smiling at them both.

Rachel looks at me and I give her a small head shake, letting her know that it's best not to push it. When I look away from her, I'm shocked to see Shelby staring at me. God, what is her deal?

"Well, uh…This evening was great; thank you so much for inviting us over," I say to the Berry women.

"Yeah, thank you." Joe seconds.

"The food was great, too, Shelby," I add, hoping she doesn't think I'm trying to kiss her ass.

"Oh yeah, it was! You have such an amazing talent for cooking. Those little heaven-stuffed raviolis were perfect!" Joe adds.

I smile at Joe, then at Finn, who snickers, and Rachel, who looks horrified. Yes, Rachel…my friend is in love with your mom.

"Why thank you, Joe," Shelby says with a small smile.

"Joseph! You can call me Joseph…if you want."

"Well, Joseph, I'm glad you enjoyed the meal. I did make and fold the raviolis myself."

"You must be good with your hands." He says, almost dreamily.

Finn cracks up and Rachel smacks his arm. I elbow Joe's ribs and shake my head, disapprovingly, even though I'm on the verge of busting up laughing.

"Well, I'll show you two out!" Rachel exclaims, standing up to lead us to the front door.

"Bye, Shelby. I mean, goodnight…Sweet dreams!" Joe throws over his shoulder, as I shove him toward the door. I hand him over to Rachel, who lightly pushes him outside.

"I'm going to say bye to Finn and your mom, I'll be back." I walk back into the living room and see Finn still laughing and Shelby looking annoyed.

"Hey, sorry about my friend," I apologize to her, hoping she isn't embarrassed or anything. Finn manages to control himself long enough to hear her reply…

"He's sweet, but it's highly inappropriate…" She lifts her gaze from her glass and looks at me, "I'm sure you know what I mean."

I don't humor her with an answer; I just turn to look at Finn. "So, I'll see you Monday morning?"

"Yeah, sure," He raises his fist for me to bump. "I might stop by tomorrow to put up the railing on the deck. It won't take long, so-"

"No worries, I'll be at the office, anyway. I don't know if Rach will be, here, but the backyard will be unlocked."

I nod and bump his fist.

"Maybe you can hang out until I get home; we can have a beer or something."

"Cool, I'll just see you tomorrow then," I wave goodbye to them both and breathe a sigh of relief when I walk back to Rachel and Joe.

They're outside, talking about the band. They seem to be getting along, and that makes me happy.

I wrap my arms around Rachel, from behind and kiss the back of her head, as Joe goes on about the patience it takes to unknot cords. When he's done, Rachel says her goodbyes and turns around to give me a kiss. It's short-lived, but it's powerful; I want more.

"What are you doing tomorrow?" I ask, as Joe guards the door, on the look-out for Shelby or Finn.

"Nothing, just going to relax and enjoy my me-time, while Finn is at the office." She says softly, almost shyly.

"I'm planning on stopping by to work on the deck…Maybe if I finish early, I can take you out?" I ask, feeling stupid as soon as it comes out.

"On a date?" She questions, looking up at me, as I nod embarrassed. She smiles and kisses my lips, again. "We'll see…"

"Okay," I smile goofily, while she pats my cheek and says goodnight, before walking back into the house.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"You're almost done, already," she comments, in a just-woke-up voice. It's a bit husky and I smile before I turn around to face her. She's in a baby doll gown, her hair is a bit ruffled, but she looks beautiful and sexy.

"Hi," I put my drill down and wave to her. "Sorry, if I woke you."

She shakes her head, from the sliding door and smiles. "No, I just got up to make you breakfast when I heard you drilling."

"Oh," I nod and pick up the drill to nail the last few pieces of wood together. All the while, I know she's looking at me, smirking and taking the scene in. I know she likes to see me work, so I should be overjoyed by the way she's gawking, but I'm not. I'm too busy wondering if Finn got to share a bed with her, while she was wearing that…If she was even wearing that, at all, or if she just put it on out of decency. By the time I finish the railing, she's slipped off the shoulder straps of her little gown and she's drawing me to her with a finger gesture. I set the drill down, again and walk towards her.

"I'm so turned on, right now," she whispers, pulling me into her, but doesn't let me inside. I put my hands on the wall and the side of the sliding door, letting her put her hands on my chest. "Are you hot, baby?"

I nod and lean in to try and kiss her neck or jaw or whatever I can reach, but she pulls away.

"Say it, baby, tell me how hot you are?"

"I'm hot, very, very hot..." I try to kiss her, again; and she still moves back.

She giggles and pushes me back, playfully, "Good, now take your jumpsuit off. I want you in just your boxers and your wifebeater, by the time I get back."

I nod, obediently and watch her as she disappears from view. I don't waste any time taking my uniform off; and she didn't waste any time coming back…with leash and collar.

"Down, baby," she orders, twirling the collar on her finger. I look worriedly at her and she pouts and steps closer to me, grabbing my tank and pulling me inside the house, now that I'm out of my dirty uniform. "Be my good puppy," She kisses my slightly sweaty neck.

I whimper, when she pushes me down, by my shoulders and bends down to put the collar on me, then hooks on the leash. "Aww…" She traces over a dog tag hanging from my neck. It has a "Q" on it. "You look so cute," she coos and ruffles my hair, before tugging on the leash, as she starts to walk me upstairs.

We enter the bedroom. I see that the bed is messy and it reminds me of the bothersome thoughts plaguing me, earlier. "Rachel?"

"Puppies can't talk, Quinnie." She informs, while walking me straight to the bathroom. It's beautiful and huge and the shower can hold, at least four people. I don't even notice that she's tying my leash to the shower head, until she has to tug on it so she can knot it tighter.

"Rachel, wait, I have a question." I squeak out and she looks at my concerned face.

"Baby, I'm not going to hurt you…at least in a way that you don't want me to." She tests the leash and I can't even move enough to get away, if I wanted; I can only spin around. I reach up to try the knot, but she grabs my hands and ties them behind my back, with a pair of nylons.

"Wait, Rachel…I…Did you sleep with him, last night?" I blurt out as she tests my bounds.

She looks at me somewhat surprised. She scoffs and shakes her bed, "He slept in the guest room. Now, please don't talk about him…I don't want you to kill the mood."

I smile and feel relieved that she didn't have sex with him, especially since I think we're actually making progress.

"Do you still want to see my…um, you know?" I ask, as she tears my wifebeater off and takes off my bra and her gown, tossing both outside the shower.

She doesn't answer, only reaches behind me and turns the handle, so that the water pours down on us. It's cold for a few seconds, and I try to press against the shower wall, as much as possible to avoid the freezing water.

When it warms up, she presses herself against me and we both moan when we feel each other's breasts on our skin.

She rubs her body against mine, running her hands up and down my torso, massaging my abdomen. "Oh my God," I don't dare close my eyes when she's standing here before me, nude and soaking wet. I feel my boxers slip lower from all the water weighing them down. The fabric is clinging to me and with all he rubbing, I'm not shocked at how quickly I become excited. "Rachel, please," I whimper and I can feel her smile against my chest. I try to unravel the bounds on my wrists.

She kisses my wet skin and grabs a sponge and body wash. "Don't worry, this is mine," she says, smiling wider, as she squirts body wash onto the sponge and letting it soak in. "Now, I know you're ticklish, so I'm sorry if this is a little torturous." She winks and slides the raspy sponge, lightly, over my arms and down my sides and all around my midsection.

"No, no, no, no!" I jerk and squirm and try to spin around, only to squeal when she grabs onto my dick and shakes her head, while continuing the gentle scrub. She smiles, enjoying how she can control me like this, "You're mean," I manage to tell her, between my laughing.

"You like it!" She exclaims, laughing along with me, as she feels my erection grow in her hand. "How about your special place, hmm?" She traces her fingers over my hard private and I desperately try to thrust against her soft, teasing touch.

"Pleeeease!" I beg and tremble, "Let me take my boxers off."

"No…I'll do it for you." She slides the soft sponge down my body, as she lowers herself down on her knees. My eyes widen at the sight before me. The water is like silk running down my skin and seeing her kneeling in front of me is enough to have me practically poking her face.

She smirks, amused by my ecstatic expression, then tugs down my boxers, slowly…so slowly. "What are you hiding under, here, Quinnie."

"Oh, God," I groan when I feel the fabric brush against my throbbing appendage. Then with one hard tug she pulls them completely down. I feel it bob up and down, before it stops to stare at her. The water trickling on it, tickles and it only worsens when she lifts a hand and traces her fingertips over the sensitive head, gathering pre-come. "Fuck!" I squeak and try to hide the blush on my face. I'm embarrassed; I can't tell if she's disgusted or too horrified to move.

"It's beautiful…" She whispers and strokes her hand up and down. "Look at the way it curves up, a little bit; and it's big…You're at least eight inches; you have to be at least eight."

"This isn't happening," I mumble and lean my head back against the tile, waiting to wake up.

I jolt when I feel a tickling on the underside of my dick. She giggles and looks up at me, "It's ticklish just like you, Quinnie," she discovers as she sponges it.

I shut my eyes and try to fight the sensations, but when she touches the head, I cum hard…really hard…and I barely spin to the side to avoid shooting on her perfect body.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

I wake up to someone shaking my shoulders. "Quinn, get up," her voice is eager and right in my ear. Opening my eyes, I see her face; her hair is damp and so is mine. I look around and find that we're in the bed. I can't help but smile and sigh, my heart beating happily in my chest. This is exactly how I imagined waking up with her.

"Thank you," I say, wrapping my arms around her, and kissing her face. She smiles, but pulls away from me, sitting up and running her hand through her hair.

"Finn's going to be home, soon."

I frown and try to pull her back down into the bed. "I was thinking that maybe we can finally have real sex…"

"Quinn," she starts and shakes her head, "No."

"We have enough time, if that's what you're worried about."

"No, Quinn. Now, please just get dressed," she answers, pulling me up and out of the bed, handing me my jumpsuit. I furrow my brow, confused by how she's acting.

"Okay, sorry…I didn't mean to be pushy about that," I apologize, feeling a bit embarrassed by free-balling in my uniform, since my boxers are still way too wet to wear.

"It's okay, baby," she gives me a small smile and kisses my cheek.

"Can I still take you out to lunch? Tomorrow?"

She looks away and furrows her brow, "My mother made a good point, last night…I have an image to maintain and I can't be seen outside of my circle."

I zip up my jumpsuit and grab her hand, as she walks around the bed, fixing the covers. "What's that supposed to mean?"

She looks at me and frowns, "Baby, don't take it like that. It's just business, my work is important…I need to stay with people who-"

"Who are like Finn?" I deadpan and let go of her hand. "You don't want to be seen with me, in public, not even because you're married and you're worried of getting caught…but because you're embarrassed to have lunch with me?"

"It's business, Quinn; what am I supposed to do? !"

"Be with me!" I shout back, "Be with me, Rachel. I know we're not in the same circle or group or whatever, but I love you and I know you love me, too…So just be with me. Let me take you to lunch, tomorrow…Please?" I grab a tissue from her bedside table, just to have something to mess with because my nerves have me rattled. I wait for her to answer me, but she's just standing there, looking contemplative. Meanwhile, I'm tearing the tissue to shreds in my hands. "Just give me a chance, Rachel…" I plead, looking down and realizing that I'm making a mess with the tissue. I spot the trash bin under the little table and I reach out to throw the pieces away… "I mean, when you haven't even been intimate with Finn in like what since we-" I stop when I glance down at the trash and see a condom inside. "What the…"

"Fucking shit, Quinn; you weren't supposed to see that!" Rachel exclaims, looking panicked.

I feel my face redden; I'm humiliated. "Is that why you don't want to have sex with me? You lied to me; you said you didn't have sex with him."

"Quinn, I can explain," She predictably says.

I shake my head, "You lied right to my face? Why would you do that?"

"Oh, like you're so perfect! You lied to me about being a criminal! I let you in my house!"

"It was the past; over a year has passed! This!" I point at the small condom in the trash bin, "This was less than twenty-four hours ago!"

"He's my husband, Quinn! He was drunk and needy, so I gave in just to get him to shut up about it!"

My heart hurts and my vision blurs, "Okay, well…now, I get it. He gets to fuck you because he's your golden-status, rich husband; but you won't let me take you to a sandwich shop because it'll ruin your image to be seen with someone who actually holds a door open for you, or hands you a napkin, or tells you that you're beautiful and that they love you. No, that would surely end your career! Why don't you just be honest with me, for once! The real reason why you don't want to be with me is because you love me, but you're ashamed of it. You're ashamed to love someone like me because I don't live up to your fancy standards."

"Quinn, wait!"

"Don't, Rachel," I shrug her off me and walk out, heading down to the front door. I ignore the tugging and pulling on my arms and uniform, as she cries. I turn around when I reach the door, "You might want to let me go, now. You don't want your neighbors to see you actually talking to your mutt of a landscaper."

"Stop it, Quinn," She tries to push me away from the door, but I hold onto the handle. I let her hit me and shove me against the wooden barrier.

"I'm going to open the door, Rachel…" I tell her, turning the handle and waiting for her to make her choice…to follow me outside or stay here in her perfect little world. I pull the door open and I start to walk out, listening, hoping, praying, that I hear her footsteps behind me or feel her hands on me, pulling me back to her, but I never do.

I get into my truck and turn and see that the front door is already closed.

/END CHAPTER\

**Whew, I don't know why this took me so long to write. Anyway, I hope this was entertaining. This chapter was kind of a switch-a-roo…with Rachel being the one begging in the end and Quinn having the backbone. Next chapter will bring back a suspicious Finn, the whole band, and Brittana. It should be an important one…if you know what I mean *hint hint*

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know what you think, so far :)