Chapter Ten: The Wedding Singer
Quinn knew how she should act. She knew what she was expected to say. She also knew that everyone was staring at her, waiting, for that moment when her facial expressions would take on an excited manifestation as though what she had just heard was the greatest news she could ever receive. But let's face it, if Rachel Berry couldn't get it up, how the hell was Quinn Fabray going to be able to fake enthusiasm.
She was aware that beside her, Rachel's face was contorted into an expression somewhere between, "We're Fucked!" and "Yay! I can marry my fake fiancé!" This did not bode well for Quinn. Cause that meant she'd have to make up the difference. She could easily pass Rachel's reaction off as shock. But her own wide eyes, dropped jaw, and swirling astonishment had to be accounted for. Which meant words had to be used at some point. In fact, she was almost positive that words had been expected a full minute beforehand. But the silence stretched on.
There they were: Ainsley; grinning broadly, gaze ping ponging between the two girls in wait, Charlene; smile frozen in a way that revealed each one of her perfectly white teeth; Rachel; her eyes saucers as she stared down a speeding train that no one could see but her as she stood on the tracks, and Quinn; her lips quivering as though she was trying to taste letters, one eye twitching, swallowing down yelps of negation.
"That's……" Say something soon, you're starting to sound like the girl from The Grudge!
But Quinn could only shake her head like a psychotic bobble head. So, instead, she mustered up the tightest smile imaginable and jumped to her feet before throwing herself on her hosts like Christmas just came early. She hugged and jumped and made some weird sound that could pass as a squeal. Mostly she just buried her head in Charlene's shoulder so no one could see the sheer terror on her face.
Rachel watched the scene and realized she should be a part of it. Quinn Fabray acting excited was the most awkward thing she had ever witnessed. With grand difficulty, the diva gathered her forces and begged her inner-actress to do something. Rachel released a tinkering giggle that she knew sounded forced but joined the hugging/jumping huddle anyway. Words were being thrown around like, "excited," and "soon," and "the biggest day of your life." The diva's eyes caught Quinn's and they traded horrified glances but kept up their act long after the hugging stopped, the exchange of meeting times made, and both girls were helped into their coats.
Their fake smiles were fixed to their faces like clowns and they couldn't shake the stretch of their lips even after their silent elevator ride to the ground floor and the painfully quiet cab ride back to their apartment. They stoically walked down the hallway to their apartment door, still moving in astonishment, and were greeted with the sight of Jesse standing there waiting for them.
"Jesus, what took you guys so long? What did they want to talk to you about? You need to read this script. It's remarkable! No, not just remarkable, it's flawless. I'm leaving for Europe in a week's time! Can you believe that? Thomas has already phoned to set up a time to meet tomorrow to discuss everything. Things are moving so quickly! I spoke to Julian and we've already worked out who is going to play who. I even started memorizing lines, can you believe tonight! I can't! Unbelievable! Ms. Fabray, never let it be said that you are not the best agent in the whole freaking world because if you never did that manipulative thing you do so well and got all buddy, buddy with Ainsley and Charlene, I wouldn't be planning a trip to Europe and about to be in a Broadway musical that is expected to explode!"
Jesse's large smile began to slip away as he noticed the frozen grins on both girls' faces. Neither was moving to unlock the apartment door. They just stood there. Side by side. Tight, strained smiles painted uncomfortably, as they stared at him. "What the hell is up with you two? You look creepy."
"We're getting married!" Rachel had barely moved her lips to speak. The smile was still there, but now, panic was clearly evident in her dark eyes. Jesse looked between the two with one quirked eyebrow.
"That's fantastic." Jesse deadpanned. "Now stop smiling like that; you look like the girls in The Shining."
"No. We're actually getting married." Quinn gritted out between her teeth. "Soon. Charlene is a wedding planner." Jesse's eyes slid from one girl to the other several times; slowly realizing what they had said and what it all meant. Then, suddenly, Jesse threw back his head and roared with laughter.
He couldn't stop even if he wanted to, which he didn't. It was all so deliciously hilarious in its irony. They were engaged to be married before they even liked one another. And now that they truly loved each other, they were being forced into marriage. Jesse rested his hands on his knees and he bent over to continuing laughing. He was almost sad that he'd be going to Europe now; he really wanted to see every moment of this play out.
"Oh, shut up, Jesse!" Rachel barked as she walked passed him, kicking him in the shin as she went.
"I hate you, St. James." Quinn grumbled, catching his chest with her shoulder. It didn't deter his delight in the slightest. He massaged his chest with a smile as both girls lumbered into the apartment before collapsing onto the living room couch.
"What? It's hilarious! You have to admit that this is amusing!" They glared at him as he entered the apartment and stood before them.
"It's not hilarious, Jesse. It's the opposite of hilarious." Quinn sneered. "Ainsley offered Rachel the lead in his musical that he and his wife co-wrote."
"Are you serious?" Jesse blanched.
"Yes, I'm serious." Quinn bit out. Rachel's head fell back against the arm of the couch in despair. It figured that the biggest role of her life was just within reach and she'd have to decline. She felt drained and depressed. She slipped her heels off and drew her legs up onto the couch so that they rested across the blonde's lap. Quinn absentmindedly began to massage the diva's feet as Rachel explained.
"Ainsley all but said he was giving me the part because of Quinn and my relationship." Rachel mumbled sadly.
"No! He said that he appreciates loyalty, Rach. You're talent speaks for itself; our relationship made his decision final because the role is so personal to him." Quinn rejoined.
"Well it doesn't matter, does it? It's not like I can accept." Rachel curled into herself as she grieved for the part she almost had.
Jesse's eyes narrowed as he watched the pair. Quinn's eyes closed tightly but she continued to massage Rachel's feet as she took deep breathes through her nose. Rachel was on the verge of tears but kept them at bay; she looked completely stricken.
"Ms. Fabray…would you mind helping me in the kitchen?" Jesse asked loftily.
"Yes, I'd mind." Quinn answered dryly as she switched to Rachel's right foot, eyes still closed. Without further ado, Jesse grabbed Quinn's free hand and jerked her to her feet. "What the hell!" The blonde jeered as Jesse dragged her to the kitchen.
"What are you doing?" Jesse whispered heatedly, inches away from Quinn's face. "You can't let her give up this part! Ainsley is the most well-connected man in Broadway; this thing is going to be huge!"
"You don't think I know that!" Quinn whispered back angrily. "Do you have any idea how much I want to do this for her? I'd marry her even if she was offered the part as a mid-level performer for Murder Mystery Theatre!"
"Then why aren't you saying anything?"
"You're the one that told me to take it slow with her! Marriage is hardly slow, Jesse!"
"You can take it slow after the wedding!"
Quinn quirked an eyebrow. "Do you ever listen to yourself when you speak?" She asked slowly.
"So, what…you're just going to let her give up this part because it's going to affect your real relationship?"
"Rachel will never go for it!"
"Let me worry about that, Fabray. Just follow my lead." Jesse went to leave the kitchen but Quinn caught him by the elbow and spun him back around.
"What are you doing?"
"Is Rachel it for you? Is she the woman you love and want to spend the rest of your life with?"
"Of course she is; you know that." Quinn murmured with venom.
"Well Rachel already admitted to me that despite the fact that your relationship is 'fake,' she isn't going to be searching for any Mrs. or Mr. Rachel Berrys ever."
"Because she's in love with me, yes, I know."
"Exactly. Because she's in love with you. What is going to change? You two get married, she gets the part, and you both continuing doing what you've been doing for the last year and half. Marriage isn't going to change that!"
"But- Jesse! Come back here!" Quinn hissed as Jesse all but ran from the kitchen.
"Rachel, I think I have a solution!" Jesse said proudly, his arms akimbo as he stared down at the diva. Rachel's dark eyes flickered up towards him before dropping down at the floor.
"Leave me alone, Jesse." Rachel didn't want to hear any plans. Her loss wasn't just for the musical. It also brought back the heartbreaking realization that she wasn't with Quinn. In a different reality, perhaps, she'd have Quinn and the show. Here, she had neither.
"Come here." Quinn whispered as she tugged at Rachel's hand. When she followed Jesse into the living room, she had seen how it was all affecting Rachel. It was plainly written on the diva's face and it broke her heart.
Rachel went willingly until her head was nestled against Quinn's chest with the blonde's arms around her. It made everything bearable to have Quinn hold her like this, but hurt badly at the same time.
Jesse watched the two and felt even more resolved. This was for their own good. If he had to be the villain, the bad guy, the person who made the hard choices and suggested the seemingly implausible, so be it.
"You two are getting married." Rachel scoffed at Jesse. "No, hear me out."
"If you're about to suggest that Quinn and I wed, you can save your breath." Rachel huffed.
"Why?"
"Why, what?" Rachel asked as she sat up slightly.
"Why should I save my breath? I think it's an excellent plan."
"Well your plans usually end up getting me hurt, Jesse, so excuse me if I'm not thrilled."
"I resent that, Rachel Berry. I'll have you know, that my current plan has your best interest at heart." Jesse smirked and offered Quinn a wink, getting the blonde to roll her eyes.
"You're deplorable, Jesse St. James, and I truly would like nothing more than for you to leave." Jesse folded his arms and planted his feet.
"Ms. Fabray, would you like to hear my plan?" Rachel's eyes flicked up to survey Quinn; the blonde appeared to be in deep concentration.
"Quinn-"
"Let her answer, Rachel." Quinn moved her lips back and forth as she thought everything through. She knew that Jesse was about to set up a very convincing argument, Quinn just wasn't sure if she was ready to hear it.
You're going to marry her.
…If that's what she wants.
But you wish it was because she admitted her feelings.
Of course that's what I wish. I want her to turn to me and tell me she loves me. I want to marry her the right way.
But…
But this is her dream come true and I don't want to be the thing that's holding her back from that.
Do you think this is smart?
…I'm worried that it will put an even bigger strain between us, yes. But at the same time…I know that this play is important to her.
So what's the plan, Fabray?
There is no plan. There is no choice. If marrying her gets her the part, I'm in.
And what about your real relationship?
Nothing has to change there. The wedding, the marriage, it's almost like a role in a play; we go through the motions and keep what's really important at the forefront.
It's okay…you can admit it here; it's just us two…you're really excited to be her wife.
I can't think like that.
Why not?
Because I'm not using this as an excuse to force her into something. It will have to be when she's ready.
Well this may push matters back a tad; she may be gun-shy to advance things.
Then I'll wait.
You may have to wait for a while.
…Then so be it.
"What did you want to say, Jesse?"
"Thank you, Ms. Fabray, I'm pleased-"
"Just speak, St. James." Quinn grumbled. Jesse rolled his eyes but smiled when he glanced at both of them.
"What's the big deal?" He asked easily with a shrug. The girls traded confused looks before turning back to him.
"What are you talking about?" Jesse began to pace.
"A week ago, you both were planning on marrying each other to keep up appearances; because of your lie." He stated evenly and spared them both a meaningful look. Quinn and Rachel squirmed slightly but said nothing. "You were both ready to give your life to the other then, I'm not entirely sure what has changed."
"What has changed, Jesse, is that the truth as come out and I think both Quinn and I are better for it."
"Exactly!" Jesse smirked as he stood halted before them. "You're both being honest with one another now. You know the score! Rachel, you've already told me that you're not interested in meeting or falling in love with anyone else because you don't want to fall victim to a broken heart yet again."
Rachel frowned deeply and avoided Quinn's gaze. "Quinn, you've told me that you have no inclination to meet anyone as well because every time you do, it ends in disaster." Quinn didn't remember ever saying the words, but it was something she had thought many times; her relationship past was marred with destruction. "Since neither one of you has any interest in meeting someone else, I repeat, what's the big deal?"
Of course Jesse was leaving out that they had already found the one they want to spend the rest of their life with…but that was hardly here nor there. "Nothing has to change. You both go on with your lives. Rachel, you wanted someone at your side, now you have Quinn. Quinn, you wanted a future, you've found that in Rachel. Everything is out in the open. What's the big deal?"
His smirk was annoying the shit out of Quinn, but the boy did have a point. She glanced down at Rachel to gauge the diva's reaction. Her brown eyes were fixed on the hardwood floor and her brow was wrinkled. "Rach?"
Rachel shook her head before she looked up at Quinn. "This is insane, no. I'm not doing this." She got to her feet and tried to make a getaway to her bedroom, but Jesse stood in front of her with a frown.
"Why not?" He demanded. Rachel gave him an incredulous look before glancing briefly at Quinn.
"What about the sanctity of marriage, Jesse! Or lying to Ainsley and Charlene. Or the rest of the world, for that matter! We are only twenty years old, who's to say that a year from now Quinn won't want to find some nice young man to settle down with!"
"Who's to say a year from now you won't want to meet a nice young man, Rach?" Quinn whispered as stared up at the diva through her eyelashes. Rachel hesitated as she gazed at the blonde. She knew she wouldn't. She wanted Quinn.
"You cannot seriously be thinking of listening to Jesse, of all people!" Rachel gushed as she threw up her arms. Quinn stood and took the diva's hands in her own.
"We both know that Jesse is an idiot,"
"I'm standing right here."
"But that doesn't mean he isn't right. Rach, This. Is. Your. Dream! You're being offered a Broadway roll on a silver platter. A roll that is sure to be incredible!" Rachel shook her head as she removed her hands from Quinn's.
"Quinn, I'm not locking you into a fake marriage for the sake of a roll, I'm not! Please don't ask me to!"
Quinn was frustrated. She growled slightly before she turned back to meet Rachel's eyes. "You are not forcing me to do anything. And Jesse is right, nothing has to change between us." Quinn felt the ice below her feet break slightly and took a deep breath; she had to try a different tactic. "Rach. Who's your best friend?"
"That's easy; me." Both Quinn and Rachel ignored Jesse as they stared at one another. Quinn was trying her best to convey her feelings for Rachel as she searched the diva's confused face while Rachel was staring at the swirling hazel and trying not to get lost.
"You are." Rachel eventually whispered. Quinn read the vulnerability and honesty in that answer and took a sigh of relief.
"And you're my best friend. Let me do this for you." Rachel breathed out in a puff of astonishment and turned away before facing Quinn again.
"Quinn…this is…this is insanity!" Rachel mumbled, her eyes on Quinn.
"Would you stop saying that," Jesse huffed as he crossed his arms. "There has been a long list of celebrities that have married out of convenience or to cover up their glaring homosexuality."
"Yeah, Rach," Quinn said with a smile. "You'll be among the greats." Rachel rolled her eyes at Quinn but smiled slightly nonetheless.
"Still…don't you want to meet someone you can fall in love with?" Rachel asked desperately. Quinn sighed deeply as she stared at Rachel, wishing she could make the girl truly understand. And maybe if Rachel appeared hopeful, like she was waiting for the blonde to spill her heart out to her, Quinn may have told the truth. But Rachel just looked tired.
"I don't have to worry about that." Quinn whispered and smiled despite herself.
"And plus, Rach, it's not like marriages have to last forever." Jesse grumbled as he leaned against the living room wall.
"See, Rach, we have divorce to look forward to." Quinn said with a cheesy smile that got the diva to laugh. The blonde laced her fingers with Rachel's and swung their arms back and forth. "You're my best friend. I'd be lucky to marry my best friend. And plus, we are already so good at this. We live together. You got a ring. You know how I like my tea. It's perfect."
Rachel pulled away and chuckled into her palms. "This is crazy!" She exclaimed with a smile as she threw her arms up. Both Quinn and Jesse smiled softly at the sight.
You can't seriously be considering this, Rachel Berry!
She's making it sound so easy…
You're in love with her! This is going to tear you apart!
Even if we weren't getting married, I'd still have to live with her and see her every day. It will tear me apart regardless.
So…what? Mind as well cash in on your heartache by getting a role of a lifetime?
More like I get to make sure that Quinn is loved and cared for everyday.
And you're the best one to do that.
Absolutely! But…
But what?
In the meantime, it couldn't hurt to make sure she's serious…
What's that supposed to mean?
Well we're hardly getting married tomorrow! There is plenty of time for her to back out.
What do you have cooking?
I'm merely suggesting that while we wait for our pending nuptials, we do a little recon.
Again I ask, what's that supposed to mean?
We'll worry about later.
Hmmhmm. Can't wait. Are you really going through with this?
Quinn is right. If this actually happens, I'll get to marry my best friend. And Jesse is right. If, at some point, Quinn doesn't want to be with me anymore, there's always divorce.
That would shatter you!
But if it makes Quinn happy…Look, this isn't exactly how I pictured my life going. But I truly feel that nothing will change so drastically between Quinn and me.
You're delusional.
Again…we're not getting married tomorrow. If, at any point, we feel that we are in over our heads, we call it off.
And in the mean time?
We go about our life. Simple as that.
This is almost as romantic as your first engagement to Quinn.
Sarcasm is hardly welcome right now.
I'm just saying...
I'm positive anything trumps that first engagement.
Suddenly, Rachel turned around and grinned wickedly at the blonde. She could hardly reproduce the night of her birthday when Quinn slipped the ring on her finger. So Rachel mind as well make light of the situation. If for nothing more than to quell her fears and anxiety. "So…you're planning…on…marrying me? Rachel faked stuttered as she continued to smirk, waiting for Quinn to pick up on her cue. It took her a moment, but Quinn began to laugh as she shook her head at Rachel's antics.
"Um…well…I just…I thought…I mean it's down the road…I just…" Jesse's eyebrows quirked as he watched Quinn nervously stutter. But it was obviously an inside joke he wasn't privy to.
"No that sounds amazing." Rachel gushed back with a shy grin, trying to stay in character but failing.
"So…we're engaged." Quinn asked as she took a step closer towards the diva, still smiling widely. She was glad Rachel was doing this. It felt good to make fun of themselves.
"I guess." Rachel recited with a chuckle and a shake of her head as she remembered the first night she shared in New York with Quinn. Sitting across four boxes and Quinn's first vegan meal, when they got engaged…for the first time.
"Maybe this engagement will stick." Quinn joked back as she took Rachel's offered hands.
"They do say third time's a charm." Jesse watched as the pair got lost in each other's eyes as they held hands. It was boring him.
"This is boring." Jesse breathed out as he pushed against the wall. "I think we should talk about rules." Quinn and Rachel both looked confused as they turned to him.
"What rules?" Rachel asked as she felt Quinn's thumb skim the back of her hand and tried not to show how much it was affecting her.
"The rules, Rach, the rules! Like…no dating other people." Rachel frowned.
"Of course there is no dating other people."
"Obviously you can't if you intend to get married." Jesse huffed as he spoke slowly. "The media would be all over that. You can't stray or else your public image would suffer." Quinn rolled her eyes and continued to caress Rachel's hands with her thumbs. The media? They were hardly at that point.
"Neither one of us is going to stray." Quinn replied lazily. That would be easy for her to accomplish; Rachel's the only person she wanted.
"Naturally. I want to hold up the bonds of marriage completely." Rachel answered indignantly. Just because it was a show marriage, didn't mean the diva didn't want to take it seriously.
"I agree." Quinn answered quickly when the diva shot her a look.
"I pleased we see eye to eye on that, Quinn." Rachel said proudly as she nodded at the blonde. "Are there any other rules, Jesse?" Rachel asked gravely. She didn't want to mess this up.
Jesse tried to hide his smirk as he watched both girls. He almost wanted to laugh at how naïve they were being. They were so clearly in love he wished he had someone next to him he could place bets with. For a moment, just a moment, Jesse wanted to ask them if they thought about sex. Like the fact that they weren't going to be having it until Rachel came clean with her feelings or Quinn caved and decided she didn't want to wait until Rachel was ready to spill. And what if Rachel never came clean? Jesse didn't see that happening though. He knew Rachel well. Especially if the blonde kept looking at Rachel that way, the diva would crack in no time.
But it could take a while. He wanted to see the looks on their faces if he mentioned children. Public displays of affection. Interviews. Their family and friends finding out. But he didn't. He couldn't. This role was Rachel's start and he wanted her to have it. They'd figure out the other stuff eventually. And by then, hopefully, they'd be in so deep that it would either be very entertaining, or they'd just admit what was so obvious to anyone who looked at them together.
Rules? There were a million rules to a fake relationship, and they had already broken most of them. Things like: don't fall in love, don't rely on the other person, always have an endgame, don't become sexual…the list went on and on. Obviously these rules didn't apply to them. In fact, he was hoping they'd break every single one. So instead of answering, Jesse just rearranged his features and said: "I'll let you know if at any time they become important."
Both girls nodded firmly as though they trusted him. He hoped they did. Even though Rachel thought of Quinn as her best friend, Rachel was his. And Quinn was growing on him. But enough about them. "Ms. Fabray, are you ready to read my script now?"
X
"Are you nervous?" Rachel whispered into the darkened room. She could barely see Quinn's features.
"Hmmm, no. No I'm not." The blonde said slowly, gazing into Rachel's eyes.
"Really?"
"Why do you seem so surprised?" Quinn asked as she shifted on the bed, closer to Rachel.
"It's a big step."
"I don't see it like that. I see it as a necessity for your future." Quinn responded quietly.
"So this is agent Quinn talking?" Rachel frowned.
"No. This is Rachel Berry's biggest fan talking." Rachel smiled and ducked her head shyly. "The script was…beautiful. Their story is amazing and the play is going to be huge. I want you to have that." Quinn said softly.
"You're not at all concerned with tying yourself to me for the rest of your life?" Rachel asked skeptically.
"Whether we're married or not, Rachel, you're still going to be in my life forever."
"Really?" Rachel asked softly, touched and hopeful; she always wanted to know Quinn.
"Yes, really. Why wouldn't I?" Rachel only shrugged. "You're stuck with me Rachel. Till death do us part." Quinn answered with a grin. Rachel chuckled at the pun and glanced back up at Quinn.
"Okay…but don't you feel like this is kind of wrong? What about Charlene and Ainsley. We're deceiving them." The diva whispered.
"I don't see it that way."
"How come?" Rachel asked as she prompted herself up on an elbow to stare down at the blonde. The bedroom windows were open and the chilly breeze that blew the curtains felt nice against the diva's hot skin. Being that close to Quinn, in the dark, just the two of them while they discussed their future together was making Rachel's body overheat.
"Because I've read their story. They've known each other their whole lives. They're best friends…you know…with the benefit of sex or whatever." Quinn answered with a light laugh that got Rachel to bite her lip as she thought of benefitting Quinn. "Ainsley's argument is that he wants someone who's loyal and will respect their story. That's you. You're the most loyal person I've ever met. And when it comes to you, Rach, I plan on being completely trustworthy."
"Is that so?" Rachel asked playfully.
"Yes." Quinn whispered as she gazed up at Rachel.
"I'm interested to hear what Charlene has to say." The diva said after a moment, unable to let the tension in the room grow before she threw herself on the blonde. She couldn't be completely sure because it was so dark in the room, but Rachel could have sworn Quinn was staring deeply into her eyes when she had responded. Rachel brushed the thought off and tried to keep it together.
"I'm more interested in hearing what Ainsley has to say."
"This play is going to it for me, isn't it, Quinn?" Rachel whispered. As was their habit, after Jesse had left, the pair cuddled up on the couch and the blonde read the script out loud as Rachel listened. She absolutely adored when they did this. Of course, Quinn could read the phone book and Rachel would love it. But it was something Quinn looked forward to as well.
"I think it is, yeah." Quinn mumbled back as she slipped the covers closer to her chin.
"Jesse's play is going to be successful as well."
"Yeah, it was pretty good." Quinn said, her thoughts still on Rachel's future. "Matt and Chris have submitted their movies to Sundance, so it will be a few weeks until we hear if they made it or not. But I think you're good on that front too."
Rachel nodded into the darkness, more concerned about their meeting with Charlene. "There's nothing we need to talk about, right?" Rachel whispered. "Tomorrow's meeting isn't going to be a big deal right?"
Quinn shrugged as she twirled a strand of blonde hair around her finger. "I don't see why it should."
They should have probably talked.
X
"So I'm thinking that an outdoor ceremony would suit you both perfectly. Soft dresses, nothing poufy with too much fabric. Simple. Elegant. Understated. From what I gathered from your personalities and dress styles, I'm assuming neither one of you want to wear a tux. Flowers should be soft and untraditional. Lilies, daisies, tulips. A dusk ceremony would be beautiful with low lighting like candles and tiki torches. But not gaudy. This isn't a backyard barbeque. White linens with touches of colors. Pinks. Yellows. Maybe some lilacs. Vegan entrées and appetizers, naturally. You must have an open bar, but it should only be top-shelf and I feel strongly that there should be no beer. Wine. Champagne. Elegant classics like expensive liquors and traditional mixed beverages like sidecars and Rob Roy's. This isn't a fraternity party; we aren't serving Jager bombs for crying out loud.
"The wedding party should be small; perhaps one or two bridesmaids or groomsman a piece. I'm thinking a nice park as a venue with an indoor hall for the reception. No, strike that, I want the reception outside. Music will be mostly instrumental and be playing throughout the whole ceremony while a nice jazz band performs during the reception. Traditional vows and friend to officiate. Your parents will give you away and the whole thing should small and intimate. I see Quinn with an updo while you, Rachel have your hair slightly curled and sweeping. It will compliment the strapless dress I have in my mind while you, Quinn will have a more conservative dress but with an opened back.
"I see you both dancing barefoot. Perhaps we'll have a dance floor, maybe just on the grass. I loathe tents but the weather is one thing you can never fuck with so perhaps we'll have to make an exception but I'll look into other avenues. You should honeymoon somewhere beautiful yet exclusive. Naturally I recommend one of the saints. Saint Martin has always been my favorite, although it's becoming somewhat contrite. This thing is going to be chic and tasteful. I have many ideas but I'm open to whatever suggestions either one of you would like to contribute. This will be my fifth wedding I've planned, including my own and the one where Ainsley and I renewed our vows. This will be my first lesbian wedding so I'm aware that I may be a tad traditional and am willing to learn. But I sincerely hope you'll consider a spring wedding and May would be the perfect time. We have five months to plan and I'm equal to the challenge."
All this was said before Quinn and Rachel had even sat at the small, round table in the buzzing coffee house. Both girls simultaneously collapsed into their chairs as they stared across the table at Charlene with wide-eyes and opened mouths. The redhead didn't appear at all phased by their overwhelmed state, however. But instead, proceeded to open the huge binder in front of her that had dozens of red tabs peeking out to doggy ear different pages.
"Was there anything either of you wanted specifically before we dive in?" Charlene asked as she flipped to different pages in her wedding binder. The cover read "Rachel & Quinn's Wedding," and was at least six inches thick. "Anything at all you'd like?"
Both girls blinked in quick succession before turning slightly to exchange flabbergasted looks. "Small." They both said at the same time. "We want…small." Quinn and Rachel said slowly as they gawked at one another.
Charlene glanced up at them over her stylish glasses. "Exactly how small? One hundred guests? Fifty?"
Rachel cocked her head at Quinn as the blonde bit her lip. They mentally tallied up who they wanted there and the diva directed her attention to Charlene. "Five." Rachel said firmly.
"Well five hundred guests is hardly small, Rachel." Charlene answered as she checked in her binder how many guests each venue she had in mind could accommodate.
"Not hundred." Quinn supplied. "Just five." Charlene glanced up at Quinn and saw how serious both girls were. Her back slammed against her chair as she removed her glasses and let them swing momentarily from the chain around her neck.
"You must be joking." Both girls shook their heads. "You want five people in the wedding party or do you want five people to make up the party?"
"Charlene, we really appreciate what you're doing for us but we're not really interested in a big affair."
"Well with five people it's hardly an affair at all!"
"Neither Quinn nor I have that many people we wish to invite. You and Ainsley, of course, are on the list. As well as Jesse and Quinn's two employees." Rachel answered, thinking of Lydia and Jeremy.
"Your fathers aren't invited?" Charlene asked incredulously. "Your family members?" Rachel's neck almost snapped as she turned to Quinn, her look pleading. The blonde jerked her head, almost to tell the diva that their hands were tied; they could hardly get away with not inviting Rachel's fathers.
"Of course my fathers are invited." Rachel answered miserably. She really didn't want anyone to witness the fake wedding. But her fathers would be heartbroken if they were to miss it.
"And I was lead to believe that you recently had a friend come and stay with you. I want to say Lexus?"
"Mercedes." Quinn answered tightly.
"Yes, Mercedes. Rachel told me last evening that she's a very close friend of yours who you both recently got reacquainted with. Surely you would like her there?" Rachel swallowed thickly and faced Quinn. Mercedes would be pissed if she wasn't invited.
"I suppose Mercedes should be there." Quinn answered hesitantly.
"Well look at that; a grand totally of eight people. We're on a roll." Charlene said as she wrote down the names. "And how about your cast, Rachel? A Sweetness, A Date a Month, and Which of You, I Love should all be in attendance, wouldn't you say? I need names."
Between Rachel and Quinn, slowly, they started naming names. "Not everyone here should get an invite. I'm sure you weren't exactly close to the grip on Which of You, I Love, or the Best Boy for A Date a Month, so we'll just keep it to a few key people. Which, if my math is correct, brings the guest list to a nice round twenty. Still small." Charlene said with a smile. "But I'm sure your fathers would like to add some family members."
Rachel and Quinn chuckled forcefully as the diva's hand sought out Quinn's. Both girls were slightly lightheaded suddenly. "Now I'm sure, like Mercedes, there must be some old friends from high school that are excited to see your nuptials. Perhaps some friends from Julliard as well?" Rachel practically choked on each friend from Julliard she spoke as Quinn bit her lip hard.
"And friends from high school? You were in the glee club together, were you not?" Rachel and Quinn's eyes met in amusement as they pictured the glee club at their wedding. They exchanged smiles and lightly chuckled at the thought. When Rachel shook her head at the picture, Quinn turned back to Charlene to set her straight. This was getting out of hand.
"Charlene…I'm not…comfortable with attention. I'd really like something small." Quinn said slowly. She felt Rachel's hand squeeze hers and knew the diva agreed. It would be bad enough that Mercedes and all their other friends would witness their fake wedding. The glee kids? No.
Charlene sat back in her seat and removed her glasses once again. Her smile was patient as she surveyed both girls. "Ladies, this is your wedding day. Your wedding day. You may have whatever ceremony you'd like and invite whomever you please." The redhead waited a moment before continuing. "With that said, I want you to consider what exactly a wedding ceremony is. It's a celebration of your love for one another. A party. And while a small, intimate celebration is quite lovely, I'm sure there are many people who would delight in the fact that the two of you are so happy. Quinn, your parents for instance."
Quinn's head was furiously shaking back and forth and Rachel mirrored the action. "Absolutely not. My parents are not invited for dozen reasons." Quinn said fervently.
"I vehemently agree with Quinn. As far as I'm concerned, the only thing Mr. and Mrs. Fabray did right was have Quinn." Charlene frowned softly.
"You don't speak to your parents, darling?"
"No. I haven't in years and I have no plans to start now."
"Quinn's parents disowned her-"
"Twice." Quinn cut in.
"Yes, twice."
"And they don't even know about Rachel. They'd disown me a third time if they ever found out." Quinn stated calmly. Although it still hurt, slightly, long ago she'd gotten over the urge to see her mother or wish that her father could be different.
"Okay." Charlene said slowly. "They are off the guest list."
"Thank you."
"Rachel? Do you know your mother?" Quinn calmly covered her eyes with her palm as Rachel slightly shook from laughter beside her. Their bright eyes met as they smiled fondly at one another.
"Can you just imagine if they glee club, my mother, and your parents were all at this thing?" Rachel asked with mirth.
"What an event that would be." Quinn said with a smirk and an eye roll. Charlene smiled at the admission, but couldn't help but sense the girls' desire to have everyone they cared about at their wedding.
"Do you think Shelby would sit on your side or mine?" The blonde shook her head at Rachel's self-deprecating comment and scooted her chair nearer to the diva's so she could wrap her arm around Rachel's shoulder and pull her close.
"I suppose it would depend on if she brought Beth." Quinn said as she bumped Rachel's shoulder with her own playfully.
"That reminds me; no children at the wedding." Rachel stressed, getting Quinn to laugh. "What? Children are cute and they take attention away." Rachel pouted.
"Did you get that, Charlene?" Quinn asked as she stared down at Rachel. "Ms. Berry wants to be the center of attention; no children." Charlene chuckled and made the note as Rachel beamed at Quinn.
"You'd look amazing in a backless dress with your hair up." Rachel breathed out as she stared at Quinn tenderly.
"And you'd look perfect in a strapless dress with your hair down." Quinn said softly as she smiled. Charlene smirked as she sipped her coffee, enjoying watching the young couple finally get into the wedding planning. She knew perfectly well that Rachel Berry would want a grand affair and that Quinn would give the diva everything she desired. Hence why she was pushing a bigger guest list; she wanted them to have their perfect wedding, not the ceremony they thought they should want. Charlene had a feeling the girls were cutting the guest list only because they didn't think people would want to be there, not that Quinn and Rachel didn't want them there.
"I think you should have touches of yellow while I can compliment it with pink." Rachel whispered against Quinn shoulder. Charlene's hand flew across the page of her binder as she started writing.
"Spring themed; pinks and yellows." The redhead whispered as the pair continued talking.
"An outdoor ceremony at dusk sounds nice." Rachel smiled up at Quinn as the blonde nodded.
"It does. Lots of candles." Rachel nodded. "Barefoot." Quinn whispered as she slowly brushed aside a strand of dark hair from Rachel's forehead.
"I'll be too short barefoot." Rachel frowned.
"You can wear heels for the ceremony but barefoot to dance." Quinn said as she smiled. "I like you short." The blonde whispered for Rachel only. Her words had been intimate against Rachel's ear as the diva shivered slightly. It sounded more like a promise than a statement and she couldn't help but glance questioningly up at the blonde. But Quinn only continued to smile mysteriously. Rachel felt the tug in her stomach as her skin heated up but she dismissed it as she cleared her throat.
"How expensive, exactly, will this be?" Rachel asked, trying to kill the sudden tension that hung around her and Quinn; the last thing she needed was to delude herself into thinking Quinn actually had feelings for her.
"It's hard to say as of now. But with your show, Quinn's commission from Jesse, her business, and I'm sure your fathers will help, it should be affordable." Charlene answered as she adjusted her glasses.
Quinn's head immediately started to tally everything. This was going to be expensive. She glanced at Rachel only to see the diva frowning as she twirled her engagement ring. "Don't worry about money. I'm sure it will be fine." The blonde smiled.
Rachel smiled softly back but her eyes expressed her doubts. And not just about money. It was clear to Quinn that Rachel was starting to second guess this. Without thinking, Quinn leaned forward as softly connected their lips before whispering in Rachel's ear. "Please don't worry about it. We will be fine. I'm not worried." She sealed her promise with a kiss to Rachel's cheek before pulling slowly.
Rachel's heart raced as she stared up at Quinn, her chest heaving. That one second of contact as their lips touched felt like it catapulted them into a completely different time and place. Quinn was suddenly nervous that she made the wrong move. It was one thing to flirt with Rachel and to show some skin here and there, but kissing Rachel was a whole other animal. And it was slight agony for the blonde. She didn't realize how much she had missed kissing the diva.
But Rachel's expression was far from afraid. Her eyes were darker and her skin was flushed. Even so, Quinn felt the need to explain. "Sorry." The blonde said with smirk. "Habit." Rachel's head bobbed as though she understand. In truth, she had seen Quinn's lips moving but wasn't able to formulate a response or understand the blonde's words.
"Have you two had an engagement party?" Charlene asked, trying to bring the girls back to the land of the living; the pair appeared lost in their own little world and the redhead was almost positive they had forgotten her existence.
"Um…" Rachel shook her head to clear it while Quinn was trying to ignore the intense lust that churned in Rachel's eyes. "No, I don't suppose we have." Charlene clapped excitedly.
"Well than you should have a small get-together with close friends." The woman stated. Quinn was finally catching up. It had been a week since they had kissed and the soft peck wasn't going to cut it.
If we were to hold a party, with people who don't know that we are faking are in attendance, I'd get to kiss Rachel.
You're sick.
It's not like she doesn't want to kiss us.
Absolutely right, you're a genius! Invite everyone you've ever met and kiss the daylights out of her!
Perfect plan!
Full-proof!
"A party is an excellent idea." Quinn smiled widely at Charlene before turning to Rachel. The diva seemed slightly uncertain.
Why is she grinning like that?
It's almost as though she's up to something.
Why would she want to have a party for our fake engagement?
Maybe she just likes parties?
Well…if we have a party…and people were there who didn't know that we have a fake engagement…
I'm already ten steps ahead of you!
We're horrible, horrible people!
She's the one who just kissed us!
This is equal parts incredibly immoral and insanely intelligent! I will use this to my full advantage!
We'll get to be all over her!
"A party would be delightful." Rachel beamed back. She wasn't sure how smart it would be putting herself through further torture, but it would be a very sweet torture.
"Wonderful. You should have it at your apartment. I have a few catering places I can give you the names to."
"I don't mind cooking." Rachel beamed again; she was excited for Quinn's cooking. She had missed it. Jesse had attempted to cook for her all week but they usually ended up getting takeout. Likewise Quinn wanted a reason to cook for the diva. The previous morning was hectic because Rachel had to be at NYU early for her last day of filming so she only had a breakfast bar in the cab on the way. That night they ate at Ainsley and Charlene's. Before they met Charlene at the coffee house, they both just grabbed a muffin before rushing out to meet the redhead. But that's how Quinn wanted it. Rachel was about to be hit with a rude awakening come their regularly scheduled programming. In short: Quinn wanted to start operation: Real Me. The party would give her an excuse, however. She'd make all of the diva's favorite foods.
"You can also celebrate A Date a Month and Which of You, I Love being submitted to Sundance, while telling everyone about your new play." Rachel was too busy thinking about Quinn's vegan Tempeh wraps to comment.
The party planning would give Rachel something to do all week. The diva didn't have school and no longer had work to keep her busy. Meanwhile, Quinn's dog walking business was severely booked, most likely because of the cold weather; no one wanted to walk their dogs through the whipping wind that cut down each New York City block—it always felt at least twenty degrees colder in the city.
Rachel knew that the blonde wouldn't be around as much to help plan the party, but she was, nonetheless, surprised Monday morning when she awoke to find Quinn's side of the bed empty. It wasn't even six yet. The diva sniffed the air and came up empty. She quickly wrapped her robe around her shivering form and took off to the kitchen only to find the stove off. "Where's breakfast?" She scratched her bed head and quickly looked into the fridge before pouting. Nothing had been made.
The diva shrugged. She wasn't being very fair. Obviously Quinn had an early morning and she could hardly ask the blonde to get up even earlier to prepare food for Rachel when the diva had nothing to do all day but lie around. Rachel took out some Bran Flakes and a bowl and got her cereal ready. Moments later, she was in front of the TV.
X
"How'd the wedding planning go?" Lydia asked with a smirk as she put a leash on the Cocker Spaniel she needed to walk. Quinn looked up from the other Spaniel and rolled her eyes.
"It was lovely, thank you." Jeremy chuckled as he petted the Golden Retriever and stood with the dogs leash in hand.
"I'm so freaking excited for this wedding. It's going to be huuuuge!" He sang out as he dance with Troy. The dog whimpered in excitement as he glanced up at Jeremy.
"Whatever. We're having an engagement party this weekend at our place."
"Was that an invitation?" Lydia asked as she led the dog out the front door. The apartment owner had four dogs and they were all rambunctious; it was hardly a job for only one person so the three met up to even out the load.
"Yes, that was an invitation. But honestly I don't need you two there."
"You're the sweetest, Quinn." Jeremy gushed as he threw his arm around the blonde's shoulders.
"I meant," Quinn started with a smile and a roll of her eyes. "That while I'd be happy if you made it, this party is really for people who don't know about Rachel and my lie."
"Is that because it's easier to be excited for an engagement when people think it's real? Because…that makes sense." Lydia replied as she crossed the street over to the dog park.
"Well I'm excited and I know the truth. You two are the cutest couple since Lady and the Tramp. Isn't that right, Troy? Isn't that right?" Jeremy asked the Golden Retriever before he unleashed the dog and tossed a tennis ball for Troy to chase.
"The party is actually an excuse for me to be overly affectionate with Rachel." Quinn answered as she sat on a park bench and watched Jeremy get all four dogs wound up.
"What a romantic story." Lydia said as she sat beside the blonde.
"You don't understand. All week I'm going to have to run the perfect balance between standoffish and flirty. I'm not cooking, cleaning, or catering to Rachel in any way. So I'm going to have to make up for it in other ways."
"Like making sweet, sweet love to her." Jeremy piped in as he scooped one of the Cocker Spaniel's up and began slow dancing with it.
"More like being flirty and affectionate." Quinn corrected before laughing at Jeremy's antics.
"How does one be flirty and affectionate towards a girl who doesn't know she is being obsessed over?" Lydia asked with a tilt of her head and a wry smile.
"I'm not obsessed with her, I love her. There's a difference." Quinn corrected as she pulled her pea coat closer.
"Let's see…all you talk about is Rachel. All you think about is Rachel. Every day to day activity involves Rachel in some way. Even when you're not doing things for Rachel, it's all about notdoing those things… for Rachel." Lydia summarized.
"Lyds got a point, Quinn. You're a tad obsessed."
"I am not." Quinn defended. "Things are just tricky because we're not actually together. Once we are official it won't be like this."
"And when exactly are things going to be official. You know, just so I can plan to start tuning in to what you're saying without having to hear Rachel's name every other word."
"You're both horrible people and you're not invited to the wedding."
"Lyds! Look what you did!"
But Quinn had wished she had given some thought to how she was going to avoid catering to Rachel. For the last year and half that was all she had ever done. And it proved to be a hard habit to break.
When the blonde got home at lunchtime, she had found the diva sprawled out on the couch, asleep, snoring slightly with the TV on and her morning cereal on the coffee table. Quinn quickly ran to their bedroom to get her camera so she could capture the priceless image of the soon-to-be famous Rachel Berry looking like a loaf. After she snapped several shots from a myriad of different angles, Quinn readied herself for the first stage of her operation.
Just like she figured, Rachel hadn't done a thing around the apartment. There was a piece of lined paper on the coffee table that read: Engagement Party Ideas. The title was underlined and surrounded by stars and hearts. But that was it. There was nothing else written underneath the title.
"I see you've had a productive day." Quinn mumbled with a smile as she shook her head. She desperately wanted to put Rachel's bowl of cereal in the sink, clean up the crumpled papers that lay strewed around, gather their laundry to be cleaned, and do the dishes in the sink before making Rachel her lunch. But she wouldn't.
"Rachel!" Quinn yelled, getting the diva to jerk awake and slowly rise on the couch.
"I'm awake!" Rachel called out before she rubbed her eyes. Shaking her head slightly to clear it, Rachel blinked a few times as Quinn came into focus. "Hello, Quinn." The diva said shyly as she blushed. She most certainly did not just have a very arousing sex dream about the blonde. It did not include Quinn ravishing her on the very couch Rachel was sitting on. And Quinn had not been wearing her old Cheerios uniform in said dream that most certainly didn't take place. "How has your day been progressing?"
Quinn followed Rachel towards the bathroom and watched as the diva splashed some cold water on her flushed face before she began brushing her teeth. "Busy. It's still busy." Quinn said with a sigh as she leaned against the doorframe. "I have to meet with Thomas and Jesse over the deal for the play and arrange his trip to Europe." Quinn filled in distractedly. She was trying to recall everything she had learned in one of her classes at Julliard about contract clauses and talents' rights. It had been one of her first classes and she could barely remember a thing. Luckily she still had the professor's number and she was planning on meeting with him before the early dinner meeting she'd be having with both Thomas and Jesse.
"Well that sounds exciting!" Rachel gushed as she placed her pink toothbrush beside Quinn's before brushing by the blonde on her way to the kitchen. The blonde remained in the bathroom doorway momentarily as she eyed the toothpaste that lingered in the sink; it was killing her not to clean it up.
With a roll of her eyes and a deep sigh, Quinn stayed resolved. "Rach?" She called out as she held her breath.
"Yes, Quinn?" Rachel's head peaked out from the kitchen as she waited for the blonde to continue.
"Could you come here for a sec?" Rachel frowned before she made her way over to the bathroom.
"What's wrong?" Quinn looked nervous.
"That's what's wrong." The blonde pointed to the sink and Rachel frowned deeper in her confusion.
"You don't like our sink?"
"No…I don't like what's in the sink." Quinn replied as she crossed her arms. She tried her best to look anywhere but at the diva; Rachel's confused face was really rather adorable.
"Toothpaste?"
"Yes, toothpaste. You always leave it in the sink and it drives me crazy." Quinn stated as evenly as possible. It didn't drive her crazy. She just wanted Rachel to start being a little more thoughtful.
"Oookay?" The diva turned on the faucet at full blast until the toothpaste was washed away and looked up at Quinn. "Better?" The blonde nodded and bit her lip as Rachel went back to the kitchen.
Taking a deep breath, Quinn forced herself to continue. "Rach?" The diva's pinched smile appeared from behind the kitchen wall as she looked expectantly at Quinn.
"Yes?"
"Your bowl." Quinn answered, arms still folded, as she nodded to the remains of the diva's breakfast. Rachel ducked her head before looking back up at Quinn.
"Of course. How thoughtless of me." She answered calmly as she walked into the living room to pick up her bowl. Quinn followed her into the kitchen and watched as Rachel placed it into the sink.
"You're not going to wash it?"
Rachel tapped her fingernails on the kitchen counter as she looked up at the blonde. "Is there something you'd wish to address with me, Quinn?" The diva asked composedly.
"Yes, there is." Quinn stated as she straitened her shoulders.
"Well by all means, please, do tell." Rachel asked with a wave of her hand. Quinn was silent for a moment before she continued.
"You're messy." Rachel frowned as she blanched.
"I'm messy?" She asked slowly.
"Yes, you're messy. Really messy."
The diva's mouth hung open for a moment as she stutter. "Okay. I'll…try and work on that."
"Thank you." Quinn responded with a nod of her head as her heart raced. She was nervous. For the last year and a half she had been the perfect woman. She was afraid that now that she was showing her true colors, not making life easy for Rachel, the diva would realize that she wasn't actually in love with Quinn but with the Stepford version.
Quinn leaned against the refrigerator as Rachel rolled up her sleeves and began to wash her bowl. "Is there anything else you'd wish to discuss with me?" Rachel asked, aware that Quinn's eyes were still on her.
The blonde cleared her throat as she stood tall. "Yes…the laundry." She managed with as much confidence as she could. "I'll be busy all day and I need you to do it."
Rachel nodded thoughtfully as she shook water from the clean dish before placing it on the drying wrack. "That's fine."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." Both girls stood there for a moment in silence, Rachel facing the sink while Quinn inspected the diva's profile. "Is there a reason why you are suddenly bringing this up after all this time?" Rachel asked quietly.
"Well…" Quinn began slowly, carefully choosing her words. "Now that…everything is…out in the open," Rachel nodded once as she ducked her head. "I just thought…" The blonde trailed off as she saw Rachel's expression.
"Yes, of course. Now that we're not lying to each other, we should be more honest about our feelings." Quinn didn't know why but she suddenly felt very guilty.
"Rachel-"
"No, you're absolutely right in your opinion, Quinn. It was unreasonable for me to expect that you do all of the household chores. I will be more attentive to the day to day activities." Rachel said quietly as she began collecting the clothes lying around the bedroom to be put in their hamper.
Quinn was quiet as she watched her, biting her lip and leaning against the doorframe. "Is there anything I can change that you don't-"
"You grind your teeth." Quinn's arms dropped to her sides as she stared at the diva.
"What?" She asked in confusion.
"You grind your teeth when you sleep or when you're watching TV." Quinn had no idea.
"Okay. I'm sorry?"
"As you should be. It's very annoying and distracting." Rachel replied as she crossed her arms.
"Well you snore!"
"I do not!" Rachel said indignantly with a gasp.
"Oh yes you do! And it's loud, Rach. It's not soft, adorable snores!" Quinn challenged as she stepped further into the room.
"Well you roll your eyes too much." Rachel huffed. Quinn scoffed and fought the instinct to roll her eyes.
"Your constant singing is annoying!"
"Your overprotective nature borderlines on stalkerish! I can cross the street without you guiding me there, Quinn!"
"I'm surprised you're not bald with all the hair you leave in the drain!"
"Your anal retentive cleanliness is obsessive and a little too Patrick Bateman in American Psycho!"
"When in comparison to your PigPen lifestyle, I'm not surprised!" Quinn seethed.
Rachel narrowed her eyes as she advanced closer to the blonde. "I'm an artist, Quinn! By definition we live fluidly and without constraint!"
"See…you say artist, all I hear is lazy!" Quinn hissed.
Rachel gasped loudly as she held her hand to her chest. "How dare you! I'll have you know, Quinn Fabray, that I am incredibly hard working and deeply focused!"
"You weren't so hard working or deeply focused when you were lying on the couch not planning our engagement party!"
"Well maybe I would have been a little more in to it if I had my partner there helping!"
"Well someone has to support us! How else are we going to continuously take cabs everywhere, rent musicals from Netflicks, and attend every freaking play and musical known to man if I don't work?"
"I work! I work hard! In case you've forgotten, I'm the newest star in the next big Broadway hit!"
"And who got you that gig?"
"How dare you! I cannot believe you are minimizing my work ethic and extreme talent!" The sound of Quinn's cell phone ringing doused them into silence. The blonde glared at Rachel before she turned back into the living room to get her cell from her purse. With her arms crossed and her brow furrowed heavily, Rachel followed Quinn. "I cannot believe you brought that up!" Rachel fumed as Quinn answered her phone.
"What?" Quinn barked into the receiver. It was Jesse, she was allowed to be mean to him. As the blonde hmmed and uh huhed her way through her conversation with the boy, Quinn eyed Rachel. The diva looked furious, her skin flushed, eyes dark, chest heaving, as she stood there glowering at Quinn.
It took the blonde a moment to realize it, but she suddenly understood what was going on between her and Rachel. They were turned on. They were frustrated. Quinn took stock of her body as she half listened to Jesse; she was aroused. Incredibly aroused. She licked her lips as she stared at the diva and watched as Rachel's eyes honed in on the action.
Their argument had been stupid, Rachel thought. Quinn's teeth grinding was hardly an issue; it practically lulled Rachel to sleep every night. She loved how overprotective Quinn could be—when Quinn guided her across the street, Rachel felt safe. When the blonde ordered her food for her when they went out to eat, Rachel thought it was romantic. Quinn's cleanliness was a Godsend to Rachel; she had always been messy.
Right now, the only thing that mattered was Rachel understood how aroused she was. She was wet. She could hardly control her breathing. Her body was on fire. All she could do was stare at Quinn's dark hazel eyes and her pink lips as the blonde panted.
"Fine, I'll be there!" Quinn yelled over the phone at Jesse as she rolled her eyes. Rachel bit her lip at the action; it was so sexy when Quinn rolled her eyes. "I have to go meet Jesse right now about this stupid meeting. He's freaking out or something." Quinn grumbled as she moved to the front door.
"When will you be home?" Rachel replied with attitude as she trailed behind Quinn towards the front door.
"Late tonight." Quinn answered back, thinking about meeting Jesse, then going over to Julliard to speak with the professor, afterwards she'd have dinner with Thomas and Jesse.
"So I suppose I'll have to fend for myself as far as dinner is concerned?" Rachel asked as she looked up at the blonde. Quinn's eyes burned as she stared down at the diva. She looked incredibly sexy—primal. She felt the flutters she had always felt in high school during one of their fights as they eyed each other.
"I suppose you will." Quinn answered back, her voice husky. Rachel rearranged her stance at the tone in the blonde's voice, slightly caught off-guard by its deep rumble. Rachel wanted nothing more than to grab the blonde and drag her off to the bedroom. She flashbacked on seeing Quinn's naked breasts and her own nipples hardened at the thought.
"Well when you come home, do try and not grind your teeth so loudly it disturbs my beauty sleep." Rachel answered, hoping her own voice didn't betray her intense arousal.
"I'm sure over your snoring you won't be able to hear me grinding my teeth." Quinn reflected as her gaze dropped to the diva's lips. Everything was suspended as they stared at the other's mouth, wanting so badly to taste the other. They were breathing so shallow, they both felt lightheaded and dazed. Quinn could no longer stand it.
Moving so quickly Rachel didn't even have time to react, Quinn swooped down, cupped the back of Rachel's neck, and hungrily fixed her lips to the stunned diva's. It lasted no more than a moment before Quinn pulled back, trying to hide her smirk at Rachel's shocked expression.
Quinn threw her bag over her shoulder as she opened the door. "Sorry," she apologized with amusement in her eyes. "Habit." She finished smugly before she left the apartment and strutted down the hallway towards the elevator.
Rachel stood shocked in the doorway as she watched Quinn wait for the lift, her fingers touching her lips. Her arousal just tripled as she stared at the blonde. It was true, it was a habit for them to kiss their goodbyes at the door, but that felt more than just habit. Rachel wasn't exactly complaining, however, the kiss did more harm than good to her body. She felt ready to pop.
Quinn felt Rachel's eyes on her and slowly turned her head to smirk mysteriously. The sight made Rachel grow even wetter. "You better get started on the engagement party, Berry." Quinn said as the elevator doors opened. Rachel nodded dumbly back. "The faster we get this party over with, the faster you'll become Mrs. Fabray."
The elevator doors closed and Rachel gripped onto the doorframe to keep from collapsing on the spot. The diva all but came undone at Quinn's words. She was almost positive there was nothing sexier than the idea of becoming Mrs. Fabray.
Quinn frowned heavily as she stared down at the caller I.D on her cell. It was Rachel. "Hello?" The blonde asked questioningly.
"I'm keeping my last name, Fabray!" Was all Rachel had yelled before she hung up. Quinn chuckled deeply as she stashed her cell back into her purse. This is going to be fun, she thought as she slid her sunglasses on and hailed down the nearest cab.