I hope you enjoy this unexpected chapter of Thin Ice! I know I said I wanted a break until after Christmas but this chapter sort of wrote itself, damn Quinn and her odd wooing techniques…and also Leona Lewis because if I hadn't heard the song 'Stone Hearts and Hand Grenade's' then I wouldn't have had the idea that this chapter is based around. Anyway enjoy it as an added bonus and with any luck there will be a surprise on either Christmas day or Boxing day assuming I don't overdo the Bailey's and chocolate oranges that is! Feel free to leave comments as always but if not just sit back and enjoy as Quinn launches her wooing campaign! Love to you all xxx
Rachel Berry was confused, very confused if the truth must be known. Usually in a coach and trainee situation, the coach was the one shouting at his protégés' and pushing them to work harder. However, someone somewhere along the line must have forgotten to deliver that message to Quinn Fabray. Currently the hot-headed hockey player was standing at the edge of the rink with her hands planted firmly on her hips (a move Rachel had to stop herself from smirking at as it was incredibly reminiscent of her own diva strops) as she yelled at coach Shuester.
"How the hell can you say we're ready! Did that look ready because it sure as fuck didn't feel ready!"
Holding out both hands with his palms facing Quinn in a calming gesture, Will cleared his throat before speaking. He was unsure what exactly had the blonde so mad and he had no intention of sparking another outburst if he could help it.
"Quinn I don't think you're giving yourself or Rachel enough credit. You guys look fantastic out there! You'r timing is perfect, synchronicity flawless and the delivery is dead on. I honestly don't know what flaw you find in all that which causes you to think you need to practice any more tonight?"
Running both hands through her hair irritably, Quinn turned her back muttering under her breath. While Rachel couldn't hear what words the hockey player was using, her coach's wince was enough to let her know it was probably x rated. Suddenly, Quinn spun back around and threw her hands up in frustration.
"Look, no offence but you aren't the one who's going to be out on the damn ice in two days time! It won't be you that makes Rachel's return to competitive skating a joke if you fuck up."
She trailed off and flushed, realising she'd probably said a bit too much about what exactly was motivating her. Will opened his mouth to speak but the brunette diva beat him to it.
"Coach Schue, I think Gretzky may be right. It looks good but it did almost feel as though we had a couple of wobbles. However as it is nearly nine, I can appreciate you have other commitments, why don't you go and enjoy what's left of the evening. Quinn and I are perfectly capable of working on the routine ourselves."
Will glanced warily between the two of them. Although they had been acting much more cordially to each other lately, he was worried that with the hockey player in this mood, things could degenerate if he left them alone. A quick look at the diva disabused him of that notion however when she merely nodded and smiled slightly. He glanced over at Quinn who was still muttering and scuffing her toe pick into the ice sullenly. Eventually, he sighed and offered a weak smile.
"Okay, fine I trust you two to work together without killing each other. Besides I need to make sure the costumiers have the outfits ready for the competition. Oh and I need to set your hair appointment up for tomorrow Quinn."
Ignoring him, the blonde just nodded vaguely and continued muttering, with a sigh and a half- hearted wave, Will decided it was safer to leave them to it. Once he had left the rink the blonde's shoulders relaxed, smiling lightly, Rachel smoothly skated over until she was in front of Quinn. Crossing her arms, the hockey player looked down at her skates determinedly. Sighing slightly, Rachel reached out with her own toe pick and tapped it against Quinn's.
"Hey grumpasaurus…you know we look good right?"
Looking up finally, Quinn tried to smother the worry in her eyes and force a smile.
"I know you look good, you always do…and that's kinda the problem Princess. You work really hard and you deserve to blow those idiots away, especially the ones doubting you for having a female partner."
Smile widening, the brunette shrugged one shoulder lightly.
"Exactly! And personally, I know we have the ingredients to do just that. We have a powerful and emotive song, an incredibly complex yet flowing routine and the perfect outfit…sorry about the Lycra…again."
Despite her worry, a small smile crept over Quinn's face as she remembered the look of pure horror she had worn when the costume guys had held up the initial all- in- one tuxedo effect monstrosity they had put together. Sensing that the hockey player was close to yelling and throttling one of the beaming men (or crying), Rachel had leapt in and said they had been hoping for something more traditional. Unable to vocalise anything that didn't contain a stream of profanity, Quinn had just nodded in agreement. Eventually, they had gone for Lycra effect trousers with a free flowing white shirt and black jacket, needless to say that had calmed Quinn down immensely!
"Yeah…I know and thanks for putting it diplomatically, I was about to blow up at those guys. I just…I guess maybe I'm a tiny bit…scared."
Rachel's eyebrows shot upwards in shock and she watched as the hockey player rubbed the back of her neck nervously.
"I can tell you with one hundred percent honesty that you have nothing to worry about. We are going to be spectacular…look is there anything we can do to maybe make you feel more confident about this?"
If it was possible, Quinn fell a little more in love with Rachel right there and then. Instead of lightly joking with her or perhaps trying to get a rise out of her (as Santana would have done), Rachel had just calmly accepted her fear and set about trying to help her ease it. Reaching out, Quinn caught the diva's hand with one of her own and smiled as she shook her head.
"You know it's not fair really. We start getting along and…stuff and you keep revealing how amazing you are."
Before Rachel could agree or argue the point, Quinn rushed on.
"I guess maybe the one downside of choosing this song to perform is that it means a lot to me. Maybe a bit too much and I want to do it, and you, justice. I just…when I hear this song, it sums up the torment that the Phantom must be going through. I mean here he is this scarred, street kid who now lives in the sewers and can only show his excellence through the guise of other's. And he falls for the most amazing, kind hearted and sheltered girl…who he knows he will never be good enough for. He knows that in the end, she will choose the safety and predictability of Raoul, that's why 'Point of No Return' is so poignant. He knows that when they sing that song, she will either choose to come with him or she will be lost to him forever. That's why although he could force her to stay with him, he wouldn't, couldn't do it. He loved her too much…so he let her go, never loved again. I guess he knew there was only one person out there for him…"
She trailed off eventually but the passion in her voice as she spoke revealed more than just her love of that particular story. Rachel felt the hockey player try to let go of her hand and instead of allowing her to, she tightened her hold and with a small tug brought Quinn closer.
"It sounds to me like you…perhaps identify a little with that story? Maybe we should have found a way to make Batman work on the ice huh?"
At the gentle teasing, Quinn chuckled and ducked her head again, this time directing her gaze off to the side.
"I just want you to be…proud to be seen with me, not embarrassed."
Now it was Rachel's turn to fall just a little bit harder in love. Squeezing the slightly shaking hand in her own once more, the diva bit her lip for a moment as she thought.
"I know what we're going to do…we're going to listen to the song again and this time we're going to sing it!"
Hazel eyes widened in dismay and Quinn looked around as though terrified of a hidden audience.
"Princess I can't sing! We established that at Rock Band 2011."
Rolling her eyes good- naturedly, the skater pushed on Quinn's shoulders lightly so she slid back on her skates. Before anything else could be said, she held up a pointed finger and skated backwards until she reached the i Pod dock. Sighing slightly and crossing her arms, the blonde waited with a fond smile until Rachel skated back over to her with the slim remote in hand.
"You're actually going to make me do this aren't you?"
Giggling lightly, the diva nodded and took both of the calloused hands into hers.
"Yes I most certainly am! Anything to help you realise how much work you have actually put into this and how good you are. But first we need to do a little exercise in imagination."
Unable to help herself, Quinn grinned and waggled her eyebrows.
"Believe me when I say there is nothing about my imagination that needs exercising!"
Freeing one hand momentarily to slap at the blonde's arm lightly with a mock stern look, the diva quickly caught Quinn's hand again and tried to ignore the pout. (which admittedly was difficult as the blonde had quite a cute pout)
"Not that kind of exercise! Now take a few calming breaths and close your eyes okay?"
Pushing down her reluctance, Quinn blew out a breath and did as Rachel asked. Once she was sure that the hockey player's eyes were closed, the diva closed her own and spoke quietly.
"Okay, now I want you to imagine that you are him, you are the Phantom…and I'm your Christine. You have this one chance to tell me how you feel and persuade me to join you in the sewers. When the music starts…sing, sing your heart out and let me know how much you want me."
Glad she had just taken in a breath, Quinn managed to get her breathing under control before she let it out. Rachel opened her eyes and pressed play, moments later the music started and as they let go of each others' hands, Quinn started to sing. At first she sounded unsure but that was the way she wanted to sound, as far as she could see the Phantom would have been nervous and exhilarated at the same time. Rachel's breath almost stuck in her throat when she heard the first few notes. While it was true that Quinn's voice lacked the punch that the rest of her family had when it came to singing, she had found her motivation. And with that motivation, she seemed to have gained the ability to tap into her passion. The brunette was glad that she had nothing to do but stand still for this, as she wasn't sure her legs would support her if she tried to move. Although they were only singing this time and not performing the routine, Quinn couldn't stay still as she sang. Especially when she reached the more impassioned lyrics, at that point, she moved smoothly around the diva, her hands held out imploringly. Brown wonder- filled eyes followed her with so much attentiveness that Rachel almost missed her cue.
Quinn surprised herself with the amount of emotion she poured into the words and when it came to Rachel's turn to sing, she found she was almost as eager as she imagined the Phantom had been to hear Christine's answer. Which is why she was so taken aback when the brunette diva let loose a tremulous start that did nothing but draw the blonde into the song even more. Rachel found that the song was beginning to take on more significance for her as well. As she sang to Quinn, she saw more than perhaps the hockey player ever intended anyone to see. She should have guessed why this film, and in particular this song, held such a meaningful and important place in Quinn's heart. The blonde identified with the main character, she thought of herself as flawed, damaged and so far beneath someone like Rachel that she had about as much chance of happiness as the Phantom did. She may well have been nervous about their first competition but it was more than that. Santana had warned her that Quinn may well panic and doubt her self-worth and now it had happened, Rachel was determined to reassure her.
As the song progressed, both skaters found that they were putting their own hopes and fears into the lyrics. Neither of them could remain still either and without conscious thought, they started falling into the moves they had worked on for so long. By the time the song ended, they were in their finishing position. Quinn standing slightly away from Rachel with her hand held out behind her. The diva was gripping her hand and was crouched down, her other hand reaching out as though towards someone else. After a moment in which they both took the time to get their breath back, Rachel stood and turned, tugging gently to pull the hockey player round to face her.
"So…did that help at all, I mean you were, well you were amazing and if I was Christine and you were my Phantom…I wouldn't have thought twice about joining you in the sewers."
Flushing lightly, the diva bit her lower lip shyly as she watched Quinn closely. The blonde looked stunned for a second and then with a sudden blink and swallow she smiled back.
"You…wow, I mean I didn't expect it to but yeah. Singing it did help, I felt closer to the routine, I guess that was what was missing. We weren't feeling it as much as we should…or at least I wasn't. Anyone ever tell you that you're a genius, Princess?"
Scrunching her nose up in thought as she tilted her head to the side, the diva finally giggled.
"Well yes, but that was my fathers and I don't think that counts. So thank you and I was doing it for both of us. I know we're going to blow those idiots away and now you do too so we will be unstoppable!"
Laughing slightly, Quinn took the opportunity to look away, in an effort to lighten the mood she shook her head slightly.
"The world is in trouble if you ever to decide to go all Pinky & The Brain on us and take over the world."
Snorting slightly, the brunette diva skated over to turn the i Pod off, once she had done that, she yawned and groaned at a crick in her neck.
"I really have to stop falling asleep in that chair, I feel like someone tried to tie my neck into a pretzel."
She heard Quinn come up behind her and turned with a faint wince. The hockey player's eyes narrowed in sympathetic pain and she reached out before hesitating.
"Um…I could take a look at it you know? I mean I'm no physio but the amount of sports teams I was on you learn some stuff. And by stuff I mean physical stuff…not as in like sex stuff! I mean yeah you do learn that stuff because it's like locker room talk but that's not the sort of thing I would want to use on you. Oh hell no wait! I mean obviously at some point I would but not in like a…um point scoring thing and only if you wanted me to, I mean us to…"
Taking pity on the rapidly reddening and stuttering blonde, Rachel reached out and held her hands up in a 'stop' motion.
"Okay as amusing as it is to see a smooth talker like you trip over their own words, I'm worried you might pass out if you don't stop to breathe. And relax I don't think that of you, and if the offer is still there then yes I would appreciate it if you could take a look for me because it's incredibly uncomfortable."
Blowing out a breath and ducking her head in mild embarrassment, Quinn fought the urge to deflect the feeling with a sarcastic comment or joke. Instead she nodded and reached out motioning for Rachel to take a seat.
"Yeah…I'm not used to this being myself thing, I keep putting on the invisible armour you know?"
Smiling back, the brunette sat down to remove her skates and sink into the plush cushions of the sofa, moments later Quinn joined her.
"I know Gretzky, if it helps I really like the you that leaves the armour off."
Quinn shook her head with a laugh.
"Okay now that's not fair! It's hard enough resisting the urge to make smutty comments but when you give me openings like that…are you trying to test me Princess?"
Batting her eyelashes in exaggerated innocence, the brunette lay a hand on her chest.
"I'm sure I don't know what you're implying there Miss Fabray!"
She managed to hold the look for a whole three seconds before collapsing into giggles. She also just dodged the poke aimed for her side but the manoeuvre resulted in a hiss of pain. Quinn swiftly knelt behind Rachel and after turning her slightly so she could access the abused muscle properly, began to massage it. It only took a few minutes before the pain turned into a feeling of relaxed bliss.
"Oh wow…that's really good, who on earth taught you how to do this?"
Smiling slightly, Quinn shrugged a shoulder and carried on easing the knotted muscle as she spoke.
"Coach Schue's friend Shannon taught me how to do it, this was way after school of course. I was making some extra cash helping her coach a couple of pee- wee leagues when I managed to sprain an ankle. While I was laid up, she helped the physio along with her own knowledge and lent me some books…I kinda taught myself and used it when the kids got hurt."
Unseen by the hockey player, Rachel smiled fondly.
"You know…every time I think I know you, you reveal something else. It's like having never ending presents in pass the parcel…something under each layer."
Snorting slightly in amusement, Quinn moved from a kneading motion to a mild stretching one; which the blonde secretly felt was very like the motions Santana used when making bread.
"I swear to god that if you start comparing me to an onion or an ogre I will insist on a Batman routine and embarrass us both…severely!"
Rolling her eyes, Rachel let out a small but satisfied groan as she felt the last of the tension leaving her muscles.
"I promise you are nothing like Shrek…maybe Donkey?"
She grinned as she felt the hands pause for a moment, they started up moments later and the brunette could actually hear the pout in her skating partner's voice.
"I am most definitely not Donkey! If I were to be anyone in those films then I would be the wolf…or maybe, maybe I could be Puss, he was by far and away the coolest character."
Sighing slightly, the diva allowed Quinn to work in silence for a few moments before reluctantly admitting.
"You do know that in reality we are very much more like Shrek and Fiona though right?"
Pausing to echo Rachel's sigh, Quinn chuckled then nodded before realising that the diva wouldn't be able to see her.
"Yeah I know, which makes me the smelly ogre and you the odd…oh hey! The odd Princess! That actually fits, well it fits except for the fact we aren't green and I'm not accompanied by a talking donkey unless you count Santana!"
They both paused for a moment and then the hockey player's hands fell from Rachel's neck as they collapsed into giggles at the image of Donkey with Santana's attitude. Eventually, the laughter tapered off and they wiped at the tears in their eyes breathlessly.
"Oh god, if I didn't think she would kick my ass all the way back here, I'd go home to tell her!"
Rachel's eyes widened in sudden panic that was only half feigned.
"Okay well if you do tell her then I never laughed…or even hinted that it might be funny!"
With her grin suddenly widening, Quinn reached out and put an arm around the diva's shoulder in a companionable gesture.
"Don't worry Princess, your big bad ogre will protect you."
Turning to smile back at the hockey player, it occurred to her just how close the two of them were at that point. She felt herself flush as her eyes unconsciously strayed to the blonde's lips. She was so close she could tell that after her can of soda earlier, Quinn had chewed on a stick of Big Red. The cinnamon scent was faint but still distinguishable in the very small space between them. Quinn became aware of their closeness at much the same time and she had to literally yell into the ear of her subconscious to slam the reminder home that she was taking this slow. Swallowing on a suddenly parched throat, the hockey player sat up and trudged over to gather her gear together.
"I guess we should think about an early night…well semi early as it's nearly ten now."
Stretching her now deliciously relaxed muscles, the diva was half relieved and half annoyed that Quinn had eased away from her. She knew it was because they had agreed to take things slow and get to know each other…but her body had felt a surge that sent tingles to the tips of her fingers and it made her wonder what an actual kiss would do to her.
"Well yes, I suppose we should but we do have tomorrow off remember? Apart from a costume fitting in the early evening, we're free to do what we want. Then Friday is a last run through in the costumes and then we travel to the competition on Saturday morning."
Trying to calm the rolling in her stomach, Quinn nodded along pleasantly enough and after a tiny hesitation during which the blonde chewed her lip hard enough to draw blood, she cleared her throat.
"So…um would you perhaps maybe like to come over for lunch? I mean I have those vegan dishes that S sent back with us…"
Smiling shyly, Rachel cocked her head slightly.
"Quinn Fabray are you asking me on a date?"
Flushing slightly, Quinn found her brain was suddenly caught in a maelstrom. God yes! She desperately wanted to make it a date, it was her intention but now she was second guessing herself and wondering if things were moving too fast again! Well she was, up until the moment small hands closed over her own forcing her out of her reverie. Rachel's brown eyes held her own nervous hazel ones until she relaxed and nodded ever so slightly.
"Well…actually yeah, I was left-handedly asking you for a date. I'm not used to this so I may not be doing it quite right."
Smiling, Rachel reached up and patted the hockey player's cheek lightly.
"Trust me you're doing fine Gretzky…but now I am aching for a hot bath and an iced tea possibly with an episode of Friends."
Smiling and feeling more relaxed again, the hockey player hiked her bag over her shoulder and used her free hand to grab up Rachel's bag. The little diva tried protesting the action at first.
"You don't have to carry my bags you know…I'm not a real Princess after all."
Leading the way to the door leading to the main house, Quinn laughed lightly and shrugged despite the bags on both shoulders.
"Well, you're a real one to me and that's what matters. Besides which I'm trying the whole chivalrous thing, which is not exclusive to men despite what people think."
Sighing dramatically, Rachel swept the door open and waited for Quinn to go through before following after her.
"Well if you insist then I suppose I shall just have to get used to being treated like royalty, Princesses are after all royalty."
Wondering just what she might have let herself in for, Quinn dropped the brunette's kit bag just inside the utility room. Turning, she smiled softly as she watched Rachel easing her coat off as an image swam into her brain so clearly she could have sworn it was reality and not her wild imaginings. Her and Rachel, years from now and in their own house. Far less grand than the brunette's home was, more of a country cottage with, of course, a real fireplace. The two of them coming in from a practice session and offloading their equipment before sinking into a hot tub and then snuggling up before the fire. The image brought with it such a feeling of comfort, familiarity and love that her eyes blurred with tears of emotion. Clearing her throat with a shake of her head, Quinn tucked her hands into the back pockets of the loose jeans she wore for practice.
"Um yeah, well thanks again for this afternoon. Believe it or not, singing the song really did help me, I mean I'm still nervous or to be more accurate I'm shi…uh really scared but it's manageable now."
Smiling brightly, the diva nodded.
"Hey it was my pleasure…now go home and take a soak yourself! The last thing we need before our first competition is you stiffening up because you forgot to look after yourself properly."
Taking one hand from her pocket, Quinn tugged on an imaginary forelock of hair and bowed slightly.
"Whatever your majesty wishes!"
Rolling her eyes, the little diva balled up and threw her hand towel, which she was just getting ready to put in the wash bin, at the hockey player instead.
Ducking the poorly aimed missile, Quinn grinned and picked up her kit bag again.
"You got it Rach, I'll see you tomorrow for lunch okay…and it's Santana's cooking so you're safe, I promise!"
They stood awkwardly for a moment, both wondering what was the best way to say goodbye, in the end they just smiled at each other shyly again and then the hockey player ducked out of the door and headed back to her own chalet. Both of them however were wearing ridiculously large grins.
Two hours later, Quinn was pacing her small bedroom however and worrying, a lot! She hadn't been joking when she said she wasn't used to dating. In fact tomorrow would be her first date ever, and she was beginning to realise that maybe she was a little old for first date nerves. Not that it stopped her and she forced herself to sit down and think clearly. At least she was cooking (or at least warming) a meal for her here, which strangely wasn't as much of a rock face to climb as taking her to a restaurant would have been. Not that she didn't want to take her out; if she could she'd gladly take Rachel everywhere she went for the rest of her life. But the fact was that at least if things went wrong here, it wasn't far for her to walk Rachel home, not that it was going to go wrong! Groaning, she face palmed heavily and ended up lying down and glaring up at the ceiling. She knew what she had to do but pride was standing in her way, however her need to make sure the date went well finally outweighed her reluctance and with a small oath, she grabbed up her cell phone and dialled the familiar number. If she was lucky then her mom's would be home and it wouldn't be answered by…
"Lopez, whaddya want?"
Wincing and face palming again, the hockey player blew out a breath.
"San does mom know you answer the phone like that? Not exactly the impression we're looking for if her doctor rings."
There was a muted snort from the other end of the phone and then the Latina reminded her in a sarcastic tone.
"Caller I.D remember you doofus! Now seriously what did you want cos ma took mom for her therapy, she had a couple of twinges this morning and they were still hurting so they went in this afternoon."
Sitting up abruptly, Quinn's date worries were immediately surpassed by concern for her parents.
"Shit…are they, I mean is mom going to be okay? They said she wouldn't be in any immediate trouble for a year and we only need another two months and we'll have the money for the operation."
Santana's tone went from casual to soothing.
"Whoa there Q, no need to call out the SWAT team…she's going to be fine. The doctor warned them it might happen every so often and to come in when it did. They didn't want to tell you because they didn't want you worrying."
Quinn wasn't sure if the gut-punched feeling she was currently experiencing was from the mild panic or the thought that her parents were more worried about her than her mom.
"That's stupid! Why would they be worrying about me, I'm doing okay right now, better than usual in fact."
Santana laughed softly and with a sigh she explained patiently.
"That's exactly why you dork…this is the first thing you have ever shown any passion for and I'm not just talking about how you feel for Rachel. Quinn, everything you've done in your life so far has been about the easiest road but this isn't. You actually care about what you're doing and though you may threaten to beat me senseless for saying it…you love figure skating and you're good at it, better than you were at hockey, am I right?"
Rubbing the back of her neck, Quinn lay back down and pondered how to answer.
"I just…it challenges me, it's not like hockey. Hockey is the same thing in every game just different plays but figure skating is…amazing! You have to coordinate music with moves and fit it into the different length dances. There's so much more than just grabbing a stick and smacking at the puck. I guess that yeah…I do care about it a lot, I want to be good at this San, I want to be good because then something matters."
There was a moments silence before Santana spoke again, when she did, there was not even a hint of mockery in her voice.
"And they know that…they're proud of you Quinn and although I'll batter you to death with your own hockey stick if you repeat this…so am I. And whether or not you have realised it yet, so is Rachel, so don't blame mom and ma for not telling you okay?"
Half smiling and allowing for the fact that her mom really wasn't in any danger, the blonde eventually grunted.
"Fine okay I won't mention it. So they aren't there then…damn."
Quinn could almost see Santana's eye roll on the other end of the phone and mentally counted down from 3, 3...2...1!
"Just spit it out Fabray! Whatever you rang them for I'm pretty sure I can help as well."
Gritting her teeth for a long moment, the hockey player eventually spoke.
"I…asked Rachel over for lunch tomorrow and I'm worried. It's just that I haven't done the whole dating thing like ever! And I mean what do people say and do on a date, because we're on a go slow kind of thing anyway and I want her to know that I'm still interested in her in like the majorest way possible without her thinking that I'm just after one thing."
There was a moments silence and then stifled laughter from the other side. Pulling her phone from her ear, she stared at it in a mix of shock and hurt. After a moment it tapered off and Santana spoke swiftly.
"Okay I'm sorry but that was…you sounded like a fifteen year old on their first date, it was something I never expected to hear from you and it just took me off guard. It was actually really sweet."
Huffing stiffly into the phone, Quinn was tempted to hang up when her sister started to actually sound helpful.
"Quinn, you already know she likes you right? And she ditched the fiancé right?"
At the hockey player's positive grunts, Santana carried on.
"So you're past the whole 'does she, doesn't she' stage Q, she made the move for you in dumping her guy. What you need to do is just give her something, a sign that you haven't changed your mind and that you definitely want her. Without of course scaring her off by trying to slide home on the first date!"
Growling, the blonde managed to not throw her phone across the room and instead just face palmed again.
"I know what I need to do I just don't know how! Christ Santana a little advice here would be good, this one is different she actually matters and I…this is the one okay?"
Silence fell for a moment and then the Latina spoke in a much softer tone.
"I'm sorry…this is difficult for me, we mock each other all the time so I'm trying to shift gears and find the one marked 'sensitive' and before you ask, yes I do have one of those! Look kiddo, you have to be yourself and do what you think is right. She likes you not me and so what I might do on a date is not what you would. Just take a deep breath and think carefully."
Running her free hand through her hair, Quinn frowned as she concentrated and then chewed on her lip in her usual overly enthusiastic manner.
"I want to do all the stuff that those guys did in the old movies we used to watch. I want to buy her flowers but I'm worried about that because I know they all have different meanings and what if I get the wrong ones? And I want to make her something edible, not just the warming up of a meal but actually make something. Then I'd love to go for a walk with her, nothing overly contrived, just a hand in hand walk to watch the moon rise. It's a full one tonight and they always look awesome…remember we used to try and sleep in the tree house when they were full moons?"
Although she was unaware of it, on the other end of the phone, Santana was grinning and she fist-bumped Brittany who had been sitting next to her on the couch listening in.
"So do that then? It sounds like the sort of thing she would love. And as for the flowers, don't stress about the meaning behind them, just go in the florist's, look around and choose what feels right okay?"
Suddenly feeling a lot lighter and less stressed about the whole prospect of the date, Quinn half smiled and nodded to herself.
"As odd as it is to say this, you actually did help S…I'm shocked!"
The grunt on the other end of the phone was mildly annoyed and Santana sighed before replying blithely.
"Yeah, yeah no need to get all sappy on me Fabray! Just don't mess this up okay, oh and we'll see you on Saturday, we got the tickets Rachel sent us."
Quinn's eyes widened so much she was worried they would fall out of their sockets, clearing the squeak out of her throat, the hockey player managed to utter.
"You uh…you're all coming then?"
Now there was a definite hint of malicious glee in the Latina's tone.
"Oh yeah! Me and Brittany, Dave and both mom and ma managed to get the time off of work so we're all travelling up together. We booked into the same hotel as you guys so if everything goes to plan then we'll take you out for dinner afterwards. In fact, I think mom has already been on the phone to one of Rachel's dad's organising it…anyway I have to go cos Brit and I are making dinner, take care kiddo!"
Before Quinn could even think of returning the farewell, she was listening to the dial tone. Letting the phone drop from her hand, the blonde groaned and rolled over to mutter into the pillowcase.
"Well if I manage to lose my pants halfway through the routine then yeah…I think I may just be living my nightmare on Saturday."
Rachel was just emerging from the bathroom in her thick red dressing gown when she first heard it. A weird odd pinging sound, when it didn't repeat itself after a minute or so, she shook her head and sat down at the vanity to finish drying her hair and brushing through it. Five minutes later, she heard it again and shut off the hair dryer with a frown. Looking around and cocking her head slightly, she strained to hear exactly where the sound was coming from. She was just about to turn the hair drier on again when she heard it again. Sighing in annoyance, she lay the drier down and stood up moving towards the window where she thought she could hear the sound coming from. Yep, sure enough there was it again, a faint ping, coming from the window itself. Pulling her pepper spray from the nightstand, Rachel went to the window and very cautiously looked outside. She smiled in confused relief when she saw what was causing the noise. Quinn was under her window with a handful of gravel chunks that she was throwing at the glass gently. She grinned and waved shyly when she saw the diva had spotted her. Opening the window, Rachel leant her crossed arms on the sill and shook her head fondly.
"What on earth are you doing out there Gretzky! Not only is it freezing out there but for some insane reason, you came out here in your dressing gown and…um are those bunny slippers?"
Hazel eyes widening in realization, Quinn looked down then blanched slightly. Rubbing the back of her neck, she looked back up and shrugged slightly.
"Well the dressing gown is for a reason but the bunny slippers…yeah, that was definitely an oversight! But one I'm sure we can keep between ourselves right?"
Smirking, Rachel was the one to shrug a shoulder this time before she propped her chin one hand.
"We shall see Gretzky, we shall see…but to revisit the main point of my previous question. What are you doing down there?"
Blowing out a breath, the hockey player mentally crossed her fingers and went ahead with the idea she had after she hung up with Santana.
"Well, see the thing is I was maybe panicking earlier about tomorrow's date and so I rang my mom's. But they weren't in and I ended up with Santana…once she finished laughing her ass off she made a real good point so, um well I'll try and say this properly but usually me and words are like you and…um non words. As in I don't talk a lot because I'm not as clever with them as you are."
Rachel's smirk turned into a fond grin and she let her chin sink into both hands now as her elbows took up residence on the sill. She motioned with a nod that she was ready to hear what Quinn wanted to say. Below her, the blonde swallowed and suddenly wondered why the hell she was even attempting this, one look up at the woman in the window however and the butterflies in her stomach calmed down.
"See the thing is, I appreciate the fact that you have taken a big step in ending what you had with Finn to…well, to give me a chance, to give us a chance and so I'm a little bit behind in the honesty stakes. Which is why I'm here to make a bit of an ass of myself and let you know how much it means to me. Let you know I'm going to do my best for you, to be with you, because I really want this. I really want us."
Another deep breath and the hockey player let the dressing gown slip off her shoulders to reveal…the hideous tuxedo styled Lycra monstrosity that Rachel had thought had been consigned to the garbage can. Smiling crookedly, Quinn looked up and threw her hands out to the side.
"Just to let you know, that even if it meant dressing like this…in front of thousands of people then I would do it. Just to be with you, whether it's on the ice or off I'm willing to do what it takes, and to that end I have um, found something I want to sing you."
Fumbling in the pocket of the robe on the floor, she pulled out a sheet of paper that she had obviously written the lyrics on. Straightening it out, she looked up and cleared her throat.
"This is just in case I forget what the words are. I mean I was just going to hold up a boom box and play it to you, you know sort of like in the movie 'Say Anything'? But after earlier when you asked me to sing…well just know this is your own fault."
She grinned at the wonderful sound of Rachel's light laughter and with a final clearing of her throat, the hockey player began to sing. The diva hadn't heard the song before and due to a slight case of nerves on Quinn's part, Rachel was unsure if the slight wobble in her voice was intended or not. Whether it was or not, the actual lyrics were rather poignant and Rachel suspected that was the whole point. To her credit, Quinn only had to glance at the lyric sheet once during her entire recitation. The cold was getting to her slightly by the end but despite the slight shiver, she felt amazing and her grin was blinding as she looked nervously up to the brunette. There was a moments pause and then Rachel held up a finger indicating that Quinn should wait before she disappeared back into the bedroom.
The hockey player still had her head craned upwards towards the open window when she heard the back door open. Her eyes widened slightly in panic as she imagined one of the diva's fathers coming out to find out what was behind the caterwauling. Instead it was Rachel herself who came jogging over in her tiger feet slippers and dressing gown as well. Quinn opened her mouth to speak but before she could, she found herself drawn into a warm hug. As the warmth from the brunette started to surround her, the blonde stopped shivering and let out a small but happy sigh. Letting go long enough to grab up the dressing gown, Rachel waited until Quinn gratefully slipped it back on and then hugged her again, though loosely this time so she could maintain eye contact.
"So…you think of yourself as the 'stone heart' I'm assuming, which would make me the 'hand grenade'?"
Wrinkling her nose at the way Rachel stripped the song down to its basic components, Quinn eventually nodded.
"Yeah, I mean…the thing is that before you, I may as well have had a stone heart and then you came along and boom! It's like all of a sudden the stuff I always thought I wouldn't be able to feel I suddenly can. You're just this massively destructive force in my life, but in the good way. You blew away all my walls and it's like now I can't see myself being without you."
She'd started confidently but as the sentence wore on, Quinn's voice got quieter and more heartfelt. When she stopped, Rachel reached up and cupping the blonde's face with one hand, she rubbed her thumb gently over a soft but slightly chilled cheek. For a moment, they just looked into each other's eyes appreciating the way the snow muted the world around them. Then with a small swallow, the brunette leaned forward and the hand resting on Quinn's cheek urged the blonde forward. The first touch of the diva's lips to hers was light and questioning, barely there at first. A part of Quinn was elated beyond belief, this hadn't been her intention at all, she had merely wanted to do what Rachel had done and show that she was ready for all this. Now it was happening however, she wasn't going to argue and she chased the retreating kiss reassuringly. Rachel had been worried by the lack of reaction at first and was wondering if it was in fact her who was pushing the hockey player too far too fast. She almost sighed in relief when the slightly chilled lips chased her retreating ones and tempted them back.
For the first time in her life, Quinn didn't want to rush a kiss, while she had experienced pretty much every type of kiss from before from angry and possessive to sensual and teasing…somehow this innocent closed lip exploration was the one that was rocking her world. She could feel Rachel's full lips moving against hers, kissing the bottom then the top one before she kissed both again. Keeping the groan firmly behind her closed lips, the hockey player was relieved beyond words that their arms had crept around each other as she wasn't sure that she would have stayed on her feet otherwise. Her hands had made their way to the small of the diva's back and were gently kneading the area they rested on. Rachel's hands had risen and linked behind Quinn's neck to urge her to bend her head a little and negate the very slight height difference.
For her part, Rachel was in heaven, she had felt a little unsure of kissing Quinn, not because she was having second thoughts however. Her reluctance stemmed from the fact she had never kissed a woman before and while she knew the hockey player wouldn't mock her, she was embarrassed to mention it. She wished now she had made the move earlier because kissing Quinn was completely different to kissing Finn. It felt unfair to compare the two but she couldn't help herself, whereas Finn had been eager and insistent, Quinn was tentative and gentle and…actually an amazing kisser! She didn't feel that a kiss had to be a prelude to anything else, it was simply to be enjoyed for what it was and she was definitely enjoying it. The blonde was kissing her with the love she professed and it was more convincing than words for some reason. She was so comfortable with kissing Quinn that she wanted to deepen it and tentatively, she licked the hockey player's lower lip.
When Quinn felt the wet warmth of Rachel's tongue swipe at her lower lip, she gasped at the unexpected jolt of arousal she felt. It was such a seemingly mild gesture and yet it evoked such a powerful reaction that Quinn was glad she had learned to lock her knees. She allowed her mouth to open slightly and returned the gesture, both skaters whimpered slightly as their tongues met for the first time. Rachel felt the hands on the small of her back grip more tightly for the briefest of moment before slipping down and across to rest on her hips, the thumbs lightly stroking. Rachel's hands also moved, one slid up and into the tangled blonde locks massaging Quinn's scalp lightly as the other crept round and onto the hockey player's neck, finger nails scratching lightly at the nape.
They held onto each other tightly as the kiss remained gentle but became more exploratory until eventually they knew each other's mouths as well as their own and were panting for breath. Finally, they released each other's mouths and Rachel sank her head onto Quinn's shoulder with a happy sigh as she continued to lightly scratch at the hockey player's neck. Quinn however was trying to remember if she had always had stars in front of her eyes or if it was just a side effect of kissing one! After she got her breathing back under control, she let out a light chuckle and turning her face, lightly kissed the little diva's temple.
"Wow…where did that come from Princess?"
Lifting her head and blinking sleepy brown eyes, Rachel smiled and let out a breath before giving into the temptation to kiss the tip of the hockey player's crooked nose.
"I just…couldn't help myself, and I loved that song you have to make me a copy…especially as it's now sort of our song. I never thought I would love being compared to a hand grenade."
Rolling her eyes slightly, Quinn felt another shiver move through her and she gestured with her head to the house.
"You should get inside before you catch a cold and we miss the competition."
Nodding slightly and trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn, Rachel blushed guiltily. Quinn just laughed softly and nudged her.
"Go on…the sooner you get to sleep the sooner we can eat some more of Santana's magical food."
Sighing, Rachel nodded and reached up on tiptoes to press a kiss to Quinn's forehead.
"Fine but you need to as well, I won't be the only one risking flu tonight. And if I haven't said it yet already…thank you for tonight, for this. I have never been serenaded before so right now I would say that makes you a pretty kick ass wooer."
That definitely made the hockey player grin and with one last gentle kiss, the two parted, both chilled to the bone and shivering but ridiculously happy.
The next day was miserably dark and with more snow forecast for that afternoon, it was exactly the kind of day to spend indoors curled by the fire with a good book or in Quinn's case, a series of Law and Order SVU. Well, until she realised she had to put together the lunch that is, at which point she leapt off the sofa so quickly she almost fell flat on her ass. For the next half an hour, the small but cosy chalet was filled with more "fuck's" than the first ten minutes of 'Four Weddings & a Funeral' as the hockey player ran around cleaning up and cursing the fact that she forgot to take the meals out of the freezer last night. Eventually, she had the four-room chalet looking neat and smelling clean and after lighting some scented candles Santana had snuck into her bag, she took a glance around the room. Everything looked okay and the meals were defrosting on the special tray that her mom had also snuck into her bag (along with instructions on how to use it because she knew Quinn would forget things like defrosting).
Smiling slightly at her family's sneaky but loving ways, Quinn shook her head and then looked down at herself and pulled a face. The chalet was clean but most of the grime it contained was now on her, she sighed and after checking the clock, leapt into the shower. Fifteen minutes later, a clean and relatively smartly dressed Quinn (black jeans, red polo shirt and black sneakers) decided that as she had so much time she could also plan a dessert. Now although cooking was something she was avoided like the plague, she also knew that not all dishes needed cooking. In particular, she remembered a particularly light yet creamy chocolate mousse that Santana had made that Thanksgiving weekend. The only cooking involved was melting the vegan chocolate and she was pretty sure she could handle that. A quick text to her sister later and she had the list of ingredients and recipe e mailed to her. Time for Quinn to prove that she wasn't a complete idiot when it came to the kitchen!.
Despite the date only being down the road and nothing grand, Rachel had panicked that morning when she remembered her plans for the day. Not so much for the date itself as she was looking forward to a day of no skating and getting to know Quinn better without anyone else around. However, when it came to what to wear for said date…that was a whole other kettle of fish! There followed a gruelling three-hour fashion show during which both Hiram and Leroy had had to pinch each other on a regular basis to stay awake. As far as they were concerned, Rachel looked good in whatever she wore but as she pointed out several times, she had no idea what the date might entail apart from dinner. At that Leroy had smirked and promptly received a cushion in the face from his husband and daughter. Eventually, the little diva had settled on soft black trousers with an emerald green sweatshirt and warm fleece lined boots that reached mid calf.
Ten minutes before she was due at Quinn's chalet she wondered belatedly if she should take something. Not that she knew what to take exactly though, in a fit of desperation, she started rummaging through the kitchen cupboards and grinned when she spotted the perfect gift. Grabbing the item, she found a small gift bag leftover from some celebration or other she couldn't remember and slid it inside. With one last look in the mirror, she fluffed her hair out and slipped her down jacket on before calling a goodbye to her fathers and starting the walk down to the chalet. The windows were lit by a warm glow from inside as the heavy snow clouds had led to the day growing darker much soon, as she passed the window, she saw the flicker of candles and smiled slightly. Pausing outside the door, she let out a small breath and eventually lifted her hand to knock on the door. Seconds later, it was pulled open and Quinn smiled warmly at her, Rachel smiled back, her face warming as she remembered their kiss last night…then she frowned slightly.
"Quinn…are you okay? You look…different?"
Reaching up self-consciously, the blonde ran her hand through her hair and glanced down at her clothes.
"I think it's because this shirt might be fairly smart and doesn't have either a sports team or obscure Internet reference printed on it."
Laughing softly, Rachel moved into the little home when Quinn gestured her to. It was indeed clean, warm and softly lit by the scented candles.
"Wow, are you sure your mom's didn't sneak down here and clean for you? And I don't think it's the polo shirt that makes the difference, but it does look good on you"
Rolling her eyes at the gentle teasing, Quinn then blushed at the compliment and nudged Rachel's shoulder lightly with her own as they moved towards the sofa.
"Well if it isn't that then I don't know what it is, same cologne and deodorant, same place, which I cleaned by myself thank you so very much!"
Rachel giggled again and Quinn smiled happily, she loved it when she could elicit that little giggle from the diva. Suddenly, Rachel gasped and reaching up, touched the blonde's eyebrow.
"Oh gosh Quinn what happened to your eyebrow, you only have half of it!"
Reaching up to slap her hand over the eyebrow in question, Quinn paled and groaned slightly.
"Stupid gas burner! All I had to do was melt the chocolate and what happened…the stupid gas tap didn't want to light, and when it did the build up of gas sort of belched flame out and…crap."
Sighing in disappointment at herself, the blonde sank into the sofa and had to resist the urge to fold her arms and sulk. Rachel smiled softly and turning sideways on the sofa, she leaned over and pressed a kiss to the singed eyebrow in question.
"You didn't have to do anything like that for me, I'm happy just being here with you…and I'm sorry you got hurt Gretzky."
The kiss worked wonders and the sulk died in it's infancy to be replaced with a happy smile.
"Well, I wanted to do something that came from me and not just my sister or my parent's. All of whom knew I'd forget to thaw the meals in advance and had planned for it. Speaking of which, I just remembered I have something for you…wait here!"
Rachel just smiled bemusedly as the hockey player leapt over the back of the sofa and into the bedroom for a moment. When she emerged she was holding a small terracotta pot containing a…cactus? The diva cleared her throat and raised a questioning eyebrow as Quinn sat back down on the sofa beside her. Before Rachel could speak, the blonde raised a hand.
"Okay it may seem…unorthodox but let me explain okay?"
Miming a zip being pulled across her lips, the brunette settled back into the sofa cushions and gestured with a hand for Quinn to continue.
"Okay well I initially wanted to buy you some flowers so I went into town first thing this morning. But the problem was I was in there for ages and everything seemed sort of…I don't know, too bright or too gaudy for you. Plus I hated the fact that they would eventually die, I mean it's sort of the first thing I'm giving you as a token of…well you know what I mean. It's my first wooing gift and I didn't want it to not last. Anyway I was about to leave and then I saw these on a stall by the window and I knew it was perfect. See the thing is I always thought these cactuses look like someone with their arms up waiting for a hug, only no one could hug them cos they were way too prickly. Until the one person comes along and doesn't feel the prickles when they hug it. Kinda like you and me see? I was all prickly but you…just kinda blasted through my prickles and hugged me!"
Finishing with a hopeful smile, Quinn again proffered the small cactus in it's little pot. This time, Rachel accepted it with a shaking hand and after looking at it through tear- filled eyes she set it on the table and cleared her throat. The hockey player rummaged around for some tissues with a worried frown on her face as she took in the teary expression. Before she could apologise and offer to take it back however, the diva pulled her into a tight hug and whispered.
"Are you sure you've never done this wooing stuff before Gretzky, because you really seem to have quite a gift for it."
Eventually relaxing now she knew she hadn't done anything wrong, Quinn hugged the diva back just as enthusiastically before Rachel eventually pulled back with a little 'O' of surprise. Hastily, she pulled the gift bag from her pocket and handed it over.
"In comparison it's just something silly but…I wanted to bring you something."
Accepting it with a smile, Quinn hastily opened it and laughed happily as she extracted the package of peanut butter cups from inside.
"Believe me Princess this is far from silly! This is most definitely the way to my heart."
Rachel watched as Quinn stacked the individual cups happily one on top of the other before setting them to the side. She took Rachel's hands and laced their fingers together, after a moment, the microwave pinged and the blonde sat up.
"Look's like dinner might be ready? Are you feeling brave Princess?"
Rachel smiled softly and standing up she yanked softly on the hand linked with hers.
"Come on Gretzky let's go see if this chocolate mousse was worth you losing half an eyebrow huh?"
Rolling her eyes, Quinn nonetheless let herself be pulled through to the kitchen, as they moved inside, Rachel glanced once more over her shoulder, her eyes softening as she took in the cactus on the little coffee table sitting next to a stack of peanut butter cups. If Quinn could make a cactus romantic then she could indeed be the love of the brunette's life. As she turned back and took in the sight of the hockey player carefully serving the warmed meals onto plates, she decided she was more than happy with that.
Oh and just a brief note of gratitude as always to my wonderful editor and a belated Happy Birthday, she enjoyed the present of this chapter and I hope you do too!
