A/N: Hey guys! Today's my birthday and I just wanted to give you this long chapter as a gift from me to you :) Sorry about the delay, but I hope this is worth it. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or San Francisco State University
Quinn walked Rachel to the door when they returned home for the evening. As they stood nervously, Quinn shook her head with a smile. "You know, we already kissed so why is this so hard?"
Rachel grinned as she took Quinn's hand in hers. "Maybe because neither of us wants this night to end."
Quinn stared at Rachel in awe. "How do you do that?"
Rachel's brows furrowed. "Do what?"
"Know what to say? I feel like I'm always struggling to find the words around you and you just…"
Rachel smiled brightly. "I've been told I'm very loquacious. And I have an extensive vocabulary of which I am very proud."
Before she could say any more, Quinn claimed her lips in a soft kiss. When she pulled away, Rachel was grinning mischievously at her. "See, that wasn't so hard, was it?"
Quinn actually chuckled as she shook her head. Her eyes fell to their perfectly laced fingers. When she looked up, her eyes found Rachel's. The brunette's brown orbs were suddenly filled with uncertainty. Rachel looked away nervously, so Quinn just squeezed her hand trying to comfort whatever had suddenly spooked the girl. "Rachel?"
Rachel turned back toward Quinn and locked eyes with her. "Do you maybe…would you like to come inside? We could watch a movie…"
Quinn brought her free hand up to caress Rachel's cheek. "I would love that actually."
All doubt left Rachel's features and her bright smile returned. She turned and opened the door, and led Quinn inside by the hand. Rachel's dads were sitting on the loveseat in the living room when the girls walked in.
"Oh, hey girls! How was your day?" Michael asked with a genuine smile.
"Great!" Rachel replied, still holding Quinn's hand.
Michael's eyes dropped to their linked hands but he remained silent. Quinn noticed his raised eyebrow. She took a deep breath releasing it slowly before speaking. "It's a beautiful campus and I look forward to enrolling there next fall."
Jeremiah was watching the girls intently. "So you were just touring the campus this whole time?"
"We ate there as well." Rachel offered.
Jeremiah nodded. "So it was a date?"
"Yes." Quinn replied. Then she bit her lip and looked at them earnestly. "I want you to know that when I originally asked you to let Rachel accompany me that it wasn't intended to be a date. I just wanted to spend time with her but…"
"But things changed?" Michael replied with a smirk.
Quinn blushed but nodded. "I wasn't trying to lie to you about my intentions."
"And what are your intentions?" Jeremiah asked.
"Okay. Dad, Quinn's gonna stay for a movie so how about you help me make popcorn and grab some drinks." Rachel interrupted before Quinn had a chance to answer. She practically dragged Jeremiah out of the room.
Quinn watched them leave the room before her eyes returned to Michael, who was watching her intently. She swallowed audibly.
"Why don't you take a seat?" Michael urged.
Quinn sat down on the chair beside the couch. He chuckled as she did so. "I don't know how to give this speech. Rachel's never dated before…plus, I think it's more fun to scare boys away but with you…I'm at a loss."
Quinn remained silent, studying her very interesting fingers. She didn't know how to do this either, she was usually out of the room like Rachel when her dad terrorized her dates. She almost found herself having a bit more respect for those dates…until she remembered that one knocked her up.
"When you first came over, we thought it was for Finn until we saw the way you looked at Rachel. And then when she came out to us… Rachel told us how she feels about you…and how Finn felt about you. It's a strange situation we find ourselves in."
"As soon as I realized what I felt for Rachel, I let Finn know I wasn't interested in him."
"I know dear." He smiled at her. "And for what it's worth, I prefer you with Rachel than with Finn. I don't know why, but you girls seem to fit. However, my husband was correct in wondering what your intentions are…in regards to our daughter."
Quinn looked up from her hands and at Michael for the first time since the conversation began. "I chose San Francisco State because of its proximity to Rachel. I know it's ridiculously early to think about things like that, but I have no doubt our time together will fly by and I didn't want it to end just because I graduate."
Michael nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Finn told us about your issues in the past."
"With all due respect, Mr. Berry, they aren't issues. What happened in the past remains with me even today, it's what made me who I am. I have learned from my mistakes, and I have to live with the choices I made every day. And just so you know, I was honest with Rachel about everything before I even realized what she meant to me. The fact that she accepts me is the only opinion I care about."
A smile broke out on his face. "Well then, this interrogation is over and I must say that you passed with flying colors."
Quinn relaxed instantly at his words, even allowing a chuckle to escape her lips.
When Rachel and Jeremiah returned, Rachel squeezed into the reclining chair with Quinn as Jeremiah rejoined his husband on the loveseat. As the movie played around them, Quinn reveled in the feeling of Rachel in her arms. It only took about ten minutes into the movie before she wrapped her arms around the brunette and held her close. Rachel cuddled into her as they shared the popcorn between them.
"You survived my dads and Finn, looks like I'm stuck with you now." Rachel whispered into Quinn's ear. The blonde could feel the smirk as Rachel's lips grazed her skin. She shivered uncontrollably, causing Rachel to tighten the hold on her. Quinn was definitely not complaining.
"If I had been smart, I would have headed their warnings." Quinn smirked back as she nuzzled her chin into Rachel's neck.
Rachel huffed indignantly which caused Quinn to giggle. When her giggled died down, she pressed her lips to Rachel's exposed neck and kissed her sweetly. The action gave the brunette goosebumps and she had to bite her lip to stifle the moan. Quinn smirked to herself, impressed with the affect she had on the smaller girl.
Rachel moved her head swiftly, and then captured Quinn's lips with her own. They kissed until they heard Jeremiah clear his throat loudly and Michael scold him for doing so. The girls pulled apart quickly, blush coloring their cheeks.
"Sorry Dad." Rachel murmured before a devilish grin overtook her features. "But Quinn was picking on me and she needed to be punished."
Quinn's jaw dropped open in shock as her eyes glazed over with improper images of Rachel 'punishing' her.
"Honey, if you want her to stop teasing you, you might want to find a different way to punish her." Michael replied before chuckling to himself and returning his attention back to the movie.
'There goes my only ally,' Quinn thought to herself. But how disappointed could she really be with Rachel still holding onto her? Quinn wrapped her arms more firmly around the girl and leaned to whisper in the brunette's ear. "I promise to stop teasing you if you promise to keep kissing me."
Quinn smirked when she saw Rachel's eyes widen. "Deal." She replied breathlessly.
When the movie was finished, Quinn said goodbye to the Berry men and let Rachel walk her to the car. As soon as they reached the car door, Rachel pulled Quinn in for a tight hug. Quinn sighed into the embrace as she rested her head against Rachel's. When the brunette pulled out of the hug, Quinn held her in place and kissed her passionately. Rachel returned the kiss with fervor.
As they pulled apart, Finn pulled into the driveway. Rachel scowled. Quinn rested a hand on the girl's forearm. "Rachel, it's okay. Just drop it, I'm fine."
"He needs to know that what he did was wrong."
"Rachel…"
"Quinn." Rachel stood on her tip toes to place a gentle, chaste kiss on Quinn's lips effectively stopping Quinn from any further discussion.
"I had a lovely time today, Quinn. You were perfect." Rachel replied as she stepped away from the blonde. She opened the door for her and waited for Quinn to climb inside.
Quinn sighed but did as was expected of her and allowed Rachel to shut the door for her. Just before the door closed, Rachel opened it back up ducked her head in. "Is it okay if I call you in a little while, just to make sure you made it home okay?"
Quinn smiled sincerely. "Of course."
Rachel smiled back and then closed the door slowly. As Quinn backed out of the driveway, she watched Rachel shove her brother into the hood of his car as she looked to be yelling at him. Quinn couldn't stop the pride that consumed her, Rachel was defending her honor and it warmed her heart.
Fran and Eli were still awake and waiting for Quinn, when the younger blonde walked through the front door. Fran smirked when she saw the lovestruck look on her little sister's face. "I take it your date went well."
"She kissed me. I mean, like a lot. And we held hands and we cuddled and we talked and then she beat up Finn." Quinn replied dreamily as she collapsed on the couch beside her sister and Eli.
"Beat up Finn? Her brother?" Eli asked with concern. "Why?"
"Well, he tried to scare me off by doing the overprotective big brother thing and I guess he looked me up and found out about my past in Ohio and…"
"That bastard." Fran spat out through gritted teeth.
"It's fine, Fran. Because when Rachel found out, she was so angry with him and she said such beautiful things to me. She…"
Fran rolled her eyes; she had never seen her sister like this before. "She beat him up for you?"
Quinn had a lopsided grin on her face. "Yup." She popped the 'p' as she said the word.
"Look at that, my little sister has her own knight in shinning argyle."
Quinn playfully swatted at her sister for the jab about Rachel's attire. "I happen to think she looks adorable in argyle."
"Wow, you do have it bad." Fran smirked.
"How'd the tour of the campus go? Do you think you'll want to go there?" Eli asked, trying to blatantly change the subject.
"I want to go there for a year, yes." Quinn replied with certainty.
"A year?"
"Rachel will graduate next year and intends to go to New York."
"And what? You want to follow her?" Fran asked incredulously. "Quinn it's been one date."
Quinn rolled her eyes. "I'm not an idiot. Sure I'd like us to last, but we started out as friends and I'd like to think that no matter what we'd maintain a friendship."
"So, you'd follow your friend all the way to New York?" Fran asked suspiciously.
"I intend to study photography and New York has good art schools not to mention it's basically the art hub of the country."
"Right."
"Well, it is a couple years away so let's not get ahead of ourselves." Eli tried to play peacekeeper. "Instead, let's be happy that you're actually thinking about the future and have a plan."
"Eli's right. Quinn I am proud of you, this is the first time in ages you talked so passionately about something. You are talented; I always thought your photos were beautiful
"Thanks. Oh, hey! Can I invite Rachel to church with us again tomorrow?"
"Absolutely." Eli answered.
Fran pulled her sister in for a hug. "So tell me more about your date."
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By the time Quinn made it up to her bedroom and climbed into bed, she was exhausted. It had been a long, emotional day (in the best way possible). In her wildest dreams she couldn't have imagined a better day with Rachel. The brunette continued to surpass all of Quinn's expectations. She was sweet, thoughtful, protective, supportive, beautiful and perfect. Just before sleep took her away, her phone rang loudly in the quiet room.
"Hello?" Quinn answered groggily.
"Quinn?" Rachel's quiet voice was on the other end of the line. "Sorry to call so late, but I didn't want to go to bed without saying that I had a wonderful time today and to thank you for not getting scared away."
Suddenly Quinn was wide awake again; she sat up in her bed. "Rachel, I told you I'm not going anywhere. And thank you for coming with me today; I had a great time too."
There was a silence that wasn't awkward, just anxious. Both girls undoubtedly had so much to say but didn't know where to start. Quinn knew that if she opened her mouth, she'd say too much way too soon. As the silence enveloped them, she could hear Rachel's steady breathing. "Rach?" She whispered.
"Hmmm?"
Quinn smiled to herself; she could hear how tired the girl was. "Would you like to come to church with me tomorrow?"
"Yes." Rachel whispered.
"Good." Quinn smiled to herself; tired Rachel was adorable. Though if she were being honest, everything about the brunette was adorable to her.
"Good night Quinn." Rachel yawned into the phone.
"Good night Rachel." Quinn yawned back. She fell asleep with her phone to her ear.
The next morning, when Quinn woke up she found her phone in bed with her. She smiled when she saw that their phone call lasted six and a half hours. Rachel must have fallen asleep too.
She quickly got ready for church, and then ate breakfast with Eli and Fran. Halfway into their breakfast, Quinn's phone buzzed with a text message. She smiled brightly when she saw Rachel's name flash on her screen.
"Three guesses who that is?" Eli whispered to Fran.
From Rachel: Hey Gorgeous! You never mentioned the details about my going to church with you…so I'm outside whenever you're ready.
Instead of replying Quinn hurried to the front door. She opened it breathlessly and took in the perfect sight in front of her. Rachel was wearing a white baby doll dress that fell mid thigh and complimented her olive skin tone beautifully. "Rach…" Quinn breathed out in awe.
The brunette smiled brightly at her. "Good morning, Quinn." She greeted cheerfully and leaned in to peck Quinn on the lips.
The greeting was so chaste and yet so emotionally charged, that Quinn's heart was beating rapidly. If Rachel greeted her with a kiss every time they saw each other, Quinn would be okay with parting ways…briefly. Especially if it also meant a goodbye kiss. The blonde was pulled from her thoughts by Rachel's delightful giggle. "Looks like someone isn't a morning person."
Quinn looked at her in confusion. "Why would you say that?"
Rachel shrugged as she laced their fingers together effortlessly. "You just seem…out of sorts."
Quinn blushed. "It's…well…you seem to make me speechless." She admitted shyly as she ducked her head in embarrassment.
Rachel lifted a hand to Quinn's chin, and with her thumb and forefinger, she brought Quinn's head up so their eyes could meet. She pressed her lips firmly to Quinn's, deepening the kiss instantly. When Rachel pulled away, Quinn rested her forehead on hers. They stared into each other's eyes. Rachel opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Fran.
"Rachel, get in here and join us for breakfast."
Quinn pulled away regrettably. She nodded to her sister, letting her know that they would be in the kitchen in a moment, and then she returned her attention to Rachel. She hoped that whatever the brunette was going to say would not forever be lost to her.
"It was nice…falling asleep to your voice." Rachel admitted shyly, as she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Do you mind if we make that a regular occurrence?"
Quinn's breath caught. Sure Rachel was referring to their talking on the phone at night, but Quinn found herself hoping for more. Not that she was ready for anything more; just that she was ready to hope for more. When she couldn't find words to voice her thoughts, she dumbly nodded. Good thing Rachel was used to simple minded people like Finn…FINN!
"Finn!" Quinn spat out loudly.
Rachel's face contorted into not only confusion but what seemed to be annoyance. "Quinn? Are you okay?"
"Sorry." Quinn choked down embarrassment as she swallowed thickly. "I promise you there was a train of thought that brought me to him."
Rachel raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Quinn cleared her throat. "Yes, I would love to make that a regular thing…falling asleep together…not together, together…arrgh." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Let's try this again."
She was interrupted by Rachel's melodious giggles. Quinn dropped her hand from her face and looked at Rachel, her eyes narrowed. Was she being laughed at?
Rachel must have sensed Quinn's growing frustration and gently took the blonde's face in between her hands. "I know what you meant Quinn, and I think I know how your thought process jumped to Finn."
Quinn's eyes shut on their own accord when she felt Rachel's thumbs stroke her jawline. She couldn't even control the moan that escaped her lips. Her eyes shot open in mortification only to find pure brown irises boring into her soul. Quinn watched Rachel's perfect lips part and had to focus on the words that were coming out of that glorious mouth rather than the things she imagined doing to those lips.
"I did talk to him last night, since I know you're wondering." Rachel spoke.
Quinn cocked an eyebrow in challenge. "You talked to him?"
Rachel blushed. "I talked at him…okay, I yelled at him. And pushed him a bit." She sighed. "He can be so stupid sometimes. He tried to explain that he was trying to protect me…like, like he didn't even realize that what he did was so wrong. Finally Dad and Daddy came out and well, Finn realizes how wrong he was. I can't believe he just thinks that he can go around and make decisions about my life without consulting me! Hello? It's my life."
Quinn smiled politely at the brunette. "You guys are okay though. Right?"
Rachel removed her hands from Quinn's face and the blonde immediately missed the girl's touch. "I guess. It'll be hard to look at him the same though, now that I know what he's capable of."
Quinn stepped forward, taking Rachel's hands in hers. "I think that's a good thing." She saw the brunette's confusion and immediately hurried to explain. "It's good that you see him differently, Rach. Before, you saw him as this hero big brother who saved you from bullies. He was on some sort of pedestal for you. But now, now he's just Finn. He made a mistake, but he isn't bad Rach. It's okay to see that he has flaws, you saw past mine."
Rachel kissed Quinn's hands. "You don't seem speechless to me."
Quinn smiled brightly. "Yeah, well, I guess I have my moments."
As they were about to kiss, Eli and Fran walked in the room. "Too late for breakfast, now we gotta go." Fran replied as she tossed both girls a bagel. "Eat it on the way."
Rachel beamed brightly at her, making Quinn a bit jealous. She wanted to be the only one that could elicit that kind of response from the brunette and was disappointed that someone else could as well.
Eli noticed the scowl on Quinn's face. He pulled her aside and whispered. "Relax; she was probably excited about the bagel."
Quinn sighed, feeling foolish.
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After church, Rachel spent the day over at Quinn's. The four of them happily ate lunch and dinner together and chatted amicably about nonsense. After dinner, Rachel and Quinn were sitting upstairs in Quinn's bedroom.
"I wanted to talk to you about something." Quinn began nervously, fidgeting with her fingers and avoiding eye contact with the brunette.
Rachel, sitting next to Quinn on the bed, reached over and stilled Quinn's hands with her own. "You can always talk to me about anything, Quinn. Above all else, you're my best friend."
Quinn looked up at Rachel as soon as the words left the brunette's mouth. "And you're mine."
Rachel started rubbing circles on the Quinn's hand with her thumb. "Then talk to me."
Quinn watched the movements of Rachel's thumb, her heart soaring at how amazing it felt. "Tomorrow…at school…I know that you haven't officially come out yet…"
"Quinn…"
"And I am fine waiting until you're comfortable..."
Quinn…"
"But a part of me just wants to be able to hold your hand, to steal a kiss in the hallway."
Rachel's mouth opened and closed. They were silent for a second or two, although for Quinn it felt like an eternity.
"What does the other part of you want?" Rachel asked quietly.
"What?" Quinn's brows furrowed in confusion.
"You said that a part of you wanted to hold my hand and steal kisses. What about the other part?"
"A larger part of me wants to let everyone know that you're taken…that maybe…maybe you're mine."
Rachel yelped excitedly before crashing their lips together. The kissing became more frantic as they began to make out on Quinn's bed. Soon they found themselves lying on the bed, Quinn hovering over Rachel. "You never did answer me."
Rachel touched Quinn's plump lips with her fingertips. "You didn't exactly ask me anything."
Quinn's eyes grew wide in realization. "You're right, I didn't."
She pulled herself away from the brunette and sat on her knees, kneeling over Rachel. Quinn took Rachel's hands and looked directly into the girl's eyes. "I was wondering, if…Rachel, would you be my girlfriend?"
Rachel smiled wide as she nodded emphatically. "Yes. Yes, Quinn. I would love to be able to hold your hand in school and steal kisses in the hallway. But most importantly, I want everyone to know that you're mine."
Quinn's mouth dropped open. "You just stole my lines." Then her lip jutted out to form a pout that she hoped rivaled Rachel's. "How come when you say it, it sounds so much more amazing?"
Rachel puffed her chest out proudly. "Because I'm me!"
Quinn rolled her eyes. "Don't make me regret asking you."
She knew that she would never regret it, but she couldn't help teasing her girlfriend. Her girlfriend! Boy did she love the sound of that. Her internal bliss was dampened when she saw the genuine frown on Rachel's face.
"Rach?"
"You promised that you'd stop teasing me if I promised to keep kissing you."
Quinn bit her lip, because even Rachel's vulnerability was adorable. She quickly lay down beside Rachel and pulled her into a hug. "Baby, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking, I was enjoying our little banter and then…Rach? What is it?"
There were tears in Rachel's eyes and Quinn suddenly felt awful.
Rachel closed her eyes and shook her head. "It's nothing."
"Nothing? Babe, you're crying." Quinn replied, caressing Rachel's cheek.
Rachel's eyes opened. "I love that you call me that." Her voice dropped low, sounding husky. Quinn gulped loudly.
"Baby, Babe." Rachel smiled seductively at her girlfriend. "Puck's called me Jew Babe a couple of times and I always resented it. But the way you say it…I'm sorry that I'm overemotional and it's probably very unattractive but…"
Quinn kissed her thoroughly, trying to express how she thought Rachel was the opposite of very unattractive. When she pulled away, she smiled at the brunette. "If I knew you would like it so much, I'd have called you those things a long time ago."
Rachel laughed out loud. "I never thought they could sound so…" She trailed off, not knowing how to continue. After a second or two, she found the words and continued. "But your voice, you could read the phone book to me and it'd sound like pure sex."
Quinn's breathing became labored and her eyes darkened. She simply stared at Rachel dumbfounded.
The ringing of Rachel's phone brought the girls out of their bubble of lust and happiness. Rachel sat up so fast; she nearly clunked heads with Quinn. "What time is it?"
Quinn looked at the clock on her desk. "9:30." Quinn answered but Rachel was already on her phone.
"Sorry, Daddy. I know I said I'd be home after dinner and I forgot to call. No, I finished it on Friday. I always do on Friday nights. Because I never had a life and…" She paused, nodding her head. "Yes, I'm on my way. Love you too."
Rachel hung up the phone and looked at Quinn shyly. "I was supposed to go home after dinner."
"I heard." Quinn grinned.
"If something came up, I was supposed to call."
"Naturally." Grin firmly in place.
"They thought I might still have homework."
"But you finished it Friday night." Quinn finished.
Rachel nodded with a smile. "You heard."
"Sorry for keeping you hostage." Quinn replied as she climbed off the bed and approached her girlfriend.
"I'm not."
Quinn's eyes widened. She bit her lip shyly as she closed the distance between them; they were standing toe to toe as their whole bodies were practically touching.
"They wouldn't have been so worried, but…" Rachel trailed off when she saw Quinn licking her lips.
"But what?" The blonde smirked.
"I spent all weekend with you and apparently I have a life now and they're worried that I'll forget them."
Quinn narrowed her eyes. "Your Daddy said that?"
Rachel shrugged. "More or less."
Quinn traced Rachel's lips with her thumb, smirking at the shiver she caused on the smaller girl. "More or less?"
"He said he understands that I have a life now but if I say I'm going to do something that I should do it."
Quinn grinned. "He's right…you're such a delinquent."
"I'm usually so responsible." Rachel sighed.
Quinn chuckled. "It's okay to forget to be perfect every so often, it makes us mere mortals feel better."
Rachel huffed. "There again with the teasing. I'm gonna have to start withholding the kisses."
Quinn's mouth dropped open. "You wouldn't."
Rachel smirked at her before pressing passed her and walking toward the door. "See you in school tomorrow, Quinn."
Quinn watched Rachel walk away helplessly before snapping out of her stupor and hurrying to the brunette. She grabbed Rachel's hand to stop her from walking away. "That's it? I mean, we're officially together and all I get is a 'see you in school tomorrow'?"
Rachel quirked an eyebrow. "What were you expecting?"
"Not expecting…hoping. I was hoping for a goodbye kiss." Quinn voice sounded so fragile that Rachel couldn't take it anymore and claimed her. When they parted, Quinn kept her hold on the smaller girl. "And are we still having our goodnight phone call?" She asked hopefully.
"Quinn, I now need to hear your voice before I fall to sleep." Rachel breathed as she chastely kissed Quinn again and walked away.
The blonde was left standing dazed in her doorway for who knows how long, until she was interrupted by Fran. "What happened to you?"
Quinn blinked rapidly, trying to focus. "Rachel." She whispered.
Fran smiled knowingly. "What'd she do now?"
"She said she'd be my girlfriend."
Fran's shocked face brought a smile to Quinn's lips. The younger blonde repeated excitedly. "She said she'd be my girlfriend. Rachel Berry is my girlfriend."
Fran hugged her little sister proudly. "Congrats, Q."
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When Quinn crawled into bed for the night, her phone rang. She excitedly picked it up when she saw that it was Rachel calling.
"Hey girlfriend." Rachel greeted when Quinn answered the phone.
Quinn's smile stretched from ear to ear, she was never happier to hear those words. "I love the sound of that."
"I love saying it." Rachel replied smoothly.
"Can I pick you up for school tomorrow?" Quinn asked without hesitation.
"I'd like that."
"Great.
They shared in small talk, content to hear each other's voice. Eventually both girls fell asleep; phones in hand and smiles on their faces.
A/N: Up next, their first official day as a couple. How will their friends take the news?
