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CHAPTER 13
Quinn's phone began ringing just as she turned into the Paramount Studios lot early the next morning and she dug blindly in her purse for the device as she waited for the security guard to let her in. She waved distractedly at the overweight man as she rolled slowly through the gate and answered her phone with an equally distracted, "Hello."
"So, you're boning Berry now?" Santana asked without preamble.
Quinn rolled her eyes and had to laugh at the Latina's phrasing. "Um, no. Who told you that?"
"TMZ dot com."
"Fuck," Quinn hissed as she pulled into her parking space. "How bad is it?"
"Not too bad. You're both smiling that polite 'get the fuck out of my way' smile that only you celebrities can manage without looking stupid. It's the speculation that goes with the picture that gets interesting."
"Are you going to read that to me, or am I going to have to look it up once I get to my trailer?" Quinn asked.
"Chill, Q," Santana chuckled. "It says, Quinn Fabray and Rachel Berry were spotted leaving Canters on Fairfax late last night looking especially chummy with the Broadway star's hand tucked intimately in the arm of Hollywood's biggest up-and-coming actress. Waitstaff refused to comment on their dinner, but patrons seated near the women confirmed that Fabray and Berry were smiling and holding hands through the majority of their meal and looked, according to one witness, to be very much in love. Fabray hasn't had a serious girlfriend since Heather O'Reilly – hold up. Was she really that serous?"
Quinn laughed in spite of herself. "Not really. I took her to one studio party, she got her picture in the paper, and then she dumped me for some hotshot doctor looking for a trophy wife."
"Ooh, hetero burn," Santana chuckled. "Anyways, it goes on to say, Rachel Berry, last linked to her RENT co-star Liam Henderson, seems to have found a new leading lady in Fabray. The two are working together on James Moore's new film Serendipity, which is about two detectives who fall in love while working a dangerous case. We'll keep an eye on this latest bi-costal connection and keep you posted of any developments."
Quinn bit her lip and nodded thoughtfully as she processed what Santana had told her. "Well, that's not too bad," she said after a few seconds.
"So are you dating Berry now?"
"Would you believe me if I said no?"
"I would, actually, but then I'd be forced to skip class to drive down there and kick your ass until you grow a set and finally ask her out. Seriously, Q – talk to me."
Quinn took a deep breath and ran a hand through her hair. She hated talking about this kind of stuff with Santana, but the brash Latina was, besides Brittany, the only person who knew exactly how she felt about Rachel, how long she'd fought against it, and how much she had changed once she accepted it. So, while she wasn't looking forward to the teasing and crude comments she was sure she'd get, she knew that she needed to talk to somebody about everything she was thinking, and Santana was her only real option. "Fine. Just, try and be nice. We kissed yesterday on set for the movie and it was…" her voice trailed off into a sigh. "Anyways, we talked afterwards and she said that she… you know what, never mind. Bottom line is that we're going to try this and see what develops."
"Only you can make dating a chick sound like a chore," Santana chuckled, the warmth of her tone saying better than words ever could how happy she was for her friend. "Does she know you've wanted to get your hands under her skirt since high school?"
Quinn rolled her eyes and nodded even though the Latina couldn't see her. "Yes. Happy now?"
"Immeasurably. Britt says you two look cute and that we should all go to dinner soon, by the way."
"Well, tell Brittany that Rachel would like that too. Once she found out you two were out here she wanted me to call and try to set something up. She wants to go do karaoke this weekend, would you guys be interested?"
"Uhm, things are getting crazy here right now. I have a midterm in Entertainment Law on Wednesday and have to submit a final edit of my article for the Law Review by Thursday, but I could probably skip one of the study sessions for my midterm and still nail it. I don't have to really do anything for my bar exam workshop, so… yeah. When were you thinking?"
"I dunno… how does Friday sound? I want to take her out on a real date Saturday," Quinn said as a light knock on her window drew her attention and she smiled warmly at Rachel who looking gorgeous as usual in a billowy white blouse over what looked like black leggings, oversized glasses, and a floppy black hat. Her smile grew wider as she noticed that the brunette was holding two cups of coffee. "I gotta get going, San. I'll call you later?"
"Sure. I'll talk to B about Friday and we'll figure something out. I've learned that sleep is overrated at this point anyways, we'll find a way to work it out."
"Sounds good."
"Right. Now, go tap that ass you've been drooling over for forever and a fucking day and please, for the love of god, Fabray, don't tell me about it. I know you've been in love with the girl forever, but you and the midget is a visual I do not need."
"First of all, Ms. Law, you know that 'midget' is a derogatory term and that I don't like it, so please don't call her that. And, two, I think I'll manage to contain myself," Quinn quipped as she slipped her purse onto her arm and opened her car door. "Thanks for the heads up."
"I'll try, but I'm not making any promises on the nickname. Old habits and all that. And, no problem. Tell Berry that Brittany says hi."
"Just B?" Quinn asked as she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Rachel's cheek.
"Fine. Me too. We'll see you guys soon. Try and stay away for the paps."
"Will do, S. Thanks," Quinn said before she disconnected the call and dropped her phone into her purse.
"Santana?" Rachel asked as she held out the caramel macchiato she'd gotten the blonde.
"Yeah, she was calling to tell me we've made the tabloids already," Quinn said as she took the coffee that the brunette offered her. "Her and B say hi, by the way. And she's going to talk to Britt about maybe doing karaoke with us on Friday."
Rachel nodded thoughtfully and wondered how long it'd be until she heard from Tina. "It would be fun to see them. I hope they can make it. Now, tabloids. Who and what?"
"TMZ online," Quinn answered. "Nothing too bad, just basically what we talked about last night. They're speculating that we're dating; apparently, we looked very lovey-dovey holding hands and smiling at each other through dinner. The only picture they've posted is from when we were walking to the car afterwards."
"That's not so bad," Rachel agreed as she slipped her hand into Quinn's. "Good morning, by the way."
Quinn smiled. "Good morning yourself, Ms. Berry. How did you sleep? Any more weird dreams?"
Rachel blushed and nodded as memories of last night's dream floated across her mind. "In a manner of speaking, yes. But I don't believe that 'weird' is an apt description of them anymore."
Quinn rolled her eyes and squeezed the brunette's hand as they wandered across the parking lot toward their trailers. "Are you going to explain that rambling vagueness?"
Rachel blushed. "Maybe later."
They walked the rest of the way to Rachel's trailer in a comfortable silence, each of them happy just to have the other in close proximity once again. Quinn hung back by the door inside the brunette's trailer as she watched Rachel toss her purse onto the couch before turning toward her with a playful glint in her eye.
"Is there something I can help you with?" the blonde teased.
Rachel licked her lips and nodded as she walked over to Quinn. "As a matter of fact, there is."
"Hmm," Quinn hummed as she wrapped her arms around the petite brunette's waist. "And what would that be?"
"Well, a kiss good morning would be a decent place to start," Rachel murmured as she lifted herself up onto the balls of her feet and lightly ghosted her lips across the blonde's.
Quinn smiled and dipped her head to kiss Rachel softly. "Good morning," she whispered as she pulled away, beyond pleased that Rachel didn't seem at all put off by the fact that they were now officially tabloid fodder.
"Good morning," Rachel husked as she rocked into Quinn, a soft giggle falling from her lips as the blonde spun them around so that she was pressed up against the wall beside the door. "Well hello there," she murmured as she ran her fingers through the blonde's hair.
Quinn licked her lips and smiled. "Hi," she breathed as she slipped her hands around Rachel's tiny waist and leaned in to claim her lips in a lingering kiss.
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The call Rachel had been expecting from Tina ever since Quinn had told her about the TMZ article came as the crew broke for lunch. She sighed as she looked over at the blonde, who was talking with James about something she wanted to try with the scene they were supposed to shoot right after they all got back, and lifted her phone to her ear. "Hello, Tina," she answered after the third ring.
"So, don't you think it'd be nice for you to let your publicist know that you've decided to take a walk on the Sapphic side?" Tina drawled in lieu of a formal greeting.
Rachel rolled her eyes at the laughter she could hear in her friend's voice even though she had to admit that having the Asian woman amused by her fledgling relationship was better than some of the other scenarios she'd imagined. "Not particularly, no. Besides, it was a little bit of a surprise to me as well."
"Please, Rachel. You used to stare so hard at Quinn's legs in high school that you had to have had some idea that this was going to happen before you got out there."
"I did not stare at her legs."
"Hah! You did too. The only thing that was more obvious was the way Quinn would drool whenever you danced up next to her in Glee."
"I didn't even know she was gay before I got out here," Rachel argued as she turned her back on the set and left for the privacy of her trailer. She knew Quinn would come looking for her whenever the blonde was done talking about whatever it was she and James were talking about, and she didn't want to have this conversation with an untold number of curious ears around her.
"That's because you've been happily living in your little Broadway bubble of denial," Tina said breezily. "Now, as your publicist I have to say that you need to be as discreet as possible, just as you would with any relationship, but as your friend I have to ask if you're sure about this. I mean, she is Quinn Fabray."
Rachel nodded. "I know, Tina. But if you met her you'd see that she is nothing like the Quinn we remember from high school."
"So long as you're sure," Tina said, her concern evident in her tone.
"I am," Rachel said sincerely. "Look, I know that this must seem strange, but since the moment I showed up on set she's been nothing but sweet and caring. She's grown in a beautiful, amazing woman and I… I want her Tina. And when is the last time you remember me saying that about anybody and genuinely meaning it? I can't remember, that's for sure. We kissed, yesterday, for the first time during shooting and even with all the cameras and the people watching us it was still the most amazing kiss of my life. I finally felt those butterflies everybody talks about. I felt… safe. Cherished. There were at least forty people watching us and the only person I was aware of was her. I've never felt anything even close to that with anybody before, so that means this can't be wrong, right?"
Tina sighed. "Rach, you know I love you, right?"
Rachel nodded. "Yeah."
"Then don't worry about what's right and wrong. If you think she's sincere, then go with it. You've been in one disastrous relationship after another for years now; you deserve some happiness. Do I think it's a little weird? Um, duh. I mean, it's you and Quinn. But, at the same time, I can't sit here and say that I'm totally surprised either. You took this job to try something new, so go try something new."
"Like Quinn."
"Exactly. So, has anything else happened in the three short days you've been away from the center of the universe?"
Rachel laughed as she entered her trailer and closed the door after herself. "Well, I learned that Santana and Brittany are here in LA too."
"Are they still together?"
Rachel smiled and nodded. "They are. Britt's choreographing music videos and Santana's in her last semester of law school."
"You know, I find neither of those things surprising."
"Those occupations do seem rather fitting for them both, don't they?"
"Totally. What else?"
Rachel laughed and threw herself down on the comfy sofa. "You mean my developing serious feelings for Quinn Fabray, starting my first film, and managing to somehow learn my lines for the next week in a day and a half isn't enough?"
"Serious feelings, huh?"
Rachel nodded as the door to her trailer opened and an inquisitive blonde head peeked inside. She smiled warmly at Quinn, holding hazel eyes hostage as she said, "Yes. Very much so. She just walked in, do you want to say hello?"
"Oh, you bet your butt I do!"
Rachel chuckled and held her phone out to Quinn. "Tina wants to say hi."
"Shit. Is she mad?" Quinn whispered as she obediently took the phone Rachel was holding out for her.
Rachel shook her head and lifted her feet for Quinn to sit. "Nope," she said, her smile growing wider as Quinn sat beside her and she set her legs back down onto the blonde's lap.
"We'll see about that," Quinn muttered as she lifted the phone to her ear. "Hello, Tina."
"Quinn," Tina said seriously, trying her best to sound intimidating. "Rumor on TMZ has it that you and my client are something of an item."
Quinn bit her lip and nodded as she began rubbing her right hand up and down Rachel's shins. "Well, you know what they say about rumors."
"If they're reported on TMZ they're usually true?" Tina supplied.
Quinn rolled her eyes. "Look, is there something you needed, or did you just want to do the overbearing parent thing and give me a hard time?"
Tina laughed loudly. "Oh, Quinn. I want to give you a hard time. And," she said, her voice dropping threateningly, "to make sure you understand that if you hurt Rachel I will fly out there, hunt you down, and kill you. We clear?"
Quinn grinned. "Crystal. And, what will you do if she hurts me?"
"Give her a high five?"
Quinn's grin disappeared and her brow dropped in disbelief. "That's just mean."
"Well, you know. I gotta protect my assets."
"Well, I think it'd be best if you also remember that those assets are mine to protect for as long as she'll have me," Quinn drawled, ogling Rachel's chest.
Rachel blushed at Quinn's words, her cheeks growing hotter as she heard Tina's laughter spilling from the phone. "Quinn!" the brunette hissed.
"What?" Quinn asked softly as she smirked at Rachel.
"That was bad, Fabray," Tina said through her laughter. "But, I'll let it slide since I know for a fact that you've been ogling those assets since we were in high school. Treat my girl with respect, okay?"
"Of course," Quinn answered sincerely. "Here, I'll give you back to Rachel now so you guys can finish discussing whatever it is you were talking about."
"We were just gossiping about you, but okay," Tina replied. "Nice talking to you Quinn. Try and stay away from the paparazzi, okay?"
"I'll try my best," Quinn said as she handed the phone back to Rachel.
Rachel smiled sweetly as she took the phone from Quinn, making sure to let her fingers linger over the blonde's for a moment before she pulled back and put her phone back to her ear. "What did you say to her?"
"Nothing. I gotta go deal with my next headache now. Please call me if you two get ambushed again. I would like to be prepared next time for the phone calls that I've been handling all morning."
"Okay," Rachel agreed. "I'll talk to you later, Tina," she said as she disconnected the call.
"She seemed to take the news pretty well," Quinn observed.
Rachel nodded. "Actually better than I'd thought she would, to be honest. She just warned me to try and be discreet like she normally does."
"She didn't try and talk you out of seeing me?" Quinn asked softly, as her hand moved past Rachel's knee and began drawing light circles against the brunette's toned thigh.
"No," Rachel said as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. "She didn't seem all that surprised about it, to be honest."
One corner of Quinn's mouth quirked up in a surprised smile as she looked into Rachel's serious gaze. "Really now?"
"Really." Rachel leaned in and kissed Quinn tenderly. "She said something about having seen it back in Glee. Did you like it when I danced by you?"
Quinn blushed and nodded. "I did. Especially when you were wearing one of your little skirts that would fly up whenever you did a spin," she said as she leaned into the brunette, smiling as she forced Rachel back down onto the couch as she hovered above her. "It was very… distracting," she husked as she dipped her head and captured the brunette's lips in a searing kiss.
Rachel met the kiss eagerly as she reached out for Quinn's hips, pulling the blonde down into her as their lips parted and their tongues tangled together. She sighed as Quinn settled atop her, their curves fitting together perfectly as their kisses grew deeper, hotter, and hungrier. She groaned as Quinn's hand settled onto her side, just below her breast, gripping and massaging her side in time with their kisses, and she dearly wished that the blonde would move that hand just a little bit higher. Never before had she wanted to be touched as badly as she did in that moment.
Quinn could read the tension in Rachel's body as she kissed her and she pulled away to study the flushed woman beneath her. "Is this okay?"
"God, don't stop, Quinn," Rachel husked as she lifted her head off of the couch to recapture the blonde's lips with her own.
Quinn moaned and fell into the brunette's kiss and when air became a much-needed commodity again she gasped, "Lunch?"
"Craft service isn't going anywhere," Rachel murmured, her eyes still closed as she searched blindly for Quinn's lips. "Kiss me, Fabray."
Quinn laughed softly and acquiesced to the brunette's demand, capturing those perfect lips with her own in another deep, languid kiss. This wasn't necessarily her idea of taking things slow, but she figured that so long as it was Rachel setting the pace, that they should be fine. "Are you always so bossy?" she asked softly between kisses.
A low hum was her answer as Rachel's hand slipped under her shirt and pressed hotly into the small of her back. "Quinn?"
"Yes, beautiful?"
"Shut up and kiss me."
Quinn smiled as she did just that, immediately opening her mouth and slanting it over Rachel's as she possessively thrust her tongue past the pinned woman's lips. They had about forty-five minutes until they had to be back on set and she could think of no better way to spend that time than what they were doing. Food, for as much as she loved it, lost every time if she had to choose between it and Rachel Berry.
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