So… "Original Song" ended up only being one chapter. I hope you're not mad. I try to just focus on Faberry, and the rest of the episode was the warblers and the rest of the glee club. And idk about you guys but I only care about Faberry. So I did my only spin on the cut scene, which we all know about from the promo. So hope you like the chapter and how I changed the piano scene. If you're really paying attention there is a little bit of season 3 in there, if you can spot it. Anyways hope you like it.
Rachel just finished singing "Only Child" to Finn. She was still afraid to sing her original songs to Quinn. Yes Quinn had heard her play an original song, but not sing one. She wanted it to be perfect which is why she kept choosing Finn. He again told her the news her song was bad. Then continued to tell her she needs to dig deep, and get to the deep hurt to write an amazing song.
Quinn was standing outside the choir room listening to Rachel's song. Finn kept Quinn in the loop about Rachel singing her songs to him. He informed her they were meeting for another trial of a song Rachel wrote. He felt Quinn would have better luck to get Rachel to write a better song. So she heard the horrible song and was watching Rachel talk to Finn. She was still hurt that Rachel hadn't come to her. She was determined to help her girlfriend.
The next day at glee Mr. Shue read a letter from My Chemical Romance. It was a cease and desist letter, stating they couldn't sing "Sing" at Regionals. Of course coach Sylvester was accused of the letter. Which was true but whether it was authentic or not was hard to determine.
"What are we gonna do now?" Mercedes asked.
"I think we should write original songs for Regionals," Rachel suggests again.
"All those in favor of voting Rachel down a second time?" Santana asked.
Almost all of Rachel's peers raised their hands at the question.
Quinn came to Rachel's defense again. "No I think Rachel is right. This team works best when we push ourselves and do something a little different."
"That's true, but if all the other teams are doing amazing songs we're not going to be so good," Mercedes countered.
"You're right. We're not going to be as good. We're going to be better," Quinn justified. "We won't be using other people's words or music. It'll be our own. Our own heart, soul, not just our voices, and we won't have to worry about another cease and desist letter." Quinn turned her attention to her girl. "We have a really talented songwriter in our midst. Rachel. I'm sorry I didn't think of this before but I think we should write a song together."
Finn finally chimed in. "I'm with Quinn and Rachel." He was tired of Rachel's bad songs. And he believed in them.
Santana got defensive; she didn't want a song by Quinn and Rachel. She wanted everyone to be part of it. Mr. Shue agreed with her. When everyone finally agreed to write original songs, Rachel smiled and turned and looked at her girlfriend. The bell rang and everyone filed out.
Rachel stood up and turned to look at her girlfriend. She extended her hand for Quinn to take.
"Thank you again Quinn. This is the second time you stood up to my song writing," Rachel said as Quinn walked next to her.
"I believe in you Rachel. You seem to forget that it was your music that made me fall for you. I'm just a little hurt that I haven't heard anything since then."
Rachel looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry Quinn. I wanted my song to be like you before I sang it to you."
"What do you mean like me?" Quinn asked.
"Perfect," Rachel replied.
Quinn blushed at the compliment. "I'm far from it, but thank you."
Quinn leant down and captured Rachel's lips.
They agreed to meet at Rachel's the next day after school. When Quinn entered Rachel's room she saw her bed covered in many sheets of paper, with various songs. There were papers with just lyrics. There were song sheets without any words. And then song sheets with complimenting words. Quinn looked over the songs which included "My Headband" and "Only Child" plus many other songs that weren't good. Quinn sat on Rachel's bed as she picked up the papers, forming a pile in her hands.
"Wow," Quinn said after reading the lyrics.
"Finn said they weren't very good," Rachel informed Quinn.
"Uhm, they sound a little bit like something I would sing in kindergarten. No offense," Quinn quickly added to not hurt Rachel's feelings
"Offense taken," Rachel said snatching the papers out of Quinn's hands.
"I'm not trying to be mean Rachel," Quinn said reaching for Rachel's hands. "I'm being honest. You have the talent; you just need to tap into it. I will never forget your first original song."
Rachel blushed looking at their hands. "I was just messing around. I don't' even remember the notes or anything from that day. How do you propose I tap into my talent?"
Quinn took a minute to think before responding. "Think of your favorite songs. Think about what they are about, what made them so popular. Those are the topics people want to listen to. Also think about the theme of regionals. We want an anthem, what message do you want to send people."
"Wow, that is definitely a lot more helpful than what Finn suggested," Rachel replied sitting next to Quinn.
Quinn rested her head on Rachel's shoulder, "That's because I know you. Your music has the power to change people Rachel. I believe in you. I will do whatever it takes to help you."
Rachel smiled at the comment. She reached her hand under Quinn's chin lifting her head up, connecting their lips. "When did you become so amazing?" Rachel whispered when she pulled away.
Quinn smiled thinking of the day she changed. "The day I heard you," Quinn replied before connecting their lips again.
The girls weren't successful in writing a song. They were lost in each other's touch and kisses. There was some brainstorming but nothing that seemed worthy. They decided to meet at their spot the next day after school. They were hoping the place would help inspire them, where they kissed for the first time. Quinn made sure the baby grand piano Rachel used to play her first song was there, and not in the choir room.
Quinn arrived before Rachel and sat at the piano. She closed her eyes listening to Rachel's song in her mind. She then opened her eyes and looked down at her hands. She wished she knew the notes Rachel was playing that day. She wanted nothing more than to hear that song again. Quinn placed her hands on the piano hitting random keys trying to decide if it was the same or not. Quinn saw Rachel over the piano coming on to the stage from the side.
"You're late," Quinn said with a smile. She had a flash of a memory when she sang "Perfect" to Rachel.
"I've been thinking about what you said," Rachel replied. She was fiddling with her hands. "And I can't do it Quinn. I'm not as great as you think I am."
"Yes you are," Quinn countered. "Remember back in December."
"I don't want to remember," Rachel argued. She reached the piano and looked down at her feet. Quinn kept mentioning the song Rachel made on the piano. Rachel kept trying to forget it, because she was at her all-time low. She never actually admitted it to Quinn or Kurt, but the thought of suicide was very real at that time.
Quinn tried again. "Go back to when you had nothing, when you were on the verge of-"
"NO!" Rachel yelled. "I don't want to go back there. It hurts too much."
Quinn got up from the piano walked towards Rachel. She placed her hands on Rachel's biceps. "That's why you need to go there. The best songs are about hurt. Remember feeling alone, like no one would care. No one would help you. Then when you started to turn it all around it felt like not matter what you did you couldn't get it right. Me keeping you a secret for months, while still dating Sam."
Tears started to well in Rachel's eyes. She had them closed as Quinn reminded her of her pain. "Why are you doing this?" she asked opening her eyes.
"Because you don't belong here, Rachel," Quinn replied, and tears started to well up in her eyes. "I'm trying to help you."
"How is this helping?" Rachel yelled frustrated. She brought her arms up, and knocked Quinn's away.
"You are amazing, and there is so much untapped potential. I'm trying to help you to send you on your way," Quinn argued.
"I'm not going anywhere," Rachel pointed out.
"When you graduate Rachel, you are going to New York. And I won't let anything hold you back, and that includes me," Quinn replied
Rachel furrowed her brow. "I don't understand. We're not graduating for another year."
"We have to start thinking about our future Rachel," Quinn clarified
Rachel was confused. She didn't know where this was coming from. "Are, are you breaking up with me?" she asked.
Quinn looked down at her hands. She wasn't, but she wasn't going to hold Rachel back. "I'm just telling you like it is Rachel," she replied. She turned and walked back to the piano. "I think we've gotten to something deep. Why don't we give the writing a try?"
Rachel didn't know how to comprehend this information. She thought her and Quinn would be together forever. Out of nowhere there is talk of New York, and Quinn feeling like she'd hold her back. Tears where rolling down Rachel's face and she turned and left their spot.
"Where are you going?" Quinn yelled at Rachel's back.
Rachel turned and replied, "I'm gonna write this song on my own." She then turned and left without another word.
Quinn let the tears flow freely. She knows she hurt Rachel, but she knew it was what she needed. She just hoped she still had a girlfriend after everything.
Rachel went home tears still falling from her face wetting the page of her song called "Get it right." The next day at glee she gave the paper with the lyrics to Mr. Shue. He read the lyrics and was impressed. He asks her to sing it to the group. Rachel agreed and gave Brad the music. Everyone listened and was surprised by Rachel's talent.
"Good job Quinn," Finn whispered into the blonde's ear as Rachel's song finished.
"It was all her," Quinn clarified.
"I know. I was referring to you helping Rachel go to her dark place."
Quinn didn't respond. She felt bad for pushing Rachel. Rachel avoided Quinn's eyes as she sang. It would've been too much. The group then talked about their song "Loser like me" and who was going to be singing which parts. They were gearing up for regionals excited for their songs.
Regionals was here, and New Directions was nervous. The first group to perform was Aural Intensity. They were shocked by their song choice, the first song being "Jesus is my friend." They were definitely trying to butter up the judges since one was a nun and another a tea party candidate, who was very religious.
Next up was the Warblers. They started with a duet staring Kurt and Blaine, followed by Pink's "Raise your Glass." Rachel was the first to jump up and dance at the chorus. She missed Kurt, and wanted him back at McKinley, but she was going to be supportive, even though they were competing against each other.
The New Directions had the last spot. After the warbler's performance they made their way backstage. Rachel was doing touch ups to her make up as Quinn came up behind her.
"Hey," Quinn said catching Rachel's eyes in the mirror.
"Hey," Rachel says looking down at her mascara.
"Break a leg," Quinn said. "I really like your song Rach."
Rachel turned and looked Quinn in the eyes. "I have you to thank. You kept pushing me to go dark again."
Quinn pulled her into a hug, feeling the sting of tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry; I was just trying to inspire you."
Rachel pulled away to look Quinn in the eyes. She asked, "Do you plan on breaking up with me when we graduate?"
Quinn looked down fighting the tears. "I don't want to be an anchor from your past as you go into the bright lights of your future. I don't know what I want yet Rachel, Or where I'll be in two years. You do. You've had the same dream since before we met. And I don't want to be in your way."
Rachel looked down, and grasped Quinn's hands. "You're not in my way. You're helping me to stay on track." Rachel lifted her head and looked into Quinn's eyes, "I couldn't have asked for a better girlfriend."
Quinn smiled in response. Quinn gave Rachel a quick kiss as their school was being announced. Rachel turned and made her way onstage towards the one microphone. She turned and looked at Quinn offstage as the piano started the first notes of her song.
Rachel poured her heart into the song. She did the same with the performance. As she sang she thought about her relationship with Quinn. They've had so many ups and downs over the past few months. Starting from the moment Rachel poured her heart out on the keys of the piano in the choir room. Where Quinn discovered her, and felt sorry for her. Rachel doubted her intentions. Then there was the horrible day with Karofsky where Quinn came to her rescue. When Rachel came back, Quinn sang to her, on the stage when they kissed for the first time. This was followed by Quinn freaking out. After coming to terms with her feelings, Quinn kept Rachel, as she continued to date Sam. They broke up multiple times before finally being a couple, but still in secret. Then finally Quinn came out. They had sex for the first time, then 3 weeks of limited contact. Ending with where they were now. It took them a while to get it right, but Rachel felt like she was losing Quinn. Rachel's love was the theater, and so was Quinn. She was going to have both; she was going to get it right.
The song ended, and the audience applauded and cheered. The noise brought Rachel out of her thoughts. Her eyes were glassy from threat of tears. Behind her everyone came out on stage. She introduced them and they proceed to sing "Loser like me."
~~~?~~~
Monday at glee club they are still celebrating their victory. Mr. Shue decided to start a new tradition since they've been doing so well. The group all voted for a MVP and the winner was Rachel. As her name was said Quinn turned and looked at her girl from her seat.
Rachel was surprised and made her way to the front. She accepted the award and wanted to say a few words. Santana made a comment about regretting her vote. Rachel ignored the comment as she looked at her friends.
"Well, first of all, I just want to say how amazing the song you guys wrote was. I-I was so inspired. You know, it's… It's funny. I've won a lot of trophies before for singing competitions and dancing competitions, but I've always felt like the girl who never gets the brass ring. And maybe I never will. But today and at Regionals, the way you guys believed in me and…" tears were stinging Rachel's eyes. "Took a chance with me… All I've ever wanted was to feel special and to feel chosen," Rachel looked into Quinn's eyes. "And I just, um, I wanted to thank you guys so much for giving me that. So… that's all."
Everyone got up and gave Rachel a big group hug, causing Rachel to smile, laugh and cry all at once. The group slowly disperses as the meeting ends. Rachel and Quinn were the last to leave. Quinn made her way to her seat to grab their bags.
"I-I love you Quinn," Rachel said to Quinn's back as she got her bag.
"I love you too Rach," Quinn said turning around, with a smile.
"And I love the theater," Rachel added.
"I know," Quinn said handing Rachel her bag.
"I know when I graduate from here," Rachel started taking the bag. "I will leave Ohio and go to New York. I don't know what school or anything like that yet. But I know I am going to New York. And I will be on the stage. And-and I know you were just trying to help me, but I don't want to lose you Quinn."
Quinn placed her hand on Rachel's bicep. "I don't want to lose you either Rachel." Quinn moved her hand up to Rachel's neck then to her cheek. Keeping eye contact with Rachel she continued, "But I don't want you to change your plans because of me."
Rachel placed her hand over Quinn's. "How will my plans change?"
Quinn let out a sigh. She could feel the threat of tears, "You give up New York to be closer to me."
Rachel shook her head. "That only depends on where you go."
Quinn let go, and turned away from Rachel. She was frustrated. "I don't know yet Rachel. I have so many decisions to make, but we're still only juniors," Quinn argued.
"Exactly," Rachel replied. "So, why did it sound like you were dumping me when we were trying to write a song?"
Quinn turned around locking eyes with Rachel. "I was just saying I'm not going to stand in your way." Quinn clarified. She grasped her girl's hands in hers. "I won't let you give up your dream for me. Can we just enjoy our junior year? It's almost over, and over the summer we can start talking about our options. Well my options, we know yours. But we can worry about our future senior year. That is the point of senior year. And we'll figure out where we stand when we graduate."
Rachel thought over what Quinn said. She leaned up and gave Quinn a chaste kiss. Releasing Quinn's lips she breathed out, "Ok."
