A/N: It was pointed out to me a couple of weeks ago by one of my favorite fanfic authors that I have written over 1 million words in the same universe and I was shocked. I hadn't even realized it but with last week's chapter of this story the amount of words I have posted for this universe reached 1,005,269 and wow! I couldn't have done it without you all. You all keep me motivated and I know sometimes I let the haters get the better of me but I still continue because of you all. So thank you all for the support; I feel like I don't say that enough. Enjoy!
Warning: Sexy times
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, anything mentioned, any songs, quotes, or books used.
Chapter 36: We've Got Here Together
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer
yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know
what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go."
-Dr. Suess; Oh The Places You'll Go
/
School was officially done and Quinn was on the train to New York. She still had her graduation ceremony at the end of the week but she had three other ceremonies to attend before that. She was so glad that all three school ceremonies; were scheduled on different days so that no one would miss out on anyone else's celebration.
Quinn was thinking about Kim's film project because both she and Eric had nearly tackled her in a hug as she walked across the courtyard on her way to her dorm to pack her bag for New York. She had been slowly bringing more and more of her things to New York and her apartment with Rachel as the weeks went on so that the following week when she officially moved to New York; it wouldn't be such a big move.
But as she crossed the courtyard she was first hugged by Eric and then by Kim; who both proceeded- very excitedly- to tell her that the film project had gotten the highest marks in the class and her professor said that she should enter it into film contests. When Quinn asked if that was what she was doing Kim- again very excitedly- told her that she wanted to; but she needed her consent.
And that was when she was tackled by both of them because of course she agreed. She was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of her phone beeping.
From Rachel: I can't wait until you get here.
She smiled and replied.
From Quinn: I can't wait to be there ;)
From Rachel: Do you want me to meet you at the train station or at our place?
She felt butterflies in her stomach at the thought of Rachel nonchalantly asking her about their place. She was so excited for what was about to happen in their lives.
From Quinn: Our place is fine.
From Rachel: :) :) :) God Quinn I love that thought.
Quinn chuckled to herself because- of course- Rachel was feeling the same way about it; they were always on the same page.
Always.
From Quinn: I'll see you soon baby.
From Rachel: I can't wait.
/
When Quinn got off the elevator she struggled with the box she was carrying and her bag but she eventually stumbled into the apartment.
"Rach! Rach are you here yet?" Quinn dropped the box at her feet and looked up; what she saw had her jaw dropping as well. "Oh fuck," she groaned when her eyes peered over Rachel's exquisite body.
Rachel was standing in the entryway between the hall and the living room wearing nothing but a red lace bra and panties.
"So you like?" Rachel sauntered over to Quinn and held back a laugh when her girlfriend was just nodding; her mouth still open in awe.
"Ye-Yeah I um… I was just," she lost her words again when Rachel pressed herself against her body and pulled her closer.
"I missed you," Rachel husked before leaning up on her toes, pressing her lips to Quinn's, and pushing her tongue inside. As the kiss deepened; Quinn slid her hands down over Rachel's barely covered ass and lifted her off the ground.
Rachel wrapped her legs around Quinn's waist and pulled her lips off of Quinn's to meet her eyes.
"I missed you too Rach," Quinn said with a contented sigh.
"I want you Quinn," Rachel growled and Quinn started to walk over to the couch.
"What do you want?" Quinn asked in that fucking teasing voice of hers. When she reached the couch she lowered Rachel down onto it, and then sat back on her heels.
"I want your mouth."
"Where?" Quinn teased again; raising her eyebrow this time as well. Rachel didn't answer with words; this time she just slid her hand down her own body in an agonizingly slow pace and Quinn watched. As she watched her mouth watered.
When Rachel's hand slid over her heated core both girls let out matching moans.
"I want your mouth here baby," Rachel's voice was so deep and so sexy that Quinn was having a hard time breathing. Her eyes were glued to Rachel's hand as it slid back and forth over her clothed clit as her body was writhing on the couch.
Quinn was about to snap, and when Rachel spoke again she did.
"I want you to lick me Quinn," she said again with that deep voice and Quinn couldn't deny her.
Like she would anyway.
Her hands moved over Rachel's panties and she pulled Rachel's hand away from herself causing the girl to whine and buck her hips upward. Quinn placed Rachel's hot and damp fingers against her lips. She breathed in the incredible smell of Rachel's desire and poked her tongue out to taste it too.
Again causing them both to moan.
"Quinn!" Rachel whined again and the desperation in her tone made Quinn that much more aroused. She dropped Rachel's hand and it fell uselessly to the couch. Quinn shimmed as far back on the couch as she could and pulled Rachel's barely there panties off of her body. Once the panties were gone Rachel dropped her legs open; revealing herself to Quinn.
"Fuck babe," she hummed and Rachel smirked. She reached for Quinn's head and slowly tangled her fingers into those messy blonde locks.
"Please," she begged; Quinn's resolve broke, she lowered her mouth to Rachel, and slowly started to lick her hot… wet sex. She felt Rachel's upper body arch off the couch at first contact and she winced a bit when Rachel's fingers dug into her scalp.
But it was a good pain.
She started to flick her tongue back and forth over Rachel's clit over and over and over again until Rachel's legs were shaking. She was giving her so much pleasure but not enough to send her over the edge.
"More please."
With that desperate plea Quinn again gave in to Rachel's demands and pushed two fingers hard and deep inside of her while her tongue continued to flick her clit again and again.
"OH yes… yes, yes, yesssssss," Rachel sang as Quinn fucked her thoroughly. "Oh fuck yes, fuck Quinn," she hummed and pulled her bottom lip into her mouth as her head hit the couch and her eyes rolled back.
Quinn could feel her walls tightening and she knew Rachel was close. But she wanted more.
She wanted to taste more; so she pulled her fingers out.
"Quinn… no," Rachel whined again but before she could get too upset Quinn's tongue was thrust deep inside, and Quinn's wet fingers were now rubbing furiously over her clit. "Oh yeah!" Rachel yelled again letting her head fall back to the couch as Quinn's tongue was thrusting in and out of her. "Quinnnnnnnn!' She screamed in pleasure, arching her back and snapping her legs against Quinn's head. She heard a muffled groan and knew Quinn would be upset about that but at this moment she didn't care.
She could only feel.
And what she was feeling was Quinn's tongue, and Quinn's fingers, and Quinn's love.
As her orgasm had passed; she was still twitching because Quinn's tongue was still gently lapping at her, she was trying to catch her breath but Quinn wasn't helping so she eventually pushed the girl out from between her legs and closed them tight.
Her body was still shaking a bit and she could hear Quinn's smug giggle but she didn't care. Quinn earned her smugness.
"Wow baby that was so good," Rachel breathed.
"I know," she heard Quinn say and looked up to see her wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She knew what Quinn was referring to and she could only grin and blush. "I think I might have whiplash." Quinn was now rubbing the back of her neck.
"I'm sorry," Rachel said sheepishly. "I couldn't help it."
"Mm hmm."
"I mean it Quinn," she sat up and felt another surge of desire shoot through her because her body was still very much thrumming with arousal. "It's your own fault for being so good at that anyway," Quinn giggled and got to her feet. "And where do you think you're going?"
"I need a shower."
"But don't you want me to… you know," she said blushing; and it still amazed Quinn that even after all this time Rachel still blushed when talking about it.
"I do… and I think it's time we christen the shower," with a wink Quinn walked toward the bathroom and Rachel watched her go. And Rachel watched her wiggle her ass as she went.
And then she nearly tripped over her own feet as she scrambled to follow her.
/
Quinn had just gotten into the shower when she felt Rachel climb in behind her.
"Took you long enough."
"Sorry I was stunned by watching this ass wiggle its way in here," Rachel said and was already cupping Quinn's ass.
"Mm baby," Quinn moaned when Rachel pushed her against the wall of the shower. "My ass is all yours."
"All of you is all mine," Rachel said and Quinn nodded and draped her arms across Rachel's neck.
"Fuck me baby," Quinn demanded and Rachel almost lost her shit right there. The sound of Quinn's voice is always so sexy but when it's making demands it's like a million times sexier. Rachel slipped her free hand- the one that wasn't grabbing Quinn's ass- in between Quinn's legs and felt the girl open her legs more. She slid her hand over Quinn's hot center and through her wetness.
"Mm… I want this."
"Take it," Quinn growled and Rachel did. She slipped two fingers easily inside and Quinn started to ride her fingers. "More," she said as her hips continued to roll against Rachel's palm. Rachel pulled out and pushed back in; with three fingers this time. Quinn moaned loudly and Rachel almost came at the feeling of Quinn's walls stretching around her. After a moment; Quinn started to rock her hips again in time with Rachel's thrusts.
"Oh god… oh fuck," she grunted and dug her nails into the flesh of Rachel's shoulders. Rachel winced in pain but the pleasure of it took over after a few moment's and she forgot about the pain altogether. "Ki- ugh fuck… kiss me babe," Quinn begged between pants and Rachel did as she was told. As soon as their lips collided the passion that was always there- bubbling just under the surface- boiled over and Quinn came hard; soaking Rachel's hand. As she rocked and wiggled through her intense orgasm Rachel held her up. Once she was sure Quinn's legs could hold her up; she released her grip and dropped to her knees.
"Rach," Quinn whined and tried to stop her but once that tongue was lapping at her wetness she couldn't stop her.
She didn't want to stop her.
She just wanted more of this.
So she lifted her leg and placed it on the edge and let Rachel lick her into another mind blowing orgasm that ended when she collapsed to the floor in a heap; tangled up in Rachel.
"That was fun."
"Mm."
"But we do need to shower."
"Mm."
"And probably take a nap… I don't want to be so tired today that I trip as I cross the stage."
"Mm."
"Is that all you can say?"
"Mm."
"Okay well I'm going to shower and you can nap on the floor here if you want." Rachel got to her feet and Quinn rolled her eyes. All she could think about was Rachel's super human energy.
Like how the fuck did she do that?
But then Rachel was singing and Quinn just watched in awe like she always did.
Eventually she showered.
With cold fucking water.
And eventually they did nap.
Tangled up in each other… just like always.
They always knew they'd get to this moment one day.
And they always knew they'd do it together.
Rachel eyes fluttered open when she heard a loud and incessant banging on the door. She looked over to the still sleeping form of her sexy girlfriend. She leaned over Quinn and placed a sweet kiss to her cheek and then the banging started again. This time followed by yelling.
"Q! Berry! Open the fucking door!" Rachel rolled her eyes and got out of bed. She quickly pulled her clothes on and was walking toward the door when the banging started again. "Fucking hell you two, there are more important things going on today than fuck-" Santana shut up when Rachel swung the door open.
"Santana, must you always such a pain in the ass?" Rachel asked without even really looking at Santana but when she did she squealed. She squealed because standing beside Santana on either side were her dads.
"Oh my Barbra!" She was instantly swept into her daddy's arms as he hugged her tight.
"Hey baby girl," he said burying his face in the crook of her neck. "You didn't think we'd miss this did you?"
"No not really," she said as he put her down and that was when she noticed that Judy and Richard were there too; and that was when Hiram pulled her into a hug. "But I am still so happy to see you… all of you." Once her dad released her she stepped closer to Judy and wrapped her arms around the woman.
"Thank you so much for coming."
"We wouldn't miss it Rachel," she promised. "You're every bit a daughter to me as Quinn is and hope you know that."
"I know," Rachel promised. "Oh, let me wake up Quinn… she's going to be so happy to see you and then I'll give you all a tour of our place."
"Tour?" Santana asked with snark in her tone. "That should take all of ten seconds," Rachel rolled her eyes. Some things never changed with Santana; she may have acted like Rachel and Quinn's apartment wasn't that big of a deal but deep down she knew that Santana was proud and happy for them.
"Shut it Satan!" She led everyone into the house and she heard both Judy and Hiram gasp.
"It's so beautiful baby girl," Hiram said and Rachel beamed; because it really was. And her girlfriend bought it for her.
Her wonderful, amazing, sexy, perfect girlfriend.
"Let me go get Quinn," she said but before she could even take a step Quinn walked into the room; still half asleep and her hair messed. Santana immediately started to laugh.
"Looking good Q," she said and Quinn was going to tell her to fuck off but that was when she saw her mom.
"Mom… yo-you're here."
"Yeah I wouldn't miss this day," with those words Quinn's smile widened and she pulled her mom into a tight hug.
"Thanks mom… Rachel hoped you'd be here, so this is wonderful."
"Yeah well Rachel is so special and not just to you baby," she felt Quinn smile into her shoulder.
"Alright," Leroy cut them off. "Let's see this place that you bought for my baby girl," when Quinn's eyes met his they shared a moment. They both knew that Quinn used the money that he and Hiram had invested for her to buy this place and Quinn knew he was so proud of her for that.
"Okay," as Quinn turned to start the tour she felt Leroy pull her into a hug and she let the feeling wash over her.
The feeling of a father's love.
The feeling she had never once gotten from her own father.
The feeling that she was so proud to be getting from this man.
"Can we get the fucking show on the road, enough with the sap?" Santana shouted but swallowed audibly when Judy glared at her.
After the families toured the apartment they went out for an early lunch before the ceremony.
Rachel was pacing.
She was pacing back and forth near the aisle of NYADA's theater. She was so nervous because she was about to graduate from college and her life was about to become all about Broadway- and Quinn of course- but it was happening and this day was the launching point for the rest of her life.
So she was freaking the fuck out.
Her mom had shown up a littler earlier and Quinn was currently running around the back of the theater with Beth and that was making her smile; but she was still freaking out.
She was glad when she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see that it was Kurt.
"Oh hey Kurt."
"Why are you freaking out?" She smiled at the fact that he knew her so well.
"Because... I mean… why are you not freaking out? This is it… this is the moment where it's all going to change. There is nothing left to learn Kurt," she saw him nodding and knew that he was now thinking about all that this day really meant. "After this it's up to us, the future is here and I'm just freaking out that I will mess it up… like I always do, when it's my time to shine."
"Okay Rachel I get it… but you don't always mess up," she rolled her eyes and he grasped her shoulder and forced her eyes to meet his. "You are Rachel Berry and there is no one in this world that I am less worried about," he saw her smile slightly at his words. "I understand how you're feeling; the fear," she nodded. "I really do get it… but Rachel you've got this. This is the moment you have waited your entire life for," he wiped a tear that had fallen out of her eye and smiled. "Make it happen Rachel… like you always do."
"We got here together," she whispered and his smiled widened because he knew what she was saying. "Without you Kurt… and Santana, and Brittany, and Mike… and everyone in their own way I would not be standing here. Each and every one of you helped me at some point and in some way and I could not have done this without you all."
"And we couldn't have done it without you Rach," he pulled her into a tight hug. "We did get here together," she nodded against his shoulder and finally felt some of the worry leave her.
"Is that my boy- future Broadway star Kurt Hummel- I see right there," a voice from behind them called and Kurt pulled out of the hug to be enveloped into a tight hug by his father. Rachel watched with adoration because Burt Hummel was one of the greatest men Rachel had ever… or would ever know.
"Congratulations Rachel," Carole said from beside her and she met the woman's impressed stare.
"Thank you," Rachel told her. "Is Finn-"
"He's fine Rachel," she said as Rachel let out a relived breath. "I was so worried when he left but this seems to be what he was made for," Rachel nodded once and another tear fell from her eye. She knew exactly what Finn's mom meant. "He said to tell you that he is really proud of you and he knew you'd get here." Rachel couldn't fight the smile that those words brought to her face.
"Thank you Mrs. Hummel."
"Please call me Carole sweetie;" and Rachel nodded.
"Dad," Kurt said quietly and both women looked up to see that Burt Hummel was crying like a baby.
"You are the greatest and most special man I know; and the fact that I had any part in the incredible man that you have become is my greatest accomplishment. I am so proud of you Kurt," Kurt patted his arm and pulled him into another hug. Rachel felt like she was intruding on the moment and she slipped away from them quietly.
And she was immediately enveloped in a tight hug. It took her a moment to realize who was hugging her.
But only a moment because she would know those arms anywhere.
"Noah you made it," she said into his shoulder and felt him release her from his tight hold. He cupped her cheek.
"I wouldn't miss it babe."
"I love you Noah."
"I love you too Rachel and I am so fucking proud of you. I know I'm going to be crying like a little bitch when I watch you cross that stage," Rachel let out a small giggle at those words.
"Sounds perfect," this time he laughed. "But in honor of your manhood I promise to buy you a drink later at the party," he nodded.
"Fuck my manhood babe; my best friend in the whole world is about to start her brilliant future and I don't give a fuck who sees me crying like a baby," she patted his arm.
"Jew bros for life," she held up her fist and he laughed again.
"For life," he pressed his fist against hers. "And as far as the drink I'll be doing the buying tonight Rachel Berry."
"Deal."
"Now go out there and fucking own it the way you always do," he leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"I will I just have to find-"
"Quinn," he finished for her with a lazy grin and she nodded. He loved those girls so much and he was so thankful that even after all this time they were still going strong.
It gave him hope for the future.
Rachel said goodbye to Noah and then went to look for Quinn before the ceremony started. It didn't take very long.
"Rachel!" Beth's voice rang out and she turned in time for the little girl to jump into her arms. Rachel caught her easily. Meanwhile a few steps back Quinn watched with love.
The two greatest things in her life were holding each other and she pulled out her camera and took a picture. Rachel saw the flash and looked over at her.
The smile on her face took Quinn's breath away.
Some things never change.
"Hey baby," Rachel cooed as Quinn stepped into her and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips.
"Hey starlight," Quinn replied with an equally smitten grin on her face.
"Ew," Beth whined; and from behind them they heard Santana laughing.
"You're kid is awesome Q," Santana said and Beth wiggled out of Rachel's arms.
"Auntie Santana!" She yelled and ran into Santana's awaiting arms. Both Quinn and Rachel knew that Santana did that to give them a moment alone.
But neither would ever mention it to her.
Quinn pushed a stray piece of hair out of Rachel's face and tucked it behind her ear.
"You look gorgeous."
"Says the hottest girl in the room," Quinn rolled her eyes at that because Rachel could never just take a compliment. "But thank you babe."
"Are you ready?"
"I feel like I'm going to vomit."
"Then you're ready," Quinn reassured her and then pulled her into a heated kiss. "Break a leg and when you cross the stage I'll be the one clapping the loudest," Rachel chuckled.
"I had a feeling you'd say that."
"Small moments," Quinn winked and pressed another sweet kiss to those amazing lips before she turned toward her seat. As Rachel walked over to her seat she caught sight of Cassie standing off to the side and grinning at her. Rachel returned the smile and Cassie nodded.
No words needed to be said for Rachel to know that she was proud.
That she had been so awful to her in the beginning because she knew that one day she'd be here; watching Rachel walked across the NYADA stage toward her future.
And she knew that Cassie knew that future would involve the bright lights of a Broadway stage.
She nodded back and was confident that Cassie knew it was a thank you.
After the ceremony Rachel and Quinn went to dinner with their families; they were all going to be in New York for the week because Quinn's graduation was at the end of the week and there were a couple of other ceremonies that they wanted to crash in the meantime.
One of which was the next day.
Mike was pacing his apartment while Tina was searching for the perfect tie for him; when there was a knock on the door. It was Blaine that answered it. Rachel and Quinn entered first followed by Santana and Brittany.
"Hey guys," Blaine greeted.
"How is he?" Quinn wondered and Blaine smiled.
"He's freaking out a bit." Quinn nodded and walked over to where Mike was pacing as the others sat down and waited. Rachel smiled at her amazing girlfriend who walked over to her close friend.
Rachel knew that Quinn was going to build Mike up the same way he did for her during their senior year of high school; she knew that not only was Quinn glad to do it she was also thankful that she would finally be able to repay that favor.
Quinn could see the worry and fear on Mike's face as she approached him.
"Hey valedictorian," she greeted and he stopped pacing to look at her. He smile shyly and hung his head for a moment before meeting her eyes once again.
"Julliard doesn't have valedictorian."
"Maybe not but you are still the number one student in your graduating class and speech or not Mike, that is a big deal," he blushed.
"Yeah I guess."
"Why are you nervous?"
"I don't know really… I think it's the same thing that Rachel was nervous about you know?" She nodded because she did know. Because at the end of the week when she would be doing the same thing; she knew that she would be facing the dame fear.
"You are going to be brilliant Mike," he blushed again.
"So are you Quinn," he promised and they shared a moment where they both reflected on their friendship which got stronger during senior year and was still just as strong; even with the distance. "I can't wait until you're in my life every day again."
"Me too," she said because she felt it too. "I know I thanked you a million times Mike for all that you did for me during our senior year but I don't think I ever told you just how much you saved me."
"I didn't," he tried to wave her off but she insisted.
"You did," she forced his eyes to meet hers. "Rachel did, our parents did, Santana did… and you did Mike. You saved me in a way that none of them could. You were the man I needed at that moment in my life and I am so glad to have you as a friend."
"I'm glad I have you too Quinn," he pulled her into a tight hug.
"We got here together," she said and he pulled out of the hug.
"We sure as fuck did," he replied and she giggled. A moment later, Tina came out of the room.
"I found the perfect one," she said holding up a tie and she didn't miss that Mike was wiping a tear out of his eye. She looked over at Quinn and knew that Quinn had just built him up in a way that she couldn't. She wasn't angry or jealous.
She was just proud.
Proud; that this group of friends could always save each other in one way or another.
"Thanks Quinn."
"You're welcome Mike… you got this," he nodded and she turned away but not before she noticed that he pulled Tina into a scorching kiss and both women knew he was confident enough to graduate at the top of his class at Julliard; an hour later.
Later that night they partied the way college kids do.
Well not exactly because they had another ceremony the next day.
Santana was freaking the fuck out.
Her parents were in the audience; Quinn was nowhere to be found, and Brittany was running late because she had to run by her studio before the ceremony for some shit. Santana was honestly too nervous too even hear what Brittany said it was.
But she was freaking out.
She needed someone; so she was happy to see Rachel approaching her.
"Hey Satan," Rachel teased but she could see the worry all over her friend's face. "Hey what's wrong?"
"I'm going to fucking fall… or forget the words… or fucking… I don't know fall on my face," Rachel withheld a laugh because laughing at Santana Lopez at a time like this would be bad for everyone.
"Just relax… go out there, and sing like only you can and then walk across that stage to your future."
"And what future is that Rachel?"
"What do you mean?"
"A future of making coffee for ignorant little hipsters and being on Brittany's arm as she rises to the top."
"It's going to happen for you too Santana," Rachel promised.
"When? Huh? When is it going to happen for me? It's happening for everyone else. Mike and Kurt are starring in shows… yeah they're little but they're still doing it. Brittany is… well she's fucking amazing. Quinn made a goddamn movie! You! Well you're Rachel fucking Berry you are going to own this town," Rachel felt a swell of pride at those words. "Even Noah fucking Puckerman is doing well with his band. Like what the fuck? When is it going to be my turn?"
"You just have to be patient Santana, I mean you have a manager… these things take time."
"It didn't take time for you."
"Yeah well I got lucky," she shrugged. "But it'll happen. If I'm confident about one thing," she smiled at the glare Santana was now giving her. "I mean if I'm confident about one thing other than my talent it's that you Santana will be a recording star one day and you might even win a Grammy before me," Santana let out a humorless chuckle. "I mean I am going to win the EGOT someday."
"There is that famous Rachel Berry arrogance we all know and hate."
"Confidence, Satan." Both girls shared a smile and an understanding that was always there between them; lying just below the surface. "But seriously. I know you… I know you better than you are willing to admit most days and the reason why you and I didn't hit it off right away is because we are exactly the same."
"I am nothing like you Berry… don't ever say that shit again," Rachel smiled because she knew Santana well enough by now.
"Deny it all you want but we are the same. We are both talented, and driven, and will stop at nothing to get everything we want from this life. We are both insanely in love with hot blondes and we are both annoyingly arrogant." Santana laughed. "We got here together Santana and I am so proud of you." She could see that Santana was crying and not even trying to hide it.
"Thank you Rachel but… what… I mean what do I do now?"
"What do you mean?"
"What do I do in the meantime… while I'm waiting for my big break? Starbucks is fine to pay the bills but-" she shook her head as more tears fell from her eyes.
"You could always enroll in the graduates program," she saw Santana's eyes meet hers. "I mean it's always a good thing to keep learning. Maybe you could study something fun… something that you have always wanted to learn about and then when your big break comes you will have just one more thing that you're good at," Santana nodded and wiped her eyes.
"Thanks Rachel, you're a good friend."
"Shh, someone might hear you," Rachel was looking around to see if anyone heard and was surprised when Santana collided into her hugging her tight.
"I don't give a fuck who hears."
"Come on Santana… let's go get you a degree."
"Yes lets," when they pulled apart they saw Brittany and Quinn standing there watching them.
"Wait did Santana and Rachel just have a moment?" Brittany teased.
"I think they might have," Quinn said.
"Fuck you Q," Santana shouted but draped her arm over Quinn's shoulder anyway.
"Me," she squealed. "Your girlfriend said it."
"Yeah but we all know I never yell at Brittany," her eyes landed on her amazing girlfriend. "And I never will."
"I'm proud of you San."
"I know," Santana told her and draped her other arm over Brittany shoulder while Rachel followed behind them; watching.
The Unholy Trinity.
Once again crossing another bridge in life.
And once again… doing it together.
Quinn was the one pacing this time. Rachel was out in front of the campus waiting for their families and friends to arrive from their hotels and she was freaking out.
She had been the voice of reason for Mike earlier in the week when he graduated but now she was the one freaking out. No, she was not graduating first in her class… so she was thankful she wouldn't have to make a speech. If she had to make a speech now she was afraid she would vomit everywhere, but she did finish in the top of her graduating class.
7th to be exact.
And she was proud and happy about that.
She thought back to senior year when Mr. Schue made them sit in a circle and talk about what they wanted for their future; she said she wanted to graduate top of her class at Yale and marry Rachel; one was about to happen and the other was something she eagerly awaited.
She was smiling like a fool and so lost in thought she didn't even notice that Puck was standing off to the side; watching her.
Puck was standing with his arms crossed over his chest and was watching his baby Mama pace back and forth. He saw a stupid grin cross her mouth and he knew- in that moment- that she was thinking about Rachel.
He also knew that was his cue.
"Sup milf," he said and she wheeled around and glared at him. Well she tried to glare at him as she flashed back to that day in the hall sophomore year when he confronted her about the baby… but now she could only see the man he had become; and all that they had been through, and her glare faded as a smile took over.
"Well, well, well… if it isn't my baby daddy," at that he started to laugh and stepped closer to her. He pulled her into a hug. "Shouldn't you be fawning over your girlfriend who actually managed to pass?" He laughed again.
"Yeah and I will… but right now I needed to make time for an old friend. For the woman who changed my life."
"Yeah well someone had to," she teased.
"I'm so proud of you Quinn."
"I'm proud of me too," she teased again and he looked to his feet. She put her hand under his chin and forced his eyes to meet hers. "I'm proud of you too Puck. You have grown so much since that fateful day in the hallway when I was blaming you for ruining my life," he nodded. "You didn't ruin it, you made it better."
"Hey, I'm supposed to be the one building you up here," he said and this time she laughed.
"Yeah well you and I…" she thought wistfully before speaking again. "We always have saved each other, haven't we?"
"We have… we got her together Quinn, and I hope we are still friends when we're old and grey."
"We will be."
"Will we be hitting on chicks together at the old folks home."
"No… because we will have our soul mates beside us," He smiled wide. "But maybe we can share a beer or two and torture the staff."
"It's a date," he said and pulled her into another hug.
"Unhand my man… Fabray," Sawyer's voice called out and they broke apart.
"Hey bitch he was mine first," Quinn said as Sawyer got closer.
"So does that mean I can rub up against Rachel?" She asked and then laughed when Quinn glared at her. "That's what I thought."
"Are you ready for this?"
"To graduate from this stupid ass school that I never wanted to be at to begin with… uh yeah," Sawyer said with snark and Quinn rolled her eyes.
"Oh please you love it here. You met me here and without me you wouldn't have this guy," she motioned to Puck "Or Rachel, or Santana… or me, did I mention me?"
"Yeah you might have."
"So what happens after this," Quinn wondered. She had been afraid to ask Sawyer in fear of the answer. "I mean I know you guys are hitting the road but where will you live, after the tour?"
"Well my dad offered to buy us an apartment in New York with the condition that I still visit him and my family."
"That's awesome are you going to take it?"
"Only with a condition of our own," Puck cut in.
"And what's that?"
"That we pay him back for the apartment once Noah Loca signs a record deal."
"That's awesome guys… I am so happy you'll be close by."
"We are too," they said at the same time.
"Now let's get this shit over with because we have a gig after this… are you going?" Sawyer asked.
"Two of my best friends are playing a gig at the Yale LGBTQ rally the night I graduate and you're asking if I'm going… that's a dumb question."
"Well I am dumb," Sawyer said and Quinn rolled her eyes again.
"Hey baby," Rachel's voice sounded from behind them and Quinn turned to see that Rachel was holding Beth's hand as the rest of their friends and family followed her.
Quinn lost her breath at the sight.
"Oh my god," Quinn whispered; and Rachel smiled as Beth let go of her hand running to Quinn.
"Mama Quinn!" She shouted and Quinn squatted down to hug her. Her eyes landed on Shelby.
"I didn't think you'd be here."
"Yeah well it was meant to be a surprise… we wouldn't miss it Quinn," Shelby said and her smile widened. "Beth has something to tell you," she looked down at her daughter. "Go ahead sweetie." Quinn looked at Beth and saw the little girl smiling.
"Congratulations Mama Quinn," she said with a giggle and then she leaned over and kissed her cheek. Rachel watched and could almost see Quinn's heart melting as she pulled her baby into a tight hug.
"Thank you Beth. After this do you want to go watch dada Noah rock out on stage?"
"Yeah!" The little girl shouted pumping her fists and Puck locked eyes on Quinn. He mouthed a thank you to Quinn as Beth ran over to him. He lifted her off the ground and swung her around. Quinn draped her arm over Rachel's shoulder and watched Puck with Beth. Once he was done spinning her he locked eyes on his two other girls. He winked at Quinn.
And they were sharing the same thought.
They took the long way to get here.
But they got there.
Together.
Once Quinn and Sawyer crossed the stage to their futures; the whole gang- parents included- went to the LGBTQ rally and Quinn couldn't help but watch with pride as her mom partied right alongside people she never thought she would see her mom near.
And she did it with a big smile on her face.
Noah Loca performed Glory Days in honor of the former New Directions as they all turned another page in the story of their lives. After the first set; Puck got back on stage.
"Attention everyone," Puck called over the mic and everyone quieted down. "I just wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the most important people in my life as they all graduated from college this week." There was a short round of applause. "To Rachel and Kurt," he tipped his beer to them. "Who are going to one day have their names up in lights on Broadway," both Rachel and Kurt tipped their drinks to him. "To Mr. Mike Chang," he tipped his beer to him. "Whose feet are going to bring him all the riches a class act like him deserves," Mike also tipped his beer. And Puck looked toward Santana.
"To Santana… the biggest pain in my ass," she glared at him. "You are going be the next big thing one of these days and I'll get to say I was one of a few dudes who slept with her."
"You're such an ass Puckerman," she shouted back as the crowd cheered. He laughed and nodded to her, a gesture she returned with a smile.
"To Quinn, there are no words to express what you mean to me… but you know anyway," she nodded. "And to my band mate Sawyer Bishop… who is the only girl who could tame the wild Puckasaurus," he laughed when she rolled her eyes. "These two graduated today from this amazing school," he paused as the crowd went wild. "All of these people matter to me so much and in so many different ways. These people are my family and you know what?" He paused briefly before continuing. "We all got here together… this song is for you; because it really is all about the moments, the big moments and more importantly the small ones," he locked eyes with Rachel as he said that and he saw her smile back.
As the song began Rachel cuddled close to Quinn; Mike and Tina, Kurt and Blaine, and Brittany and Santana followed suit. Even the parents cuddled close together as they all listened to one of their best friends salute them in the only way he knew how.
In the only way they all knew how.
Via song.
We laughed, until we had to cry
And we loved, right down to our last goodbye
We were the best, I think we'll ever be
Just you and me
For just a moment
We chased, that dream we never found
And sometimes, we let one another down
But the love we made
Made everything alright
We shone so bright
For just a moment
Time goes on
People touch and they're gone
And you and I will never love again
Like we did then
Someday, when we both reminisce
(We'll both say)
We'll both say there wasn't too much we missed
And through the tears
(And through the tears)
We'll smile when we recall
We had it all
For just a moment
Time goes on
(Oh)
People touch and then they're gone
But you and I will never really end
We'll never love again
Like we did then
We laughed until we had to cry
And we loved right down to our last goodbye
When the song was over Puck was yanked off of the stage by those very same people he had dedicated the song too and it was the greatest feeling in the world.
As he was loved, and hugged, and accepted…
By his family.
/
The next day Rachel and Quinn were on the train for the very last time. The rest of Quinn's stuff was at their feet in boxes and Rachel couldn't help but feel the excitement knowing she would never have to say goodbye to Quinn again.
"What are you thinking?"
"That I never have to leave you again," Rachel answered to which Quinn nodded and cuddled closer. "And I can't wait to go home… to our home."
"Mm, and our bed."
"Well, that is not there yet," Rachel said sadly and saw Quinn smirking. "What?"
"It is there," Quinn answered with a smirk.
"Huh?"
"I may have paid a mover to get the bed and move it to our new place."
"Quinn!" Rachel sat up and met her eyes. "Are you crazy… we could've been robbed!"
"Relax drama queen," she said. "I had Brody there when they got it from your place and when they brought it to our place," Rachel's nervous expression relaxed and a smile took over.
"Oh."
"Yeah oh," Quinn teased and Rachel cuddled back into her side.
"So this is it… when we get home, we'll be home."
"For good."
And Rachel could only smile because that is all she ever wanted. From the day Quinn moved back into her mom's house and during all the somewhere in between moments.
She was finally going to have her girl back with her.
Where she belonged.
"Home," Quinn whispered knowing what Rachel was thinking.
"Yeah home," Rachel whispered. And just like always in Quinn's arms and in Quinn's heart she was most definitely home.
A/N 2: The song that Puck's band sang to everyone was For Just a Moment by David Foster; and the title of the chapter comes from the song When You Put Your Heat In It by Kenny Rogers.
Up next everyone struggles with adult life. Rachel and Quinn struggle with starting their careers while also starting their lives together. It will be an uphill climb but one that they do together; like always. Stay tuned…