A/N: Otherwise known as "A Very Glee Christmas"
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or any of the songs used or any other product mentioned.
Chapter 36: Wonderful
"It's the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you 'Be of good cheer.' It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's the hap-happiest season of all, with those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings. When friends come to call, it's the hap- happiest season of all."
Rachel bounded down the stairs on a mission. It was Christmas time and although her family didn't celebrate the holiday she was always surrounded by it due to everyone else celebrating it. The mall, the town and school was all a buzz with holiday cheer. It bothered her more when she was a kid than it does now. She loved her faith and didn't feel like she was missing out on anything the way that she did when she was younger. But this year was different. This year she was going to ask her fathers if she could spend Christmas with Quinn. Last year they had given each other gifts; but she could see in Quinn's eyes that the girl was slightly disappointed. She knew that Quinn would never complain or break up with her over not sharing the same religion or holiday celebrations but she could see that Quinn wanted to share this holiday with her; she could tell it was Quinn's favorite and if they were going to have a future together- and she really hoped that they had a future together- than this is something that would have to be resolved eventually and Rachel Berry never waited around for eventually. She settled problems as soon as they arose.
She walked into the kitchen where her dad was sitting at the counter reading the newspaper while her daddy was preparing some breakfast.
"Good morning fathers," she greeted in her usual tone and proceeded to kiss them both on the cheek.
"You're a little more chipper than usual," Hiram smiled at her. "What's got you so happy?"
"The holiday spirit dad," she answered and got strange looks from both of them. "This brings me to the subject at hand. I need to speak with you about something that is rather important to me," she waited to see if either man would say something but when they merely nodded she continued. "I must inform you that I am very happy with our Jewish faith and I promise that I intend on keeping with my religion and traditions as I grow."
"Good to know," Hiram said with a raised eyebrow and waited for her to reach her point.
"With that said, I am hopelessly in love with a Christian who very much loves this holiday," she saw both men nod. "And as I intend on staying with Quinn for an indefinite amount of time I have been thinking a lot about this. Ever since last Christmas actually when I saw the slight disappointment in Quinn's eyes."
"What are you getting at Rachel?" Leroy asked as the curiosity was killing him.
"That I would like to spend Christmas with Quinn and celebrate it with her in the traditional way."
"Okay," Hiram said still confused. "Are you saying you want to convert, because you just said that you love your religion?"
"And I do, and no I do not want to convert." She told him and then took a deep breath. She needed to explain herself more clearly. "What am saying is that I am looking to the future and please do not make fun of me," she looked at both men before continuing; Leroy especially. "I want to spend my life with Quinn," both men smiled. "And I know that as a junior in high school you think I'm crazy but-"
"Relax Rachel," Leroy cut her off. "We know you and Quinn are meant to be… like real lasting true love. We knew you two were more than high school when we allowed her to move in here and sleep in your bed. We wouldn't have done that for just anyone sweetie so please continue. We won't pick on you about knowing what you want at this age… as long as you wait until your dreams are settled before running off and getting married." She laughed at that.
"We are in no rush," she assured them. "But just because we are waiting for a long time before making vows doesn't mean I can't start preparing for the future now. I haven't discussed this with Quinn as of yet but I will and what I am saying is that when Quinn and I have children and if she agrees I would like them to be raised with both of our religions and values. While I may not agree with everything that is Christian, and neither does Quinn yet she still believes in it and I won't take that away from her or our future children. I would like them to know both and choose for themselves."
"You are amazing baby girl," Leroy told her with a grin.
"So is that a yes, can I spend Christmas with Quinn and give her the perfect day?" Hiram's eyes met Leroy's and they shared a nod.
"Yes Rachel, you can spend the holiday with Quinn." She squealed and hugged them both just as the doorbell rang.
"That's Quinn, don't tell her I'd like it to be a surprise." She told them and they nodded. After a minute Quinn joined them in the kitchen and was nearly tackled by a very hyper Rachel. She was kissed all over her face.
"Good morning to you to babe," Quinn said pulling away from the kissing assault. "What has you in such a good mood?"
"I have the most amazing parents," Rachel told her.
"I agree," Quinn said and felt herself get enveloped in a tight hug by one of said parents and then the other.
"Would you like some breakfast?" Leroy asked as Quinn handed them all the coffees she had brought for them. It had become a tradition since she moved out.
"Do you have bacon?" Quinn asked.
"Of course Quinn," Leroy winked. "It's the one thing these two allow me to have and it's partly because you love it as well."
"Well in that case I'm in," Quinn said as she and Rachel began setting the table while the Leroy cooked breakfast.
Everyone was dancing and singing as they decorated the choir room with Christmas decorations. They were singing 'The Most Wonderful Day of the Year' and Rachel couldn't help but grin at a smirking Quinn after she sang the line Wake up don't you know that it's time to come out. In fact they spent the remainder of the song practically eye-fucking.
Mr. Schuester walked in just as the song ended and noticed them decorating a tree. He seemed really confused.
"Hey guys, what's this?"
"Uh- we're trying to get into the Christmas spirit Mr. Schue," Finn told him. "Christmas is totally my favorite holiday and check out this awesome tree. I found it on the side of the road; it must've fell off some guy's car."
"And the ornaments?"
"The guy who lives next door finally killed off his elderly mother," Santana explained. "And when they carted him off they left the house wide open so… I think she was a holiday hoarder." Mr. Schuester furrowed his brow.
"Uh- a-a-and the presents?"
"I lifted them from a display at the mall," Puck answered. "But don't worry they're empty." Mr. Schuester shook his head.
"Guys I appreciate the effort but this isn't what Christmas is supposed to be like."
"For us it is," Mercedes chimed in. "This tree is like a mascot for glee club. We won sectionals two years in a row and according to everyone at this school, we still suck."
[Flashback]
Mercedes, Mike and Tina were walking down the hall talking amongst themselves; When Azimio, Karofsky and another football player tossed red and green slushies at them.
"Ho, Ho, Ho losers," Azimio said laughing as the three boys stalked off.
[End Flashback]
"I'm pretty sure they just added food coloring to real slush from the parking lot," Mike said pathetically.
"You can eat that you know?" Lauren said to him seriously, Mike nodded.
"No, no," Mr. Schuester cut in again. "I am not going to let you guys throw yourselves a pity party. Look I'm the first to say things haven't turned out exactly how I would've liked them to this year but Christmas is all about being grateful for the things that did."
"I thought that was Thanksgiving," Puck pointed out but Mr. Schuester ignored him.
"And this year glee club is going to lend a hand to the homeless children and youth program right here in Lima."
"How are we gonna do that?" Rachel wondered.
"The only way we know how," Mr. Schuester said more excited than he should be. "By singing about it," they all rolled their eyes and once again he ignored them. "We're gonna go classroom to classroom caroling to raise money." They all share appalled looks.
"Wait, classrooms in this school; with like students in them?" Tina asked and he smirked at her.
"Well if there are no students, there will be no one to put money in the collection box while we sing."
"We're going to be killed," Quinn responded.
"No guys it's Christmas," Finn cut in and Quinn rolled her eyes. Golden boy Finn to the rescue she thought. "A time for miracles… we gotta try this."
"Finn's right," Mr. Schuester said with a smile eliciting another annoyed eye roll from Quinn. "So let's start rehearsing. This year… glee club's going full Santa."
"Mr. Schue," Rachel said raising her hand. He looked at her and pointed. "I would like to propose that we take part in a secret Santa gift exchange to boost morale amongst the glee club."
"That is a great idea Rachel," he said with a grin. "Would everyone like to do that?" He asked and there were a few cheers; Brittany, Puck and Mercedes and Tina. Everyone else also agreed- just less cheerfully.
After Mr. Schuester searched for his hat again and pouted that he still didn't know what happened to it. They all added their names to a box from the decorations and everyone picked one. Rachel set the terms of the amount of money they were to spend and when they would exchange their gifts and everyone agreed. Mr. Schuester then had them rehearse for the caroling that was going to happen later that day.
As they walked out of the choir room before their first class Quinn turned to Rachel.
"That was nice of you, considering."
"Considering what?" Rachel wondered.
"That you're Jewish and don't celebrate Christmas," Quinn told her and Rachel hid the sly smile that was creeping up her cheeks.
"Yeah well everyone is just so depressed right now so I figured," she shrugged her shoulders and didn't continue.
"It was a great idea," Quinn said. "So who'd you get?"
"Quinn it's a secret."
"So," she looked around before whispering. "I'm your girlfriend and we don't keep secrets come on Rach, who'd you get?"
"Sam," Rachel answered and Quinn's eyebrows shot up.
Oh shit.
"Oh," she said with shock and didn't know what to say next.
"Don't worry Quinn I'll get him a perfectly nice gift although all I really want to get him is a swift kick to his nuts."
"Rachel!"
"What?" She asked innocently and then smiled. "Don't worry I'll play nice," she could see that Quinn believed her. "Who'd you get?"
"Lauren," Quinn said pathetically. "Figures, I have no clue what to get her."
"Oh Quinn don't worry you're so thoughtful. I'm sure you'll think of something that she will love," Rachel said and faced her.
"Thanks," Quinn was grinning like a fool. Rachel loved the reactions she brought out in her girlfriend.
"See you in P.E." Rachel said before turning down the hall toward her class and Quinn watched her go.
As Quinn drove Rachel home after school she could see that her girlfriend's wonderful mood from the morning was now gone and replaced with a scowl.
"Hey," she said and rested her hand on Rachel's thigh. "Are you okay?"
"I just can't believe the teacher threw her shoe at us."
"Yeah I know… Mr. Schuester's ideas are getting more ridiculous every time."
"I agree," Rachel said with a chuckle.
"Can I do anything to get your mind off if it?" Rachel grinned wickedly.
"Actually," she said and Quinn could hear the naughty tone her voice had taken. "Have I told you that I really like your socks?" Quinn shot her a brief but very confused look.
Her socks?
What was so wonderful about her sock?
"My socks?" She said aloud and could see Rachel nod emphatically out of the corner of her eye.
"Mmm hmmm," she moaned in the sexiest way and Quinn felt her stomach get butterflies at the sound of it.
"What about them?"
"Oh they're just wonderful Quinn," Rachel said with a wink that she knew Quinn could see. "First of all they're knee socks which you already know I like," Quinn giggled. "And they're Christmas themed and along with that tease of a uniform you wear you are looking like a naughty little sex elf." Quinn laughed out loud at that.
"A sex elf Rach?"
"Mmm hmmm," she moaned again and this time Quinn felt her panties become damp.
"And I'd really like to lay you down on my bed in nothing but those socks."
"Oh god," Quinn groaned at the thought.
"And then I'd like to feel them as you wrap your legs around my head."
"Oh god!" She moaned this time.
And when Quinn pulled into Rachel's driveway two minutes later, she all but dragged the girl into her house and up to her bedroom. And as soon as Rachel closed her door Quinn was pulling her clothes off.
Rachel watched her strip down and lay on her bed wearing only the knee socks.
"Oh fuck Quinn," she said not able to remove her eyes from her naked- well almost naked- and smoking hot girlfriend on display on her bed; but when Quinn opened her legs to reveal her glistening center with a smirk playing on her lips… Rachel nearly collapsed.
"Well get to it," Quinn demanded.
And as soon as Rachel could feel her legs; she dove in.
And as per request Quinn did in fact wrap those stocking covered legs around Rachel's head while her talented tongue worked her over.
And it was amazingly wonderful.
The next morning at school; Quinn was at her locker when Santana approached her.
"Hey Q."
"Hey Santana, how have you been? I feel like we haven't really talked in ages."
"God Q, you've been hanging around Berry far too much, you're talking like her now," Santana said trying to sound like her normal and bitchy self but falling short.
"What's wrong?" Quinn asked as she closed her locker. They started walking toward their first class which luckily they shared.
"What else?"
"Britt," Quinn said even though she knew she was right and Santana nodded.
"What now?"
"Nothing new, I just…" she trailed off. "I do-don't I want…"
"Sentences San."
"I know alright!" She practically screamed. "I want to be able to let her go and be happy with stumbles," Quinn shot her a look that told her to not be mean but Santana either missed it or ignored it. "But every time I try, I find myself going after her and having sex with her."
"San-" Quinn said in her disapproving tone and Santana cut her off with a wave of her hand.
"I know okay, I fucking know Q. I just can't help myself and it's not like Brittany says no… she's right there with me."
"Because she's in love with you."
"And I'm in love with her too but I made it so she doesn't trust me or my feelings for her and I know she wants me but she stays with him because she can trust his feelings. I wish I could just let her be happy with him because she deserves it. No one deserves to be happy more than Brittany does."
"I know but Santana you love her why don't you just tell her that you love her and I'm sure she would be yours in a minute."
"Maybe, maybe not," Santana said defeated as they entered the class. "But what if I do go after her and tell her and then I panic again. I can't do that to her not if Artie can give her what she deserves."
"Yeah but, by you two going behind his back Brittany is not giving him what he deserves," Quinn said and Santana nodded knowingly. They took their shared table and continued to talk while waiting for the teacher.
"You're right but" she heaved a frustrated sigh. "Can we talk about something less heavy?"
"You brought it up."
"I know I did, I just need to vent sometimes but I don't want to talk about it anymore so this is me changing the subject," Quinn smiled at her.
"Okay what do you want to talk about?" Santana smirked.
"That god awful ring you're wearing." Quinn frowned.
"It's just a band with diamonds what's so awful about it?"
"Berry might as well have given you a shirt that says property of Rachel Berry," she said with a small grin and Quinn nodded. "You would fucking wear it too, wouldn't you?" Quinn nodded. "Whipped," Santana said but they couldn't continue because the teacher came in.
After class, they continued their conversation before separating to go to their next classes.
"So why are you wearing Berry's ring? She didn't propose did she?"
"No," Quinn said quickly shaking her head. "It was her way of saying that she's mine even though she's not ready to come out yet."
"Wait hold up," Santana shook her hands and stopped walking it took Quinn a second to realize she was alone before she stopped and faced Santana. "Did I hear that right? Rachel's not ready and you are?"
"You heard right."
"Wow," they started walking again. "I never thought I'd see the fucking day." It was quiet for another moment before Santana continued. "Wait why doesn't she want people to know? I would think she'd want to add it to the morning announcements." Santana mocked the voice of the girl that does the announcements. "And in other news Rachel Berry star of the glee club would like everyone to know that she is fucking the head cheerleader. Yup you heard it right Quinn fucking Fabray is doing Rachel freaking Berry." Santana laughed at her own joke and Quinn couldn't contain a giggle at the thought that it did sound like something Rachel would do.
"Aw, man that would be fun to hear though," Santana laughed again. "Oh shit you gotta let me do it, you know when you guys come out for real."
"Umm no."
"Aw come on."
"No," Quinn reiterated shaking her head.
"Damn Q, you are seriously no fun." They stopped in front of Quinn's class. "Hopefully when Berry's ready she'll do it herself," Quinn's eyes widened at the thought that it might be something Rachel would actually do; without the swearing of course. "I want more details about that ring later." Santana said before walking quickly so as not to be late for her next class. When the bell rang ten seconds later Quinn felt bad and hoped Santana wouldn't get detention for being late.
After getting humiliated by singing to classrooms, they got humiliated by going to see the Santa at the mall and sitting on his lap. Then they were once again humiliated when they walked into the choir room to see that everything was gone. The gifts, the decorations, even the tree was gone. It was as if the Grinch had stolen their Christmas from them and it put their already crappy moods even further down.
"They took everything," Mercedes said.
"Including all of the gifts for the homeless kids," Tina added.
"Only further proving everyone in this school hates us, no matter what we do," Rachel agreed with sadness in her tone. Quinn ran a reassuring hand up and down her back.
"It's not the school, its Sue," Mr. Schuester said with venom in his tone.
"It wasn't Sue, it was Santa," Brittany spoke up and everyone looked at her like she was crazy. "He said a light was out on the tree and he was taking it to be fixed. We just need to let him do his thing." Mr. Schuester stared at her and then his eyes drifted to Artie's who nodded trying to convince him to play along.
"Ohhhh Kaaaaay… are you sure Santa was a boy and not a girl Brittany?"
"I swear on my life," she answered sweetly. "Santa's a boy everybody knows that."
"It was probably one of the boys on the football team," Rachel whispered to Mr. Schuester.
"I guess it wasn't Sue," he said with disappointment; he had hoped to finally catch her doing something.
"So our tree is gone, our presents are missing," Finn said trying to boost morale.
"Santa's probably fixing any dents and chips as we speak," Brittany cut in but Finn continued.
"All around the world today, worse things have happened to people than this. Sorry but I'm not gonna let this get us down. Tis the season." Rachel smiled at him. It was nice to see Finn trying to be helpful instead of his usual selfish thoughts and actions.
"I agree, come on guys lets clean this up," Mr. Schuester said and everyone began to clean up the mess. Rachel approached Finn.
"Finn you and I are the leaders of this club, he nodded and shot his sideways grin. "We need to fix this; we have to put everything that's happened behind us and save Christmas for the glee club. I want to make this right."
"I agree," he told her and she smiled. Behind them Quinn was watching with her arms crossed. She pushed the jealousy aside- well as best as she could anyway- and was happy that Finn was finally looking like the leader he always told everyone he was.
When Rachel turned around and saw that Quinn was watching them she blushed but gave her girlfriend a wink; which sent butterflies to Quinn stomach and she beamed with pride.
Rachel could feel it.
And it felt wonderful.
The next day, Rachel and Finn had come up with a plan on how to raise the money for the homeless kids. When they presented it to the glee club no one was really happy but everyone agreed. Finn started to feel badly about it when the time came to do it.
He was staring at his watch as Mike stood in front of him.
"This was my dads."
"He'd want you to do it," Mike tried to convince him. "For those kids." Finn reluctantly handed it to Mike, who then moves on to Puck.
"This was my uncle's," he handed it to Mike. "It's the first thing I ever stole actually," he finished with a sly grin. Mike moved to Sam.
"I'm going to look terrible," Quinn said holding a pair of scissors.
"Shut up!" Tina told her holding her own pair of scissors. "With your bone structure you could rock the Rosemary's Baby look and still look good. I'm going to look like Jackie Chan."
"If Barbra can pull of a bob so can I," Rachel said holding her scissors to her hair.
"Enough yapping let's do this," Santana said to the group and also put her scissors to her hair. Mr. Schuester walked in at that moment and saw what they were about to do.
"Whoa, whoa… w-what are you guys doing?"
"We're going all gift of the Magi, to raise money to buy those homeless kids those school supplies," Mercedes told him.
"The guys are going to sell their watches and the girls are going to sell their hair," Sam continued.
"You can't do that."
"Oh no, its cool most of this isn't mine anyways," Santana responded.
"No I mean that's not the answer. There are other ways to raise money at Christmas time."
"No but we tried caroling and it didn't work," Rachel said to him.
"Have any of you actually read Gift of the Magi?" When no one spoke he shook his head. "None of you?"
"You don't have to read Gift of the Magi," Quinn answered. "Everybody knows what it's about."
"Well if you actually read it you'd know what it's about," he told her.
"Yeah I know what it's about," Santana said rolling her eyes. "Life, freaking sucks."
"Actually you're right," he sat down on a chair in the middle of the group. "The first Christmas you remember having is the greatest day of your life. Your family is all together; there are loads of presents and cookies. The magic is alive and well. But before you know it you grown up, work and school and girlfriends take over; and Christmas becomes more of an obligation; a reminder of what's lost instead of what's possible. And all the trees and all the presents and even the mistletoe can't change that, and then when you get to my age you're so desperate to get that magic back you'd do anything to be able to feel how you did that first Christmas."
"So what should we do?" Finn wondered.
"Put your scissors down, put your watches back on. We're going to go out and find some people who really need some Christmas spirit and we are going to sing for them."
After they sang to the teachers in the teachers' lounge and raised enough money to replace the gifts for the homeless kids they went back to the choir room to exchange their secret Santa gifts and in there… they saw a real Christmas miracle.
Artie was walking.
And it was wonderful.
And Brittany really did believe that Santa brought him the contraption that made walking possible and because of that no one questioned where the gift really came from.
Even Santana smiled at how happy Brittany was that Artie was walking.
Quinn noticed that Santana was grinning through her pain and she reached out to give her friend the support she needed. Santana squeezed her hand as then watched Brittany and Artie walk around the choir room. When he was too tired to continue; Finn and Puck helped him out of the re-walk and back into his chair. Then they made a circle with the chairs to do their gift exchange. Everyone gathered their gifts and took a seat.
Quinn was really excited- and worried- to find out what Rachel had gotten for Sam because the girl had flat out refused to tell her even though she told Rachel what she decided to get Lauren.
"I'll go first Mercedes offered," holding the gift in her lap. "And then we can just go around the circle, does that sound good?" Everyone nodded their consent. She got to her feet and walked across the circle and handed the wrapped box to Tina.
"Thank you Mercedes," she said and tore into the gift. Her eyes bulged out when she saw the top that Mercedes had bought for her. "It's the one I wanted, the one we-"
"We saw at the mall last week," Mercedes finished for her. "Merry Christmas Tina." They hugged and both girls too their seats again. Sitting to the left of Mercedes was Artie, holding a gift bag. He handed the bag to Brittany who was sitting next to him.
"You got me!"
"I did," he told her with a nod. She reached into the bag and pulled out a stuffed animal; a plush cat. Brittany's grin widened.
"Artie I love it," she said and leaned over to kiss his cheek.
"There is more," he told her and she reached into the bag again pulling out a handful of Lip Smackers lip gloss. She bounced up and down in her seat and this time she kissed him on the mouth.
Quinn heard Santana growl and felt her shift in her seat. Quinn patted her leg reassuringly and Santana shot her a grateful nod.
"Who'd you get Brittany?" Mr. Schuester asked. Rachel rolled her eyes. Sometimes it was creepy to her that he was so involved in their lives. She could tell he wanted to be a part of the gift exchange. She turned her attention back to Brittany who handed her gift to Artie.
"You got me?" He seemed surprised and she nodded.
"Aw, they're dating and they got each other; how sweet," Mercedes said and Lauren, Quinn, Rachel and Santana all rolled their eyes. Artie reached into his bag and pulled out a similar plush cat. Brittany giggled.
"We got each other the same thing," she said and Artie kissed her full on the lips. When Brittany pulled away she pointed to the bag again. "There is more." He reached in and pulled out a huge bag of Skittles.
"Skittles?" He asked with confusion all over his face.
"Yeah don't you remember silly, the other day you say that you were jealous because I have tasted the rainbow and you haven't so-"
"Brittany that was supposed to be private," he said blushing and Santana barked out a laugh a few other giggles were heard and Brittany looked around the room.
"I don't get it though; I thought everyone has at least tried them but I got you some so now you can finally taste the rainbow." The laughing got louder from the kids who understood what was going on anyway; Finn and Brittany were still confused. Meanwhile a still blushing Artie looked to the floor.
"Never mind Britt," he said softly. "Thanks for the gift."
"You're welcome," she said proudly and completely missing how mortified he was.
But Santana didn't miss it.
And that was her small pleasure during this whole experience.
Well that; and when her gift gets opened.
Next to Brittany sat Sam. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a small rectangular box and stood up. He took a few steps and handed it to Mercedes. Her smile widened as he crouched down to watch her open it.
She tore into the paper and opened the box. She gasped, her mouth dropped and she covered it with her hand.
"It's just the local community theater but I thought you'd like it," he said and she pulled him into a fierce hug. He chuckled and hugged her back.
"What'd he get you?" Rachel wondered. Mercedes released him and looked at her holding up two tickets.
"He got me tickets to Dream Girls," she said and looked back at him.
"Oh that was sweet," Rachel said and saw Quinn looking at her proudly.
"You'll go with me right?" Mercedes asked Sam.
"Y-you don't I-I mean you can take anyone I wasn't assuming you'd take me," he stammered.
"But I want to take you, unless you don't want to go."
"No, no I-I do." They shared a smile and he took his seat again. To his left sat Lauren; she got up, walked over to Puck and dropped a gift bag into his lap. He groaned because it was heavy and kind of hurt.
"Uhh thanks," he told her.
"Don't mention it." He pulled out a book and read the title out loud. "Tricks to pick up Chicks," he read and smirked as he flipped through the pages. Santana laughed loudly once more.
"Thanks Zizes this is sweet," he told her and reached back into the bag.
"Y-You might not wanna pull the other thing out… at least not on school grounds," she warned and he peeked into the bag and saw a six pack of beer. He looked up at her and gave her his cheesiest grin.
"You're like the perfect girl," he said and sounded like he was very much smitten. Santana stopped laughing and instead looked appalled as the two of them were giving each other googily eyes.
"Can we move on?" She asked waving her hand at them.
"Yeah," Tina said and pulled a small wrapped box out of her bag. She turned to Mike who was sitting to her left. "I picked your name Mike," his grin widened. "I already got you so many things to celebrate what a wonderful boyfriend you are so I thought that this gift could be glee club related." He nodded and she handed him the gift, he tore open the wrapping and pulled out a CD with the words To Mike with love From Tina written on it. "I recorded myself singing some love songs to you."
"You're so wonderful and I love you so much," he said and pulled her into a heated kiss that only broke apart when Mr. Schuester yelled to them. Mike sat back in his seat and was dazed for a minute.
"Mike," Mr. Schuester called and after a minute the boy looked at him. "Who'd you get?" The question snapped him out of the daze he was in. Quinn and Rachel watched them with excitement. They were so in love and Quinn was slightly jealous that they got to publicly love and kiss each other and she couldn't with Rachel but she was still happy for them and they were so cute. She was brought out of her thoughts when Mike plopped a wrapped gift onto her lap. Her eyes met his and she smiled.
"Open it," he urged and when she ripped open the wrapping she was looking at a beautiful hardcover copy of The Bell Jar. She ran her hands over the cover and binding and was truly surprised that Mike knew her this well. He was a very observant boy- and apparently a perfect boy at that. She looked up at him with her mouth gaping open.
"Mike I don't know what to say," she said and she could feel Rachel watching them with a huge grin on her face. Quinn got to her feet and hugged him. "It's beautiful."
"You're welcome Quinn," he told her and released her from the hug. "Have you read it?" She shook her head. "Well I thought this book was perfect for you," she arched her eyebrow at him. She hadn't read it but she knew what it was about. He chuckled. "Not the crazy psycho part but the themes about the pressures that society puts on people of what we are and what we should be. I thought of you because you are constantly breaking those kinds of stereotypes Quinn." She hugged him again.
"Thanks," she whispered and they pulled apart. He took his seat and Tina kissed him and wore a proud look on her face.
"You have the perfect boyfriend, Tina." Quinn told her and she beamed.
"I know," her eyes met Mike's briefly before turning to Quinn again. "But you can't have him." They laughed.
"Don't worry Tina I am completely happy with my life and wouldn't change it for the world." Now she knew Rachel was staring at her and that made her happier.
Santana cleared her throat. She was getting bored of this and wanted it to be over. If she had to sit there and watch Artie and Brittany cuddling for much longer she would go all Lima Heights.
"Q stop being sappy so we can get a fucking move on."
"Language," Mr. Schuester warned and Santana rolled her eyes.
When is he going to realize that no one listens to him?
He nodded to Puck who was sitting next to Mike. Puck got to his feet and handed his gift bag to Finn; who smiled at him and reached into the bag. He pulled out a book.
"The Idiot's Guide to Dating," he read aloud and both Santana and surprisingly Rachel laughed loudly. Finn either missed it or didn't get it because his smiled widened. "Thanks man this is awesome."
"There's more dude," Puck said and Finn tipped the bag over and emptied the contents into his lap. There were six boxes of condoms. Finn blushed slightly and looked at him again. "This is um… a lot."
"You can never have too many," Puck said with a smirk and wink toward Quinn. Quinn rolled her eyes.
"It would've only taken one asshole," she said playfully but couldn't be mad at him anymore because Beth was a beautiful part of her and she would never regret bringing her into this world. Rachel put her hand on Quinn's and instantly she felt safe and loved.
She loved Rachel's touch.
It was truly wonderful.
"Seriously though dude," Puck said to Finn. "You're young and mildly attractive go out there and get as much pus-"
"Puckerman," Mr. Schuester cut him off.
"As many chicks as possible."
"Thanks dude," Finn said again and they shook hands. Puck walked back to his seat and Santana whispered.
"Morons," as he did.
Rachel was sitting next to Puck; she pulled an envelope out of her bag and walked across the circle to Sam.
Quinn had been waiting for this moment. Rachel stood before him and passed the envelope to him. He stood also and took it from her.
"It's nothing special; I'm not so great at buying Christmas gifts being a Jew and all but I thought you would like this." He opened the envelope and grinned at her.
"A gift certificate to the comic book store," he said excitedly.
"Do you like it?"
"Seriously Rachel this is perfect," he said before wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her off the ground in a bear hug. She squealed and Quinn burned with jealousy.
What the actual fuck?
Why is he touching her girlfriend?
She was about to get to her feet when he put Rachel to the ground and stepped away from her.
And he was fucking lucky too.
"Seriously thanks Rachel, this is great."
"Well then you are very welcome," she said graciously and took her seat. Her eyes met Quinn's and she could see her girlfriend's jealousy burning in those hazel eyes. So she winked and licked her lips. Quinn tried to fight the smile but in the end she lost and when Rachel sat next to her she heard her whisper.
"I love you Quinn." And her anger was completely gone. She was lost in Rachel land for a moment but when she heard Santana clear her throat she snapped out of it.
Quinn reached in between her seat and Rachel's and caught the twinkling eyes of her sexy girlfriend smiling at her. She winked and took her gift over to Lauren.
"I hope you like it," she said and went back to her seat. As Lauren dug into the bag of goodies Quinn saw her face light up. Lauren pulled out a gift basket loaded with so many different kinds of candy.
"Quinn this is excellent," Lauren said excited.
"Well you're new and I didn't know much about you but you've been pretty clear on how much you like candy so I figured I couldn't go wrong with candy."
"You figured right," Lauren's eyes met hers. "Damn Fabray you sure know how to please a girl!"
Quinn blushed.
And Rachel gasped.
And Puck smirked at his girls.
And Santana laughed loudly.
"What?" Lauren wondered as Quinn buried her face in her hands. "What'd I say?"
"Nothing," Rachel said quickly.
"It just makes my gift that much better," Santana said as she picked up the gift bag off the floor, reached over Quinn and held it out to Rachel.
"Me?" Rachel questioned.
"Who else hobbit," Santana replied and Rachel reluctantly took the bag. Quinn was also very nervous because of what Santana had just said and what Lauren said too. She could see Rachel looking at her and Quinn bit her lip. "Oh for fuck's sake Rachel it won't bite you." Rachel opened the bag and looked inside. She squealed and shut the bag tightly as a deep red blush rose across her face.
Santana lost it with giggling again.
"What is it?" Finn asked and Rachel shook her head.
"Yeah what is it?" Artie wondered. Rachel felt Quinn's hand on her arm and their eyes met.
"Is it… w-what is-" Quinn trailed off when Rachel opened it for only Quinn to see. Quinn also squealed and closed the bag.
Now everyone was dying to know what it was.
And Santana laughed louder.
"Oh… my… Santana!" Quinn yelled at her.
"Relax Q; it's a joke she doesn't actually have to use it although I think-"
"I swear to Barbra, if you finish that sentence Santana; I will beat the fucking hell out of you!" Rachel yelled and everyone- including Mr. Schuester- gasped. It's not every day Rachel Berry used a cuss word. She scanned the room and saw a bunch of nervous faces. "Now we are moving on and never mentioning this again. Do you understand me?" Everyone nodded wildly.
Everyone was afraid of 'Scary Rachel'
Except Quinn.
Quinn was extremely turned on.
And slightly mortified.
Santana would pay for this later.
"Who's left?" Mr. Schuester asked as he tried to get everyone's mind off of Rachel's gift. Finn raised his hand.
"Me," he said and Mr. Schuester pointed to him. Finn got to his feet. He walked over to the drum kit and pulling up a long rectangular package and handed it to Santana. She looked at the item and wondered what the hell it could be. Curiosity got the better of her and she tore into the package and was holding a golf club.
What the fuck.
"What the fuck?" She asked him and saw his stupid dopey grin cross his mouth.
"I heard you like golf," he said and it took a second for her to register what exactly he was implying but when it did; a burning hot rage shot through her body and she rose to her feet. She lifted the golf club over her head and Finn had enough smarts to walk away from her as fast as he could. "You better fucking run Finn because if I catch you," he had run out of the room at this point and she was hot on his tail. The rest of the kids heard her as she ran into the hall. "I will beat you to death with this stupid golf club." And they were gone.
"Okay," Mr. Schuester said clapping his hands together. He wasn't too sure what had just happened but he wasn't going to ask. "I hope everyone enjoys their holidays and have a great break. I'll see you all next year." With that he left.
As everyone filed out of the room; Rachel remained seated Quinn looked over at her.
"Are you pissed?"
"Um yeah… and we're going to wait here until she is done killing Finn so I can give it back."
"Wait, you want to give it back?"
"You don't," Rachel wondered and as she watched her girlfriend think about- oh my god- about using it she couldn't help but feel aroused. Quinn bit her lip.
"Maybe we're not ready for it just yet," she lowered her voice. "But Rachel I want to try everything with you… including that." Rachel was slightly embarrassed, she could feel her cheeks getting hotter but she was getting more and more turned on the more she thought about it.
"Well who would wear it?" She couldn't help but wonder.
"Me," Quinn answered quickly. Quicker than Rachel thought she would. "Or you… maybe we could both try it and see."
"Oh my god!" Rachel said quietly but in surprised.
"You hate the idea, okay fine forget it," Quinn said and Rachel faced her grasping her wrists.
"No baby that wasn't- I wasn't annoyed I was- I-I am turned on and-"
"Oh fuck off," Santana's voice cut her off and both girls faced her. "I just chased Finn all over the school and told him where he can stick is so-called gift and now I gotta deal with you two."
"Santana," Rachel got to her feet and crossed her arms. "I just think that kind of item-"
"A strap on Berry," Santana cut in and watched as Rachel's blush deepened.
"Yes that," Rachel continued. "I just think that it is in really bad form to give someone something like that-"
"A Strap on Rachel."
"Okay fine, I don't think it was appropriate for you to give me a strap on as part of a school gift exchange."
"Really, because I thought it was hilarious."
"Of course you did," Quinn said. "You didn't have to open it in front of everyone." Santana finally saw where they were going and felt bad.
But only a little bit.
"Oh come on I wouldn't have let you pull it out in front of them Rachel."
"You wouldn't have?"
"No, in fact I was going to warn you not to but I saw you peeking in… it's a good thing you don't trust me huh?" Rachel smiled.
"It's not that I don't trust you it's just that I don't-"
"Trust me?" Santana finished for her and crossed her arms. Rachel softened.
"No that is not true, I trust you Santana. I trust you with my girlfriend and I know you are an amazing friend and I trust that eventually you will give Brittany everything she deserves because only you Santana can give that to her," Rachel said and saw Santana smile at her. "But as far as secret gift exchanges no… I guess I don't trust you." Santana's grin widened and she dropped her arms.
"Look I thought it would be funny and I was fucking right, you should've seen your faces but give it to me I'll take it back and get you something that you actually want." Santana reached for it and Rachel pulled the bag away from her hand.
"I never said I don't want it," Rachel told her with a sly grin and Santana laughed.
Quinn continued to blush.
"I knew you were a freak Berry," Santana wrapped her arm around Rachel's neck. "So which one of you is going to wear it?"
Quinn shook her head and followed them out of the room.
After spending Christmas Eve helping Mr. Schuester decorate his tree Quinn was driving Rachel home.
"Are you excited for tomorrow?" Rachel asked and saw Quinn's face light up.
"Yeah," she admitted and bit her lip. "I know you don't really get it Rach, but I can't help it. Ever since I was a kid it's always just been magic. May parents were not always the best parents but somehow they always made Christmas special and it really was the most wonderful day of the year." Rachel laughed and Quinn's face flushed red. "I know I'm lame and I knew you wouldn't get it."
"But I want to," Rachel told her.
"You want to what?" Quinn pulled into her driveway and fully faced her.
"I want to get it," Quinn looked confused. "I want to see the magic you see Quinn, I want to feel it." Quinn shook her head.
"I-I don't-"
"I'm going to grab my bag and say goodnight to my dads and then I'm coming home with you. I want to spend your favorite holiday with you baby." Quinn's face lit up.
"You do?"
"I do," Rachel kissed her. "Wait here," with that Rachel ran into the house leaving Quinn's head spinning. She knew Rachel was happy with her faith and had no other reason to celebrate the holiday except…
Except for her.
And that made her feel so happy.
Within minutes Rachel was getting back into her car after tossing her overnight bag into the backseat.
"So you're really coming?" Quinn asked and Rachel poked her tongue between her teeth.
"Not right this second but I'm sure once we're alone it wouldn't take you long," Rachel replied and it took Quinn a moment to catch on and then she laughed.
"I'm serious," she said.
"Oh me too."
"Rachel," Quinn whined.
"Look, I talked to my dads and they don't care. We don't celebrate it and I also talked to your mom because I didn't want to impose but she was thrilled and frankly so am I… And I thought you would be as well. Quinn if you want to spend the day with just your mom that is fine I just thought that you would uphfmmm-" Quinn shut her up with a kiss. Rachel threaded her hands through Quinn's hair and deepened it.
Rachel's tongue did wonderful things to Quinn and she had to stop this soon or her hands would wander. So she pulled away from those incredible lips and looked into those hooded eyes.
"I love you," she said.
"And I you," Rachel responded.
"And I would love to spend Christmas with you; in fact spending it with you makes it even more magical."
"Oh, you with the words my love," Rachel breathed out. Quinn kissed her cheek.
"Let's get home and start the festivities."
After dinner; they watched all of Quinn's favorite holiday movies before finally going to bed. Rachel changed in Quinn's room while Quinn was in the bathroom. When Quinn came out she saw a topless and surprised Rachel standing before her and she couldn't help herself- she pounced.
She pressed herself against Rachel and kissed her full on the lips.
"Mmm," Rachel moaned into her mouth and Quinn peppered kisses across her jaw and down her neck.
"I want to give you something," Quinn whispered into her ear before nibbling on the earlobe.
"Does it involve that tongue because I would definitely accept?"
"No," Rachel pulled away with a pout. "Come on baby, my tongue all over and inside of you isn't a gift it's inevitability."
"Big words are sexy," Rachel said with another moan. Quinn put her hand on Rachel's face and cupped her cheek and Rachel leaned into the touch.
"When you gave me this ring," she held up her other hand. "And all that it symbolized I was so touched Rachel and I wanted to do something for you so I got you this," she stepped back and pulled a box out of her top drawer and stood in front of Rachel again. She opened the box and presented a ring identical to her own; Rachel gasped.
"Quinn it's…" she said and heaved a heavy sigh.
"I asked the jeweler to copy it."
"It's lovely Quinn and I love it but I gave you that ring as a promise that I'm yours always and a reminder of it until I'm ready to tell the world."
"I know," Quinn said and pulled the ring out of the box. "And I got this for you as a promise that I'll wait as long as it takes," she could see how touched Rachel was by the tears that were sliding down her cheeks. "I'm not branding you. I know that wearing matching rings might tip people off so I don't expect you to wear it on your finger if you don't want to. I'll get a chain and you-" Rachel shushed her with a quick peck.
"I'd love to wear your ring Quinn," Quinn beamed. "Right here," she held up her hand and Quinn slipped the ring onto it.
"Are you sure because that wasn't why I got it."
"I know and I'm sure. The only people who would notice us wearing matching rings would be the glee club and at this point I don't care if they know," Quinn's smile widened. "But not the whole town Quinn." Quinn nodded emphatically.
"I love you Rachel."
"And I love you," they kissed again but before it could get too heated Rachel pulled away. She needed Quinn to know something first. "Wait."
"What?"
"I want to tell you the real reason that I want to spend Christmas with you."
"Okay?" Quinn wondered confused.
"You might want to sit down."
"Okay now I'm nervous," Quinn told her as Rachel led her to the bed; they both sat down.
"Don't be nervous, it's a good thing I promise… just kind of Big," Rachel warned.
"Okay?"
"I'm not exactly sure how to say this so I'm just going to say it okay?" Quinn nodded and Rachel heard her swallow nervously. She giggled looked to the floor and then blurted it out. "I want our kids to be raised with both our faiths and then they can choose which one they want to continue with or they can continue with both. What do you think?" She waited and when Quinn didn't speak she looked back up and saw her mouth gaped open. "Do you not want that?" She waited again and Quinn still said nothing and she was feeling exposed.
"Quinn!" She whined and that seemed to snap her out of it.
"I'm sorry Rachel I didn't hear anything after you saying you want to have kids with me."
"Seriously Quinn we've discussed this before," Rachel pouted.
"Yeah but not to the extent that you want to raise our kids in both faiths."
"Are you- do you not want… Look I just thought I'd start learning more about Christmas and your religion for the future, you know I like to plan everything and if I've been too presumptuous then I am sorry Quinn."
"You ramble a lot Berry," Quinn said with a smirk.
"I know I talk a lot when I'm nervous and-"
"And I make you nervous." Quinn said in her former head bitch tone and Rachel smiled.
"Seriously Quinn I didn't mean to assume anything by this I-"
"I hope our kids talk like you," Quinn cut her off before she could become more self deprecating. Rachel beamed. "But I hope they have my head bitch attitude."
"I hope they have your eyes," Rachel said smirking. "Oh and your ass."
"No, do not wish that on them especially if we have girls. We will have to beat the boys away with sticks."
"And the girls," Rachel added. Their eyes met and a fire burnt between them. "So you really want to have kids with me?"
"I want everything with you Rachel. And it means the world to me that you are willing to teach them both religions and let them choose for themselves."
"So you're on board with that idea?"
"I love that idea," Quinn replied.
"But can we stop talking about such important things and have wild sex like normal teenagers."
"I thought you'd never ask."
A/N 2: The song used was It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams.
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