A/N: This is by far the longest chapter yet! Good thing you guys are excited for Santana and Quinn to meet Cara, oh and there's also some smut. I hope you're not disappointed…
Disclaimer: I own nothing
As Quinn and her friends walked through the building, on their way to Rachel's apartment, Sydney spoke. "So which of Rachel's hot friends are we supposed to hate again?"
Quinn stopped walking and stared at her roommate incredulously. She had every intention of playing 'nice' tonight, but that didn't mean she wasn't pleasantly surprised with the absolute loyalty her friends were showing. "They're Rachel's friends which means that they're important to her. So you will NOT do or say anything to them that is anything but friendly. Do we understand each other?" She replied forcibly.
"Chill Q, we're just checking because there's an angry Latina coming this way and I just wanted to know where we stand with her." Sydney smirked.
Quinn's head snapped forward and took in the sight of Santana and Brittany coming their way. "Santana." She growled under her breath. She still wasn't sure about unleashing the girl on Rachel's unsuspecting friends.
"You're late, bitch." The Latina smirked before coming to a stop in front of the blonde and her friends.
Brittany didn't stop however; she attacked Quinn with a bear hug. "You're walking! Like for real now."
Quinn chuckled as she returned the embrace. "Yes, B, I'm walking."
Quinn quickly made introductions before continuing on to Rachel's room. The brunette opened the door with excitement and claimed her girlfriend's lips. When she pulled away, too soon for the blonde's liking, she noticed the unexpected arrivals.
"What are…Quinn?" Rachel asked questioningly as her gaze shifted from Santana and Brittany back to Quinn.
The blonde shrugged. "I was sworn to secrecy, it was supposed to be a surprise."
Rachel nodded. Then let her gaze land on the other guests. "It's good to see you all. Why don't you come in?"
"Why didn't I get that kind of greeting, Berry?" Santana replied sarcastically, though hurt was evident in her voice.
"I just…you surprised me and I'm not sure what you're doing here."
"We came to watch you be Jet Li. At least, that's what San said." Brittany offered as she wrapped Rachel in her arms. The brunette immediately returned the hug.
When Brittany stepped away, she shoved Santana forward into Rachel. They both shifted awkwardly before they finally embraced. Rachel relaxed with the Latina's arms around her. She whispered in her ear. "I missed you, Santana. It really is good to see you."
"Yeah, whatever." Santana shrugged before pulling away.
Kurt greeted them next, hugging his old friends before being introduced to Quinn's new ones. When the introductions were over, they all stood around awkwardly.
That's when the group took notice of what Rachel was wearing. They had expected her Martial Arts clothes, Quinn couldn't remember what they were supposed to be called. Instead, Rachel wore a black skirt (the shortest Quinn had ever seen) and a royal blue top that showed ample cleavage.
"Damn. Rach…you look like a pedophile's wet dream. I can practically see your underwear from here." Tess stated as she tilted her head and leaned down a little as if to see if she could catch a glimpse.
Quinn and Haley pulled her upright and both slapped her upside the head.
"I ahh, thanks Tess." Rachel looked down nervously. "I didn't know what to wear on stage…"
Quinn wrapped her arms possessively around he girlfriend. "You look amazing babe, but I'm not going to lie…I won't be able to keep my hands off you tonight if you go out looking like that."
Rachel grinned and kissed Quinn's cheek. They were interrupted by a knock on the door. Quinn stiffened noticeably. Rachel rubbed her girlfriend's back comfortingly before smiling. "Cara's meeting us there…besides you'll be fine. So relax."
Quinn frowned. "If it's not Cara then who's here?"
Kurt opened the door as Quinn asked her questioned. Hiram, Leroy, Fran, Judy, Puck, Blaine, and Mercedes strode through the door and caused Rachel and Quinn's jaws to drop.
"What are you guys doing here? And how…how did you know when to come?" Rachel mumbled.
Hiram answered as he wrapped his arms around his daughter. "You think we'd miss our little girl's big day?"
"But…how…"
"Since you weren't telling us…we had to resort to other measures." Hiram smirked proudly.
Quinn's jaw fell open. "Santana? That's how you knew?"
The Latina smiled proudly as Rachel's eyes narrowed on her girlfriend. "If you didn't know about this? Then what the hell did she tell you to make you give her the information?"
"I…she said she was your friend and wanted to support you."
Rachel stared at her with bewilderment. "And you believed her?"
"What? No!" Then Quinn looked down shyly. "I…I thought she wanted to come to size up your new friends."
Rachel frowned. "You promised you'd give them a chance…but all along you planned on Santana doing your dirty work."
"That's not what happened, Rach…I swear." Quinn pleaded.
"Relax dwarf. Quinn gave me the whole 'play nice' spiel. Why didn't you want your dads to come anyway?"
The brunette shrugged. "I just…it's one night and we'll be home in a few days to see them. I just didn't want to put anyone out…" Then she turned to her dads. "I knew you guys would feel obligated to come if you knew…"
"Obligated? Sweetheart. We want to be here." Leroy stated as he pulled her into him. "Shelby wanted to come too, but Beth came down with the chicken pox."
"Is she…?" Quinn questioned immediately but was cut off when her mother's arms crushed her.
"It's just chicken pox dear, Beth's fine." Judy pulled away from Quinn to get a better look at her daughter. "I tried to prepare myself for this moment, but I still…" She was nearly in hysterics she was crying so hard.
Fran hugged Quinn while Judy tried to calm herself. "It is nice to see you walking little sis." Fran admitted, a bit teary eyed as well.
When everything was finally under control, Rachel and Quinn turned their attention on the rest of the arrivals. Quinn saw Puck flirting with Sydney. She grabbed him by the ear and pulled him away. "Hell no. This…" She pointed between them. "Is not going to happen."
Puck looked hurt, but Sydney just seemed confused. Kurt leaned into her and whispered. "Baby daddy."
Sydney's mouth formed an 'O' in understanding, but somehow that didn't deter her interest in the mohawked boy.
Quinn hugged Puck and the boy smiled as he tightened his arms around her. "Hey baby mama." He smirked against her and she frowned at him but remained silent as she let him hold her securely.
Then he approached Rachel and eyed her lecherously. "Damn! New York's been good to you, my little Jewish princess."
Quinn greeted Mercedes with a hug, yet she kept a trained eye on Puck.
Rachel beamed with excitement at the boy. "Hey Noah." She said as they embraced.
Eventually the group made their way to watch Rachel take her belt test. The brunette disappeared into the bathroom to change before coming back out and leading them to the room that the test would be held in. Kahlan, Kari and Cara were there to greet her. Kahlan was testing today as well so she was dressed and ready to go. She greeted Quinn happily before being introduced around the group. Kari and Cara stood in the background, waiting.
Quinn's eyes landed on Cara immediately as she sized her up. Cara seemed to stiffen under her gaze, until Quinn realized that she wasn't the only one staring intently at the blonde. Santana, Tess, Sydney and Brooke were as well.
Cara extended her hand to Quinn. "You must be Quinn, if your beauty is anything to go by. Rachel said you were stunning."
'Gay!' Santana coughed into her hand and Tess smirked at the girl's antics, as did Sydney.
"Thank you, Cara." Quinn answered shyly, blush actually covered her cheeks.
"She has an amazing turnout." Cara stated as she looked at the large group that came to support Rachel.
"She's an amazing person." Quinn countered.
"No argument here." Cara smiled.
"Yes, Rachel has plenty of friends…she doesn't need any more." Santana snarled at the blue eyed blonde and caused the girl's gaze to find hers.
"I'm Cara." The girl extended her hand to the Latina who refused to take it.
"I heard."
The blonde shifted uncomfortably. Rachel seemed to pick up on Cara's anxiety so she walked over to them.
"Santana." She warned the Latina then she leaned in and whispered to Quinn. "It's your responsibility to keep her in check tonight."
Quinn nodded gravely as she swallowed thickly. How the Hell was she supposed to do that?
Rachel quickly kissed Quinn's cheek then went off with Kahlan to prepare for the test. The test consisted of two forms (which Rachel performed flawlessly), a barefoot sidekick that broke a board (again flawless) and then sparring. Rachel sparred with a girl who looked a few years older than her and was one rank higher than her. They went back and forth for a while until Rachel landed a well-executed back spin kick to the other girl's head and knocked her to the ground.
The test ended shortly after that. Master Harris explained the rituals as he handed each new belt to those who earned them. Rachel took her yellow belt with a bow and kneeled on the ground beside Kahlan, who now had a blue belt. They took off their old belts, folded them up and placed them on the ground in front of them. Then they placed the new belt on the ground just above the old one.
"Take a good look at the old belt that lies in front of you. Think of all the hard work you performed while wearing that belt. The dedication you gave to it. Now switch the belts around and look at your new one. Think about everything that it took for you to get here today…to earn that belt. And think of the work that you will put into it once you wear it." Master Harris told his students. "Now pick your new belt up and put it on. It is never to touch the floor again. You are to respect the belt and wear it with pride because you earned it." He allowed them to put their belts on as he finished his speech. He looked at his audience this time. "If you were to put on a white belt and wear it every day while you practiced, years and years of dedication to your craft…eventually that white belt would darken. The harder and longer you practice…the darker the belt would get. Eventually that belt would look black. That is why we change colors, and that is why each belt gets darker. It's the understanding of how much hard work and how many years of practice someone puts into his craft. These belts are earned…not given freely."
With that, he dismissed them. Rachel congratulated her teammates. The kids attacked her excitedly with hugs and tugged at her clothes and crawled all over her. When she finally broke away, she was called to talk to Master Harris along with the girl she sparred. Kahlan walked over to the group of spectators and received hugs from Cara, Kari, Kurt and Quinn.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Quinn asked, motioning toward Rachel.
Kahlan shrugged. "He tells us that the best defense is to not be there. We are to be aware of our surroundings and always pay attention. He's probably telling Sara that she's the senior belt and she should not have let Rachel kick her."
"But kicks to the head are allowed in sparring." Richard pointed out and Kahlan nodded.
"They are. But this is testing and we are supposed to be a team and as teammate we are to help each other look their best. Rachel kicking Sara to the head made her look really good, but Sara…not so much."
"So, Rachel's getting in trouble for being badass?" Puck asked.
Kahlan shook her head. "Rachel executed a perfect kick. In a tournament she would have scored points. She's not in trouble but he is giving her a lesson. You see, the difference between a good martial artist and a great one is body control. Throwing a kick is one thing, but having the control to pull back…to know what's going to happen and stop it…that is what it takes to be a great martial artist. This is an art first and foremost."
"Tell the truth…it was pretty badass, right?" Puck prodded with a smirk.
A large grin appeared on Kahlan's face. "If anyone has video of it, I'd love to see it. It did look pretty badass."
Rachel walked over to them. Quinn hugged her first, she picked her off the floor and spun her around. Rachel giggled at the action. When she had both feet safely on the floor again, she went around the group being swept up by the others. Before she could hug Cara, however, Santana linked her arm through Rachel's and led them toward the door.
"That was hot, Berry. And it's a good thing Mercedes recorded it because Quinn will be set with free porn for life.
Rachel blushed and was speechless.
"Come on, you've got a show to perform, Berry." She said as she continued to drag Rachel along. Everyone else was left to quickly follow.
Suddenly, Rachel stopped dead in her tracks. "Kahlan and I have to change first." She said as she glanced down at her clothes. Then she detached her arm from Santana's and disappeared with the teal eyed brunette.
Quinn approached Santana warily. "What's going on?"
"She went to go change." Santana smirked darkly and raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you have to keep it in your pants for a while longer."
"Screw you, Santana." Quinn muttered with a blush.
"You wish." The Latina snarled back.
After the two girls changed, the group made their way to the sports bar where the band was to perform. Rachel and Kahlan were engulfed with hugs from their friends.
"We wanted to make it but we had to set things up for the show." Kris admitted when he hugged Rachel. "We did see video though, Kari sent it."
"I can't believe you totally kicked that chick in the head." Cara's boyfriend replied in awe.
"A lot of good it did her, she got in trouble." Brittany pouted.
Rachel looked remorseful. "I didn't mean to kick her, I do that kick all the time with Kahlan and she always moves out of the way."
"You shouldn't have to hold back to make someone else look better." Puck frowned.
Rachel walked over to him and ruffled his mohawk, causing his frown to deepen. "It isn't about bettering my opponent, testing is about bettering ourselves. Each test is supposed to be an improvement from the last one and so on. We learn from our mistakes and grow. Master Harris doesn't let us test unless he feels we're ready to advance…the test is just a public showing of that self-improvement."
"Then that girl learned to duck, so that next time she doesn't get kicked in the head." Puck smirked.
"And I learned to pull my kicks when necessary." Rachel stated.
"Why? You shouldn't pull any punches." Her Daddy asked with confusion.
"There is a time and place for everything we learn. I know not to pull back in a…real world scenario. But sometimes our school does demos…with no helmets and no chest pads. We can't go around knocking out our teammates with an audience full of grade schoolers, Daddy. We have to trust each other to control their kicks. I need to learn to control them so that my teammates can trust me." Rachel explained.
That seemed to appease the rest of the group, at least long enough for Cara and Kahlan to appear in front of her with smiles on their faces.
"What's going on, guys?" Rachel asked with a raised brow.
"We're not going to see you on your birthday, so we all pitched in and got you something." Cara explained as Kahlan handed over an envelope.
Rachel looked at her friends, truly surprised. "You didn't have to…"
"We know." The girls replied with identical eye rolls.
"Just open it." Kari demanded with a smile.
Rachel tore into it and pulled the certificate out of the envelope. As she read it, a smile appeared on her lips. "Wow…you guys! Thank you so much!" She hugged them: the band, Kari, Cara, and Kahlan.
"What is it?" Judy asked.
"30 hours at our recording studio, there's no expiration date so go ahead and take time to write your songs." Kahlan's boyfriend explained.
"If anyone deserves to have their own record, it's Rachel. I've personally never met someone so talented and so…driven." Kris added.
Rachel's dads smiled at them gratefully and Judy nodded in understanding.
"You can also bring as many different people as you want…to collaborate with you. We know you have talented friends plus we're all willing to sing songs if you want us." Kari further explained.
"Great. How are we ever going to compete with that?" Santana growled next to Quinn.
"It isn't a competition, Santana." The blonde answered with a whisper.
"Like Hell it isn't." Santana spat out with venom.
Quinn eyed her friend curiously but remained silent.
After the group found a table and began taking their seats, Quinn took Rachel's hand and led her away. The brunette followed without protest. They made their way to the restrooms and Quinn shoved Rachel into the furthest stall and locked it.
"You have no idea how sexy you are." She whispered huskily into Rachel's ear before claiming the girl in a heated kiss.
"I think I have some idea…" Rachel's breathed out as Quinn knelt on the floor in front of her.
The blonde traced her fingers up Rachel's legs and removed the brunette's panties unceremoniously. Rachel gulped at the intensity of her girlfriend's gaze. Quinn licked her lips at the sight above her before hefting one of Rachel's legs over her shoulder. She steadied the girl with her free hand, holding her in place.
"Well, this is new." Rachel smirked until Quinn's mouth found her core. Then her mouth snapped shut as she tried to swallow her moans. Her eyes closed and her head fell back against the wall as she clung to Quinn's hair for support.
The blonde's tongue quickly went to work lapping up her girlfriend's desire before she drove it deep into the brunette's opening. Making Rachel cum was a skill Quinn considered herself adept at. It didn't take long before the brunette was trembling above her as white hot pleasure coursed through her body. When Rachel tumbled over the edge, Quinn stood up. She wiped the wetness from her mouth, kissed Rachel thoroughly and then wrapped her arms around her and held her tightly. Rachel rested her forehead against the blonde's cheek and sighed with contentment.
00000
"Where are Rachel and Quinn?" Mercedes asked with concern etched on her face.
"You're kidding right? Did you not see Q's hungry eyes practically devouring Rachel during that sparring match?" Santana replied with an eye roll.
Mercedes stared, still confused. "I did. But that doesn't answer my question."
"They're most likely in the bathroom having sex." Brooke answered. Then when she saw the way Rachel and Quinn's parents were staring at her, she mumbled an apology.
Leroy and Judy tried extremely hard to pretend that they didn't hear what they heard. They weren't naïve; they just didn't want to think of their daughters as being sexually active. Hiram was another story entirely.
He sighed before replying. "I guess that means Rachel is doing better…if she's willing to have sex in a public restroom."
"Public restrooms are notoriously unsanitary. And did you know that there have been tests done…on beer nuts, such as those…." Haley pointed to the bowl of nuts sitting in front of Puck. "At bars. They found traces of urine and god knows what else on them."
Puck ungracefully spit out the handful of beer nuts he had in his mouth. Everyone around the table laughed at him.
Santana smirked as she replied. "Just realized you don't like nuts in your mouth, Puckerman?"
More laughter erupted around them.
"You know what, Satan? I don't fucking miss you." He snarled.
Her smirk deepened. "And I don't miss fucking you."
The room got quiet as they stared at the two of them. It was Cara who broke the silence.
"Rachel explained to me that you guys were all in Glee together…but I'm not sure how you're all friends."
Puck relaxed at the mention of his Jewish princess. He smiled at the blonde as he shrugged. "The great thing about Rachel is that she forgives everyone and she always sees the good in people."
"Even if they don't deserve it." Santana added pointedly as she glared at Cara.
The blonde held her gaze, so Santana decided to bare her teeth. "Like you for instance. I bet you're keeping a real twisted secret from her. I know! You used to be a man."
"What?" Cara asked incredulously.
"Be nice, San." Brittany warned, with a gentle hand on Santana's thigh.
Santana waived a hand in dismissal. "That's not nearly sinister enough." She narrowed her eyes at the girl. "You're probably a dominatrix with a penchant for skin tight leather…I'm guessing…red."
Cara simply raised an eyebrow.
Santana smirked as she shook her head. "That's not it either." She leaned closer to the blonde. "I bet you're not as straight as Rachel seems to think you are."
Cara rolled her eyes and squared her shoulders before addressing the Latina. "I know you won't believe me, but I am straight Santana. I'm not after Rachel. If that's what your problem is."
Santana sized her up, studying her intently. She realized that the girl was telling her the truth. Unfortunately that didn't ease her mind. "That's not my only problem with you…"
"You know what, Santana. I overlooked the fact that you've been tossing those urine infested beer nuts at me all night. You're Rachel's friend so I assumed that she must have seen something nice in you. But really, you're just a bitch."
"I can't help it, I just don't like you." Santana replied. Upon hearing Tess stifle her laughter, she settled her glare at that blonde next. "I don't like you either, Q 2.0."
Before Tess could open her mouth to defend herself or question Santana about what the Hell that was supposed to mean, Rachel and Quinn appeared at the table.
"Hey guys, what'd we miss?" Rachel asked happily.
"Q, you might want to call off your lap dog." Fran muttered.
Hazel eyes widened as they took in the smug looking Latina. "What did you do, San?" She asked with annoyance and an ounce of fear.
Santana simply shrugged.
"Don't be mad at Santana, she's just sad." Brittany replied in her role as mediator.
Tess and Cara stared at the Brittany incredulously.
"You've got to be kidding me?" They both uttered in astonishment.
"Rachel and Quinn are her best friends and now we live so far away, and they're having so much fun with all of you that sometimes they forget to call us. She's just scared that they're replacing her with…you." Brittany explained as Santana shifted uncomfortably and avoided everyone's eye contact.
Cara and Tess's faces immediately softened at the explanation as they nodded in understanding. Quinn and Rachel looked at each other then at Santana. Together they grabbed the suddenly shy Latina by each hand and led her away from the group.
The three of them were vaguely aware of the band playing in the background. Santana still refused to look at either of her friends while Quinn and Rachel were at a loss for words.
One whole song played before Rachel finally spoke. "I didn't realize I was one of your best friends."
Santana's head shot up and her mouth dropped open. She shook her head in disbelief. "How could you not know?"
The petite brunette furrowed her eyebrows. "I don't know…maybe because you're always insulting me."
"Affectionately insulting you." Santana corrected, when she saw the way Quinn glared at her she shrugged. "What? There is a difference."
Rachel beamed proudly at the explanation. "I for one must tell you that you could never be replaced, Santana. And I will make a better effort to keep in touch with you."
The Latina's smile was barely noticeable, but it was there. Then she leveled her eyes on Quinn. "And what's your excuse?"
The blonde looked guilty. "I don't have one. And I'm also sorry that whenever I did call I was selfishly talking about my problems and lately my successes. I didn't mean to take you for granted, Santana. You still are my best friend. I promise that we'll talk more often…and I'll actually ask you about your day." Quinn paused. "What school are you going to again?"
Santana's face shifted to that of pure anger as she lunged at the blonde. Rachel held her back but let go when she heard Quinn chuckle. Both brunettes stared in confusion as a dark smirk appeared on the blonde's face. "Gotcha!"
"You're such a bitch, Q." Santana smirked back. "UCLA is great by the way…mostly because it's California." Then her eyes lit up. "You guys should visit for Spring Break."
The girls shared a smile as they nodded in unison. "Sounds like a plan, San." Quinn happily replied before her tone turned serious. "Is that really all this was about?"
Santana shrugged before looking forlornly at Quinn and then Rachel. "Brittany's got dance. Rachel, you have singing and your Chuck Norris shit." She said with a wink, because she always knew the difference. "And Q, you've got writing plays and songs and…" Santana sighed loudly. "I'm undeclared. I don't know what the Hell I want to do with my life…and I'm scared. I don't want to be left behind."
"We won't leave you behind, San." Quinn replied as she pulled the Latina in for a hug.
"You have four years to figure it out…and you know what, you have your whole life afterward." Rachel added softly.
Santana nodded as she tried to appear strong and independent again. She stepped away from Quinn and took a deep breath. "It goes without saying that if you mention any of this to anyone, I'll ends you."
Both Rachel and Quinn smiled.
"Now, we're going back to the table and playing nice with everyone else…okay?" Quinn said with a raised brow.
Santana rolled her eyes but nodded anyway. When they reached their table, the Latina shuffled from foot to foot before she rubbed the back of her neck nervously. "I don't do apologies…but I guess I can forgive you guys for insulting me."
The girls opened their mouths to protest but noticed the small smile playing on Santana's lips. They smiled back and returned to the conversations they were engaged in before they were interrupted.
Santana took her seat and happily participated in the conversations around the table. Quinn sat down in an empty chair and pulled Rachel down on her lap. Rachel relaxed into her. Every once in a while, conversations would halt as they all listened to a song or two that they recognized and enjoyed. Eventually, Brittany dragged Santana out to the dance floor. Kahlan, a dancer herself, was quick to join them. Especially during the classic rock numbers that were easy to dance to.
During a few of the slow songs, the various couples danced together. Puck even asked Sydney to dance with him, which she readily accepted. And Hiram and Leroy took turns dancing with Judy and Judy throughout the night, though they did save a few dances for each other. Cara, Kahlan, Kari and Mercedes were left watching the happy couples.
When the band played, 'Watermelon Crawl,' Santana, Brittany and Quinn commandeered the dance floor and showed off a line dance they had perfected over the years. The glee kids smiled not only at seeing the Unholy Trinity united again, but at seeing Quinn actually dancing. Neither would admit it, but they were all scared that Quinn would never walk again. Everyone but Rachel. Rachel had faith. And a whole lot of love.
It was during the second set that Kris called Rachel up to join them. Her friends and family cheered loudly as she made it up to the stage. "You guys are in for a real treat, because this little lady is the most talented singer I've had the pleasure to work with. And tonight is her debut with us. So please give a hand for Rachel Berry."
The diva bowed graciously before she adjusted the microphone to her level. However, when it wouldn't go down any further she rolled her eyes and just took it off the stand. She smiled as she spoke. "Believe me, that happens a lot."
Laughter erupted around the room. They weren't laughing at her but rather with her. Rachel had already won over the crowd.
First she sang a duet with Kris, 'Let's Make Love' by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. The performance earned a standing ovation. Then she sang, 'Gunpowder and Lead' followed by 'Independence Day', 'I'm a Survivor', and 'I Hate Myself for Loving You.' The more she sang, the more the crowd got into her performance. By the time she rocked out to Joan Jett, the whole crowd was on their feet. Rachel owned the stage. She finished by singing another duet with Kris, called 'In Another's Eyes.'
The crowd was captivated, but none moreso than her own table of loved ones. Quinn had never been more proud of her, nor had her dads. Those who never heard Rachel perform live were stunned speechless, and her old friends from glee were pleasantly surprised by how far she'd come since the events following graduation. She had grown as a person (not physically though) and a performer and they were proud to have been a part of her journey.
"She's even better than I remember." Blaine whispered to Kurt.
"I agree." Kurt smiled proudly as he rested his head contently on his boyfriend's shoulder.
"She is doing better, right guys?" Mercedes asked Quinn and Kurt. Though the questioned caused Rachel and Quinn's other friends to look at them in confusion.
Quinn shook off their stares and addressed Mercedes. "Much." Was all she said and her friend understood that now was the time to drop it. She'd ask again when they were in private, if need be.
"Oh, while I'm thinking about it and while the hobbit's not around…I already bribed my mom to be out of the house so we can throw a birthday part for her." Santana spoke excitedly. "We's getting' that bitch wasted." Horror took over her face when she remembered that Rachel's dads were still present.
"Did you just call my daughter a hobbit and a bitch in the same sentence?" Hiram asked with a furrowed brow.
"I don't know if that's the point, Hiram." Leroy said before leveling a look on Santana. "She deserves to have a good time and though we don't condone underage drinking…we're not naïve enough to believe that it doesn't happen." He took a slow breath, his eyes wandering around Rachel's friends. "Make sure she's safe."
They all nodded gravely. Then Judy quickly added. "And no one drives home."
They nodded again.
"Dude, your parents are so cool." Tess smirked as the table grew quiet. Haley elbowed her. "Ow."
"Sorry." The brunette murmured before placing a delicate kiss to Tess's cheek.
"You better be." Tess growled as she caught Haley's lips with hers.
"God, I wanna barf." Santana groaned.
Rachel trotted up to the table. She had been held up shaking people's hands and answering their questions. When she arrived at the table, she pulled Quinn into a searing kiss. Then she went around the table and allowed everyone to congratulate her as she reveled in the accolades.
Kurt leaned over toward the group and stage whispered. "She once said that she was like Tinker Bell…that she needed applause to live."
Tess, Sydney, Cara, Kahlan and Kari all burst out in laughter. Quinn and Santana grinned knowingly because they knew that Rachel well.
"I like Tinker Bell." Was Brittany's reply whereas Haley furrowed her brows. "That's a very good simile…and I understand the sentiment. I crave applause as well."
The rest of the table joined in the laughter as Rachel and Haley stood staring at them with a pout on their lips and their hands on their hips. The mirrored image was spooky to say the least. It quickly shut everyone up.
Toward the end of the night, Kris called Kari to the stage and she sang two songs. Those who never heard her sing were pleasantly surprised. The rest simply enjoyed her performance as always. At the end of the set, just before closing time, Rachel went back on stage. She, Kari and Kris harmonized in 'Boondocks' before closing the show with a mash-up of 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'All Summer Long.' It was a real crowd pleaser and hand everyone on their feet dancing and singing along.
After the show, they began parting ways. Judy, Fran, Hiram and Leroy had hotel rooms so they ventured off to crash for the night. Kari left after saying goodbye to everyone. Kahlan and Cara stayed behind to go home with their boyfriends when they finished packing up for the night.
Before they left the bar, Quinn pulled Cara aside. "I am sorry about Santana; I want you to know that I had nothing to do with her behavior."
The blue eyed blonde smiled at her. "I understand. She's not really that bad when you get to know her."
Quinn raised an eyebrow causing Cara to chuckle. "Okay, you're right. She's still a bitch…but she's the good kind of bitch. The kind you know has your back."
Quinn smiled because that was an accurate description. "It was really great to meet you, Cara."
"Likewise." She smiled back. "Rachel said you might come rock climbing with us sometime?" She stated it like a question.
"I want to…I'll have a ways to go before my legs are strong enough." Quinn admitted.
Cara nodded. "And just so you know…I'm not interested in Rachel. Your friends seemed to…"
"My friends are protective. Even if I didn't believe you…I trust Rachel." Quinn's face softened as she added. "Just so you know though, I do believe you."
Cara lips curled up slightly. "Kahlan told me about you…that you were cool. Not like the cheerleaders I grew up with."
Quinn rolled her eyes. "That's just a stereotype, you know."
Cara tilted her head toward Santana and Brittany with mischief in her eyes. "Is it?"
Quinn actually laughed and Cara laughed with her. When their laughter died down, Cara added. "I think you're just the exception to the rule."
The hazel eyed blonde shook her head sadly. "It wasn't always that way."
"What made you change?" Cara asked with interest.
"Rachel."
A bright smile appeared on Cara's face. "She does tend to do that, doesn't she?"
Quinn looked back at her friends. Puck, Santana, Mercedes, Kurt. They once were all enemies that Rachel turned into her best friends. Then Quinn glanced at Tess. Tess was her first enemy turned friend (not including Rachel, or Santana for that matter). And as her gaze settled back on Cara; she realized that this girl just might be her second one.
"Good luck with your play, Quinn." Cara said before preparing to walk away.
Quinn stared at her quizzically.
"That's all Rachel's been talking about. Her beautifully perfect girlfriend, the playwright. I know it's a year away, but Kahlan and I were hoping to see it when it goes to the stage. If you'll have us, of course."
Hazel orbs stared wide eyed at the girl in front of her. "Really? You'd do that?"
The other blonde nodded with a smirk. "Rachel's been proclaiming it as the most epic love story we'll ever see…which also happens to be a musical."
Quinn blushed and looked away shyly. "You do know it's a story about us and Rachel's totally biased about it."
"I do. But that doesn't make it any less true." Cara pinned Quinn with an intense look. "Rachel has the tendency to see the best in people. But she also recognizes true talent. If Rachel says it's good, I believe her."
Before Quinn could answer, Cara disappeared. Her eyes scanned the room and noticed the blonde embracing her boyfriend as the boy leaned down and claimed her lips softly. Quinn smiled to herself at the sight.
"Yo, Q. Get your skinny white ass over here, we wants to bounce." Santana yelled from across the bar.
Quinn was still smiling as she walked over to her friends.
The remaining group walked back to Rachel and Kurt's apartment. They were far too wired to sleep so they sat around in the living room gossiping and laughing about the 'good ole days.' Sydney, Tess, Haley, Brooke and Richard all heard more than they ever wanted to know about Rachel and Quinn. Most already knew about Quinn's pregnancy but they also learned about Quinn's accident and Rachel's almost marriage to the 'douche' Finn Hudson.
They learned that Quinn was not only head cheerleader for two years but also Prom Queen. They learned that Rachel once had an unfortunate crush on Mr. Shuester. Actually, that was Kurt's announcement and the entire room was taken surprise by it…especially Quinn.
"You aren't actually jealous of Shuester?" Puck asked the blonde incredulously.
Quinn blushed before admitting. "Maybe. I mean, she not only cooked for him but she cleaned for him as well."
Rachel rolled her eyes and cuddled further into her girlfriend. "I do other things for you." She whispered seductively and the blonde immediately forgot about the curly haired teacher.
Richard and Puck eventually got talking about sports, which Blaine also joined in on, and they were occupied for the rest of the night. Quinn decided to turn the tables and started talking about Santana's high school misadventures.
That's when Tess asked. "What's with calling me Q 2.0? What does that mean?"
Mercedes, Kurt and Brittany giggled. Rachel and Quinn smirked. Santana simply rolled her eyes. "Quinn the second. If that makes it easier to understand. Or clone Quinn."
Tess's mouth dropped open. "Me and Quinn? I get that we're similar but…"
"Have you seen your girlfriend?" Santana replied pointedly.
Both Tess and Haley blushed at the word. Haley spoke. "We haven't…I mean, we didn't really discuss anything…there are no labels, though I'm not opposed to such a label. I'd actually be honored, if that were the case, that I could claim Tess as my girlfriend." Her blush deepened as her hurried out the rest of her words. "We just hadn't had that discussion yet."
Everyone in the room laughed, but Tess.
"You are Quinn and Haley is Rachel. Clones, I say." Santana reiterated.
Kurt's eyes widened. "That is so…eerie. I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone."
Mercedes shook her head. "Of all the people in Yale…you found them?"
"Hey!" Tess hissed.
"Relax. Not dissin', I just find it…"
"Crazy ass shit?"
"Thanks Santana." Mercedes smiled at the assistance.
They all continued to laugh and talk until one by one they fell asleep.
000000000
The next day, when they finally regained consciousness they all decided to check out Coney Island. They met up with Rachel's dads, as well as Judy and Fran and headed east. Puck and Richard competed against each other in the batting cages. Brooke and Sydney stayed back to watch them. Kurt, Blaine, Mercedes, Judy, and Fran hit the boardwalk to go shopping. Leroy decided to try the batting cages with the boys while Hiram chose to go shopping. Haley, Tess, Brittany, Santana, Quinn and Rachel were left to their own devices.
Rachel leaned into Quinn and whispered. "They have a Ferris Wheel."
The blonde smirked in return before grabbing Rachel's hand and dragging her to the ride. The other couples swiftly followed. Brittany giggled happily as she skipped along faster than Santana was able to keep up.
Haley whispered to Tess. "I always wanted to kiss someone on top of the Ferris Wheel."
The blonde blushed shyly.
As they stood in line, Brittany bounced excitedly. "This time you get to ride Q! And you have your own girlfriend to kiss at the top. I always wanted that for you. I wanted to offer to let you ride with us once and was even going to kiss you so you could experience it…but San wouldn't let me."
"It's okay." Quinn smiled. "It was well worth the wait."
Rachel grinned back, and then looked at Brittany. "You're a really great friend, Brittany."
"I know." The tall blonde smiled back.
Rachel shook her head.
When it was their turn on the Ferris Wheel, Quinn and Rachel took their seats. "It's not very long, but we finally get some alone time." Quinn mentioned.
"I love our friends and it's been great seeing them again…but I do miss this. Just us." Rachel replied.
They cuddled into each other. Rachel rested her head on Quinn's chest and the blonde held her close.
"What did you and Cara talk about?" Rachel asked into the silence.
"Rachel…"
"I saw you, Quinn." Rachel shifted, looking up into her favorite eyes. They were her home. Her anchor when all else seemed lost.
"I apologized for Santana. We talked a bit. She's great, Rachel. I needed to see for myself that she's a great friend to you. And she is. I'm happy you have her."
The smile on Rachel's face could have lit up the darkest night. "Thank you Quinn. That means the world to me."
They wheel stopped at the top so Quinn leaned down claiming Rachel's lips passionately. Both girls remembered the last time they kissed atop a Ferris Wheel as the kiss grew more heated.
"Go Quinn!" Brittany cheered from the seat in front of them.
They heard Tess and Haley laugh from behind them. Quinn kissed Rachel the entire time they sat at the top of the Ferris Wheel. The brunette moaned into the kiss, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss.
Eventually the ride continued. They smiled proudly when they glanced back and saw Tess lean over and seize Haley's lips. They also heard the blonde ask Haley if she wanted to be her girlfriend. The brunette shrieked loudly in acceptance before they started kissing again.
After the ride, the six girls made their way to the game booths and shelled out obscene amounts of money trying to win prizes for each other. At three in the afternoon, the entire group met up for a late lunch.
That evening, Tess, Haley, Brooke, Richard and Sydney left New York City. And the following day, Santana, Brittany, Puck and Mercedes headed back to Lima with Rachel and Quinn's family. Blaine stayed an extra day so he could fly back with Kurt.
Quinn and Rachel were alone in the brunette's room later that night. Naked limbs wrapped around each other as they basked in a post-orgasmic glow. "I missed this." Quinn whispered as she kissed Rachel's forehead and looked into the lust filled eyes of her lover.
Rachel playfully rolled her eyes. "Because going down on me in the bathroom on Friday night wasn't satisfying enough for you?"
Quinn wiggled a bit closer. "Oh, it was plenty satisfying." She smirked. "But that was two whole days ago."
"You're insatiable." Rachel grinned mischievously.
A blonde eyebrow rose devilishly. "Says the girl who asked me if I wanted to join the Mile High Club during tomorrow's flight."
Rachel returned the raised brow. "I don't remember you complaining."
"Oh, I wasn't…" Quinn whispered before kissing her way down Rachel's body. "Doesn't mean we can't get some practice in now…" Her lips grazed the sun-kissed skin as she spoke.
Rachel squirmed underneath her. Then she pulled Quinn's head back up and re-attached their lips. She whimpered against them. "How about this time…we cum together?"
Quinn's eyes darkened instantly. She positioned herself on top of Rachel; their warm, damp cores touching deliciously. The blonde began rocking and Rachel quickly followed in unison. As their juices mixed, their tongues tangoed. Their moans were stifled by each other's mouths.
Slowly, their fingers traveled southward. Rachel's fingers entered Quinn first, causing the blonde to gasp. Quickly, the blonde rode Rachel's hand and pressed her fingers deeper inside…effectively fucking herself. The idea of it turned her on beyond belief and she was fast to shove her fingers inside her girlfriend's wet opening. Their pace was unrelenting as they brought each other over the edge.
When Quinn collapsed onto the brunette, she was panting loudly. As soon as she caught her breath, she kissed Rachel's neck, then her jaw, and then whispered in her ear. "Best idea ever."
Rachel giggled cheerfully before pulling Quinn firmly against her and held her securely. They fell asleep in each other's arms.
A/N: Let's see, we had some Santana quips as well as a nice Pezberry/Quintana moment, The Unholy Trinity, Tess and Haley are official, Rachel kicked ass, and Cara survived ;)
Up next, back to Lima for Christmas Break means Rachel's birthday celebration with the glee club…
(This will be a multiple, probably two, chapter visit due to all the surprises coming your way!)
Song List:
Gunpowder and Lead- Miranda Lambert
Independence Day- Martina McBride
I'm a Survivor- Reba McEntire
I Hate Myself for Loving You- Joan Jett
In Another's Eyes- Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood
Boondocks- Little Big Town
Sweet Home Alabama- Lynyrd Skynyrd
All Summer Long- Kid Rock