iii.
When Quinn does turn eighteen, nothing happens.
It's a day she dreads for a number of reasons, but nothing actually happens. Nobody says anything, either, and she's relieved about it. No news is good news. Maybe she can just stay here until graduation, and then she'll be able to figure out the rest.
On the day, she just goes to school, keeping her head down, and comes back in the evening to a lot more nothing. Holly doesn't call. Neither does Terri. The only person who even acknowledges the day is Sadie, who gives Quinn an extra-long look and a soft smile when they pass each other in the corridor. But, other than that, it's just a day.
Quinn actually manages to convince herself she's home-free, but that all changes when she gets back to the new group home the day after her birthday and finds none other than Officer Puckerman waiting out front, her red duffel waiting at his feet.
It's like the breath leaves her body.
Because then he says, "Look at that, you're mine now," like he's really been waiting for this day forever.
Quinn glances at the house behind him, wishing someone - anyone - would emerge and come save her. Just this once in her life, she needs somebody to show up.
She knows nobody is coming.
Officer Puckerman even laughs. "Oh, nobody's coming," he says, and he sounds mean. "They were happy to be rid of you, in fact. Imagine that. Nobody to care about you. Nobody to look for you. Nobody to miss you. Just me."
Quinn should run. She should turn around and try to get as far away from here as possible, but she already knows he'll catch up to her. He'll find her, and he'll make it worse than it has to be.
For now, Quinn's best move is probably to comply. Because he's right, right? Nobody cares about her. Nobody would look for her. Nobody would miss her. She's just another child moving through the system who will be lost. Maybe they'll write a small note about her, and then just close her insignificant file. But, then again, Officer Puckerman could just claim she ran away, and then nobody would even know she wanted none of this.
Because she doesn't.
She doesn't want to be a nobody, or so easily cast aside and forgotten. She doesn't want to be reduced to nothing like this, and she sure as hell doesn't want to be used by some entitled man who thinks he can take advantage of her just because her family and the system decided to fail her.
So.
Quinn runs.
She was once a cheerleader, so she's athletic enough to get several metres away before he's able to react and get moving himself. She has a bit of a plan, though it's half-baked at best. What she knows is the bus schedule, and she's going to use it to her advantage. All she needs to do is get to the bus stop before him and get onto the bus that's supposed to be waiting. She'll be safe then.
The only problem is that, when Quinn does arrive, there is no bus. She curses aloud, chances a look over her shoulder, and visibly pales when she sees Officer Puckerman coming down the road. She immediately reaches for her phone, intent on calling someone - anyone.
She barely gets to the nine key before he's there, grabbing her roughly and tugging her behind the bus shelter where they'll be out of sight. The phone drops out of her hand, and she manages only a single scream before his hand is pressed over her mouth and his other arm against her sternum.
"Shut. Up."
Quinn just glares at him.
He tries to catch his breath. "You're fast, I'll give you that," he says. "But that was stupid. I wasn't going to use the handcuffs, but you've left me no choice."
Quinn's eyes widen in panic, her brain working frantically to figure out a way out of this. What did her sister once tell her? Go for the balls.
With all the strength she has, Quinn lifts a knee to his groin, and he jerks back. She kicks his shin next, sucking in a breath when his hand falls away. She's running on pure adrenalin now, her feet ready to take off again, but then he grabs her arm, still hunched over, and he squeezes hard enough that she's sure her bones will bruise.
She cries out, her nails digging into his skin. He's too strong, keeping hold of her as he recovers from her attempt to incapacitate him. She scratches and yells and fights, and it's the reason he lands a solid punch to her abdomen, knocking all the wind out of her.
He shoves her back, and her body hits the shelter. "You little bitch," he hisses, standing upright now. "I knew you'd be a challenge." He grins. "I always love a bit of foreplay."
Quinn throws up.
It's partly from the punch, but mainly because of the idea of his hands on her. She can taste the peanut butter sandwich she had for lunch, and it's what actually brings tears to her eyes.
"Disgusting," he says, but it's also the moment Quinn hears it. The bus. It's finally here. "You got that shit on my shoes," he complains.
Quinn heaves again, though nothing comes out. He still jumps back, desperate to get out of the blast zone, and that's the moment Quinn makes a break for it. She slips away, rounding the shelter, and fighting relief at the sight of the open door. She just has to get inside. That's all she has to do.
Something yanks on her backpack and she stumbles back. For a moment, she contemplates slipping it off and leaving it behind, but all of Rachel's letters are inside, and Quinn won't ever part with them.
With all the fading strength she has, she rips herself away, hearing her one strap tear, and she practically leaps onto the first step of the bus. She trips and falls onto the floor, scrambling right up to the driver and praying, praying Officer Puckerman isn't actually stupid enough to follow.
The doors close.
Quinn breathes out.
The bus starts to move.
Quinn bursts into tears.
After a moment, the driver says, "Honey, I'm going to need you to get into an actual seat." His voice is gruff but kind, and Quinn realises she's actually in a heap by his feet right now. "There's a free one right behind me. I'll be able to see you in my mirror."
Quinn doesn't dare look up, too afraid of what she'll see.
"Where you headed?" he asks, gentle.
The first thing her mouth says is, "How do I get to Akron?"
Quinn wouldn't be able to say what she's doing here, but there's literally nowhere else in the world she could think of. Nowhere she could go and feel safe. Feel cared about and real. Feel valued.
This youth centre is larger than the one in Lima, and Quinn walks up to the front door with little preamble. She just wants a friendly face. Anything. Something.
Once inside, she's met by an older woman, who takes one look at her and looks suitably alarmed. Not of her, but for her.
"Sweetheart, are you okay?"
All Quinn can do is shake her head, because she's definitely not okay, and the kind woman directs her to a bank of chairs and makes her sit.
"Let me get you some water, and then we'll figure out what's happening, okay?"
Still, Quinn says nothing.
She had - she had all these plans. Before Sadie. She wanted to take on the world, figure out how to get out safely and exist beyond her family. She's had to adjust her plans, sure, but now -
It shouldn't have to be this hard, surely. Hasn't she been through enough? When is it enough?
What happens to her now?
The woman returns with a plastic cup of water which she very carefully places in Quinn's hand. "My name is Gail," she says, settling into the chair opposite Quinn. "Do you want to tell me your name?"
"Quinn."
Gail's smile is gentle. "Hello, Quinn," she says. "It's nice to meet you."
Quinn just about manages to return the sentiment, but her smile fades to nothing when she's reminded that she's at some youth centre so many miles away from what's supposed to be her hometown.
"Are you hurt?" Gail asks, eyes darting over Quinn's body. There are a few bruises under Quinn's clothes, she's sure, but she doesn't feel like giving that away. It might prompt more questions she won't be able to explain.
Quinn remains silent.
Gail reads her silence for what it is. "Do I need to get a first aid kit?"
Quinn shakes her head.
"Honey, how can I help?"
Quinn doesn't know how anyone could. "Do you mind if I just sit here?" she asks. "I'd really like to sit here, if that's okay."
"That's perfectly okay," Gail assures her. "You just sit here for as long as you need. I'm going to go back to the desk, okay? Just let me know if you need anything else, all right?"
Quinn just nods, and then watches as Gail does exactly as she said she would. Quinn just sits, heart beating unsteadily in her chest. It's been a difficult few days, even worse still that she really doesn't know what's supposed to happen now.
Gosh, what is she supposed to do now?
She should call Holly, maybe. Would Holly even believe her? Quinn isn't her problem now, anyway. She's nobody's problem.
Shit. She doesn't even have her belongings. For all she knows, they're currently outside that group home. Or they're gone forever, who knows? Right now, her backpack is all she has. Just a few school books, her denim jacket, and Rachel's letters.
All the important things.
Quinn nearly starts crying again. It's there, waiting to be let out again, but that's the moment Quinn hears it.
A voice Quinn knows belongs to Rachel.
Quinn's head turns when she hears it, spotting a dark-haired girl talking to another pair of girls, hands animated as she explains an idea she has to get some of the younger children more involved with music.
The three of them are headed to the reception, and Quinn watches as Gail waves a hand to get their collective attention. "Lorna wanted to see Gabi and Cameron," she says. "There are changes to next week's schedule, and she wanted to check with you guys about them."
Gabi and Cameron say goodbye to the third girl - Rachel - and then it's just her, Quinn and Gail in the reception area. Quinn can't stop from staring at her, because -
Dear God, she's so much more than Quinn ever imagined.
Petite, sure, but stunning, too. She has these eyes that are so very dark and clear, soft in a way Quinn can't bring herself to look away from. If Rachel is put off by Quinn's staring, she doesn't say anything. Just offers Quinn a friendly smile, and then moves towards Gail.
"I think I managed to convert Thomas into a Hamilton fan," she says, and the voice is -
Her voice.
So close and in person.
Quinn can't stop staring.
Rachel glances at her a handful of times during her conversation with Gail, and it must bother her at some point, because she moves towards Quinn and sits on the bench beside her. Eyes so kind and expression full of understanding, she says, "I've never seen you here before," with a patient smile. "I'm Rachel."
Quinn looks at her, too closely to be considered normal. "It's my first time here," she says, and something happens to Rachel's face. Quinn won't imagine she recognises her voice, but she won't claim to know much of anything. "I wasn't sure where else to go."
"Oh." She blinks. "Is there something we can help with?"
Quinn nods slowly. "I just turned eighteen," she says. "I aged out of the foster system."
Rachel looks suitably horrified. "Oh, my God," she says. "Do they just - did they just kick you out?"
Quinn shrugs. "Wouldn't be the first time."
"That's not really reassuring."
Quinn manages a smile, because Rachel truly is more than Quinn could have expected. In so many ways. She doesn't even seem real in this moment, and Quinn would reach out to touch her if that wouldn't be considered certifiable.
"You look pale," Rachel points out, and Quinn doesn't know how to explain what she's been through in the last few hours.
"Um."
"I'm going to get you an apple," Rachel says, and then she's up out of her seat and disappearing before Quinn can even say anything. She just looks at Gail, who offers her a small smile. As if she knows.
Rachel is back before Quinn can consider what more she's going to say. She's going to have to tell Rachel whom she is, but there's something rather lovely about remaining anonymous in this moment.
Quinn takes the red apple Rachel offers as she retakes her seat with a soft smile. She's acutely aware of the way Rachel stares at her mouth for a moment, and that -
Huh.
Quinn isn't really a fan of red apples, but she gamely takes a bite to appease her. It's kind of cute the way she seems to relax at the sight, smile steady. Quinn chews slowly, swallows, and then very purposefully says, "You told me you were short, but I didn't quite believe you." Rachel's expression shifts into a frown of confusion, which is why Quinn adds, "But I promised not to tease you, so this is the first and last time I'll mention it."
It barely takes a full second for Rachel to react, and Quinn doesn't quite see it coming when Rachel throws her arms around Quinn and hugs her as if -
It doesn't matter, because this moment feels as close to coming home as Quinn has ever felt.
"Oh, my God," Rachel repeatedly murmurs into her ear, and Quinn knows the feeling. She can hardly believe it herself and she's had the time to prepare for this. The bus ride was long and she second-guessed her decision to come endlessly, but here she is, in Rachel's arms.
Rachel eventually pulls back far enough to be able to look at her face. Her eyes dart over Quinn's features, taking her in, and Quinn should feel embarrassed and exposed, but she's decidedly not.
"Quinn," Rachel whispers. "You're here. I can't believe you're here." Then her expression shifts. "Wait. What are you doing here? What happened? You're eighteen now?"
Quinn looks away, aching. "I - they no longer give people money to look after me now that I'm eighteen," she explains. "And, I just - that case officer was - he made a… suggestion, and I - I just - I didn't even think about anything other than coming here. To you. Because - it just. I don't know. I don't know if I was thinking anything at all."
Rachel's hands settle over Quinn's, holding them still where they've been picking at the skin of her apple.
"Hey," Rachel gently says. "You're okay."
Quinn definitely isn't okay. Better than she was, sure, but she's not even a little bit okay. How can she be when everything is just falling apart? It all happened so quickly, mere hours between the highs and lows of her birthday to the highs and lows of knowing her home isn't her home anymore and that Officer Puckerman has been lying in wait to make his move.
Quinn feels like an idiot.
But then Rachel says, "Come on," as she gets to her feet. "Let's go home, and you can tell me everything."
Quinn doesn't move.
Rachel holds out her hand, determined. "It's okay, Quinn," she assures. "I don't know what sanity all those other people have, but I know you're wanted here, okay? You are wanted. By me. So let's go. I still haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact you're here with me right now."
"I know the feeling," Quinn murmurs, slipping her hand into Rachel's and allowing the brunette to pull her to her feet. Rachel immediately hugs her again, as if she can't help herself, and Quinn holds on for as long as she's allowed. Rachel's fingers are in her hair, gentle and reassuring, keeping her close.
They've talked about it, of course, this desire to be together in a real, tangible way, but it already feels like something unreal. Something she doesn't deserve. Something that could be ripped away from her in a heartbeat - like everything else.
"Your eyes," Rachel murmurs, "They're so much better than I imagined."
Quinn's heart can barely handle it, stuttering in her chest and making her breath catch. She doesn't know what to say or do. Just needs Rachel to take the lead on this.
Which she does. She slips her hand back into Quinn's, says a few words to Gail, and then the two of them are leaving the office, and leaving the main building. Rachel leads them to the parking lot, where a small Volvo is waiting, and she directs Quinn into the passenger's seat, placing Quinn's backpack at her feet.
The first thing Quinn can think to say once they're on their way is, "This is Edward Cullen's car."
A laugh escapes Rachel. "Oh my God, seriously, you're still on about my Twilight drama, aren't you?"
"You could save us all the trouble and just tell me."
"I knew you'd be just as much of a smartass in person as you are in your letters," Rachel lightly comments, and Quinn feels herself relax.
"You've never called me a smartass before."
"That you know of," Rachel says, and they sit in the levity for just a minute. It's all they can get, because then Rachel is saying, "I don't like that something bad had to happen for you to be here."
Rachel doesn't even know the half of it. Quinn just turns her head to face her, taking in every one of her features. She'll never look away again if she can help it. Because Rachel is here, in the flesh, and Quinn might have to pinch herself to make sure she's not actually dreaming.
"Tell me," Rachel says, and so Quinn does. She gives the surface notes, mainly because Rachel already looks horrified, and the way she's gripping the steering wheel must be painful.
She doesn't say a word, though. Just makes a U-Turn illegally and offers no explanation other than, "We were going to my Dad's, but now we're going to my Mom's."
Quinn is silent the rest of the way.
Rachel lives in the suburbs, in what looks like a gated community, and it reminds Quinn too much of her childhood home that she actually closes her eyes. She doesn't open them until the car has come to a stop and Rachel places a gentle hand on her leg.
She's safe here. She just knows it.
"We should go inside," Rachel says, smiling softly.
Quinn just nods, and then gets out. She hangs her backpack off one shoulder, mainly because the second strap is actually torn. It's a shame, really, because she quite liked this backpack. Maybe she'll be able to sew it at some point.
They enter the house through the front door, and Rachel calls out, "Mom, are you home?"
"In here," a disembodied voice replies a moment later. "You're home early. Everything go okay at the centre?"
Rachel takes hold of Quinn's hand again. "You could say that," she says in response, shooting a smile at Quinn over her shoulder. Then: "Is Danny home?"
"Got called out a few hours ago," she says. "You're not coming to ask him to help you find Quinn again, are you?"
Rachel squeezes Quinn's fingers.
"Because you know he can't, Sweetheart," she goes on to add, voice catching when Rachel and Quinn enter the kitchen together. "Oh. You have a visitor."
Quinn hasn't spent too much time thinking about what Rachel's family would look like, in all honesty, but she's pretty sure someone just copy-pasted Rachel from the woman in front of her.
"Mom," Rachel says, "Stop staring."
"Right." She clears her throat. "Who's this?"
"Quinn," Rachel says, and the woman's eyes widen. "I need to talk to Danny. What time will he be home?"
"I don't know," she says. Then: "This is Quinn? As in Quinn, your pen-friend? The girl you - "
"Yes," Rachel cuts in, voice a little high as she pulls Quinn closer. "Quinn, this is my mother, Shelby," she introduces. "We can all get to know each other in a little bit, I promise. For now, though." She keeps her eyes on Shelby. "Do you remember when Nancy showed up here last year?"
Shelby takes a moment to place the reference, but then her expression clears and hardens at the same time. "Oh."
Rachel nods once. "Right."
Quinn doesn't know what seems to have passed between them, but then Rachel is turning to face her and saying, "Is it okay if my mother takes a look at you?"
"What?"
Rachel steps closer. "My mother volunteers at a women's shelter," she explains. "She'll know what to do."
"To do?"
"Quinn," Rachel says, voice gentle. "You're hurt."
Quinn frowns. "What? No, I'm not."
"You said he punched you," Rachel says, and Quinn immediately drops her gaze. "You're also not standing up straight."
Only once it's been pointed out does Quinn realise Rachel is right. "Oh."
Rachel's thumb runs over the back of her hand. "Let us take care of you," she says, and Quinn does.
Shelby takes her to another room, gently asks all the necessary questions, and then asks to see the damage. Quinn is initially reluctant, not wanting to know either, but then she knows Shelby is just trying to help.
As well as make sure there's a case against Officer Puckerman if ever the time comes.
She doesn't quite react to the bruises on Quinn's arm, abdomen and back, but she does ask to take pictures, and then collects Quinn's clothes. Next, she directs Quinn to a bathroom, where she's able to shower, and then there's a set of Rachel's pyjamas waiting for her.
Quinn almost starts crying all over again.
She does, though, when Rachel takes her up to her bedroom where they huddle on the carpet with cups of tea and she says, "I can't stop looking at you." There's wonder in her voice, her eyes shining, and Quinn wants to exist in this moment forever.
"I don't know what happens now," Quinn tells her in response.
Rachel doesn't look away. "Danny will know," she says. "We'll talk to him when he gets home."
Quinn nods once. "I guess I'm sorry for just showing up like this," she says, "I'm sure you had all sorts of plans for your day."
"Nothing even comes close to this," she says. "The girls want to do some kind of Galentine's thing on Saturday, but I literally just do school, youth centre, rehearsals and homework. I live a very boring life."
"Sounds exciting," Quinn tells her.
"Maybe." She sets her cup aside and shifts closer. "Maybe a lot of things."
"What?"
Rachel watches her for another moment, and then leans back, as if she's forcing herself not to say and do what she normally would. "I still can't believe you're here," she says, voice low. "You're here, Quinn. I thought I lost you forever." She breathes out. "I thought I missed my chance."
Quinn frowns. "To do what?"
She seems to catch herself again, humming softly. "Do you have any idea what you mean to me?" she asks, and Quinn can categorically say that she does not, no. "You're actually here."
Quinn holds out her right hand, setting her cup on the carpet with her other. "You can hold my hand if you want," she offers, more for herself than anything else. She'll happily be selfish in this moment.
Rachel slips her hand into Quinn's, and it feels like she can finally, truly relax. Quinn's eyes even close, resting her head against the end of Rachel's bed. She can feel Rachel looking at her, but there's nothing intrusive about it. In fact, it's comforting having Rachel watching over her.
Quinn really must fall asleep, because the next thing she knows she's waking up on Rachel's bedroom carpet, a pillow tucked under her head and a light blanket draped over her body.
Rachel is nowhere in sight.
It takes Quinn a moment to get her bearings, but she eventually sits up and just knows she can't stay here. Somehow, she needs to get back to Lima. She should probably find a way to contact Holly and let her know what's happened, if only for the woman to be able to close Quinn's file and take on another case.
The problem is that Quinn really doesn't want to go.
And she doesn't know where her shoes are.
With a sigh, she gets to her feet and stretches. Her body is stiff and actually aching, but that's no surprise. She recognises she's had quite an eventful day, so obviously her body's going to feel it.
Her heart does, too.
Quinn folds the light blanket and places it on the end of the bed. She spends a moment just running her hands over the smooth fabric, the feeling reminding her of Rachel in the best way. And the most heartbreaking way.
With another sigh, she turns towards the slightly-ajar door and walks out into the corridor. She can hear murmured voices coming from down the stairs, and she follows them to find Rachel, Shelby, and another man sitting in the living room. There are two boys sitting at the dining table behind them, clearly working on homework, and Quinn takes two steps into the room before she freezes, painfully losing confidence.
Rachel notices her immediately, as if she's already tuned in to Quinn and everything to do with her. She gets to her feet, expression open and gentle. "Hey," she says, hands automatically reaching out. "You're awake."
Quinn can't bring herself to speak.
"This is Danny," Rachel tells her. "We've just been trying to figure out what happens now." She smiles gently. "Problem is, we don't even know your full name."
"Lucy," Quinn says, almost blurting out the word. "My name is Lucy."
Rachel frowns. "It is?"
"Lucy Quinn Fabray," she confirms. "Born 10 February 1994. I have an older sister I haven't seen in three years, and parents who threw me away just a year after." Her head drops slightly. "I've been in four foster homes, and three group homes. Well, four, actually, but the last one was an emergency placement because Terri kind of lost Ruby for a little while, but now I'm eighteen and nobody's actually told me what's going to happen to me, and I don't really know how I'm supposed to graduate when I don't even have a home address."
Just saying the words out loud makes the reality of the situation hit her square in the chest.
"Or a phone," Quinn adds, weighted. "I don't even know where my belongings are. Do you think he got rid of them? Do you think they're still just sitting in front of the house? Someone probably stole them. Wow. I literally have nothing, huh?" She takes in a shaky breath. "Because that's what I am."
"Hey," Rachel says, and she's moving towards her now. "Don't say things like that." Her voice is gentle but firm, hands already reaching out to touch Quinn in some way. "Quinn, no, we're going to figure this out, okay?"
Quinn can't bring herself to believe her, and it must show in her expression, because Rachel gets even closer. It's the moment Quinn notices she's actually changed out of her everyday clothes, looking comfortable in a pair of sweats.
"Hey," Rachel says again, voice even softer. "I'm right here, and I'm keeping you, okay? Danny knows what to do." She turns to look over her shoulder. "Right, Danny?" she asks, "You know what to do, don't you?"
Danny looks a little caught but he does nod. "Why don't you two come sit and we can figure this out?"
Rachel gently takes hold of Quinn's hand and leads her to the couch. She doesn't let go, saying, "This is Danny, like I said, and the cretins at the table are Aiden and Jasper."
"Hey," one of the boys says. Then he grins. "You must be Rachel's girlfriend."
"Aiden!" Rachel hisses. "Now is not the time."
"Focus on your homework," Shelby says, voice firm, and even Quinn spares a thought for her homework currently sitting in her backpack. Wait. Where's her backpack?
"This is Quinn," Rachel says, and then pauses. "Or Lucy, I believe."
"I go by Quinn," she says. "I just don't think that's what it says on any official documents."
Rachel squeezes her hand.
"What documents do you have?" Danny asks, and Quinn looks at him.
"Um." She gives it some thought. "Does a library card count?"
For a moment, his face falls. "I don't think so," he says. "School records?" He reaches for his cup of coffee on the table. "Okay. Why don't you tell us where you're from first?"
"Oh. From Lima."
"Okay, that's not too far away," he says. "And you said you're in the foster system?"
"Was," she says. "I turned eighteen."
"When?"
"Yesterday."
Danny frowns. "Quinn, you're still part of the system," he says. "Maybe it worked that way in the past, but you're still going to receive support."
Well, nobody's said anything to her, so what is she supposed to believe? Her real family threw her way, so why wouldn't everyone else?
"Do you know your social worker's details?"
This answer is easy. Holly makes every single one of them memorise her number in case any of them end up in trouble. She's the person they're meant to call right after they call the police.
There's a policeman sitting right in front of Quinn, and she gives him Holly's number. He gets to his feet to make the call, and Shelby gently asks if Quinn would like something to eat.
Her stomach actually grumbles at the sound of food, which makes them smile, but Quinn just remembers that the last time she ate was at lunch, which is a peanut butter sandwich she ended up throwing up.
"I made soup," Shelby says. "Rachel assured me you are not, in fact, vegan or vegetarian."
"Oh, that's not a choice I would ever make," Quinn says.
"A girl after my own heart."
"Excuse me for wanting to save the planet," Rachel cuts in, sounding playfully annoyed. "You could all learn a thing or two from me."
"Because Rachel knows everything," the boy who isn't Aiden says. He doesn't even look up from his work as he speaks, and Quinn likes him immediately.
"Let's get you a bowl," Shelby says, and then she's getting to her feet and leaving Quinn alone with Rachel.
"It's chicken noodle," Rachel tells her. "It's supposed to make everything better, but I haven't had it since I was eleven, so you'll just have to take everyone else's word for it."
Quinn just nods, absently surveying the room she's in. It's big and spacious, open plan in design. They can actually see Shelby in the kitchen, and it's probably the best way for her to keep an eye on Aiden and Jasper as they work on their homework.
"What are you thinking about?" Rachel asks her.
Quinn turns her head, feeling exhausted. "You have a lovely home here," she says. "And this is only half of your family, right?"
Rachel nods. "My Dad lives about ten minutes from here," she says. "Technically, he's still a bachelor, but he's also been dating LeRoy for more than a year, so is he really?"
"We're convinced Dad'll propose long before Danny ever gets around to it," Aiden chips in. "The dude's got some commitment issues."
Just then, Danny actually walks into the room from what looks like a home office or library. His expression is troubled, though it clears when he lays eyes on Quinn.
"You have definitely given quite a few people a scare," he says, and Quinn frowns. "They've spent the last few hours looking for you, Quinn. Holly is very relieved to hear you're okay."
"What?"
Danny explains that Holly actually came by the newest group home that afternoon to pick her up to return her to Terri's house, and was surprised to find her duffel of belongings just sitting on the front lawn. After a bit of probing, one of the younger kids revealed that he saw a man talking to her, and then chasing her in the direction of the bus stop.
Which is actually where they found Quinn's phone, abandoned and kicked under a bench. There was enough cause for alarm, and Holly managed to get some footage of the moments just before Officer Puckerman yanked her behind the shelter and out of view.
"They have him on camera, Quinn," Danny tells her. "They're trying to locate him now, but I can promise you're now safe from him."
Really, the one thing stuck on Quinn's brain is, "I get to go back to Terri?"
Danny looks stumped. "Is that - is that the home you were in, before?"
Quinn nods, heart beating just that bit faster.
"Then, yes," he says. He seems to pause for a moment, contemplating his next words. "It's the address you put on your college applications, isn't it?"
Quinn puffs out a breath. She hasn't even thought about college in weeks. She's kind of written it off at this point. "I - yeah."
"Apparently you have mail," Danny tells her.
Quinn knows it's likely to be a rejection letter, but Rachel squeezes her hand to get her attention, those chestnut eyes soft and questioning. "You didn't tell me you applied," Rachel says.
"Because I didn't want to tell you when I ultimately failed," Quinn reveals. "I mean, it doesn't even matter if I get in or not. It's not like I could afford it, and I don't think it's a good idea to bury myself in student loans before I even get a driver's license."
For just a moment, Danny looks as if he knows something they don't - which he probably does - but he doesn't say anything. Instead, Shelby returns with a tray of bowls before he can speak again, and Quinn allows herself to exist in this family for a little while.
She suspects she'll have to leave soon. If she's lucky, maybe they'll let her stay the night, and then she can leave in the morning. The world just doesn't feel as scary when she's sitting here with Rachel's hand held securely in her own.
Before long, Quinn's eyes start to droop and she yawns seven times in quick succession. Rachel smiles at her, voice low as she says, "You're very cute when you're sleepy."
Quinn doesn't even have the energy to argue the observation.
"Time for bed, me thinks," Rachel says, getting to her feet. She gently pulls Quinn up, as well. "Someone's had quite the day."
If Quinn is being honest, she's never actually felt this unguarded before. She feels young and not quite herself but, dear God, she feels safe. Nobody can hurt her here. Not with Rachel by her side.
They say goodnight to Shelby and Danny, the boys already gone to bed, and then Rachel leads her up the stairs for the second time. This time, though, Quinn actually gets to sleep in a bed.
Rachel's bed, which she doesn't quite register properly until she's already in it and Rachel is only a ruler length away from her. Quinn is warm and comfortable, surrounded by Rachel's scent, and she almost doesn't want to fall asleep.
Rachel turns to face her, hands tucked under her cheek. "I still can't believe you're here," she whispers in the dark room that Quinn hasn't actually taken the time to look at properly.
"Am I what you expected?"
"Hmm." She puffs out a minty breath. "For some reason, I thought you'd be taller."
Quinn smiles, eyes already closed. "I thought talk about heights was off-limits."
She chuckles. "My mistake," she says, "Won't do it again." She shifts closer. "Truthfully, I didn't spend too much time thinking about what you looked like."
"Really?"
"I just knew that you were someone I wanted in my life," Rachel says. "I didn't care what that looked like or how we made it happen."
"Didn't quite expected to be saddled with a juvenile delinquent, huh?"
Rachel reaches for her now, a gentle hand on her cheek, and Quinn is reminded uncomfortably of the night she told Sadie she had feelings for her.
Quinn shifts away, eyes opening with a frown. She's definitely awake now. Rachel takes her hand back, saying nothing as she continues to look at her.
Quinn audibly swallows. "Do you know why my parents kicked me out?" she asks, because she's here in Rachel's bed and it doesn't feel fair that she still doesn't know that Quinn is -
Well.
Quinn is kind of in love with her.
"No, I don't," Rachel says. "You've never said, and I've never asked."
"Were you too worried about what the reason could be?"
"No."
Quinn knows she has to tell her. From what she's already learned, Rachel is at least accepting. Her father has a boyfriend, and that doesn't seem to bother her beyond the fact they're so in love that it's actually gross.
"I told you about my ex," Quinn starts, suddenly wary. "Nobody knew we were together, and then everyone found out because of a letter I wrote, and it was - my parents found out, and I was given thirty minutes to pack my things and leave." She doesn't mention that her father actually turned it into nineteen minutes instead, meaning she didn't have the time to grab everything she wanted, and then literally threw her out the front door.
Quinn takes a breath. "Her name is Sadie, and we'd been best friends since we were eight, before we became more than that, and now we're nothing to each other."
Rachel doesn't immediately respond, and it takes Quinn a few long moments to be able to look at her again.
"Turns out she's kind of a bitch when her back's against the wall," Quinn adds, her voice nervous. "Not that I really blame her or anything. I mean, I think I might have done the same thing in her shoes, but I also - " she stops, sighing. "I also cared too much about her, even after everything. Why should everyone's life be ruined, you know?"
Rachel touches her cheek again, and Quinn's mouth stops trying to fill the silence. "I'm sorry they hurt you," she says so quietly that Quinn can barely hear her over the pounding of her heart. "I'm sorry they didn't keep you."
"The way you are?"
"Lucy Quinn," she says, "I'm never letting go."
In the morning, Holly is there.
She gives Quinn a hug the second she sees her, scrambling to her feet from where she was seated at the kitchen table. Her grip is tight, limbs trembling, and it is such a foreign thing to have an adult be legitimately worried about her.
When Holly releases her, she holds onto her shoulders and studies her face. "Are you okay?" she asks. "God, Quinn, you had us so worried. I was about to bring down the whole police force, I swear."
Quinn blinks. "I thought you forgot about me," she admits.
Holly looks as if she's been slapped. "What?"
"You didn't call."
Holly tugs her into another hug. "Don't," she says, voice catching. "Don't you ever think that, okay? You're not just a job, you know that. The past few days have just been so busy trying to get the Terri situation sorted out, but all the girls are back now, and they miss you."
"I can go back?"
"Of course, Quinn," Holly says, releasing her again. "Apparently, Luisa has been a nightmare to be around. And Ruby won't even look at anyone right now." She smiles, now. "And, plus, you're supposed to be my success story."
"What?"
"I brought your letter from Yale."
Quinn's world screeches to a halt. The idea of Yale has been so far from her mind. She's just been trying to get through her days unscathed, and now -
"It's probably a rejection," she deflects, because the last thing she needs right now is to get her hopes up for something that could never get to fruition. Even if, by some miracle, she did get in, there's just no feasible way for her to go.
"You won't know until you open it," Holly says, moving to resume her seat at the kitchen table. It's the first time Quinn notices the breakfast spread, and her stomach actually growls at the food on display.
Shelby must hear it, because she smiles. "Come, sit," she says. "Feed that tummy. Holly says you have a big day ahead of you."
"I do?" Quinn asks, sliding into a seat and trying not to feel overwhelmed.
Holly nods. "When we get back to Lima, we have an appointment with a lawyer."
Quinn blinks. "A lawyer?"
"Apparently, when your parents kicked you out, they seemed to forget to revoke your access to the trust fund that you're entitled to when you turn eighteen."
Quinn is suddenly glad she hasn't consumed any food, because she's certain it would just come right back up. "What?"
Holly waits a moment, and then says, "You could go, Quinn," like she's been waiting to say the words all morning. "You could actually go."
Quinn takes a breath, and then reaches out a hand. "Give it, then."
Holly immediately hands over the Yale letter. It's just a simple envelope, holding all her dreams within. She wishes Rachel were here, but she actually had to go to school, and she left Quinn with a three-page letter and an actual kiss to her forehead earlier this morning.
If this letter is positive, Quinn must have died and gone to heaven to be feeling all these good feelings.
She takes a breath, and then opens the letter.
Quinn reads the first sentence, heart threatening to explode from her chest, and she -
Quinn can't remember a time she's cried from happiness and disbelief. She has no memory of ever doing it until this moment, sitting here in Rachel's mother's kitchen with Holly sitting across from her and a Yale acceptance letter in her hands.
"I got in," she whispers, and Holly actually jumps out of her seat. "I actually got in." She can barely believe it. "Turns out the Admission's Board likes essays about being homeless and gay."
Holly is right beside her now. "Quinn," she says. "Quinn, honey, you got into Yale!"
"I got into Yale," Quinn repeats, and she desperately wishes Rachel were here.
It seems she's not the only one thinking of Rachel because Shelby says, "Oh, Rachel is going to be so mad she's missing this."
"You'll tell her?" Quinn asks.
"I'm sure you'll be able to tell her yourself," Shelby says. "Congratulations, Quinn, this is a huge achievement."
"Oh, yes," Holly cuts in before Quinn can attempt to fumble through a response. "I have your phone. It's, um - well, it's a bit damaged, but it still functions, as far as I'm aware."
Quinn takes it from her when she hands it over and, indeed, there's a rather significant crack in the screen. She sighs. If this is the worst thing to come out of the entire experience with Officer Puckerman, Quinn will take it.
"I have strict instructions to make sure you have Rachel's number before you leave here," Shelby says, and then proceeds to give Quinn what she'll consider her most prized possession.
Quinn has slept in the same bed as her, but she has to ask for her surname right now, and it is still a wonder to her that she's actually met Rachel in real life. She's even hugged her. Touched her. Told her some scary truths.
Rachel isn't letting go.
"I told you," Holly says. Her smile is gentle, a little too knowing. "Such big, big things await."
If asked, Quinn probably wouldn't be able to tell anyone what the most unbelievable part of the next few days of her life actually is. Her acceptance into Yale is one thing, but then it turns out that she actually has a lot of money that her parents just seemed to forget she's entitled to by virtue of being born to them.
Then there's the somewhat terrifying news that they actually needed a SWAT team to arrest Officer Puckerman, discovering a plethora of contraband in his home in the process. There's also the fact that Luisa actually hugs her when she returns to Terri's house, and then the alarming but heartbreaking moment when Ruby climbs into her lap and actually whispers, "I missed you," right into her ear.
As far as Quinn is aware, it's the first time she's spoken to anyone in nearly a year.
But, truly, the most unbelievable part is that Rachel actually comes to visit her.
She asks first, of course, and Quinn doesn't really believe she's serious until Edward Cullen's car is pulling up in front of Terri's house on a Friday afternoon and Rachel Berry is climbing out. She looks comically out of place, her backpack hanging off one shoulder and a fabric cooler off her other.
Zena comes to fetch Quinn from the bedroom when Rachel arrives, and then all the little ones watch her approach the house from the front window. She notices them immediately, smiles brightly, and even waves.
Quinn's heart stutters in her chest, and Ruby tugs on her shirt. Quinn bends down when Ruby tugs again, and then her tiny, disused voice says, "She's pretty."
Zena nods her agreement. "Is she your girlfriend?"
The doorbell rings before Quinn can respond, which is really a small mercy, but then everyone goes running. Kerry is the one who opens the door in a rush, and Rachel comes face-to-face with five pairs of wide eyes. Predictably, it's overwhelming enough that she freezes in place, and Quinn has to save her.
"Okay, okay," she calls out. "Stop freaking her out."
Kerry steps forward and says, "Hi, I'm Kerry, are you Quinn's girlfriend?"
"Oh, my God," Quinn says, tempted to yank Kerry back and send her to do homework or something. She's about to apologise to Rachel for their terrible manners when Rachel actually speaks.
"Hi, Kerry," she says. "I'm Rachel. It's lovely to meet you." She sneaks a look at Quinn, and very purposefully says, "As for the girlfriend thing, I haven't quite had a chance to ask her yet."
Which is -
The other girls giggle while Quinn's pretty sure she dies inside. What? Wait. What does that even mean?
Quinn clears her throat. "I - um, you should come inside," she says. "Make some room for her, would you?"
They part for her, and Rachel shuffles inside, moving straight towards Quinn. "Hi," she says.
Quinn's heart is pounding now. "Hi."
"You're like a mama with all her ducklings," she says, smiling softly.
"Would you like to meet them?"
"I'd love nothing more."
Quinn spends the next hour existing in a state of disbelief. Rachel is so good with the little ones, barely blinking out of sync when Ruby clambers into her lap and says absolutely nothing when Rachel asks her a question. Rachel has actually brought them some freshly baked goods.
"From my Dad," Rachel explains when Quinn questions whether they're vegan. "He was sad he missed getting to meet you, and he bakes to deal with his emotions."
Quinn just nods, trying to take it all in. Everything is just so overwhelming. Because Rachel is here. She's currently sitting across from Quinn, looking far too at ease in a foreign house and saying things that will probably give Quinn a heart attack.
Quinn's state of being doesn't get any better when Kerry asks Rachel to sing for them, and she can feel herself falling even more in love. Deeper and deeper, and yet she still feels as if she's floating.
Rachel sings some lullabies, and then bravely takes a few requests. It's a lot of Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift, but she's so good about it, and Quinn isn't even bothered to keep her little hooligans from acting like hooligans.
It's only when Ruby falls asleep in Rachel's lap that Quinn says, "Okay, why don't we give Miss Rachel a break?"
She receives several pouts in response, but Kerry mentions there's an episode of KC Undercover coming on, and their collective attention shifts to the television.
It gives Quinn the opportunity to get Rachel alone for the first time. She gets to her feet and carefully scoops Ruby into her arms. With one look to make sure Zena, Kerry and Sylvie are occupied, she says, "Come with me," and then leads the way to the little ones' room to lay Ruby in her bed for her nap.
Rachel follows closely, steps nearly silent on the stairs. They pass by the room Quinn shares with Dinah, Erin and Luisa, and Quinn can't remember if she actually cleaned up in there before she came downstairs. How embarrassing would that be?
"She's very cute," Rachel says, watching as Quinn sets Ruby on the bed and tucks her in. Ruby immediately curls into a ball as she settles, absently reaching for her stuffed turtle even in sleep. "Gosh, how can you stand it?"
Quinn chuckles as she straightens. "I'm almost used to it," she says, "But then she'll just do something like that, and I wonder if she can possibly get any more adorable." When she turns to face Rachel, there's an expression on her face Quinn wouldn't even begin to know how to read.
"Hi," Rachel says.
"Hi."
Rachel steps closer.
Quinn may or may not panic. "Do you want to see my room?" she blurts.
Thankfully, Rachel just looks amused. "Sure, Quinn."
The room is, in fact, a bit of a mess. Luisa's clothes are strewn across her bed, Dinah's shoes are right in the doorway, and Quinn's bed is rumpled from when she was lying down earlier.
"Sorry," Quinn says, wincing. She makes to start tidying up, but Rachel catches her wrist before she can move. The moment suddenly feels charged, Quinn turning to look at her and seeing that same expression on her face. "Everything okay?"
Rachel nods. "I just - I haven't hugged you yet," she says, and then she does. She draws Quinn into her embrace, wrapping arms around Quinn's shoulders, and it feels like -
"You came to see me," Quinn whispers, mouth close to her ear.
"I told you I would," Rachel tells her, soft and amused. "Didn't you believe me?"
Quinn's hug tightens for a moment, and then she forces herself to release her. "I don't know," she says. "These past few days have been really weird."
Rachel laughs. "I think you've mentioned that in every text we've exchanged," she says. "Your expression has been constant wide-eyed disbelief since I arrived."
"To be fair, you did say something that I haven't quite allowed myself to register yet. Enforce you even walked through the door."
Rachel spends a moment thinking back, and then she hums. "The girlfriend thing, huh?"
Quinn can't even look at her. "Unless I'm way off base with your meaning here," she says. "I didn't even know you, um - "
"Like girls," Rachel finishes, "Or like you?"
Quinn looks at her now, keeping perfectly still. "I don't know what you're trying to tell me."
"You know, it's weird, because I feel as if I really know you, but there's still so much I don't actually know about you," Rachel says. "So much I want to know. All your favourite things, all the little quirks I'm just starting to learn. I'm still trying to figure out just what colour your eyes are, and just what shampoo you smell like, and whether you like chocolate or peanut M&Ms."
Quinn still doesn't know what Rachel is trying to tell her, but she does say, "Apples."
"Excuse me?"
"My shampoo," Quinn says, "It smells like apples."
"Then why do you smell like cinnamon as well?"
Quinn laughs. "That's probably Ruby," she says, "She's obsessed with these weird cinnamon sweets that Holly keeps buying for her. She never eats one without giving me one, as well."
"You're great with her," Rachel says.
"She's great all by herself."
Rachel closes her eyes for a moment. When she reopens them, they're deep and intense. "I broke up with Finn because I started finding myself more concerned about your future than I ever was about his, and ours," she says. "I ended things with him because it wasn't fair and it wasn't right that my life started to revolve around you and your letters.
"Because I think about you a lot, Quinn. I imagine all these conversations we could have, and all these places we could go. I imagine spending time with you, and what our lives could be like when I'm in New York and you're in New Haven. I imagine so many things."
Quinn lets the words sit between them for a while, and then rather bravely asks, "Is one of those things you've imagined what it would be like to kiss me?"
"God," Rachel says, "You have no idea." And then she's moving forward, right into Quinn's space. Her intent is clear, eyes dropping to Quinn's lips for a moment, which is why Quinn knows they would kiss. They really, really would, if they didn't hear loud footsteps heading in their direction.
Quinn manages to put space between them just in time for Erin and Luisa to come tumbling into the room, both of them talking over the other. They don't even notice that Quinn isn't alone until they're already in the room and dumping their bags on the floor.
"Whoa," Luisa says, "It's Quinn's girlfriend."
Rachel turns to Quinn. "That's the second time someone else has brought that up," she says, "Is that how you refer to me?"
"What?" Quinn squeaks. "No."
Rachel steps closer to her, turning to face the newcomers. "Hello," she says, "I'm Rachel. Not quite Quinn's girlfriend, but I'm kind of hoping we'll get there soon."
"Oh, my God," Quinn says, but Erin and Luisa's laughter drowns it out.
Erin looks around the room. "Wait. Are we interrupting? Quinn, are you making a move right now?"
"I was trying to," Quinn reluctantly admits.
"Our bad," Erin says.
Luisa looks to her. "Are you hungry?" she asks, "I'm suddenly hungry."
"Starving."
"We should go to the kitchen."
"Right now."
"Yeah."
And then they're gone almost as quickly as they arrived. The moment that follows is supremely awkward, but then Rachel laughs, and then Quinn joins in, the absurdity of their situation calling for it.
A beat later, they're kissing.
The first one is sudden and rushed, but they settle into it, and Quinn can barely believe any of this is happening. It's maybe the reason Rachel pulls away, eyebrows furrowed as if she's trying to figure out why it doesn't feel quite right. Her eyes meet Quinn's, searching.
"Believe it, Quinn," Rachel tells her. "What are you so worried about?"
Quinn doesn't even know, because the worst that could happen to her has already happened. She's lost all her friends and family in one fell swoop. She's been ostracised at school and in places that are meant to be safe. She's basically been arrested.
Quinn has almost managed to forget that she's actually free. Maybe this is the first time she truly feels it.
"I painted something for you," Quinn says, stepping back. "I was going to mail it to you."
"Letters are romantic, aren't they?"
"Only when you can read the handwriting," Quinn points out, turning to dig in her backpack for the picture she painted. She drew it during the past week's stint in detention, and then spent the previous night with her oil paints. She still has colours on her fingertips.
When Quinn finds the painting, she carries it over to her bed, carefully taking a seat on its edge and patting the space beside her. Rachel immediately comes to join her, sitting close enough that Quinn can feel the heat of her.
"This is for you," Quinn says, presenting the A4-sized card. "It's of our - um - "
"Our hands," Rachel says, staring at the depiction of their hands clasped together, fingers linked and locked tightly. She knows they're theirs because of the ring she wears on her left forefinger, and because of the various bands around Quinn's right wrist.
Quinn reaches for one of her hands now and says, "You know, we're kind of mirroring the Wicked picture I sent you."
She looks up. "What are the speech bubbles saying now?"
"Well, mine is saying 'I'd really like to try that kiss again,'" Quinn says, and her heart is ready to take off again.
"You know, you're actually quite smooth, did you know that?"
"I've watched a lot of YouTube," Quinn admits. "I don't have much on-hand experience, I'm sorry. If anything, I don't think I'm quite done preparing myself for what it means to be in a relationship and planning for a future together."
"Is that what you want?" Rachel asks. "A relationship? A future together?"
Quinn could deflect. She could easily toss the question back at Rachel, but it feels important to lay down all her remaining cards and make herself absolutely clear. It would have been easier to put it all in a letter, but Rachel is right here with her, a physical being when she's been a faceless girl for weeks before.
Quinn has done some idiotic things in the past, but she's not going to pass up this opportunity. Not when Rachel is trying to make it clear that she's feeling something, too.
"Yes," Quinn finally says. "I want all those things, and I'll say it in whatever ridiculous way I need to."
"Direct is just fine," Rachel assures her, and then they do indeed try again.
This kiss is different, deeper, longer, freer. Quinn sighs against her lips, Puth wanting to smile but intent of kissing Rachel for as long as the world will allow her.
Which isn't nearly as long as Quinn would like, because they really are in a house with seven other girls, and the seventh one has just returned home. They can hear a burst of noise from downstairs, and Quinn pulls back, somehow managing to hold her disappointed groan inside.
Her expression must give her away, because Rachel just laughs, thumb lifting to wipe at Quinn's mouth. "Don't pout," she gently instructs, "I'm not going anywhere."
For now, at least.
Because Rachel actually ends up staying for dinner, her and Luisa getting into an endless conversation about the merits of vegetarianism. It's obvious Ruby already adores her, and even Dinah warms to her quite quickly when Rachel mentions that she actually knows Mr Schuester after Quinn informs them that Terri is actually currently at a lawyer's meeting.
"Our foster mother is getting divorced," Erin explains to Rachel, and it somehow comes out that she actually sings against the New Directions, which is a name Quinn vaguely recognises as a group at school. Mr Schuester is supposed to be their choir director, and Rachel's own choir has beaten them every time.
"He always did seem slimy," Rachel agrees. "I hope she takes him for everything he has."
And, voila, Dinah is won over.
One Friday afternoon is all it takes for Rachel to charm them all, and she's even awarded with a cacophony of complaints when she says she has to start heading home. It is a bit of a drive, but Quinn doesn't think she could ask her to stay.
The little ones each give her a hug, and then Quinn walks her out, carrying the now-empty cooler on her own shoulder and wishing - wishing - she could relive this entire day all over again. Rachel actually came to see her, and Quinn has to stop herself from asking her to come again. Maybe even tomorrow. Every day.
It's Rachel who asks, "What are you doing for Spring Break?"
Quinn has just placed the cooler in the trunk when she says, "Probably catching up on schoolwork, why?"
"Think you can set aside a few days to spend with me?"
"Yes."
Rachel smiles knowingly. "Just like that, hmm?"
"You can have the entire week, if you want."
Rachel closes the trunk and locks the car. "Can we take a walk?" she asks, "I'm not quite ready to leave yet."
Quinn looks around. The sun's just about set, the sky darkening around them. It's not that it's an unsafe neighbourhood, because there are usually people walking around at this time, anyway. Joggers and young families enjoying some time outdoors after the school and work day. The problem is that she's Quinn Fabray, in a town that knows exactly who she is and her unfortunate story.
"There's a small park just down the road," Quinn tells Rachel, and she practically bounces on the balls of her feet as they get moving, her hand immediately reaching for Quinn's.
They walk in silence for a while, and Quinn is aware of a few sets of eyes that look twice in their direction. It might get back to her parents. It'll probably get back to Sadie.
Quinn suddenly doesn't care.
"I'd like to keep writing letters to you," she says, certain of it. "I like that that's where we started. I like that I managed to - " she cuts herself off quite abruptly, because she can't say that.
"Managed to what?"
"Nothing."
Quinn can't possibly tell her that she managed to fall in love with her without ever having seen her.
Rachel glances at her, eyes amused. "Nothing, you say?"
Quinn pulls on her hand, bringing her closer. "I can't believe you're here."
"Now you know how I felt when you appeared out of thin air at the youth centre." She squeezes Quinn's hand. "You were something like an apparition, and you're literally a dream come true."
"What?"
Rachel lets go of her hand and turns to walk backwards, eyes on Quinn's face. "I'd like you to keep writing letters, too," she says. "I might even write some back."
"They're my most prized possession," Quinn admits. "When, um - during the whole, uh, Officer Puckerman thing, they were all I could think about. I just knew I could never leave them behind. He could have everything else, but never your letters. Never the parts of you that you willingly gave me."
Rachel stops walking and shakes her head. "I just realised something."
"What?"
"The second you picked my name on that list, neither of us stood a chance."
Quinn drops her gaze for a moment. "I have a confession."
"I'm listening."
"I didn't actually remember your name," she reveals. "I just picked a random name from the list, and then immediately forgot it."
Rachel stares for a moment, and then she laughs. "That's why you addressed me as 'Penpal' first."
"Guilty."
Her laughter tapers off to something that sounds like a happy giggle. "You're honestly my favourite person in the world." She says the words so easily, so much truth in them, and Quinn feels an overwhelming emotion settle over her. Something new and foreign and terrifying, but so big and important.
"Oh," Quinn says, watching Rachel twirl around right in front of her. It is such an odd, wonderful thing to be exposed to, and Quinn couldn't have ever imagined there would be a time in her life when she would want to twirl, as well.
In this moment, she doesn't care about anything other than Rachel's perfect smile. And her laugh. Quinn doesn't care who's watching them; doesn't spend an iota worrying if her actions will get back to her old friends or family.
Because Rachel is here, and Quinn has just realised that she probably should be grateful to Officer Puckerman. Quinn isn't much of a believer in fate and destiny anymore - not like Rachel is - so she can't realistically say she would have found Rachel without being caught for tagging and subsequently shoe-horned into the letter-writing program.
Who knew becoming a juvenile delinquent would find her the potential love of her life?
Rachel turns to look at her, expression expectant. "What?"
"What what?"
She laughs. "You said 'oh' as if you had some realisation, but then you didn't say anything else," she points out. "What are you thinking, Lucy Quinn?"
"I'm thinking I love you," Quinn admits, and Rachel freezes in place, her eyes widening in surprise and disbelief. Quinn can't help her smile. "I'm also thinking that I really, really like this feeling. I had no idea it could be like this."
Rachel takes a step towards her. "Love?"
"Freedom."
Rachel reaches for her now, hands sliding over her shoulders and into her hair, drawing her closer. "It looks good on you," she murmurs.
Quinn raises an eyebrow. "Love?"
Rachel kisses her, a simple peck to her lips. "Freedom."
"Oh."
"What?"
"I thought I knew what it felt like, before," Quinn says, and she realises now that she was wrong. She had no idea. "This is what it feels like," she murmurs, her own hands finding Rachel's waist and quietly marvelling at the fact she's actually able to do this.
She can touch her. Hold her. Kiss her.
Just being able to look at her.
It's the greatest feeling in the world.
To be free.
Fin