II
Quinn places a hand on Rachel's hip, her arm around the small of her back, and Rachel leans into her, suddenly wishing she could feel those fingers on her skin. "I think this is the part that sucks about having doctors as friends," Quinn murmurs, pressing her lips to the side of Rachel's head. "Never can quite get them all out of the hospital at the same time."
Rachel turns her head to look at her, unable to resist giving her a chaste kiss. "I still think the turnout is quite good," she says, noting that their living room is rather full of people.
"Is your father here yet?" Quinn asks, forcing herself to ask the question, even though she'd happily never bring him up.
Rachel stiffens for a beat. "No, he's not."
Quinn squeezes her hip. "I'm sure he's on his way," she says, aiming for reassuring and succeeding.
Rachel breathes out, relaxing slightly, now that Quinn has said the words. She turns her head towards Quinn, seeking a kiss, and the blonde is already there, smiling as she presses her lips against Rachel's.
It's supposed to be a quick peck, something to reassure her, but Quinn chases her mouth when she pulls away, and they end up five seconds away from full-on making-out by the time Santana makes a comment about it.
Quinn giggles softly as she breaks away, her free hand automatically reaching up to wipe the lipstick from around Rachel's mouth.
"I want to hear about the proposal," Brittany says from behind her glass of champagne. "Quinn has been so hush-hush with the details." She sighs dreamily. "I bet it was romantic."
Rachel and Quinn exchange a look, and then burst out laughing.
"I wish," Rachel says. "I definitely tried for romantic, that's for sure. Life just... wasn't having it."
Quinn shakes her head. "It was lovely, baby," she says.
"There's no need to lie, Quinn," Rachel says. "It was a disaster."
"But adorable," Quinn says. "Just, gross, I guess."
Santana lets out a sound of indignation. "Wait, then, this I have to hear," she says. "Why was it gross? You can't just leave us in the dark like this. I need stories to tell your future children."
Quinn rolls her eyes. "We both know you're popping out kids before we're even down the aisle," she says.
Santana exaggerates a gasp. "Don't you dare say such a thing."
"Just tell us the story already," Kurt says from somewhere behind the small crowd gathered in the living room of their shared apartment. Only the very important people in their lives are here, and neither of them would have it another way.
Rachel sighs. "We were supposed to go to dinner," she eventually says. "I mean, I made reservations at her favourite restaurant, bought her favourite flowers, picked out her favourite dress and had it all planned to perfection." She shakes her head. "I just conveniently forgot about the dinner we had the night before, which was... suspect, at best."
Quinn laughs softly.
"It caught up to me late, but Quinn ended up being sent home from the hospital because she was vomiting all over the place."
Santana snorts. "I remember that," she says. "You looked like death, babe."
"Felt like it," Quinn mutters.
"So, of course she wasn't up for going anywhere," Rachel continues. "I had to... readjust, as it were. I mean, I thought a proposal might make her feel better, because she just looked so miserable. It was supposed to be romantic in its own way, you know. I drew her a bath and everything."
"There were lots of bubbles," Quinn interjects.
Rachel nods. "She was in her robe sitting on the edge of the tub when I started waxing poetic about how much I loved her and wanted to grow old with her. I was telling her that this was my taking care of her and I was ready to promise to spend the rest of my life doing the same."
A few people 'aww' at this bit, and Rachel chuckles.
"So, there I am, on one knee, ring in hand on the bathroom floor, telling her how lovely and wonderful and kind and caring and smart and sarcastic she is, when - " she pauses, laughing. "God, it was gross."
"I puked," Quinn says. "And then she puked, and it was everywhere, and I answered yes before she even asked the question. Because, God, if we can survive puking on each other, then we're definitely meant to be."
There's a smattering of laughter, and then Santana says, "Dudes, no, please never tell that story ever again."
Rachel flushes, and Quinn squeezes her tighter.
"Seconded," another voice says, and Rachel jumps at the sound. Her eyes track the voice, and then she forces herself to suppress a squeal at the sight of her father.
He came.
He actually came.
She shoots a smile at Quinn, and then ducks out of her embrace to rush towards Hiram. This is the first time he's ever even been to her apartment for an extended period of time, and it's the first time he'll be meeting her friends and cast mates.
He's never even actually met Kurt before.
Rachel throws her arms around his neck in excitement, and Quinn watches with a fond smile from her position. She's unsure how she actually feels about Hiram Berry, but she loves the way Rachel gets all girly and giggly about her beloved father.
Quinn was once that way about her own, but she's learned some hard truths about him since then.
She hangs back as Rachel talks at her father, and then very carefully introduces him to some of their closest friends. She feels content in a way she hasn't felt since -
Well, since ever, she supposes. Only Rachel makes her feel this way.
Quinn just sips at her wine and watches the party go on around her, the truth of what her life is settling into her bones. She's getting married, to the woman of her dreams. If anyone ever told a fourteen-year-old Quinn Fabray that, she's sure she would have exploded.
Now, though, Dr Quinn Fabray is happy and settled and ready to tie her life to her forever love. She laughs softly, because she didn't think she would be this lovesick kind of idiot, but she is.
She definitely, definitely is.
"What are you smiling at?" Santana asks, appearing at her side with a fresh glass of wine and a mini-quiche held up to her mouth.
Quinn flushes. "I'm happy, San," she says quietly.
Santana bumps her hip. "You look it," she says, humming softly. "It's disgusting."
Quinn just rolls her eyes, choosing not to respond.
"So, you met the elusive Dad, huh?"
Quinn nods, her smile flickering slightly. "I'm not sure he likes me all that much," she says.
"Nonsense."
She laughs, shaking her head. "No, I'm pretty sure he doesn't like me. He practically told me to my face."
Santana frowns. "Why? You're a catch."
Quinn rolls her eyes. "That's not what you said yesterday."
"Yesterday, you scrubbed in on a surgery that was mine," she huffs. "Like, I'm still pissed at you."
Quinn grins at her, totally unapologetic. "And, it was epic."
"I hate you."
Quinn drapes an arm over her shoulders. "I'm Paeds, and you're Cardio, babe," she practically sings into Santana's ear. "You made your choice, so just - " she stops quite suddenly when Rachel appears in front of them with Hiram and a blonde woman in tow.
Rachel gives them an amused look, and Quinn blushes as she reclaims her arm. "Dad," Rachel says, "you know Quinn, of course, and this is her best friend, Santana. They work together."
Hiram smiles brightly and holds out his hand for Santana to shake. "It's wonderful to meet you. I believe I just met your lovely wife, Brittany."
"That's her," Santana says, her voice sounding careful to only those who know her well. "Likewise, by the way. Sometimes, Berry won't shut up about you."
"Santana," Rachel admonishes, blushing.
Hiram laughs, this full belly thing, and Quinn wonders what it is she did to make him dislike her beyond falling in love with his daughter.
"This is Holly," Rachel says. "She's, um, a friend," she adds, awkwardly. "Holly, this is my fiancée - oh my God, it's so amazing to say that - Quinn Fabray."
Quinn smiles, ever polite, and holds out her hand.
Holly smiles, wide and genuine in a way that could make up for Hiram. "Jeez, Rachel, you definitely hit the jackpot with this one, didn't you?"
Quinn blushes, which just gets deeper when Rachel crosses towards her and tucks into her side, an arm sliding around her waist. Quinn startles a little at the obvious affection, and she's all too aware of the sudden, heated glare Hiram shoots at her. It lasts just a moment, and he manages to school his features before Rachel can see.
Quinn just closes her eyes and presses her lips to Rachel's head, her own arm wrapping around her shoulders. Maybe he just needs time. Time to get used to the idea of her.
Santana presses against her other side, whispering, "Holy shit, you're totally in for it, Q."
Quinn hums in acknowledgment, her jaw setting. It's fine. She's nothing if not determined. Her sexuality obviously isn't the problem, and, really, that's usually the only thing some people don't like about her.
She's going to get him to change his mind. She's going to wear him down, and she's going to enjoy every second of it.
"I like her," Holly declares when she and Hiram get back from the engagement party. "She's smart and well-spoken, funny in a really understated way. She's really quite stunning, as well, and she was the perfect hostess. It's also obvious she adores Rachel."
Hiram resists the urge to scowl at the sound of Holly's excessive praise. "Don't you get the feeling it's all too good to be true?" he asks. "As if she's trying too hard."
Holly shrugs out of her jacket. "If she is, it's probably because she just met her girl's father," she points out. "You definitely aren't helping by being all... aloof."
"I was not."
Holly gives him a very significant look. "You were present and animated with everyone but her. Even to that Sebastian prick who actually hit on me, even with his boyfriend just a metre away. If you meant to send Quinn a message; I can assure you she received it loud and clear."
Hiram says nothing.
"You're lucky Rachel was too excited to notice," she says. "You're also lucky that it's doubtful Quinn is going to bring it up to Rachel."
He purses his lips, unwilling to admit to such a thing as luck. "She's smart, I'll give her that."
Holly shakes her head. "I would be careful," she says, starting for the stairs. "Sooner or later, your luck's going to run out, and then what are you going to do?"
"She's hiding something, Holly," he argues, as if it excuses everything.
"Maybe she is," Holly allows. "But, aren't you, as well?"
Hiram frowns. He's hiding nothing.
"The woman is allowed to have secrets," she says. "If there's something you don't know; that doesn't mean Rachel doesn't."
"She doesn't," he insists, and he's certain of it.
Holly sighs. "Just be careful," he says. "I'm going to bed. You should too."
He wants to argue just to be difficult, but he rather yawns, sighs, and then follows her up the steps.
Hiram doesn't hear much more about Quinn or the wedding from Rachel for at least another three weeks. He doesn't see his daughter as often as he wants, but she still visits every Sunday (after she has breakfast with Quinn, on their way to church). Quinn is never with her, and Hiram takes that for granted until one Sunday, when Quinn pops up behind Rachel as she enters the house.
Hiram can't keep the surprise off his face, and Rachel freezes, looking slightly guilty as she stands in the front hall.
"I hope this is okay," Rachel says, suddenly nervous. "I just wanted Quinn to see my room, and we have some news to share."
Hiram takes in the look on her face, and he never wants her to be unsure in her home. This, he blames Quinn for, as well. "Come inside," he says. "It's cold out there."
It is. They're just leaving Winter behind, barely, and the air is still crisp. She and Quinn are still wrapped up tightly, but they start to remove their coats and scarves when he waves them further inside.
"Can I make some tea?" Hiram asks. "Coffee?"
"I'll have some coffee, please," Rachel says. "Quinn will have decaf, though."
Quinn groans. "I don't - "
"No, Quinn," Rachel says, her voice a little stern. "You have to be able to get some sleep when we get home. You can drink all the coffee you want during your shift tonight."
Quinn exaggerates a sigh, and then peeks at Hiram over Rachel's shoulder. "Maybe I'll just have some tea, if that's okay?"
"Any specific kind?"
"Green," Rachel responds, at the same time Quinn says, "Earl Grey."
Hiram actually smiles when Quinn rolls her eyes. "I'll see what I have," he says, and then disappears into the kitchen while they remove their shoes and go on a quick tour. He can't quite figure out how he feels having Quinn in his home. It unsettles him, yes, but it doesn't feel as overwhelming as he thought it would.
Not yet, at least.
Holly joins them for their hot beverages in the main living space, the woman directing conversation by asking about the young couple's work and friends. Rachel is animated as she responds, and Quinn is a lot more reserved when she speaks. Hiram can't figure out if it's to do with the nature of work she does or if it's just whom she is as a person. It's probably a bit of both.
"I can get you tickets to the show," Rachel tells Holly, sounding a little hesitant. "If you wanted, of course. The offer stands."
"Thank you, Rachel," she says.
Rachel beams, and then leans back with her coffee, her body pressed against Quinn's side.
"Now you're just taunting me," Quinn murmurs. "Get that coffee away from me, Berry."
Rachel giggles, but doesn't move.
Quinn presses a kiss to the side of Rachel's head, and Rachel's eyes close at the contact. Hiram has to look away, suddenly feeling very out of place in his own home.
"We set a date, Dad," Rachel suddenly says. "For August."
Hiram blinks, caught off guard. "Wow," he says. "That's soon."
Rachel nods, her smile wide. "My contract is up at the end of July, and Quinn will be able to take leave before she begins her fellowship after her Boards. It's really the best time for us." She hums softly. "I'm also really keen to get married, so I don't care if it's only a few months away."
"It's five months, Rachel," Hiram points out. "Weddings aren't easy to plan."
Rachel nods, as if she understands. "We know," she says. "We've already hired a wedding planner, Dad. The Save-the-Dates are going out next week, already."
"You've already done your guest list?"
"We have, yes," Rachel says. "It wasn't very complicated. I made my list. Quinn made hers. We want something small, anyway."
Hiram blinks. "Have you invited any of my family?" he asks. "Any of Daddy's?"
Rachel bites at her bottom lip. "Some," she says. "Just the ones I talk to, anyway. Our family is mainly our friends." She pauses. "I - I don't know if I have to ask this, Dad, but you will walk me down the aisle, won't you?"
Hiram barely hesitates. "Of course, Sweetheart."
She beams at him, and he feels warm all over. Unbidden, he looks at Quinn, whose eyes are soft as she regards Rachel.
"Are you going to have the same?" Hiram asks. "Your father walk you? If this is going to be one of those weddings where both brides walk, of course."
Quinn licks her lips, looking deeply serious. "No, I'm not," she says. "My father won't be attending."
There's something there, he can hear, but Rachel very quickly moves the conversation along before Hiram can read too far into it or ask further questions about it. He does, though, make a note about it, absently wondering if Quinn's relationship with her father is strained, and why.
The visit, itself, isn't very long, and Rachel shuffles Quinn out of there a mere hour later. She explains that she needs to force Quinn to eat and then nap before she has to leave for the theatre for her Sunday matinée. There's something else in that little explanation that makes Hiram study Quinn closely.
There's a lot there, apparently, because Rachel seems stressed; worried about Quinn in a way that's taxing.
It all merely proves how bad Quinn is for his daughter, and he just knows it's going to be easy to gather all the evidence he needs. The problem is going to come in getting Rachel to see what he sees.
"Thanks for the visit, Dad," Rachel says, drawing him into a hug. "We have so much more planning to do, but I want you involved. If that's okay with you."
"Of course, Sweetheart," he says, smiling genially. His eyes meet Quinn's over Rachel's shoulder, and he holds her gaze as he says, "I intend to be very involved."
Quinn says nothing, and barely reacts, which he would commend if he wasn't already figuring out ways to get the woman to do just that.
He's going to get her to react, and then Rachel is going to see exactly who she's so determined to marry.
When Hiram says he plans to be very involved, he means it.
After he asks Rachel one too many questions about the upcoming nuptials, she just puts him in touch with the wedding planner, Marinette, and his plans are set into motion from there.
Marinette is really a wonderful source of information for him. Particularly about Quinn, who is rather quiet and guarded. The woman is a wealth of information, and Hiram isn't afraid to push for all sorts of answers to his questions.
Which is why it's from Marinette that he learns Quinn isn't even her real name.
Well.
Quinn is actually named Lucy, but she's called herself Quinn since high school, and that is all so much more to dig into. He wants to know why. He needs to figure out what she's hiding. It's there. Right there to be found and exposed and exploited.
Hiram stays in contact with his private investigator, who claims that there's little to learn about New York Quinn. She really is cookie cutter clean, pays all her taxes, hasn't had any trouble with the law except for a handful of parking tickets and makes regular charitable donations to homeless shelters.
The New Haven Quinn doesn't offer anything juicy, either. She participated in sports and charity drives. She worked on the college's paper, graduated top of her class and made a point of participating in all things LGBTQ+.
It's there that Hiram's PI, Bryan Ryan, goes quiet. "There are things," he says. "From her high school days."
"I want to know," Hiram insists.
"I'm still looking into it," Bryan says. "I'll keep you posted."
The call ends before Hiram can question him further, and his curiosity burns. What could possibly have Bryan hesitating? Hiram is chuffed that he's right, of course, because this all means that Quinn has been hiding something.
Something big.
Hiram doesn't even have the time to set his phone on the table before it's ringing again. His smile stretches at the sight of his daughter's name, and he answers the call before he can think too much about it.
"Sweetheart, hello."
"Hi, Dad," she says; "are you busy?"
"Never for you," Hiram tells her immediately, because he would drop everything for her, without reason or thought. "What's happening?"
"Well, Quinn and I were supposed to be meeting with our caterers this afternoon, but the hospital's been hit with a mass trauma, and it's unlikely she'll be able to make it," she says. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me instead? The menu is largely vegan and vegetarian, so there are things to eat."
Hiram blinks. "Oh, well, of course I'd love to join you," he says, smiling to himself at his good fortune. "Where are we meeting you?"
Rachel is already waiting when her father and Holly arrive. The restaurant is one of her favourites, the place Quinn brought her for their second date and the first that Quinn was in charge of. Even though Rachel assured her she really liked her, Quinn was still nervous she was going to mess up somehow.
Most of my relationships fail, Quinn told her; if it's not my job, it's generally just whom I am as a person.
Rachel thinks she fell in love that night, watching the way she ducked her head in embarrassment and shrugged as if it didn't bother her anymore. She smiled then, a little bashfully, and Rachel knew this woman would be very important to her.
All these months later, and she's proven right.
Rachel hugs them both, with happy smiles and enthusiasm. It's Holly who asks after Quinn as they enter the restaurant, and Rachel's smile grows.
"Oh, she's good, thanks for asking," Rachel says. "Bummed she couldn't make it, of course, but she's saving lives, so I can't complain." Her smile falters for a moment, and Hiram catches it, frowning slightly, because it seems like something she would actually like to complain about.
"Hiram mentioned it's a vegetarian menu," Holly says once they've been shown to their table and been presented with their set menus.
"It is," Rachel confirms. "I was willing to accept sustainable fish in the menu, but Quinn insisted. She wants me to be able to eat whatever I want on my wedding day, and our guests will just have to suck it up."
"As it should be," Holly agrees.
Hiram only really joins the conversation when Quinn is no longer the subject, the chef even asking after the blonde doctor when he first comes out the introduce the dishes he's going to be presenting.
Rachel switches to discussing solely the food when it arrives, asking after their opinions as they eat. She makes notes on her phone, humming to herself and bouncing in her seat. She's visibly excited, and her smile is contagious.
"It's all so real now," she tells them, and then sighs contently. "I'm getting married. To Quinn. It's like a dream."
Holly grins at her, and Hiram just about manages a smile, realising that it's important for him to speed up his investigation before they get too far into the plans. It's just four months to go now, and he's going to run out of time to show Rachel how bad Quinn is for her.
It's important she knows.
Hiram is the only one who can tell her.
The problem is that Bryan doesn't get back to him for another three weeks, and, in that time, there are many other decisions made. A venue is booked, the flowers are ordered, and Rachel is in the middle of fitting her wedding dress.
Hiram doesn't expect to be involved in any of that, so it's a surprise when Rachel calls him to join her bridal party... which is basically a joint bridal party, only without Quinn in attendance at the boutique.
"Santana is Quinn's Maid of Honour, and Kurt is Rachel's," Brittany explains to Hiram. "They decided they're both wearing dresses, and the bridal party is going to be in dresses with rose gold accents."
Hiram nods in understanding.
"Santana's toying with the idea of wearing a suit," Brittany says, leaning over Holly to talk to Hiram while they sit and wait for Rachel to try on her dress. "It might give Quinn a heart attack."
Hiram holds his tongue when the obvious comment wants to slips out. If she had a heart. "And you're not part of it?" he asks instead.
"I'm part of the party," Brittany explains, "but only Kurt and Santana will be standing with them." She points to a pair of women sitting on another couch. "I'm sure you met Liz, Rachel's college roommate, and the woman with her is Elise. She works with San and Quinn at the hospital. She's the one who convinced Quinn to take the chance on the relationship."
That sparks Hiram's interest. "She was reluctant?" he asks, and Holly shoots him a look before she gets up to sit with Santana on another seat, leaving Hiram to interrogate a willing Brittany.
"Not at all," Brittany says, grinning at him. "She was just so adamant they remain friends."
"Why?"
Brittany shuffles closer. "Experience," she says. "Her work, the hours. It can be taxing on relationships." She says it as if she has her own experience, and Hiram suspects she does, with Santana. "Quinn is... guarded, prickly, and she took her time accepting her feelings for Rachel. It was kind of funny watching Rachel basically dismantle her. I'm just... so happy right now. That they got to this point; that they're finally picking each other."
Hiram hears her, but he listens to only the parts he wants. It's something. Rachel has obviously been making all the moves in their relationship, Quinn just along for the ride. If Hiram can focus on that reluctance, then he thinks he'll be able to get somewhere with that.
He's still thinking it over when Rachel finally reveals herself, stepping out of the changing area and stopping his heart. She looks amazing. She looks the most beautiful, and he feels tears prick at his eyes as she steps onto the slightly raised platform and looks at herself in the many mirrors.
"Dad," Rachel suddenly says, sounding distraught. "If you cry, I'm going to cry."
"You just look so beautiful," he says, wiping at a few rogue tears.
"Dad."
"I'm sorry," he says, laughing softly. "I just - God, look at you."
Rachel meets his gaze in the mirror. "Do you think - " she stops, and then looks away. Her gaze seeks Santana's next, and she asks, "Do you think Quinn will like it?" in a way that is obvious it wasn't her original question.
Santana nods. "She's going to lose her shit," she says. "She'll be a sobbing mess, Berry. It's going to be disgusting."
"Make sure you have tissues," Elise says, grinning at Santana; "or she's going to use your sleeve again."
Santana shudders. "Honestly, Rachel, your wife-to-be is fucking gross."
Rachel's smile grows impossibly wider, and she says, "My wife-to-be," with the kind of reverence that should fill him with warmth, but rather floods him with dread.
"Baby."
Quinn lifts her head up from where she's filling out a chart at the nurses' station to spy Rachel walking quickly towards her. "Hey, you," she says, smiling despite her confusion. "I didn't expect to see you tonight."
Rachel reaches her and lifts onto her toes to kiss Quinn's cheek in greeting. "I have a favour to ask."
"What's up?"
"Can you get out of here tonight?"
Quinn frowns, and then glances at her watch for the time. "I mean, I have a couple of hours left on my shift. Why? What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," Rachel assures her. "I just - it's my Dad's birthday, and I maybe almost forgot to plan something, so we're going to dinner tonight, and I need you to be there."
Quinn's smile freezes on her face. "Um."
"What?"
"Are you sure it shouldn't just be the two of you?" she asks. "I mean, he'd probably want it just to be - "
"No," Rachel says, and she sounds firm. "You are my family. This is a family thing. I want you there. Can you get out of here to meet me by ten? Pick me up at the theatre after my show?"
Quinn breathes out. "Okay, yeah, sure," she says. "It doesn't seem like it's going to be too busy. I'll get San to cover for me."
Rachel beams at her, and Quinn realises she was never going to deny this gorgeous woman, anyway. "You are the best," she says, kissing Quinn's cheek again. "I love you more than anything and everything."
Quinn just grins, falling even more in love.
"Wear something nice, okay," Rachel instructs. "I know you keep that green dress here."
Quinn rolls her eyes, but agrees anyway. She gets another kiss to the cheek, a squeeze of her hip and another I love you, before Rachel is spinning on her heel and on her way to the theatre.
Quinn watches her go until she's completely out of sight, and then heaves a deep sigh. Stella, seated in front of her, raises curious eyebrows, but Quinn can't even explain the apprehension she's feeling.
Quinn knows Rachel hasn't noticed, but Quinn is very careful about the situations she and Hiram are put into. It's never just them; there are always many other people around. It just seems safer that way, seeing as Hiram has made it quite obvious Quinn wouldn't be his first choice to marry Rachel.
Sometimes, Quinn can't help thinking he's right.
With another sigh, she finishes up her chart, closes it, and then hands it to Stella. "If anything changes, please page me."
"Got it," Stella assures her, and then Quinn is off to find Santana.
The Latina is the only one she's confided in about her troubles with Hiram. And, frankly, it isn't as if Quinn hasn't tried. She has. She always tries to make conversation with him, but ends up talking to Holly instead, and he's always so cold towards her.
She realises it's actually little to do with her and more to do with what she suspects is a perceived loss of Rachel, but it's really casting a shadow over the excitement she's meant to be feeling about her upcoming nuptials and actual marriage.
But, now, the idea of dealing with a hostile Hiram for the rest of her life is making many things unappealing. She wants the man at least to accept her, for Rachel's sake.
Already, Quinn knows tonight is going to be a disaster.
Which, let's face it, she's right about.
Quinn gets dressed up, earning a few whistles from her colleagues, and goes to meet Rachel, punctual as ever, and she receives a deep kiss for her troubles.
"You look beautiful," Quinn murmurs against her lips, which earns her more kisses. She'll happily stand here and hand out as many compliments as she can think of, if it means avoiding dinner with Hiram - and Holly. At least Quinn gets Holly as a buffer, or it would end up as more of a disaster.
Eventually, though, Rachel gets them moving, and Quinn resists the urge to pout. She feels childish, definitely, but she also just wants this to be easy. It should be. She's willing to work through whatever this is with Hiram, but -
Rachel squeezes her fingers, easily getting her attention as they walk. "What are you thinking about?" she asks, sounding only slightly nervous for Quinn's response.
Quinn doesn't think she can tell her the truth, so she reverts to her tried and tested excuse of, "Just some work." She leans into Rachel. "Sorry."
"It's okay," Rachel says, and Quinn can tell she means it. "Anything you want to talk about?"
Quinn kisses the side of her head. "They're talking about… bad outcomes a lot," she explains. "The Chief told us he was going to cap us at ten, seeing as this is the most important examinable year, and I - he was talking to Santana about how she's reached seven already, and I - I don't like the fact that people - our patients - have been reduced to numbers all of a sudden." She breathes out. "And I know it's all necessary. We're in our final year, and they're really watching us now, but - "
Rachel hums. "You're so precious," she murmurs. "And you're also working with little human beings."
Quinn nods slowly. "I'm sorry," she says. "I don't mean to be a downer."
Rachel stops walking quite suddenly, causing Quinn to do the same. "Don't do that," she says. "We talked about this. I want to hear about your day. I want to hear about your work. I - I'm not her, Quinn. I'm not any of them, so please don't apologise for talking to me."
Quinn turns her body to kiss her, fierce and purposeful, right there on the sidewalk. They don't normally take chances like this, exposing themselves in such a big way. Rachel is famous, but there are also unaccepting people all around them who enjoy butting into their business when it doesn't involve them.
But Quinn needs to kiss and hold her. "I love you," she says against Rachel's lips. "I love you, I love you, I love you."
Rachel slides her arms around Quinn, under her jacket, and just holds her close, tucking her head under Quinn's chin. "We're making it work, right?"
Quinn closes her eyes. "Of course, baby," she says.
"We're getting married."
"We're getting married," Quinn echoes. "We're reaching all these milestones, and I wouldn't want to be doing that with anyone other than you."
"I love you," Rachel says into her collarbone.
"I love you, too." The reply is automatic and true, and that is why Quinn will face anything and everything the world is going to throw at them - even if that includes Rachel's father.
Hiram and Holly are already seated at the table when Quinn and Rachel arrive, hand-in-hand. Their cheeks are flushed, and Hiram hopes it's to do with the cold and nothing else. Hiram gets to his feet when Rachel approaches, hugging her tightly and just nodding at Quinn, who offers him a polite smile.
Quinn then says, "Happy birthday," with a surprisingly genuine smile on her face. "I hope you've had a good day so far, Sir."
Hiram forces a smile. "It definitely just got better," he says, which is the truth. His daughter is here with him, smiling widely and looking relieved to see him.
They are late, though, and he just knows it's Quinn's fault. Rachel is punctual to a fault, and it's just another note to be made about Quinn's influence. His daughter deserves better than this, surely. Why is he the only one who can see that? He owes it to her to make sure she doesn't make such a big mistake.
Dinner, itself, doesn't start out too badly. Hiram mainly speaks to Rachel, occasionally to Holly, and only directly to Quinn when he absolutely has to. He rather observes her, listening and learning all he can about this woman who has the power to take his daughter away from him. The reality of it is terrifying enough, and he physically stills when Quinn mentions her Fellowship prospects to Holly.
"I mean, we get a lot of offers," Quinn explains, smiling a little uneasily as she sips at her water. Obviously, they've all foregone any alcohol for this little dinner, and, while Hiram won't admit it, he does appreciate it. "There are a few I've considered, but it's my intention to stay in New York, and the hospital prioritises keeping hold of their own doctors anyway."
"Where else have you considered?" Hiram finds himself asking.
Quinn glances at him. "Mayo," she answers. "And Johns Hopkins. They have a brilliant program there."
Hiram doesn't have to be paying attention to hear the mild longing in her voice. It's clearly something she's aspired to, but she's choosing New York, and she's choosing Rachel. Instead of making him feel more secure, it just offers him something he could poke at and see what happens. "But New York's programs aren't as good?" he asks. "I figure you'd want the best training available."
Quinn gives him a curious look, as if she's trying to figure out why he's suddenly so interested. "I'm established here," she says. "I'm already in a great program, working under one of the best in my field."
"But…" he presses.
"But nothing," Quinn says, frowning. "Their interest is flattering, but I'm perfectly happy here. In New York. In my hospital. With Rachel." It's not explicit, but it's there. Quinn is staying in New York for Rachel, and not for her career. It's there, existing in the air among them, and Hiram drinks some water to hide his smirk when Quinn shifts uncomfortably in her seat and Rachel doesn't look at any of them.
Holly eventually clears her throat and gets them speaking again, asking Rachel about how her show went. The topic isn't any better for him, because he's aware that her job is yet another thing that has kept her away. It's been something he's worked on quite extensively with his various therapists, but even he knows he's made little progress in that department. The only reason he accepts Rachel's work is because he knows he'll push her away if he doesn't.
Unfortunately, Quinn Fabray doesn't fall into the same category. Rachel will soon see what he does.
"So, we're getting closer and closer to the date," Holly says, grinning at them. "Any nerves? Cold feet?"
"Nerves, yes," Quinn admits with a small smile, her fingers linking with Rachel's on the table. "But my feet are toasty warm."
Rachel grins at her, immediately leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek. "Either way, I would have bought you the fuzziest socks."
Quinn laughs softly, and then tenses a beat later. Rachel pulls away, frowning, and Quinn digs in her bag for her phone, both of their expressions shifting through a myriad of emotions before Quinn says, "Sorry, I have to take this," and then answers the phone, carefully leaning away. Hiram keeps his eyes on Rachel, who watches the side of Quinn's head a little too intensely as the blonde discusses something probably medical related.
When Quinn hangs up, Rachel asks, "Do you have to go?" as if she's already accepted it.
"Actually, no," Quinn answers, looking equally surprised. "Just needed to check something on one of my patients. Apparently, my handwriting is illegible."
Rachel smiles at her. "You're actually the stereotypical doctor that way."
Quinn shrugs, visibly unapologetic, and she receives another kiss to the cheek for her troubles. If Hiram has noticed that Quinn is rarely the one to initiate affection, he doesn't mention it. Just files it away in his mental'Quinn' folder to be dissected later. There are so many things that are unsettling about this woman, and it is his job to make sure his daughter is aware.
After they've eaten and Rachel has paid - fighting him on it, because it's his birthday and her treat - Quinn suggests they take a walk to a nearby ice cream parlour that has vegan options. Hiram tries not to react to that offer as best he can, because he knows it's not for his benefit, but for Rachel's, who beams at Quinn and reaches up to kiss her cheek. Again.
The evening isn't a complete disaster, and he thinks he's learned more about this woman who intends to worm her way into his family. It's almost unfortunate she'll never make it.
Almost.
The night changes while they're picking ice cream.
Hiram doesn't really understand what's happening until Quinn says, "Now probably isn't the time," in a voice that's meant for only Rachel's ears. He pretends not to be listening to whatever argument they're having, but he suspects Quinn is already aware he can hear everything. "Can't we just enjoy the night, and you can bring it up later?"
Rachel just looks perplexed. "Why would bringing it up stop us from enjoying our evening?" she asks.
Quinn glances at Hiram, eyes catching. She sighs heavily, and then shakes her head at Rachel before continuing on her own walk, allowing Rachel to slow her steps to fall into line with Hiram. She still looks a little confused by her interaction with Quinn, and Hiram has to worry what it's all about until Rachel starts speaking.
"We're having a joint wedding shower," Rachel explains, and Hiram should know it's about the wedding preparations… for a wedding Quinn is aware he doesn't support, at all. "It'll be something small, at our apartment, mainly just friends and family. We would really appreciate it if you would both be there."
Holly shrugs from her position beside Hiram. "I just go where this guy does."
Rachel looks hopefully at Hiram. "Will you come?"
"Of course," he says, because there wasn't ever going to be another response. It's also the perfect opportunity to ask some questions, apparently. "You mentioned family," he says, almost too casually. "Will Quinn's be there? I would love to meet them."
Holly gives him a curious look, and Rachel freezes for a moment, which is extremely telling.
"It's unlikely they'll be there," Rachel finally says.
"They can't make it?"
Rachel's jaw clenches, but Hiram realises it's for a reason other than that he's asking these questions. "No, they can't."
It's interesting to him, of course, but he doesn't press the issue. He just needs to put it out there, to show his curiosity. To provide him with some kind of excuse when he inevitably does what he's been thinking of doing since the idea first popped into his head. It's brilliant in many ways, he knows.
And the beauty of it is that it goes off perfectly.
Holly asks, "What exactly is a wedding shower?" when they get home, but Hiram is already reaching for his phone to call Bryan. They have much to discuss, and he has a very specific request for his PI, already knowing it's practically a fool-proof method to derail any existing wedding plans.
Hiram clears his throat. "I suppose it's what they're calling their joint bachelorette party," he says, slightly distracted. "I think. I'm not sure. Marinette didn't mention it to me."
Holly rolls her eyes, and, if he notices, he doesn't acknowledge it. "What are you doing?" she asks.
"Adding someone to the guest list," he murmurs, unintelligibly.
"What?"
He dismisses himself with a wave of a hand, and then heads to his bedroom. He has important things to do.
Hiram hates the way things are happening so quickly. It doesn't leave him much time to get his plans into motion and learn all he can about the parts of Quinn she's obviously tried to hide.
There is something unmistakably guarded about her that sets him on edge. It exists in the very way she carries herself; as if the secret she bears will hurt rather than heal, and he is determined to figure it out, to save his daughter from some terrible fate.
The way it works out is almost beautiful, and he would feel bad about it if he weren't so set in his mission to prove to Rachel that the marriage she's pursuing is going to be toxic before it even starts.
The couple is saving money by hosting their own wedding shower and various other wedding events leading up to the big day. The bridal party is small, anyway, and they aren't planning for more than eighty people at the official reception.
"The perks of homophobic family," Rachel comments lightly the night before, and something niggles at the back of Hiram's mind. Why would she say that?
It really never quite occurs to him that the reason Quinn's family won't be in attendance isn't because they can't make it, as Rachel initially said, but because they fit into the bracket of 'homophobic,' and it's too late to stop it once things are put in motion.
Not that he thinks he would.
Rachel deserves to marry into a supportive family. If there's anything he's learned from his own marriage; it's at least that much.
The wedding shower is in full swing, the champagne flowing and the party games getting set up, when he arrives, and nobody really seems to realise whom he is until Quinn reacts to the sight of him.
She's standing by the window, arm casually wrapped around Rachel's waist as they talk to a few of Rachel's cast mates, when she sees him, and her flute of champagne actually slips from her fingers, shattering against the wooden floor.
Rachel jumps back in surprise, staring at Quinn with wide eyes. "Baby, what's wrong?" she asks immediately, hands reaching for Quinn's arm.
Quinn looks as if she's seen a ghost, and Hiram can only watch from behind his glass of sparkling grape juice as the man who's just arrived straightens to his full height and practically saunters towards where Quinn and Rachel are standing, frozen.
The room is silent, all eyes on the blond man with the smug, disgusted look on his face, and they're all left to watch in horror as it all unfolds before their eyes.
The man, Russell Fabray, manages to say words such as you are a disgrace and this is disgusting and haven't you embarrassed us enough, before other people are springing to action to defend Quinn, who is throwing back her own visceral words of what are you doing here and as if your opinion even means anything to me anymore, and Hiram didn't even think she could look like that.
There's a sudden slap, and Hiram's eyes snap up to see Quinn holding her cheek and Rachel holding her. Three of Quinn's colleagues bodily remove the man, shoving him back, his hatred spewing from his mouth, and Hiram can't decide what he feels in this moment.
Just that it's potent.
When the man has been removed, it's Santana who tells everyone to get back to enjoying the party while Rachel leads Quinn out of the room, probably to her - their - bedroom. It takes a while for any actual conversation to resume, all of them too surprised by the turn of events, but Blaine puts on a different playlist of music, and the guests somehow manage to reclaim some levity.
It helps that Rachel comes back out a few minutes later, and moves straight towards Santana. Hiram watches Rachel whisper something into the Latina's ear, and then Santana is the one to disappear into the bedroom with some ice, while Rachel continues to do the rounds. Ever the hostess.
If Rachel avoids approaching Hiram for the rest of the evening, he tries not to read too much into it.
Later, when Holly says, "Please tell me you had nothing to do with that;" Hiram doesn't bother to respond.
Rachel shows up the following morning - Sunday - like clockwork, and she doesn't look much different to the night before. Concern and confusion in her features, sure, but she looks remarkably calm for someone who just had a showdown with her future father-in-law.
It doesn't take him long to figure the wedding is obviously still on, which is disappointing.
Holly is the one to ask after Quinn's well-being, and Rachel releases a hefty sigh in response, practically deflating as she settles onto the couch. Her hair is loose over her shoulders, and Hiram can't help thinking about how young she looks.
"It was a rough evening," Rachel divulges, eyes on only Holly. "We - we haven't had to deal with anything to do with her family in a while." She scrubs her face, takes a breath. "And, we don't even know what he was doing there. Like, how did he even find out about it?" She shakes her head. "Quinn thinks it might be one of my super fans, or something." Her own expression indicates just how much stock she's putting into that theory, and Hiram can only marvel over the fact Quinn isn't immediately pointing the finger at him.
What game is she playing?
Rachel wrings her fingers together. "We don't really have much time to dwell on it, though," she says, and she looks deeply concerned, worried over Quinn's current emotional health. "She has her Boards next month, and it's really all hands on deck to make sure she gets through them unscathed. It's the reason we had the shower this early."
For a moment, Hiram has the vicious thought that, if he can manage to derail her professional life enough, she'll have no choice but to remove herself from this relationship.
No.
Surely, that's too far.
Well, is it any better or worse than inviting her estranged father to her wedding shower? Or even compared to what he has planned next?
Hiram conveniently doesn't spend too much time thinking about it, because he has more plans to set in motion. This one didn't work the way it should have, but he's convinced he's made significant damage to Quinn's armour.
It won't take much more, now.
"You know we're going to have to talk about this," Santana says, looking over the top of the textbook in her lap as she lounges on a couch in the Attending Lounge.
Quinn doesn't look up from where she's writing out a passage about cell manipulation at one of the tables. "After," is all she says.
Santana puffs out a breath. "After you ace your Boards, or after you get married?"
Quinn pauses her writing, but doesn't say anything.
"Quinn," Santana says through a sigh. "You're going to have to talk about it. If not with me, then with your future wife." She doesn't miss Quinn's flinch, and it just makes her sigh again. "Do you honestly think it's going to get any better once you're married?"
Quinn clenches her jaw. "I'm working on the assumption he'll eventually give up."
"You're not that stupid," Santana says, abandoning the pretence that she's actually studying. "What more do you think he'll do before you even get to the aisle, huh? He called your father, Quinn. Your fucking father."
Quinn can't look at her. "After, Santana."
"After what?" Santana presses. "What else are you going to let him get away with?"
"This is really all he's done," Quinn argues. "I mean, besides being hostile and indifferent, he's never actually done anything."
"And then he went for the fucking jugular," Santana snaps, chucking her textbook aside. "What else, Quinn? What else in your past is he going to dig up that you know you're not ready for?"
"Don't," Quinn warns, and her voice is suddenly hard. "Don't."
Santana deflates instantly. "Quinn," she breathes.
Quinn opens her mouth to respond - though, it remains to be seen what she's going to say - but the sound of her phone buzzing on the table distracts her. She reaches for it immediately, opening the text Rachel's just sent, and then frowns.
"What?" Santana asks, getting to her feet to look for herself.
Quinn's frown deepens, and then she hands the phone to Santana. "She bumped into Jesse St James," Quinn says, her voice a monotone, unfeeling. "She's going to miss dinner because they're catching up."
Santana's shoulders sag, because they both know it's not a coincidence Rachel's ex has just popped up in her life. "What's next, Quinn?" she asks.
Quinn, again, doesn't respond.
It doesn't take all that long to get an answer to Santana's question, though, because Quinn leaves the hospital later that evening to find her own ex obviously waiting for her in the lobby.
Quinn looks to the skies, because this is really the last thing she needs right now. Or, ever. She left Juliet Marsden behind a long time ago, and she's not even going to entertain this moment.
She'll give it to Hiram, though, because, if she weren't so prepared for whatever was likely to be sent her way, something like this definitely would have thrown her. But, it's because of Juliet and her mother that Quinn is as prepared for this. It's childish, though, because she's already seen off her father - with a bruised cheek as payment, but she's done it.
Juliet is nothing in comparison.
Without stopping or even acknowledging the other woman, Quinn just keeps walking, taking out her phone and immediately calling Santana. It's more funny than anything, having Juliet show up here like this. As if dangling past painful experiences in front of her is going to make Quinn give up on the most important relationship in her life.
When Juliet seems to realise Quinn is planning on ignoring her, she rushes to follow behind, and Quinn can't help the poetic justice of it all.
She was always miles ahead.
It's Elise who texts Rachel - because, of course some of Quinn's colleagues are going to recognise her ex - and Quinn comes home to find Rachel curled up on the couch, a light throw over her legs and soft music playing in the background, with an expectant look on her face.
Quinn sighs at the sight, but she's just glad to be home - and to find Rachel here. She dumps her bags by the door, kicks off her shoes and moves towards the couch. She barely gives it any thought as she settles herself on the couch, leaning her back against Rachel's legs, and feels all the tension in her body release.
Rachel waits a beat before she threads fingers through Quinn's hair, carefully loosening it from it's tight ponytail. The silence is welcoming and lovely, and there's really no need for this conversation.
Except, Rachel quietly says, "So, Juliet, huh?" and Quinn heaves a sigh.
"So, Jesse, huh?" she says right back.
Rachel plays with the shell of her ear for a moment. "Tell me it's all a coincidence," she says, tone light, even a little hopeful, even though they both know she's not that naive.
Still, Quinn says, "It's all a coincidence," and it's enough to kid themselves into believing it for a little while longer.