AN: Another chapter, another dollar. Please keep up the reviews, I hope you are all enjoying the story as much as I am writing it. This one is much longer than the rest, almost 9,000 words as I was taken away with a few plot ideas.
You don't get to chose true love. True love chooses you.
Now, Sue Sylvester was many things. future President of America, lover of french pressed coffee, a winner, but above all else, a hopeless and secret romantic. She would kill anyone who said that to her, but that is besides the point. Linda was long gone leaving Sue alone, perhaps that was the reason why she was so bitter.
That was besides the point, she was enjoying a nice walk through the empty halls of the school when she passed by the choir room. Now, she hated most of those kids, who was she kidding, she hated all children. But she heard singing, usually she would of not paid it any mind, but she knew that voice from anywhere. And it was almost time for Cheerio practice, but it seemed her Head Cheerio was busy singing show tunes.
The door was wide open, resting against the door frame she watched her newly renamed Head Cheerio and that Berry girl wrapped up in their own little world. She was about to open her mouth and start screaming at them, but she stopped. Her mind wandering to when she was their age, for the first time in over 5 years she allowed herself to think of Linda. A small smile coming to her lips as she was lost in a memory.
She watched as Rachel leaned up and kissed Quinn gently. She should be yelling and screaming at them, but she didn't have the heart for that. She saw the way they looked at each other, and if she wanted a World title for cheer leading, she would need Quinn at her best. That was when the idea was birthed into Sue's head.
Leaving the two lovebirds alone, she had a plan to put into effect. She passed a passing freshmen and shoved the kid into the wall. Laughing as she did so, she still had it.
Quinn arrived on time for Cheerio practice, calling the team together she started them on their daily warm ups. Her and Santana climbed to the top of the bleachers, watching over the team did their stretches before the actual practice. The blonde scanned the ponytail heads, counting in her head three times before she narrowed her eyes, "Where is Randi?"
Santana stood next to her arms crossed. The dark skinned girl's eyes scanned over the team, counting also. Santana was much like her First Sergeant, as Sue called her, Quinn issued the order and Santana carried them out. The two together were an unstoppable force. There was a reason why had won so many titles since the two came into power, "She didn't show up and no one has heard from her since school ended. Coach is going to be pissed, Q."
Quinn's eyes narrowed. She ran a tight ship, expecting and only wanting the best out of her Cheerios. She drove them as bad as Sue on some of her worst some days, if they messed up on the smallest of details while practicing a new routine. If she was able to drop all the fat from her pregnancy in under two months, then they could do an extra lap around the track.
She was brought out of her thoughts as she saw their Coach coming towards them. Taking one step at a time, the women had an oddly large smile on her face. This was either going to be a bad thing or a very bad thing. She motioned for Santana to get down to the track and start the team on their warm up runs. Santana didn't have to be told twice, alone time with the Coach always ended badly, she flew down from the bleachers. Quinn stood hands tucked behind her back, putting on her best fake smile, awaiting Sue to stand next to her.
"Q! Randi broke her ankle tripping down the stairs, we're down one Cheerio." Sue explained as she her award winning team run start their warm up laps. Standing next to Quinn as she glanced over to her Head Cheerio.
"Shall I call in one of the reserve Cheerios then, Coach?" Quinn asked, looking out over the team as they finished up their first lap and started up the visitor side bleachers.
"Negative. I already have someone in mind for the spot. In fact, I was so lucky to catch her in the parking lot."
Quinn paused for a moment, she had just said goodbye to Rachel. She sighed and shut her eyes for a moment, for the love of God, please don't say she grabbed Rachel.
"And who is it?" Quinn asked after a moment of silence.
Her response was only Sue pointing to a very familiar brown haired girl walking from where the Cheerio locker room laid. She was pretty sure her face was on fire, as her eyes traveled up the very long and tan legs of Rachel's.
'Why didn't I get her in that uniform sooner? Jesus fuck.'
She could feel Sue's eyes burning a hole in the side of her head, but she didn't care. Hell she was pretty sure she was drooling at this point, but the sight of her very small girlfriend in the tight Cheerio uniform was making a wet heat pool in between her legs. There was still a very far distance in their relationship before she could start askign Rachel for that. Honestly, it wasn't fair. She was going to die to have those legs wrapped around her, one day.
She gave a frustrated sigh before finally snapping out of it, she watched Rachel joined the rest of the team. She could hear the yelling from here, as Santana and Brittany stood in front of Rachel as the other members of the team look ready to tear Rachel apart.
"You should probably go save your girl." Sue said simply before sitting down on the bleachers and leaned her back against the metal. A grin on her face as she sipped from her protein drink.
Quinn was already half way down from the top of the bleachers before Sue could finish. She ignored the comment about 'her girl' for now. It was time to save her Rachel..- be the Cheerio Captain, yes, Captain.
She came in time just to pull Santana from hitting one of the Freshmen Cheerios. Throwing Santana behind her, she caught Rachel's wide eyes as she entered what Finn used to call 'Scary Quinn'.
"Shut the fuck up. Push up position, move!" Quinn screamed out. There was a slight pause before the entire team fell to their faces and moved to the up position. She even saw Rachel doing it. She could see the fearful look in the girl's eyes, but she had to regain proper command of her team before she dealt with her girlfriend.
"Correct me if I am wrong, Girls. But did I just see one of my team members trying assaulting my Co-Captain?" Quinn spoke in a sweet voice that sent a shiver of fear down all their girl's spines.
No one answered though, only grunts of pain from having to hold the position. She made a tsking sound with her mouth as she smiled sweetly down at the team, "Santana on your feet. You have..-" She looked down at her watch, they were supposed to start the first day of their routine for Sectionals, but it seemed they were going to lose a day. She heard the rest of the team taking a collection breath in,..- the rest of the practice to remind the Team why you are the Co-Captain. They seemed to have forgotten."
She could already feel the tears coming from the team. Quinn being mad was one thing, Santana being angry was one of the worst things ever. The girl stood and rubbed her hands together, "Brittany, on your feet too. Everyone else, bear crawl backwards the length of the football field. If one of you dares to stop, we're going to do it all uphill."
The team knew better to cry out or complain and started across the football field in the bear crawl position.
As this happened, Quinn motioned for Rachel to get onto her feet, and walked her away from the rest of the team. She glanced up at the bleachers and saw Sue watching them before the woman looked to the rest of the team, moving her microphone to her lips, "S! IS THAT SOMEONE TAKING A BREAK?"
Quinn's attention was fully on Rachel now as she guided the girl back into the locker room, locking it behind them.
"Look Rachel, I am sorry you had to se..-" She was cut off by Rachel throwing her arms around her neck and shoving her tongue into her mouth.
Quinn was surprised for a moment, before she turned and slammed the girl into a row of lockers and kissed her back with equal amounts of passion.
Rachel knew they should be talking right now, and not trying to see how long they could go out with breathing. But the whole idea of taking it slow went out of her head as she saw Quinn stand in front of her and defend her like that. There was something very sexy about protective Quinn. And as soon as they were alone just couldn't help herself, she was basically buzzing with sexual need.
Quinn disconnected their lips and left a trail of open mouth kisses down the side of Rachel's neck. Nipping softly at tan skin as she moved her thigh in between Rachel's legs. She was afraid that she was pushing too much, she was given an answer to Rachel moving her head to the side, offering more of her neck up to Quinn;s mouth.
The blonde felt one of Rachel's small hands trail down the front of her body before slipping in under her Cheerio top. The feel of her warm hand on her stomach, caused Quinn to groan and pressed harder against her, her leg driving up into Rachel's center. The move caused Rachel to moan out loudly as the pale thigh dragged across the pooling wetness.
The sound made Quinn paused and it was long enough for them to realize that they were in the middle of the Cheerio locker room. Moving her leg from in between Rachel, Rachel couldn't help but to giggle as she moved her hand from Quinn's stomach to wrap both of them around her neck, "That was a thank you for standing up for me."
Both took a collective breath, they had only been together for a few days, but teenage hormones were going to be the death of them.
Quinn didn't even blink, leaning her forehead against Rachel's, "I will always be there to defend you. But I think the better question is why are you suddenly at Cheerio practice?"
Rachel rolled her eyes and leaned against the lockers as Quinn went to sit on the bench behind her, looking up at Rachel.
"I was walking to where my Daddy usually picks me up, when she came out of nowhere. She seriously kinda of just appeared behind me. Told me that 'Berry, I know that you took years of dance classes and gymnastics. You're my replacement Cheerio for Sectionals.'" Rachel explained going to sit on the bench next to Quinn.
"I just stood there, dumbfounded as she turned and was yelling at me to follow after. I texted Daddy telling him I would just get a ride home from you and followed after. Not like I really had a choice in the matter."
Quinn sat in silence for a time, not quite sure how to respond, "I understand Quinn if you don't want me here. I wouldn't take it offensively or anything. People in relationships need their own little escapes from their better half, I have mine and your were always Cheerios. I..-"
She was cut off by Quinn's finger coming to her lips, "Rachel, never think for a moment that I don't want you here. I love spending time with you, it's just, with the Cheerios I am a different person. I am the team Captain. Here..- look at what happened between Mr. Schu and his wife once they started working together."
Rachel crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at the blonde as her back went straight, "Yes, because I am obviously a middle aged crazy woman that peaked in high school."
Quinn sighed loudly and had to resist the urge to roll her eyes, "You know that isn't what I meant, Rachel."
Rachel knew it was stupid, but she was actually excited to be put on the team, even for a short time. Was it so wrong to want to work alongside her girlfriend and achieve something together? Tina's words still rang through her eyes right after the Sunshine situation, "Ambitious little freak"
Quinn noticed the shifted in Rachel's posture and the way her eyes dropped down. She reached out slowly to wrap her arm around her shoulders, trying to pull the girl closer to her.
"You don't want me here, it's fine, Quinn. I was stupid to think that this would work." Rachel stood up from the bench, shrugging off the blonde.
"Rachel! That is not what I said..-" It was too late, as the brown haired girl ran from the locker room, slamming the door shut. Leaving Quinn there alone, the cheerio growled loudly and slammed her fist into a nearby locker, then again, and then again.
Cheerio practice for rest of the day was an intense experience. Quinn could feel Sue's glare at the back of her head when Rachel didn't come back with her. There was no mercy from the Captain as she drilled the team up and down the field. When usually she didn't join in them, today she did. Doing every single thing they did, push up to push up. She felt a all too familiar coldness setting into her features. At least the burning feeling in her lungs gave her something.
In hindsight, Rachel knew that she had overreacted. A small nagging part of her mind saying that Quinn wanted nothing to do with her, that she was only using her. Rachel was so confident when it came to everything else in her life, but Quinn. She was always so afraid that she was going to wake up one day and find Quinn gone.
'It was you that ran this time.' The voice in her head rang out.
She had been driving around her hours, after walking home and taking her own car. Something she didn't really do, either always getting a ride from Quinn or one of her Dads. Today though she drove around the streets of Lima with nowhere to go.
She finally parked in the parking lot of one of the large parks near the outskirts of the town. Sitting up on a large hill that overlooked the city, it was the park that was built alongside her housing track. Though it was rarely never used offering Rachel some peace and quiet as she got out of he car, sitting up on the hood and looking out over Lima.
She looked down at her phone, only one call and text message from Quinn since she stormed out. She still didn't know why she stormed out like that. The day was going great, the song they sung during Glee, she knew that Quinn loved her, but there was still something holding herself back.
Why couldn't she just open herself up to all of this? Why was it so hard for her? Quinn could do it. Quinn whose parents threw her out, who trained her since birth to act and be a certain way or God would hate her. While Rachel had two loving parents who told her they would love her no matter what.
The sound of a car pulling into the small parking lot made her turn her head, the familiar sight of a Lima Police patrol car. It was not a surprise, every Officer on every watch knew just who the husband and daughter of the Police Chief was. Down to their appearance and license plates.
She was surprised though, to see that it was her Dad that got out of the car that pulled in next to hers. He didn't say anything only going to sit on the hood of the car next to Rachel.
"Picture my surprise when I heard that my daughter was driving around in circles and circles for the past two hours." Hiram spoke in his very calm voice, a hint of humor in it.
"And here I thought I could pull a fast one over you." In spite of the moment she allowed a small smile.
"I had expected you to be connected with Quinn somewhere, did something happen?" Hiram sent a glance down at his daughter before going to look out over the city.
"You know, sometimes I wished I was a normal teenager where my parents didn't know everything about my love life."
"But then I would have a rather normal life not being able to mess with my Number 1 Daughter."
Rachel gave a small giggle, her Dad always knew what to say to make her feel all better, "I was asked to join the Cheerios, well I didn't have choice, but I was so excited. I get to work with Quinn and lead the team to victories."
"You have your Daddy and I's ambition, it's okay."
"Quinn said she was happy, but was trying to explain that at practice, she was their Captain, and she didn't want us to end up like Mr. Schu and his ex-wife. I kinda took it badly." Her face blushed red as she looked down into her lap.
Hiram sighed and shook his head, "You're a lot like your Daddy, you know that? Taking things out of context and then your mind starts running wild."
Rachel opened her mouth to say something then shut it tightly. He was right, down to the point. She allowed her own irrational fears to take control of herself.
"Your Daddy and I were not always the way we were. It took a lot of fighting from both of us to want to make it work. If I didn't think that you and Quinn were good for each other and had a chance of making it work, that I would of let her into my house? Or I will be sitting here right now telling you to go get her," He paused for a moment, "The both of you can spend time thinking about the past mistakes, never diving into the pool with each other. Or you can take her hand, close your eyes and jump. It took me a long time to finally do that with your Daddy. And I almost lost him because of it."
Rachel's response was hugging her Dad and placing her head onto his shoulder, "Thank you, Dad. I don't know what I would do without."
"Being stuck with Daddy and having diva fights every hour." The earned a laugh from both of the Berry's, though the radio on Hiram's belt light up, a muffled voice coming out of the receiver.
"Duty calls. Talk to her, Rachel. You two can only dance around the issue for so long before it will be the downfall." Hiram pressed a kiss to his daughters temple before going off the hood and back into the patrol car.
Up, past the city limits, the city fell into farms and horse ranches. It was one of Quinn's favorite place to go and hide to. The Fabray's were old money and kept a small ranch on the outskirts that housed their horses. When her Father left, he had only asked for half of his shares in the Family businesses and then ran. Quinn personally couldn't be happier, she was afraid of what would happen to her beauty.
Dressed in a rather casual equestrian rider outfit, she carried her horse saddle in her arms with Max at her feet, running back and forth along the stalls, barking at the horses. She couldn't help but to smile at Max stared up at her with big blue eyes saying, 'Mom look at all my new friends.'
She always wondered why her mom had gotten her Max right after she lost Beth. It was not until she started babying Max on every little thing. And now that she had Rachel, the last void was filled. Though Max could never replace Beth, he was her baby boy and her motherly traits that seemed to linger after giving birth to Beth she projected onto him.
Opening the last stall in the row, she couldn't help but to smile at the loud 'neighh' that her horse gave when Quinn entered the small stall. A white thoroughbred, it was a gift from her Father on her 10th birthday. He wanted her to be the perfect charming lady, and said horseback riding was a trait every Fabray learned.
Much like learning how to play the piano and singing, she made it hers and not because her father wanted her to do it. Because she wanted to do it, she wanted to enjoy it. The very first seeds of rebellion Rachel explained it as.
She rested the saddle on the wall of the stall and moved her hands up to tie her hair back into a tight bun as she watched Maximus sit on his hind legs and stare up at the horse, head to the side. The horse leaned its head down a few inches away from the husky's mouth.
"Shadowfax, Max, Max, Shadowfax. Please don't kill each other." Quinn made the introductions as she quickly brushed Shadwofax's back before starting on hooking the saddle up.
Max gave a happy bark and moved his paw up to bump Shadowfax's head. The horse breathed out a loud burst of air before moving his head up. At least her two children were going to behave themselves. That thought alone made her pause and laugh, here she was talking to animals.
She didn't hear footsteps in the hallway outside of the stall until she heard a very familiar voice, "Quinn. I am..-"
Quinn's head whipped to the side, seeing Rachel standing in the doorway, eyes wide as she drank in the sight of her girlfriend wearing knee high riding boots, the tight riding pants with a white polo.
Quinn's eye wandered over Rachel's body, brown haired tied into a ponytail with a length of green ribbon. Wearing only a sweatshirt and pants, with an old Yankee baseball cap pulled over her head, it was such a simple look that made Quinn's heart beat a little faster.
Quinn had long gotten over Rachel's storm out. After two hours of putting herself and the team through hell all she wanted to do was apologize to Rachel for the misunderstanding and cuddle. Sure, it was Rachel that was the one who freaked out, and she shouldn't be apologizing, but at this point, it didn't matter. It was such a small and stupid fight, she would set it straight and show Rachel how much she wanted Rachel in the Cheerios.
But once she had showered and got to her car, there was still no response from Rachel. If Rachel needed space, she would give her space. It had been months since the last time she rode Shadowfax and she missed it.
Maximus started barking and running in a circle as he saw Roxie poke her head in between Rachel's legs. The diva giggled as she moved to the side allowing Max to run out of the stall to greet Roxie.
The two seemed lost in their own little world, as Rachel smiled shy at Quinn, taking a few small steps forward until they were a few inches apart.
Both could feel the tension rolling off their bodies as Rachel looked up at Quinn from under her eyelashes, biting her bottom lip. Quinn's right hand gripping Rachel's hip pulling her closer.
"I think we're supposed to be mad at each other." Quinn's voice was no higher than a whisper, her warm breath hitting Rachel's face.
"You shouldn't be wearing skin tight pants then." Rachel whispered back, her hand coming in between them to trail up the girl's front. She looked down at their feet before going back to stare into her hazel eyes.
"If you don't stop biting your lip, I am going to shove you against the wall and have my way with you." Her voice was deep and husky as Quinn's eyes became an almost dark green.
The breath hitched in Rachel's throat at Quinn's intense look. She started to reach onto her toes to press a kiss to Quinn's lips, she felt Quinn's arm wrap fully around her waist as she leaned down to meet her halfway.
Of course the moment was killed by Shadowfax snorting loudly near the two. The noise scared Rachel who threw herself into Quinn, the blonde who was too busy thinking about what berry flavored lip gloss her girlfriend was wearing. The two stumbled backwards into a pile of hay, with Rachel on top of Quinn, there a long moment of silence before the two broke into fits of giggles at the situation.
"Well at least we're not screaming at each other." Rachel tried to get in between her giggles. Finally nesting into Quinn, her head resting on the blonde's chest, looking up at her.
"Rachel, what I said in the locker room, I am sorry..-"
"Stop, Quinn, It should be me apologizing. I knew that you didn't mean it like that. I guess just a part of me is still hurt. It only has been a few days for..- this. But there is just something about you that I can't say no to."
"Rachel, I want you on the Cheerios, I want you next to me as we go to Sectionals, Regionals and Nationals. It's just, we already have hard enough time keeping our hands off of each other and now I have to see you wear that skirt all day." She bite her bottom lip as she closed her eyes at just the thought.
Rachel watched in silence as Quinn seemed to get lost in thought before her eyes fluttered open, smiling down at Rachel, "Well Quinn. With your leadership and my planning skills, who knows what we will be able to do. I already have a plan for tomorrow to show that I belong there."
"Coach is going to be please. You should of saw the look she gave me when I came back alone." Quinn mumbled as she wrapped her arm around Rachel, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"I spoke to my Dad also. Well, he spoke to me and I just listened."
"And what knowledge did the Chief give you this time?"
" A lot of things, Quinn. First off, this weekend, me and you. Dinner and a movie. You don't have a choice in the matter."
Quinn couldn't help but to give an amused grin, her heart beating a little faster at the thought of actually going on a date with Rachel, "Are you asking me on a date, Ms. Berry?"
"Only if you will have me, Ms. Fabray." Rachel sat up, straddling Quinn, moving her legs on either side of the blonde. She looked nervous as she reached down and picked up one of Quinn's hands, playing with it with both of her hands. Quinn only gave a soft smile, raising her brow at Rachel's obvious nervousness, "My Dad explained to me, that I can spend more time remembering the past, dancing around with you. But never taking that dive in. But I do want to take that dive with you, Quinn. Our eyes might be closed as we do it, but as along as I have your hand to hold onto, I know, we can do this."
Quinn leaned up from the pile of hay and in solid motion had pushed Rachel against her chest as she pressed her lips to the girl. She felt Rachel's arms encircle her neck and crush their heads closer as Quinn rolled them, forcing Rachel onto her back. Breaking apart, neither wanted to open their eyes, simply holding on tight to each other, Rachel heard Quinn whispered near her, "It's a date."
After another long kiss, Quinn picked herself back up to her feet, offering her hands down to Rachel, who thankfully had changed out of her Cheerio uniform and was wearing pants.
The two dogs laid in the hallway, Max head onto of Roxie's as they stared at their owners, Shadowfax nudge his head into Rachel, the brown haired girl giggling softly and running her hand along the white horse's head, "What it's name?"
"Shadowfax." And when Rachel raised her brow, she explained, "Lord of the Rings reference. Shadowfax, lord of the horses."
"Who would've thought I would of fallen in love with the biggest nerd in Lima." Rachel teased, only a glare from Quinn and Shadowfax puff of air from it's massive nose.
"Come on, I still want to ride, and I know you need to read the chapters for English." Quinn moved her riding helmet onto her head and grabbed the reins of her horse. Rachel lead the way out, the two dogs running out of the barn and into the large fenced off meadows.
Rachel couldn't help but to shake off the smile on her face. She was sat underneath a large oak tree, the two dogs lying next to each other. In her lap was a worn paperback copy of 'Hamlet' from their AP Literature class. Her eyes and mind were far from the snowy landscape of Denmark though, she was drinking in Quinn on horseback.
There something so regal about her girlfriend as her body moved in unison with the white horse. Vaulting over the barriers, Quinn had explained before hand that she mostly only did competitive trail riding with some of the old English 'hunt seat',which she was doing now.
She had no idea what any of that meant, but the sight of the sweat clinging to her tight polo and the way her leg muscles stood out on the pants told her that she was going to love every moment of cheering on Quinn. She made a mental note for her late to actually research into equestrian riding, if this was one of Quinn's passions, she would take the time and effort to learn everything about it.
She sat up from her spot on the hill and walked down to the metal fence. Leaning against it as Quinn came trotting by. Slipping from the saddle, the blonde grinned, leaning on the fence also, their faces a few inches apart, "May I ask the Lady for a token of her affection?"
Rachel rolled her eyes but her smile large as she untied her ponytail that was held together by a bit of ribbon. She leaned over the railing and gently grabbed Quinn's hand, tying the ribbon to her wrist before kissing it, "There."
Quinn gave a small giggle before pressing her lips to Rachel's, "We should get going soon, I know how your Dad's worry."
Her eyes were drawn away from Quinn as she saw a car drive up the old dirt road that lead to the entrance of the barn. Pulling in next to Rachel's Range Rover and Quinn's red jeep, an older blonde woman stepped out. Dressed for the occasion, she wore worn blue jeans, boots, and a polo. Rachel panicked moment, she had only meant Quinn's mother a few times.
Judy knew that if her daughter wasn't hiding at the Berry's nor one of the many parks in Lima, she would've finally went back to their ranch. She was not surprised as she drove the old dirt roads, to see her familiar blonde head daughter on horseback. What caught her eye though was the girl sitting under one of the large oak trees, watching Quinn from afar. She stopped her car, knowing that she would not been seen from her hiding spot.
Judy watched in silence as Quinn brought her horse close to the fence where Rachel leaned against. She couldn't tell from this distance just what they were doing, the breath caught in her throat as she saw the two embrace lightly. A lot of thoughts rushed through her head in that moment, the most above all else, Why didn't she tell me?
She knew that she couldn't just run up there and ask her daughter about her sexuality. No, that would scare her off and further away from her after they had started opening up to each other. No, she would simply leave hints and speak to the Berry men.
The elder woman checked herself in the mirror, if she knew she was meeting her daughter's girlfriend she would of at least worn something nice.
That thought alone made Judy laugh, how much your life could change in such a small time frame.
Judy smiled at the two girls, almost jumping back from each other at the sudden appearance of Quinn's mother. She wanted to simply just ask the two if they were together but she only feared it would drive the two apart.
"Girls," She offered a light smile to the two. She saw the two sneaking glances at each other. They were having a conversation without even using words, God how didn't she see this before, "It's almost getting dark and after searching everywhere else in town, I knew that you must of been here."
It was Quinn that spoke up, "I am sorry, Mom. I was just having a bad day and Rachel was also, yes. And I wanted to show her the ranch." She stuttered slightly. At least she had Russel's gift of coming up with a lie on the spot.
"I am not angry, sweetie. Hello, Rachel. It has been awhile no?" Judy smiled, taking a small step forward towards the brown haired girl.
She could see Rachel scanning her, reading into her. They had only spoken and met a few times during Quinn's pregnancy. And not since the blonde had moved out. If Judy was honest with herself, she felt like she needed Rachel's approval. She had failed at a mother to many times already, and she wasn't going to fail Quinn again.
"Not since, Beth, Mrs. Fabray." Rachel put on her face actress smile and kept her stare at Judy. The elder woman was impressed, all the Police Balls must of taught Rache one or two things about keeping up appearances.
"A shame. I am glad to see you and Quinnie together again. She has been just a drag to have around the house, always talking about Rachel this or Rachel that." Judy teased lightly, wanting to tip her hand towards the brown haired girl. That she did actually like the idea of the two together, it was simply going to take time for Judy.
Judy had spent over 20 years next to Russell, being his perfect little wife to show off at all his business and Family events. Above all else, she knew the difference between a fake and a real smile. She noticed the change in Rachel's smile, the corners becoming less intense, less forced. It was almost lazy, as a glimmer entered her eyes, "She does have a tendency to talk about just how amazing I am."
Quinn mumbled under her breath, "Egoistic hobbit." The past hatred that would be in the blonde's voice was long gone from the days of Freshmen year. Sending a smile and wink to Rachel. Something that Rachel returned.
Judy watched the exchange that lasted no longer than a few moments, 'Are they really this obvious?'
"I was just saying to Rachel that I should see her to getting home." Quinn spoke after she dragged her eyes away from Rachel's sparkling brown eyes.
"How about I treat you two to dinner instead? They just opened a new restaurant on main street." Small steps, Judy, small steps leads into large steps which leads to running. She watched as the two girls sent another glance at each other and another moment long silent conversation between the two.
'Well that goes my idea for our date night.' Rachel thought as she looked over towards Quinn who seemed unmoving, She only offered a small nod to Rachel.
"I would love to, Mrs. Fabray but my Dad's will start..-" Rachel started.
"Is there a reason they can't come also?" Judy gave a small smile, hoping that she would just say yes.
"I..- I think they would enjoy that very much. Thank you, Mrs. Fabary."
"Please, you saved my daughter when I couldn't. It's Judy. Now come on, we have a Fam..-fantastic dinner to have." She caught herself, thankfully the two were already back to having a silent conversation.
Seriously those two were too obvious.
After a quick call to the Berry men and putting the animals away, the Fabarys and Berry's met in the parking lot of the newly opened jazz bar and restaurant the had just opened a few weeks earlier.
Both still dressed in their work clothes, the hostess was quick to offer the best table in the house to the Police Chief of Lima, Hiram only offered a polite smile and tried his best to ignore the stares coming from the rest of the restaurant goers.
It seemed that the restaurant decided to stay trapped in the golden age of music and hollywood, with a live full assembly and jazz singer on a small stage. Offering a rather unique experience to the quiet town.
Quinn tried her best, but couldn't keep the large shit eating grin off her face at the live music. With Rachel pressed next to her, almost into her lap due to the size of their party and how small the booths were. She noticed that neither of the Berry's or even her mother asked for another table. Quite fine with the new teens being pressed against each other.
Once their drinks were ordered, the conversation followed naturally between the adults, Judy giving a giggle at one of LeRoy's jokes, "It's so nice to go out again. I never thanked you for what you and your husband did for Quinn. Will there ever be anyway I could repay the either of you?"
Quinn looked up from the her conversation with Rachel, the Berry men and Judy had left the two alone into their own little world. The adults were too wrapped up in their conversation to see Quinn and Rachel now listening in onto the conversation.
It was Hiram that shook his head and waved his hand at Judy, "Only to love Quinn fully and freely now that Russell is gone."
"It's poor manners and pardon me, but how did that go?" LeRoy asked next to Judy, taking a sip from his drink.
"I think of anyone, you two have more than a right to hear," Judy explained, "It just kinda happened. The two of us have been unhappy for years and years. I was in love with him, once a long time ago. But he changed, I changed. And he became something that I know he hated. We went to marriage counseling, but neither of us wanted to try and make it work. A month later the papers were finished, and last I heard he went to California to find himself."
"Find himself?" Hiram asked. Quinn shifted in her seat, gripping tight onto Rachel. Her Mother didn't even share this part with her.
"He always had this dream of when we met in college was to drop out and do the Triple Crown of Hiking. Now, he has the time to finally do it. He sold or gave Quinn all his shares in the Fabary Businesses. And dropped off the radar. I am happy for him, though I will never forgive him or myself for allowing him to throw Quinnie out, we all deserve a second chance, no?" Judy finished with a smile, moving a hand up to wrap a stray tear around. She looked down when she felt a soft hand gently squeeze hers. Meeting the hazel eyes of her daughter, they didn't need to say anything, because in that one moment, they finally understood each other.
The Berry men each gave her a gentle smile, "That we do. Well, here is to the Berry-Fabary Clan and to second chances."
The moment was not lost on Quinn and Rachel who looked at their respective parents with raised eyebrows. But before the question could be asked the server came back with their orders and hunger overtook the need for questioning.
As they finished their dinner and ordered deserts, the person who seemed to be the manager of the restaurant came onto stage, speaking over the loudspeaker system, "The mic is now open to anyone willing."
The rest of the restaurant seemed to ignore the man and before Rachel could jump up, it was LeRoy that jumped up, "Oh hell yes." Making his way over the small dance floor and up onto the stage.
Whispering to the band, Hiram gave a grin and stood up, offering a hand to Judy, "May I have this dance? If I know my husband I already know what song he is going to sing."
Judy couldn't looked happier as she accepted the hand and allowed herself to be walked onto the floor that was empty.
Quinn gave a grin and whispered into Rachel's ear, "Would you..-"
Before Quinn could even finish her girlfriend was already pulling her up out of the booth and onto the dance floor. The room was dark with low lighting, allowing them to press a bit closer than would of been thought proper. A few more couples joining the four onto the dance floor.
LeRoy stood with the microphone and stand in front of him, smiling over the club, "To my Husband and our wedding song."
Hiram had positioned himself and Judy so that he could keep his eyes on LeRoy for the moment. Giving his husband a wink, LeRoy started up, the band starting a familiar tune to Quinn's ears.
When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more
Thankfully both Rachel and Quinn had taken years of rigorous dancing classes, the two moving to a pace mixed of cha and the American rumba.
Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me
LeRoy did a small number dance number up on the stage, allowing the closet diva in him come out as he lost himself to the song. It was not hard to see where Rachel got her musical skill and love from, the man should of been on Broadway.
Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak
While Hiram and Judy were excellent dance partners and the other dancing couples getting lost in their own worlds, it was Quinn and Rachel that attracted the attention of the club. As the two moved back and forth over the dance floor with just grace and skill that came from years of practice.
Thankfully the lights were dimmed, but Hiram and Judy could see the love in each other's eyes as they dance with each other.
I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
Quinn and Rachel were breathing hard now, but both wouldn't stop for anything as they felt their bodies move in a perfect sync to each other. Both knew they were attracting the attention of the entire club but their eyes were only on each others.
Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak
Hiram and Judy had stopped now, watching their daughters in silence as they both realized in that moment how badly both their daughters had it for each other. There was still a long road ahead of them, but Hiram couldn't help but to give Judy a knowing smile and wink before starting dancing once more.
I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
You know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
As LeRoy finally finished ,the club was filled with cheers and the thundering sound of clapping before from the vocals of LeRoy and the amazing dancing skills of Quinn and Rachel. Though doing all of it, Quinn held Rachel close to her, whispering in her love's ear, "I could dance all night with you."
"One day, Darling." Rachel replied, pressing a small and quick kiss to the underside of Quinn's jaw before stepping apart and giving a small bow. But as LeRoy moved off the stage, Rachel dragged Quinn by the hand up on to it.
Whispering something to the band and Quinn, the blonde couldn't help but to give a grin as she stood next to Rachel in front of the mic, "And this one is for my Dad's." "And my Mom." Quinn added in.
Judy stepped back away from Hiram allowing LeRoy to fall into his Husband's arms. Sharing a sweet kiss before the music started up.
She felt a soft tap on her shoulder, turning and looking up at a man who seemed close to her age, with a gentle smile, "I noticed you are without a dancing partner, Judy, may I..?"
She couldn't help but to give a grin at the sudden appearance of her lawyer that she have had since all the fighting with Russell started, "Anything for you, James."
Both the girls opened their mouths together, a perfect harmony they would realize later that evening.
You make me feel so young
You make me feel so spring has sprung
And every time I see you grin
I'm such a happy individual
Hiram and LeRoy lead the dance floor with a classic foxtrot dance as Rachel and Quinn sung from the stage. Judy and James moving alongside them, James lucky not being that bad of a dancer, though he did step on Judy's foot once or twice, only earning a giggle from the aging woman.
The moment that you speak
I wanna go play hide-and-seek
I wanna go and bounce the moon
Just like a toy balloon
Though that Quinn and Rachel really wanted to dance with each other to this song. They just shared a loving smile and looked at their parents on the dance floor, enjoying their own small special moments.
You and I are just like a couple of tots
Running across the meadow
Picking up lots of forget-me-nots
Hiram took the lead with his husband, smiling brightly to the man who he built a life with. Mouthing softly to the words. LeRoy felt his face becoming flushed red as he pressed harder against his husband. The two had gone through so much with each other, but they could never lose that feeling.
You make me feel so young
You make me feel there are songs to be sung
Bells to be rung and a wonderful fling to be flung
Taking the microphone from the stand, Rachel danced across the stage, singing and smiling to Quinn only, as the blonde took an extra one from another stand. The two trying their best to dance with each other as they sung.
And even when I'm old and gray
I'm gonna feel the way I do today
'Cause you make me feel so young
Judy couldn't help but to be swept off her feet by James. He was one of the only people that supported her during her leaving of Russell. The two had became close, blurring the lines between friends and lover. She didn't want to rush anything, but she couldn't help but to feel a warm feeling through her body as he spun her around the dance floor.
You make me feel so young
You make me feel so spring has sprung
And every time I see you grin
I'm such a happy individual
Rachel hopped onto the piano, crossing her legs as she pulled her eyes from her girlfriend's looking out to see her Dad's getting lost in their own little world, eyes only on each other. She was even surprised to see Judy dancing with another man.
The moment that you speak
I wanna go play hide-and-seek
I wanna go and bounce the moon
Just like a toy balloon
Hiram spun LeRoy in a small circle before coming back together, chests pressed against each others. He couldn't help but to feel himself getting lost in LeRoy's brown eyes as he leaned down to press a kiss to his husband's lips. It had been too long since him and LeRoy had a night out, he had to remind to thank Rachel for picking one of their favorite songs to sing.
You and I are just like a couple of tots
Running across the meadow
Picking up lots of forget-me-nots
The two came back together at the center of the stage, going back to share the main microphone.
You make me feel so young
You make me feel there are songs to be sung
And bells to be rung
And a wonderful fling to be flung
And even when I'm old and gray
I'm gonna feel the way I do today
'Cause you, you make me feel so young
You make me feel so young
Ooh, you make me feel so young
The two girls finished, having to resist the urge to throw their arms around each other. But shared a large smile and gave a bow to the club as another round of clapping. The two took their leave from the stage, going back to their table.
Hiram and LeRoy stayed on the dance floor as the restaurant's singer came back, singing something much slower compared to the two numbers the Berry's and Quinn did. Judy and James whispering softly to each other near the bar.
Quinn leaned into Rachel, whispering, "It seems our parents are enjoying themselves."
"It's nice. To see everyone happy, after everything that has happened in the past few months." Rachel whispered back, tucking her head into Quinn's body as they stood in a dark corner of the club.
"How about we sneak off? We do have school tomorrow and I wanted..-" Quinn trailed off, pressing tightly against Rachel. Staring down into large brown eyes she bite her bottom lip.
"I do need pay back for those riding pants." Rachel whispered back before being pulled out of the club and into Quinn's jeep. After saying a quick goodbye to Judy who would relay the message onto the Berry men.
AN: The songs used were "Sway" by Dean Martin and "You make me feel so Young" Frank Sinatra. Later on, we shall explore a bit into Hiram and LeRoy's story. I always wanted to do more with them. Alongside that of Judy and Russell. I feel that fics just throw them to the side, where there could be a deep and interesting story of redemption for the Fabery Clan, and I hope to explore that while writing this. The same goes for Sue, who is my favorite character after Quinn. Expect a bit of a side story with Will too, which will start either next chapter or Chapter 6.
Almost forgot, the Cheerio situation. I really really always wanted to dive into it a little bit. I am not sure where it would take us, but I look it as an learning experience for the two, as they learn how to deal with CaptainQuinn and OverbearingRachel.
I don't know much about horse back riding to be perfectly honest, but for plot reasons I wanted to futher the rather rich and groomed lifestyle Quinn was expected to win. Now I said that this chapter was going to have the sleepover, but, for sure, the next will have it and most likely date night. And of course, the moment Quinn realized she feel in love with Rachel.