Author's Note at the bottom
Rachel stretched out her limbs, cracking her joints in the process. She never knew how comfortable Quinn's couch was. Opening her eyes, Rachel scanned the room for Quinn, but instead she was looking into the past. Abruptly, she got off the couch and went to the corner of the room near the door.
This house wasn't Quinn's anymore, it's her old house from when she lived in Los Angeles with her Mom. Rachel pinched herself to see if this is a crazy dream, she felt it and her anxiety level went through the roof. Rachel scoured the home in order to find anything about what's happening or in what time zone she's in. Luckily, she found a 2017 calendar hanging in her room, so that answers that, but how the hell did she get here?
If she's back in Los Angeles then that means she never met Quinn… Puck, Sam… Santana and Brittany. Her heart ached, almost feeling it break.
The sound of a door opened from downstairs and Rachel balled up her fist as she stepped out her room, trying to look down into the living room to see who's here.
"Rach, honey, come help me with the groceries!" A familiar voice called and Rachel was skipping steps trying to hurry downstairs.
Her eyes met the woman she's been dying to see ever since they were separated "Mom.." Rachel breathed out, losing all feeling in her legs and arms.
She's more beautiful than she remembered. Rachel entered the kitchen and her heart exploded with joy, she ran to her and hugged her from behind.
"Is everything okay?" Shelby asked, turning to reciprocate the hug.
"I just missed you is all."
Shelby didn't ask why her daughter was acting weird, she just rolled with it "Didn't realize I was gone that long."
They stayed silent while putting away the food, and every two minutes Rachel would hug whatever she's holding and sigh. She has really missed this.
"Hey mom, are we... doing anything today?" Rachel pondered.
"Not that I know of. I have my book club with the girls, maybe you can go out with your friends."
Oh right, she forgot she had friends here "Maybe… well, what about us? We can go out, too."
Shelby raised a brow and set aside the cereal boxes on the counter "You're acting strange today, I'm going to ask again, is everything okay?"
Her posture loosened and shoulders slumped "I just had a weird dream, it took a toll on me, I guess, but I'm fine now."
"Was it about Dad again?"
Rachel's eyes widen, her body not so loose anymore "No, no, I haven't had one in a while. He's… not here, is he?"
Shelby was now concerned about her, it's like she's forgetting everything that's happened recently "Honey, he's long gone. With a divorce and restraining order, he won't be coming near us till the day he dies, and if God answers my prayer then that day will be soon."
Rachel and Shelby shared a laugh- God, Rachel missed her laugh, and it's surely music to her ears. After putting away the food, Rachel and her mom watched movies for the remaining hours of that afternoon, after that Shelby had to go attend her book club and won't be home till nine or ten.
The brunette walked around the block to soak up her childhood memories. This place hasn't changed at all, but it seems so different, it just makes her miss Ohio even more. Did someone send her to an alternate universe? Was this her wish from a shooting star? Rachel spent the rest of the day wondering if she'll ever return back.
Hoping to wake up on Quinn's couch, she was disappointed that she was in her old room. A knock came from the door and her mom popped her head inside "Rach, honey, wake up. You don't want to be late for school."
Rachel groaned and tucked herself into her warm blankets for a couple more minutes. School?, Rachel thought, Might as well leave me to die.
She can already tell that she will be fed up with everyone the moment she'll drive up to the front of the school. Come to think of it, she didn't mind the dropout part after all. Nonetheless, she brushed her teeth, changed her clothes and brushed out her hair to join her mom in the kitchen where she smelled coffee brewing.
"Coffee should be ready in a bit." Shelby greeted, reading the morning paper.
"Haven't had coffee in a long time." Rachel yawned while getting herself a cup.
"You have it every morning, Rachel."
Oh crap, she's got to stop doing that and start thinking that she's been living this life "What I meant was… I… didn't get coffee yesterday."
"Are you sure you don't want to go see a doctor?" Shelby poured herself and Rachel a cup "I think it'll help with whatever it is that you're going through."
Rachel sipped her coffee, relishing the tangy taste on her tongue and the hot sensation traveling down her throat "I'm just off, no big deal. Pretty sure that hell of a school will make it worse."
Shelby's eyebrows shot up to her hairline, putting her hands on her hips "Rachel Barbra Corcoran, you better watch that language when you're in this house."
Suppressing a chuckle, she almost choked on her coffee. She totally forgot how strict she gets when using "foul" language. Shelby believes that once a child bad mouths you, it'll lead to drugs "Sorry."
Also, what is up with her last name—Corcoran? Berry sounds more like a flow of the tongue than Corcoran.
After finishing their coffee, Shelby drove her daughter to school and wished her luck on her mental state. Rachel roamed the halls to see if anyone would point her out and hopefully lead her to her class. Her vision went dark when she felt a pair of hands cover her eyes.
"Guess who?" They sang.
Not Quinn that's for sure, Rachel thought. The voice was raspy as if they've been smoking cigars and the hands were filled with rings and bracelets, none of them ringing a bell.
"You're gonna have to tell me who." Rachel sang back.
"You're usually so good at this game, what happened?"
Now that they uncovered her eyes, she could see that it was none other than her ex-girlfriend Rosa. The same Rosa that was there when her Dad went on a rampage when he caught them making out.
"Oh… hey you.." Rachel awkwardly punched her shoulder and chuckled "What's up?"
"Is that any way to properly greet a girlfriend?" Rosa pulled her in by the waist and planted a kiss to her lips.
Rachel felt violated with the closeness and the display of affection right in the middle of the crowed hallway. It felt like she was cheating on Quinn and that thought didn't settle well in her conscience.
When they pulled apart, Rachel had to mask her distraught expression with heart eyes "I'm sorry baby, I just been out of it since yesterday, I had a crazy dream."
"What was it about?"
The bell rang, signaling that first period has begun "I'll tell you later, can you walk me to class?"
Rosa nodded and grabbed her hand, Rachel felt uncomfortable by the contact. The pair walked in awkward silence until reaching the classroom and Rachel dodged every one of Rosa's kisses, she may hear an earful when they meet again, but at least she won't be kissing those lips today.
Throughout her first four periods, Rachel started to get into the rhythm of her old school habits, like talking with her classmates, taking the spotlight when answering a question, interrupt the teacher during a lesson so she could input her thoughts. She completely forgot how much of a nerd she was.
It was now time for lunch and Rachel was hunted down by her alternative girlfriend, clearly still thinking about this morning. Rosa lead her to a table filled with her old friends, they greeted the couple and made room to join in.
"How you feeling, Rach? You looked lost this morning." Her old pal, Chad, commented while chomping down on his sandwich.
"Can we not talk about it? I've been tired of that question since yesterday." Rachel groaned and rolled her eyes.
The group of friends zipped their lips, usually Rachel would talk nonstop about what's on her mind. Some were rather relieved that she didn't run her mouth.
Her friend Emma spoke up, breaking the uncomfortable silence "Has Mr. Kudrow said anything else about Nationals?"
"Nope, but I'm so looking forward to this trip!" Rosa rubbed her hands together, feeling the buzz in her body from all the excitement.
At this, Rachel's ears perked up "Wait, where are we going?"
"New York! You wouldn't stop talking about this since he announced it, can't believe you forgot about it… you've been forgetting everything lately." Rosa tilted her head with furrowed eyebrows.
Everyone hushed, intensively observing the drama that's about to happen.
Rachel shrugged her shoulders like it was no big deal, what does she have to lose, right? "So my memory has been off, what's the problem? It's okay to forget, you know."
"First, you couldn't distinguish my hands from everyone else's. Second, you forget the most important trip to the city of your dreams, and now you forgot our seven month anniversary… which is today."
Now she does feel kind of awful, Rosa's a good girl and she doesn't deserve to be treated like this "I'm sorry, something's been bugging me and I can't understand why this is happening to me. It's not that I'm forgetting, I just can't remember."
Rosa's hard expression turned soft and it looks like the engines in her brain started working and realized what's really going on "Oh my god," Covering her mouth, trying not to cry "Do you- are you diagnosed with short term memory loss?"
Rachel looked to her friends to read their expression and they all seem to think it as well, it does seem easier to process than time traveling. She faked a frown "I didn't want to tell you guys because I didn't want you to worry about me."
She could tell this was a lot to digest considering her friends are still looking at her like a three legged puppy. They voiced their concerns about how she will perform at Nationals and she eased their troubles by saying that she needs to study the routine over and over till she gets it right.
After school, the Glee kids went to their instructor and told him about Rachel's issue. First, he started to whimper since Rachel is his golden girl and without her the Glee club doesn't stand a chance. Then he ordered an emergency meeting to go over the steps and songs for their big competition.
The time they spent practicing and rehearsing made Rachel realize how much she misses being on stage and singing till her lungs give out. Ever since she stopped going to school she replaced singing with art and was surprisingly good at it. Art holds a special place in her heart, but who says you can't rekindle an old flame?
According to her friends and instructor, Nationals were a week away and they are positive that they could beat all four groups performing. Mr. Kudrow stressed more about a group called New Directions, saying that they won three consecutive Nationals competitions. Well, this year the trophy will be for them, Rachel feels it in her gut.
During the week, Rachel has been getting herself more involved with her friends and school activities. Coming back to this lifestyle is like riding a bike; you never forget. She's been more active that she even joined an art club, it's sort of her way of staying connected to her old self.
Since their flight to New York departs at six in the morning, all Glee kids have to be at school no later than two. Rachel was one of the first people to arrive, passport in hand and a smile full of anticipation. After about an hour, all the kids were ready to leave and have the greatest time of their life.
Out of pity, Rachel sat next to her girlfriend for she won't seem like she's trying to avoid her, even though she really is. The bus ride was nothing but faint kisses on her neck and gentle creases on her thighs, not even fake sleeping will get Rosa to quit being inappropriate.
They finally arrived at the LAX airport and started to check their bags in, they only had about three more hours to check their bags, go through security, hydrate and use bathroom, and look for their gate. After getting their tickets, the kids all gathered around to see who they're sitting next to and who got the window seat. Rachel was the few lucky ones to get a window seat, she was even luckier when she found out she's sitting next to two of her friends who are not Rosa.
Boarding time came around and all the kids bounced with ecstasy as they went through the terminal. Once Rachel sat in her seat, she jammed on her earphones and closed her eyes. By the time she opened her eyes, they were twenty minutes till landing. She looked out the window and can see the bright lights in the big city, she was mesmerized and in love.
They landed safe and full of urine, Mr. Kudrow escorted the kids to the restrooms while some went to go get their luggage from baggage claim. He explained the sleeping arrangements, two beds with four kids in each room and no boy/girl roommates. Rachel ended up with Rosa and two other girls, shocking.
Rachel did nothing but take pictures in the car ride to their hotel, she always saw this place in movies and pictures, but it doesn't compare to actually being here. There were trash bags on the sidewalks, people walking in front of cars asking to be hit, lots of honking, and the streets are crawling with people. It still amazed her.
A sea of kids flowed out the shuttle as they arrived at their hotel, Mr. Kudrow told the kids to stay put in the lobby while he goes checks them in. Rachel and Rosa sat near the open bar, feeling jetlagged and thirsty.
"I'm gonna get some water, you want anything?" Rachel asked, pointing to the open bar.
Rosa shook her head, raising a bag of fruit snacks and apple juice she bought from the airport. Rachel made her way and sat down, asking for a glass of water with a lime.
The bartender winked and fixed it right up. Rachel massaged her temples, still feeling some pressure when they landed, it's like all the blood rushed into her head. He placed the drink in front of her and she gulped it down in less than ten seconds.
She felt someone else sit next to her and dropped down a credit card "I'll have a scotch on the rocks and uh, whatever she wants."
Before Rachel can slap the creeper trying to hit on her, she froze and broke into a huge smile when the creeper turned out to be Puck.
"Oh my- Puck! What are you doing here?" Rachel's voice became high pitched.
Puck raised a brow, but still kept his smirk "Do we know each other?"
Her smile faltered and enthusiasm drained "We did a long time ago. I-I used to go to McKinley before I transferred to LA, it's good to see you again. Um, are you still in school?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
From the looks of it, it seems that Puck never walked out on his mom and never dropped out "... Anyways, what are, um, what're you doing here?"
"I'm here for a show, actually, I am the show. I'm performing live at the Broadway Theatre this Saturday night, you should come." Puck placed his calloused hand on her knee.
Rachel arched a brow and is so close to knocking him off his chair "That show you're doing is called Show Choir National Championship," Puck's face fell in embarrassment "I'm performing there, too."
"No way, what group are you?" Puck turned to the bartender and snapped his fingers "Where's my scotch, buddy?"
The man was cleaning out a glass as he chuckled "You're underage. How about some water like your friend here?"
Glaring, the boy took back his credit card and shooed him away "Can you believe that guy?"
"Puck, you're barely going to turn nineteen this year, stop acting like you're older just to impress me."
"You're so full of yourself, I actually wanted that drink."
"You don't drink scotch because it reminds you of your father."
Puck's face filled with slight anger and retracted back his hand "Excuse me? You have no right to tell me that."
"But it's true! You're afraid you'll turn just like him!"
"You don't even know me."
"I know you better than you know yourself." Rachel hissed as calmly as possible before leaving the bar to go with her group.
She shouldn't have crossed the line with him considering she knows how angry he gets when compared to his deadbeat father. That whole encounter was so odd, it was like her own brother hitting on her. The good thing is she finally saw one familiar face that she's happy to see.
When she returned to her friends, Rosa was there glaring at her with her arms crossed across her chest. Obviously, she saw the encounter "Who was that?"
"He's my cousin, d-did I not tell you I had family here?"
"You never mentioned that before."
"I must've forgotten," Rachel bumped her hand onto her head "Silly me."
The Glee kids took the elevators to their rightful floor and went to their rooms. The first thing Rachel did when she walked in the room was drop her things at the door and belly flopped onto the bed, the fresh sheets cooling down her warm skin, the fluffy pillows cradled her pounding head.
The last thing she remembered was the lights went off and a blanket being draped over her.
The next morning, Rachel woke up with an arm over her belly and legs tangled with her girlfriend's. Judging by the yellow, pink sky and three girls still drooling in their sleep, it has not passed ten yet. Her stomach rumbled and was dying to eat something, so Rachel carefully disentangled herself from her lover and got dressed to make it to the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.
Rachel doesn't expect anyone to be roaming the buffet since it's an early morning on a Friday, most of the kids and adults are knocked out or at work. To her luck, only a few people, mostly older couples, are dining on muffins and eggs. She grabbed herself a plate and began to pile on fruits and toast. She wanted a table with a view so she can enjoy her first New York morning in peace, instead she was blessed with more than just a city view.
At the very corner near a window, there was a blonde eating her bacon and reading the morning newspaper. It wasn't just any blonde- it was her Quinn. If she weren't so tensed then she would've dropped her plate on the floor and cried like a little girl, but she has to remember that this is a different Quinn Fabray.
Rachel tried to hide her wide smile and walked over to her. She looks so beautiful like she did when they first met at the subway station and Quinn was trying to be bad cop.
"Excuse me?" Rachel said softly, gaining the blonde's attention "Do you mind if I sit with you? I kind of wanted to eat next to a window."
Quinn furrowed her brows and looked around the room, noticing another table with a window view "You know there's a table over there."
"But this one has a better view."
The blonde rolled her eyes and gestured Rachel to sit then went back to reading the paper.
"So, um, is this your first time here?"
"You don't have to do that—make conversation to fill the awkward void. Just eat."
"But I-"
"Listen, Man Hands, just shut up and leave me alone."
Rachel didn't like this Quinn, it reminded her of when they first met, but this one is more aggressive "I would watch your mouth, blondie. You have no idea what I'm capable of."
"Trust me, you do not want to mess with me." Quinn reached in her purse and pulled out a small black pepper spray and held it tightly on the table.
"You're all bark, but no bite, sweetheart. It's cute actually." Rachel batted her eyelashes, beneath the table Rachel trailed her foot along Quinn's leg. The blonde's eyes bulged and stood up from her seat.
"Don't… Just leave me alone." Quinn walked out the room so fast she left skid marks on the floor.
Rachel giggled to herself and missed how easy it was to make Quinn sick to her stomach. She then went after her to keep the act going "Hey, we didn't finish our talk."
"We have nothing to talk about, you're just some perv looking for a hook up."
"You're a great catch, but not with that attitude."
Quinn repeatedly pressed the elevator button thinking it'll open faster, she held out her spray and aimed it towards Rachel "Take one more step and you'll be-"
Rachel cut her off by pushing her against the wall"Is this how you treat strangers that want to get to know you?"
"No, but that's how I treat them when they hit on me when I have a boyfriend!"
She pushed herself off to create some distance between them, it took every will of her being to not shatter and fall apart. And what's this about a boyfriend? She must've entered Hell instead of another universe.
"Listen, let's forget this whole thing every happen and go our separate ways."
Rachel's puppy eyes stared blankly at her, she knows her Quinn is somewhere in there she just has to dig deeper "I can't do that. I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I really feel we could be good friends."
Quinn was hesitant and a bit skeptical about this girl, a stranger in the city trying to befriend her after she pushed her to a wall- yeah, that smells like friendship "I don't think so, I don't even know you."
"I'm a nice person, I'll show you if you let me." Rachel offered her hand.
Quinn took a chance, a really really stupid chance, to trust this girl as she grabbed her hand. Rachel let out a stream of air, relishing the softness and familiarity of her true lover's hand. They exited the Westin Hotel and took a walk to Central Park, stopping by a few places first to buy snacks and a blanket. They sparked a conversation when Rachel mentioned that she hopes there will be ducks at the pond, to then Quinn shared that her friend Brittany loves them.
Re-learning everything about Quinn is like falling in love with her all over again, the way she tells a story with passion, her eyes sparkle at the funny memories, the way she frowns when she doesn't want to say anything because it's too painful.
Rachel decided to set up their picnic in the Sheep Meadow since there was hardly anyone that deep into the park, Quinn sat on a nearby boulder trying to catch her breath, half an hour of walking will do that to a person.
"Can't believe you made me walk all the way out here, we could've rented bikes." Quinn heaved, wiping off the sweat off her forehead.
"What's so wrong with a little bit of exercise?"
Quinn took off her shoes and massaged the burning muscles in her foot "I feel like I just walked through hell."
"Come here," Rachel patted on the covered ground "Come, I'll make you feel better."
Quinn sat adjacent to Rachel and she grabbed her foot and started to massage it, this raised a few red flags "Do you always treat strangers like this?"
"Not the foot rubbing, but I do try to make a good first impression. In this case, my second impression."
"I feel awful about that, I didn't mean to come off like a bitch. That's just how I am, being the head cheerleader I have to keep up with my reputation and rule the school, gain respect, you know?"
Rachel shook her head and stopped her massage "You're not really a bitch, that's all an act. Underneath that mask you have on, you have a beautiful heart."
Quinn's soft eyes stared at the brunette "You're just saying that.."
"I really mean it, Quinn. If you just stopped caring what other people thought of you then you'll be happier. Don't waste that precious soul on people who don't deserve you."
"How do you do that?" Quinn got on her knees and sat closer to her "You hardly know me and here you are telling me things my boyfriend should be telling me, a-and making me feel… special."
"I just have this feeling that I've known you in another life." Rachel whispered, tiredly. This life is nothing compared to what she had before. Sure, she has her Mom and a good house, but she doesn't have her family of misfits and her soulmate. She misses it all.
"What was I to you? In the other life?" Quinn eyes darted from the chocolate pools to hot pink lips, having this desire to claim them with her own.
The action didn't go unnoticed, Rachel caught the message and began to slowly move closer to Quinn "Someone I didn't want to lose, someone I protected with my life. You were everything to me, Quinn."
Quinn's breathing escalated as she brought her hand to cup Rachel's face, her thumb rubbing small circles on her cheek "Can I be your everything again?"
"Do you even have to ask?" Rachel breathed out before closing the space so their lips could finally touch. She knows that this moment is supposed to be sweet and innocent, but something inside her snapped and wanted to feel more of Quinn.
Rachel tilted her head to deepen the kiss, caressing the blonde's bottom lip with her tongue. Quinn hummed and allowed access to her mouth, their tongues dancing and twirling with each other.
"Wait, stop." It took every nerve in Quinn's body to stop kissing Rachel "I can't do this, I mean I really want to, but I.. my boyfriend…" She says almost regretfully.
"I love your loyalty, I really do, but you're my person. I can't stand the thought of someone loving you other than me," Rachel lightly kisses her forehead and took in the scent of her shampoo "I love you."
Quinn's mind went mush after hearing her declaration of love and all thoughts about her boyfriend went out the window. She kissed her as she wrapped her arms around her body and fell back onto the blanket with Rachel on top.
They spent the afternoon eating their snacks and sharing stories about their New York trip so far and how nervous they were for Nationals. She can't wait to hear her sing, she's heard her singing in the shower a few times, but Quinn wasn't belting out high F's and she needs to witness that.
After a few hours, they started to pack up their things and, for Quinn's sake, called a cab. When they entered the hotel, Rachel could see Mr. Kudrow pacing back and forth in the lobby with two cops, this can't be good.
Mr. Kudrow grasped his heart when he spotted the brunette "Rachel! Thank god you're- where were you! The desk clerks said you've been out since seven, you know the rules; can't leave the hotel without adult consent!"
Then another man with greasy curly hair came up to Quinn "Quinn Fabray, you better have a good reason why I shouldn't call your parents right now and explain to them what you put us through."
"I- we were- look, you're making it seem bad-"
"It's my fault," Rachel spoke boldly "I asked her to come with me to Central Park to help me explore the city, but we got lost in the park."
Quinn shook her head "It wasn't her fault, I suggested the park when Rachel wanted to walk around the block, right Rach?" She widen her eyes to get the hint.
"Don't listen to her."
"No, don't listen to her."
"Enough!" Mr. Kudrow was tired of the blame game "It's both your faults and you're both disqualified from competing in Nationals."
"Hold on a second!" The curly haired man stepped in "You have no right to decide something that big without my opinion."
Mr. Kudrow was seconds away from blowing off his head "Rachel.. Go to your room and escort your little friend to her's while I speak with Mr. Schuester. Now!"
Rachel flinched when he raised his voice, from what she gathered in the span of one week, Mr. Kudrow was a calm, patient man who would never show or take his anger out on other people. The pair scurried to the elevators and pressed floors thirty and thirty-one.
"I'm so sorry, Quinn, I didn't mean to get you into this mess." Rachel looked down to her shoes, she didn't want to look at Quinn knowing she failed her.
"This wasn't your fault, look at me," Quinn tilted her head upward "I'm not blaming you for anything and you shouldn't feel bad for having a little fun."
Quinn placed a reassuring kiss to calm Rachel, when the doors opened on the blonde's floor, she exited out.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" Rachel hoped.
"Of course. Same spot?"
Rachel nodded "Yeah… goodnight, Quinn."
Quinn blew a kiss to her and winked "Goodnight, Rachel."
Now that wonderland is officially over, she has to go in her room and brace what reality has in store for her. She swiped her key card and opened the door, she only found Rosa sitting patiently at the small desk near the window. Oh crap, Satan's plotting my death, Rachel thought.
"Hey, I'm back." She says with a crack to her voice.
Rosa didn't dare turn, she's too upset to even look at the girl right now.
"You have every right to be angry with me, but at least turn around and look at me."
And she does, but she still kept a blank expression.
"I've been treating you like crap every since we got here— hell, ever since Monday and you don't deserve that. I don't even know why you put up with me, I would've sent my ass packing."
"I may be angry with you, but I know why you did this," Rosa rose from her seat, Rachel's heart pounded against her chest; mentally preparing herself for a slap or some yelling "You forgot where you were."
"I… what?"
"Your memory loss, baby. You probably freaked out when you woke up and saw that it wasn't your room. You could've waked me up, you know."
Rachel sighed, glaring at the girl. She should just tell her the truth, cheating and lying isn't her and she feels disgusted right now "Rosa-"
"No, it's okay," Rosa walked over to her girlfriend and pecked her cheek "You don't have to feel embarrassed or scared. Just know that I'm here to help you with anything you need."
"I don't need your help- I don't hav-"
"Shh, don't say anything," Her finger rested in the middle of Rachel's lips "Get some rest and don't leave this room till I say so."
Rachel rolled her eyes and threw herself onto the bed, if she has to deal with this for the rest of her life then she'll go crazy.
All morning, Rosa has been glued to Rachel's side everywhere she went, afraid that Rachel will get into more trouble than she already is. Rachel didn't even have a chance to meet Quinn in the lobby, but she saw her from afar and Quinn looked hurt that she didn't show.
The girls were playing a few board games to pass time till they have to get ready and leave for Nationals. Rachel was about to lose it because she's had enough of being in the safety bubble, she couldn't even go down stairs to buy snacks without Rosa asking if she knows where she's going.
Rosa had just pulled out one of the Jenga blocks "Babe, it's your turn."
"I think we've had enough games for one day," Rachel got off her knees and went over to the door "How about we get ready for this competition? I'll go get us some water."
Their two roommates nodded and decided to join Rachel, Rosa stayed behind to clear the space for they can practice their dance routine. When they reached the lobby, Rachel thanked the lord as she saw Quinn in the convenient store, she took confident steps towards her and wrapped her arms around her thin waist.
"Hey, sweetheart." Rachel husked, nuzzling her nose in the crook of Quinn's neck.
The sound and feel of Rachel sent a chill down her spine "I'm guessing your teacher didn't trust you to leave the room today."
"They practically super glued the door shut, I'm only out for Nationals and to get some snacks."
"Then let's go get some snacks." Quinn grabbed her hand and led her out the store for they could be out of eyeshot.
Rachel took this opportunity to pull in Quinn and crash their lips. Nimble fingers tangled in chestnut hair and massaged the back of her head.
"We should do this while we still can," Quinn guided Rachel's lips to her neck, she then began nibbling and sucking on her pulse point "Your mouth feels so good."
Someone behind them cleared their throat, the girls jumped apart and saw that it was Rachel's two roommates, glaring at her.
"I'll, uh, be right there," Rachel turns to Quinn, giving an apologetic look "I'm sorry, I have to go, but meet me at the restrooms tonight before you go on stage, okay?"
Quinn nodded and waved goodbye as she watched Rachel being dragged away by her roommates. The awkward walk to their room was unbearable, Rachel didn't know if they were going to rat her out or keep their mouths shut. When they entered the room, Rosa asked what took them so long, both girls looked to each other and replied that there was a long line.
They used the last few hours to practice their dancing and when Mr. Kudrow knocked on their door they knew it was time kick some ass. The Glee kids got dressed and put on their show face as they piled onto the bus, their adrenaline coursing through their bodies, sweat beginning at their armpits- this is the moment they've been waiting for.
Arriving at the theater, the kids made their way inside where an attending escorted them to a private room. As everyone was getting comfortable and waiting for the show to start, Rachel snuck away to the restrooms where she promised to meet Quinn.
Pacing back and forth in front of the bathrooms, Rachel heard footsteps coming down the hallway and to her surprise she saw Quinn in a black dress with a glittery gold belt and matching headband. She looked outstanding.
"My pretty lady," Rachel took her hands in hers "Can't wait to hear you tonight, bet you'll be amazing."
"Thank god one of us thinks so, this is the first time I have a solo and I'm shaking."
"Well, from the times I heard you in the shower you sounded great," Rachel eased Quinn's nerves, hoping for a chuckle or shy smile "You better own this stage, Quinn. Own it and control it."
Grabbing the back of Rachel's head, she pulled her in for a good luck kiss. Rachel could feel the rapid heartbeat in Quinn's chest, strong arms wrapped around the blonde's waist and gave it a squeeze. The sound of a bang on the wall came from behind them, Rachel looked and saw that it was Rosa.
Quinn turned and was completely obvious about the situation, this isn't the first time someone cheated on their lover with her.
Rosa kept an intimidating stance, but the tears still made an appearance "What does she have that I don't have?"
Keeping Quinn behind her, Rachel took tentative steps towards her "Rosa, plea-"
"What does she have that I don't!" Rosa yelled.
"Wow, she's dramatic." Quinn whispered in her ear, almost causing her to chuckle.
"Quinn-"
"Oh, it has a name." Rosa furiously glared at the blonde.
"You know what!" Quinn stomped her way to the girl while taking off her ear rings, but was quickly pulled back "You're lucky she's holding me back!"
Rachel struggled to calm her down so they can handle this like adults… also, she didn't want anyone to be disqualified from the competition. If that wasn't the case then there would've been a cat fight happening right now.
After taming the beast, Rachel explained herself "You'll probably won't believe me, but it wouldn't hurt to tell the truth," She took a breath "I… sort of… entered another universe. I lived in Ohio and that's where I meet Quinn," She turns to the blonde and smiles then turns back "And you were my girlfriend back then, but that ends horribly."
"Wait," Quinn spoke "So all that "in another life" stuff you were talking about, that's real?"
Rachel nodded "Kind of romantic, right?"
Rosa wiped her tears and faced up to Rachel "You were right about not believing you, but you forgot something else."
The last thing Rachel remembered was a hand struck her right cheek, everything became a bright blur and the feeling that she's falling into a bottomless pit.
She wakes up crashed down on the floor with the sun's harmful rays hitting her eyes. Frantically, she looks around and is back where she was in Quinn's home. She looked to the mirror that's in the living room and smiled that it was all just a dream.
"QUINN! Quinn, Quinn, Quinn!" Rachel chanted as she ran up the stairs and almost kicking down the bedroom door. She spots the sleeping beauty and jumped into the bed, shaking the unconscious body "Quinn, wake up!"
The blonde was still groggy, but manage to grab her alarm clock to use as a weapon "What—what's going on!"
"No, no, baby put that down," Rachel throws the clock onto the bed "We don't want a repeat of what happened last time."
Quinn shook off the hair from her face and looked to her girlfriend with tired eyes "Then what is it?"
Rachel took her hands into Quinn's and held them tight "I dreamed a life without you and it was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen. I had this life in LA with my old girlfriend and I was… I wanted you guys back."
"Hey, hey it's okay. It was just a dream," Quinn stroked the back of Rachel's hand with her thumb "You're never going to lose us."
"Most importantly, I don't want to lose you. I always knew that I needed you, but that dream- that dream made me realize how much I really need you in my life. You're my person, Quinn."
It's not an I love you, but that'll do for now, Quinn smiled "You're my person, too. I'm not going anywhere without you, Rachel."
They embraced and all of Rachel's fears and doubts streamed out her body. She knew this one would be different, this relationship felt right, felt comfortable.
"So…" Quinn extracted from the hug "Who was this old girlfriend you dreamed about?"
"Is my baby jealous?" Rachel pinched her cheeks and watched Quinn turn a light shade of pink.
"Me? Jealous?" Quinn had her cocky smirk and raised eyebrow then in seconds it went away "Maybe.."
"She's not important anymore, if anything she should be jealous of you." She poked her nose.
"You're such a charmer," Quinn placed a kiss on Rachel cheek and plopped herself back into her pillows "Sleep with me."
Instead of sleeping, Rachel watched Quinn in her peaceful state. Now she knows why Quinn always stares at her when she's sleeping, it's a sight of pure bliss. She studied her facial structure, the way Quinn's eyebrows twitch when she's having an intense dream, and the small noises she makes. Rachel couldn't have been luckier to find love again.
A/N- I know this chapter was out of place and random, but I've been watching a lot of What If episodes (Thanks to FRIENDS, Grey's Anatomy, Supernatural)and it inspired me to do Rachel's LA life.