A/N: Lots of people still hate Mercedes, and I'm not sure if you'll feel better or worse about her this chapter. I really enjoy Santana as a character (she's one of my favorites on the show) so I hope I did justice to her here. Very strong hints of Faberry in this chapter, I like how it develops.
This is for you, Valvox, because you asked for it!
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or any music featured.
Chapter 8: Bring It On Home
Quinn took a deep breath as she slowly walked up the steps to the Berry's front door. She didn't feel terrified this time because she knew the men didn't hate her, how could they, they didn't even know about her? She didn't know why, but that made her upset. How could Rachel have never mentioned her? Okay, they knew she was the cheerleader that got knocked up at sixteen but, ya that didn't make her feel any better.
Quinn may not have been terrified, but she was anxious. She and Rachel haven't really spoken since they talked in the bathroom at school yesterday afternoon. And sure, it ended better than most of their confrontations but they were far from bffs.
Quinn exhaled quickly and bit her bottom lip as she rang the doorbell. It only took a minute or so and now Rachel was standing in front of her, with the door wide open.
"Well, I must say this is a surprise Quinn. Why don't you come in?" Rachel stepped aside and allowed Quinn access. Quinn obeyed, wordlessly.
"Hi, Rachel." Quinn smiled after Rachel closed the front door and returned, now standing in front of her.
"Hi, Quinn." Rachel smiled back.
"So, Kurt wants you to dress up as Dorothy for Halloween but Santana prefers you to be a munchkin, oh and Brittany would like you to be a lollypop kid." Quinn blurted out, she didn't know why but she had nothing else she could think of to say.
Rachel giggled. Quinn knew it wasn't forced, she genuinely made Rachel happy and it was one of the best feelings in the world.
"What about you?" Rachel spoke into the silence.
"Oh, I get to be the wizard or a flying monkey." Quinn replied, blushing.
Rachel laughed out loud, and Quinn couldn't hide her smile. Rachel reached for her hand and led her to the kitchen. Quinn looked down to where their hands were interlaced and smiled even wider.
"What I meant was what do you think I should be?"
Rachel dropped Quinn's hand and walked over to the cupboard to grab a glass. Quinn didn't know why, but her hand suddenly felt cold…and empty. She looked at Rachel.
"I just want you to be happy, Rachel." Quinn answered earnestly.
Rachel's movement froze, she slowly turned toward Quinn. Searching her eyes, Rachel knew Quinn was being sincere. "What would you like to drink?"
Quinn closed her eyes, trying not to get frustrated with Rachel's diversion. When she opened them, she noticed a glass sitting on the counter. Of course Rachel would drink out of a glass that had a gold star on it! She almost laughed to herself at the obviousness of it. She drew her eyes up to Rachel's, who was looking at her earnestly.
"I'll just have what you're having." Quinn smiled politely.
Rachel nodded, and then went to the refrigerator to grab a jug of water out of it. She poured Quinn a glass and refilled her own before returning the jug in the fridge. Quinn studied every movement. She listened as Rachel casually replied, "I hope water's fine. I've been so thirsty; I've had three glasses already."
Rachel took the seat opposite Quinn, and the two sat in silence while they drank their water. Rachel finished first, and then looked anxiously at Quinn. She fiddled with her glass, tracing the star about a dozen times. When Quinn finished drinking, she placed her glass on the counter and slowly pushed it toward the middle. She looked up at Rachel expectantly, but didn't say a word.
"When I was little…" Rachel breathed barely above a whisper. She cleared her throat and tried again. "When I was little, whenever I got sad my dads would bring me a glass of water. Sometimes even now I don't know whether I'm sad or just thirsty."
Quinn processed this. So, three glasses of water means what exactly? At least this was progress.
Rachel looked to see that Quinn was listening, and continued. "When I met Shelby, when we saw her after sneaking in on Vocal Adrenaline, I told her that story. And when she left, before she left, she gave me this glass. She said she also had a thing for gold stars and that she hoped I would drink from it and think of her."
Quinn couldn't breathe. Rachel's confession crushed her. "I have had a glass of water every night since she gave it to me. Sometimes two."
Quinn reached across the table counter and held Rachel's hands between her own. "Thank you for sharing that with me, Rachel." She made sure she caught Rachel's eyes, and held her gaze.
"Thank you for listening, and not judging." Rachel forced a smile. Quinn's heart dropped, were they really back to fake smiles and show faces already?
"She gave you a gift and wanted you to remember her. That says something right?"
"Ya, she gave it to me as she told me that she was my mother not my mom and that she thought we should just admire each other from afar."
"Oh." What else could Quinn say, that was about as bad as what her father said when he kicked her out of the house.
"From afar, Quinn." Rachel sniffed as she blinked back tears she refused to let fall. "Then why is she back? I mean, why now?"
"She came back for you Rachel. Yes, she wants me and Puck to be in Beth's life, but she missed you more than you'll ever understand. If she felt anything like I do, I mean." Quinn smiled sadly.
"What if she gets scared off again? It hurts too much to let her in each time."
"It hurts either way, doesn't it? But isn't the reward greater if you let her in?" Rachel didn't respond. "You have forgiven everybody so many times, Rachel. What's keeping you from forgiving Shelby?"
Rachel took a deep breath, and pulled her hands from Quinn's. She used her newly freed hands to fix her already impeccable hair. "I spent my whole life trying to be perfect Quinn. I try my best in everything, to the annoyance of many." She adds pointedly, but continues with a sad smile. "I tried so hard in the hopes that one day I would be good enough and my mother wouldn't be able to resist loving me. I love my dads; I wouldn't trade them for the world. But she's my mother Quinn, and I just really wanted her to love me. But no matter what I did, I wasn't good enough. I'm not good enough. For anyone." The last two words are mumbled but they pierced through Quinn's heart anyway.
"You're better than everyone, Rachel. Shelby came back because she didn't want to miss out on the person you have become. As for the rest of us, we've been jealous that you'll get out of here Rachel and we won't."
"Oh, Quinn. You'll get out. You're more than just a pretty face, you know." Rachel encouraged which only caused Quinn to blush. She didn't know why, but when Rachel called her beautiful she always believed her.
They sat in a comfortable silence for several minutes. "Quinn, I'm sorry I didn't tell you yesterday, and I don't know if you want to talk about it but Beth really is a wonderful baby. She's exquisite."
Quinn beamed with pride. "I wanted to thank you not only for talking to Shelby for me, but also for accompanying us last night. I know now how hard that was for you."
"Of course, Quinn. That's what friends are for, right?" Rachel offered, hopefully.
"Yes, we are friends aren't we, Rachel." Quinn smiled at the thought.
They were silent again, enjoying each other's company. Neither of them noticed when they were joined by Rachel's dad.
"Well, this must be the lovely Quinn my husband's been gushing about!"
Both girls jumped, while Quinn blushed profusely. She quickly stood up to greet the tall black man. "Well, hello. Mr. Berry, sir." She straightened out her flawless and unwrinkled dress before offering him her hand. He smiled at her nervousness, and glanced at his unusually quiet daughter.
Taking Quinn's proffered hand firmly in his, he smiled warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you dear, and please call me Michael. And my, husband would prefer Jeremiah."
"Yes sir, Mr. Michael, sir." Quinn finished lamely, pulling her hand from his. He chuckled at her uneasiness.
"Dad, Quinn just stopped by for…" Rachel looked at Quinn shyly. "I don't actually know, we haven't actually discussed the reason for her sudden and unexpected yet entirely enjoyable visit."
"Ya, well…" Quinn was just as inarticulate as Rachel seemed to be. "You see, Mr. Michael, I mean. Rachel and I are friends and I didn't get a chance to speak with her in school today so I came by to say thank you. Thank you Rachel, she came with me and Puck yesterday and I wanted to thank her for it. And for everything really. I guess, I wanted to say thank you and I'm sorry. Sorry for everything really. So, Rachel. Thank you and sorry. You know…"
"For everything?" Rachel finished for her. Quinn was mortified that she had rambled even more than Rachel normally does, but Rachel thought it was endearing. Michael looked between the two knowingly. They were clueless of course, but he knew they weren't going to stay just friends for long. Or he hoped so anyway. He only just met Quinn and already liked her better than Finn.
"Well, Quinn. I'm sure Rachel appreciates it." He turned to Rachel, kissing her on the top of the head as he went to the sink to fill a pot with water and start cooking dinner. Rachel nodded at his words and verbally confirmed them. "Yes, Quinn. I appreciate you're thanks and I respect your apology but both were entirely unnecessary."
Quinn blushed again, and hoped no one noticed. She wondered if she was coming down with something, she had been so warm recently. It was nearly flu season she reminded herself.
"Are you joining us for dinner, Blondie?" Michael asked Quinn as he put the pot of water on the stove and turned it on. "It's spaghetti night, and whatever vegan dish Rachel made." Rachel pouts at him for mocking her dietary preferences.
"I would love to, but Puck is coming over after football practice." Rachel looked at her questioningly, so she decided to elaborate. "We're working on a duet that we hope to sing in glee tomorrow."
"Really?" Rachel was aglow with the news, she loved glee and she secretly loved hearing Quinn sing. "That will be amazing. I can't wait to hear what you guys have prepared. I think you're voices will compliment each other wonderfully. I know I haven't told you enough, Quinn, but you have a lovely voice."
"When it's not pitchy because I lack your years of training?" Quinn teased.
"Please tell me my beautiful daughter did not say that to you!" Michael looked mortified.
"Quinn!" Rachel pretended to be scandalized, but eventually lowered her head in embarrassment. "Dad, I assure you it was supposed to be a compliment."
"Quinn, I assure you Rachel is the best there is at back handed compliments."
"She's pretty good at the real ones, too." Quinn responded quietly, noticing the blush that crept across Rachel's face and neck. She grinned because she actually made Rachel Berry speechless. "So as much as I would love to stay for dinner and try some vegan cuisine, I have to get practice. You know how it is, right Rach?" She accidentally let the nickname slip off her tongue and realized how much she liked the sound of it. If the deepening blush on Rachel's face was any indication, Rachel liked it too.
Quinn got up, placed her empty water glass in the sink and was halfway to the front door before Rachel awoke from whatever trance she was in. Rachel rushed through the house to escort Quinn to the door, properly. She was nothing, if not, polite.
"Thank you for stopping by Quinn, it was a pleasant surprise!" Rachel got her voice back, but didn't realize it was a notch higher than normal.
"Thank you for having me, I really wish I could have stayed for dinner."
Rachel cleared her throat and attempted to sound casual. "I understand why you can't, maybe next time?"
"I'd really like that."
"Well, goodnight Quinn. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Bye, Rachel. See you tomorrow." She confirmed then her arms were around Rachel's shoulders before she realized what she was doing. Rachel was initially caught off guard but relaxed into the embrace, wrapping her arms around Quinn's waist just tight enough.
A minute later, Quinn unwrapped herself from the hug and walked out the front door. When she reached her car, she waved at Rachel, who was still standing in the doorway. Rachel waved back, a large and genuine smile on her face.
Rachel went through the school day with the strangest things happening to her. First, Brittany wrapped her in a tight hug as soon as she arrived in the morning. Rachel didn't mind, she really did like hugs. Next, in Chemistry class, Mike actually asked her how her day was. That was weird, because he's Mike. Mike doesn't initiate conversation, does he? Then just before lunch, Mercedes apologized to her and asked for her permission to rejoin glee. Rachel accepted her apology and acquiesced to her request regarding glee.
"What's wrong, Rach?" They were all sitting at their usual lunch table (Mercedes included) and Quinn noticed Rachel space out. She gently touched her arm as she spoke her name. Santana watched on with a raised eyebrow and a dark smirk. No one else seemed to notice.
Rachel was brought back to attention by the warmth of Quinn's hand on her arm. She looked down at their connected body parts; then she looked into Quinn's beautiful yet concerned hazel eyes. "Nothing."
Quinn didn't look too convinced. Rachel leaned toward her, Quinn did the same. Whispering, Rachel replied "Have you noticed anyone acting strangely today?" She waited for Quinn to shake her head before continuing. "They've been acting abnormally…nice."
"You realize we can hear you, right Berry?" Santana scoffed, rolling her eyes.
Rachel straightened into her customary perfect postured position. She immediately relaxed however, because at least Santana was still…Santana. Maybe she was just imagining things.
"I was just telling Quinn that I've noticed how accommodating you all have been and although I haven't a clue as to what brought it on, I do appreciate it. Though it has worried me a bit, since it is not something I have experienced on a day to day basis."
"Are you trying to thank us for being extra nice, Rachel?" Brittany asked anxiously. "Because if you are, then you're welcome!" Brittany smiled and leaned over the table to awkwardly try to hug Rachel.
Rachel did her best to return the hug, but found it rather problematic because she was quite short after all. "Thank you Brittany for both hugs today and for the apple you gave me in Spanish class. And also for offering to unpress my lemon…" Everyone at the table nearly spit out their drinks at that, and Santana pulled Brittany off the table and away from Rachel possessively. "..though I'm not quite sure what you meant as you can see; I don't have a lemon anywhere. And I'm sure that if I did, I don't know, but unpressing it doesn't sound like something I'd be all that interested in." Rachel finished her ramble unaware of the looks being exchanged around the table.
"Well, I can see why you were worried about some people's friendliness, but I'm sure you just misunderstood the others." Quinn offered. She felt a small tug in her stomach upon hearing Brittany's confession. Could Rachel be…? She tried to clear her mind of her confusion when she noticed Santana smirking at her.
"You're right; maybe I am just confused today." Rachel conceded. "Mercedes, I am happy you have chosen today to rejoin glee as Quinn and Puck have been working on a duet and I am excited that you will also be able to hear it."
"Hold it, Mercedes?" Finn turned to Rachel. "Mercedes slammed you into the lockers twice!"
"And where were you while that was happening Finnocent?" Santana jeered.
"I tried to stop it, anyway…" He lowered his voice and attempted (unsuccessfully) to whisper for only Rachel to hear him. "You still have bruises."
"What?" Puck was as frantic as Finn seemed to be. "You have bruises, Rachel? Let me see?" Puck reached across the table, trying to get a hold of Rachel's arm. She pulled away from Puck and leaned into Finn, he wrapped his arms around her protectively.
Quinn was infuriated, had she known Mercedes left bruises she wouldn't have been so easy on the girl. "How bad are the bruises, Rachel?" Quinn laced her words with something akin to silent rage. Mercedes shifted in her seat.
"I have very sensitive skin and tend to bruise easily." Rachel sounded small as she remained tucked into Finn's arms. Quinn knew that to be a lie; at Prom she slapped her with quite a bit of force and there wasn't so much as a mark left on face. If there were bruises, the impact must have been worse than she had imagined.
"Finn, how bad are the bruises?" Santana demanded.
Finn shifted under the gaze of the entire table. He looked from Santana to Quinn and didn't know who scared him more. Then he looked down at Rachel, he didn't want his girlfriend to be mad at him.
Kurt looked from Rachel to Mercedes to Finn. He felt torn. He didn't want Rachel to have been hurt so badly and could scarcely believe Mercedes would ever willingly hurt anyone, let alone a close friend. He understood the predicament Finn was in: don't answer and suffer the wrath of Quinn and Santana or answer and betray this girlfriend's confidence. He's not sure what he'd do in his place.
"Look, Rachel we're concerned okay. But we won't make you show us if you don't want to." Kurt tried to play peacemaker, he looked over at Mercedes pleadingly. He hoped she didn't hate herself as much as a few of the members seemed to hate her right now.
"It's just a bruise where my back hit the handle on the locker…" Rachel shifted away from Finn and stood up. She walked around the table and kneeled down in front of Mercedes. Everyone's eyes trailed her movements. "Mercedes, look at me."
Mercedes looked down unable to meet Rachel's eyes. Rachel gently brought her hand to Mercedes' chin and lifted her head so their gazes locked on each other. "You apologized already, and I forgave you. I am no longer upset with you, in fact, I was grateful to have restored our friendship. I know you didn't mean to shove me as hard as you did, I'm telling you it's okay."
Mercedes was in tears and nodded her understanding. Santana didn't like how easily she was let off the hook. "Uh huh. Nope. She doesn't just get to slap you around and then apologize." Santana glanced at Quinn when she noticeably winced. "It doesn't work that way."
Rachel stood, squaring her shoulders and facing Santana. "With all due respect, it does get to work that way. I've been slushied, thrown in a dumpster, called horrible names, slapped, egged, dumped, lied to, been made over to look like a hooker clown, abandoned, and now shoved into a locker." With each thing she listed off, her friends grimaced. "It all happened to me, Santana. I get to decide how I respond. And the truth is if I didn't forgive those things, I'd have no one left in my life with the exception of my fathers. So yes, I forgive Mercedes, as I have forgiven all of you. I get to choose who I want in my life…" Rachel stopped talking, sighed and visibly deflated. "And you're right. Maybe I am better off alone than I am keeping people around who continue to hurt me."
Rachel stormed out, only this time no one thought she was being a diva. Quinn was the first to stand, Puck nodded as she looked to him and then turned to follow Rachel out of the lunchroom.
Santana turned toward the rest of the table, her eyes were moist but she'd never admit to crying. Like Coach Sylvester, she likes people to believe she had her tear ducts removed. Brittany rubbed her back comfortingly, except it didn't work very well. Kurt tried to console Mercedes, but the truth is everyone felt as awful as she did.
Quinn was finally able to catch up with Rachel in the bathroom at the other end of the school. She took a deep breath, exhaling as she made her way inside.
"We really have to stop meeting like this." Quinn said, trying to elicit a response.
"Did you draw the short straw?" Rachel asked, watching Quinn's refection through the mirror.
"I was just the quickest to recover from your emotional bitch slap."
"If you're trying to make me feel better, you should know, you suck at it."
"I haven't had a lot of practice."
"Isn't that the truth."
"But I'm trying. If you'll let me. We're all trying, if you'll let us."
"They'll all hate me even more now."
"They didn't hate you before, and they don't now."
"Finn says I forgive too easily."
Quinn dares to take a few steps closer to Rachel, still retaining eye contact through the reflection in the mirror. "That's one of the things we love most about you, Rachel."
Rachel's breath hitches when Quinn's hand tenderly touches her shoulder. "I know you're probably upset and won't want to see everyone, but you have to come to glee. Puck and I worked so hard on the song, and it seems even more appropriate now."
"I'll go, of course I'll go. I'll do it for you…and Puck. But I don't know if I will be able to look at everyone else right now."
"Hey, we are trying to be good enough for you Rachel. You don't have to do anything, except let us show you we've changed. Will you at least let us do that?" What she wanted to add was 'will you let me do that?' but she didn't.
They stood in silence for a few minutes, neither moved. Quinn's hand still rested on Rachel's shoulder. "Would you show me? I can pacify the others if I can let them know they over-reacted."
Rachel sighs, but ever so slightly nods her head in acceptance. Quinn slowly runs her hand that was resting on Rachel's shoulder down her back. She can't be sure, but she thinks she felt Rachel shiver or maybe it was herself. She toyed with the hem of Rachel's shirt a few seconds before she smoothly lifted the back of Rachel's shirt up enough to survey the damage. She tries to control the sharp intake of breath when she sees a large welt on the middle of Rachel's back surrounded my numerous small bruises. There looked to be a small cut too. She slowly ghosted her free hand up Rachel's back and knows she felt the shiver that time. However, she knows she shivered as well.
Rachel abruptly pulls away, tugging her shirt down as she moves. Quinn's hands frozen in mid air instantly missed the sensation of Rachel's soft skin. "There you can assure them that no permanent damage was done." Rachel turned facing Quinn for the first time since she entered the restroom.
"And they will be glad to here it." Quinn forced a smile as she looked into Rachel's brown eyes. They were swirling with so much emotion, only Quinn couldn't tell which emotions they were struggling to reveal.
Rachel briefly nodded and excited the room wordlessly. "Great we're back to her walking out on me again." Quinn sighed as she left the room as well.
When glee finally came around, no one seemed happy to be there. Everyone was anxious. It didn't help that Rachel wasn't there yet. Quinn and Puck shared a concerned look with each other. Quinn knew Rachel promised her she'd be there, and she wanted to believe her but…
Mr. Shue walked in and immediately noticed the dejected faces of his students. "Hey, why the long faces?
No one made a move to answer. "Where's Rachel?" Will asked after surveying the room. Again, no response.
"Sorry, I'm late!" Rachel announced barreling in the room. "I got caught up at my locker. I couldn't find my sheet music because my locker was filled with flowers and chocolates and…stuff."
Quinn's ears perked up upon hearing Rachel's excuse. She surveyed her classmates who looked quite pleased with themselves. Quinn skipped her two classes after lunch, unable to look anyone in the eye. If they asked her how Rachel was she was sure she'd crack and tell them what she saw. She still was unable to be near Mercedes for fear she'd retaliate on Rachel's behalf. Because she was gone, she was unaware of her fellow clubbers' plan to apparently woo Rachel into submission. Brilliant idea actually, must've been Santana.
"Stuff?" Will queried.
"Ya, a stuffed unicorn holding a sign that said to vote for Brittany." Rachel beamed. Brittany took that as a signal that all was well and ran up to hug Rachel.
Slowly the others followed suit. Mike and Tina, Kurt and Blaine, Artie, Finn and Puck. Santana shuffled her feet and was unable to make eye contact as she approached the other brunette. "Brittany can count on your vote, right Berry?" Santana smirked as she neared her. Rachel simply gave her a mega-watt smile, and Santana nodded knowing that this was them making their peace. Quinn noticed Mercedes was still in her chair, so she took the time to take her turn with Rachel. She pulled her into a tight embrace (her arms around Rachel's shoulders, Rachel's arms around her waist) and whispered "See, they're trying."
"Thank you Quinn." Rachel whispered back. When Quinn pulled away from the embrace, she remained glued to Rachel's right side.
Mercedes made her way to Rachel, eyeing Quinn warily. But before she could step close enough to try and hug her, Rachel jumped forward and wrapped Mercedes in a warm hug. "You're still one of my best friends, even when you don't want to be." Rachel admitted.
Mercedes laughed into the hug. "And you're mine. I really am sorry for everything I did the last couple of weeks."
When they broke apart, Will finally asked what he must have been thinking. "Is it your birthday today, or something Rachel?"
"Or something, Mr. Shue." Santana snapped. The others laughed and everyone took their seats.
Quinn sat next to Rachel in the front row. Puck sat beside her.
"Well, now that you're here and look decidedly more enthused, why don't we begin?"
"Speaking of that, Mr. Shue. Quinn and I have a song we've been working on."
Will seemed pleasantly surprised as he took a seat while Quinn and Puck made their way to the front of the room. Puck grabbed his guitar as Quinn addressed their audience. "Rachel helped us this week, and though this song is nowhere near thanks enough for what you did for us, we're singing it for you. To let you know that we hope to return the favor and be there for you in any way you'll let us."
Puck starting strumming his guitar and began singing.
You've got someone here
Wants to make it all right
Someone that loves you more
Than life right here
You've got willing arms that'll hold you tight
A hand to lead you on through the night right here
I know your heart can get
All tangled up inside
But don't you keep it to yourself
Quinn joined in with Puck to harmonize with the chorus.
When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
The weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me
Puck took up singing the second verse, Quinn never took her eyes off Rachel.
You know I know you
Like the back of my hand
You know I'm gonna do
All that I can right here
Gonna lie with you
Till you fall asleep
When the morning comes
I'm still gonna be right here
Yes, I am
(Ooooooooooooo)
So take your worries and
Just drop them at the door
Baby, leave it all behind
Quinn harmonized with Puck again.
When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
The weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me
Baby, let me be your safe harbor
Don't let the water come
And carry you away
When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
The weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me
Oh, bring it on home
Yeah, bring it on home to me
Home to me
Oh, bring it on, bring it on home
to me
You've got someone here wants
To make it all right
Someone that loves you more
Than life right here
The thunderous applause was interrupted by Finn standing suddenly and shouting. "What the Hell, Rachel? Are you cheating on me?"
"Excuse me?" Quinn took a protective stance between Rachel and Finn.
"Ya, man what's your problem?" Puck asked, sitting down his guitar.
"You and Rachel have been real chummy lately and then you sing a song about sleeping with her in your arms…"
"Oh, grow up you stupid man child." Santana was now standing forcing her way between Rachel and Finn too. She wasn't about to let the giant oaf pulverize her little dwarf. Yes, Rachel was now hers to protect and she had no idea how that happened.
"Stay out of this Santana." Finn spat out.
"Enough!" Rachel's voice carried throughout the room. How can someone so small have a voice that big? "Did you not hear Quinn say why they chose to sing that song to me, Finn? They were thanking me and it was beautiful by the way, and they were letting me know that they'll be there for me if I need them."
"Ya, dude. The song wasn't even my idea, Quinn picked it out." Puck admitted. Rachel shared a glance with Quinn before looking at Finn to see if any of it finally registered.
"So, you didn't cheat on me with Puck?" Finn asked sincerely, his voice calming down.
"For crying out loud, of course she didn't!" Santana shouted. "Though I wouldn't blame her if she did."
Rachel placed a hand on Santana's shoulder, quieting her instantly. Finn looked around the room and realized the grave mistake he made. "I am so sorry for accusing you Rachel, it's just that song sounded so personal. Like, I don't know. But I'm sorry for doubting you."
A/N: Well this was a long one! Lots of Faberry development. I was hoping not to make Rachel seem like a pushover but I also don't want her to seem too saintly. She isn't perfect, but she's trying really hard to be. Don't worry, the more she hangs with Quinn (and Santana) the better she'll get at standing up for herself. It'll just take time.
The big drama's over, still building the Shelby story but now at least the glee club is rallying together.
The next few chapters will be more Quinn focused, and Rachel meets Mrs. Fabray!
Bring it on Home by Little Big Town