A/N: Here's my first all Faberry chapter and it's another long one! Thanks for being patient; I hope it is worth the wait.

Disclaimer: I do not own Glee, or the songs "Wild Horses," "Get it Right," or "Defying Gravity", and I don't own the movie, "Hocus Pocus."

Chapter 9: Wild Horses

"No sweeping exits or off stage lines

Could make me feel bitter or treat you unkind

Wild horses couldn't drag me away"

Quinn waited as everyone but Rachel cleared out of the choir room. She gradually made her way over to the petite brunette. Rachel was sitting alone in the front row; she was still trying to process today's events. And she wondered to herself if running for Class President against Brittany was the best idea; I mean, Santana might not have been joking about her vote. She was pulled from her thoughts when her favorite blonde cleared her throat.

Rachel looked up as Quinn began to speak. "I was wondering if you wanted to come to my house for awhile this afternoon. I don't know what my mom was planning on cooking, but I'll make sure to have a vegan option for you."

Rachel grinned at Quinn's consideration, Finn would never have thought about something like that. "I'd love to! I'll just have to let my dads know." Quinn let out a breath in relief before smiling back.

Rachel stood up and Quinn followed her to her locker. When Rachel opened it, a couple balloons and a purple unicorn fell out. Quinn chuckled to herself as she shook her head in disbelief. They really did cram her locker full of…stuff.

"Would you mind terribly, helping me carry this stuff to my car? I really appreciate the gesture, but how'd they expect me to get it all home?" Rachel said rummaging through her full locker trying to find the books she'd need to complete her homework this weekend.

"I'd love to help you out. I really wish I would have been able to be a part of this, I didn't get to give you anything." Quinn added the last part with a frown.

Rachel turned to face Quinn and gently reached out to touch her forearm. She slowly brought her hand down Quinn's arm (trying to ignore the goosebumps that she elicited) and eventually reached Quinn's hand. She laced their fingers together and tugged a bit until Quinn stopped looking at their hands and instead looked up into her eyes. "You don't need to give me anything Quinn. You and Puck sang the most beautiful song for me, and knowing that it was your idea…you've proven to be a great friend to me. I don't expect or need anything more than that from you."

Quinn nodded; her eyes remained locked with Rachel's. "But if you don't mind, I intend to continue to prove my friendship to you Rachel."

Rachel huffed out a sigh. "Well, if you insist." Then she rolled her eyes and grinned at Quinn. "So, how about we start with clearing out this locker?"

Rachel was sitting in the kitchen of the Fabray's house. They poured themselves some cereal and began eating.

"Are you sure you wouldn't like a glass of water, Rachel?" Quinn asked, but she wasn't simply referring to being thirsty and Rachel knew it.

"Is this going to be your way of asking me how I'm doing?" Rachel smirked.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Quinn feigned ignorance.

Rachel shook her head with a smile on her face. "Quinn, I thank you for your concern for my thirst as well as perhaps my emotional well being. But I assure you I am perfectly content on both counts."

Quinn nodded.

"But…" Rachel drew out just so Quinn would look at her. "I will admit that today was an…interesting day."

Quinn giggled, and then took a bit of her cereal. Rachel seemed pensive for a moment before continuing. "Do you know what Brittany meant with the whole lemon thing?"

Quinn started choking on her cereal. Rachel rushed to help her. "Quinn! I know the Heimlich maneuver if you need it, and I am also certified in CPR. Although, I guess you'd have to be unconscious for that. Oh, Quinn I hope you don't go unconscious it's been a while since I had to use such training."

Thankfully Quinn recovered on her own without need of the Heimlich maneuver, however, she wasn't adverse to the idea of having Rachel prove her efficiency in mouth to mouth…no wait, she didn't just think that.

After taking a large drink of water trying to wash away the image, Quinn returned her attention to Rachel. She shook her head incredulously at the brunette before speaking. "Rachel, next time someone's choking perhaps just assist them rather than announcing all the ways that you can help them. Just FYI."

Rachel nodded; she still seemed a bit shook up. "I hope there isn't a next time Quinn. You really should eat slower or maybe chew better. Just FYI." Rachel emphasized the last part; was annoyed but not upset.

Quinn started giggling. If only Rachel knew why she started choking in the first place…

Mrs. Fabray entered the kitchen and heard the girls giggling. She smiled at the welcomed noise.

"Hello, dear." She announced as she entered, silencing Quinn's giggles instantly.

"Hi, mom." Quinn answered, neutrally.

"Hello, Ms. Fabray. You have a lovely home." Rachel addressed the older woman. She held out her hand to in greeting.

"Please, dear, call me Judy." She answered, as she accepted Rachel's hand and shook it. "Rachel, right? You're in glee with my Quinnie?"

Rachel nodded; Quinn winced at the use of the nickname.

"You are an amazing singer, Rachel. I heard you in the competitions. And Quinn told me you wrote that song, 'Get it right.' You have such unbelievable talent! How ever did you come up with such a powerful song? I was nearly in tears."

Quinn and Rachel shared a look, Rachel answered. "Actually, Ms. Fabray."

"Judy." She interrupted.

"Judy, yes, sorry. Quinn and I were working on our song writing together and Quinn; well she said something that inspired me. But I am flattered that you were so moved by it, the words, well I poured my soul into that song." Rachel smiled sadly while Quinn studied her intently.

"I must say Rachel, sweetie. You are an amazingly modest young woman."

Both Rachel and Quinn burst out laughing at Judy's words. Judy seemed perplexed by the situation, but remained silent.

When the laughter died down, Rachel responded. "Sorry about that, it's just. Well, you're the first person to ever compliment me for modesty. I tend to exert myself and my talents on those around me. In glee, I often am in heated arguments as many of us fight for solos." Rachel admitted truthfully, she even looked a bit embarrassed about the admission.

"It's true mom. She's been known to have a diva storm out or few."

Judy grinned. "Well, when you're that good sometimes you need to demand respect."

"I know, right?" Rachel exclaimed.

Quinn shook her head. "Mom, I think you've just created a monster."

"Hey!" Rachel pouted, gently slapping at Quinn's arm. Judy smiled at the girls' interaction.

"So, Rachel, Quinn called telling me that you were joining us for dinner tonight. I understand that you're vegan, though I must admit that I don't know what that fully entails."

"I thank you for allowing me to stay Judy, and as such would hate for you to be too troubled in your attempt to accommodate me. I promise to eat what you make." Rachel smiled politely.

Judy smiled at the girl and then looked at Quinn with an expression that was unreadable.

"If you're wondering if she talks like that all the time, the answer is yes." Quinn replied.

Judy chuckled and raised an eyebrow. 'Well, that's where Quinn gets it' Rachel thought to herself.

"I am very loquacious, but on the up side…"

"Oh, so there is an up side?" Quinn mocked.

"I take great offense to that! On the up side, you will be proud to know that I have not fallen victim to the travesty that is text-talk."

"OMG!" Quinn teased. "IDK what you're talking about."

Rachel looked scandalized and Judy couldn't keep herself from laughing. She truly found this girl delightful. And moreover, she found her daughter engaging in pleasant banter for the first time in what felt like ages. She'd have to have a heart to heart about this with Quinn later. But for now, she was content to sit back and enjoy the show.

"Judy, I have to apologize but I may need to perform a diva storm out right now!" Rachel was petulant.

This made Judy laugh harder and Quinn, seeing her mother so open with emotions couldn't have been in a better mood. Rachel truly had a way about her, how could it have taken so long for her to see it?

"I'm sorry okay. But you have to admit, you walked right into that one." Quinn urged.

Rachel studied the Fabray women for a moment, seeing both so carefree was a welcomed sight. Before she could properly chastise Quinn for butchering the English language her phone beeped alerting her of a new text message.

When she made no move to answer it, Quinn replied. "Aren't you going to get that?"

"No. I find it abhorrently rude to be on the phone while enjoying the pleasant company of others." Rachel stated, almost offended that Quinn would expect her to interrupt their conversation in order to text someone else.

Judy smiled at Rachel's impeccable manners, and Quinn was once again impressed with Rachel's earnestness.

Dinner had gone well. They enjoyed pleasant conversation and good food. After dinner and after Rachel insisted on cleaning the dishes, she and Quinn returned to the living room and sat beside each other on the couch.

"Rachel, I know you never asked but I wanted to tell you that I didn't just rejoin glee because of Beth. You were right I had been missing it, and I didn't know how to come back even though I really wanted to."

"Quinn, you're back now. That's all that matters, isn't it?"

"Did you really mean what you said to me under the bleachers? That you missed me?"

"I meant every word that I have ever said to you." Rachel responded firmly. Quinn simply nodded.

"I was hoping that tonight, maybe you could help me throw out my skank clothes."

"There was nothing wrong with those clothes Quinn, they could probably use a good washing but it wasn't the clothes that was, well…"

"You never actually called me one. Only them, although I was slightly surprised that you would even use such a word…"

"You aren't a skank Quinn, or a slut or a whore or whatever people called you. Well, you were a bitch but…"

Quinn playfully bumped Rachel's shoulder with her own. They sat in silence before Rachel broke it. "I understand that you wanted to change into someone you thought Shelby would approve of, for Beth and all. But getting to know your daughter and trying to find yourself aren't mutually exclusive."

Quinn teared up at Rachel's statement. Rachel understood that she was lost and looking. And Rachel certainly understood what it felt like to feel so alone all the time. A part of Quinn had believed that getting Beth back would fix everything that was wrong with her, but she's starting to realize that fixing what's broken is going to take some soul searching. And Beth deserves to have the real Quinn, not some artificial version of her that looks good on the outside but is broken on the inside. She's tired of trying to be perfect for everyone. But being a part of the skanks wasn't making her happy either. She was beginning to wonder if she'd ever get there.

She came back to reality when she felt Rachel's soft touch. She had been tracing circles on her lower back and humming something in Quinn's ear. When Quinn refocused, she realized Rachel had been humming the tune to her own song, 'Get it right.' How perfect is that?

Quinn took a deep breath, exhaling shakily. Then she turned her head to face Rachel's, she was happy the movement didn't make Rachel stop drawing the lazy circles on her back. "You always seem to know what to say to make me feel better."

Rachel smiled at Quinn's compliment. "So, are we cleaning out your closest or not?"

Quinn smiled back. "Not yet."

They sat like that for awhile. In silence, Rachel rubbing patterns on Quinn's lower back. Quinn was impressed with Rachel's restraint in not filling the air with unnecessary words. They were comfortable enough with each other, so words weren't always needed.

Rachel's phone beeped with a new message, and again she made no move to answer it. Quinn smiled to herself. Rachel enjoyed Quinn's company enough not to feel the need to disrupt them just to answer her phone.

"Rachel, I know it hasn't come up but I just wanted to mention it. My mom doesn't know about Beth. About me reconnecting with her, I mean." She takes in the shocked look on Rachel's face. "Come on, it isn't like you're the only one who keeps secrets from her parents." Quinn raised her eyebrow.

Rachel sighed. "I suppose not."

"Speaking of which, why haven't you told your fathers about the bullying? Or was it just our names you left out?"

"I left it all out." Rachel replied quietly. "It's just that no one liked me, at all. And I didn't want my dads to, well, you see, I didn't want the only two people who loved me to look at me with pity. I needed some sort of escape from the hell that is high school."

"That actually makes a lot of sense. It was the opposite for me. At first anyway. I had to try to be so perfect at home; school was like my chance to make mistakes. And boy did I make them!"

"Cheating, was you not being perfect?" There was no malice to Rachel' question, just curiosity.

"No, that was me not knowing what I wanted. Drinking the wine coolers was my way of letting loose. I just should have been a little more careful who I let loose with is all."

"You said at first, what did school become for you when it wasn't about rebelling against your father?"

"My own hell hole. Being head cheerleader, a Christ Crusader and captain of the Celibacy Club sort of made me seem unattainable to many and later just a hypocrite. That's one of the reasons I was so mean to you, Rachel, you just were. It never seemed like you were pretending, you always seemed real. And all I ever did was pretend. I am most admired for the way I look, and it isn't even me."

"The nose might not be you. But you worked hard to get and then stay in shape, and you always are mindful of your appearance; fixing your hair and wearing make up and stuff. That's you."

"It's just, when people only compliment me on my looks. I know it's stupid to complain because so many think that because you're beautiful you should be happy. You know, like since you are pretty you should never have anything to complain about. But I wish people complimented me about other things. I'm on the honor roll; I scored quite high on my ACT's. And even you admitted that I can sing well, and cheerleading made me quite athletic."

"How about this…I will give you a different compliment every day and I promise I'll mean it. And I'll stop telling you how beautiful I think you are."

"Don't stop please." Quinn's voice made it sound like a plea, and if she were being honest with herself, it was. "I…I like it when you say I'm beautiful. When it comes from you I know you mean it. And I don't know, but it just feels like you are referring to more than just how I look."

"I am. Always." With Rachel's words, Quinn looked down, unable to conceal the growing redness across her neck and face that even reached the tips of her ears. Rachel found it all rather adorable, though she'd never admit to it.

"Wanna watch a movie or something?" Quinn asked after several minutes of silence.

"I'd love to! And might I suggest, as it is nearly Halloween and all, that we choose something holiday appropriate?" Rachel replied. Quinn looked at her strangely. "Let me guess, you assumed I would have chosen a musical." Rachel retorted with her an eyebrow raise.

"Maybe."

"Although, Rocky Horror may fit well into both categories…" Rachel suggested playfully. Quinn rolled her eyes. Rachel stood up and walked toward the cabinet beside the TV where she assumed the movies were kept.

Judy walked in, taking a seat in the reclining chair that was sitting beside the couch. "So what are the big plans for this evening, girls?"

"Well, Judy, we have just decided to put in a movie and would love for you to join us!"

'Speak for yourself' Quinn thought to herself. She was pleasantly surprised with how her mother was behaving this evening but for some reason she was upset at the thought of sharing Rachel.

"And what are we watching?" Judy asked.

Rachel had been perusing the movie titles. "Something Halloween appropriate is what I suggested, though I admit it was more of an executive decision really."

Judy chuckled, Quinn just smirked a little.

"Well, then. Count me in, whichever you choose." Judy responded.

Rachel beamed. As she continued reviewing her options, Judy watched her daughter out of the corner of her eye. Quinn was wearing a face that was the picture of absolute contentment. Judy wasn't sure she had ever seen such a look before.

Rachel finally settled on watching Hocus Pocus (there was some singing in it after all) much to Quinn's delight. Quinn would never admit it out loud, but it was one of her favorite movies. She could quote the entire thing. And one Halloween, she, Santana and Brittany dressed up as the witches from the movie and had the most wonderful night.

Halfway through the movie, Rachel fell asleep. She and Quinn were sharing the couch and had snuggled up together in a misguided attempt to share a rather small blanket. Rachel's head slowly drifted down until it fell on Quinn's shoulder. Quinn didn't mind at all. After a few minutes, she guided Rachel's head so that it rested on her lap and watched the rest of the movie while her fingers absent mindedly stroked Rachel's beautiful brown locks. Judy found the whole thing much more interesting than the movie.

Just before the movie ended, "Defying Gravity" burst out of Rachel's phone. Rachel jumped up now wide awake from the interruption.

"You might as well answer it; someone's obviously been trying to get a hold of you all night." Quinn replied, rather amused and just a bit disturbed.

Rachel nodded, grabbing her phone from her pocket and walking toward the kitchen for a bit of privacy. However, she was still not far enough away to go unheard.

"I'm sorry. No, I just woke up. I fell asleep." Rachel sighed into her phone. "No this has nothing to do with what happened in glee today."

Judy looked to Quinn who mouthed the word "Finn." Judy nodded in understanding. Then frowned, her eyebrows furrowed. "Rachel and Finn? Your Finn?"

"Not my Finn."

Judy was confused; she surely thought that something was going on between Rachel and her daughter. Maybe she was mistaken. She chanced a glance at her daughter, who looked annoyed and abnormally invested in Rachel's conversation with Finn. Rachel's suddenly raised voice drew her attention back to the brunette. "No, Finn I'm not with Puck! Because he was at the football game with you, was he not?"

Judy looked back to Quinn who replied, "Don't ask."

"Look, I am sorry I missed the game but there will be other ones. Finn, no I'm not mad at you. Yes, I'm annoyed right now. Because you keep accusing me of cheating on you! You didn't come over on Wednesday night when I called you, and did I accuse you of cheating? No, and you know why? Because I believed you when you said you were too tired and just wanted to stay in and play Call of Duty!"

Judy was watching Quinn during the whole exchanged and saw a silent fury building. She was so enraged it seemed like she was battling with herself whether or not to pull the phone away from Rachel and give Finn a piece of her mind. Judy realized that maybe there was nothing going on between Rachel and Quinn, but she knew her daughter and what she knew was that Quinn really wanted there to be.

"I accept your apology Finn. Not tonight, okay. I think we both need a little space….yes, tomorrow's fine. I love you too."

Rachel ended her call and glanced apologetically back at the blonde's watching her from the living room. This was exactly why she hated taking phone calls in the presence of others. She let out a sigh and returned to the living room. "Sorry about that." As she sat back on the couch, she returned her attention to the TV and realized the ending credits were rolling. "And it seems I slept through the majority of the film. I apologize for being such lousy company."

"Nonsense. It has been a pleasure having you here Rachel." Judy cut in when she saw that Quinn was unable to formulate any type of response.

"I appreciate you saying that Judy."

"He left you alone after…he didn't want to see you because he wanted to play a stupid video game!" Quinn blurted out; her rage was far from contained. The idea that Rachel left Shelby's feeling broken and wanted her boyfriend to comfort her and instead he told her he was too tired and wanted to play Xbox infuriated her. He just replaced Mercedes at the top of her hit list. Why they ever fought over such an inconsiderate and selfish man-child is beyond her.

"Quinn! Don't you think that's between Rachel and Finn?" Judy tried calming her daughter to no avail.

"Mom, you don't understand. Today in glee, Puck and I sang a song to Rachel because she's always been there for everyone in glee. And Finn accused her in front of everyone of having an affair with Puck just because he sang to her!"

"Well, that doesn't sound rational."

"Finn's just a bit sensitive on the subject, he's a little self-conscious." Rachel defended.

"Rachel, stop making excuses for everyone!" Quinn hissed.

"I'm not. Finn's behavior just now is absolutely inexcusable which is why I refused to see him tonight. I think he needs time to think." Rachel explained. "Plus, I was having a wonderful time here and didn't quite feel like leaving."

Quinn calmed down a bit at the words. She nodded in response.

"Well, then. Since you're staying a bit longer, Rachel, how about some ice cream?" Judy offered cheerfully.

"She's vegan, mom." Quinn retorted.

"I don't see what that has to do with anything."

"Vegans don't eat animal by-products; milk which is used in ice cream is an animal by-product."

Judy nodded but didn't quite understand.

"I didn't know you knew so much about Veganism, Quinn. I must admit, I am pleasantly surprised." Rachel chirped.

"Well, you talk a lot and I guess some of it sticks." Quinn grinned shyly.

"I am pleased to hear that." Rachel smiled back, and then turned to face Judy. "You and Quinn should have some ice cream; however, maybe I could just have some fruit or something."

Judy pondered Rachel's offer before replying. "How about I make a fruit smoothie? Don't worry; no milk, I promise!"

"That sounds wonderful! Quinn, what do you think?"

Quinn smiled at Rachel's enthusiasm. "I like that idea, mom, thank you."

Judy's smile overtook her face as she hopped off her chair and made her way into the kitchen. When she was gone, Quinn addressed Rachel without looking at her.

"I still think Finn's an ass for choosing Xbox over you."

"So do I." Rachel smirked as she bumped shoulders with Quinn. Quinn giggled and replied, "Ever the modest one."

"Now that you mention it, I am rather modest aren't I? Or at least your mother thinks so!" Rachel teased.

"You sent him a picture of you and Beth? I didn't know you took one." Quinn said after a few seconds.

"Puck took it for me while you were in the bathroom. I wanted a picture…" Rachel pauses. "It's weird, but in a way. She's my sister."

Quinn considered Rachel's words. How screwed up was that? If she got Beth back, would she be like Rachel's…she didn't want to think about it.

"I always wanted a sibling, I don't know if you knew that."

"Rachel, we all heard your 'Only Child' song." Quinn deadpanned.

"Yes, well, it was leaps and bounds above 'My Headband.'"

"I don't know, Brittany really seemed to enjoy that one."

"Yes, and she also wrote a song about a cup."

Rachel and Quinn both chuckled a bit. Rachel smiled as she shook her head. Then her smile vanished and she turned serious again. "Is it weird for me to want to know Beth and be apprehensive about bonding with Shelby?"

"I don't think so."

"I don't hate her. Shelby, I mean. Even if I let her in and she hurts me again, I could never hate her. She's my mom, and I can't help it but I love her."

"I get it Rachel. The same with my dad. I hate that he kicked me out. I hate that he hurt my mom. And I hate that my mom let him kick me out. But I love them. I never stopped loving them."

"It's scary how much influence our parents have on us. It's scary how much they are capable of hurting us."

There is a moment of silence before Quinn speaks again. "She won't hate me, will she? Whether I get her back or not. She wouldn't hate me…"

Rachel reaches for Quinn's hand. "She'll never hate you. Not only because you're her mom, but because you're you."

"Thanks Rachel."

They are silent again while Rachel was still holding Quinn's hand in hers. They remain that way until Judy comes in with their smoothies. She instantly notices their connected hands. "So, what'd I miss?"

Rachel reaches for her smoothie with one hand, still grasping Quinn's hand in her other one. "Well if you must know, we were discussing Quinn's wardrobe. I don't know if you noticed, but this summer she sported god awful pink hair, though pink is a favorite color of mine so long as it remains an apparel choice and not hair color, but I digress. Her entire wardrobe was not atrocious. Although I wear argyle and get called a fashion disaster, so maybe I'm not one to offer advice…"

She would have finished her thought, but Quinn gently squeezed her hand and immediately ended the rant.

Judy raised an eyebrow at Rachel's ability to sprout out sentence after sentence without pause. Rachel must have noticed Judy's amusement. "My years of singing lessons have produced the hereto debatable reward of exquisite breath control. The things I can do with my voice…" Rachel was cut off by Quinn's involuntary squeeze of her hand. She pulled her hand from the blonde's grasp and shook it a little attempting to regain some blood flow.

With Quinn's hands now free, she reached for her smoothie and took a large drink of it.

"So, what have you girls decided with regards to Quinn's clothing?" Judy asked eliciting another choking spell from Quinn. Instantly Rachel placed two hard thrusts against Quinn's back. Quinn recovered and looked questioningly at Rachel.

"Remember you said if ever you needed my assistance, I should act first and save my soliloquy for after I save your life." Rachel spoke with no irony.

Judy was never so amused in her life. These two girls would be the death of her. She'd never have thought that she'd be in favor of Quinn being in a relationship with another girl, but she never met Rachel Berry until now. Whatever was going on between the girls, she hoped it led to Rachel realizing just how enamored Quinn seemed to be with her.

They all chatted and enjoyed their smoothies. Eventually, and reluctantly, Rachel announced that she needed to head home. Judy hugged her goodbye and Quinn walked her to her car.

"I wanted to say thank you for inviting me to hang out with you, Quinn. I had a lovely time. And my compliment for today is that you have a wonderful sense of humor; even if it's at my expense."

Quinn ducked her head shyly. However, she wasn't about to try hiding the smile that overtook her face. "Thank you."

They looked at each other for several moments, taking in the moonlight in each other's eyes. No words were needed. The porch light blinked on and off twice. Quinn huffed. Rachel giggled. "I think you're mom is worried that you've been out here for too long."

"I think my mom is trying to embarrass me."

"I think that's every parent's job."

"Well, then. She's excellent at her job."

Rachel chuckled again. Quinn smiled at her.

"I will talk to you soon, Quinn. Why don't you call me after you get done with Beth tomorrow, I'd love to know how it goes. If you want to, I mean."

"But aren't you going to be with Finn?"

"Yes?" Rachel was confused at the question.

"I thought you didn't talk on the phone in the company of others."

"For you I think I can make an exception." Rachel smirked.

"Ok, I'll call you as soon as I'm finished." Quinn smiled.

"Well then, I'll talk to you tomorrow Fabray."

"Whatever you say, Berry."

They hugged and Rachel climbed in her car. She waited until Quinn was properly inside the house before she drove away with a lopsided smile on her face.

A/N: I'll be going heavy on the Faberry from now on, though they aren't quite together yet.

What'd you guys think of Judy? She and Quinn still have issues to deal with but I liked the idea of Judy realizing Quinn's feelings for Rachel before Quinn does herself.

Up next: More Quinn and Rachel, and Quinn writes her own original song.

Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones