A/N: Quite a long chapter. Both Quinn and Rachel face their issues. Plus, just enough Faberry to tide you over until the next chapter which will be called, "You're arms feel like home." :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or any songs/bands mentioned in this chapter.
Chapter 14: Home Sweet Home
"So did you pop Berry's cherry, or what?"
"I'm hanging up, S!" Quinn rolled her eyes at Santana's behavior. Tonight was perfect, and though she and Rachel are far from going all the way she was proud that Rachel Berry was hers. Because she belonged to Rachel completely.
She sighed, happily. Then her phone buzzed with a message.
U hung up on me?
She rolled her eyes and got ready for bed. When she was about to retire for the night, her cell phone lit up again. She answered it without looking at the caller ID.
"We didn't have sex, okay!" Quinn answered, annoyed.
"I know, I was there." Rachel's voice was playful on the other line.
"Shit." Quinn's face flushed, as she tried to think of something to make her mortification go away.
"Let me guess, Santana's been harassing you?" Rachel smiled into the phone, amused at the flustered Quinn.
"Sorry, Rachel." Quinn was still feeling humiliated. "I had a really great time with you tonight and hate that it has to end so…frustratingly…"
"Quinn, relax. Tonight was perfect, it still is. I was just calling because saying goodnight via text wasn't enough for me. I needed to hear your voice."
Oh my god. How could she not love this girl? Like, I mean like. I really like Rachel Berry.
"Quinn?"
"Sorry. Just…you're always surprising me, Rach."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"Definitely a good thing!"
They were enveloped in silence for several minutes, content listening to each other breathe.
"Well, goodnight Quinn."
"Goodnight Rachel."
Quinn hung up her phone with the dopiest grin she ever wore. She could get used to being Rachel's girlfriend. Rachel was her girlfriend!
Hey girlfriend! It feels weird saying that and having it
actually be true :)
Quinn awoke to Rachel's text on Saturday morning. She smiled to herself giddily before replying.
You're a dork :)
Rachel rolled her eyes at Quinn's comment, and then she wrote back.
Now that we're dating, I was wondering
if my compliments to you could
include all the reasons I love your body?
Quinn blushed at Rachel's text.
Are you attempting to seduce me, Ms. Berry?
It depends, is it working?
Always.
Then yes, I am.
I guess, I sort of thought you'd
quit the compliments when you got me.
Never!
They're completely unnecessary…
Quinn, have I ever told you how when you
smile at me, my whole world lights up?
Quinn didn't know how to reply. Rachel had already swept her off her feet, long ago. Now, she really just wanted to grab the girl (her amazing girlfriend) and kiss her for all she was worth. She was brought back to reality by the buzz of her phone.
See, they may be unnecessary but you still like it :)
Fine, you got me!
Yes, I do!
Shopping with Judy was excruciating. Mostly because she was suffering from Rachel withdrawals. Sure, they texted all morning, but that wasn't the same.
After every outfit Quinn tried on, she took a picture and sent it to Rachel. She needed Rachel's approval but mostly she just wanted to make the girl constantly picture her in and out of clothes. It was the closest to sexting she had ever gotten.
Three hours later, she had a new wardrobe. She chose several flattering and somewhat revealing shirts, a pair of jeans and several skirts. Her new skirts were not nearly as revealing as the ones Rachel wore, but they were far from modest. If she learned anything from her recent make-out sessions with Rachel, it was that the more skin to skin contact the better. Hence her newfound fondness for revealing clothing.
On Saturday evening, Quinn, Rachel, and Brittany hung out with Santana at her house. They were watching a movie and eating pizza (of course the couples were making out too) before Santana mentioned that they should all go in the hot tub. After changing into some bikini's (Rachel burrowed one of Santana's old 'post surgery' bikinis, while Quinn found an old one of hers she had left there).
When Rachel came out of the bathroom wearing Santana's bright red barely there bikini, Quinn did all she could to not take her virginity right there. Santana, however, wasn't above that.
"Damn, Berry. Who knew that underneath all those sweaters you were hiding that?" She was practically salivating at the mouth.
"San's right, Rach, you look great!" Brittany supplied. "My offer still stands, about unpressing…"
Quinn covered Brittany's mouth, shot an icy glare at Santana (who was licking her lips conspiratorially) and addressed her girlfriend.
"You're beautiful, Rach. And that color looks really good on you." Quinn tried to keep her quivering voice even.
"Just the color?" Santana questioned with a smirk and raised eyebrow.
"Rachel, you look amazing. Your body is…"
Rachel blushed at Quinn's compliment (sure she was flattered by Santana and Brittany, but Quinn's opinion was all that mattered). She looked at the three girls, taking in their appearance. "You look great as well, all of you."
She walked towards Quinn, and whispered huskily in her ear. "Especially you."
Quinn swallowed audibly. Santana barked haughtily, "Geez, Midge, who knew you had game?"
Sunday went by all too quickly as the girls lounged around the Fabray residence, stealing time alone whenever they could. In the evening, Rachel's phone buzzed as she groaned before shutting it off.
"Who's been calling you?" Quinn asked her girlfriend while they were cuddled on the couch watching a movie. Judy had gone in the kitchen to fix some snacks.
"Finn."
Quinn stiffened instantly.
"He's been calling me the last two days. I never answer, but he hasn't gotten the hint yet."
"What's he want?" Quinn growled.
"I don't know, Quinn. I haven't answered him. Do you want me to?"
Quinn huffed, "Of course I don't want you to!" She unwrapped her arms from around Rachel and faced the girl. "I'm just wondering why you've failed to mention to me that Finn's been calling you?"
Rachel rolled her eyes. "Quinn, I didn't mention it because I knew you'd get like this."
"Like what, Rachel?"
"You're jealous."
Quinn flushed as she tried to think of a retort to that.
"It'd almost be adorable if it wasn't so unnecessary." Rachel repositioned herself so she was sitting up face to face with Quinn. "I chose you, Quinn. I'll always choose you."
Quinn broke out in a half smile as she studied Rachel's honest eyes. "He just irritates me, Rachel. The thought that he used to have his hands on you…"
"Quinn, look at me." Rachel emphasized this by holding both sides of the girl's face. "You're the only one I want touching me. You and I, we've already done more than Finn and I ever did."
Quinn sighed. She quickly pecked Rachel's lips before settling back on the couch, pulling Rachel down with her. The girls had already resumed their 'we're just friends' position by the time Judy returned carrying three bowls of mixed fruit.
Just before Quinn fell asleep that night, she received a text from Rachel.
I love the way your eyebrows furrow
when you're jealous.
But I love the taste of your kiss even more…
Quinn fell asleep happy, Finn Hudson the furthest thing from her mind.
First thing Monday morning, Quinn approached Finn at his locker.
"Finn Hudson!" She yelled, giving him her 'scary Quinn' face she knew terrified the boy. "I'd appreciate it if you'd stop harassing my girlfriend."
Finn looked confused, so Quinn dumbed it down for the moron. "Stop calling Rachel."
He looked at Quinn incredulously. "You…and Rachel…you guys…you're her girlfriend?"
"Yes, jackass, she's my girlfriend. I'm her girlfriend. Meaning she's unavailable and over you. So stop bugging her with your incessant phone calls."
"Incessant means a lot right?"
Quinn rolled her eyes, she was jealous of this? Rachel was right, she was completely overreacting.
"Just stop, okay."
"Rachel's probably just experimenting with you. She's not gay, Quinn."
"I'm not?" Rachel repeated, appearing behind Finn. "I don't know what I am, okay. Gay, bisexual, it doesn't matter. Labels aren't important. But Finn, I am with Quinn. And I am happy with her. It's not some experiment. It's not us getting back at you. It's just us, together okay. Now if you'd only listen to Quinn and please stop calling me. Thank you."
Halfway through her speech, she stood beside Quinn as the two effortlessly linked their hands and unconsciously leaned in to each other. Rachel squeezed Quinn's hand in reassurance. Quinn smiled in response.
Finn studied the girls; noticing the way they stood and the way they interacted. He may be stupid but he wasn't blind. He could tell that whatever they were, it was real. He shut his locker and walked away.
Rachel turned to Quinn. Quinn put up her fingers to Rachel's lips. "I know it was stupid to provoke him. I know you don't still have feelings for him. I just, I couldn't help it okay."
Rachel smiled against Quinn's fingertips, and then pressed her lips to them kissing them slightly. Quinn shivered involuntarily. "You'll be the death of me, Berry."
In glee that afternoon, everyone was surprised when Dave Karofsky walked into the room requesting the chance to audition. What surprised them even more was that he sang a 'Five for Fighting' song, and not only that; but he sang it well. Reluctantly, they allowed the boy to join the club. Rachel reminded the group that they did still need another person to be eligible to compete, and unfortunately Dave was their best option. They practiced their group number a few times, deciding on a mash up of 'Fall out Boy' and 'The Cab' since they sounded similar anyway. They would be ready for next week's Sectional's.
Puck approached Quinn after glee. "Hey, Quinn can I speak to you for a minute?"
Rachel went to leave, to give them privacy, but Quinn held her hand tightly in a silent plea to stay. Rachel obliged.
"What is it, Puck?"
"I just wanted to let you know, Shelby and I talked. Well, my mom wants to know Beth, and so Shelby is bringing her over tomorrow night after football practice."
Quinn tensed, squeezing Rachel's hand accidentally.
"Why are you telling me?"
"Well, she's been quite supportive of everything. And Beth will get to know her grandma. I thought, maybe she'd want to get to know you're mom too. You guys could come over."
"I don't know. I got kicked out for getting pregnant; I'm not sure how she'll want to be a grandma."
"Oh, okay. Just think about it, okay? It could be good for Beth." Puck finished before walking out the door.
Rachel squeezed Quinn's hand reassuringly. "Wanna talk about it?"
"What should I do, Rach?" Quinn sat in a chair in the front row. Rachel stood in front of her.
"I think you should talk to your mom. I get why you're scared about us, but this is different. If you're going to work at getting Beth, or at least keeping her in your life, you can't always keep that from your mom. Beth shouldn't be a secret, she doesn't deserve that."
Quinn had tears rolling down her cheeks. "I just got my mom back, you know. We're doing well now. What if I ruin it?"
"I think your mom has changed as much as you have, Quinn. It'll be okay."
"What if it's not?"
"Have you ever thought of going to a therapist?" Quinn shot Rachel a repulsed look. "Not like that, like you and your mom together. I almost went to therapy, after what I went through. Feeling abandoned by Shelby."
"Why didn't you?"
"Because of you, really." Quinn stared at her girlfriend questioningly. "The summer we sort of bonded. I may not have talked a lot. But you did. And how you were talking about giving up Beth being the hardest thing you'd ever do and that you didn't know what you'd do if you ever saw her again. It got me thinking."
Rachel sighed and took a seat next to Quinn, holding Quinn's hands in her own. "I think I forgave Shelby in that moment. She missed me so much; she breached her contract with my dads to find me. And when she did, she freaked out. Maybe I've not been looking at her side of things. How hard it was to come face to face with her daughter after all this time and realizing that I had a family and wasn't even looking for her."
"So, what are you saying Rachel?"
"I'm saying that I am ready to have a heart to heart with Shelby, and I think maybe you should have a heart to heart with your mom. Things couldn't possibly be worse than they've been, right?" Rachel says with a shy smile.
"I don't know how I got so lucky to have you as my girlfriend?" Quinn said smiling sadly, wiping the tears from her face.
"I ask myself the same thing every day." Rachel replied puffing out her chest proudly. Quinn giggled.
"I'll try talking to my mom tonight." Quinn answered, leaning in to her girlfriend, resting her head on her shoulder.
"Do you want me to be there with you?"
"Yes." Quinn sat back up, and studied Rachel's face. "But I think I should do it alone."
Rachel nodded.
"But can I call you when I'm finished?" Quinn asked nervously.
"I was hoping you would."
They kissed leisurely for several minutes, just enjoying each other. Then they stood up, and walked out of the room together. Determined to face their biggest fears, alone.
Quinn paced back and forth in her living room, waiting for her mom to get home. As soon as Judy walked through the door, what little resolve Quinn had left faded quickly. Judy saw the anxious look on her daughter's face, and hurried to her.
"Quinn, dear, what is it? What's wrong?"
"Mom, can we talk?"
Judy set her purse and keys on the coffee table and led Quinn to the couch. They sat side by side in silence. Judy waiting for Quinn to speak.
"Mrs. Corcoran, Shelby, came back to McKinley this year. She leads another choir, well, not really a choir since it's just one person. Sugar, she tried out for New Directions, but she really can't sing. So anyway, her dad is rich and hired someone to lead a rival choir, just so his daughter could be in it…"
Judy touched her daughter's shoulder, encouragingly. "Breathe, dear. Quinn, honey, you're starting to sound like Rachel."
Quinn sighed with a small chuckle. She wished she would have let Rachel come for support. She could really use her right now.
"Mom, Shelby is back. With Beth."
She let the words register, watching Judy's face morph into understanding. "I see, and have you seen her, Beth? Have you seen Beth?"
Quinn nods.
"Oh." Judy tries digesting the information. "How was it?"
"I was terrified at first, but the moment I held her. She's so amazing, Mom!"
Judy watched as Quinn's nervousness slipped away into pure bliss at the mention of her daughter. "Where did you see her? Did Shelby bring her to school?"
Quinn shifted in her seat. "That's sort of what I need to talk to you about."
Judy nodded for Quinn to continue, so she did. "Rachel, Puck and I had dinner at Shelby's house a few weeks ago. That's when I got to meet Beth for the first time. And Puck and I babysat once, and the whole glee club took her trick or treating on Halloween." She slowly brought up her eyes to meet Judy's. Judy had tears in her eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me? You've been lying for weeks?" She was upset, but she was also concerned.
"I thought you'd kick me out again." Quinn replied sheepishly.
The words hit Judy hard. She had to regain her breath. Quinn watched her.
"Sweetie. I'm sorry I ever let your father throw you out of the house. That is my biggest regret."
Quinn nodded, but remained silent.
"I wouldn't throw you out again, Quinn. Not ever."
"I just. It's something I constantly worry about. I wonder if I disappoint you still."
"I love you sweetheart. And you're not the disappointment, I am. You are amazing, Quinn. And these last few weeks, I noticed how much you changed and how happy you were. I just thought it was because you're dating Rachel."
Quinn's eyes widened, she floundered for words. Judy chuckled before replying. "Please Quinn; you two are attached at the hip these days. It's clear to anyone with eyes that you're smitten with her."
"How long have you known?"
"Since you introduced me to her, your whole face lights up when she's around. Heck, your eyes are sparkling now and we're just talking about her."
Quinn ducked her head shyly. "We went on our first date last Friday. It was amazing, she's amazing Mom." Quinn beamed.
Judy smiled sadly. "So, she's something else you thought you had to hide from me?"
"I'm glad to be back here, and though I had been living as if I were waiting for the other shoe to drop, I've decided that I don't want to live my life that way. Rachel said that you and I should maybe see a therapist together. And I think I agree."
Judy watched her daughter skeptically. Quinn noticed, so explained further. "I love you Mom, I never stopped. But being thrown out of the house pregnant and sixteen sort of screwed me up. It hurt that you didn't stand up to Dad, and that you chose him over me. Mom, I was sixteen!" She raised her voice a little, unable to control her emotions.
"I am so sorry Quinn, for everything."
"Don't you get it? Just saying sorry isn't enough. You only came back for me after Dad cheated…"
"You stop right there. Yes, I kicked him out for cheating. But I should have done so sooner. I kicked him out because I wanted you to come back to me, sweetheart. I wanted my little girl back."
"You never asked about Beth."
"I didn't know if you were ready to talk about it."
"Sometimes, the important conversations have to be forced. Did you know that Rachel was there for me that summer?"
Judy shook her head.
"And this summer, Mom, I dyed my hair pink and started smoking."
"You smoke!"
"See. We've come a long way recently. I know I kept you at arms length since I've been back, and that's on me. But you've not always been there when I needed you."
"I know, Quinn." Judy was crying, which only caused Quinn to completely lose her composure. "If you want us to go to therapy, if that will help us get through this Quinn, I'll do it. I'll do anything!"
Quinn studied her mom and realized she was being sincere. She hugged her. "I'd like us to go to therapy. I want us to get over this. We've both made lots of mistakes and it'll take time to heal from that. And to trust each other again."
"In the meantime, no more smoking. Do you hear me?"
Quinn rolled her watery eyes. "I've stopped months ago."
"Good. Now about you and Rachel dating?"
"I know. Open door policy and no sleepovers."
Judy raised an eyebrow. "I was going to say that Rachel should come over for dinner as your girlfriend, officially. But you're right doors will remain open and no sleepovers. Should we discuss being safe?"
Quinn groaned. Judy dropped the sex discussion; it'd have to wait for another time. If she wasn't already too late. She decided to get back to the original topic.
"Now tell me about Beth…"
Shelby had just cleared the kitchen table after dinner and picked Beth up out of her highchair when the doorbell rang. She glanced at the clock and wondered who'd be around at this time of night.
When Shelby opened the door, Rachel was standing shyly on the other side of it. "Rachel…" Shelby breathed out.
"I know it's abhorrently inappropriate to just show up at someone's door, especially when that someone happens to be your biological mother who…"
"Nonsense, Rachel. Come in." She stepped aside so Rachel could enter. Shelby then led Rachel into the living room. "Can I get you something to drink, a glass of water perhaps?" She said with a knowing smile.
"Yes, please."
Shelby handed Beth to Rachel as she walked back in the kitchen to get Rachel some water. Rachel glanced around the living room, noticing a few pictures that weren't hanging up when she had dinner with Quinn and Puck. There was a large framed photo of Rachel holding Beth, neither looking at the camera. Rachel realized it was taken the night of their dinner, but hadn't known that Shelby took the picture. There were also several smaller pictures sitting along the mantle of the fireplace. Most of them were of Beth in different stages (first steps, first year, etc.), but there was also one of Rachel and Beth from Halloween. And a large photo of Quinn, Rachel, Puck and Beth in their costumes was hanging over the fireplace.
"Unfortunately, those are the only ones I have of you." Shelby said from behind Rachel, handing her the glass of water before taking Beth.
"And whose fault is that?" Rachel flinched at the malice in her words.
Shelby nodded sadly. "I signed a contract Rachel, you were never mine."
They eyed each other for a few minutes before Beth got fussy and tried to get down. Shelby broke eye contact, bending down and setting Beth on the floor. The little girl immediately dove into her toys. Shelby stood back up and led Rachel to the couch. She sat in the chair beside the couch, while Rachel took a seat on the sofa.
"I know." Rachel answered after taking a sip from her glass. "I've been so angry lately, and it's been so easy to blame you."
"I gave you plenty of reasons to hate me Rachel."
"I don't hate you." Rachel looked at Shelby earnestly. "I never did."
Shelby smiled sadly.
"It was easy to blame you because you weren't there. And then it was easy to blame you because you were."
"What made you so angry, Rachel?"
"Being the only one in grade school without a mom. Being the only one with two dads. Getting teased because if it. In elementary school, kids would tell me that I was the reason why you weren't around. That no mother could stand to have an ugly daughter like me."
"Oh, Rachel." Shelby hugged the little brunette tightly.
"In high school, people forgot about the no mother thing. Instead I just got slushied everyday because of what I wore and the kind of person I was. I'm not popular. I'm not pretty like Quinn, or Santana, or any of those girls."
"Kids are awful sweetie. Kurt got harassed because he's gay, Artie because he's in a wheelchair. There are bullies everywhere, kiddo. I know it hurts, but you can't let them get to you. And you're wrong. You are so beautiful, Rachel."
"I know. It just hurts, you know. After a while you start to believe what they say. That I deserve what they do to me."
"You don't, honey. You never deserved any of it. I'm sorry for all you went through, but do you think that my being there for you would have stopped it from happening?"
"No. But I would have had my mother to cry to when I got home."
"Instead you have two fathers who love you."
"I never told them." Rachel burst out in tears.
"Rachel. Why didn't you? They could have helped. You could have gone to a different school or something."
"I felt ashamed. I thought that what the kids said was true, and so, I didn't think my dads would want to help me. I didn't think they'd believe me."
Shelby let her tears fall as she held her broken daughter. Rachel's whimpering caused Beth to walk over to them. She looked up at Rachel and handed her one of her toys. Rachel laughed through the tears as she took the proffered toy from Beth.
"I'm sorry you felt like you had to go through all of that alone Rachel. I'm sorry that I added to those feelings of inadequacy by leaving you the 2nd time. I've never regretted anything more. But you're not alone now, Rachel. You are surrounded by so many people who love you."
Rachel nodded her head and wiped at her tears. "I know. I just came over to tell you that I don't hate you. And that it was unfair of me to blame you for everything wrong in my life. You hurt me when you left, but you came back. And it looks like you want to make it work with us." She said the last part gesturing at the photos on the wall.
"I do, more than anything." Shelby answered, wiping away her own tears.
"Then I'd like to try. To start over." Rachel replied quietly.
"I'd love that."
Rachel pulled in her driveway when she got Quinn's text.
So, my mom knows about us…
How'd she take it?
She's the one who brought it up.
Rachel was confused by Quinn's text, so she asked.
How'd that happen?
I told her about Beth, she's coming with
us tomorrow for the diner by the way, and she
told me that she thought I was going to come 'out.'
Rachel chuckled loudly, shaking her head she typed:
So everything went okay then?
Everything's great! We're even going to
go to therapy together.
So thanks Rachel.
Rachel was happy for Quinn, and things had gone okay with Shelby as well. So maybe things were starting to look up and they could just focus on each other. She'd love to go through a whole week without some sort of drama. She still hadn't taken Quinn out, she had a date planned. Which reminded her, she had to finish the calendar she was making for her girlfriend. She was startled when her phone buzzed again.
You okay, Babe? How'd it
go with Shelby?
It was okay. I think things will be okay :)
How cheesy would it be for me to
tell you that I miss you?
I miss you too :)
Dinner at the Puckerman's was quite uneventful, given the circumstances. Things seemed icy between Mrs. Puckerman and Judy, but as soon as they both saw Beth they put their old grievances away and fawned over their beautifully perfect granddaughter.
Quinn watched Rachel and Shelby most of the night. They seemed to be more than civil and she was happy her girlfriend seemed more comfortable than their last few encounters. Puck was proud to introduce his daughter to his little sister. They seemed to enjoy each other instantly. Quinn divided her time between keeping an eye on Rachel and holding her daughter. She especially enjoyed the way she saw her mom smile at Rachel approvingly when Rachel joined Quinn on the floor to play with Beth. She couldn't help thinking that if the Berry men were here, then her little makeshift family would be complete. And she was never happier in her entire life. She was so full of love; she wanted to share it with the world. Or at least confess it to Rachel.
When Quinn dropped Rachel off at her house, they made out in the front seat of the car for a little while. When she pulled away, she made sure she was looking into the brown orbs that could see her soul. God, Rachel was beautiful. She took a deep breath. 'It's now or never.'
"I love you." Rachel said into the silence. She watched Quinn for a reaction, hoping she hadn't spoken too soon. "Quinn? I know it's probably too fast…"
She was cut off when Quinn attacked her lips. Pulling apart Quinn husked. "I love you too. Now, forever and every day in between."
Rachel claimed Quinn's lips and smiled into the kiss. "Just remember who said it first, Fabray."
A/N: Lots of tears and hopefully some resolution to most of the drama. I intend to focus solely on Faberry now so I wanted to resolve as much as I could. I hope you guys approve with how some of the things are being resolved. We're not done yet, though…
Next chapter will be quite a bit lighter than it has been. I hope you'll find it entertaining as Quinn and Rachel learn how hard it is to keep their hands off each other. Will they take the leap? You'll have to wait and see…
Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue