A/N: I haven't gotten much feedback for the last few chapters, so I'm hoping you're still enjoying this fic :)
I especially hope you enjoyed the previous chapter, it was the one I was most anxious about posting. I hope I did the characters justice with their first time for you all :)
Also, I realize the name of the song is Pumped up Kicks, I forgot to proofread before I posted. Sorry about that.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or any music or performers mentioned. I don't own Barbie, Barbara Streisand or West Side Story.
Chapter 17: All In
"And I'm all in, nothing left to hide…
I'm all in tonight, yeah I'm all in,
I'm all in for life."
The day after they won Regional's, Puck and Quinn got to throw Beth a party celebrating her 2nd birthday. They were so excited. They invited everyone they knew. The entirety of New Directions was there, as well as the Puckerman family, the Berry men, and Judy and Fran. Shelby brought Beth to the Fabray house at noon. Puck insisted on having an inflatable bounce machine and a petting zoo ('We have to get a pony, every little girl loves ponies!' was his argument for the animals). Rachel insisted on karaoke. Quinn let them both run wild.
Michael cooked the hamburgers and hotdogs. Rachel and Quinn baked the cake. Judy, Mrs. Puckerman, Shelby and Jeremiah took more than enough photos of the festivities. Rachel even went around with the video camera and recorded everyone's birthday wishes for Beth as a keepsake. They let her open her presents and when she went down for a nap; the gleeks jumped on the inflatable machines and sang karaoke.
After the guests left and the Berrys helped clean up the mess, Rachel and Quinn sat outside on Quinn and Fran's old swingset. They were gently swinging back and forth quietly letting the events of the day remain on the forefront of their minds. Hesitantly, Rachel spoke into the silence. "You're 18 and graduation is soon. Have you decided how you wanted to proceed with Beth? I'm sure that with your job, and once you're out of school, you'll be able to…"
"Shelby's her mom, Rachel. And I am lucky enough to stay a big part of her life."
"Are you sure that's what you want?"
"Shelby is all Beth knows. Taking her away wouldn't be what's best for Beth."
Rachel nodded in understanding. They were silent again for a while until Quinn spoke up.
"I plan on keeping my job and you know I've applied to local schools. I plan on just commuting or taking online classes or something. I know we haven't talked about it yet, but I wanna stay close to Beth while she's young."
"Quinn, I wasn't trying to push you into a future you didn't want. The whole music thing, I wanted you to know you have options."
Quinn stopped swinging and looked at Rachel. "And I love you for that, Rachel, I do. It's just that staying in Lima isn't the life sentence I used to think it was."
They were quiet again, Quinn began swinging. Rachel looked up into the sky, pondering her future without Quinn for the first time. She assumed they could go to school together, or that maybe they'd not go to school and just raise Beth. Things weren't going as she planned. Her eyes started to water.
Quinn broke into her thoughts. "I've seen how many schools you've been accepted to, Rachel. How many are offering you scholarships for music."
Quinn sounded as broken as Rachel felt. "I told you in the auditorium that day that you didn't belong here, and I stand by that. I didn't want you with Finn because I was scared he'd hold you back. But I'd never forgive myself if I was the one who did that to you."
"Why does it sound like you're breaking up with me?" Rachel's voice quivered. Immediately Quinn was in front of her, she grabbed hold of Rachel's swing to still the movement.
"I'm not breaking up with you." She paused, making sure Rachel was listening. "When I see the future, it always involves you. You, me and our children. Beth even spends some holidays with us."
Quinn's voice is even, she's talking with certainty. She slowly wipes Rachel's tears away, kissing her cheeks where the tear tracks remain. "But also in my dream, you achieve your dream. You're on Broadway, Rachel, just where you deserve to be. And I will do everything in my power to assure that you get there."
Rachel claims Quinn's lips as they both cry, their tears becoming one just as they are. Pulling away, Rachel whimpers. "What good are my dreams if I don't get to share them with you?"
Rachel holds Quinn's face in her hands. "I once told Mr. Shuester that being part of something special makes you special. But I was wrong, loving someone and having them love you back is what makes you special."
Quinn smiles sadly. "And I told Santana that I wanted someone to love me. And Rachel, the only thing better than how much you love me is that I get to love you back. Loving you has been amazing."
"Then why are you so intent on sending me on my way?"
"We haven't spoken about our college choices for a reason Rachel and that's because we both want different things and didn't want to admit it."
"No, it's because I was waiting for you to decide what you wanted to do about Beth."
Quinn looks at Rachel, confusion on her face. Rachel smoothes Quinn's furrowed brow with the pads of her thumbs. Then she places a gentle kiss to Quinn's lips. "Quinn, my plans for the future involve you. If you wanted to raise Beth, I was going to offer to raise her with you. If you want to stay in Lima to be near your daughter, well, it just so happens that a few of my college applications were to schools in Ohio." She waited for Quinn to register what she was telling her. "That's right Barbie, if you're staying then so am I."
Quinn embraced Rachel so hard; she almost knocked her off the swing. "I am so in love with you, Rachel Berry!" She yelled as she smothered her with kisses.
It was nearing April now, which meant Prom preparations were in full swing. Since Quinn helped Rachel on her bid for Class President, Rachel decided to help Quinn run for Prom Queen. Although Quinn was no longer obsessed with the title, Rachel knew how much it would mean to her girlfriend. She had come a long way in self esteem, but she still cared what people thought about her and if the student body voted her Prom Queen, Rachel figured it'd be the validation Quinn needed to love herself.
When Prom day arrived, Rachel and Quinn went all out. They rented a limo (sharing it with Santana, Brittany and Puck), and a hotel room. Rachel convinced her dads they were going to an after party and would be drinking and that it'd be safer to all stay together (Quinn didn't have to convince her mom, when you've already been pregnant at 16 what more trouble could you get into?).
Quinn arrived at the Berry's to pick up Rachel before the two of them were heading back to Quinn's house to wait for the limo. When Rachel walked down the stairs looking radiant in a forest green gown that hugged her curves, Quinn was breathless. Rachel approached Quinn with a chaste kiss to the lips, taking in Quinn's lilac dress that fell just below her knees. Quinn spoke barely audible. "There are no words to describe how stunning you look tonight."
Rachel smiled shyly. "I was just going to say the same thing about you."
They exchanged corsages and posed for pictures. They kissed the Berry men goodbye and returned to the Fabray house. After posing for photos for Judy, the group climbed into the limo and went on their way. They had dinner reservations at the fanciest restaurant in town, before heading to the school. Quinn and Rachel once again posed for a photo when they arrived. They wanted to remember this moment forever.
They joined their friends on the dance floor. Instead of having the glee club sing during their own Prom, they raised enough money to hire a live local band to perform. Even Rachel had to admit, the band was really good. They danced together all night.
"And when you use your lips,
They better be on me."
Rachel held Quinn close during one of the slow songs. They swayed with the music, staring into each others eyes. Neither said a word as they listened to the music playing around them.
"I might have had a better dance
Since then, but I don't remember when."
"I like this song." Quinn broke their silence.
"Me too." Rachel smiled, tugging Quinn impossibly closer.
"Though our dance on our wedding day will come quite close to this." Quinn grinned.
"Maybe we can hire these guys for our wedding." Rachel added fuel to the fire.
"We will be married someday, won't we?"
"We'll both have all of our dreams Quinn. Someday."
Quinn rested her head against Rachel's, breathing in her girlfriend.
After the song was done, Mr. Figgins walked on stage with an envelope. Speaking into the microphone, he began "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for…"
Quinn looked at Rachel with a nervous smile as Figgins tells the nominees to get on stage. Rachel kissed Quinn on the temple, and sent her to the stage.
"And the Prom Queen for 2012 is Miss Quinn Fabray." Amidst the cheers the announcement for Prom King was muffled. Quinn didn't care who her king was as her eyes searched out Rachel amongst the crowded gym. The girl had a look of pride on her face, as if she knew that this would be the outcome. And once again, Quinn was amazed by just how much her girlfriend believed in her.
After receiving their crowns, Quinn and her king stepped off the stage to begin their dance as the band covered Lifehouse's "You and Me." They only danced for a few seconds before the boy, Alan Marcel, led Quinn away from the center of the dance floor. She followed him, but was confused as to why they weren't finishing the song. He let go of her and walked toward the crowd, suddenly pulling Rachel to him. He looked at Quinn and nodded, as she realized that he was allowing her to have the dance with Rachel. Quinn smiled in return, before grabbing Rachel's hand. She led Rachel out to the center of the empty dance floor, shortly after they were joined by Alan and his date. The four of them soaking in the moment that would last forever.
Rachel leaned into Quinn, whispering in her ear. "Last year, Kurt was elected as a joke and this year the whole school wanted you to win. I think Kurt would be proud of how tolerant our school has become in just a year."
"A lot can change in a year, huh?" Quinn mused. It was true, sure the school mocked Kurt's being gay last year and sincerely chose an openly gay Prom Queen this year, but so much more had changed. Last year she and Rachel were still fighting over Finn. Idiots! Last year, she didn't know her daughter. Last year, she wasn't so completely in love. Last year, she so badly wanted to be Prom Queen. This year she was Prom Queen, and all she could think about was how happy she was to be dancing with her girlfriend.
"Congratulations." Rachel kissed her when the song was finished. "I am proud of you."
"Would I be a bad person if I said that this tiara really doesn't matter like I thought it would?"
"No." Rachel looked her in the eyes, once again reading her soul. "I'm glad you got it so you knew what if felt like. The fact that you realized you didn't need it, well, it's just icing on the cake." Then her eyebrow lifted and a dark smirk appeared on her face. "Plus, now I get to say that I'm dating the Prom Queen."
Quinn rolled her eyes and then kissed her girlfriend. "Dork."
When Rachel and Quinn entered their hotel room that night, Rachel was surprised to find the bed and entire floor decorated with rose petals. There were a few candles on the nightstands by the bed, enveloping the room with a hint of vanilla. Rachel turned toward her girlfriend.
"You did this?"
"I felt bad that your first time was something that was sort of scheduled and rushed. I wanted for it to be romantic. It was my first time making love as well, and as amazing as it was I always wished we could have done the cheesy romantic thing." Quinn flushed as she spoke.
Rachel embraced her girlfriend. "The first time was perfect; it didn't feel rushed or planned. And this isn't cheesy."
"I wanted this night to be perfect."
"It is."
"It will be." Quinn replied huskily as she led her girlfriend to their bed. Rather than forgoing the foreplay tonight, they took their time; worshipping each other's bodies, claiming every last part of them as their own in an attempt to memorize every piece of exposed skin. They wanted to remember the smells, the touches, as well as the sound of their names on the other's lips. They made love like that all night long.
The week after Prom, they were in Chicago getting ready to perform for National's. They stood backstage abuzz with excitement; they all knew that this was their last chance. This would be the last time they all performed like this, together. As they waited to go onstage, they relived the last three years that they spent together and realized how far they've come. Not as performers, but as people. And no matter what, win or lose, they had been through it together. They would always have each other.
The New Directions took to the stage for the last time. Rachel and Blaine performing the duet, 'Don't you wanna stay?' After witnessing their amazing chemistry during their performance of West Side Story, they gleeks unanimously voted on the two singing a duet together at National's. Their stage presence was undeniable, and they sang the song fabulously. They followed that performance with a mash up of Journey (for nostalgia) and The Doors. It turned out surprising well as they brought their audience to their feet.
Five hours later, they were all on a bus back to Lima; the large 1st place trophy taking up an entire row of seats. Quinn and Rachel cuddled together in the back of the bus.
"Soon, this will all be over." Rachel sighed into Quinn's embrace. Quinn wrapped her arms tightly around her girlfriend.
"Sure, the competitions and the hanging out with the club are done, but it has to end to make room for more." Quinn whispered, kissing the top of Rachel's head.
Rachel turned in her seat, looking up at Quinn. "I'm still going to miss this though."
"Me too, Rach." Quinn sighs into a kiss.
"And graduation in next week, then Kurt will be off to New York. And Brittany and Santana will be heading to California. Mercedes is going to Chicago, and Mike is off to Harvard."
"Do you regret not getting out of here?" Quinn asked anxiously.
"I'm still going to get out of Lima, Quinn. I'm just waiting till I can take you with me."
They shared a few kisses before Mr. Shuester came to break them up.
The week before graduation, Quinn led Rachel up to her bedroom. As soon as they walked inside the room, Rachel attacked Quinn passionately. Quinn eagerly returned the kisses, before pulling away. Rachel looked affronted.
"Rach, baby, don't worry I definitely want to continue doing some more of this." She emphasizes with a kiss and then pulls back away. "But I brought you up here to show you something." She turns Rachel around.
"What am I looking at…Quinn; you painted over your walls!" Rachel says as she walks to the one nearest her and runs her hands over the plain red wall.
"And it took like six coats of paint to completely cover up the black lyrics."
"But why you do it?"
"We're graduating Rachel, and I wanted to have a fresh start. Those words weren't me anymore, I wanted to start again." She leads Rachel over to the wall opposite them. Rachel sees a picture of the two of them dancing at prom after Quinn was crowned Queen. "I figured out what my first lyrics are going to be, and they'll go right under this picture."
Quinn reached over to her nightstand, and grabbed a sheet of paper. She shyly handed it to Rachel who immediately read it. As she read the words, a wide smile overtook her face. "Now I really wish I'd have gotten to sing that song to you."
"I was hoping you still would." Quinn said as she grabbed a paintbrush and dipped it in black paint. "And since you approve, would you do the honors?" She asked, handing over the paintbrush.
Rachel took the proffered brush and began painting Quinn's chosen lyrics.
"You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Every time I look at you
I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend."
After painting the words, Rachel carefully put the paintbrush away and took in the rest of the room. She noticed all the photos throughout the room. Most were of her and Beth, there were several of Santana, Brittany, and Quinn, and a handful of the rest of the glee club. As Rachel took in the room, she noticed how much lighter it seemed, it looked peaceful and happy; which meant that Quinn was peaceful and happy.
As she took in the room, Quinn studied her. After several minutes of quiet, Quinn tentatively stated. "So, one more week before graduation. Three more months until life happens. Are you still sure you don't want to go to New York?"
"Quinn, why does it feel like you're always trying to break up with me?"
"I just don't want there to be any regrets for you. I want you to be sure."
"I'm positive, Quinn. I'll keep telling you for as long as you doubt it, I want this. I want us."
"More than Broadway?"
"Quinn, I am Rachel Berry. I can have both." She says with a proud grin. Quinn doesn't look too convinced. "Do you need me to show you how much I love you, because that can be arranged?" Rachel adds with a cocked eyebrow before claiming Quinn's lips in the most passionate kiss she could produce.
Quinn moaned into the kiss before her hands found Rachel's hips, wrapping around the back end and grabbing firmly. Her movements elicited a moan from Rachel, which spurred Quinn to roughly grab her girlfriend's ass and lift her up as she walked them the short distance to the bed. This time was different for Quinn, almost needy; as she made love to Rachel rougher than she had ever done. Rachel's sounds of ecstasy were a welcome noise as Quinn did everything she could think of to pleasure her girlfriend. And when Rachel screamed her name, louder than she ever had before, Quinn smiled with pride.
Rachel knew this time was different. In some ways it was better, as she could feel how much Quinn needed to be inside her; to taste her. When she came, with Quinn still inside her, she knew that Quinn needed this. Quinn needed to know that Rachel needed her. When Rachel took her turn, she expressed her need for Quinn in much the same way. With every thrust of her fingers extracting a moan from her girlfriend, Rachel tried to convince Quinn that she wanted her more than anything. And in doing so she realized that she wanted Quinn even more than she ever wanted Broadway.
When they collapsed beside each other, breathing loudly and completely euphoric, Rachel whispered huskily. "I want you more than Broadway."
Quinn smiled and remained silent as she listened to their labored breaths keeping pace with each other. She turned to her side and embraced her girlfriend, who wordlessly melted into her arms. All she could think was that they had three amazing months of summer, where she intended on spending every waking hour with Rachel. And then when thinking of school starting up in the fall, and Rachel being two hours away, she couldn't find it in herself to worry. She had Rachel now, and Rachel had promised her forever. So until then, she'd just take it a day at a time.
Quinn's thoughts were interrupted when she heard Rachel quietly singing "My Best Friend," which she would forever refer to as their song. She listened contently, holding the other girl just a little tighter in her arms; breathing in her scent. Rachel would always be intoxicating to her.
Graduation Day arrived and the kids of New Directions realized that they wouldn't be able to see each other all the time. Over their three years in the club together, they recognized that they were not just friends but more importantly, family. Over half would be leaving McKinley in search of better things. Many of which existed beyond Ohio itself. This day was a bittersweet day for all of them. So when one of their own, Mike Chang, gave his Valedictorian speech about moving on and bringing the best of each other with them- well, even Santana and Puck had to wipe their eyes (it was allergy season after all).
After they tossed their caps, posed for pictures, and greeted their families; the gleeks congregated naturally to each other. Quinn, Brittany and Santana were chatting as Rachel was making her way through greeting and congratulating the rest of the club.
"Well, Q, we made it." Santana tried to sound nonchalant.
"There were a few times when I wondered if we would."
"I wish you were coming to Cali with us, the three of us hot bitches would rock that coast."
Quinn chucked. "We would. But I've sort of been sick of playing third wheel to you and Brittany."
Santana scoffed, but Brittany looked at Quinn concerned. "Rachel could come too; she looks hot in a bikini."
"You know, Q? I wouldn't even mind that. She sort of even outs your bitchiness. You're more tolerable when she's around."
"San's trying to say that she actually likes Rachel." Brittany explained.
"I know she does." Quinn smirked. "If I were going anywhere it'd be somewhere closer to Rachel. But Beth's here, I can't leave her."
"It's cool, we get it. It's just going to be different without the unholy trinity together is all." Santana shrugged.
"I know." Quinn smiled sadly. Rachel came skipping up to them, which Quinn found absolutely adorable.
"God, Dorothy skips and everything." Santana groaned.
Rachel didn't seem affected. Instead she greeted Quinn with a kiss and before she was able to greet Brittany, the girl wrapped her in a tight hug. "I'll miss you, Rachel!"
"I'll miss you too Brit." Rachel smiled when she regained the ability to breathe. Quinn embraced her from behind, holding her closely. Rachel's head fell back onto Quinn's shoulder easily.
"You guys make me nauseous." Santana remarked rolling her eyes, before addressing Rachel. "Well, Berry. This year has been tolerable. You didn't make me want to gouge my eyes out by looking at you and your voice was a lot less grating."
Rachel smiled brightly, before grabbing Santana in a hug. "I'll miss you too, Santana!"
Quinn stifled her laugh, while Brittany giggled excitedly. Santana forcefully extracted herself from Rachel's grasp. "I won't murder you for Quinn's sake because for some reason or another the bitch loves you. But if you ever do that again, I'll cut you."
Though Santana said it firmly, she was unable to keep the smirk off her face. Rachel took that as a victory. Quinn kissed her girlfriend on the cheek before whispering, "You're wearing her down. By Christmas she'll be begging for a hug from you."
"Fuck off, Q." Santana groaned.
Quinn smiled at her friend, before joining Rachel and mingling with the rest of the gleeks.
Rachel and Quinn were sitting on the bleachers at their (now former) high school. The rest of their friends had already left after they spent the evening on the football field recounting their memories over the past three years together. It was nearly dawn now, and they couldn't bring themselves to leave. They waited for the sun to come up, and then they walked back to Quinn's car hand in hand.
"Don't worry Quinn; we still have all summer with them. And even then, a few of them will still be around."
"I'll miss them. Santana and Brittany most, but I don't want to spend my whole summer with them, Rachel. I want to spend it with you." Quinn said, kissing her girlfriend as they reached the car. She opened the door and let Rachel climb in before walking around to the driver's side and getting in herself.
"Before you drop me off, I have something I've been waiting to give you." Rachel says, putting her hand over the keys; stopping Quinn from starting the engine.
"Before you do, can I give you my present first?" Quinn asked excitedly.
Rachel nodded, grinning widely. Quinn reached across Rachel into the glove compartment and pulled out a CD. "I finished composing some more songs and put down the tracks during that recording session you bought me for Christmas. I would have let you hear them sooner, but I wanted it to be a surprise. I want you to have something to remind you of me when you're gone, because you'll be all I'm thinking about."
"Quinn, I didn't even know you've been writing!" Rachel kisses her girlfriend before grabbing the CD and shoving it in the car's CD player. Quinn turned the key to allow the CD to play. Rachel leaned back in her chair and let the music overtake her.
They listened to one whole song before Quinn got impatient. "Come on Rach, I made this for you to listen to when I'm not with you. I'm getting a little self conscious here."
"But Quinn it's fantastic! You really have a talent." Rachel replied eagerly.
Quinn sighed loudly, causing Rachel to look at her in surrender. "Okay." Then Quinn turned off the key and silenced the music. Rachel spoke as soon as the music was off. "It's time to give you my present anyway."
She reached behind the seat looking for her gift, giving Quinn a clear view of her perfectly toned ass. She licked her lips hungrily. Before she was able to act on her urges, Rachel was back sitting upright. She was holding a small box, after opening it; she thrust it toward Quinn. Quinn was speechless as she stared at a ring; silver band identical to the one she gave Rachel for Christmas. The one Rachel hadn't taken off since.
"Quinn, I know you've been having doubts and I wanted to assuage them by once again pledging myself to you. I am yours Quinn, and by accepting this ring, you're choosing to be mine. I've never been so proud to claim something before. With this ring, I wanted to show you that I am in this. One hundred percent forever."
Quinn barely waited for Rachel to finish her speech before slipping the ring on, tears in her eyes. "Thank you." She kissed her girlfriend chastely. "But Rachel, who did you? You don't have a job…how did you?"
Rachel smiled triumphantly. "I sold my Barbara collection on eBay."
"Oh, Rachel." Quinn purred.
"Nothing means more to me than you."
Quinn attacked her girlfriend's mouth with vigor. They made out in the front seat of the car for awhile before Rachel reluctantly separated from the blonde. Quinn looked at her with confusion, but allowed the brunette to speak. "I've been thinking that the distance next fall might not be as bad as we thought. You see, since we've pretty much perfected the art of sexting; I thought we could move on to having phone sex."
Quinn stared at her girlfriend incredulously before acknowledging that although that sounded like fun, it was not nearly as appealing as having actual sex right now. So she reattached her lips to her girlfriend's before pulling away to whisper. "You talk too much." With that, she climbed into the back seat and pulled the brunette with her.
They made love, not harried or rough like they had last week, but with a promise of a future together. As they fell asleep in each other's arms, they were vaguely aware of the fact that they'd both be grounded when they finally made in home. Neither let that worry them as they allowed sleep take them. And when they both got banned from seeing each other for the next week, well, they just got an early start at perfecting the whole phone sex thing…
A/N: There is only one chapter left- though it's an epilogue. Hope you enjoyed this one. Please let me know any criticisms or suggestions or anything you want to say that can help me tell a better story next time. It's been fun.
I'd like to say thank you to all of you who have read this far it means a lot. And a special thanks to those who reviewed it along the way. The response was overwhelmingly positive for my first fanfiction ever!
All In by Lifehouse
I Can't Remember When by Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son
Bounce by The Cab
You and Me by Lifehouse
Don't You Wanna Stay? By Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean
My Best Friend by Tim McGraw