Thanks for the feedback, I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I truly appreciate what you guys think, so when you guys take the time to review it makes my day. I want to give special thanks to: HIsland429 who has constantly provided contribution for this story. I really hope you guys enjoy this update.
"I'm going to go look for Santana, and that cup of coffee." Ishmael said as he wiped away some tears from his eyes. He wanted to give the girls some space, and that was the first excuse that came to mind. Both Rachel and Quinn nodded but remained quiet as he stepped out. Rachel felt the urge to say something; she wanted to provide comforting words to sooth Quinn, but the fear of saying something wrong kept her from saying anything at all. All she could do was hold on to Quinn hoping that the embrace was enough to keep her wife near, where she belonged.
Quinn couldn't remember the last time she had felt so at peace. Rachel's arms had always been her save haven; they were the place she turned to whenever everything else seemed to be going wrong. It was that very set of arms that kept her afloat when the fear of drowning was like no other, when she found out that that same set of arms had been intimately wrapped around someone else it turned her world upside down. She didn't know where to turn; her shelter was no longer at home. Where could she go when her usual place for comfort was no longer available for her? The first thing she thought to do was to move out. She couldn't stand to look Rachel in the face much less share a home, and just the thought of sleeping in the same bed made her sick, so to finally be able to experience the serenity that came with being held by Rachel was a feeling she couldn't bring herself to describe. All she knew was that she finally felt safe, and didn't want the feeling to ever dissipate.
"Quinn as much as I take pleasure in having you in my arms, because I really do there really isn't anything more satisfying than the embrace of your body with mine" Quinn just smiled as she witnessed Rachel's customary ramble.
"Rach what is it? Just say it already."
"Would it be too much of an inconvenience for you to possibly scoot a little off my stomach, I still feel like I did a massive belly flop." She said with a pout.
"Say no more, I'm sorry I totally forgot." Quinn said with a smile as she turned to lie on her side instead of directly on top of Rachel.
"Don't apologize Quinn, I- I enjoyed this- I missed this"
"Me too" Quinn barely whispered before a slight knock interrupted them.
"Yo sorry to interrupt" Santana said as she made her way inside.
"I saw Ishmael outside and he said that you guys needed some alone time so I promise to make this quick." She said as she gave them both a wink, which caused both Quinn and Rachel to immediately turn a light shade of pink.
"Okay, so say it already." Quinn said with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"I need to go to the office for a couple of hours, but I don't want to leave you stranded so I was going to offer you a ride to pick up your car. Geez don't need to be so rude Quinnie." Quinn just rolled her eyes.
"No it's okay I actually spoke to Sugar a little while ago, and she offered to take me home to get freshened up, and get something to eat."
"Q are you sure?" Santana asked as she noticed Rachel's face go from blissful to dejection in an instant.
"Yea, it's really no problem. We had made plans to meet up for lunch, but after I told her about last night she offered to give me a ride."
"How are you feeling Rach?" Santana asked completely ignoring Quinn's lack of sensitivity.
"I'm okay I just need some rest…" She said sounding wounded.
"Do you want me to step out with San while you get some sleep?" Quinn asked, but all she got in return was a silent shrug.
"Q! Don't be ridiculous stay and keep her company." Santana said as she made her way towards Rachel to give her a warming kiss on her temple. Then she walked towards Quinn, and pulled her into a hug as she whispered "Really Q Sugar?" Quinn just arched her eyebrow in confusion as Santana reached for the door.
"I know you're supposed to get out later on today, but I'll still try my best to make it back ASAP."
"Thanks San, I really appreciate it."
Moments later Ishmael entered the room and instantly felt the tension. Rachel was facing the wall and Quinn was typing away at her phone, so she didn't notice his presence until she felt a firm hand on her shoulder.
"Shit! You startled me." She said as she jumped out of her chair.
"I'm sorry dear I didn't mean to." Ishmael said with a chuckle, and at that Rachel turned to face both her father, and Quinn.
"How are you feeling honey?"
"Fine" She let out a sigh before she continued.
"I just wish people would stop asking me that every second they got."
"Sunshine we only do it because we care."
"I'm aware of that, and I truly appreciate it- I'm just tired." After hearing his daughter's deflated tone he turned to Quinn with a questioning look.
"I asked her if she wanted me to step out so that she could get some rest, but she didn't say anything."
Rachel couldn't believe how clueless Quinn was acting, and it was really pissing her off. Did she really think that it would be okay for her to mention Sugar without it upsetting her? Quinn was well aware of how much Rachel detested Sugar, so seriously what was she even thinking accepting a ride from her?
"Quinn you can do whatever the hell you desire!" Rachel spat out.
"Rachel! I know you're not feeling well, but that still doesn't give you an excuse to behave that way towards Quinn. She has been nothing but great with you all this time, and she doesn't deserve to get all of that from you."
"Yea, well no one asked her to! It's not her obligation to be by my bedside. She is free to do whatever she wants."
"Really Rach? Is that how you really feel?" Rachel just stood quiet before she spoke. She was way past being angry, but the ball was on her court. Did she really want to send Quinn away, especially if the direction she would be sending her off to lead her to Sugar?
"Rachel I asked you a question! Does my presence here bother you? Do you need me to- leave?" Once again there was silence until Rachel faintly gave her an answer.
"No" there was no way she was going to hand Quinn over to Sugar.
"No- I don't want you to leave Quinn I just don't want you to feel obligated to keep me company."
"Rachel, I'm not here because I feel forced! I'm here because you scared the hell out of me, and I want to make sure that you're truly okay. I don't know where you get this whole obligated idea from."
Rachel just turned to her favorite wall in her hospital room. For some reason she found that staring at the wall made it easier to deal with what was going on around her.
"It's nothing Quinn, I just don't want to get in the way of any prior engagements you might have had…" Quinn let out a sigh as realization finally hit her.
"Does this have anything to do with Sugar giving me a ride?" Rachel just remained quiet. More than anything she wanted to jump out of bed and yell at the top of her lungs "YES!" Sugar was always to blame for everything, but somehow Quinn still didn't get it.
"No. Quinn I'm just tired, and not in the best frame of mind because of it."
Both Ishmael and Quinn knew that she was clearly lying, but didn't push her any further. She was already irritated and they didn't want to make things worse.
"Okay honey well just rest, don't mind Quinnie and I."
Ishmael said as he placed a kiss on his daughter's head. When he made his way back to his seat he noticed Quinn fidgeting in her chair as she held on to her right hand. She displayed a flushed look on her face which made it clear that she was experiencing discomfort.
"Quinn is something wrong?"
"No, it's just my hand" she winced in pain.
"I haven't had the chance to take my meds, and the ones they gave me last night are beginning to wear off."
Rachel perked her ears up as she heard the conversation between Quinn and her father, but remained in her same position, silently staring at the wall.
"Why don't you take them honey? Do you want me to go ask the nurse for some Tylenol, or something?" Ishmael offered expressing his concern, but Quinn just shook her head.
"No thank you, I'll be fine I just need to get something to eat before I can actually take them."
"Well go to the cafeteria sweetie, I'll keep Rachel company while you're away."
"Thanks, but I'm actually going to step out in a bit. I'm just waiting for a coworker to stop by so I can go home and freshen up."
At that Rachel let out a frustrated moan, which brought Quinn and Ishmael out of their current conversation.
"What is it Rach? Is your head hurting again? Do you need me to go get you some new ice packs?" Quinn asked as she got up to check on Rachel.
"No Quinn I'm just…"
"Tired!" Quinn interjected before Rachel used her being tired as an excuse yet again.
"Rachel really what's going on?"
"What's going on Quinn, are you really asking me that?"
Rachel had enough. She couldn't keep pretending that she was okay with the whole Sugar situation.
"Yes really! I already told you that if my presence here bothered you I could leave."
"No Quinn! What bothers me is the fact that you carelessly state that- that bitch's name in my company."
"Rachel!" Her father tried to cut in, but Rachel continued.
"No daddy! I've had enough, and I'm not going to act as if I approve of the interaction between my wife, and that woman, while I'm here in bed. That's not okay with me! It never has been, and never will be."She looked right at Quinn as she finished what she was saying. Just then Quinn's phone went off.
"Hey shug, yea she's doing better, and she should be discharged later on today. Thanks I'll let her know, and I'll be right down in five."
As she ended her short conversation with Sugar Rachel rolled her eyes as tears escaped from her dark brown eyes. It certainly didn't go unnoticed by Quinn, which genuinely hurt her, but she didn't know what to do so she just turned to her father in law.
"Okay well I'll be back in about an hour. I'm just going to shower, and pick up something to eat. Do you need me to bring you anything? Have you eaten?"
"Yes, Santana brought me a bagel with my coffee; just make sure that you eat something so that you can take your medication. Michael would be so upset if he knew you weren't taking proper care of yourself." He said with a stern look, but with a smile at the end of it.
"Okay I will, just give me a call if something comes up while I'm gone. I'll make sure not to be long, but in any case you have my number." She said as she walked towards the door.
"Quinn…" Rachel faintly called out
"Yea?"
"You don't have to be bothered with coming back; I can give Santana a call when I'm discharged." It pained Quinn to hear Rachel's subtle way of sending her off, but she kept sturdy, and brushed the words as if they were harmless.
"You're right Rach- I don't have to come back, but I will so just make sure to get some rest while I'm gone." She calmly replied as she walked out, and as soon as the door shut behind Rachel let out a loud sob. All Ishmael could do was take his daughter in his arms, and hold her tight.
Once outside Quinn heard a car horn go off, and sure enough it was Sugar signaling her to walk over. The moment she stepped into the car she was met with a warm embrace and a combined smell of cherries and cinnamon.
"You smell good shug!"
"Thanks!" Sugar smiled as she pulled away from their hug.
"How are you feeling hon? Oh my God what happened to your hand babe?" she asked the moment her eyes met the white cast wrapped around Quinn's right hand.
"Finn! Last night I ran into him at a bar, and before I knew it my fist was making contact with his face." She arched an eyebrow as the image of Finn's face brushed through her memory.
"What are you serious? Are you okay? He didn't dare touch you did he?" Sugar asked as she eyed the rest of Quinn's body cautiously letting her eyes set on her chest. Quinn was still in her red baby doll top so Sugar got quite the eye full. Noticing where Sugar's attention was directed Quinn self-consciously wrapped her arms around her chest.
"No I'm fine, he didn't get to do anything to me, and sadly I couldn't do much to him either because Puck was there to stop me before the bar's manager asked us to leave."
"Hon! I'm so sorry, but I'm glad nothing serious happened to you."
"Yea I know, and thanks I just wish there was a way I could somehow fast forward time to see where Rach, and I would end up. When Santana rushed in with her in her arms I swear everything inside me broke. I frankly don't know how I even made my way towards them because everything went numb. I'm surprised my legs didn't give up on me. I felt like my how world had stopped, and now- I just don't know what it all means."
"Well um- do you see yourself with her again- even after she cheated on you?" Sugar asked making sure there was an emphasis on the word cheated.
"I don't know shug, I mean I can't say that there isn't any part of me that doesn't want to get back with her. I still love her- I don't think that's something that can just go away from one day to another."
"But it hasn't one day Quinn, It's been six months! Don't you think you owe it to yourself to move on and be happy with someone else, someone who won't hurt you the way that she has." Sugar said as she turned to Quinn.
"The thing is Sugar- she and I- we have a story. We were friends before anything, and I don't think there's a way I can possibly forget that, and it wouldn't be fair for me to start anything with anyone knowing that Rachel still has my heart, and probably always will."
"So there's your answer! You do plan to get back with her!" Sugar shouted as she through her arms in the air, and Quinn let out a loud sigh.
"No, I didn't say that- things are just too complicated right now, and more than anything I just want to be there for her until I know that she's okay, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to move back in. I- I'm going to take it day by day and see where that leaves me."
"Well whatever it is that you decide just know you can count me. I'll always be here to help in any way that I can." Sugar said with a wink as she placed a hand on Quinn's thigh.
"Now shall we get something to eat, or do you want to freshen up first?"
Back at the hospital Ishmael tried as best as he could to comfort Rachel. Without saying anything he let Rachel cry until it drove her to sleep. It broke his heart that his daughter was going through so much pain, but he knew that in way she only had herself to blame. Over the years he and his husband had grown to love Quinn as if she was their own daughter, so it was difficult for them to deal with the whole situation without neglecting what the other needed. He felt Quinn pull away, but that only made him hold on tighter. He knew Quinn still loved Rachel, he could see it every time Quinn looked at her. The look of love was always in her eyes, he just hoped that it was enough for them to fix things and get back together. Nothing would make him happier.
After grabbing a quick bite to eat Sugar drove Quinn to her studio so that she could shower and get ready. After all the rushing she was doing Quinn forgot to take her towel in to the bathroom. She thought about possibly making a run for it, but Sugar was out in the open so she immediately canceled that idea out.
"Shug!" Quinn shouted from the bathroom door.
"Yea hon?"
"Can you do me a HUGE favor?"
"Yea sure thing babe, what is it?"
"Um- can you bring me my towel? I left it on my bed." She said as she whined at the end, how could she forget her towel?
The moment sugar heard that she couldn't contain the smile on her face. The idea of a very wet, and naked Quinn standing there was too much for her to handle. How Rachel managed to sleep with someone else when she had Quinn by her side was way beyond her. Once she had the towel in her hand she made her way to the bathroom, but instead of knocking she decided to open the door on her own, and what she was met with was nothing compared to what she had just imagined, nothing could do justice to the actual thing. Quinn was gorgeous. Her body was perfect, curves in all the right places. Her breast weren't huge but they were perky, and she could only imagine how great it would be to brush her tongue against them.
"Sugar!" She was brought of her thoughts the instant that Quinn yanked the towel out of her hands and wrapped herself with it.
"I'm sorry Quinn! I- I wasn't thinking, I just figured it would be okay to walk in and hand it to you. I didn't mean anything by it, and honestly you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You have an amazing body, and any girl would be lucky to have you, I mean it any girl would be lucky to have it." She said with a wink as she left Quinn to get dressed.
Quinn couldn't believe how blunt and open Sugar could be about certain things. Obviously Quinn had to change in a locker filled with naked women during her time as a Cheerio, but it wasn't something that she fully felt comfortable with. She always tried to be the last to shower, and when she didn't have time to wait she rushed through the process, so for Sugar to walk in on her really threw her off. Once Quinn had gotten dressed, and taken her medication both she and Sugar made their way to Sugar's car.
"Quinn are you okay? You seem a little tense." Quinn shook her head, but remained silent.
"Are you sure? This wouldn't have anything to do with me getting an eyeful would it?" She asked with a giggle as she raked Quinn's body with her eyes.
"Because as I said before you have a great body and have nothing to worry about."
"Sugar!"
"What? I'm just being honest with you! Is there something wrong we me admiring my friend's body? You obviously work hard to keep in shape, so isn't it the same as me complimenting a pair of shoes that you worked hard to obtain?" Quinn just shook her head and laughed.
"No! How can you compare my naked body to a pair of shoes?"
"Oh trust me there is no comparison." She said with a wink which resulted with Quinn's cheeks turning a fair crimson shade.
"Okay we end this conversation here." Quinn said as she reached the passenger side of the car.
"I mean it shug!" She said with an arched eyebrow.
"Whatever you say sweet heart" Sugar sing songed as she unlocked the car's door and made her way inside.
"So am I taking you straight to the hospital, or do we need to make another stop?"
"Um actually can you give me a ride to Rachel's I left my car there remember?"
"Oh that's right, so um I spoke to Mary and she asked about you. She said you had mentioned something about returning to work at the end of this week. Do you want me to let her know that that might not be the case anymore?"
"Yea I was actually thinking about asking for a couple of more days, because of Rach, but her dad is going to spend the rest of the week here, and Santana has promised to help as well so I think I should be making an appearance at the school tomorrow. Wonder if the kids have even missed me, on second thought I doubt that! I don't think they miss all those practice personal statements I make them write." She said with a laugh.
"You know those kids love you. They need someone like you to guide them and prepare them for what comes next, and I'm super glad you're coming back! I miss my lunch body" Sugar said with her 100 watt smile.
"You know Quinn- I don't think I have been able to really thank you for all that you've done for me, or- apologized." Quinn looked to Sugar with a bit of confusion.
"Apologize for what Shug? And really you don't have to thank me. That's what friends are for!" Quinn said with a smile.
"I know Quinn, but still. When everything between me and Rory happened I reached out to you, and I can't help but feel guilty for all the trouble that it caused in your marriage. If- I hadn't called you that night, you would have never gotten in that argument with Rachel, and she- she wouldn't have…"
"Enough!" Quinn shouted. She was about to go see Rachel. She didn't need for images of that night to invade her memory. All of that needed to be put aside so she could fully be there to help Rachel, and be there for whatever she needed.
"I'm sorry…" Sugar barely uttered.
"No, I'm sorry shug. I didn't mean to yell at you I promise it's just that as I said earlier everything is really confusing right now, and I really don't want to talk about that in this moment, but I assure you that you have nothing to be sorry about." Sugar just nodded and was silent for the rest of the car ride until they arrived at Quinn's parked car.
"Well here we are. Will you give me a call if you need anything? You know I'm here for whatever."
"Thanks shug, I really appreciate it, and I will. Plus I will see you tomorrow." Quinn leaned in to say her good bye and was met with a kiss just centimeters away from her lips.
"Okay well then I'll see you tomorrow love!" Quinn just nodded, and then made her way to her car.
I really hope you guys enjoyed this update, and I apologize for not updating as often as I said I would. I thought that being on break from school would mean that I would have more time to write, but somehow things always come up. I hope you all enjoyed your Holiday break and that this New Year has nothing but great things in store for you and all your loved ones. I will start school very soon, but plan on updating at least once a week. One of my new year's resolution is consistency so let's hope I stick to it lol. Please let me know what you think. Is there anything you guys want to see? I always look forward to your input. Also I got an anon message that said my updates weren't uploading. Are a lot of you guys having difficulties with this? Please let me know so I can look into it and fix it. Thanks guys!
-A girl I once knew