This will be the second to the last chapter of this story. I want to thank you all in advance for your support and favorites, follows, and reviews. It kept me motivated. I know this became so sudden but i have too many things to deal with right now. The explanation of the tv show basis of this story will be posted after the last chapter. Read it if you're interested to know. Thank you so much again! I love you. I want to still connect with all of you so if you like, message me your twitter or Facebook accounts. :)
It was Saturday morning when someone rang the doorbell of Rachel and Tina's apartment very early. Rachel wonders who the visitor might be. Tina was still fast asleep and she woke up really early because, well, after last night's talk with Quinn, she really can't contain her excitement for tonight. Their future depends on it and she can't screw it up. She couldn't stop thinking about the possible scenarios that are flooding inside her head about tonight, that's why she had not gotten some good sleep, but she was already prepared.
She stopped working out and did not bother to change clothes anymore because she doesn't want the visitor to wait. Besides, it might not be some stranger anyway. She went to the front door and looked at the peephole. She realized it was Santana that was waiting for her patiently outside the door. She was holding a box, and she nearly jumped in joy when she realized it was a box of pizza. She got hungry immediately.
She instantly got conscious with the way she looks. Would she really face her visitor looking like a wet mess? But either way, she did not run to her room back just to change, it was inappropriate for Santana to wait longer.
She opened the door slowly and put on a genuine smile as the door revealed Santana—still tan,beautiful, and sexy as ever. Santana has a genuine smile as well but when the girl noticed and realized that she was just wearing a black tank top and a very short shorts, Santana's smile faded and eventually she gaped at her without blinking.
She instantly turned crimson red and tried to cover her sweaty body with her arms. Santana blinked afterwards and looked at her sides, clearly avoiding the girl in front of her. Well, why hadn't she thought that Santana would react this way?
"Good morning, Rachel, but.. would you—would you mind changing for a while? It's just—it's really awkward seeing you dressed like that and you really can't blame me if-"
"Yeah! Yeah, I was about to excuse myself after I opened the door for you so—yeah, just wait for me here. I just don't want you to wait for long outside." She cut Santana off with pure embarrassment as she disappeared to her room very quickly just so she can escape the very awkward and embarrassing situation.
She quickly changed into sweatpants and a loose UCLA t-shirt and returned immediately to the living room to acknowledge Santana's visit. She missed her so much and she wanted to talk about everything that they had missed during those times that they hadn't talked or even acknowledge each other's presence. They hadn't really talked completely about their past.
Santana sighed in relief and smiled when she reached the living room. She stood in front of Santana and smiled at her too, happy of the development in Santana's life. She looks so happy right now and not stressed out.
"You should really change before answering the door with that attire earlier." Santana snapped at her.
She blushed in embarrassment again. "I'm sorry. I said I don't want you to wait longer."
"Not an excuse." Santana shook her head. "Anyone can wait."
"Yeah. I'll make sure to remember that next time." she shrugged her shoulders and gave up.
"Good." Santana stood up and glanced around her apartment. "Nice apartment. It's very neat and welcoming."
She grinned proudly. "The arrangement of the apartment was all Tina's idea, so you should say it to her instead of me." Santana smiled. "Do you want some coffee?" She asked and walked to the kitchen just a few meters away. Their apartment is not really big so they can really talk whether they are in different parts of the apartment. They had to be practical, apartment rentals are really expensive.
"Yeah, coffee's fine." Santana answered and followed her to the kitchen. Santana put the box of pizza she was holding over the table and sat on one of the chairs there. She eyed the pizza a little too long before shaking her thoughts out of her head. She immediately returned on making some coffee and sat beside Santana when she's done.
"Thanks." Santana answered with a smile when she gave her the cup of coffee. "Where's Tina? Off so early?"
She shook her head and took a sip on her own coffee. "No. She's still snoring in her room."
Santana chuckled lightly. "Why is Asian so freaking adorable? Delicious coffee, by the way."
"Thank you." She said proudly, that's one of her few talents, making some delicious coffee. "Ti's going to wake up soon, anyway, maybe after about an hour. She wakes up late at weekends."
"Oh.." Santana nodded in understanding. "Well, good for her. Rest day and all. You should take advantage of the weekends too."
"Yeah.." the atmosphere immediately became awkward as she struggled to think of a reason why Santana would be here. "So, um, what's up?"
"You mean what am I doing here?" Santana asked her and they both chuckled. Why was she feeling awkward anyway? Everything's fine between them already, there's no reason to feel uncomfortable.
"Well.. yes? I don't really expect you today—especially not this early." She answered and took another sip from her coffee. She wanted to eat the pizza already but she's really shy to open the box first. It made her feel hungry very early. She has to wait for Santana to open it just so she won't look like some hungry freak.
"I'm here for a visit." Santana simply answered.
She nodded in understanding. "That's quite obvious."
Santana cleared her throat and suddenly the air between them became serious. "Well, I just—I wanted to talk about.. about random things with you. We haven't really gotten that much time to talk when we last met so.."
"Yeah, to be honest I want to talk to you some more that night, but I don't want Andie to think that we're doing something nasty inside the bathroom.." she trailed off and they both blushed when they realized that she actually implied a bathroom sex. She shook her head quickly. "So yeah.. I was actually planning to visit you soon anyway. I was just busy and all. "
"Rachel, I told you it's fine with her. She understands. She also thinks that we need to talk about that." Santana finished her coffee and put the cup aside.
She nodded slowly. "She's really a nice girl, Santana. I hope it works with her. She's really a very understanding person." She complimented.
Santana smiled sweetly and proudly. "She really is, and I hope so too."
She reached for Santana's hands and squeezed it gently to show how happy she is for her. "I'm so proud of you. You're still special to me, just like before, Santana, nothing has ever changed."
"You are special to me, too, and will always be." Santana squeezed her hand back. "I missed you a lot though. 4 years of not talking and hanging out was fucking hell."
She sighed and rolled her eyes playfully, trying to make the conversation lighter. She doesn't want to bring back the topic with both of them feeling miserable. They had both moved on, they needed to get over it. It's another step of their lives.
"Oh my god, yes, I wonder what you've been up to." She answered and they both chuckled.
"I didn't really hang out that much. I focused on studying but I partied at least once a month." Santana opened the box of pizza and handed her a slice, she did not hesitate getting it from the Latina's hand, then she quickly took a bite. Finally. Her mind says.
"Mercedes told me about that, and I was really proud of you because of that, although I wished that one day you would ask me to hang out with you again." She answered while chewing.
Santana laughed at her adorable gestures. "Yeah, Cedes told me she 'reports' to you about me every once in a while. I didn't argue anymore because you were still my friend. And I was glad that you were asking about me."
She smiled sadly as she remembered those times that she really wanted to know about Santana badly but she will only get a report from Mercedes but not a visual answer. However, she still believed that what happened between her and Santana was worth it. They were both doing fine now. They had nothing to worry about anymore. Things are already clear. Happiness is already on its way to their lives. Maybe if they didn't stay away from each other, all of this would not happen.
"But it was all worth it, right?" she asked Santana with a soothing tone.
Santana nodded slowly. "Yes, it was. I was really happy when I learned that you were all moving here. Right then, I realized that maybe it's finally time to clear things out between us and everything. I mean, we're not in high school anymore, for God's sake! About damn time!"
She laughed along with Santana. "So.. how had you been all those years?"
Santana's laughs turned into a small smile as she thought of the things she may have gone through. "Well.. I was really miserable inside, to be honest."
"Oh.." Her smile faltered and was exchanged by a sad and guilty expression. "I'm sorry, Santana. I'm sorry I made you feel that way."
Santana glared at her playfully and shook her head. "No, Rachel. We're done with the apologizing part a long time ago, right? I never hated you. Never. I had no reason to."
"But you were miserable.."
"It's normal for me to feel that way. I mean, when you're heartbroken you feel miserable and depressed, right? Like nothing's making sense in your life, like you're moving and breathing for nothing.."
She nodded in agreement. That was exactly how she felt when she lost Quinn. They were both feeling that way, and it really hurt. It feels like you're dead, but still has to live because it's not yet your time.
"I know.." she answered shortly.
"Don't worry, Rachel, I never even thought about committing suicide or anything of that sort." Santana joked and they both chuckled. "So you don't have to feel guilty and sorry."
"Yeah, but I'm still glad you found Andie." She answered with a smile. "She doesn't hate me, does she?"
"No! God, of course not!" Santana quickly answered. "She finds you pretty, hot, and adorable that night. She said that she can't blame me for falling in love with you, and joked that she would, too."
She grinned proudly and widely. "Wow. I like her already!"
"Well, I'm also glad that the whole clique adores her. It wouldn't be good if you disliked her, right?"
She reached to touch Santana's shoulders and gently rubbed it. "Everybody likes her, Santana. And I'm sure they're also happy for you. Tina said they were all affected by our.. you know, separation. They're glad that you have already moved on."
Santana just nodded and held her hand that was holding her shoulder. "I hated that they felt that way, though."
She shrugged. "It's all in the past, Santana, don't worry about it." Santana smiled. "So.. tell me something about Andie."
"What would you like to know?" Santana asked and grinned.
She got another slice of pizza from the box, unable to resist herself. Her workout this morning already seemed nonsense. She just can't let go of this heavenly food. It was all Santana's fault. "How did you two meet?" she asked.
"Oh.." Santana cleared her throat. "She and I met two years ago. We were lined up together for the job interview. She was seated beside me but I wasn't paying any attention to her."
She scrunched her eyebrows. "Why not? She's strikingly beautiful."
Santana shrugged. "Eh, I was busy that day thinking of possible interview questions."
She chuckled. "You're a snob." Santana only rolled her eyes. "So.. what did she do? Did she talk to you or something?"
Santana grunted upon remembering Andie's first approach to her. "Oh my god, you wouldn't believe it, Rachel." Santana responded.
She suddenly got curious and encouraged Santana to talk even more. "Tell me about it!" she exclaimed.
"She offered me an opened bottled water and said that I needed it because I looked really nervous, but I declined in a not-so-nice manner and told her to mind her own business, but she did not get the hint that I don't want to talk to someone at that moment so she offered the drink again being so stubborn and literally begged me to accept it because seeing me nervous made her feel nervous too, that's what she told me." Santana states with an excited voice.
"That's so sweet of her. It's also funny and adorable how you two met." She commented.
"That's not even the interesting part, Rachel."
She got curious again and leaned forward a little to listen to Santana intently, suddenly ignoring another slice of pizza that was begging to be noticed.
"What is it, then?" she asked with too much curiosity.
Santana gulped the pizza she was chewing and spoke. "So when she offered me the water the second time, I slapped her hand away and my hand accidentally hit the bottle so the poor bottle landed on the ground and the water splashed all over my skirt. I was so mad at her. I was growling at her the whole time, not caring about the other interviewees there."
She widened her eyes in amusement. That's a very funny and interesting story. "Oh my god! What did you do, then? What about your interview?" she asked.
Santana shook her head while chuckling. "I ran to the restroom trying my best to dry my skirt with the freaking hand dryer, but it wasn't successful. Then I realized that she followed me and she said sorry. I told her there's nothing she can do about it anymore and that I will curse her forever and pray for her to die as soon as possible."
"Wow. You must've really hated her that day. But it was quite funny." She responded with a laugh.
"I know, but I was really pissed that time. There was silence for a while then she suggested that we can exchange skirts."
"Crazy, but thoughtful." She replied coolly.
Santana laughed again. "Yeah. I told her she was crazy but she said she was serious since we almost have the same size. I agreed and we quickly exchanged skirts and went out of the restroom. People gave us strange looks but whatever. She begged the secretary if she can be interviewed last and luckily the girl agreed and put her last in line." Santana smiled again upon remembering that moment.
"What happened to your interview, then?"
Santana sighed. "It went well. After the interview I quickly dragged her to the bathroom so we can exchange skirts again. She said sorry again but I just told her to back off because the damage has already been done. I was hired after a week but was really surprised when I started my first day because she was there too!"
"That must have been hell for you?" she asked not being able to resist her laughter.
"Yeah! It really was, and we were also assigned together. We never talked about the interview anymore, though, but we constantly fight privately about little things that we're supposed to do together. I mean, at first we never really shared a really good atmosphere."
"Funny how the things worked out between you two.."
"Yeah, we've been constant enemies for, like, three months?"
"Tell me about the evolution of your relationship." She suggested and got another slice of pizza. Interesting topics comes with interesting foods anyway. It makes her feel energized.
"Whenever there is a weekend party with our colleagues, we were always left together since we don't have any boyfriend or girlfriend, I don't know. I really don't know that time if she's gay or not. But since we're always left together, we have no choice but to talk. As time passed by we learned about each other's family background, high school stories, exes—it was confirmed that she's gay—and many more."
"What a beautiful fairytale you got there, Lopez!" she exclaimed.
Santana shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "I didn't really expect it."
"It was very beautiful."
"Yeah, we started off as friends. I considered her one of my best friends there, we hang out all the time, nothing intimate, just friends. But then six months ago she confessed that she really likes me from day one and that she loves all of the attention she gets from me even if it's hate, and then things go from there." Santana finished.
She finished her slice of pizza and squeezed Santana's hands. "And I hope that it will never end, Santana. You two are perfect for each other."
"Yeah.." Santana stood up from her seat to march to the living room. She sat on the couch once she got there.
"Do you love her?" she asked Santana curiously and blasted some morning music from her player.
Santana shrugged. "I can't figure it out for now but.. I really, really, really like her, and maybe I will fall in love with her soon."
She nodded. "I understand."
There was silence again, both of them just humming along the music that was playing. Suddenly, Santana cleared her throat and started speaking. "So.. what about you? Any progress?"
She was startled by Santana's question but realized that she wanted to share to Santana everything that has happened between her and Quinn. Santana needs to know that she doesn't have to worry about her anymore because she was already doing fine as well. She was just as happy as Santana is now. She can't be thankful enough to God that this happened.
She nodded excitedly at Santana, tears of joy already forming in her eyes. "We've met. After 4 years, Santana, after four freaking long years, we've finally met."
Santana hugged her excitedly and with a hint of surprise in her gestures. She knows that the Latina was very happy for her. It's so beautiful that they were both happy now.
"Really? Where? When? How?!" Santana asked her with uncontrolled excitement.
They pulled out of the hug and she started speaking. "At the bank. On my first day. She was my first client. I was really shocked but I had to control my emotions since it was my first day, but hell, I missed her so much, and she's still so beautiful."
Santana smiled widely. "That was really unexpected, Rachel! What did she say? Did she talk about.. about.."
"That's another thing, Santana. I learned that my parents did everything." She answered with anger in her voice.
Santana looked at her with confusion plastered all over her face. "What?! What do you mean?"
She shook her head feeling disappointed and angry all over again. "They are the ones who told Quinn's parents that we've been dating for years already. They insulted Quinn and Quinn's parents got mad with the idea of Quinn dating me so when we got there they told me that Quinn was married, but she was actually not. All these years, that's what we believed, but it was all a fucking misunderstanding."
Santana was constantly shaking her head disbelievingly. Anger becoming evident in her features as well. "Sorry to say this but, I literally want to kill your parents right now."
"I know.. I want to as well."
"Have you done anything about it yet?"
She nodded. "I went there last week and ended everything between us. I told them they don't have a daughter anymore."
"They deserve it, Rachel. You should've known a long time ago."
"I wish I had."
"Does Quinn know everything about it? She must've experienced hell as well these past few years, I think that of all people, she's the one who deserves answers." Santana asked her curiously.
She knows that. She actually knows that. Quinn deserves answers that's why she's going to give them to her. She must've had hurt Quinn so bad, and she can't imagine being on the girl's position, how she suffered with confusion as to why she lost the love of her life just like that.
It was never Quinn's fault. It was actually hers. If only she let Quinn explain that summer when she was 18, they would easily find out about the truth, but she didn't, and she regret that decision so bad. She was really a selfish idiot.
She was hurting and she didn't want to hear any more explanations. She was so mad at Quinn, and just knowing that the reason she held on to for years makes her feel really bad. The love Quinn has for her is undying, and she really regret the fact that she didn't notice that for years. Or maybe she just tried so hard to not notice it.
She shook her head as her answer to Santana's question. "But I'm going to tell her tonight. It's also my fault, Santana. We both know that we really love each other, but I was a fool to not entertain that. I really should've let her explain." She felt her chest hurting.
Santana went to hug her and mumbled that everything's going to be fine. "Quinn will understand, Rachel. You see, she still waited for your answers all these years, I'm sure she would forgive you."
She wiped her tears away and smiled sadly at Santana. "Yeah, I hope so, and I also believe that she would. We love each other. She's my soul mate."
"That's quite obvious. Destiny played both of you really well." Santana smiled and rubbed her back. "I ship you two."
"I actually have a plan tonight."
"What is it?"
She shook her head. "I haven't told anyone about it yet, only Tina. But, I will inform you about it once it's done."
Santana only nodded in understanding and did not push for more information. "Good luck, Rachel, whatever it is."
"I really hope this is it, Santana. I can't imagine how my life would be if I lose her again, now that I know the truth." She continued.
"Don't think about losing her again, Rachel. Just think that it will never, ever happen again, okay?" Santana answered.
She nodded. Santana's right. She can't lose Quinn again. She will do everything for it not to happen ever again. Her big plan should be a success, it should be, because if not, then that will be the end between her and Quinn.
They continued talking for a while until Tina wakes up and they all agreed to hit the mall for a while as Rachel waits patiently for 7PM to arrive.
Rachel nervously drove the streets of New York until she reached the address that Quinn sent her. It was 6:45 PM already. She was sweating really hard, thinking if this night will end well between her and Quinn. She reached for her pocket and held her gift for Quinn tightly. This gift will mean everything to them, especially to her. Their future will depend on this.
She took a huge breath and got out of the car, taking the bouquet of cream and red tulips with her. She thinks that it was the time that she has to do this with Quinn. For the past years, Quinn has served as the 'man' in their relationship, but now, she isn't anymore. She needs to make up to Quinn, she has to be the one responsible for those things now, and she's more than willing to do that.
She rang the doorbell nervously and she heard Quinn already shuffling behind the doors. She smiled genuinely as she pictured images of Quinn rushing inside her apartment.
"Wait a second, Rach!" Quinn yelled. She smiled again and taps her right foot as she waited for Quinn.
"What are you doing, Quinn?" she asked resisting a chuckle. She was glad that her nervousness is lessening even a little bit.
After about a minute, Quinn opened the door while panting heavily and also holding a bouquet of flowers really identical to the one she was holding. Quinn's smile turns into a shock when the girl realized that she also bought a flower for her. Well, she has the same reaction, though.
"R- Rach, you didn't need to—"
"YOU didn't need to. I was the one taking you somewhere, so why do you have flowers for me?" she asked, amused by what was happening. This is adorably awkward.
Quinn got out of her apartment and locked it behind her before turning to face her again, now smiling. "I always have flowers for you, remember?"
She nodded in agreement. "I know, but.. Well, I also got these for you." She said and handed the flowers to Quinn, Quinn gladly accepted it with a huge smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes.
"Thank you. These beautiful flowers are for you, too." Quinn said while giving her the bouquet of tulips. She also gladly took it and they stared at each other with amusement.
After a while, they both laughed out loud because of the situation. Who would really think that this would happen? As their laughs lowered down, they never broke eye contact with each other as they stood outside Quinn's door without moving.
"You—you are amazingly beautiful, Quinn. You look like a goddess." She spoke while studying Quinn's features in front of her.
Quinn blushed, and she finds it really adorable that their roles are reversed tonight. Quinn is the one blushing now, she is the one taking Quinn out on a date now, she is the one doing all these things now and it felt really amazing.
"But you are gorgeous, Rach. You are still the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, even after all these years." Quinn told her with sincerity, pride, and a hint of sadness. "That's no joke."
She smiled and offered her hand to Quinn, Quinn gladly took it and they walked hand in hand until they reached where her car was parked. She let go of Quinn's hand to open the door for the girl but she was surprised that Quinn kept on walking to the driver's side.
"Where are you going?" she asked with confusion.
"I'm opening your door for you, silly. Now come here." Quinn answered her playfully as she reached the handle in the driver's side door.
She immediately shook her head and dragged Quinn back to the passenger's side, stopping her from opening the driver's door.
"You can't do that tonight, Quinn. You're breaking my plans." Quinn frowned adorably like a kid. "You're the princess tonight. I'm supposed to do all of those things."
"But it was my task and I love doing it." Quinn countered.
She shook her head as she opened the door of the car. "Not yours tonight. Now, get in."
Quinn just grinned and rolled her eyes playfully as she hops inside the car. She closed the door on Quinn's side and walked to the driver's side. She opened it and smiled shyly at Quinn once she settled herself in the driver's seat.
"So.. where are you taking me?" Quinn asked with curiosity in her voice and a light chuckle.
She watched Quinn as the girl continued to laugh. God, how she missed Quinn laughing like this. She was just really happy that she was still the reason behind these heavenly laughs that Quinn is letting out. She wished to witness it forever. Forever, no matter what happens.
"I.. Um, do you want some pizza?" she asked Quinn. She actually wants to take Quinn to a restaurant bar because she has something really important to say and show the girl, but she figured that it was too early right now for that. Dinner is really unplanned, but whatever, she has to do this. Her surprise has to be done tonight. By the end of the night, she must be able to call Quinn hers.
Quinn huffs and shook her head adorably and spoke. "I thought you have planned all of this already?"
"Well.. not- not all of it exactly." She answered shyly and broke eye contact with Quinn. Feeling really embarrassed.
Quinn reached out to touch her shoulders hesitantly and squeezed it. "Rach, it's fine. I actually want to eat pizza right now. It's been forever since I last ate that."
She started grinning like a child and looked at Quinn again. "Really?"
Quinn smiled. "Yes, really. So start driving now because I'm starving. I didn't eat lunch."
"Why not?"
"I was excited for tonight." Quinn answered simply and she smiled again for the nth time that night.
"I am, too, Quinn. Very, very excited." She answered and started driving while talking to Quinn things about work and how they got to New York.
She sighed once they reached Pizza Hut because this means another slices of pizza are about to make their way now inside her pathetic body.
She took a moment to look again at Quinn and realized that the girl has her mouth dropped in amusement as she stares at the name of the pizza place they went to.
She grinned proudly and got out of the car to open Quinn's door for her. She offered her hand to Quinn but she realized that Quinn wasn't moving yet, or doesn't plan to move anytime soon.
"Quinn? Let's go." She asked Quinn, her hand still holding out.
Quinn jumped in surprise and blinked rapidly before looking at her and taking her hand hesitantly. She actually definitely knows what was going on inside Quinn's head. It was intentional.
"I'm sorry." Quinn finally began to talk as they walked hand in hand inside the pizza place to look for a booth. She instantly saw a vacant spot and guided Quinn there, treating her like a princess, which is what she actually deserves.
"Why are you apologizing?" she asked and said their orders to the waiter.
Quinn shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe because I zoned out earlier?"
"You apologize for that?" she chuckled.
"Because.. because I wasn't supposed to. I'm sorry. I was just overwhelmed by all of this."
"I know." She laughed lightly again. "Well, do I have your full attention now?"
"Definitely." Quinn answered almost immediately.
Her laugh soon turned into a small smile and it became serious after a while. She suddenly realized what this date actually means to both of them. They had to talk. They have to clear things right now. She has to tell Quinn that everything was just a misunderstanding, and that she still loves her so much. No words can describe how much she loves her, and she can also feel that Quinn loves her just as much.
"I know what you were thinking earlier." She started.
Quinn furrowed her brows but relaxed it after a while. "That I remember this place? That it wasn't exactly that place but they look the same? That this was also that place that connects us from the very start?" Quinn asked with a smile.
She can't help but smile as well as she remembers the first time she and Quinn ate together at another branch of Pizza Hut back in her hometown eight years ago. That was already quite a long time but the whole scenario is still very clear to her. Quinn's look that has never really changed. She still is a very beautiful human being.
"Yes. The first time we met. I was really happy that time, Quinn. It's not very clear why, but you made me feel good that night. It was a lot of fun." She answered.
"I did?" Quinn asked even if she clearly knows what was the answer, she found it adorable though.
"Yes, you did. I already told you that. Also that night." She replied with a genuine smile.
Quinn did not answer anymore. Instead, the girl looks at her and stares at her lovingly. It's like Quinn is making her feel her emotions through her eyes, and the girl never failed to do so. She was actually feeling it. She was actually feeling how much hurt Quinn has inside her body that she was just trying to hide. Quinn demands answers, right now.
"I miss you, Rach. I miss you so much." Quinn started and she sighed. They are about to have the conversation now, and it was already making her extra nervous. "Every day of my life, I never stopped thinking about you. Thinking about- about how you were doing, if you already have someone new, or- or if you are still thinking about me the way I think about you, how you look, everything, Rach. Every single thing that we shared never left my mind.. and- and my heart." Quinn told her with so much sincerity in her voice but she can see that her lips were also trembling.
She started to tear up but was trying so hard to resist it. "Quinn, I'm—I'm really sorry.."
Quinn held her hand even when their orders already arrived. She suddenly lost her appetite. "What really happened, Rach? I just—I want to know everything. I want to clear my head from—from all of these questions flooding through my mind.. I want to understand everything."
She took a deep breath and caught Quinn's gorgeous eyes that were clearly confused and sad. "Quinn.. all of the things that happened between us—during my eighteenth birthday.. they were all—they were all a misunderstanding."
Quinn was suddenly shocked and confused upon hearing her response. "What—what do you mean a misunderstanding, Rach? All of those years were just a misunderstanding?" Quinn asked looking really concerned and confused.
She slowly nodded and looked down on her food. "I accused you of something that—that you didn't really do, but I thought that you did that something. I'm very sorry, Quinn. I hope you can forgive me. It was also my fault because I didn't trust you enough but.. but I was also a victim. I was so hurt that I couldn't even last talking to you without getting hurt even more.." she said and tears finally started to roll down from her eyes to her cheeks silently.
"Oh no, Rach, don't cry.." Quinn immediately went to wipe her face with worry. "Please.."
She sighed one more time and continued speaking. "I really regret everything that I had decided to do that time, Quinn. All my life, I regret it.."
"What happened? I don't understand. Which parts are the misunderstanding parts?" Quinn asked again and squeezed her hands that she never even let go since they got there.
"When you didn't come on time during my eighteenth birthday—"
"I was working on my final project, Rach, I swear I wanted to come to your birthday badly.." Quinn cut her off.
She knows that. Quinn told her, but she did not listen, she did not believe, she did not let her explain, and that was the biggest regret she has in her life.
She nodded. "I know, Quinn, I know you wouldn't abandon me like that. That's why I went to your house in Kentucky—"
"You did? But I wasn't living there that time anymore! And what did my parents tell you?" Quinn cut her off again and asked.
"Quinn, let me finish first, please. It's really hard for me not to say all of it at once." She told Quinn and tightened her hold in the girl's hand, as if her life depends on it.
Quinn relaxed a little bit and sighed before nodding. "Okay.. but I want you to know that whatever the reason behind everything is, I'm not going to get mad at you or anything, okay? Don't worry."
She looked at Quinn in surprise and in relief. "Quinn.."
"I love you, Rachel. I've been waiting for this moment to come since that summer during your eighteenth. I can't let this one go, I can't let you go again.. I love you so much."
She shook her head. "Quinn.."
"Now, tell me everything that has happened."
"I met your dad when I went in Kentucky. I asked him where you are and I introduced myself. But then, the instant he knew my name, his expressions changed, it got me confused, but now the reason's already clear. He then told me that.. that you were—that you were.."
"That I was what?" Quinn asked in confusion.
"That you were married.. for a year.. to- to Brittany." She finished.
Quinn's eyes widened and her mouth hangs open. She started shaking her head slowly and disbelievingly. "Wh—what?! He told you that?!"
She nodded. "I'm sorry, Quinn.. I'm sorry if I didn't trust you enough not to believe what he said. I didn't know.. He was your dad and he looks so certain that time, so I believed him, I thought he was oblivious of who I really am in your life so.. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Quinn." She answered with tears falling from her eyes.
Quinn shook her head and immediately went beside her and hugged her tightly. She instantly felt safe in Quinn's arms and she inhaled the sweet scent of Quinn as she cries. "It's okay.. Rach. Stop crying.."
"I didn't know, Quinn.. Why didn't you tell me that he kicked you out?"
"We don't have contact that time, Rach, and it doesn't really bother me. My dad is a pure evil. I can't believe he told you that. I can never forgive him." Quinn answered with pure hate in her voice.
"There's—there's a reason why he told me all of those things, Quinn.." she told Quinn and looked up in her eyes as she spoke her words.
"What do you mean, Rach?" Quinn asked her with constant confusion and sincerity in her features.
She gulped and wiped her eyes before speaking. "My dad made him do it. He saw us during our 17th birthday on that bench. He immediately went to Kentucky to tell your parents about it."
Quinn let the tears fall from her eyes as well and the girl hugged her. "I tried to respect your father, Rach.. I'm sorry but.. but I hate him just as much."
She nodded. "You don't have to apologize, Quinn."
"I seriously want to kill them right now."
She sniffled. "I'm sorry, Quinn. I'm sorry that you have to suffer because of me. I never thought that it will end up like that. I'm sorry that you suffered like that in San Diego.. Brittany told me. I feel really guilty. Please forgive me.. You don't know how much I regret all of it now."
Quinn shook her head immediately. "Rach, no. I understand. I'm not mad at you. And about those things that Brittany told you? It was never your fault. NEVER. It was mine. I chose to live that life, and never did I have any complaints about it. I chose that life because I love you so much and because I wanted to give you a good future."
Pool of tears fell from her eyes again. It was really amazing and almost impossible how much love Quinn has for her, and she exactly feels the same.
"I love you too, Quinn.. It has never changed." She answered with so much sincerity.
"Really? Even after you thought I was married to Britt?" Quinn asked her childishly.
She nodded and smiled at Quinn. "I was mad. I was mad because I still feel the same even after knowing that you played with my feelings.."
"How about now that you know I didn't really lie to you?" Quinn asked playfully.
She chuckled lightly. "I love you even more, if that's even possible."
Quinn immediately grabbed the sides of her head and crashed their lips together with a little force, probably because of excitement and happiness they were both feeling.
She closed her eyes and savored Quinn's lips attached to her own. Those lips that can always make her feel like floating because of happiness. It's amazing how Quinn's kiss can be her only life dependence. Just by kissing Quinn, she can already see her future, their future. And this time, she's not going to let this one go. Never. She's not going to be an idiot again.
"Thank you so much, Quinn. Thank you for not being mad at me, for understanding me.." she spoke as they pulled out from the kiss.
Quinn kissed her hand and looked at her with so much passion in her eyes. "I love you so much, Rach, and I will just waste another opportunity to be happy if I will act immaturely by getting mad at you. I was hurt, yes, but the hurt is already gone. I understand why you did all of those things."
"How can you be so kind and understanding, Quinn?" she asked with amusement and kissed Quinn one last time. "I'm so happy you're not mad at me."
"What about your parents, Rach?" Quinn asked her and kissed her head, she sighed in relaxation.
Tears of joy are already flowing from her eyes. "I already talked to them and broke all my contacts and responsibilities with them. I can't let them dominate and run my life again. They made our lives hell. They made us hurt each other with wrong reason. I can never let that happen again. Never. We're done." She answered with strong conviction.
Quinn held her in both shoulders tightly. "It's over now, Rach. We already know the truth. We will start our lives together again, without them, okay? We can do this, I promise."
"I believe you." She smiled and kissed Quinn one last time. "I'm taking you somewhere."
Quinn furrowed her brows in confusion. "So this is not yet that 'somewhere'?"
She shook her head and grinned proudly. "Not yet. Come on. Come with me. It's a surprise." She stood up and dragged Quinn's hands.
Quinn hesitated for a second. "What about our pizza? It's still untouched." Quinn motioned to their perfectly untouched pizza.
"We'll take them out this time." She simply answered.
"Okay." Quinn nodded. "Well, I'm going to the restroom for a while."
She agreed and kissed Quinn before sitting on her seat again. She stared at the box of pizza and kept on thinking about her plans once they reached the resto-bar when suddenly, an idea popped into her mind. This idea will make her plan even more meaningful.
She looked around for a while if anyone is coming her way or if Quinn is on her way back to their table. When she was certain that Quinn is not yet done retouching or whatsoever, she opened the box carefully, not wanting any evidence to show up that she opened it, then she pulled out the box of ring from her pocket and opened it.
She got the ring from the box and slowly stuck it to one of the slices of pizza in the box. When she was certain that it was not going to flow out easily, she closed the box again and waited for Quinn to return and pretending that she hasn't done anything.
She was still grinning widely when Quinn returns. She stood up and held the box of pizza and started walking hand in hand with Quinn.
"What are you grinning about, huh?" Quinn asked with a smile but also with curiosity.
"Nothing!" she denied and handed Quinn the box of pizza as she opened the door of her car in the passenger's seat. Quinn hops in and put the box of pizza on her lap.
She settled herself in the driver's seat and started the car.
"So where are we going? I assume this one's already planned." Quinn asked her.
"Somewhere quite similar to where we first met." she hinted.
"Oh, exciting!"
She laughed lightly. "To a resto-bar. And yes, it's what I have exactly planned a week ago."
She can see that Quinn was surprised from the side of her vision. "Why? Any particular reason? I have one reason in my mind, though."
"Let's hear it."
"No. Let's hear yours." Quinn argued.
She sighed. "I don't have to say it anymore, Quinn. We both know what it is."
"It will be perfect if you'll reveal a PSP in front of me later." Quinn teased and she blushed in embarrassment.
"Don't make fun of me. I love my PSP."
Quinn chuckled. "Yeah, but you can't beat me. Your gadget's not really loyal with you."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Whatever. We are going to have a rematch soon. It's been too long."
"You bet." Quinn laughs again and they continued to talk until they reached their destination.
Once again, it was she who opened Quinn's door for her when they got there. Quinn wanted to do the same for her but she didn't let her.
"Bring the pizza." She reminded Quinn just before the girl gets out of the car.
"Why?" Quinn asked in confusion.
"I want to eat it inside." She simply answered.
"We can eat it when we get home. Just order something that this restaurant sells. It's offensive to eat something that's not their product when we get inside."
She shook her head and reached beside Quinn to get the box herself. "If you're not going to bring it, I am."
Quinn got out of the car and sighed loudly. "Fine. Let me hold it."
She smirked and closed the car door. "Thank you."
They sat on the table very near to the stage because that was part of her plan. As time goes by she was getting extremely nervous and shaky.
"Is something wrong?" Quinn asked her worriedly once they were already seated. "You're shaking. Do you want to go home?"
"No. I'm okay." She shook her head quickly. "I just—I remember the first time we met."
Quinn's worried expression turned into a loving one as she remembers that time they met at a place quite similar to this one, expect that place was completely a bar, but this one's a little more cozy. She remembers when she was still innocent and when they both had no idea that they will fall in love really hard with each other.
"We had such strong connection, Rach. That's why we're here." Quinn states.
She nodded in agreement. "I know, Quinn. I know."
Quinn smiled and they clapped along with the crowd as the band started singing on stage. She was glad that it was a mellow song night so the music weren't loud and was relaxing, just accurate with her plan.
"I love you so much, Rach." Quinn whispered to her ear as the lead singer finishes the song.
She faced Quinn and kissed her passionately. "I love you too, Quinn."
Quinn smiled and squeezed her hand before turning her attention back to the band on the stage.
"Good evening! Anyone here who wants to request a song?" the lead singer asked the audience.
This is it. This is her signal moment to start her whole plan. She instantly raised her hands shakily and glanced at Quinn forcing a confident smile.
"There! Which song would you like for us to sing?" the singer asked.
She glanced back at Quinn and kissed her one last time before going in front of the stage. She whispered something to the vocalist and the vocalist grinned and clapped in excitement.
"Okay. So tonight, we are changing the usual routine. This girl right here wants to sing a song for her girlfriend over there! Let's give her a round of applause." The vocalist announced to everyone.
The crowd, including a confused and surprised Quinn, clapped as she went in the middle of the stage with microphone in hand. She whispered the song that she was about to sing to the members of the band and they nodded and said that they know the chords.
She was nervous. It has been a long time since she last sang. It was during her sophomore year in college when they had to do a school musical, but that was it. She has never really paid closer attention to her talent after the incident with Quinn happened.
She gulped and closed her eyes to relax herself. When she opened them, they instantly caught Quinn's hazel orbs. Quinn has her hands clutched together in a very adorable way. Her eyes were glistening with happy and proud tears, and she was smiling at her telling her not to be nervous and encouraging her to go on.
Quinn's smile was the only assurance she needs, so she signaled the band that she was already ready and they began playing the intro of the music.
"This is for the one and only love of my life, that I will love forever. Quinn." She announced before she started singing.
"Standing by my window
Listening for your call
Seems I really miss you after all.."
She didn't break any eye contact with Quinn. And she noticed that when she started singing Michael Johnson's "I'll Always Love You", Quinn held her breath, but she figured that the blonde was not aware about it.
"Time won't let me keep
These sad thoughts to myself
I just like to let you know
I wish I'd never let you go.."
Quinn smiled lightly and tears are already flowing down her gorgeous face. She can see the love in Quinn's eyes. Just with Quinn she can be happy forever. Just with Quinn she can saw eternity. Only with Quinn, and not with anyone. Quinn is the only one for her. And she will never let her go again.
"And I'll always love you
Deep inside this heart of mine
I do love you
And I'll always need you
And if you ever change your mind
I'll still, I will love you.."
The crowd started clapping but Quinn was motionless and just staring at her, memorizing every part of her, showing her how much she truly loves her, how much she is happy that this is really happening.
"Time like a river
Keeps on rolling right by
Nothing left for me to do
So I watch the river rise.."
She closed her eyes as she sang the final chorus and imagined herself being happy with Quinn ever after. She imagined being held by Quinn when she was feeling weak. She imagined Quinn kissing her when she was sad. She just imagined Quinn and everything about her.
The crowd clapped loudly again after she finished the song. Some are whistling, some are proud for Quinn. They are all congratulating Quinn and she caught Quinn wiping her eyes from tears that fell on her cheeks, and the girl also started clapping with passion.
She sighed and spoke. "Quinn.. I know I have already said this but I want you to know that I ultimately regret letting you go once, and I'm not going to let that happen again." She started.
The audience cheered and Quinn was blushing really hard right now. It makes the butterflies in her stomach go wild.
"I knew from the time I realized I love you, that you're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. You're the one that I want to be with forever, Quinn. I love you so much and I can't imagine my life without you anymore. We are one perfect combination, Quinn. I'm weak without you. I'm nothing without you. We are each other's strength."
She watched Quinn's reactions and she knew that in her mind, Quinn was answering everything that she was saying on stage. Quinn mouthed an "I love you" and once again, she felt like floating in happiness and nervousness.
"I want all of these people to know how real my love is for you. I want them to witness how I would ask you to agree with everything I said—that it's you I want to spend eternity with."
Majority of the people gasp, some just grinned because they already know what was coming. Quinn hangs her mouth open in shock. She noticed Quinn became motionless. And if possible, she isn't blinking as well. She knows that Quinn already has an idea in her mind.
"Will you do me a favor and open that box of pizza in front of you?" she asked Quinn. All the people turned their attention to Quinn and cheered her to open the box. Everyone was thrilled.
Quinn nodded slowly and opened the box of pizza with shaky hands. She noticed Quinn gasped in surprised once the box was opened. Everyone near Quinn was also surprised.
"Now, will you do me a favor and come here on stage with the slice of pizza wherein you saw a ring stuck on it?" she asked again with a smile.
Quinn obliged and carefully walked to the stage holding a slice of pizza with a ring on it. The crowd continued cheering and it's making her less nervous.
Quinn still has that amused and surprised look on her features once they were already face to face on stage. Quinn's eyes are questioning, but she knew that Quinn already knew the answer. She also noticed Quinn's chest pumping up and down.
She gets the pizza from Quinn's hands and removed the ring attached on it. She took a bite from the pizza and put it above the piano beside her afterwards. She then turned to look at Quinn and she saw Quinn crying in happiness.
She smiled at Quinn and slowly got down on her knees, never breaking eye contact with her. The whole crowd held their breaths, waiting for what was coming.
"Quinn, I have never been this in love with someone. Never, ever. My heart belongs to you. Only you. From the very start, it was already yours, and I know that it will still be yours until the end. So, now, I am here, with the help of these people, trying to convince you that we are really meant to be together forever.."
"R—Rachel.." Quinn finally spoke with a very nervous but excited voice.
"Quinn Fabray, will you do me one last favor, make me the happiest woman in this planet, and agree to be the owner of my heart forever and always?" she asked and waited patiently for Quinn to answer. Finally, the huge question was already out.
Quinn inhaled one huge breath as the crowd shouted at her to say yes. Quinn was crying a gallon of tears and some of it are flowing down on her but she doesn't mind. This is the moment. This is the start of a very beautiful future with Quinn. If she would say yes, that is.
Quinn cleared her throat and nodded. The audience clapped loudly once they saw that Quinn nodded, even if she hasn't said a word yet. She also sighed in relief and she feels like her whole being is going to explode because of happiness.
"Yes. Yes, Rach. Yes, a million times yes. I agree to be the owner of your heart forever and always. Yes, I agree. I definitely agree. I couldn't agree more!" Quinn answered quickly in a single breath.
She grinned and the people congratulated them. She slipped the ring on Quinn's left hand ring finger. Quinn jumped in happiness once the ring perfectly fits her digit. Quinn dragged her up and kissed her passionately. Not caring if many people are watching them.
She was also crying when they pulled out from the kiss and they faced the crowd.
"I'm engaged!" Quinn yelled and everyone clapped.
She was smiling widely as she spoke on the microphone. "You know, people, we just got back together few hours ago."
The people let out an amused expression as a response.
"Can you imagine how fucked up this plan is going to be if she ever said no?" she asked the people again. "But I have this feeling in my heart, strong feeling, that everything between us is going to be alright, that no matter what happens, she's the only one for me, that is why I continued with this plan."
"You did the right thing!" a man yelled from the audience. Everyone clapped.
"I know. And I am the happiest woman in the world with this woman right here beside me." She answered and looked at Quinn lovingly.
Quinn has her hands on hers, squeezing it gently.
"You are the owner of my heart as well, Rachel Berry. I love you so much." Quinn told her and kissed her afterwards.
"I love you too, Quinn, I love you eternally."
"Eternally." Quinn agreed and they embraced each other. Ready to face another step of their lives.