I'd like to thank Olafur Arnalds; his music inspires most of my writing. Also, thank you again readers, enjoy chapter five!
Quinn seethed in a passionate breath as she twirled, letting out her anger through her pirouettes, body graceful but fervent. The crescendo of violins set her body on fire, the music resounding throughout the studio. She leapt, dancing furiously, letting out tiny, breathless noises with every precise movement. Strands of gold broke free from the tight bun atop the blonde's head and curved around her cheeks, the girl living adamantly through the orchestrations. Little did Finn know when they were dating, Quinn had chosen to spend her evenings dancing, but the hotheaded boy assumed the worst of her absences.
Ballet was her only outlet aside from poetry and little people knew of her talent, which is why she always danced alone, away from any worldly distractions. For the past few days, the blonde would stay after Glee Club and sneak into one of the dance rooms with help from the friendly piano player, Brad.
Then Quinn would dance, desperately.
The blonde would dance until she ached and couldn't breathe, but only then would she stop.
Her closeted ballet escapades were well kept secrets until Friday evening when a certain brunette overheard music coming from the far McKinley hallway.
Curious and a bit nosy, Rachel Berry had stopped in her tracks when she heard the classical music flow from the back of the school. It only took a minute for the diva to find the source of the strident violins and fluttering harps; at the end of the hallway was a ray of light that spilled from underneath one of the studio's doors. As she approached, the orchestra grew louder, and the brunette slowly pushed the door open.
It was then that Rachel realized Quinn was indeed sent from heaven.
The slender blonde before her was moving about the room with an immense amount of skill, her movements graceful but dominating as she spun in nothing but tights and a black leotard. Rachel found herself slumping against the doorframe as she watched in awe, the passionate dancing putting her in somewhat of a trance.
A few minutes passed and the music that blared from the small stereo fell into a gentle decrescendo, causing the angel to fall into a slow pirouette, back arched elegantly. Quinn's intricate twirling eventually came to a stop, pale neck and face flushed and glowing.
Rachel let out a breath, amazed. She spoke without thinking, "You're magnificent."
Breathless, Quinn turned around, eyes wide as the hazy voice startled her. Feeling more than a little bit self conscious, she tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, trying to catch her breath.
"I thought you left," the blonde panted, every inch of her body pulsating from the power of her dancing, practically humming with energy.
The diva continued to gaze at Quinn shamelessly, still leaning in a stupor against the doorway. "I didn't know you could dance like that," she chimed, her voice light and faraway, "You have such passion. It's breathtaking, Quinn."
Gazing back at Rachel shyly, a breath of pink settled on Quinn's cheeks and she couldn't help but smile. The way the brunette was looking at her made her feel electric and she felt her heart clench in an unfamiliar but pleasant way.
"That's sweet of you to say, Rachel," she murmured back, biting her lip as she got lost in those chocolate eyes. The petite girl really did have an alluring stare.
Rachel smiled back, fully taking in the angel in front of her. Once the diva had realized she had romantic feelings for Quinn, she was planning on keeping a considerable distance as to not kindle the fire. But as Quinn undid the tight bun, letting her hair cascade in soft yellow waves, those sparkling hazel eyes and batting eyelashes confirmed that Rachel Berry was a goner.
A peaceful lull fell between them and the brunette straightened slowly. "You're still spending the weekend at my house, right? My fathers are on a business trip in Chicago but they approved of your staying."
Quinn nodded, motioning toward the black duffle bag that lay idly against the wall. "I'm all packed," she answered, eyes flashing with genuine happiness for the first time in a while.
Rachel threw her a charming smile, "Excellent. I noted earlier that Santana drove you to school this morning, so I have my car out front."
Having completely forgotten that she was without a car, Quinn was grateful for the diva's observations as she slipped the strap of her duffle bag over her shoulder. Smiling bashfully, she slipped away to change in the bathroom before meeting back up with the brunette.
They made their way quietly to the parking lot, the walk lengthy but comfortable as they strode slowly together in silence. It was unexpected but cute; Rachel was always prepared to have a novel spill from her lips when needed, on almost any topic, but the diva was surprisingly very quiet when deep in thought.
The blonde snuck a few glances at the shorter girl who was now walking with a contented spring in her step. If Quinn was the reason Rachel was so blissful and at ease, she wasn't sure if she'd ever want to leave her side.
xxx
Everything the pair did that evening flowed easily. From stopping at a corner Chinese restaurant where they bickered playfully over who would pay, to driving the long way to Rachel's house in order to enjoy the sunset—everything was natural.
It was just getting dark when the two walked into the Berry residence, laughing softly as they swapped embarrassing moments that Finn had put the both of them in.
"He's seriously the definition of a hypocrite," Quinn chuckled as they stepped inside. "I don't know what I ever saw in him, other than popularity."
Secretly trying to be chivalrous, Rachel took Quinn's bag and set it aside as they previously decided they were going to sort through the Berry movie collection for their night's entertainment.
Settling herself onto the plush mauve couch, the blonde scooped her legs onto the cushion and watched as Rachel looked through the small mahogany cabinet.
"I've come to the conclusion that the only reason I was with Finn and was earlier pining over him was because I craved the attention," Rachel said lightly, shrugging. Her head cocked to the side as she ran her fingertips over the various titles. "At first for selfish reasons, but I soon after realized that I wanted him because he showed me affection, something I've never really received from anyone outside my immediate family. He was the first boy who was genuinely nice to me, and with him I felt special."
Quinn rested her cheek in her palm, a sad smile on her lips as she peered at some of the movie titles. Trying to brighten the mood, she spoke up, "No offense, but if you choose a musical I might just die," she chuckled quietly at the pout Rachel was shooting her.
The diva grumbled, but her eyes were playful as they peered up at Quinn who was giggling. "Let's see what's on television then, shall we?"
The tiny girl plopped down beside Quinn and clicked on the TV. After scrolling through the channels Rachel quickly discovered the blonde's hidden love of old movies.
Seeing the satisfied blonde clapping with a cheeky smile, Rachel decided she had never seen anything more adorable and she flicked off the lights, the television screen throwing a hazy beam over the both of them.
The black and white movie was cheesy but engaging as the two girls relaxed underneath the thin blanket Rachel had thrown over them. They didn't sit too close but not far away either and they continued to share shy glances as they laughed at the corny dialogue.
Half way through the movie, both girls were very drowsy and Rachel had slumped over, resting her head against Quinn's shoulder. The blonde found herself staring down at Rachel's hands that were placed gently in her lap. The diva was so petite and she couldn't believe how she didn't notice how endearing it made the brunette. Before she knew it, the blonde reached out and took Rachel's hand gently.
Confused but enjoying the contact, Rachel gave Quinn a look, making the blonde giggle again.
"Your hands are so small," Quinn smiled sleepily, tracing small patterns on the diva's palm. "I just want to dunk you in my coffee."
Rachel was trying not to grin too big, "Are you trying to say that I'm cute, Quinn?"
The blonde shrugged and pulled away, leaving Rachel disappointed, but seconds later Quinn was skating her fingertips up and down Rachel's sides, making the girl squeak incessantly.
"I'm saying you're pint-sized, Polly Pocket!" Quinn answered, her voice teasing and soft as she tickled the girl gently.
"I am not!" shrieked Rachel, squirming and giggling underneath the blonde's touch, but the response made Quinn pull her closer. When the blonde fought, she intended to win, even if it meant that Rachel was now very much in her lap. She continued to tickle her until they were both out of breath, looking at each other with goofy smiles.
It didn't take long for Rachel to pull her into a warm hug and Quinn's chest clenched again as she snaked her arms around the diva's back. She fit so perfectly in her arms.
"You're a really great friend, Quinn," Rachel beamed into the girl's golden hair, the drowsiness taking over her again.
Quinn was now sprawled across the couch, the tiny brunette lying on top of her. Hyper aware of the way Rachel's body moved against hers, she smiled nervously, neither of them pulling away exactly.
Sleepiness sprinkled over the pair and they breathed in unison, the flickering television their only source of light. Quinn bit her lip, thinking about Rachel's earlier speech.
After a moment of hesitation, she whispered timidly, "I think you deserve all of the attention in the world." She wasn't quite sure what had made her act so candid but everything Rachel did made her defensive walls crumble, leaving Quinn vulnerable and honest.
Bashful, Rachel hid her face in Quinn's shoulder, her head tucked underneath the blonde's chin. As the minutes ticked away, both were aware of their intimate proximity but didn't move. The two had forever craved for such sincerity and tenderness and they didn't want it to end.
In the darkness, Rachel whispered against the crook of Quinn's neck. "Is this okay? I'm so sleepy."
Eyes fluttering shut, Quinn imagined herself drowning in this fuzzy warmth, "Mmm."
"Tell me a secret?" murmured the sleepy brunette.
Quinn trailed her fingertips up and down Rachel's spine before parting her lips, "From the ashes then thou wilt rise and thou wilt come to her, brush the mischief from her eyes, fold her mouth the new flower with thy imaginable wings, where dwells the breath of all persisting stars," her voice was whimsical and soft.
Surprised by the lullaby of prose that waltzed effortlessly from Quinn's lips, Rachel nuzzled her nose against the blonde's neck. "That was really pretty," she smiled against her skin, almost arching in delight at the fingertips on her back.
"I have volumes of poetry memorized," Quinn admitted shyly, "It was kind of a hobby when I was a child. Only Brittany knows. When we were little, I would recite silly poems for her when she couldn't sleep," she chuckled for a moment. "Go ahead, call me a dork, you know you want to."
Rachel on the other hand was thoroughly impressed and was trying not to melt too much in the blonde's arms. She shook her head, moments away from passing out. "I think you're great," she drawled.
Wanting to make sure the tiny diva was warm Quinn managed to reach and pull the blanket over the two of them. The blonde smiled at Rachel's compliment, "You tell me a secret now, Tinkerbell."
Suddenly Rachel burst into giggles. "You'd laugh at me."
"Well now you've got to tell me."
There was a hesitant moment before Rachel spoke up. "Last year, when I fancied Mr. Schuester…I broke into his house and willingly scrubbed his bathroom," she groaned at the memory, "I'm such a freak."
Quinn burst into laughter and even though her eyes were closed, she could practically see the pout forming on Rachel's lips. "Maybe you are, but you're a cute one."
Rachel kicked her feet back and forth underneath the blankets in excitement, "I knew you thought I was cute," she yawned happily.
Letting out a tiny snort, Quinn shook her head. "Whatever, you got me. Go to sleep, Berry."
More than satisfied with the situation, Rachel smiled and almost immediately fell into a deep sleep, leaving the blonde awake, bleary eyes peering at the diva who was slumbering on top of her.
Holding Rachel close, feeling the tiny breaths fall against her neck again, Quinn never felt more complete. But she brushed it off, blaming her fatigue for making her all cuddly.
Quinn Fabray was not about to admit, even to herself, that she had a crush on Rachel freaking Berry.
A moment passed and the blonde closed her eyes, letting out a quiet groan, laughing in spite of the situation.
Shit.
Poem mentioned is 'if i believe' by E.E. Cummings.
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