A/N : Hello again ! Well well, another update so soon ? Don't get used to it people, it's school break over there in France so, I kind of enjoy it while I can, I suggest you do the same !
So I know last chapter wasn't that long but hopefully this one's better. Story's settling itself but beware because the unexpected always happens ! So be prepared. Also, I writte a lot, but in french and not fanfics, so this is all new to me. I read a lot of them though. It may not be this good yet but stick with me I promise it'll get better!
As always, tell me what you think ;)
Chapter Two.
It's that moment, you know, that small unsignificant moment where you're sure. You know it, you feel it. It's in your bones, in your lungs, you can breathe it. It goes right through your mouth, dive into your lungs, and spread in everything that you are, down your spine. It's electrical. A millisecond, a tingle. It's everything you wanted, needed, and then some. It's beautiful. You don't understand it right away, you don't get it. You're just sure that something inside of you changed. You can't tell what. But you know. And for now, that's all you need.
As Quinn watched the other girl get settled for this morning class, a big smile still plastered on her face, she wondered what it was about her. But the blonde couldn't stop looking at her. She somewhat felt.. Well she didn't know how to describe it. But she was stuck. Staring at this girl happily unpacking her laptop, her graphic tablet and a sketchbook. Then, and for the life of her Quinn didn't know why she did it, the brunette turned around and extended her hand to the blonde.
'' Hi, I'm Rachel Berry. I recently transferred from California. Nice to meet you! '' She said with the brightest smile and Quinn was sure she was about to cry. This girl was bursting with emotions. Why did she chose her ? Of all people in this room, why Quinn ? There was plenty of places she could have taken. She chose the one next to Quinn. Making conversation. Well, she seemed to ponder it and told herself after all that this was the way people met new people. Like she used to before. She used to be this friendly person, always eager to make new friends. She kind of missed that, so, whithout really knowing what compelled her to do it, she took the hand of the awaiting girl still smiling.
'' I'm.. hum. Quinn. Quinn Fabray. Pleasure as well.. I think. ''
'' You.. think ? '' Said the brunette, her smile faltering a little, frowning.
'' No, I'm sorry, I meant, yeah, nice to meet you. Hum, sorry.. ''
And just like this, the class started and Quinn was silently cursing herself. She really needed to get herself together. The class was pretty much an introducing lecture to the structure of the class. Quinn already knew this teacher, and knew him well. She kind of liked him but she didn't even listened as he told everyone what she already knew. Last year she actually asked around for the big plan for this year as she was aware that there was this big project going on for the final year, so she already got all the informations. That gave her the time to just stare at the other girl take notes and paying really close attention. Rachel seemed to sense the looks because every now and then, she turned her head a little and casted a little smile in the blonde's way. She thought, and thought hard about wether or not she should try and make friends with this girl. There was something about this girl she couldn't put her finger on. Soon, the class ended and she tried to talk but nothing came out. She watched Rachel go, and later that night, wondered why she felt so disapointed she didn't get the nerves to talk to her.
The next day she found that Rachel hadn't chosen illustration as her second major, and that still seemed to disapoint her, although she didn't quite get why. Anyway, she was still kind of glad that nothing would distract her from this class because it was the only thing that could get her to keep her interrested. So she waited for M. Schue, her favourite teacher of all time, to come to class and raise her spirits like only he knew how.. She waited, and waited. Honest, she was getting worried because, fifteen minutes late wasn't like him. Suddenly, the door opened but her teacher was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a young man walked in and informed them that M. Schue wouldn't be teaching this class anymore and the new teacher would arrive only next week so, class was dismissed for the day. Quinn just stayed put as the other students got up and filled out of the room chatting. She couldn't process the news.
Over the years, she kind of bonded with M. Schue, he was quite the teacher and took a particular care to guide her through most of her course. She had learnt so much she couldn't believe he wouldn't be here for her final year. She felt like crying but didn't. Couldn't. This week wasn't starting great and too much unexpected things were happening. This needed to stop. She called Puck for an emergency meeting.
'' Hi dude, aren't you supposed to be in class ? ''
'' Well, yes, that's the problem! Schue disappeared. Some lame ass teacher is going to take over the class and it's going to suck. Can you meet me at NYU ? Please. ''
'' You.. I dont' know Quinn, there's this chick I met the other night after you went home, and she's kinda with me right now.. ''
'' Puck, I said please! You can worry about your conquest later. ''
'' Alright, I'll be there in 30.. Damn, girl, you're rude. ''
With that he hung up and she tried to feel guilty. It didn't work. While waiting, Quinn thought about everything that happened the previous year. How she had lost all her friends, apart from Puck. The one that stood by his side when the others chose the other side. Well, lucky New York's a big town and she didn't get to see them everyday.
'' Tell me why you got me out of bed on my day off, most importantly, a bed with a very hot and naked lady in it, so we can get on with our day and I can go back to this very bed. '' Said a smirking Puck when he arrived and interrupted her line of thoughts.
'' Well, because of what you did! I stopped expecting things to happen the way they should and look at this! Since yesterday, everything has gone exactly how they shouldn't. '' She said as they started making their way to the closest place to get coffee.
'' And.. Isn't that supposed to be good thing.. ? '' He said sitting down, looking at her like he didn't get what she was saying.
'' Well that's besides the point! '' She was getting frustrated.
'' Is it, though ? You're not making a lot of sense.. '' Still not getting it.
'' Well, I have you to thank you for that. So thank you! '' She said, getting angry, she wasn't even sure why. Why was she angry again ? Damn, he was right, she wasn't making any sense. But she wasn't going to tell him that.
'' You're welcome.. I guess ? Is that all ? '' He was looking at her like she has gone mad and frankly, she started to think she did. She didn't know what was happening to her since she met this stupid girl from yesterday. And today, this.
'' Look, '' he went on, as he saw she was clearly struggling. '' Maybe you should see this as a good thing. New is good right ? Wait and see this new teacher of yours. And, maybe this'll be some kind of hot teacher you can perv on. '' That made her laugh a little.
'' Yeah, maybe you're right. But I'll miss M. Schue. He was so good to me, taught me all I know. ''
'' Doesn't mean you have to forget about him. That'll only make you stronger you know. ''
'' When did you get so good at this ? Did I miss that part ? '' She asked laughing softly because deep down, she always knew him to be like this. He smirked.
'' Well, you know I'm awesome as always Quinnie. '' That made her laugh even more.
She asked her about the girl in his bed and they talked for a couple hours before he left to go back to bed but she figured he wouldn't do much sleeping.
'' Well, take care and go home soon, alright ? I think it's going to rain soon. '' She watched him go and found herself smiling. She went back to NYU, wandered the halls a little, she felt at home here. Soon enough though she made her way out of the building. Just as she was about to through the doors, she collided with something. Or rather, someone. She looked up, and well, if wasn't the girl from yesterday, in all her glory.
'' I'm so sor.. Oh, hey.. Quinn, is it ? ''
'' Hum, yeah. After you '' She gestured for Rachel to go through the doors first and followed behind. When she was outside though, it was pouring.
'' Oh, my, we're in luck I bought my umbrella ! Come on, don't get yourself wet, join me. '' Quinn found herself once more fascinated by the girl. She had a fucking umbrella. It was early september. She was still under the rain though, and Rachel was watching her, waiting for her to shield herself from it.
'' What are you doing with that? It was sunny a few hours ago, it wasn't supposed to rain.. ''
'' Well, Quinn, I found out in life that you should always be prepared for the unexpected. You're getting soaked, it's not good for your health! '' She said while trying to shelter Quinn, who was stunned by her answer. Did the gods do that on purpose ? She let herself be shielded from the rain though and barely registered the brunette asking her which way she was headed.
'' What ? Hum, to the subway I guess. ''
'' Well, let's go together then. '' And with that, she started to walk and Quinn had no choice but to follow.
'' I actually like it, you know. The rain, I mean. ''
'' I come from Los Angeles, rain is not exactly something I'm accustomed to. ''
'' Why did you move ? '' she asked, curious. She sensed Rachel tense a little.
'' Hum, needed a change of air. '' Even the brunette seemed unconvinced by her answer but Quinn didn't push it. She didn't knew the girl well enough to ask this kind of questions.
'' You certainly got what you asked for then. '' She said with a smile. '' So, Graphic Design huh ? Do you major in anything else ? ''
'' Photography. I love to put the two together. You, any other major ? ''
'' Illustration, my favorite. Though, our teacher just left and I don't really know how to process this news. '' A strange look crossed Rachel features but she quickly covered it with a smile.
'' Well, maybe that's the ocassion of getting some changes of your own. I'm sure your new teacher will be as good. ''
Quinn only nodded and fell quiet as they reached the subway station. They descended the stairs in sync and enjoyed the comfortable silence. She didn't know why but being in Rachel's presence was easy, and it frightened her.
They realized they went in the same direction and in fact, lived only a few blocks apart. Quinn blamed it on coincidence. So they waited for the subway together.
'' Do you like it here though ? New York, I mean. ''
'' It's a really beautiful city, always changing. I miss the beach though. ''
'' I'd miss it too. '' She said smiling, and looked at Rachel. They fell out of conversation but that didn't bother her. She needed the peace and quiet to think about what was happening inside of her. She only had two conversation with Rachel and yet, the girl seemed to get under her skin. The whole ride was spent with each girl lost in their train of thoughts. They reached Rachel's stop at one point though. Only one before Quinn's.
'' Well, this is me.. Bye. '' She said exiting the train.
'' Wait ! '' Quinn said, leaving the train as well. Rachel looked at her confused. '' I'll walk you home, you know, since it's raining and all. ''
'' How are you going to get home after ? ''
'' I like the rain remember ? I don't really mind. I'll walk. '' Truth was, Quinn didn't want to leave Rachel just yet and that was new. And scary. And.. unexpected. Rachel just smiled and led the way. Quinn walked a little behind and just watched Rachel walk. There was a certain tension and she didn't know where it was coming from. Silence just envelloped them. It felt safe and dangerous all at once. Relieving and unnerving. Constantly torn. They enventually reached Rachel's building and she turned around. Quinn smiled and they stood like this. She didn't know for how long, didn't really cared. She looked at those brown, deep eyes and she swore she never saw something like this. It was this thing, that was hidden behind them that caught her attention, and she wanted desperately to know what it was. She wanted to know the girl. She wanted to reach out and touch her but thought better of it. So they looked at each other's face. Eventually, cold seemed to get the upper hand and Rachel shivered. Yes, it must have been the cold, surely. Because Quinn shivered too, and she convinced herself that this wasn't the look in Rachel's eyes.
'' You should probably go before you catch a cold. ''
'' Yeah. But take it, don't go around under the rain like this. '' The brunette said handling over the umbrella.
'' No, it's okay. '' She said already retreating, walking backwards without breaking eye contact with Rachel. '' I guess I'll see you next monday then, Rachel. ''
'' Yeah, see you around Quinn. '' And with a last, perfect smile, she turned around and got inside the building. Quinn just remainded like this under the rain, because it hit her right here and there. She felt disapointed. Why, she didn't know, but the important part was that she was feeling.All day, she's been feeling disapointed. Scared. And for that she didn't have Puck to thank for. No, that was all Rachel Berry.