A/N : So, long chapter ! I feel like the story is finally kicking in, but beware, nothing lasts. It would be too easy right ? So , sit tight, next chapter will soon be updated !
Chapter Three.
It feels warm, like the soft light of the sun setting over the city. Sweet interlude.
The rest of the week seemed to pass in a blur. She didn't run into Rachel again, but her thoughts never leaved the brunette and the look she saw in the late raining afternoon. She called Puck on Saturday to check on him. He'd been working so she got to spend her week end alone as usual. But this time, it wasn't filled with reminiscing and what could have been. Instead, it was filled with brown eyes, brown hair, bright smiles and pink umbrellas. It frightened her how much she wanted to see the girl again, and over the week end, she found herself drawing small figures of dark haired girls walking in the rain.
When Monday finally rolled around, Quinn was nervous. Why ? She barely knew the girl, for crying out loud. She felt frustrated that she didn't understand the feeling of longing. She didn't how or why but she found herself going in the opposite direction of the subway this morning, instead going in the direction of Rachel's apartment. She just wanted to see the girl. So she waited outside of her apartment, for the girl to get out of her building and to walk with her to class. But ten minutes before class started, the brunette was nowhere in sight and Quinn knew she would already be late so she decided to go without her, disappointed. She wondered why the girl wouldn't show up today. It was their second class of graphic design, and she was actually excited to begin a new assignment. Maybe she could pair up with the girl ? Woah, too much hope she thought.
When she arrived at school five minutes late, she was surprised to see Rachel sited at the same place as the week before, smiling and waving at her, motioning for her to come and seat beside her. She knew her teacher so he just gave her a pointed look and waited for her to sit. When she did, though, she felt relieved to have the smaller girl beside her, it felt right. Somehow. But she was still wondering how was it possible that she had gotten here before her.
'' Hi, Rachel, '' She said with a small smile, '' got here early this morning ? '' She asked, not really knowing why she needed the girl to justify herself.
'' Hello, Quinn, so nice to see you again. Well, I hum.. Yes, I like to be there early. ''
'' Oh okay, because you know, I passed by your street on the way to the subway and hum.. Well, I didn't see you. '' That seemed to make Rachel look panicked, which Quinn found weird.
'' Well, maybe I was already gone. '' She said with a tight smile and Quinn dropped it. But she knew that it was really unlikely because she waited like thirty minutes, and there's no way Rachel got here this early. But, of course, she wasn't going to say this because she realized that she'd sound like a stalker. She slightly felt like one too. So she dropped it for both their sakes.
The lecture went on and the teacher told them that, considering the class lasted all day and the following morning, they would have a small exercise to do due to the end of this week's class. That left them twelve hours to finish up this small project. They could pair up, if they wanted and at this, Quinn froze. Was this another sign ? No she just blamed coincidence again. That didn't even mean she would be paired up with Rachel. Maybe the girl would like to work on her own. Which would be fine, really.
'' Quinn! Would you pair up with me ? This could be a really interesting experience. ''
Well, that was fortunate. She tried not to let her thoughts wander to what exactly could be interpreted in interesting experience.
'' Yeah, of course. No problem. ''
And with that, they settled to work on ideas for their poster. They had to choose a classic movie or trilogy and redesign their poster, trying to be innovative and quick. Quick thinking. Things went smoothly and they discovered that their mind worked pretty well together and they agreed on most of the ideas. They chose Return from the Future, starting working on ideas.
'' I actually have some photos I've taken of the city that would work well if we worked on them. '' She showed the pictures of her computer, and Quinn was ecstatic. That girl was meant to be a photographer. They were beautiful. Effortlessly beautiful, just like their owner. Quinn, to drown this thought started sketching from the photos and could already see the result in her head. She started explaining all her ideas to Rachel, and when she was finished she found kind eyes staring at her, fascinated.
'' What ? ''
'' You really are passionate about what you do. These are amazing ideas. ''
'' Well, you really are passionate about what you do. These are amazing photos. '' They smiled at each others and settled for the final ideas. They only had one poster due but, seeing as the photos were already taken and ideas approved, they decided that they would propose one for each movie. They had ten hours left of work and agreed that if needed, they could always work on them tonight. They discussed compositions, texts hierarchy, and easily, they fell into a line of work. Quinn would do the drawings and include them in the photos, and Rachel would work on the general atmosphere of the photo, last details and texts. They worked smoothly for the rest of the day, talking effortlessly about the project during lunch break, laughing and enjoying each others company.
Quinn was fascinated with how easy it was to talk to the girl, work with her. They seemed to be in sync. She didn't fee like this towards someone for a long time. This was strange and exhilarating at the same time. Giving Quinn what she had been missing for months. Hope. Hope to have someone to call her friend again, and though she wouldn't admit it until much later, but maybe more than a friend.
At the end of the day, they were well in advance, but Rachel asked Quinn if she wanted to come by her place to get some more work done. So, they walked together to the subway, exchanging small talks, little bits and pieces of their lives. Rachel told about California, the sun and the beach, the sound of the waves crashing down the ocean. The smell of salty water, fresh cocktails in the summer and Quinn refused to admit she thought of Rachel in a bikini. Quinn told her about the city, the late nights admiring this light that never goes out from across the Brooklyn Bridge, taking her guitar with her and strumming a few songs until dawn. She promised Rachel she'd take her sometimes, even though she never took anyone there, not even Emily, her previous girlfriend. And that promise alone felt like she was offering her whole world to Rachel, the girl she barely knew anything about.
They eventually got to Rachel's door, and when they entered, Quinn felt like she was sharing this new piece of herself that made her feel that much closer to Rachel. Like a new step to letting her in. She always felt like Rachel was keeping something from her, which was quite unfair as Quinn wanted to bare herself to the brunette completely. She pushed that thought away though and they got to work a little before Rachel's stomach started groaning angrily.
'' Someone's hungry. ''
'' Yeah, want to order in ? '' The brunette asked shyly, '' Feels nice not be alone.. ''
'' Sure, Pizza ? ''
They chose toppings together, because how could Rachel dislike bacon ? But finally, Quinn gave up and they ordered some vegan crap that seemed to make Rachel really happy, but not after receiving a lecture on the fact that eating meat is killing poor animals that are grown in horrible conditions. That only made the blonde smile a little. They once again started talking while eating. Quinn felt content, peaceful. Not thinking about Emily, the emptiness in her heart starting to fill up a little.
'' Never thought something meatless could be this good. '' She moaned, biting again in her slice of pizza.
'' Well, you'll find Quinn that you're not done with surprises in my company. '' She said cheekily but a blush could be seen underneath the smirk on her face.
'' That, I can't wait to see. '' There was a glint in the blonde's eyes, but her smile was genuine and a little bit of herself could swear they were flirting.
'' So, tell me, Quinn Fabray, what is it that compelled you to do art ? ''
'' Well.. I've always loved to draw, and paint and everything that has to do with pictorials arts. I might have ended up a painter but someone pushed me to explore this talent through more.. diversified ways I suppose. I'm really glad I did though, I love it. It drives me. ''
'' Well, this person was right, seeing your work today, I can already tell that you were made for this. ''
'' Yeah, that might be the only thing Emily got right. '' Quinn muttered because she was still so angry at her.
'' What was that for ? Who's Emily ? '' Curiosity seemed to get the best of the brown-haired girl, because just as the question got out of her mouth, she blushed and looked down. '' Sorry, you don't have to answer that. ''
'' No, it's okay.. It's actually, well was, my girlfriend. '' Rachel choked on her pizza, then, her face getting red like a tomato.
'' Oh my god, Rach ! Are you okay ? '' Quinn said, rushing to her side, handing her a glass of water. Quinn ignored the fact that the nickname escaped her mouth. She just couldn't help it.
'' Wrong pipe, I'm fine. '' She croaked out, still coughing. She didn't meet the blonde's gaze though. Quinn stroked her back gently to help her recover.
'' Sorry, you surprised me a bit. Girlfriend, that's.. Nice. Interesting. Nice. ''
'' Does it bother you ? '' Quinn asked, quickly pulling her hand away from Rachel's back.
'' No! Of course not, I myself think that sexuality is fluid and does not depends on the gender but more on the personality. I just.. didn't think that was your case. '' The brunette still didn't meet her gaze and fidgeted with her fingers.
'' Well, You're not the only one who's full of surprises, Rachel Berry. '' She smiled and finally caught the brunette's eyes. Something seemed to pass between them, and soon they shared this long, filled with tension look. Understanding, trust, and a bit of something Quinn could not decipher, were shared in that look. She felt like she was inching toward Rachel, leaning in something she was far from ready for.
'' Well, I better go, it's getting late. '' She decided to take a chance anyway because it felt like ages since she last took a risk, and she needed that. '' Walk to school with me tomorrow ? ''
'' That would be absolutely delightful Quinn, I'd be happy too. '' She smiled and they both stood up. '' Meet me downstairs by 8.30 ? ''
Quinn nodded as she gathered her things and walked to the door, Rachel in toe.
'' I had a lovely night, Quinn. That was.. refreshing. Thank you. ''
The blonde leaned in this time, ignoring the brunette's gasp of shock and pressed in a light and swift motion, a tender kiss on Rachel's cheek. She lingered a little, and both their breath seemed to stop. When she realized that this was far too intimate, she pulled back, but she found a barely smiling Rachel, eyes looking down, hair falling graciously around her shoulders, so simply earth shattering beautiful that she felt her heart burst with an unknown feeling. So she simply turned her heels and left, content to leave at that for today.
The next day, Rachel was there, and they got to school together. Worked peacefully and perfectly all morning and by noon, handed three beautiful posters. They felt proud and satisfied. She noticed that they seemed more at ease with each others, like two friends who knew each others for the longest time.
They parted ways after lunch break, and Quinn lingered a little on the front porch of the school, sketching in the sun. She was engrossed in a drawing of a character when a voice startled her.
'' Quinn ? ''
'' M. Schuester ! '' She shot up, resisting the urge to engulf him in a bone crushing hug. '' Oh my god, I'm so glad to see you. What are you doing here ? I heard you're not going to teach this year. I must say I'm very angry with you. '' She said with a big smile that totally didn't go with her words.
'' Yeah, you know I love teaching, especially you, but I needed some time to focus on my career as an artist. I've got some projects going on. '' He seemed torn between proud and sorry. So did Quinn.
'' Good for you. I'm going to miss you in class. You know. I don't know who's going to replace you, but I fear for the worst. ''
'' Oh, I heard about the teacher that's taking over, she's not the worst, quite the contrary. I'm meeting with her in a few minutes to go over you plan for the year. Tell me about you in the meantime. ''
'' A woman, my my, that's promising. '' She said winking. He laughed at her then and they both sat down as she told him about her getting better after her break-up. It wasn't a secret that she was gay, and as the years went by, she bonded with her teacher and found in him someone she could confide in. He taught her how to transform all those feelings into a strength in her art. But that ended up draining her energy, until she had nothing left inside of her.
'' But I think I'm getting better. I actually enjoyed myself drawing for the first time in a long time yesterday. ''
'' I'm happy for you then, but don't be a stranger Quinn, just because I'm not your teacher anymore doesn't mean I can't be your friend. You're such a talented girl, I'd hate to see it go to waste. ''
'' I'll remember that, M. Schue '' She smiled and he got up for his meeting. They stood awkwardly for a moment before he smiled and wrapped his arms protectively around her. She felt safe there. This man was more of a father to her than her own ever was. He knew how to show the way.
'' Please call me Will. I'll see you soon Quinn, '' And with that promise, he was gone but left with Quinn a bit of his smile, and walking home, she felt like life could take on a new turn. Things were falling into place. It felt good.
It was with a dread that she got to class Wednesday morning, because the new teacher would be introducing herself. She would have to trust M. Sc.. Will on this. She had to be good. She hoped she was.
When she was settled at her desk, sketchbook opened, pen in hand, lazily sketching some doodles, she heard the door open and the banging of heels of the floor. She looked up and remembered Puck's words about '' the new teacher being hot. ''. She cursed internally, why was he always so right. Her jaw was hitting the floor and silence fell upon the room. Everyone was taken aback by this woman walking towards the desk. Long, dark hair neatly arranged in a perfect ponytail. No hair misplaced. She was a fantasy. She wasn't real. The jeans she wore were like another skin, so tight. She couldn't not stare, at this woman, couldn't deny that she breathed desire. She was simply astounding. She opened her mouth then, a sincere smile plastered on her face, and Quinn's world would be changed forever.
'' Hello everyone, it's very nice to meet you all, I am your new professor of Illustration and we will be meeting every Wednesday, all day. Before we start, I am Ms. Lopez. Santana Lopez. ''