A/N 1: Thank you so much for all the reviews, alerts and favourites. It means more than I can say :-)
Rachel's POV
Blinking my eyes open slowly I squinted with a groan against the light that assaulted my eyes. I quickly clamped my eyes shut again but it did nothing to alleviate the fierce pounding in my head.
Hearing a soft grunt from somewhere beside my head I felt a sudden rush of fear shoot through me as I became aware of the warmth of a body pressed against my own. My eyes flew open anxiously and I breathed a sigh of relief to see that I was still fully clothed. I glanced over at my sleeping companion and felt a brief flash of confusion at seeing Quinn's features relaxed with sleep. As some of last night started to come back to me my confusion was quickly replaced with a growing smile. I couldn't quite remember everything that had happened but one word stood clear in my mind.
Friends.
I found my smile growing impossibly bigger.
Quinn Fabray wants to be my friend. Admittedly she was drunk when she said that but...
Wait. Had it just been the alcohol talking? Would she wake up and decide that in the light of day and free from the fuzzy effects of alcohol that a friendship with Rachel Berry was not something she, or any normal person wanted? Would she even remember?
Suddenly I found my smile fading and the pounding in my head grow stronger.
Hearing a groan as Quinn shifted beside me I realised that I would soon find my answers.
"Mph," Quinn mumbled as she rubbed her eyes and stretched her lean torso. "Morning Rach."
Okay well that is a good start... isn't it?
"Morning Quinn." I replied as brightly as possible but failed to keep my slight trepidation from my voice.
"Are you okay?" She asked sounding slightly hesitant too now.
"Great." I grinned reassuringly before wincing. "Or not so great." I groaned as I held a hand to my thumping skull.
"Mmm." Quinn agreed with a grunt as she ran a hand through her hair. I fought against a small snigger at how the small action caused her wild bed hair to become somehow even less tamed. Sadly I lost the fight and a small snort of laughter made its way out.
"What?" Quinn asked in a sleepily grumpy tone.
"Its just..." I giggled and quickly shot her an apologetic look. "Here." I offered as I lifted a hand and gently patted her hair down as best I could. Quinn let out the same hum of contentment as she had the night before when I stroked her hair and I filed the little piece of information away for future use.
"Not that bedhead isn't a good look for you," I assured her. "But if you had gone downstairs like that then people would think we had..." I trailed off with a blush which only deepened as last night's conversation and the words "the right girl" floated through my mind. I dropped my hand as though it had been burned and glanced up at Quinn nervously to see her observing me with a slight smirk.
"They would think that we had what Rach?" Quinn grinned wickedly.
Okay I was wrong last night, she does still want to torture me.
"Umm..."
Luckily I was saved from having to answer that as Quinn let out a laugh and then winced as she clutched her head with a groan.
"You know Fabray," I teased lightly, "You might want to play nice with me. I happen to have amazing painkillers with me in my bag downstairs."
Quinn's head popped up at the word 'painkillers' and she looked at me with a pathetically hopeful expression.
"You brought painkillers with you to a party?" Quinn asked with a smile. I looked at her for a moment before determining that she wasn't mocking me.
"Umm, yes. I like to be prepared for all eventualities as you can never be sure when..." I trailed off before I ended up launching into full on Berry Rant Mode. "I know, I'm crazy." I said with an embarrassed shrug.
"Well yes." Quinn agreed with a teasing grin. "But I am so grateful for your brand of Berry Crazy right now munchkin." Her warm, affectionate tone and the sweet use of her little nickname made me feel a warm glow of happiness.
"Just for that I will let you have some." I reply with my own teasing smile.
Quinn's POV
"See you later Rach." I say with a grin which is returned times ten. Seriously Rachel Berry's smile could light up a whole room it is so bright. It feels oddly wonderful to be the cause of it for a change.
"See you Quinn. Thank you for the ride."
"Any time."
"Bye Santana, Brittany." She calls out with a small wave before shutting the car door. Santana and Brittany both grumble their goodbyes from behind their shades. It had taken over half an hour for Rachel and I to drag their hungover behinds to my car. I had wanted to just leave them at Puck's but Rachel insisted that as I was their designated ride that I couldn't leave without them.
After seeing that Rachel was safely inside her house I pulled my own shades down and pulled away. The painkillers had been amazing as Rachel had said but my head was still feeling a little tender. One reason to be grateful for the hungover state of the current occupants of my backseat was that it meant it was sure to be a nice, quiet car ride.
Or so I thought.
"So you and Rachel huh?" Santana grinned like the cat that got the cream. "I always knew it would happen."
"Me and Berry what?" I asked, trying my best to sound ignorant even though I knew precisely what Santana was implying.
"Don't play dumb Quinn, you're not good at it."
I wonder if Santana realises that she just complimented my intelligence in a roundabout way?
"I decided to take your advice." I say with an easy shrug.
"When did I ever advise you to get up on that?"
"I meant your advice about letting things go." I roll my eyes at my friend's ability to make everything about sex. "So I am."
"Oh so the midget is helping you 'let go' is she?" Santana smirked.
I punched my fist against my steering wheel in aggravation before taking a calming breath. Getting a rise out of me was exactly what Santana was after.
"Firstly," I said through slightly gritted teeth, "Don't call her that. And secondly, Rachel and I have agreed to be friends." I stressed. "I finally realised that all the stupid things in my life that I always tried to blame on her were never actually her fault."
"You mean other than the boyfriend stealing?"
"Yeah... other than that." I mumbled, feeling put out by the comment. Rachel and I were finally beyond our past differences so why couldn't everyone else be?
"Well good for you." Santana beamed overly brightly in that way that always made me nervous. "The two of you certainly looked very friendly in Puck's bed last night."
Santana's smile grew ever wider as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I felt myself flush despite knowing that things between Rachel and I had remained purely friendly last night.
"We were just sleeping." I argued weakly, hating how small my voice sounded and hoping Santana wouldn't see my blush. She was sure to read too much into it if she did.
"Mmm hmm." Santana smirked. "Oh look we're here." She exclaimed cheerfully. "I guess that saves you from telling us all about Berry's berries."
I ducked my head to hide my ever growing blush.
"San, play nice." Brittany mumbled as she woke up.
"We're here sweetie." Santana said softly as she stroked Brittany's hair affectionately. She then turned back towards me with an apologetic shrug.
"Sorry Q, I just couldn't resist. You are so much fun." She said with a grin.
"See you later, thanks for the ride." She yelled out over her shoulder as she and Brittany clambered out of the car and made their way towards Brittany's house with their pinkies linked.
I guess that is as close to an apology as you get from Santana. I'll take it.
Quinn's POV
I couldn't help but be in a good mood today. The sun was shining and it was officially the start of the summer holidays. It might have also have been something to do with waking up to an empty house this morning. My mother has gone away for a few days to see her sister, leaving me to my own devices. Usually I had to put up with her being around the house all the time and trying to spend time with me, something that has only become worse since my father left so I was going to enjoy every last moment of these few days.
Today had been near perfect so far. I got to stay in bed and have a lazy morning, by far my favourite thing about holidays. And now I am heading to the mall with Santana and Brittany for the day as Brittany had wanted us all to have some "bestie" time.
I can't help but smile as I sing along softly to the radio whilst my two best friends chat noisily behind me. If every day of the holidays is this carefree I think I will be returning to school in the fall a whole new person.
"Hey is that Rachel?" Brittany pipes up, breaking my thoughts.
I look over to where she is pointing and see the figure of the small diva jogging. I see an awful lot of the figure in fact as she is wearing a tank top and some impossibly short running shorts that show off every inch of her toned legs.
"Quinn!" Santana yells urgently and I startle, quickly turning my gaze back to the road. Slamming on my brakes I narrowly avoid hitting the car stopped in front of us. Apparently I had been looking at Rachel longer than I realised.
"Distracted?" Santana smirks.
"Umm..." I blush as I fumble for an excuse as to why I had almost caused an accident.
"Oh look the park!" Brittany exclaims excitedly. "San, can we go?"
"Sure Britt." Santana shoots me a shit-eating grin. "I think the park will be far more fun than the mall."
Hearing Santana's wicked tone I glance over and see that sure enough the park is exactly where Rachel is currently heading. I try to think of an excuse why I can't go to the park or why I simply must go to the mall today but come up blank. It would be hopeless anyway as there really is no saying no to Brittany.
Reluctantly I park the car and follow my friends as Brittany enthusiastically drags Santana along. I can hear Brittany exclaiming excitedly and gesturing wildly but I tune out what she is saying as my eyes begin to scan the other occupants of the park. There are a lot of parents with their kids, an elderly couple sat on a bench together who I can't help but smile up and then there, up ahead is Rachel jogging at a fairly swift pace. I watch for a few moments before a pointed cough beside me forces me to tear my eyes away.
"Hmm?" I ask distractedly, my eyes already straying back down the path.
"Q!" Santana barks.
"What?" I ask, finally snapping my eyes to my friends.
"I was saying that BrittBritt wants an ice-cream so perhaps we should move, unless you would just rather stand there blocking the path all day?"
"Oh... right." I mutter awkwardly. "Yeah, whatever you guys want." I shrug as my eyes flick briefly down the path and back again. Santana rolls her eyes but can't seem to fight a small smile. My eyes betray me once again but this time I see that Rachel has now disappeared from view. I feel my heart sink slightly but I am not really sure why. Forcing a smile on my face I follow Santana and Brittany to get some ice-cream.
Rachel's POV
My feet hit the ground in time to the music coming through my ipod, keeping my pace steady. Having almost completed a lap of the park I decide to take a quick breather and stretch my now burning muscles.
As I lunge to stretch my legs I watch a little girl with her mother and smile sadly. As they walk hand in hand, the little girl chattering away about nothing as her mother watches her with an amused, adoring gaze I can't help but wonder what might have been had my own mother wanted me. As the little girl squeals out "Ice-cream!" though I can't help but chuckle slightly at her cuteness.
My eyes follow them and that is when I spot Santana who is watching Brittany eat an ice-cream with an expression that makes me blush slightly. My eyes drift to the figure beside them and I find hazel eyes watching me. When our gazes lock Quinn looks down quickly looking a little sheepish as she bites her lip. She looks back up at me and smiles and I find myself grinning back.
Feeling a little nervous I head over to the trio. I know Quinn had said we could be friends but I still wasn't sure if it was okay for me to go over. I push down my uncertainties and put a smile on my face.
"Hi." I greet somewhat awkwardly.
"Hey." Quinn greets softly as she stands up from the bench the trio had been occupying. We stand there awkwardly for a few moments just looking at each other.
"Hey Britt, do you want to feed the ducks?" Santana asks suddenly. Brittany breaks out into a large grin as she lets out a squeal of excitement. Brittany immediately sprints off in search of the ducks.
"Britt you're supposed to wait for me!" She calls out as she breaks out into a huge smile. I don't think I have ever seen her wearing an expression that is so... affectionate. Santana leans in and whispers something to Quinn before sprinting off after Brittany.
I watch the two running together and I can't help but smile at how sweet they are together. Finally I turn back to face Quinn who is blushing softly.
"What did Santana say to you just now?" I ask which only causes Quinn's blush to deepen.
"Nothing." Quinn says quickly, looking everywhere but at me.
"Quinn are you okay?" I reach out and place a hand on her arm to try to get her attention.
"Umm, yeah." Quinn rubs the back of her neck awkwardly. "Just Santana being Santana."
"Oh... enough said."
Quinn chuckles at that and I smile when she seems to finally relax slightly. She sits back down on the bench and I take a seat beside her. We sit quietly together as we watch people stroll by. I would expect the silence between us to be awkward but somehow it feels quite comfortable to sit here with Quinn just watching the world go by.
"So, umm... Rach." Quinn starts but is suddenly interrupted by a loud squeal.
"Quinn!" Brittany runs up to us excitedly.
"Son of a bitch." Quinn mutters under her breath sounding frustrated. "Hey Britt, what's up?" She says louder as she gives her friend an interested smile that would pass as genuine so long as you didn't look too closely. I however could spot the slight grimace in that smile.
"You have to come and see the ducks, it's so cool." Brittany insisted as she started to tug Quinn up off the bench.
"Britt!" Quinn protests as she tries to pull back. "I was talking to Rachel."
"You don't mind do you Rach?" Brittany asked with sweet, wide eyes. "Hey maybe you can come with us?"
"No it is okay I have to head home anyway. Maybe next time Britt?"
"Yeah!" Brittany nods enthusiastically.
"I'll see you Quinn." I smile warmly as Quinn smiles back softly.
"Yeah... see you."
Quinn's POV
"Can we go and see the ducks now?" Brittany pleads.
"In a minute Britt." I reply distractedly as I try not to look like I am watching the park entrance expectantly. The entrance that I so happened to choose a bench as close to as possible.
"But Quinn I'm worried that if I don't go soon that the ducks will think I have abandoned them." Brittany says anxiously, her blue eyes wide with worry.
"You saw them just yesterday Britt, I am sure they know you haven't abandoned them." I reassure her.
"You know this is pathetic right?" Santana rolls her eyes at me. I give my friend a confused look which only causes Santana to laugh at me.
"We know why you wanted to come back to the park today Q." She tells me pointedly.
"It's too nice a day to stay indoors." I shrug nonchalantly.
"There are plenty of other things we could do outdoors, like make use of your pool whilst your Mom is away." She reminds me.
"Britt wanted to see the ducks again." I argue defensively.
"Oh right," Santana outright laughs in my face, "Sure that was the reason you wanted to come back here."
I glare at her and clench my jaw as I shift uncomfortably on the bench.
"So... nothing to do with a certain hot little diva, about five feet tall, all of it legs, who may or may not go for a run in this park at around this time every day?"
Refusing to even look at Santana I suddenly find my feet fascinating as I purse my lips in annoyance.
"A certain tiny brunette," Santana continues in a playful tone, "Who happens to be heading in this direction."
My head pops up as I gaze towards the park entrance with wide eyes. Sure enough Rachel is heading over to us wearing a dazzling smile. I vaguely hear Santana chuckle beside me and mutter "Sure, nothing to do with her" but ignore her as I offer Rachel a bright smile.
"Hey Rach." I scoot over immediately to make space on the bench beside me. Rachel plops down beside me and I fidget with my fingers just to keep them distracted.
"Are you here to see the ducks Rach?" Brittany asks. "That is what we are here for but Quinn made us wait until you-"
"BrittBritt," Santana cuts her off quickly, "Maybe you should invite Rachel to come with us to see the ducks seen as we were just about to head there anyways."
"Would you like to come with us Rach?" Brittany asks hopefully. Rachel glances at me for a moment before smiling sweetly.
"That would be lovely, thank you Brittany."
Brittany immediately grabs Rachel's hand and drags her giggling towards the pond whilst Santana and I follow after them with amused expressions.
Rachel's POV
This is one of the most surreal experiences of my life. I never imagined that I would ever be spending time with the unholy trinity, especially not without them putting up some huge protest first. But here I am laid down beside the pond with the sun warming my face and their soft conversation and laughter surrounding me. I open my eyes and take in the sight of Brittany laying with her head in Santana's lap as the two giggle over something and Quinn who is sat watching me with a soft expression that I can't read. I smile feeling suddenly slightly shy, an emotion almost completely foreign to me.
"Hey midget, I asked you a question." Santana huffs.
I tear my gaze away from Quinn and look at Santana with a confused look having been unaware that she was speaking to me.
"Huh?" I ask dumbly.
"We are going over to Quinn's tomorrow to make full use of her Mom's absence and wanted to know if you want to come?" Santana asked. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Quinn's gaze snap away from me and onto her friends. Evidently she had been unaware of their conversation up until this point as well.
"Umm..." I stall as I glance at Quinn but as she is staring hard at Santana I can't tell if she wants me to say yes or not.
"Come on Rach, it will be fun." Brittany pleaded in that way that was impossible to say no to. Quinn glanced from Brittany's pleading expression to me and back again, her eyes flickering between us nervously.
"If it is okay with Quinn?" I answer cautiously.
"Of course it is!" Santana answered for her.
"Umm, ok then." I agree uncertainly.
Santana beams at me in a way that makes me feel extremely nervous before turning her attention back to Brittany. The two of them start discussing plans for the following day but I don't hear any of it as I discretely watch Quinn out of the corner of my eye. She is gazing seemingly at nothing as her brow furrows and she fidgets with her fingers. I want to reach over and calm her restless fingers but I fear that may only make things more awkward.
Feeling my phone vibrate I quickly check the text message and find myself smiling broadly.
"I've err, got to go. My Dads are expecting me." I inform them all as I wave my phone slightly to indicate the message I just received. "But I'll see you tomorrow?"
"You better be there Berry." Santana warns in a tone that makes me realise that any excuses that may be currently running through my head will not be accepted.
I give them all a small wave which Quinn distractedly returns whilst Brittany excitedly waves at me with a happy grin.
"See you tomorrow Rach." Brittany practically bounces in her enthusiasm.
I walk away from the trio feeling an odd combination of excited and vaguely terrified.
A/N 2: As this story is already written the updates will be very frequent. The more reviews it gets the quicker they will be, yes I am bribing you all :-p
A/N 3: I already have a sequel to this which I am currently rewriting. In fact I was meant to be working on it today but this happened instead: .com/watch?v=wwU3cBpgx8w&context=