SO, finally I finished the chapter and also the story. I hope you have enjoyed it and will enjoy this chapter :) It has been fun to write it, except that it took a lot longer than anticipated, because of work, but I managed it. Hope you like it even though it´s a bit long!
As Quinn approached the Pearl Palace, she saw Rachel standing patiently next to her father, with a soft smile on her lips. The butterflies were going crazy in Quinn´s stomach and her smile went wide at the sight of the small brunette. Quinn had decided for a more casual wear this hot day, her black pants traded with khakis, a white shirt and black shoes. Her blonde hair in a side braid and a little makeup applied.
"We have to be back at the boat no sooner than seven" Jameson´s gruff voice sounded next to her, bringing her out of her thoughts. Quinn´s smile faltered as she nodded.
"Yes, sir" She didn't want to leave, but she understood that they had a schedule and she was paid for this journey. Jameson stopped her as he put a hand on her shoulder and smiled to her.
"I get it, Quinn. She´s a beauty, but we can´t stay here any longer than we have. Three days is all I can stretch it"
"I know" Quinn spoke sadly and looked up at the brunette princess, whose smile had faltered and were now frowning. Hiram spoke to his daughter, who nodded and smiled again.
"Make the most of the time you have, alright?" Jameson added and took the last few steps towards Hiram and Rachel. Quinn watched as he bowed for Rachel and shook hands with his friend. She followed suit and made a small gesture to Hiram before giving her attention to the woman next to her.
"Hello, Princess" She spoke softly and turned on her charming smile. Rachel ducked her head before looking back up at Quinn with a soft smile.
"Hello, Quinn" Hiram smiled down at his daughter.
"We´ll be in the library" He said and walked away with Jameson. Quinn generously offered her arm to Rachel, who smiled and gratefully took it. They walked together closely down a small path alongside the Palace. Soon they were walking amongst beautiful flowers.
"How are you?" Quinn asked and almost smacked herself in her head. What a dumb start. Rachel just smiled.
"I´m great, thank you. How about you?"
"I´m good" Quinn replied. They walked together in silence. Quinn noticed how some guards had been following them the whole time. She glanced at a man who she was sure they had already passed two times before. How they did it she didn't know, but she was somewhat impressed.
"This is ridicules" Rachel said after a while. Quinn laughed quietly.
"It is, right?" She stopped and turned to stand in front of the brunette princess. "You look beautiful" She said and brushed a stray hair behind Rachels ear. Rachel blushed and ducked her head. Quinn put her finger under Rachel´s chin and gently lifted her head, so she could look into Rachels brown eyes. "Don't hide" She spoke softly and smiled. Rachel looked up into hazel eyes. She wasn't used to this gentleness. Sure, she had her fair share of suitors, but no one had been like the blonde sailor in front of her. Their conversations were interesting, different and fun. Rachel had been delighted when Quinn had showed interest in her hobbies and dreams. There weren't many she had told of them. As she looked into those sincere hazel eyes again, she felt butterflies in her stomach and her body warm.
"I really like you" Rachel whispered and immediately blushed as she realised she had said those words out loud. Quinn caressed her cheek as she chuckled.
"Well, I really like you too" She cupped Rachel´s cheek. Rachel loved how her hand seemed both soft and yet had some roughness from years of working on a ship. Both Quinn and Rachel had leaned towards each other without knowing. "May I kiss you, Princess?" Quinn whispered onto Rachel´s lips. Rachel shuddered at the husky voice.
"Please, do" She whispered and felt a pair of the softest lips ever pressing onto her own. The kiss was tentatively at first and Rachel could hear and feel her heart beat wildly in her chest. Quinn felt ecstatic and kept her body in check for her not to devour the girl right there in the garden. She wrapped her arms around Rachel´s slim waist, drawing them closer to each other. The kiss deepened as Rachel brought both arms up to rest on the blonde's shoulders, locking her fingers around the back of her neck. Quinn shivered as she felt Rachel play with the tiny hair on the nape of her neck and moaned into the kiss. Rachel smiled into the kiss and sought out Quinn´s tongue and involuntarily let out a moan of her own when she felt the strong, yet soft muscle met her own. The kiss ended naturally, and Quinn pecked Rachel´s lips once more before sighing and resting her forehead against the princess´s.
"I´ve dreamt about this since the first time I saw you" Quinn whispered not wanting to ruin the moment.
"Me too" Rachel breathed, and they shared a chuckle. Rachel took a step back as she fixed her dress. "I´ve prepared a small lunch, if you want to join me?" She asked hopefully, looking up at Quinn with her big brown eyes.
"I would love to" Quinn smiled and entwined their hands. "Lead the way" She said and followed the beautiful princess further into the garden. The guards had left them alone, which Quinn was grateful. Quinn couldn't stop the small gasp slipping past her lips when they finally came to their destination. They were standing at the edge of the royal garden and the view were simply amazing. The clear blue sky, matching the equally as blue ocean and Quinn could see small boats floating around with the natives fishing. "Wow" She whispered, and Rachel smiled at the blonde. "It really an amazing view, Rach" Rachel´s eyes widened at the nickname and blushed a bit. Quinn had clearly not noticed the slip and Rachel wasn't one to correct her, she liked it.
"It is. I love coming here" She tugged on Quinn´s hand and pulled her closer to the picnic she had set up for them. Quinn smiled to herself as they sat down on the blanket.
"It´s been a long time since I´ve had a picnic" She said as Rachel pulled out small containers of food from the basket next to her.
"Me too. I thought it could be like a date?" Rachel said shyly. She hadn't asked, and she didn't want to assume things, if this was just a onetime thing for Quinn. Quinn smiled softly as she leaned back on her hands.
"A date sounds lovely" She looked over at Rachel and loved how bright her eyes were and that beaming smile that made her heart beat faster. The Princess kept smiling as she handed over a sandwich, which Quinn gladly accepted, and they began to eat.
"So, Puck, like the idiot he is, decided to defend this girls honour or something like that and stood up in front of this freaking huge guy and wants to have a fist fight. Puck is not little, but next to this guy, he looked like a dwarf. As they great friend I am, I stupidly decided to help him get out of the situation, so I walked right in front of the giant just as he takes a swing at Puck. I never saw it coming and the next thing I know, I´m on the floor looking up at Puck yelling like a bitch, oh sorry" Quinn noticed how Rachel didn't appreciate when people swear. "And that´s basically how I got this scar. Apparently, I hit a table on my way down" She finished answering to Rachel´s question. She chuckled lightly.
"That was foolish, Quinn" Rachel said but smiled as she caressed the small scar. Quinn only hummed in appreciation.
"Perhaps, but I would do it again. He is my friend" Quinn was lying on her back with her head in Rachel´s lap as they shared stories. Rachel ran a hand through Quinn´s soft hair. "You would have done the same for your friends, probably not getting smacked but you know what I mean" Quinn added and chuckled at herself. When Rachel didn't answer, she looked up to the see the brunette looking away over the ocean. "Rach?" Their eyes connected as Rachel looked down at her. She sighed deeply.
"I´ve never had a lot of friends. I guess, being a royalty has its downfalls" She looked away again. "The only "friends" I´ve ever had, had been guys trying to woo me" Quinn felt sad for the girl and a tad jealous, not that she would ever admit it. Of course, other had noticed the beautiful princess.
"I´m sorry to hear that" Rachel shook her head as she smiled sadly.
"Don't be. I´ve been fine so far" Quinn reached her hand up and caressed her cheek. Rachel leaned into her hand.
"Well, you got me now" Rachel smiled and placed a soft kiss onto Quinn´s palm Rachel continued running her fingers through Quinn´s now loose hair. "So, any funny stories about your wooing?" She tried, not really the perfect subject, but she was curious.
"There was this guy one time. He was from France. His father was an engineer or something like that and was assigned to work here. He had decided his son was to tag along on one of his trips. His name was Jesse St. James and I swear, I´ve never met a more self-centric and arrogant man in my life" Rachel rolled her eyes at the memory of him. "He acted like he was everything, mostly because his father had a high status among the French. I accidently met him at the market one day and he didn't know who I was. He spoke down to me like I was some lowlife woman, all because he bumped into me. I tried to apologize, because I didn't want to cause a scene, even though it was his fault. He was rude and judgemental, and I was too stunned to do anything, it wasn't until a guard came rushing towards us, asking if the princess was ready to leave, that he stopped talking"
"What a jerk" Quinn said. Rachel just nodded and smiled to her.
"Well, Jesse looked around and asked ´what princess? ´. He looked down at me and I took the chance to introduce myself. You should have seen his face" Rachel chuckled "I´ve never seen a man go as white as he did. He tried to apologize numerously times, but I´ve had enough and left him standing there"
"What happened after that?"
"It got worse, that's what happened. Jesse tried everything to woo me after he apparently had decided that I was what he wanted. Why, I didn't understand, but I have an idea that it was my title. I didn't even know the man, but my father knew his father and asked of me to give him a chance, so I did" Quinn looked wide eyed up at her.
"What?"
"Yes, I didn't want to disappoint my parents. It was important for them" Rachel sighed before continuing. "As I predicted, it was a disaster. It ended after the second date."
"You had two dates with him?" Rachel nodded.
"Yes. It ended in me pushing him in the water after an ill attempted kiss. I asked, or rather demanded of my parents never to push me into this kind of arrangement ever again. So far they had kept their promise" Rachel finished.
"I´ll say it again; what a jerk" Quinn said and shook her head, not believing that damn boy.
"Indeed" Rachel agreed and chuckled. They smiled to each other.
"Do your parents decide who you are to marry?" Quinn asked, a bit afraid of the answer. What if they didn't accept her wooing their daughter? They would had said something, perhaps had stopped them. They haven't, but the chances were there. Rachel shook her head and Quinn let out breath of air, she didn't know she had been holding.
"No, they would never decide my future except, as I told you last night, that my mother wants me to have the throne when she steps down. Which will be never. That woman would live forever just to be Queen" Rachel and Quinn chuckled.
"I´m glad it didn't work out with St. Douche" Quinn said.
"Why?" Rachel asked even though she knew the answer. Quinn sat up and faced the princess as she cupped her cheek.
"Then I wouldn't be able to do this" She said and pressed her lips to Rachels soft ones. Rachel sighed into the kiss and leaned back down as she pulled Quinn down with her. Rachel moaned into the kiss as Quinn settled a leg between her own. She felt Quinn´s tongue run along her bottom lip and she parted her lips and granted her access. They both moaned as they felt each other's tongue and Quinn let her hand slide up Rachels small body. Quinn began to kiss down her neck as Rachel ran her hand through Quinn´s hair.
"Jesus" Rachel mumbled at the fantastic sensation. Quinn let out a husky chuckle as she nibbled at Rachels ear, who shivered in reaction. Quinn couldn't help but suck on her neck and Rachel bucked up into the blonde's body. "Quinn…" She moaned. Quinn slowed down and placed small kisses before stopping. She leaned back and looked down at a flushed Rachel. She leaned down and pecked her lips once again before she lay down next to the brunette. Rachel nestled into Quinn, who wrapped an arm around her and sighed contently. "What time is it?" Rachel asked after a while. Quinn lifted her arm and looked at her watch. Her eyes widened.
"Oh shit" She said and sat up abruptly letting Rachel fall to the ground. The Princess let out a huff as she sat up again. "I´ve promised Captain I would be back at the boat at 7pm. It´s 6.30" Quinn noticed how Rachel looked away sadly. She was sad too and wanted to stay here, but it was her job. She couldn't abandon it. Quinn began to pack up the picnic, but Rachel stopped her.
"Don't, I´ll let my servants clean up. We have to go, if you want to make it in time." Rachel stood up and dusted off her dress. Quinn followed, and they walked in silence back through the garden and to the front of the Palace where Jameson and Rachel´s parents were standing. They looked towards the two girls and smiled at them. Quinn stopped Rachel before they could reach then and turned her, so she could face the blonde. Rachel had tears in her eyes and threw her arms around the blonde's neck, burying her face in Quinn´s hair. Quinn held her tightly and held back her own tears.
"Don't cry, sweetie" Quinn whispered. Rachel released her tight hold on the blonde and took a step back as she wiped her eyes.
"When will you be back?" Rachel asked her timidly. "I don't want you to leave me".
"I wish I could give you an answer about the exact time, but I can´t" A fresh wave of tears slid down Rachels cheek. Quinn cupped her cheek and removed the stray tears. "I promise you, I will come back to you, alright?" Rachel nodded, and Quinn leaned down to kiss the small brunette. She wrapped her arms around her and held her as tightly as Rachel held her. A clearing of a throat interrupted their kiss and they parted with a small blush. They both turned to look at Shelby who just smiled softly. They parted and walked closer to them hand in hand.
"Alright, we have to go. Come on, Fabray, we have a long journey ahead of us" Jameson said and shook hands with Hiram, Leroy and Shelby. Quinn looked at him and nodded before turned back to Rachel.
"I promise I´ll come back" She said to Rachel and kissed her once more before taking a few steps towards Jameson, who wrapped an arm around her in comfort. As they walked away, Quinn looked back once more at the Princess who was leaning into her mothers' side.
"You´ll be okay, Quinn" Jameson said as they sat in the boat towards their ship.
"I´m not so sure" She whispered as she looked longingly at the island they were leaving. She was sure that she was leaving the love of her life.
It was Christmas eve when Jameson stepped onto the bridge, where Quinn was standing. She turned around as she heard him approach her.
"Merry Christmas, Quinn" He said and gave her a quick hug.
"Merry Christmas, sir" She said and smiled to him.
"Are you sure you want to spend Christmas eve up here? You could come and spend it with the rest of the crew" Jameson said.
Quinn nodded. "Yes, I´m not much for company at the moment"
"As long as you´re sure. I´ll make Hudson come up with some dinner for the two of you" He said and motioned to the mate accompanying Quinn this evening. Quinn nodded, and Jameson stepped out again. Quinn walked over to the mate who was leaning up against the rudder. She arched an eyebrow as she looked at him. He quickly straightened and made sure they were going in the right direction again. She shook her head and looked out in the horizon, not seeing much as it was dark. She missed Rachel so much, it was like her heart was hurting. She wished she could have stayed with her, she could have but she didn't. Maybe the dumbest decision she had ever made. She sighed heavily and fixed her cap before taking a quick walk on the deck.
Jameson knocked on Santana´s door and stepped inside. "Won´t you be joining us for dinner?" He asked the Latina. Santana put down Brittany´s picture and shook her head.
"No, I´ll stay here"
"Why? It´s Christmas Eve. Nobody should be alone this evening" Santana shook her head again.
"I don't think the crew would want me there"
"Is it because of you and Quinn´s little fight? You got it out of your system and Quinn won´t be joining us tonight. Now, come on up and join us" Jameson said. Santana shook her head no again. "I´m not asking. Captain´s order. Come on" Santana rolled her eyes but followed him into the Mess. Everybody was standing there in their suit with a glass in their hands, waiting. Jameson and Santana stepped inside. "Good evening and Merry Christmas" He said and smiled widely. Puck was standing by the tree, lighting up the Christmas candles. "Where´s Hudson?"
"He´s in the kitchen. He says he´s busy" Puck answered with a grin.
"Get him"
"Not by me. That´s dangerous shit" Puck chuckled.
"Get him now" Jameson said sternly, and Puck went down after him immediately. He knocked on the door.
"NO!" Finn yelled. Puck chuckled and stepped inside.
"You have to go upstairs and play the music" Finn looked up at him with mad eyes as he stirred the mashed potatoes.
"Me? Play music? HA! I don't think so" Puck grinned as he stood with his hands in his pockets not stepping too close to the madman in front of him.
"Captains order"
"Yeah, right" He said before stopping up. "What?" He stared at Puck. "Captain ordered me?" Puck nodded. Finn slammed down his spoon. "Let´s go!" He took a bowl of punch with him and in his turning around, he accidently turned up for the gas. Both ran up the stairs away from the kitchen. Small flames were turning into big ones as they hit small poodles of oil on the floor. Quinn was standing on the bridge, making sure everything was alright as she listened to the Christmas music coming from the Mess. She walked back and forth in the small area, when something hit her nostrils.
"It smells like somethings burned" She said and sniffed the air. "Can you smell something?" She asked the mate next to her. He shook his head.
"I´m having a cold" He said and sniffed. Quinn frowned and took a step away from him. The fire had spread all over the stove and some buckets standing near it. Soon the whole kitchen was burning wildly. Quinn stopped in her tracks and sniffed again. "No, there´s something wrong!" She ran out on deck and tried to locate the smell. It led her further down, when she saw smoke. She jumped down the last pair of stairs when she noticed it was the kitchen burning. She could feel the heat from the metal walls and immediately ran back upstairs to the Mess. She was out of breath and her hair all messy when she tore open the door. "FIRE! FIRE ON BOARD! The kitchen is on fire!" She yelled. Jameson abruptly stood up, the rest of the crew followed.
"Every man on deck!" He yelled, and everybody hurried out. Quinn and a few others grabbed nearby fire extinguishers and ran down to the kitchen door, when the porthole blew out. The glass hit her skin, but she ignored the sting of pain as she used the extinguisher on the huge flames.
"Shit!" She yelled when the flames kept coming. She pushed the extinguisher into a nearby mate´s hands. "Keep going!" Quinn ran out on deck to Jameson, who kept yelling out orders. She pulled off her jacket and threw it on the deck.
"Anything new?" Jameson asked the blonde. "We´ve managed to close the gas"
"I don't think the fire had hit our cargo yet" She answered.
"Go take a look in the cargo holds!" Quinn nodded and ran off. "Take care!" Jameson yelled out to her, not sure if she heard him. Quinn ran down the hallway, passing by Santana who had soot all over her. She ran down the stairs through the smoke-filled room to the holds three. She opened it and immediately crawled down the ladder. The air was thick of black smoke and Quinn held up her shirt, trying to inhale as less smoke as she could as she walked around. She spotted the place where the smoke was the worst and began to remove some of the boxes. Flames became visible as she removed more boxes. Upstairs a mate found the hose, right above the hatch and grabbed it. He ran away with it, with no thoughts about the chances of someone being down there. The hose hit the hatch and it fell with a bang. Quinn heard the noise and looked up in shock. She threw away the sack she was holding as she ran back to the ladder. She crawled up and began to push on the lid, but it didn't bulge. It was locked. She felt panic rise but kept trying to open it.
"Help!" She yelled and banged on the hatch, but no one came, and more flames was arising in the room. The room seemed very much smaller than before. Quinn kept banging even though her hands was hurting, she had burned them when she had removed the boxes. She coughed and felt herself getting lightheaded by inhaling all the smoke, but she kept going. She was not giving up now, she had Rachel. Sweet, beautiful and funny Rachel, she would go back and get her girl and they would live together. Be a family. Quinn smiled softly at the thoughts before coughing again as she tried once more to bang for someone to hear her. Santana was fighting the fire with her extinguisher when someone yelled next to her.
"It´s coming from cargo hold three!" Santana looked up at him and remembered she had seen Quinn run down to the holds and decided to run down there.
"Quinn?!" She yelled out, hoping to see her somewhere in the smoke. Quinn heard Santana and immediately tried to make some noises as she hid the hatch with all she had in her and yelled out.
"HERE!" She coughed. Santana stopped in her tracks as she heard the banging and ran towards the sound. Quinn felt herself getting dizzy and black dots appeared in her sight, but she kept a tight hold on the ladder. She lifted her arm to hid on the hatch once more, but all her strength was gone, and she felt herself faint as she fell to the floor. Santana walked past the hatch but stopped.
"Quinn?! Where are you?" She yelled. "Quinn! Yell again!" She turned around and saw the hatch. She kneeled and opened it, more smoke filling the air. She looked down at saw an unconscious Quinn laying on some sacks on the floor. She crawled down the ladder and picked up the blonde. "Geez" She muttered as she struggled to crawl back up again with Quinn on her shoulders. Puck came running down the stairs, his white shirt had burned holes.
"Did you find Quinn?" Jameson asked frantically.
"We can´t find her anywhere" Puck answered worried.
"She´s down in the cargo holds!" Jameson said angrily.
"We can´t get down there! The smoke is to heavy"
"Bullshit!" Jameson yelled and pushed Puck towards the flame engulfed door.
"Look!" Puck shouted and pointed at the door. Jameson´s eyes widened as he saw Santana carrying an unconscious Quinn towards them. "Cover them with water, so they can pass!" He yelled to the men carrying the hoses. Santana stepped onto the deck and almost collapsed but Puck and Finn were there quickly to catch the two of them, carrying them to safety. "Quinn?" Jameson spoke softly, trying to wake the woman. She blinked and briefly looked up at him before closing her eyes again. She had seen the warned look on his face but couldn't manage to keep herself awake. Jameson sighed, and turned to his men still fighting the fire. They had it under control and that comforted him. Much later he sat in front of Santana, bandaging her arms and making sure she was alright. "That was very brave of you, Miss Lopez" He told her. "Stupid, but incredibly brave" He smiled to her. "Thank you" He added with thoughts of Quinn. Santana looked down but acknowledged him.
"How is she?" She asked him.
"She´s resting. It was close, very close and she inhaled a lot of smoke, but she´s a tough girl. Her burnings aren't as bad as your though, luckily enough"
"I just did what anyone else would have done" Santana said after a while. Jameson smiled.
"My, I think you have grown" They shared a laugh as Jameson finished.
Quinn woke up, lying on her bed, feeling disorientated. Her head was throbbing, and she felt sore all over. The last thing she remembered was hanging onto the ladder down in the holds. She coughed a couple of times and winched at the pain that followed. She looked down at her heavy arms and saw they were covered in bandage. Quinn blinked a couple of times before she got a coughing fit again.
"Here, drink some water" A rough voice said from her side. She jumped and looked up at Jameson who was looking softly at her, but still with a worried expression. She took the offered glass and quickly swallowed the water. "Take it easy" He chuckled. "How are you?" Quinn shrugged.
"My whole body is hurting but beside that, I´m feeling alright" Quinn ran a hand through her messy hair but winched once again at the pain. "What happened?" She asked sighing. Jameson looked down as he scratched his gruff cheek.
"Lopez found you unconscious down in holds three. The hatch had fallen and locked you inside down there. She carried you up the ladder and took both of you to safety"
"She did?" Quinn asked in wonder and confusion. Jameson nodded.
"If she hadn't found you, you- "He couldn't finish that sentence, but Quinn understood. He took a deep breath and continued. "You inhaled a lot of smoke, but it seems like you got lucky. Also, your hands are a bit burned but again, you were incredibly lucky. It could have been much worse" Quinn nodded in understanding. He leaned forward and gently gave her a hug. "Jesus kid… Don't ever scare me like that again!" He spoke into her hair. Quinn swallowed hard and nodded.
"I´ll try not to" She said and chuckled lightly. He leaned back again and smiled at her.
"Good" He said and stood up. "Now, you stay in bed for a couple of days and then you should be alright to go" Quinn was about to protest. "Doctor´s and Captains order, Fabray" She huffed in annoyance but nodded.
"How bad is it? The ship, I mean?" Quinn asked before he got to leave.
"The galley and some of the cabins are in a really bad shape. We lost some cargo, but don't think about it. The crew are all fine and alive and that's the most important things" Jameson said.
"Alright, good" Quinn said and rested her head on her pillow again. She heard him leave her cabin and closed her eyes. She couldn't believe Santana had saved her ass. She really needed to thank the Latina. A few days later Quinn was up and going. Still a bit sore, but the coughing has ceased a lot. The winter had hit them hard and the cold wind was seeping through her jacket. Ice was covering small parts of the sea, it was clear to see they were close to home. The deck was somewhere covered in snow except for places where the crew was working. She walked up to the bridge where Jameson stood talking to the second mate. He finished his conversation when he saw her and walked towards her.
"It´s been quite a trip, huh?"
"It has" Quinn nodded. They stood in silent watching the sea and it´s waves. "When are we supposed to hit land?" She asked.
"Tomorrow midday. By order from Mr. Lopez, we were told to skip a port and get straight home. I think it´ll be good for you to take some time off" He said and glanced at her still bandaged hands. Quinn shook her head.
"No"
"No?" Jameson asked confused. Quinn looked at him with a small smile.
"Yeah… I´m going back to the love of my life" She said and gently patted his back as she walked away from the stunned Captain. She knocked on the door and waited patiently. She heard a small ´enter´ and stepped inside. She took off her coat as the cabin was nice and warm. "Hi" She said quietly. Santana looked up from her book.
"Hi" Quinn stood awkwardly in the room and bit her lip. Santana smirked and put the book down in her lap. "Something you wanted?"
"I just wanted to say thank you for, yeah… for saving me. I wouldn't have been here if it hadn't been for you" She took a breath. "So, thank you Santana" Santana sighed, but was thankful that Quinn took the time to come to her.
"I just did what everyone else would have done. I was there, therefor it was me, Quinn" Quinn shook her head.
"Don't belittle yourself. You could have left me there, but you didn't. We haven't exactly been friends" Santana chuckled and Quinn joined her.
"I would never have done that"
"And that says tremendous about you and what you have become. You´re not that shitty brat like the first time we met" Quinn smiled to her. Santana looked down with a laugh.
"No, I suppose not, but I appreciate you for coming here" They smiled at each other.
"I better go. We have a lot to do before we hit the port tomorrow" Quinn said. Santana nodded, and Quinn silently left her cabin. Not everything was alright, but it was certainly better between them. Quinn was dressed in a warm coat, thick gloves and a scarf as she stood at the deck watching their ship getting pulled the last way into the dockyard. She smiled as she looked forward to being back home after all that had happened the last six months. Except that she misses Rachel a lot. Once she was back on land, she would figure out a way to quickly get to her.
Mercedes was shovelling away the snow in front of the Mermaid, when a truck stopped in front of her. A young woman stepped out and opened the trunk and pulled put a bouquet. She smiled at Mercedes as she passed her and went inside. Brittany was standing on a ladder putting up celebration decorations when the woman came in with Mercedes on her heels, curious about what was happening.
"To Miss Pierce" She said. Brittany looked down at her.
"That's me" She gave Brittany the bouquet and left the building. Brittany carefully sat down on a step on the ladder and opened the bouquet, a small envelope was attached to it. She smiled widely when she saw it was a dozen red roses. She opened the envelope and looked up blushing, but with a happy smile. Mercedes stepped closer to her.
"Who is it from?" She asked her. Brittany laughed with joy and looked down at her.
"It´s from Santana" She lifted the roses and smelled them as she smiled sweetly of the thought of Santana.
Quinn stopped to talked to a few of the mates before walking closer to the railing. As she turned around, she bumped into Puck.
"Watch out, dude" He yelled as he walked with a rope. Quinn arched an eyebrow but smiled. "I´ve been waiting on this for months!"
"On what?" Quinn asked and stepped over the rope he already had laid out.
"On tying this ship onto the dock!" He said and threw the rope over the railing to the men standing on the dock. Quinn chuckled and looked at the cranes lifting the rest of the cargos they had left. She felt someone standing next to her and found Santana in a big coat and hands still wrapped up. They smiled shortly to each other.
"Thanks for the journey, Fabray" Quinn chuckled.
"Your welcome, Lopez"
"Before we go on land, perhaps we should you know, give each other a slap for old times' sake" Quinn looked back at her and saw Santana smirk. Quinn chuckled and nodded.
"Let´s do that" They turned to each other smiling and shook their hands gently. Quinn looked at Santana´s hands and frowned. "I´m so sorry about that" Santana shrugged.
"Don't think about it. It goes on traveling costs" Santana saw her father driving up to the ship and walked down to greet him. Mario smiled when he saw his daughter walking safely towards him. "Hi dad" She said. Mario laughed and engulfed her in her tight hug.
"Santana, my beautiful little girl. I´m so happy to see you safe and sound" He released her but kept his hands on her upper arms. "Are you alright?" Santana nodded and hugged her father once more. Happy to be home. Quinn smiled at the display before turning around to finish up her work and then she needed to pack up her things. She had her bag on her shoulder two hours later and took a last look, making sure she had remembering everything before leaving. As when they started this journey, Jameson stood on the deck alongside Mr. Lopez, talking. Puck and Finn came thundering out laughing.
"Oh, Mr. Hudson" Mr. Lopez spoke, and Finn stopped in his track. "I was informed that a party is happening tonight at the Mermaid and you would take of dinner?" Finn nodded.
"I thought Mr. Lopez said dinner" Puck said and nudged Finn in the side. Finn smacked the back of his head as they walked away together. Quinn stepped out on deck and wrapped her coat closer to her body as the cold hit her. She spotted Jameson talking to Mr. Lopez and walked over to them. Mr. Lopez saw her first and greeted her with a smile.
"Hello, Miss Fabray. How are you feeling?"
"Better, sir" Quinn replied.
"I´m glad to hear. I hope you´re attending tonight´s party?"
"Of course, sir" He nodded satisfied by her answer.
"Go on, Fabray. I´ll see you at the Mermaid" Jameson said to her and smiled. Quinn nodded as she pulled her bag back on her shoulder and left the two of them to talk. She enjoyed the fresh cold weather as she walked along the snow-covered streets. She sighed as she thought about Rachel. It would be difficult to get back to her, and Quinn couldn't really afford a helicopter to take her out on the island. She chuckled at the thought. The snow began to fall again and covered Quinn´s black coat in fine layer of snow.
Santana stopped in front of The Mermaid and took a deep breath before she stepped out and walked inside. Mercedes and Brittany were putting down plates on the tables when they heard the open. They turned towards the door and Brittany let out a small gasp when she saw who it was.
"Santana, what are you doing here?"
Santana smiled and took of her coat. "Dad gave me his car and told me I had something important to attend to. Apparently, someone had been talking to him behind my back" She said it without malice and a small smirk gracing her lips. Brittany blushed as she smiled.
"Mercedes…" Brittany said quietly.
"Yeah?"
"Didn't you have something to do in the kitchen? That thing you mentioned" Mercedes looked confused for moment before catching on.
"Oh, yes. Of course" The black woman grinned and quickly left the room, leaving the two alone. Finn passed by the window and stopped briefly as he saw the two women embracing each other. He smiled widely and walked into the kitchen with his arms full of souvenirs.
"Hi Mercedes!" Mercedes smiled happily at the goofy man in front of her. "You haven't paid any bills, have you?" Mercedes shook her head, but he kept talking. "How´s the pub?" He asked and sat down his suitcases.
"Splendid" Mercedes laughed. "There´s been two today. One wanted to borrow the phone, while the other wanted some change" She accepted the things Finn threw into her arms. He hadn't heard a word she´s been saying.
"It was this close, that you´ve might never had been seeing me again" He said as he held his thumb and index finger close together in front of her face. Mercedes gasped.
"Why?"
"The island had cannibals! Their chief of police was after me until Puck told him I had peberitis"
"That doesn't exist" She pointed out.
"No, but he doesn't know that" Mercedes chuckled and gave the tall man a hug, before they helped each other with tonight´s dinner. Puck came through the door with a huge smile and spread out his arms.
"Mercedes!" Finn pushed a tray into his hands.
"We don't have time for this. Here!" He said and turned a confused Puck around. A second later a huge crash sounded from the second room. Finn closed his eyes in frustration.
Quinn saw the sign for the pub and sighed relieved. The walk had taking a lot longer than she had anticipated, but now she was here. She could hear the laughter from inside and smiled to herself as she stepped inside. She immediately felt the warmth and shook off the snow before taking off her coat. Everybody was there, apparently waiting on her.
"Took you long enough to get your ass here" Puck said and pulled her towards the tables. She sat down next to Jameson with Santana and Brittany in front of her. She smiled at them as she clearly could see the love between them. Dinner was served, and small talk started about their adventure. Brittany smiled at Quinn as she held Santana´s hand.
"San tells me that you´ve been a great influence on her" Brittany said, and Quinn shrugged.
"It was mostly Jameson" Brittany smirked, not really believing her.
"You probably had a hand in it too"
"Yeah, one or two…" Santana trailed of with a smirk.
Quinn raised her glass. "Should it be another time, just give me a call"
"Glad to hear" Santana said. "Cheers" They smiled at each other and took a taste of their wine. Mr. Lopez cleared his throat and stood up while he clinked on his glass.
"It´s a big day for me today. One of my ships has returned home after almost being abandoned" He started his speech.
"As long as the crew never gives up, a ship is never lost" Jameson added.
"That´s right" Mr. Lopez acknowledged. "I am happy and proud that everyone showed the task adult and brought ´Belle´ to port without any foreign assistance. In addition to my thanks, I would like to pay a bounty to the whole crew" They all hollered and applaud the shipowner who grinned. "From the Captain and down to my daughter" Mr. Lopez winked and smiled affectionally down at Santana, who looked surprised but managed to smile back to him.
Far away from The Mermaid, a plane had just landed on the snow-covered lane. Stairs were pulled up to the plane´s door as it opened. Two tall black men, dressed in only their lands respectably guard uniform alongside with shields and spears, was stepping out on the first step standing guard. A small brunette Princess followed close by, only she was dressed in a warm white fur coat. She looked nervously at the land before her before taking a deep breath and confidently walking down the stairs. Men followed her with her luggage, or huge chests on their heads, before the two guards followed them. The Princess had one thing in mind as she stepped into the car waiting on her. A beautiful blonde sailor named Quinn Fabray.
People was leaving The Mermaid after a well-done night. Mr. Lopez were standing outside saying goodbye to the crew.
"Where are you two going?" He asked as Santana and Brittany slipped out of the door. Santana turned with a smile.
"Talking a little walk"
"Well, have a nice walk" Her father said and watched the two ladies walking away, all wrapped up in each other. He said his goodbyes and left in his own car. Jameson and Puck walked back inside.
"Well, that was quite a day" He chuckled tiredly and looked around. "Where´s Fabray?" He asked as Finn walked by with a tray of dirty glasses.
"She´s sitting in there" He said using his head to point Jameson towards a small room connected to the pub. Puck scratched his head as he looked concerned.
"She really hasn't been happy since we left that island"
"I know. I´ll check up on her" Jameson said. Puck nodded and walked upstairs to his room. Mercedes stood by the bar.
"Number seven, as usually?" He asked her.
"Yes, everything is ready for you" She smiled and handed him the key as she yawned.
"I´ll go to bed myself. Goodnight"
"Goodnight, Mercedes" He said and watched her walk up the stairs before turning around to find Quinn. He walked into the room where Quinn was sitting. Her head was resting on her hand as she looked down into her half full glass, next to a bottle of Jack Daniels. "Why are you sitting here all alone?" He asked her.
"I´m not alone" She slurred. "I´m with Jack. He´s my friend" She said and cheered with the flask.
"Yes, I can see you´re about to deepen the acquaintance" He chuckled "Are you not going to bed?"
"Nah, I prefer to be a little alone with my own thoughts" Quinn spoke incoherent and took a swig of her drink.
"Oh, I wouldn't dare to do that myself" Jameson said and looked worried at the blonde woman. She didn't say anything as she sat there swaying in her seat. "Well, goodnight then" He said and stood up again. He left the room, not quite sure about leaving Quinn there, but she could take care of herself. Quinn sighed heavily as she poured herself another drink. Outside two cars pulled up in front of the building and as quickly as before, the two guards stood in front of the entrance to the pub. Rachel stepped out of car and immediately went inside, lucky that the door was unlocked. She looked around the dark room carefully and stepped fully inside when she heard a small humming coming from a nearby room. She walked closer and peeked inside. Her heart began to beat wildly when she saw it was Quinn sitting at the table, holding tightly onto her glass with her eyes closed. Rachel smiled widely as she walked inside.
"Good evening" She spoke softly into the silent room.
"Good evening" Quinn slurred and took a sip of her whiskey. Rachel´s smile faded, and her shoulder slumped a little.
"Are you not happy to see me?" Rachel asked disappointed. Quinn opened her eyes and looked up at her.
"Yes, of course I am" She said and smiled dopey at her. Rachel looked confused and took a step closer to her. "No no no, stand still or I´ll wake up, you´ll be gone and I´ll be very sad" Quinn swayed a bit as she spoke to her. Rachel chuckled.
"What do you dream of?" She asked the blonde smiling. Quinn smiled softly as she kept eye contact.
"About the world´s most beautiful girl" She said dreamingly, and Rachel swooned at little. "And about palm trees, swaying in the warm ocean wind and all that kind of things" Quinn looked down at her glass and took another sip. Rachel tried not to laugh at her wonderful dumb drunk blonde.
"Do you like this girl?" She asked carefully. Quinn shook her head smiling. Rachel´s smile faltered.
"I love that girl" Rachel almost couldn't contain her emotions. "Why do you ask?" Rachel stood straight, ready to fire off her practised speech.
"Because it has been decided at the Crown Council meeting, to find that girl a spouse" Quinn nodded, even though she didn't have a real understanding. She just smiled as she kept looking at the brunette, wishing the girl was real. "First mate Quinn Fabray" Quinn´s eyes widened, and she stood up swaying.
"Here!"
"Will you marry me?" Rachel asked softly. Quinn smiled equally as soft.
"On the spot" She replied.
"In accordance with the custom of my country, where the rights of renunciation are with the Queen, I hereby declare- "
"Wait a second" Quinn looked sceptically at the brunette. "Come here" Rachel took tentatively steps towards the blonde and soon stood in front of Quinn. Quinn carefully reached out her hands to Rachel´s face and pulled down the hood from her face. "No way…" She muttered not believing what she was seeing.
"What is it?" Rachel asked.
"It´s really you" Quinn spoke loudly as Rachel chuckled and shook her head.
"You´re so slow" She leaned forward and slowly kissed the blonde. "Is it clear now?" She whispered. Quinn looked dazed, before she smirked and wrapped her arms around the woman of her dreams.
"No, let´s make it clearer" Rachel laughed before tilting her head up, gently pressing their lips together in a slow and lingering kiss. When they parted, she leaned forward and rested their foreheads together, their breaths mingling between soft smiles. They were interrupted by loud happy voices from the door and both looked towards them. The guards were cheering and laughing. Quinn didn't understand a word they were saying, but Rachel did as she shook her head at them. Rachel dragged Quinn out in the bigger room as the guards and Rachel´s servants began to play their drums very loudly as they danced around in the pub. Upstairs, Finn woke with a shock and jumped out of bed to see what was going on. Puck, Mercedes also came out from their rooms, as Finn peeked out from his own. He cautiously stepped out in the hallway and walked to the door that led to the bar. He opened it and saw men banging on their drums as Rachel danced along with the rhythms. Quinn stood next to her laughing along. He slowly walked down the stairs and gasped as he saw the Chief of Police standing at the bottom of the stairs munching away on a piece of chicken, smirking at him.
"Mercedes!" He yelled as both Puck and Mercedes came out the door. The tall man hid behind the small black woman. She looked shocked at the scene.
"Are they real?" Finn nodded. Quinn discovered the three people and smiled at them.
"Come on. They won't do anything" All three of them walked cautiously down the stairs and closer to them. "Mercedes, this is Rachel. Rachel, Mercedes" She introduced them. Rachel shook the offered hand as she smiled at the black woman. "Hello, Mercedes"
"WHAT´S HAPPENING?!" Jameson yelled as he came thundering down the stairs. Quinn took Rachel´s hand and pulled her over to the Captain.
"Jameson, may I introduce to you, my wife, Crown Princess Rachel of Pearl Island" His eyes widened, as well as Mercedes, Puck and Finn´s. As his shock passed, he smiled at them.
"Congratulations. It´s nice to meet you again, your highness" He said.
"It´s Rachel, and it´s nice to see you too" Rachel said and smiled to him. Quinn smiled affectionately down at the girl. She couldn't believe it. Rachel was here and now they were practically married or as close as they could be without the "I do´s". She wrapped her arms around the smaller girl and lifted her as she whirled her around. Rachel laughed, and Quinn couldn't get enough of that sound. She sat her down and leaned in to give the girl a kiss.
"I love you" She whispered onto soft lips.
"I love you too" Rachel whispered in return and they shared another kiss. They wouldn't know what the future held for them, but Quinn knew that it would last forever, and that she finally got the girl.
The End.