All Around Me Chapter 3: Bitter Taste, a glee fanfic

Hello everyone. So here's chapta 3. Thanks to all of you who have favorited/alerted this story, it really means a lot. And I'm guessing you guys either like, or just don't really have a problem with me using songs in each chapter so I'll continue to do it until someone stops me. Reviews are always welcome and mucho appreciated.

But more importantly... eeeeeenjoy!

Quinn had been at her locker putting her books away and grabbing her lunch, letting out a big sigh of relief that she'd be free of Rachel for a good 35 minutes. After this morning's little Berry episode and being forced to watch Santana and Brittany exchange lust filled looks between one another (which led them to rush into the bathroom before first period leaving Quinn in their wake), and dealing with seeing and listening to Rachel all through class eagerly answer all the teachers questions, Quinn was ready to relax a little. And plus she was hungry.

She was just about to close her locker when an unwanted visitor joined her at her side. Quinn closed her eyes and dropped her head letting out a deep breath, hoping this interaction wasn't actually happening and it would have been forgot about.

"Hey Quinn."

Quinn looked up at the tall boy, smile on his face, and forced herself to be friendly. "Finn. What can I do for you?" Best move this along as fast as possible.

"Well I need to talk to you about what I said earlier this morning. Well, it's more of a favor." The boy seemed to be looking everywhere but at the blond girl in front of him.

"Finn I'm down here." She said, getting him to finally look her in the eye. The boy shot her an apologetic smirk. "So what is it that you want?" This conversation was starting to last a little too long for the girls patience.

"I need your help with a song. Mercedes and Tina already agreed to help but I need a third girl and I'm not going to ask Brittany because she would get Santana involved and I don't need her involved for obvious reasons." The boy rambled on looking nervous. Quinn looked less than interested in his proposition. "Look, it's a surprise for Rachel. I want to show her that I've moved on from all the stuff that's happened within the past few months. I would really appreciate your help, a lot." He was starting to become desperate.

In the beginning of Rachel and Finn's relationship, sure Quinn was pissed that the brunette had succeeded in stealing her boyfriend, but more importantly that the girl was no longer single. Of course she would never act on or pursue her feelings towards Rachel, but there was still this little flicker of hope buried deep, deep, inside her that no one could know about. However, as time went on, she saw how happy the dopey boy made the tiny diva and couldn't stand to try and break them up and that flicker of hope almost vanished. Almost. It wasn't until the boy's infidelity surfaced that that same little flicker sparked again. Quinn thought for sure Rachel would end things with Finn because she had more self respect than to have some boy do what he had done to her and get away with it; but, of course, Quinn had been yet again mistaken. Rachel treated the whole lost-my-v-card-to-your-biggest-enemy thing as if it never happened, and this made that flicker of hope turn into a flicker of, what she would call disgust, but in reality jealousy of the boy. He had no right to do what he did and have Rachel turn a blind eye, but it's not like anyone would ever stick up for her or tell her she's doing the wrong thing by taking him back.

It only got worse when Rachel admitted to Finn that she kissed Puck. No one anticipated Finn to break up with her, considering what he had done in the past to be much worse, but the boy never fails to surprise. Once it got around that they were no longer an item, Quinn seemed to perk up at this news but downplayed it as to seem like she didn't care; both for her own sanity and for appearances. She knew better than to give in to that flicker she had in the pit of her stomach.

After the Santana-Finn, Rachel-Puck fiasco, things have been more than rocky for McKinley's star couple. Rachel continued to beg and plead for Finn to take her back all during the holiday break and even when they came back. While reluctant at first, the boy finally gave into her sad cries of a second chance and they were once again an item. No one really understood why Rachel cared that much about having him back, well, the fact that she had been pining over him for the past 2 years and that she became more popular because of him might have had a slight impact on her decision. But even then it seemed to be a general consensus that she didn't deserve him and was a much better and bigger person than Finn could ever be. No one shared this opinion more than the blond cheerleader. Quinn was completely outraged that Rachel would stoop so low to get Finn back. Sure Rachel messed up by kissing Puck but Finn had done something so much worse; he had sex, lost his V card, to the one person who couldn't stand Rachel more than anyone, and then lied to her face for months about it. Some people took Finn's side with the reason that the two weren't together at the time of his scandal, but it's not like Rachel had sex with Puck, and when that was pointed out, most people just nodded and tended to side back with Rachel.

Quinn never let it show though, just how much she disagreed with Rachel's plan of action. Of course she knew that she would never hurt the diva as much as Finn has and then dump her on her ass when she makes one mistake, but just because she knew that in her mind and heart, doesn't mean that she voiced it to anyone. She just sat back and watched it all unfold, keeping her cold composure intact all while wanting to slap Rachel and shake her silly and have her realize that she was better than this stupid boy playing with her emotions. But Quinn never did, she saved it for when she would get home. Sometimes she couldn't even wait that long, she would just let her anger go as soon as she got in her car from glee rehearsal by putting in a hard rock CD and nearly yelling the lyrics out, leaving her throat raw by the time she would get home. Other times she would lay in bed listening to music telling herself not to get in the middle of it and let the couple work out their own problems. After all, she couldn't let anyone know about her true feelings towards the pathetic brunette.

Needless to say, they did work out their problems, much to Quinn's dismay. There was still some tension felt among the group, but the couple seemed to be happier than ever and it drove Quinn crazy.

"Why should I help you?" Quinn responded, squaring her shoulders to the boy.

"Why shouldn't you?" Finn shot back. He didn't mean for it to sound harsh, he was simply asking.

"After what you did to Berry you should just be happy that she's able to look in the eye. She doesn't need to be reminded what you've been through. If you say you're over it, then just let it go because it seems like she already has considering how chummy you two have been lately." The blond said with slight venom in her words, but Finn wasn't quick enough to catch it.

Finn looked a little uneasy, not expecting that response from the girl. But he shrugged it off. "I know, it's just, I need her to know that I have finally forgiven her for what she did and how much she hurt me. I need her to know that I'm okay."

Quinn was busy picking her jaw up off the floor to be sure she heard him correctly. "I'm sorry, that you're okay? You have some serious issues if you think you're the one that was hurt the most. You went and slept with someone else; and not just anyone else, Santana Lopez to be exact. All she did was kiss another guy; you went and had sex with someone who wasn't her for your first time. And now you have the balls to say that you're the one who was hurt the most? That's fucked up Finn. Real fucked up. Do you even give a shit about how she feels? Have you even asked her if she's okay with what happened and how you deceived her? I bet you haven't because you're a stupid. Douchebag. Of. A. Boyfriend." She finished with hard pokes of her finger into his chest, making sure her point stuck with him. By this point she had him pinned against the locker, her glare not faltering as his eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his head. When she realized there was a crowd starting to gather, she quickly took a step back, smoothing over her cheerio uniform and taking a deep breath.

"Did you… Did you just defend Rachel? Since when do you care about her?" Finn asked after regaining his own composure.

"I don't." She lied. "I just think it's messed up, what you did to her." She said quietly.

"What about what you did to me last year? You don't think that was messed up?" Finn asked, almost glaring at the girl under his nose.

He did not just go there. "Yeah, it was. I messed up last year but I apologized about that. I don't know what else you want me to say. I can't take back what happened. But I guess it worked out for the best for you because now you have Rachel." Without fail, she felt that familiar ping of guilt like she always did when this subject came up. She was ready to just forget what a horrible person she was last year and move on to a different side of her. That didn't stop her jealousy from rearing its ugly little head though.

"Yeah, I guess you're right about that." He said, shrugging off the subject. They were about to go their separate ways when Finn turned around, effectively stopping Quinn from her departure from this torture of a conversation. "So, are you going to help me with the song or not?"

Quinn rolled her eyes, remembering she never actually answered his question. She didn't really want to help the boy out, but she figured if she didn't help him then it might be looked upon as suspicious. "Sure. What's the song?"

"Great." Finn said, smile back on his face and handing her the sheet music. "It's a fairly familiar song so I don't think it will be hard to memorize. I'll see you later in glee."

And with that he headed down the hall in the opposite direction. Quinn took one look at the song title and huffed out a laugh. He's doing this song? You have got to be kidding me.

She was already late to lunch and hurried down to the cafeteria so she could enjoy what was left of it with her friends. She looked over to Rachel's table, which seemed to be an automatic response, to see her sitting with Kurt and Mercedes, all smiles and all Quinn wanted to do was sit in the seat next to her just to be near the girl. But no, she couldn't, and instead lifted her chin and walked to the table on the other side of the big room to where Santana and Brittany were.

"Why so late?" Santana asked mouth full of food. She and Brittany were sitting as close as humanly possible, Quinn wasn't even sure if they were using separate seats, with arms linked together. Could they get any more adorably gross?

"Sorry. Finn caught me at my locker and asked for a favor." Quinn replied pulling out her celery sticks and carrots along with a bottle of water. She really hated being a cheerio sometimes.

"What kind of favor?" Santana asked raising her eyebrows.

"Not that kind of favor, S. Just some help with glee. He wants to surprise Rachel with a song to show him that he's over everything or whatever." Quinn tried to say as nonchalantly as she could. She didn't want to tip off Santana that it was a sore subject.

"God, they're so gross together. I can't believe she took him back after he lied to her like that." The dark haired girl said. Brittany rested her head against her girlfriends shoulder and Santana quickly kissed the top of the girls head. I can think of another couple who might be grosser. But then Quinn saw the utter bliss on her friends faces and immediately retracted her statement. She couldn't help but feel the anger build inside her for a second time that day at the mention of what Finn had done to the perfect little brunette.

Quinn all but growled in response muttering "tell me about it" under her breath.

"What was that?" Brittany made herself known in the conversation.

Quinn's eyes darted between her two friends. "Um, nothing. Just I think it's stupid that she took him back that easily too." She couldn't help but notice Santana's eyes narrow at her response, but the brunette decided not to press the subject.

"What song is it that he wants to sing to her? I bet it's going to be fucking laaame." Brittany elbowed the girl at her swearing and Santana ducked her head, turning towards her girlfriend and whispered her apology. Quinn did all she could to hold back a chuckle. Brittany S. Pierce had to be the only person in the history of the world who could have this sort of control over Santana Lopez, and Quinn loved being able to witness it firsthand.

"You're right. It is way lame and I'd rather not ruin the surprise by telling you right now. You're just going to have to wait until glee to find out." Quinn smiled, knowing how her dark haired friend hated surprises. Santana leaned back out of Brittany's view and mouthed "fuck you" to Quinn. She just smiled back in response, happy about the reaction.

The rest of Quinn's day was quite uneventful. Besides sitting with Santana in English, which she attempted a conversation but judging from the devious smirk and raised eyebrows, she knew something else was captivating her attention. She chanced a peak the girls phone to see Brittany's name at the top of the screen. Quinn rolled her eyes leaning back in her chair not brave enough to see what exactly they were texting each other. It wasn't until Santana asked the teacher for a bathroom break at precisely 1:30, and winked at Quinn before she stood from her seat, that Quinn knew exactly what was happening and rolled her eyes again. So for the rest of class Quinn was entertained, or not, by the ramblings between the teacher discussing some poem or short story or whatever it was, Quinn never did like English, and the incessant nagging of the girl in the front row; oh sorry, that's Rachel.

Typically Quinn didn't mind Rachel rambling during class, sometimes she even find it cute and maybe even borderline adorable, but she couldn't stop thinking about her little rant to Finn before lunch earlier today. How could she be so stupid to not see through him and how selfish and self centered he is and dump his ass and be with me? Okay, not that last part. You really got a get a hold of yourself Fabray, you're starting to give in again and you know that can't happen. Not again. She couldn't let her feelings get in the way of her sanity again. Even if the girls did share a close night together, which she has forced herself to not think of; she couldn't, and wouldn't, let her emotions take over.

Thankfully the end of the day came sooner than she expected and she was off to the choir room for her ridiculous performance as backup singer for Finn. As usual, the couple was sitting front and center, fingers intertwined, and Rachel's head resting on Finn's shoulder. Quinn reflexively tightened her grip on her backpack and quickened her pace to her usual seat in the corner. She was about to step up the riser when she felt a hand on her arm.

"Hey, are you ready to sing?" Finn whispered trying to not have Rachel overhear. Quinn glanced over to Rachel, who seemed to be in her own messed up world she called happiness, and simply nodded and continued to her chair.

After everyone piled into the room and took their seats, Mr. Schuester started the lesson for the day. It was nearing the end of rehearsal and Finn hadn't made one sound about the performance. Quinn was starting to think that he was chickening out when he raised his hand and announced that he had something special he wanted to say, or rather sing, to the group. He stood in the middle of the room behind a microphone and motioned for the girls to join him. Tina and Mercedes quickly made their way behind Finn, smiling at the thought of Finn performing for his girl, while Quinn could all but punch the boy in the face. She slumped her way to the microphone, trying to look as happy as she could muster (which was barely a smile) and perform the song as best as she could.

"Rachel, this is for you." He simply stated, and the girl lit up like she did when she won a solo. Quinn shifted her weight and narrowed her eyes glaring at the back of Finn's head. Douche.

As the melody started up and the girls started singing the background vocals there were a few giggles heard around the room.

You've got a cute way of talking
You got the better of me
Just snap your fingers and I'm walking
Like a dog hanging on your leash
I'm in a spin you know
Shaking on a string you know

You make me feel like dancing
I wanna dance the night away
You make me feel like dancing
I'm gonna dance the night away
You make feel like dancing
I feel like dancing, dancing, dance the night away
I feel like dancing, dancing, ahhh

Quarter to four in the morning
I ain't feeling tired no no no no no
Just hold me tight and leave on the light
Cause I don't want to go home
You put a spell on me
I'm right where you want me to be

During this part of the song when it was mainly backup vocals, all three girls were swaying back and forth singing their "doo doo doo" parts, and Quinn was practically looking anywhere but at the two who were seemingly under a spotlight. All eyes in the room were on them and Quinn just didn't understand it. Did they all just forget what happened a few months ago? Were they stupid? Quinn dared to look over at Rachel and she felt her heart sink just a little more. The girl had stars in her eyes gazing up at Finn who was attempting to do what he calls "dance" in front of her, making her giggle. Quinn was having such a hard time watching the two that she wasn't even sure if she could get through the song without the urge to leave overpowering her. But by then the song had continued and, to every ones pleasure, Finn took his place behind his mic stand again.

I'm gonna catch on fire 'causeI wanna dance the night away
You make me feel like dancing
You take me higher

You make me feel like dancing
I'm gonna dance the night away
I feel like dancing, dancing, dance the night away
I feel like dancing, dancing, dance the night away
I feel like dancing ,dancing, dance the night away
I feel like dancing, dancing, ahhh

You really slipped me a potion
I can't get off of the floor
All this perpetual motion
You gotta give me some more
You gotta give me some more
And if you'll let me stay
We'll dance our lives away

You make me feel like dancing I wanna dance my life away
You make me feel like dancing I wanna dance my life away
You make me feel like dancing I wanna dance my life away
I feel

You make me feel like dancing

Finn finished, out of breath from the high pitch of the song, and a big round of applause. It made Quinn want to gag at how Rachel bought into all this shit he was pulling. He didn't even explain that he only sang the song to her because he wanted her to know that he was no longer hurt. It had nothing to do with Rachel and her feelings, but by the looks of things, the girl didn't mind. But Quinn did, she minded a hell of a lot. She really hadn't meant to let this happen but she found herself storming out of the choir room as Mr. Schuester was telling them that they were done for the day. Quinn just couldn't stand being in the same room as them anymore, she had to get out. She practically ran to her car and popped in her usual CD she listens to now on her way home and started screaming out the lyrics in hopes to calm herself, but this time it wasn't working. Normally she got the majority of her anger out during her rage session, but this time she still felt the same when she left the school as she did when she pulled into her driveway.

She killed the engine and took a few deep breaths and looked at her reflection in the rear view mirror. "Get it together Quinn. You got this. Finn's just a prick and Rachel's too wrapped up in the popularity and his dimwit charm to see it. You can't let this affect you this much. So just let it go." With one last deep breath she walked up through her front door and into her room. Her mom wasn't home yet, probably still running errands, so Quinn was left alone some more with her thoughts; which wasn't good. She put in her ear buds and let the music play while her mind started turning out more thoughts about Rachel. How could she be so blind to not see what Finn has done to her? He's changed her, she's not who she was a year ago. I liked her better then. With her argyle animal print sweaters, knee high socks and penny loafers. And those skirts… Quinn's mouth turned out a smile and she raised her eyebrow at the memory. Rachel Berry is the reason skirts were made in the first place.

Her playlist ended and she heard the bustling of pots and pans from the kitchen downstairs. Her mom was home and beginning to prepare dinner.

Quinn opened her bedroom door and yelled down to her mother, "Hey mom. How long until dinner's ready?"

"Hey honey. Um, probably 45 minutes or an hour. You should get some studying done beforehand." Judy yelled up.

Quinn shut her door and took what her mother said into consideration. Studying seemed to be the next best thing to get her mind to focus on something other than the brunette singer. So she pulled out her school books and sat down at her desk and began to read. I will get over Rachel Berry. Even if it kills me.

Song: "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" by Leo Sayer