A/N: Some people expressed interest in a possible Marley/Kitty thing and I really wasn't going to go there. Glee is annoying me with this whole Faberry 2.0 stuff but the idea does intrigue me so I won't close the door on it. For now I'm going with what canon seems to be doing with Jarley but I may revisit Marley/Kitty in the future if you guys want that.
This chapter is all about the teasing… enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, anything mentioned, any songs, quotes, or books used.
Chapter 6: It's Because of You
"Maybe the truth is, there's a little bit of loser in all of us. Being happy isn't having everything in your life be perfect. Maybe it's about stringing together all the little things."
-Ann Brashares; The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
/
Quinn woke up to the most amazing feeling… which was Rachel beside her, pressed against her. Rachel's arm was draped across her stomach and the warmth emanating off of her body was the best feeling in the world.
She really missed Rachel.
Things had been quite difficult for them in the beginning and she was constantly reassuring Rachel that they would be fine and she believed that whole heartedly but she did miss her.
So much.
And all the time.
When they got to be together; those were her favorite moments. Every two weeks either she was in New York or Rachel was in New Haven and it was working beautifully. But times like this, holiday breaks… those had instantly become Quinn favorite times and she found herself looking forward to spring break and the summer but right now she was content with Christmas break. They had spent a wonderful holiday with their families and were cuddled in bed the morning of New Year's Eve knowing that the next day they would be back on a plane and separated again.
But first they would get to ring in a new year together.
She felt Rachel moving and smiled when those brown eyes peered up at her. Then she saw a shy smile spread across her cheeks.
"Who are you and what have you done with the real Quinn," Quinn giggled. "No seriously Quinn, how come you are always awake before me now?"
"Because baby I'm used to getting up early now, I got used to you waking me up at insanely early hours and now my body is just used to it."
"Yeah but you're up before me now," she pouted. "I miss waking you up," Quinn leaned down and kissed that pout.
"Aw, babe I'm sorry I can pretend to sleep if you'd like so that you can take advantage of me," Rachel smiled at the thought but shook her head.
"No, as delicious as that sounds we gotta get up," she pushed herself off of Quinn who whined at the loss. But as she watched Rachel's naked ass walk across the room toward the bathroom she couldn't fight the wicked grin or the naughty thoughts.
"But we have to shower right?" Quinn waggled her eyebrows and Rachel looked at her. What she saw was that Quinn wasn't looking at her.
Well she was, but she wasn't looking at her face.
No those eyes were locked on her chest area.
She smiled and felt arousal shoot through her.
"Good idea Quinn," she ducked into the bathroom. "If you're not in the shower with me within the next minute I'm starting without you." Quinn thought about waiting so that she could watch Rachel touch herself. But that thought was overpowered by the overwhelming desire to but her mouth and hands all over that sexy body.
She got to her feet and was in the bathroom exactly fifteen seconds later. Rachel turned to her and smirked as she got into the shower.
"Mm, so you do want me?"
"So much and all the time," Quinn husked climbing into the shower with her and pushing her against the wall.
"Then take me," Rachel begged beckoning Quinn closer with her finger and Quinn did.
Several times in fact.
After the extra-long shower in which they had to finish with cold water- so worth it though- the girls headed downstairs and found Hiram and Leroy cooking them breakfast. It was one of Quinn's favorite things about the Berry men.
There were many, many things she loved about them.
But this was her favorite.
The fact that they couldn't cook anything at all… with the exception of breakfast food.
And Leroy cooked bacon better than her mother did. Not that she'd ever tell her that. Or Leroy for that matter, his ego was a big as Rachel's.
"Good morning girls," Leroy greeted them as they entered. "Did you save any hot water for us?" he asked but he already knew the answer. Quinn's sheepish expression made him giggle.
"Sorry dad," she replied. "Looks like you're going to have to be dirty for a while," she teased as he placed a plate in front of her first and then Rachel.
"Well if you two weren't so dirty… I wouldn't have to would I?" Rachel gasped while Quinn merely shrugged.
"Daddy!" Rachel shouted. "Must you be so crass?"
"Yes baby girl… I must," she told her and sat down at the table.
"Okay," Hiram said to the three of them. "Enough inappropriate chatter at the breakfast table," He sat down also and Rachel smiled him.
"God H… you're such a parent," Leroy teased.
"And you're such a child," Hiram replied while Quinn laughed into her plate. She felt Rachel's hand inching up her thigh and she almost choked on her bacon; her thoughts were completely dirty at this point.
And also she would need another shower.
She looked over at Rachel who was innocently eating her food, while her hand was not so innocently setting Quinn's body on fire. Once her hand slid between her legs and cupped her heated center. Quinn bit back a moan and filled her mouth with more bacon.
Rachel meanwhile was pretending nothing was going on, but when she felt Quinn open her legs and buck into her hand a bit she couldn't take it anymore.
She knew it was her own fault for starting it but she needed to also finish it.
She took her hand out from between Quinn's legs and heard the girl groan at the loss. She grasped her by the wrist and pulled a surprised Quinn to her feet. Both of her fathers looked at her like she was crazy.
"W-We'll be right back," she said with a heavy breath and pulled a smirking Quinn out of the room and up the stairs.
"They are sex fiends H," Leroy said as calmly as if her were asking about the weather.
"Wonder where they get that from," Hiram deadpanned and heard his husband's girlish giggle.
"I know right… I can hardly keep your hands off of me," he teased and watched Hiram's face cover with a blush. "Wanna do it?"
"No," Hiram said seriously even though a smile was threatening to break through his demeanor.
"Why not?" Leroy whined. "They get to."
"Oh god you sound like a two year old," Hiram said getting to his feet and walking out of the room. Leroy smiled because he knew that look in his husband's eye and he smiled broadly before following him out.
Upstairs Quinn was lying on the bed, naked and spread before Rachel who was kneeling between her legs staring at her naked body.
"You were being naughty down there," Quinn husked.
Are you complaining," Rachel teased as she lowered herself to the bed and Quinn could feel her hot breath on her hot center.
"No… n-never," she reached for Rachel's head and pushed it to where she needed her to be; Rachel didn't fight it. As much as she loved teasing Quinn she also loved eating Quinn.
And right now she was very hungry for her girl.
"So when does this party start?" Santana asked as they sat around the Lima Bean. It was her Brittany, Tina, Mike, Kurt, Blaine, Rachel and Quinn.
"Six," Rachel answered.
"Six… but why so fucking early?"
"You know Puck," Quinn replied. "He probably wants to see how many girls he can fuck before midnight. I'm pretty sure he tries to break his own record every year."
"Ugh," Kurt said with a curled lip.
"Yeah he's pretty gross," Quinn agreed.
"You know what Noah needs?" Rachel said nonchalantly.
"At this rate probably a few test," Santana said and Brittany and Mike chuckled, but Rachel didn't even catch on she was so lost in thought.
"He needs a good girl," she met Quinn's eyes and Quinn already knew what she was thinking. "He needs a girl like Sawyer," Quinn nodded and Santana scoffed.
"No fucking way Berry, I like her… and god why would you wish that on her?"
"Because she already likes him," Rachel answered and Santana scoffed again.
"She doesn't even know him."
"No but she has seen his picture and gave Rachel permission to arrange it," Santana curled her lip at Quinn's response.
"Why would you let that happen… she doesn't know him, she only likes his face and let's face it he doesn't have a nice one… I even thought I liked it for a while. At least until I realized I was a raging lesbian," Quinn laughed. "But seriously Q… why would you do that?"
"Because they actually have a lot in common and admit it Santana when Puck is acting like Noah and not like the Puckster he is kind of wonderful," Santana nodded and crossed her arms over her chest. She couldn't argue with that. "What we need to do is channel his inner good guy again before we introduce them."
"I was thinking spring break in New York," Rachel said and Quinn nodded. "I mean if Sawyer can go… of course."
"I like that idea babe," Rachel beamed at her.
"Yeah so now all we have to do is get Puck to stop thinking with Puck Jr," Tina said and Santana laughed again and added.
"Yeah and a few tests," Kurt curled his lip again.
"Okay can we stop talking about Puck's sexual misadventures for a moment and talk about me for a minute," Kurt said and Santana scoffed at him.
"What do you want to talk about Ladyface?" She wondered. "The size of Blaine's…" she trailed off and saw Kurt's appalled expression before she finished. "Ego," she said and they all let out a breath. "God you guys have such dirty minds."
She laughed.
And they all sneered at her.
But she continued to laugh because whatever, that was funny.
Rachel and Quinn were at Puck's house helping him set up for the party which meant they were cleaning while he and Jake were moving the furniture around. Rachel's phone rang and Quinn smiled at the fact that Defying Gravity was still her ringtone.
She loved that girl so much.
Rachel looked at the screen and saw that it was Brody calling.
"Hello Brody," she greeted warmly; Quinn arched her eyebrow. She didn't know that Rachel had given Brody her number. She sat on the edge of a nearby armchair and waited. She tried not to listen but she was nosy and jealous and suddenly very annoyed with that stupid boy.
"Oh my god Brody!" Rachel's loud shriek brought her back to what was happening in front of her and she scowled. "Oh my god! Thank you so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you."
One thank you was enough Rachel- Quinn thought. She crossed her arms over her chest and bit her lip.
She was stopping herself from ripping the phone out of Rachel's hands and giving Brody a few choice words… and those words were definitely not thank you.
"Okay Brody, yeah I'll see you soon and thank you again."
Ugh with the fucking thank yous.
"Yeah I will… you too, bye," Rachel hit the end call button and turned around beaming. Her smile slipped from her face when she saw her scowling girlfriend.
It was so fucking hot.
"Hey," Rachel said to her as she stepped closer she saw Quinn's body tense up. "What's wrong?"
"B-Brody… he um… he has your number?"
"Yeah we're friends Quinn," Rachel told her and put her hands on her girl's hips and tugged her closer, the small smile that graced those perfect lips told Rachel that she wasn't so much mad as she was scared.
For some reason… that Rachel couldn't figure out.
"And I gave him a key to the apartment-"
"What!?" Quinn screamed. "Why!?"
Okay, maybe there was a bit of anger there.
But it was still fucking hot.
"Because he offered to feed Lord Tubbington for Brittany while she was here," Quinn relaxed visibly. "Quinn why are suddenly upset over Brody, I mean you were completely fine with him before," Quinn shrugged.
"I-I guess I just didn't expect him to have your number," she said sadly and Rachel tightened the grip on her waist. "I-I don't know Rachel," she pouted. "It just surprised me I guess." Rachel nodded.
"Well there is no need for you to be jealous but there is something I need to tell you," Quinn's eyes widened. "I didn't tell you because I was nervous and I didn't think it would happen anyway and-"
"Oh god Rach," she said worried and her hands started to shake. Rachel could feel it and she furrowed her brow and interlocked their fingers.
"Baby… it's nothing bad and I just told you that you have nothing to worry about," Quinn nodded but tears were threatening to escape her eyes. Rachel saw this and frowned. "Quinn why do you automatically assume the worst, I mean I know you trust me, but you always think I'm going to tell you something bad or break up with you or something… why do you do that?"
"Because," she took a deep breath. "Even after all this time I still don't deserve you Rachel," Rachel laughed at that because it was just absurd.
"Are you kidding me Quinn," she shook her head. "No one deserves me more," Rachel cupped her cheek. "I don't understand how the hottest, sexiest, most beautiful and romantic girl in the world. Who by the way loves me deeper and truer and better than anyone else ever could and looks at me like I am the single greatest thing on this earth. I don't understand how that girl still thinks she doesn't deserve me," Quinn smiled at that. "If anything I don't deserve you… but I'm not giving you up either so," Quinn cut her rant off with a passionate kiss that left Rachel breathless.
"Wow," she whispered and Quinn's smile widened.
"I don't know what came over me Rachel," she said honestly. "I know that you love me and don't want anyone else and I trust you completely. I even trust Brody but I don't know I guess sometimes Lucy makes an appearance and I start to panic," Rachel nodded and smiled.
"And yet you still didn't accuse me of anything," Rachel kissed her sweetly. "I love you Quinn, every single inch of you… even Lucy," Quinn smiled. "Especially Lucy… don't ever forget that."
"I won't," Quinn pressed her forehead against Rachel's and they shared a sweet and intimate moment before Quinn spoke again. "What did you have to tell me before I freaked out on you?" Rachel giggled and pulled back.
"Okay," she took a deep breath. "Before we left for break, Cassie pulled me aside-"
"Oh Cassie huh? Cassie and Rachel sitting in a tree," she teased and Rachel pouted and arched her eyebrow.
"Will you quit it with that stuff already?" Quinn was smirking. "Do you want to hear this or not?"
"Y-Yes I do… c'mon babe I was just kidding… so Cassie pulled you aside," she said and waited. Rachel pouted for another moment but then her excitement took over and she continued.
"And she told me about this audition for a local theater that she wanted me to think about auditioning for," Quinn gasped.
"Rachel that's awesome," Rachel nodded and took another deep breath.
"Yeah and anyway I went to it… but they said that auditions were closed already," Quinn pouted. "And Quinn the only reason why I didn't tell you before now was because it happened so fast and then I didn't even get a chance to audition. I had wanted to surprise you with it but I didn't even get a chance to audition," Quinn's pout formed into a smile.
"It's okay Rachel… I-I get it."
"Okay so Brody just called to tell me that the theater called Cassie because one of the girls had to drop out of the role and they were holding auditions again. So he gave Cassie my number to give to them," Quinn was smiling and she couldn't fight her own smile. "So anyway he called to tell me that they were going to call to set up an audition."
Quinn's squeal was louder than Rachel's when she was talking to Brody. And when Quinn scooped Rachel up into her arms and kissed her soundly. Rachel knew that no one would ever love and support her the way Quinn does.
And her heart melted.
"Rachel this is amazing… you're so amazing," she set her back down on the ground and stared into those eyes.
"It's because of you," Rachel said and Quinn shook her head.
"No way this is all you babe."
"No I meant… aside from my talent, everything else… every single thing about me Quinn… I know I'm beautiful and I know that because of you." Quinn's smile spread across her cheeks. "You make me feel so beautiful, and special, and so completely loved… it's because of you that I have the confidence to go out there and make my dreams come true and it's because of you that I know I'll always be loved, and it's all… because you love me."
"I do."
"And I love you Quinn, no one else… and there is no amount of time or distance or cute people that will change that," Quinn nodded because even though she was crazy jealous she never doubted Rachel's love and loyalty.
"I know… and I'm sorry."
"Never apologize for loving me as fiercely as you do okay?" Quinn nodded. "And now we need to get back to work or I'm going to drag you into Noah's bathroom and show you just how happy you make me."
"I wouldn't stop you," Quinn husked and Rachel's eyes closed as she thought about it.
"Oh what the hell," Rachel nearly growled as she dragged Quinn toward the bathroom and Quinn went very willingly.
Quinn and Rachel stumbled out of the bathroom a while later to see the smirking face of Jake Puckerman looking them up and down.
"Hot," he said with a smirk that was eerily similar to Puck's.
"Ugh gross," Quinn said interlocking her fingers with Rachel. "You need to stop leering at us or I will beat the crap out of you."
"Sounds kinky," he teased and didn't know that Puck was standing behind him.
"Alright enough Jake," they all turned to face Puck. "Stop it… these girls are my girls and you are not allowed to treat them this way."
"Wait hold up…what makes these two so different?"
"Because they are special to me… these two ladies Jake, they are my best friends and you are not allowed to treat them as objects."
"Why thank you Noah but you should never treat any woman as an object… and you should heed your own advice on that one Jew Bro," she watched as Puck hung his head while Jake laughed.
"Whipped," he called out and Rachel's fierce eyes landed on him. He may have cowered a bit.
"Listen here Puck 2.0," she stepped closer. "Take a lesson from Noah… yeah he may have recently taken a backslide back into his piggish ways but he is a good man and it took him a very long time to realize that being a man didn't mean you had to bang every chick in sight," Jake smirked and Rachel reached up and tugged his ear forcing him to meet her height and his eyes bulged out. Quinn let out an audible chuckle at the sight of Rachel teaching this kid a lesson, while Puck winced for his bro. "And I'll have you know that no one is buying your tough guy act… you're blood related to that man right there," she pointed to Puck. "And he is one of the greatest men I know so start acting like you deserve him in your life… got me!" Jake nodded quickly. "Good!" She released his ear and turned to Quinn who she could see was smiling like a fool.
She was so freaking cute.
But then Rachel thought of something else and turned back to Jake.
And again, he looked scared.
"And one more thing," she poked his chest and he nodded. "Marley likes you… like really likes you and if you are playing her I swear to Barbra you will regret that."
"I-I-I'm not playing her I swear," he stammered. "S-She just- she makes me nervous and then I screw up and then I run away."
"Sounds familiar," Quinn said and Rachel looked at her with that same burning passion that Quinn always saw in her.
"Well okay," Rachel said and turned to Noah. "As for you… get your head out of your ass and find a girl that will treat you right, there is no need to start acting like a high school boy again just because your brother is one."
"Okay Rach," he relented and she was smiling at the fact that when she got going she kind of was terrifying. She took Quinn's hand and led her back into the bathroom. Quinn leaned against the door as Rachel pressed herself against her; she stared at her girl with desire in her eyes.
"Mm, babe watching you like that got me so hot," she husked.
"Me too," Rachel said sliding her hand down Quinn's body and into her jeans.
"You know you have both of those Puckerman boys whipped now right?" Rachel nodded as her hand slid into Quinn's panties and she felt the wetness coat her fingers.
"And you too," Rachel teased. Quinn bit her lip and nodded; then she moaned when Rachel slid two fingers inside her.
"Fuck Rach," she gripped Rachel's shoulders and held on for the ride as Rachel did as she was told.
Rachel sat on the couch which was pushed back against the wall, and she watched Quinn who was dancing with Brittany and Santana. It was good to see her like this, free and happy and neither of them worrying about having to be apart again very soon. She also saw that Brittany and Santana seemed very happy as well. She felt someone sit next to her and she looked over to see the smiling face of Tina beside her.
"Hey Tina," She said with a huge grin. "How are you?"
"I'm good Rachel… I mean I can't wait until this year is over."
"Well," Rachel teased and looked at her watch. "This year will be over in a little while." Tina giggled and gently shoved her.
"No, I meant this school year… it's fun and all but I miss Mike and you guys," Rachel lowered her head to Tina's shoulder.
"I miss you too Tina," she stuck her lip out. "I know what you mean though I miss Quinn every minute… just be glad you only have to wait one year, I have to wait four."
"Yeah but you and Quinn will make it… you guys are so in love it's annoying."
"Yeah well so are you and Mike right?" It was quiet for a few moments as Rachel waited for her to answer and when it was clear she wasn't going to; she lifted her head and looked at the girl. Tina seemed to be lost in thought. "Tina?"
"Yeah um," Tina began and she shook her head. "Yeah Mike and I are fine," she said and Rachel didn't quite believe her.
"Tina what is wrong?"
"It's just…" she trailed off and Rachel thought she looked a bit guilty about something.
"Tina you didn't cheat on Mike did you?"
"No… god no Rachel come on!"
"Well I'm sorry but you were just acting very guilty and-"
"I got a tattoo," Tina blurted out. "And I'm afraid to show it to Mike," Rachel's mouth formed an O and Tina continued. "And it is in a place that is really hard for him not to see when we're- we're… you know," Rachel shook her head so Tina would stop talking.
"Yeah but um," she shook her head again. "Wait so I'm confused, you're worried about you and Mike because you got a tattoo that you're afraid to show him so you haven't had sex with him?"
"Yes… except I'm not worried. He is," Tina said and suddenly Rachel understood. "I won't get naked with him and he thinks it's something, I'm not sure what he thinks but he's worried… I mean look at him," Rachel's eyes scanned the room for Mike and she found him leaning against the wall staring into a cup and looking like he wanted to cry.
"Well you gotta tell him Tina."
"I know," she frowned. "What if he doesn't like it… what if he yells at me?"
"What is it?" Rachel asked, curiosity finally getting the better of her. "And more importantly where is it?" Tina blushed.
"It's on my hip and it says Mike Chang forever," she blushed and waited for Rachel's reaction.
She thought it was cute.
A little crazy to get someone's name tattooed on your body but sweet nonetheless.
And she knew that she would get Quinn's name tattooed on her because she knew they were going to make it forever and then she started to think about if Quinn had her name on her body and she felt herself becoming turned on by the idea.
And if Mike and Tina were anything like her and Quinn; and she believed they were she had a feeling that Mike would love it.
"I still think you should tell him," Rachel told her and her eyes lit up.
"Are you sure?" Rachel merely nodded. "Well how do think he'll react?"
"I think he'll rip your clothes off," Tina's eyes brightened and an evil smile crept across her face.
"You think?" Again Rachel only nodded. "Thanks Rachel," Tina said as she got to her feet and nearly ran over to Mike. Rachel watched her and she could see Tina take the cup out of his hand and kiss him passionately. Then she took his hand and dragged him toward the bathroom that Rachel and Quinn had become familiar with earlier that day.
And then her thoughts were back on Quinn so of course her eyes followed suit and when she looked at her she saw those hazel eyes staring at her with fire and she felt butterflies fluttering through her body; within seconds Quinn was walking over to her. She sat back and waited.
"Hey you," Quinn greeted with that husky tone and then she straddled her hips, Rachel gasped.
"Quinn, you're wearing a skirt," Rachel tried to reprimand but once she felt Quinn's hot center against her she lost all coherent thought.
"And… my ass is covered and only you can see this," she flipped up her skirt and they both looked down and what Rachel saw was that Quinn's skimpy yellow panties were soaking wet.
"Please tell me you're not all wet because you were dancing with Santana and Britt?" Quinn curled her lip.
"Ugh no," Rachel giggled. "I mean yeah sure they're hot but they're like family," Rachel nodded.
"Yeah I know what you mean," Rachel said and then she felt Quinn buck her hips and a moan fell from her lips.
"Rachel," Quinn all but moaned and the tone had Rachel's panties all wet too. There was something about the desperate need in her tone and the pleading in the way she whined her name. Their eyes locked and Quinn bucked again. "I'm all wet because even though I was dancing with my friends I was watching you and you are so fucking sexy and then I was imagining do very dirty things to you."
"Like what," Rachel said with a bit of a tremble to her voice.
"Mm," she moaned and leaned closer to Rachel's lips, to the point where they were almost touching. "I'd rather show you," this time Rachel moaned. "What do you say we go to the bathroom again?"
"Can't," she said and Quinn whined. "I'm pretty sure Mike and Tina are in there," Quinn giggled.
"Well there's Puck's room?"
"Ugh no Quinn that would be wholly unsanitary," again Quinn giggled and brought her lips to Rachel's ear.
"Well I don't care where we are but if we don't go somewhere soon, I'm going to fuck you right here for all of our friends to see," and Rachel moaned.
As tempting as the thought was she was in no way an exhibitionist.
"I have an idea," Rachel said shifting so that Quinn got off of her. She got up and grasped Quinn's hand. "We have yet to christen my car Quinn."
"Ooh, I like the way you think," Quinn pulled her toward the door.
"I know you do but I expect to be kissed at midnight as the ball drops, so you better be quick."
"So romantic Berry."
"Says the girl who is about to fuck me in the backseat of my car."
"Hey it was your idea," Quinn said dragging her outside and Rachel only smiled wickedly because yes.
Yes it was.
A while later Quinn and Rachel were cuddled in on the couch just watching their friends having a good time and laughing. Rachel's was just enjoying the rhythmic sound of Quinn's heartbeat which as always was in tune with her own. Her eyes landed on Marley who she noticed was staring for longingly at Jake; when her eyes followed her line of vision she saw the boy flirting with that Kitty girl and that went up her ass sideways.
Why are boys so stupid?
She was never so grateful to be a lesbian.
Sure, she and Quinn didn't get off to the greatest start but that was fueled by fear and then she remembered her earlier conversation with Jake and she realized that maybe he was scared too.
She looked up at Quinn and smiled.
"I'll be right back baby," she pressed a quick kiss to Quinn's lips and Quinn watched as Rachel walked over to Marley. She smiled at her girlfriend's sweetness.
"Stop staring at Berry's ass Q," Santana's voice sounded as she plopped down beside her. "It's gross."
"I'll have you know there is nothing gross about Rachel," she saw that Santana had her fingers stuffed in her ears and she laughed. "Are you ever going to grow up San?"
"Probably not," Santana promised and patted her hand on Quinn's leg. "You'd miss me too much," Quinn smiled and saw that Santana was happy. Like truly happy for the first time since the end of summer.
"You seem good these days."
"I am good," she said wistfully and her eyes found Brittany who was of course on the dance floor. She stared for a moment before turning her attention back to Quinn. "I mean things still aren't as good as they will be when I'm in New York next year."
"Have you heard from NYU yet?" Santana shook her head and bit her lip. "You will though."
"And even if I don't… I'm going to New York anyway," Santana announced and Quinn was surprised. "I mean it Q and don't try to talk me out of it."
"I wasn't going to I was just surprised… so Britt is your dream huh?"
"Yup," Santana said proudly. "Yeah I want to sing and I even want to be famous… fuck I want to win a Grammy because Santana fucking Lopez is good enough."
"You won't hear me argue," Quinn told her with a giggle.
"But when Mr. Schue gave us that stupid as fuck disco assignment what I should've said was Brittany was my dream. I can live without singing Q but I cannot live without that girl," Quinn nodded knowing the feeling. "And I finally told her that."
"And you guys are better… I mean I can see it, but um… what changed?"
"We stopped avoiding the problem and started to deal with it to find a solution."
"Like a real adult, imagine that," Quinn teased and Santana scoffed.
"Fuck you Q," and Quinn laughed harder.
"But I'm happy for you guys… you are positively glowing and if figuring your shit out with Brittany is the reason than I stand behind you one hundred percent," Santana smiled.
"Thanks Quinn," it was quiet for a few moments.
"And are you and Rachel good?"
"We're great," she said honestly but Santana smirked so she continued. "No we are… I mean sometimes the jealousy monster rears its ugly head and obviously the distance is and will still be a problem but we're making it work. I understand and support you being willing to drop everything to be with Britt and I would do anything for Rachel should it come to that but I need this and she knows it."
"I get that Q… but why do you need it?"
"Because I need to be something other than Rachel Berry's girlfriend," Quinn saw Santana smiling. "And I know what you're thinking."
"What am I thinking?"
"You're thinking- you're Quinn Fabray she should be saying that she needs to me more than Quinn Fabray's girlfriend," Santana smirked.
"You know me too well Quinn," she said with a chuckle. "And I know the midget is going to be huge someday but Quinn you're pretty spectacular yourself."
"Thank San, but that's just it… I need to feel it. I need to feel like I am more than a head bitch who could control the kids in high school… I need to be more than just a former high school bad ass; I need to be a woman that deserves to be beside Rachel when she is the star she is destined to be."
"You already are that girl Q."
"Maybe… but I need to feel like I am," she said openly and honestly and saw Santana nod in understanding. "And Rachel gets it too."
"That's cool and you didn't hear this from me but if anyone of us is going to last as a couple after high school it's you and Rachel, hands down without a doubt I'd put money on it," Quinn smiled.
"I miss you Santana."
"I miss you too Q," she wrapped her arm around the girl's shoulder and pulled her into a hug. Then they snuggled together on the couch each watching the girl of their dreams.
Rachel sat down on the other couch next to Marley and saw the girl jump and then looked over at her.
"Oh hi Rachel," she said sweetly. "How are you?"
"I'm good," Marley nodded and went back to staring at Jake and Kitty. "How are you?" Marley shrugged and Rachel's heart went out to her. "You've got it bad for him don't you?"
"So much," she admitted. "I just wish he'd notice me," she looked back at Rachel.
"Oh he does notice you."
"He does?" She got excited. "Did he say something?"
"Listen Marley and I want you to always remember this," Marley nodded again. "It's the small moments in life that count."
"What do you mean?"
"Well right now at your age… and I know I'm not that much older than you but I have always been mature for my age," Marley giggled. "But I do know this feeling, right now you feel like everything is so important. Like you'll never get a date, or never get asked to prom or never have the cute boy smile at you." Marley nodded as Rachel touched on every one of her insecurities.
"Yeah," she said sadly.
"But those things, those big things that you think are so important… they're really not." Marley furrowed her brow in confusion. "Yeah they're nice to have happen but those moments… those are not the important ones."
"They're not?"
"No," she shook her head. "Right now you think the important moments are being asked out on a date, or if the popular boy gives you his leather jacket," Marley blushed and ducked her head slightly. "Or when he comes over and asks you to dance."
"Well aren't they?"
"No, the important moments in life are the little ones like…" she trailed off and took a deep breath. "The ones like the way your knees got weak the first time his eyes landed on yours," Marley bit her lip. "Or the feeling that spread throughout your body when his fingers grazed your skin as he put that leather jacket on your shoulders," Marley nodded. "Or the butterflies that you feel when he is looking at you from across the room at a party," Marley caught on to what she was saying and she saw where Rachel was looking. As her eyes followed Rachel's line of vision she saw that not only was Jake looking at her he was smiling. And Rachel was right; butterflies spread throughout her body. She bit her lip again and looked back to Rachel.
"Wow," she breathed. "You're right," Rachel nodded.
"The moments in life that really matter are the small moments, the moments that happen somewhere in between the big moments… those are the lasting ones."
"Sounds familiar," Quinn's voice sounded behind her and both girls looked up to see a smiling Quinn.
"Yeah well my girlfriend has a way with words," Rachel told her and got up so that Quinn could sit and then she sat on her lap.
"Yeah well my girlfriend taught me that to begin with," Quinn responded and Marley smiled as they stared at each other.
"You guys are adorable," she said softly and both girls grinned.
"Thanks," they said simultaneously.
"I just hope I have the kind of relationship that you guys have," she said and both Quinn and Rachel looked at her.
"And I like guys but if being a lesbian is what it takes to be as happy as you two are; sign me up… just not with Kitty; she scares me," she cringed as she said it and both girls laughed.
"It's not that we're lesbians," Quinn told her. "It's that we found the right person. When you find the right person… you'll know what this is like," Marley nodded again.
"And as far as Kitty goes," Rachel spoke up and gained Marley's attention. "Try not to let her words hurt you… and I know it's easier said than done but whatever Kitty's deal is it's her issue not yours."
"She picks on me all the time."
"That's because there is something about you that she either wants or is jealous of."
"Jealous?"
"Yeah, she's either jealous of your voice, or the way you carry yourself-"
"Or the way you fight for yourself and your mother no matter what," Quinn cut in. "Or-"
"Or the fact that she wants to get into your pants," Santana's voice chimed in behind them and Marley giggled. "But whatever it is, it's her fucked up deal and if you don't want her like that then just fucking ignore her and she'll go away," Marley was full on laughing now.
"You guys are awesome… god I just wish you still went to McKinley."
"Me too," Santana said kind of sadly and Quinn and Rachel knew the feeling. The future was both exciting and terrifying and they would all gladly take another year of mindless fun.
"Yeah but you have Tina," Rachel told her. "She's awesome and she's straight so she'd be able to help more than any of us can."
"Truth," Santana said and Marley laughed again. Seriously Santana is hilarious.
"Yeah I know… and Tina is awesome," Marley said sadly. "But she's leaving next year and then what?"
"Then you'll be a junior and you can take the new girl under your wing and show her that even in high school there are people willing to help and stand up for the new kids, and the lonely kids, and the losers," Marley smiled. "You have glee club Marley and even if it's considered a loser club by the rest of the school that's fine because you'll have each other," Marley nodded because they already did. "These kids may not be the most popular kids-"
"Speak for yourself Berry," Santana cut in staring at her nails.
"But," Rachel continued as if she wasn't interrupted. "They are the best people you will ever know," she finished and Marley saw that even Santana was smiling.
"She's right you know," Santana told her. "Q, Britts and I were the queens of this school but it wasn't until Rachel fucking Berry and her band of singing losers walked into our lives that we felt like we belonged," Marley smiled.
"You'll find your way Marley," Quinn said. "And Kitty will either get over her shit and find a way to be your friend or she won't but either way you will do just fine."
"Now… it's almost midnight," Rachel looked at her watch and saw that there was less than a minute left.
"Oh fuck!" Santana shouted and rushed over to Brittany on the dance floor. The other three watched laughing.
"Anyway," Rachel continued. "Are you going to sit here and let him pass you by or are you going to take a chance?" Marley gulped.
"I don't know," she said.
"Take a chance, I did and it was the best thing I've ever done," her eyes locked on Quinn and neither girl saw that Marley had left.
"So Berry it's almost midnight," Quinn said and circled her arms around Rachel's waist.
"It is."
"You got your eye on anyone to kiss?"
"Yeah there is this stunning blonde with these devilish hazel eyes that I can't seem to keep my eyes off of but…" she saw Quinn arch that fucking eyebrow. "I don't know if I could get her… she's kind of out of my league," Quinn giggled but continued the game. She could hear them counting down.
Ten, nine, eight…
She continued to stare at Rachel.
Seven, six, five…
"She seems pretty in your league to me."
Four, three…
"Maybe you should take your own advice and take a chance," she hummed.
Two, one… and Rachel's lips crashed into hers. She instantly brought her hands up to Rachel's head and swiped her tongue across Rachel's bottom lip begging for entrance that Rachel gladly surrendered.
If they weren't so lost in each other they would've seen that Marley had also taken Rachel's advice… sort of.
/
After Quinn and Rachel got lost in each other's eyes Marley got to her feet. She could hear the counting in the background.
Ten, nine, eight…
She walked toward him and took a deep breath. She was going to take Rachel's advice but as she got closer the nerves overpowered her and she stopped walking.
Seven, six, five…
She stared at him as he stood not having noticed her yet. She just stared and then his eyes landed on her and she lost her breath.
She turned and was about to walk away when she felt a strong hand on her arm and felt herself being spun around.
Four, three…
He was right there and he was licking his lips and oh god.
Two, one…he moved closer and pressed his lips against hers in the sweetest kiss that made her toes curl. She could feel nerves and butterflies battering her stomach and fuck if Rachel wasn't completely right. Then she felt him pulling away and she wasn't having any of that.
"I'm sorry I-"
"Don't ever apologize for kissing me," she said with a heavy breath and circled her hand around his neck and pulled him in for a deep kiss that changed everything.
/
Once Quinn and Rachel's amazing kiss was over they looked around the room and smiled the sights before them. Brittany and Santana were slow dancing and staring into each other's eyes. Mike and Tina were cuddled on the couch as were Blaine and Kurt and in the corner Rachel's eyes widened at the sight of Jake and Marley kissing.
She looked at Quinn who had seen them too.
But now; Quinn's eyes were on the blond girl in the corner who was also staring at them with her arms crossed and a scowl on her lips.
She was definitely jealous.
But Quinn wasn't sure who she was jealous of… Marley or Jake.
Rachel was back in New York and on her way to school. She was grateful for all that Cassie had done to help her but she still needed to confront her about why.
She was really starting to think that Quinn was right and that Cassie had a crush on her. She meant to confront her when they returned after Thanksgiving break but she chickened out and ever since then Cassie had been going out of her way to be nice to her and she just needed to call her out on it.
And she needed to do it now.
When she walked into Cassie's dance room she saw her moving across the floor and she stared stupidly; the woman was so, so talented. She was so lost in thought that she missed that Cassie had stopped dancing and was now watching her.
After a few moments of looking at Rachel, Cassie snapped out of her own daze.
"Rachel… is there something you needed?" Rachel looked at her and felt her face blush, she blinked several times and she took a deep breath.
"Y-Yeah Miss July I-"
"Oh I'm Miss July again… I thought we were friends Rachel?"
Oh fucking hell- Rachel thought- This is going to be hard.
Rachel looked at the floor and took a deep breath before speaking.
"That is precisely why I needed to speak with you Miss July while I appreciate your help in getting this audition and I am extremely flattered I just don't think it's right. It is completely inappropriate for you to being doing nice things for me based on what I can only assume is a crush."
"What you-"
"No please let me get through this Miss July. You are an amazing teacher and after our rough start you have even become one of my favorite teachers as well as a wonderful mentor and I thought friend but there is no way that I could ever cross any student teacher lines even if I weren't in love with Quinn," Rachel took a breath for the first time since starting her rant and Cassie smirked and crossed her arms over her chest and let Rachel continue. "So while I think you are an incredible dancer, teacher and person I do not think I can continue to be your teaching assistant and if it makes things easier for you I would just like you to know I am willing to transfer to a different dance instructor."
"Are you done?" Cassie wondered and Rachel nodded.
At least she seemed to be taking this well.
"Yes."
"I'm not into you Rachel," she said and Rachel's eyes finally met hers.
"What… yo-you're not?" Cassie shook her head.
"No," she stepped closer. "I'm not," she watched with mild amusement as Rachel's cheeks flushed bright red.
She was going to fucking kill Quinn.
But then she thought about it and no… Quinn was right the signs were there.
"No… Quinn was right, the signs were there," Rachel said. "I don't mean to flatter myself here but I have excellent gaydar and while I don't think you play for my team I do believe that you at least pinch hit once in a while."
Rachel smiled internally at her proper use of a sports reference; she saw Cassie smirking.
"So either you are at least attracted to me or… you're fucking nuts," she said and Cassie barked laughter. Rachel's face brightened red again.
"Okay look… you're right about my se-sexuality and maybe you didn't completely misread my actions," Rachel crossed her arms with a smug look on her lips. "But I'm not into you… at all; you're right that would be inappropriate and all kinds of wrong."
"But then why?"
"You remind me of someone," she said with a shrug. "You remind me of a girl I briefly dated in college and that is all," she saw Rachel's mouth form an O and nod.
"I-Is she… is my resemblance to this girl. Is that why you gave me a chance to prove myself to you?"
"No Rachel… you did that," Rachel furrowed her brow. "I watched you… you came back here every day after classes and you worked your ass off with extra practice. I stand by my words on that dance with Brody though. You were sexy… but you weren't showing me the dance skills that you clearly have, and then after your outburst," she watched as Rachel winced. "You came back here like a grown adult and owned up to it. I see your potential Rachel and that is why I stopped being so hard on you… and plus you remind me and you were right what you said. I was jealous that you still have your career ahead of you," Rachel nodded.
"I'm sorry," Rachel told her. "You know f-for assuming that you liked me and," she saw Cassie laughing and she blushed again. "I'm not usually presumptuous at least not about that stuff and I'm sorry for implying that-"
"It's fine Rachel," Cassie told her. "Do you want to know how you can make it up to me?" Rachel's eyes widened. "You can nail that audition tomorrow," Rachel smiled and Cassie walked out of the room.
She immediately pulled out her phone and sent Quinn a text.
From Rachel: I just made an ass out of myself with Cassie and it's all your fault. You and your stupid theories about her wanting me.
The reply was instant.
From Quinn: You asked her about it? OMG Rachel I was just teasing you.
From Rachel: Are you fucking kidding me?
Quinn was sitting in the library trying to stifle her laughter at the thought of Rachel confronting her. What she wouldn't have given to have been there.
From Quinn: I'm sorry :(
From Rachel: You owe me big time for this Fabray and I'm going to make you pay.
From Quinn: Sounds kinky.
From Rachel: Must you always make everything dirty? You're worse than Noah… call me.
From Quinn: I will in a minute, I just need to leave the library.
Rachel smiled at her phone and her little nerd. She wasn't really mad at Quinn but it would be so much fun making her squirm. A few minutes later her phone rang and a smile came over her face as she answered it; then spent the remainder of the night on the phone with her girl.
The next day, Rachel was walking down the street. She was on her way to her audition when her phone rang in her bag she pulled it out and her face lit up seeing that Quinn was calling her.
"He-"
"You stole my Yale sweatshirt didn't you?" Quinn cut her off and Rachel giggled.
"Yes I did," she heard Quinn whine. "You're not really mad are you because I love it?"
"No I guess not," Quinn said and Rachel could tell she was pouting so she grinned evilly before speaking again.
"I'm sorry babe but it's so warm and comfy and I feel closer to you when I wear it," she heard Quinn sigh and she knew she had her. "And it smells like you which is helpful for masturbation purposes."
"Mm," Quinn moaned. "Please Rachel don't tease I have to go to class."
"Oh so... it would be bad for me to tell you that I also stole something else of yours."
"What else did you take?" Quinn wondered trying to remember what else she was missing.
"The yellow panties you were wearing on New Year's Eve," she heard Quinn moan. "Those smell like you too," she nearly growled.
"Fuck Rach," Quinn husked. "Please stop I-I have to get to class."
"Okay I'll stop… but tonight we're Skyping and you can watch me use those panties as I touch myself," Quinn moaned again.
"Please Rachel I'm begging you to stop… I need to get through this class without thinking about you and- and th-that." Rachel giggled.
"Okay… I'll stop but we are on for tonight right?"
"So on," Quinn promised and Rachel felt her own arousal start and suddenly she knew how Quinn felt.
"Okay you're right we need to stop talking about this because I'm about to go in for my audition and I can't be thinking about you the whole time," this time Quinn giggled.
"Okay babe I love you and I'm proud of you."
"Thanks," Rachel beamed.
"Call me afterward and if I don't answer I'll call you back right after class."
"Okay," Rachel promised. "I'm going in now I love you too Quinn."
"Bye baby."
"Bye," Rachel ended the call, put it on vibrate and tossed it into her bag. She walked in and gave her name to the receptionist in the waiting area. The girl gave her some paperwork to fill out and told her they would be out to get her in a few minutes Rachel thanked her and took a seat. As she filled out the paperwork she felt her phone buzzing in her bag and pulled it out and opened the text.
From Quinn: Break a leg xx
She smiled at the text and typed a quick reply.
From Rachel: Thanks and I love you Quinn so fucking much.
From Quinn: Right back at you.
She smiled, tucked her phone away and went back to work on the paperwork. Just as she was finishing up she heard a male voice.
"Rachel Berry," he said and she met his eyes. He smiled and opened the door to the audition room. She got up, straightened her skirt and walked toward him.
The first step toward her dream.
And it felt amazing.
A/N 2: The title comes from the song I Feel Pretty/Unpretty by the Glee Cast.