A/N: I wanted to apologize to anyone who is hoping for a Shelby/Cassie thing to happen. It's not going to and the only reason I added it at all was for fun because a few of you asked for it. It is hot and I do agree that those two together would be scorching but I don't feel it fits with the version of Shelby I created; as a fling maybe but nothing more than that. I'm sorry for disappointing any of you and I hope you continue to read.
Thanks again for the lovely reviews; I feel like I don't thank you guys enough.
Also sorry for posting so late but I just got into Atlanta after a 30 hour bus ride; so I come to you live from FaberryCon!
This chapter was a tough one for me and it took literally three weeks to write and I finished it the day after Christmas but I think I broke through the writer's block. So I hope you all enjoy the fluff fest. And it's a long one.
Warning: Sexy times
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, anything mentioned, any songs, quotes, or books used.
Chapter 23: A Fairy Tale Come True
"Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure."
-Paulo Coelho; The Alchemist
/
Quinn's eye fluttered open and she smile at the very familiar whirring sound of Rachel's elliptical. For a brief second she thought she was at home in Rachel's bed in Lima but then she remembered that the show Brittany was choreographing was on Christmas Eve so she and Santana had to stay in New York for Christmas and because of that Rachel and Quinn decided to stay too so they wouldn't have to be alone for the holiday.
At first Santana was being her usual snarky self about it, demanding that they go home to Lima; but they both knew she was happy to have them stay; which she eventually confirmed when she thanked them the following day.
Quinn skipped her final classes on the last day before break and arrived in New York earlier than expected. Rachel was certainly surprised to see her and promptly dragged her into the bedroom where they- of course- made love well into the night.
Quinn leant up on her elbows and looked over at her sexy as fuck girlfriend who was lost in her own world as she worked out; Quinn bit her lip as her desire for Rachel pooled between her thighs. Rachel didn't know she was awake let alone staring at her like she wanted to eat her.
Which she definitely did.
So she just stared.
She thought about how things had changed drastically in the two and a half years since they have been doing this long distance thing but also how much had stayed very much the same. Like how Rachel still gave her butterflies when she saw her, and how with as much sex as they have had they still managed to cuddle and be completely sappy.
She loved that even though so much has changed some things never will. And lying there watching Rachel work out was something she always enjoyed and knew she would never tire of. She thought about books and how when she was young and so very alone she would get lost in the world of fairy tales and now she was getting lost in Rachel Berry.
This girl was her own fairy tale come true.
She was staring and thinking and she didn't even noticed that at some point Rachel had caught her watching with her dopey grin; Rachel had her own silly grin in place.
Rachel looked over at the vision of beauty lying-in just a tank top and panties- in her bed and she still found it hard to believe sometimes that Quinn Fabray was hers. Even after all these years she still sometimes found herself wondering how the fuck she managed to land the most amazing woman in the whole world.
And why Quinn loved her so completely.
Not that she'd ever complain.
She just was still in awe sometimes. As her eyes peered over all of that pale flesh, finally stopping on that stunning face she saw that Quinn was still just as lost in thought as she was. She smirked and decided why keep staring when she could be touching.
"Hey you," Rachel called as she slowed her elliptical down and Quinn snapped out of her daze and caught sight of those sexy brown eyes.
"Hey," she whispered in embarrassment over getting caught. Rachel hopped off of her now stopped elliptical and grabbed her towel. Quinn smiled as she watched Rachel come closer. The sweat was shining on her face and arms and it was so fucking sexy. Rachel stood near the edge of the bed and looked down at her girlfriend with a smirk playing on her lips.
"You look so good Quinn," Quinn laughed and crossed her arms behind her head.
"Me!" She squealed and her eyes raked over Rachel's body. "God look at you… all tanned and toned and sweaty and…" she trailed off and swallowed hard. Her mouth was dry; she licked her lips and wished it was Rachel she was licking.
"And?" Rachel teased as she got on all fours on the bed and started to crawl toward Quinn.
"Huh?"
"You said look at me… tanned, toned, sweaty, and… but you didn't finish," she stopped when she was hovering near Quinn's center. She looked down at those dark blue panties and she wanted to rip them off with her teeth. Instead she just smirked. "Finish Quinn." She demanded and she reluctantly peeled her eyes away from what she wanted most to meet those hazel pools which were in a current state of lust.
"Umm… I uh… and s-s-sexy," she stammered and Rachel giggled at her awkward nervousness.
"Why are you nervous Quinn?" Rachel sat back on her heels and used her hands to circle behind Quinn's knees and pulled her legs apart. Quinn let out an audible gasp but dropped her legs open willingly.
"I-I-I don't," she gasped again when Rachel lowered her head in between those thighs but looked at her eyes again. "Fuck I don't know Rach… maybe because you're so fucking sexy and seductive right now." Rachel chuckled.
"You like?"
"So much," Quinn replied and again Rachel giggled. Quinn moaned when Rachel's blunt nails dug into her thighs and Rachel's nose pressed against her clothed clit. But she nearly screamed when she felt Rachel licking at her panties. "Oohhhhhhhh Fuckkkkkk!" She moaned loud and long and Rachel's smug grin appeared before she covered Quinn's whole center-over the panties- with her mouth and sucked harshly. She mentally patted herself on the back when Quinn's hand tangled with her hair and she yanked it hard.
Rachel moaned into Quinn's panties, but she continued to suck at her through those panties. She could feel the cotton becoming increasingly wetter and it certainly wasn't just from her mouth.
"B-B-Baby," Quinn bucked her hips but Rachel moved her hands from Quinn's thighs to her hips and held her down.
"What do you want Quinn?" Rachel said before diving in again.
"I want," she sucked in a breath when Rachel sucked on her lips through the panties. "I want to feel you."
"You can feel me… I can tell," Rachel said replacing her mouth with her hand. She was drawing lazy circles against Quinn's clit with one hand while the other still held those bucking hips.
"Y-Yeah but I-I want… fuck Rachel I want your mouth on me."
"Okay," Rachel dove in again but had still yet to remove the panties; Quinn let out a moan that was a cross between turned on and frustrated.
"Without the panties please babe," she whined and Rachel pulled off of her core again.
"I can taste you through them Quinn," she hummed and then licked her lips. She saw Quinn's eyes roll back into her head before they fluttered closed. "You've soaked right through them… and baby you are the best thing I've ever tasted." Quinn's eyes opened and she looked into Rachel's beautiful face and she could see her red, swollen and wet lips and let out another strangled moan.
"Please lick me Rachel," she begged before pulling her lip in between her teeth and batted those eyelashes. Rachel snapped at the sight she couldn't take teasing her anymore. She reached down and yanked those panties off so quickly. Quinn hid her smug grin at finally getting Rachel to give her what she wanted. Once the panties were gone Quinn pulled her legs up further and opened them wider.
Rachel watched as she opened wide and that was all she could take. Sshe covered Quinn's sex with her mouth in the same manner she had before and sucked. Quinn's hips bucked but this time she didn't stop her. Instead she circled her arms under and around those glorious thighs and held them opened while she thoroughly explored Quinn's hot wetness with her whole mouth. She sucked on Quinn like she was a fruit.
And she was.
Quinn Fabray was the best tasting fruit Rachel had ever eaten.
She flicked her tongue back and forth over Quinn's clit while she continued to suck as best she could and Quinn loved it. She was so wet.
Quinn's hips were bucking wildly against Rachel's face but there was nothing she could do but enjoy it and that is exactly what she did.
She could feel Rachel everywhere. Her lips, her clit, every now and then Rachel would dip her tongue inside and it was driving her crazy.
In the best ways.
It was also pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Rachel must've felt it because she stopped sucking and pushed two fingers inside; hard and deep while she sucked that clit back into her mouth and continued the flicking.
Quinn lost it. Her body started to shake and her hips were practically riding Rachel's face.
"Ohhh…. Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh fuck Rach….I'm co-" her words were cut off as her orgasm blindsided her. Rachel was again trying to keep her smugness at bay at least until Quinn was done. When she felt Quinn coming she pulled her fingers out and replaced it with her tongue and soon after that her mouth was filled with Quinn's desire and as Quinn's body calmed down from the heights it was at Rachel happily licked her clean.
Quinn was still breathing heavily when Rachel inched her way up her body leaving chaste kisses on heated flesh and when she reached her lips she saw satisfaction in Quinn's eyes. She licked her lips and was about to say something cocky when she felt Quinn's hand grasp the base of her neck and pulled their lips together in a bruising kiss.
Quinn pushed her tongue deep inside Rachel's mouth and tasted herself on Rachel's tongue and it made her want…
No need.
It made her need Rachel and she suddenly found the strength to move again. She flipped them over so quickly that Rachel gasped as she was now pinned under Quinn.
"Baby I'm all sweaty," she whined.
"I don't care," Quinn pushed her hand into Rachel's shorts and panties. As her fingers glided through Rachel drenched folds they both moaned in unison. Quinn locked her eyes onto Rachel's lustful stare. "I am in love with you Rachel," she husked as she slipped two fingers into Rachel's hot body.
"Oh Quinn."
"I am so in love with you it's crazy… and it's just as strong today as it was that first day."
"M-Me too," Rachel stammered as she rocked into Quinn's hand. Both girls sped up their thrusting. "I am so very much in love with you too Quinn," she said between heavy pants. "Kiss me please," Quinn smiled at the request and then filled it. Their lips pressed together in the sweetest of kisses. Rachel's arms slid around Quinn's neck as Quinn braced herself on one hand while the other pushed in and out of Rachel at a wonderfully methodic pace. She felt Rachel's tongue fill her mouth and she accepted it with a muffled moan. Rachel's legs also wrapped around her waist as she got closer and closer the edge.
Quinn loved the feeling.
Rachel was everywhere.
Rachel's arms around her neck, Rachel's legs around her waist, Rachel's tongue swirling around her mouth like she was eating an ice cream.
And Rachel's walls tightening around her fingers.
She loved the feeling of this girl all over her and she would never tire of it.
"B-bah," Rachel breathed as she pulled off of Quinn's lips. "Baby... I'm-I'm," she panted again. "I'm so fucking close… make me come Quinn," she started to kiss Quinn's neck as Quinn's thrusts got harder, faster, and deeper and she- in turn- rocked her hips faster, and harder.
Quinn could tell that it wouldn't take much more. Rachel's labored breathing was telling her everything she needed to know.
"Come for me Rachel," she husked and then she felt Rachel's teeth sink into her neck as she let out a muffled cry and came all over Quinn's hand. Quinn in turn screamed in pleasure of the feeling of Rachel's body sucking her fingers deeper and Rachel's mouth sucking on her neck and she fell over the edge again.
Rachel's head slumped back to the bed as her orgasm washed over her and Quinn watched with pleasure and pride at what her ministrations had done to the quivering girl below her. Once Rachel stopped convulsing Quinn pulled her fingers out and brought them to her lips.
Rachel watched with heavy lidded eyes as Quinn licked her fingers clean and when she pulled them out with a pop and a smirk on her lips Rachel yanked her down into another bruising kiss that lasted several minutes. Once the kiss broke Quinn slumped onto the bed beside her.
After several minutes of nothing but heavy breathing from either girl, Quinn finally spoke.
"I love waking up with you Rachel."
"Why? Because I'm so easy?" She asked and Quinn let out a dry chuckled.
"No… well yeah," she corrected and this time it was Rachel's turn to giggle. "But seriously this feeling. This contentment of not only getting to fall asleep in your arms, but to also either wake up in them or know you're not too far away… I really miss it."
"Me too," Rachel leaned up on her elbow to look into Quinn's eye. "But it's not too much longer. We can do this," Quinn smiled and leaned up on her elbow as well so that they were face to face.
"We can… and we will," she pecked those amazing lips and saw Rachel's eyes flutter closed in the cutest of ways before she reopened them with a bite of her lip. "But I can't wait until this is our everyday life."
"Oh god me too," Rachel said dramatically and Quinn could only laugh. She loved her overdramatic girlfriend. "But we can't stay in bed all day babe."
"And why not?"
"Because we have plans."
"Ugh we do," Quinn grumbled and threw herself back on the bed with an exasperated sigh.
"And everyone says I'm the dramatic one," Rachel teased and Quinn looked back over to her.
"Oh I'm sorry for wanting to spend time with my girlfriend alone."
"Look, I know," Rachel leaned over and kissed her naked shoulder. "But Kurt wanted to do something with us before they left for Lima… apparently he had this planned for when we went home but since we're staying, we screwed up his plan and he gave me an lecture about how we owed him for this and-"
"Rach… you're rambling."
"I'm aware."
"Are you nervous?" Quinn asked and again leaned up on her elbows and saw that Rachel was biting her lip. "Rachel, what have you gotten me into?" Worry and annoyance were evident in her tone and Rachel bit her lip a little harder. "Rachel what does Kurt want to do?"
"He wants to take us ice skating," she said quickly and waited for Quinn's wrath.
"Ugh!" She huffed with frustration and let herself fall back to the bed.
"I know," Rachel kissed her shoulder again and then straddled her. "I know Quinn but," she lent down and kissed her clothed abs, and then her breastbone, and then her collarbone. Quinn fisted her hands into Rachel's hair and pulled her up so that she didn't get more aroused than she already was.
"Rach-"
"Look I know Quinn… I know you hate ice skating but please just do this for me."
"Baby, it's not that I hate it… it's that I'm bad at it and-"
"Please," Rachel begged and then kissed Quinn's neck right below the hickey she had just given her. "Please, please, please," Quinn could feel herself control waning and she pulled Rachel's lips off of her again.
"Rachel I'm going to fall on my ass and-"
"I'll help you… please baby," she kissed Quinn's pouting lips and then met her eyes. Rachel knew Quinn was about to give in; she just needed a little extra push. "Please Quinn… I'll make it up to you," and those were the magic words. She squealed when she saw Quinn nod.
Quinn was so fucking whipped.
And she knew it.
And she didn't fucking care.
She would also challenge anyone to try and say no to Rachel Berry when she's looking at you like that and promising things like that with her sexy fucking lips and her sexy fucking eyes.
So she was whipped- so fucking what?
"Make it up to me now."
"Wouldn't you rather I make it up to you later?" Rachel wondered.
"Oh, you will be making it up to me later as well… but I want you to make it up to me now."
"But we'll be late."
"Now Rachel," Quinn demanded and she saw those brown eyes darken with lust again and she smirked.
She may be whipped but at least she would get plenty of perks by giving Rachel what she wants.
Because a happy Rachel makes for a happy Quinn and that is a lesson she learned very early on.
"Okay fine we can be a little late," Quinn nodded eagerly. "B-But can I make it up to you in the shower so we can get clean after we get dirty?"
"Sounds perfect," Quinn said and Rachel got off of her and then pulled her out of bed. Once they were in the shower Rachel did in fact make it up to her.
And they were only a little late.
Quinn was sitting on the bench at the ice skating rink; she was tying the laces of one of the skates and wondering how in the hell she let Rachel drag her into this.
She couldn't ice skate.
She was going to fall on her ass… or her face.
Stupid Kurt and his stupid ideas.
Well, technically it was Blaine who suggested it when Kurt said he wanted to do something holiday-ish and wintery.
So it was Blaine she was going to have to murder.
But it was Rachel and those fucking eyes and that fucking smile.
Oh and the pout.
Quinn knew the very first time she's fallen for Rachel's pout that she would always fall for it and this time was no exception. But the difference is that this time she would literally fall on her face.
What was she fucking thinking?
"Hey baby," Rachel's sweet voice sounded from above her and when Quinn looked up at her she remembered why she had agreed.
Because she was whipped.
And that damn pout.
Rachel sat down on the bench across from her and Quinn stopped lacing her skate to look at her girl.
"I got you some hot chocolate," she handed the cup to Quinn with a wink ad Quinn could do nothing but take it as the butterflies fluttered in her stomach.
"Is this a bribe?"
"No," Rachel sounded appalled but knew Quinn saw right through it. She covered her free hand with her own. "And besides I don't need to bribe you, you're already here," Quinn pouted at that and knew Rachel was also very powerless against the Quinn Fabray pout.
And the Quinn Fabray charm.
"Consider this a reward for letting me drag you here."
"I can think of a way better reward," Quinn grumbled and Rachel couldn't help but laugh at that. She dropped to one knee in front of Quinn and finished tying the laces for her as she sipped her hot chocolate. She looked up at Quinn through her lashes and like always Quinn melted at the sight before her.
"Oh you'll get that too," Rachel husked and Quinn felt arousal shoot through her.
So fucking what if Rachel constantly turned her on.
Like. All. The. Time.
"Rachel… please don't make me do this. I'm going to fall on my face."
"I'll kiss it better."
"Or on my ass," Quinn continued.
"I'll kiss that better too," Rachel growled those words which got Quinn laughing. Rachel sat back on the bench and put her own skates on while Quinn watched her.
"You're crazy."
"About you," Rachel winked.
"You're cheesy."
"Maybe but I'm also perfect," Rachel teased and she knew what Quinn was going to say to that.
"And not at all arrogant," Quinn finished; Rachel laughed internally at having been right.
"Confident Quinn," Rachel corrected and got to her feet. She reached for Quinn's hands who reluctantly placed them in Rachel's, who pulled her up onto wobbly legs. "And I love you."
"You sweet talker Rachel Berry," Quinn kissed her sweetly. It was meant to be a peck but when their lips pressed together neither girl wanted to back away just yet. Quinn cupped the back of Rachel's head and pushed her tongue into the girl's willing mouth. Rachel's nails dug into the belt loops of Quinn's jeans and she slid her tongue alongside Quinn's. A battle for dominance ensued with Rachel ultimately letting Quinn take control. She owed it to her after all… she was sort of forcing her to do something she was afraid of.
"Come on," Rachel said against her lips after they broke the kiss to breathe. Quinn pressed her forehead against Rachel's and let her eyes flutter closed.
"I feel like I'm learning to walk all over again… again," she then felt Rachel's head move away from hers and she opened her eyes to see that's Rachel looked worried.
"I-I'm sorry Quinn… we do-don't have to-"
"No, no," Quinn cut her off once she realized had taken what she said the wrong way. "No, I mean my legs are fine. I'm just… scared. It's the same type of fear, you know? The fear of falling," Rachel nodded and a sweet smile crept up her face.
"Well then, I'll do what I did then. I'll catch you."
"Promise?"
"I will always catch you Quinn," Rachel promised and Quinn kissed her again. This time it didn't get heated and Quinn pulled back with a confident grin in place.
"Let's do this." Quinn started to walk toward the rink and Rachel smiled proudly and joined her.
"There is my arrogant girlfriend," Rachel teased but when she saw Quinn's HBIC glare, she couldn't hide the smirk. "I-I mean confident."
"Keep it up Berry and you'll be sleeping alone."
"Like that would ever happen," Quinn wheeled around and glared at her again.
"Do you want to test me?"
"Nope… shutting up now."
"Good choice Rach."
"I love you," Rachel said sweetly and Quinn melted… again.
"I love you," they stared at each other with fire and desire in their eyes.
"Wow! You guys finally decided to join us," Kurt's voice broke them out of their sexually charged staring contest and they both looked over at him and Blaine who were on the ice.
"Come on… it'll be fun," Blaine urged and Quinn's eyes landed back on Rachel, who could see the apprehension.
But Quinn did in fact step on the ice and wobbled a little bit. She was so glad to feel Rachel's hand instantly take her own.
"Hold me."
"Always Quinn," Rachel promised and just like that Quinn's confidence returned.
"Don't let go."
"Never."
"I can't believe you fucking let me fall!" Quinn shouted at Rachel who was currently on her knees at Quinn's feet attending to the bleeding wound on Quinn's elbow.
"I'm sorry baby… but I fell too," Rachel said and Quinn could hear the worry and pain in Rachel's voice and it calmed her down instantly.
"Hey," Quinn's soft voice said as she cupped Rachel's chin and forced their eyes to meet. She could see that the girl was crying over what had happened. "Hey Rach, don't cry… I'm sorry for yelling. It just fucking hurt," Rachel was nodding but she was still crying and her lip was quivering.
"I-I'm sorry for letting you fall when I promised I wouldn't."
"Hey," Quinn said again and pulled Rachel up so that she was sitting next to her. "You said you wouldn't let me go… and you didn't, you fell with me," she let out a soft chuckle and saw that Rachel was also giggling over that.
"Yeah I guess I… I mean I didn't want to let you go so…" she trailed off when Quinn moved closer and kissed her gently. When Quinn pulled away she sighed contentedly.
"I love you," Quinn whispered against her lips and felt Rachel smile.
"I love you too baby," Rachel was wearing a dreamy expression when Quinn pulled back. She snapped out of it a moment later. "B-But your elbow."
"Yeah that fucking hurts," Quinn said as she let Rachel tend to her wound again. As she watched Rachel fussing over her arm she couldn't help but think about what an amazing mother this girl would be someday.
Rachel could tell by the look on Quinn's face that she was lost in thought and she couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking about.
"What are you thinking?" She watched as Quinn's eyes focused on her again and she smiled shyly.
"I was just thinking that you're going to make such an amazing mom someday and I'm so lucky that I'm the one who is going to get to see it."
"Oh you're going to get lucky alright," Rachel had desire lacing her tone. Quinn leaned closer to Rachel's ear.
"You like me talking about you being my baby mama?" She asked and Rachel nodded furiously before attacking her lips in a hot kiss.
"For crying out loud! Do you two always have to be inappropriate?" Kurt's annoyed voice broke them out of their bliss and they wore matching smiles when they looked at him. Quinn merely shrugged and Rachel thought it was fucking adorable.
"Have you seen her?" Rachel asked but then realized that she was asking two gay men about her hot as fuck girlfriend.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Kurt waved his hands in front of him. "Sure she's gorgeous but yucky girl parts are gross."
"No they're not," both girls said at the same time and Blaine just laughed at the three of them. He handed Rachel some first aid supplies.
"Here these are for you," she smiled and took them. "This is what they had at the desk.
"Thank you Blaine," Rachel immediately tended to Quinn's injury and Quinn watched with awe and pride and love.
Always love.
"There you go," Rachel said once the bandage was on. "How's that feel?"
"It's fine," Quinn purred. "It just needs one more thing," she saw Rachel's eyes widened with worry which disappeared in favor of a smile when she continued. "Can you kiss it better?" Rachel bit her lip at Quinn's adorableness before she leaned over and kissed the sore elbow. Quinn smiled and Kurt scoffed.
"You two are sickening," he said before stalking off. Blaine followed him after he took the first aid kit from Rachel.
"I think you're adorable," both girls smiled at him. "I'll just return this and we'll meet you out front. Kurt wants to have dinner before we leave if you guys are up for it."
"Yeah."
"Of course," they said at the same time and he smiled before leaving. Quinn's eyes landed on Rachel and she winked.
"I guess we're going to have to postpone getting lucky a little longer," Quinn said with a soft pout.
"Yeah but it'll be worth the wait," Rachel winked and Quinn felt arousal shoot through her again. After they changed out of their skates they were walking back toward where Kurt and Blaine were waiting when Quinn's phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and looked at who was calling her.
"It's Shelby," she said to Rachel before hitting the answer button and holding the phone to her ear. "Hello."
"Hey Quinn, I tried to call Rachel but she's not answering. Is she with you?"
"Yeah hold on I'll put her o-"
"No, no..." Shelby cut her off. "I want to talk to both of you. Can you put me on speaker?"
"Yeah sure, hold on a second," Quinn looked at Rachel. "She wants to talk to both of us," she whispered before hitting the speaker button. She felt Rachel's grip on her arm tighten and she knew she was nervous about whatever Shelby was going to say. "Okay."
"Hi mom," Rachel said and they both heard the woman giggle; which instantly set whatever fears had been building to rest.
"Hey kid… listen I hope I didn't worry you but a little bird told me that the two of you are staying in New York this Christmas and I wanted to invite you to come over and spend the day with Beth and I?"
"Oh mom, that would be lovely." Rachel squealed and then she frowned when she remembered something. "But Brittany and Santana are here too which is why we stayed; it wouldn't be right to ditch them now so-"
"Oh no Rachel," Shelby cut off her rant. "Of course Santana and Brittany are also welcome to join us."
"Oh… okay."
"That's awesome Shelby. I'm sure Britt and San would love to," Quinn told her.
"Oh wonderful," Rachel could hear the joy in her mom's voice and it made her smile at how far they had come since their first meeting. "Oh and Quinn."
"Yes."
"I have a little girl here who wanted me to ask you if you and Rachel would please come sleep over on Christmas Eve so that you can help her unwrap all the presents that Santa is bringing her because she was such a good girl," Rachel heard Quinn gasp during Shelby's speech and felt Quinn squeezing her hand.
"A-Are, are you sure Shelby?" Quinn's voice was trying and failing to hide her excitement.
"Of course Quinn, we would love to have you… If you want to sleep here of course. I mean I don't have a guest room you would have to sleep on the floor or the couches and-"
"We'd love to," Quinn nearly shouted as she cut off Shelby's rambling. Rachel couldn't hide her grin at the elation on Quinn's face. "I-I mean if you want to Rach," Quinn was looking at her and as Rachel looked in her eyes she fell in love all over again.
For the millionth time.
Nothing in the world was better than Quinn Fabray happy.
"Of course baby."
"Okay," Quinn squealed and both Rachel and Shelby were giggling.
"Okay then… we will see you guys then, come over whenever you want."
"Thank you mom."
"Yes thank you a million times Shelby," Quinn was practically bouncing.
"You are both welcome," Quinn ended the call and stared at Rachel who was grinning from ear to ear.
"Can you believe it babe?"
"It's a wonderful gift."
"It's the best gift…well one of them," Rachel arched her eyebrow.
"Good save Fabray."
"I'm going to get to spend Christmas morning with Beth for the first time ever," she said more to herself than to Rachel.
"I know… and I'm so happy for you," Rachel took both of her cheeks into her hands and pulled her close. "You are so beautiful Quinn, especially when you're happy."
"I'm so happy right now," Quinn said with a happy sigh.
"And beautiful," Rachel lent up on her toes and pressed their lips together. Quinn's arms circled her waist and when Rachel pulled back from the kiss she wrapped her arms loosely around Quinn's neck and stared into her eyes.
"So does this good mood mean I'm forgiven for taking you ice skating?"
"Yes," Quinn answered and saw Rachel's smile widen and then she arched her eyebrow. "But you're still making it up to me with lots of loving tonight."
"Mm," Rachel hummed with a lazy smile, then she licked her lips at the thought, and saw Quinn laughing at her. "Come on horn dog, let's go have dinner with our boys and then I'll spend all night worshipping all of this beauty."
"And I'm the horn dog," Quinn retorted and Rachel laughed and pulled out of Quinn's embrace. As they walked she wrapped her arms around Quinn's arm and snuggled close. She let out a contented sigh as they approached Kurt and Blaine.
She could get used to this.
Used to Quinn always being here with her.
The night before Christmas Eve, Brittany was at work; she was working on the final dress rehearsal for the show which meant that Santana was home alone… and she was grumpy. Rachel and Quinn had decided to stay in to keep her company.
Which they regretted once she started yelling at them for every little thing.
So they were all sitting around watching some lame ass Christmas movie- those were Santana's words- when a knock on the door startled them.
"Who the fuck is that? Everyone we know is either at home with their families, or at fucking work!" Santana barked but didn't make a move to answer the door. When the person knocked again, Rachel got to her feet.
She squealed when she saw Mercedes standing at the door.
"Oh my god!"
"Girl, look at you," Mercedes said before she was nearly tackled in a hug; she just laughed into Rachel's shoulder. After hugging Rachel she was greeted first by Quinn and then by Santana who despite her awful mood was very nice to her friend.
All of the girls noticed that she was without Sam.
But none of them asked the question.
At least not until hours… and many, many drinks later.
"So what's up with you and trouty mouth?" Santana said before taking a shot. And they all saw Mercedes' smile drop and a frown take over. "Oh fucking hell, shit… I'm sorry Mercedes," Santana started to ramble but when the girl waved her hand she stopped talking.
"No it's… it's okay," they could all tell she was fighting tears. "We broke up."
"Aw," Quinn and Rachel said together before they both clapped their hands over their mouths.
"No, don't be sorry. It was for the best… all we were doing was fighting all the time. He was never home and when he was I was never home. We're just both so busy… too busy to try and work on our already tumultuous relationship. We decided to end it so that our friendship doesn't suffer."
"Well that is real… mature," Rachel said and Mercedes nodded.
"And kind of fucked up!" Santana shouted and then she started to cry. "I'm sorry," she waved her hand and Quinn pulled her into a hug. Mercedes could only laugh. She really missed these girls and there was nothing funnier than drunk Santana.
"Yeah it's not ideal… but we're hoping that we'll always have each other as friends and who know, maybe down the road we can try again. I will always love that boy," she said with a sad smile and all three girls smiled in return. "But I'm not here to get all sad and sappy. I'm here because I missed my girls and I was tired of being alone in LA."
"That's wonderful Mercedes and we're glad you're here too," Rachel said. "We're all going over to my mom's house on Christmas and you're more than welcome to join us… well Quinn and I are sleeping over on Christmas eve per Beth's request," as she said it she saw Quinn's smile widened; Santana and Mercedes saw it too. They all knew just how much Quinn loved that little girl and was so grateful to still be in her life. "But Santana and Brittany are coming over in the morning so you can just go with them."
"Sounds perfect Rachel."
"It will be," Quinn cooed and Rachel snuggled into her side.
"You two are still ridiculously adorable," Mercedes watched them.
"Yeah and annoyingly fucking horny," Santana added and they all laughed. Santana's mood brightened considerably when Brittany arrived home and all five girls celebrated Christmas Eve, eve by enjoying this time with old friends and it was amazing.
The following night they all watched Brittany's show as it went off with flying colors; and as they were headed back to the house Santana and Brittany were all over each other in the taxi. Rachel was sitting on Quinn's lap and she leaned over Mercedes.
"I'm going to give you the key to Kurt, Blaine, Mike, and Tina's apartment so you don't have to bear witness to that," she curled her lip as she pointed to their two friends dry humping right next to them. "All night long."
"Thank you so much Rachel," Mercedes said with a relieved look on her face.
After packing an overnight bag and saying goodbye to their friends Rachel and Quinn left for Shelby's apartment; once they were on the elevator Rachel could tell that Quinn was very excited but also very nervous.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong… I'm just nervous, I don't know… I don't know how to explain it," Rachel smiled at her words and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
"Stop worrying and just have fun."
"You're right," Quinn said and let out a relieved breath.
"Naturally," Rachel said with her arrogant head shake and Quinn could only laugh because Rachel was just perfect.
"I love you Rachel."
"Mm, and I love you… are you ready to go have fun with Beth?"
"So ready," and then she felt Rachel's lips on hers and she forgot what she was saying briefly in favor of getting lost in Rachel's mouth for a while. When the elevator stopped on Shelby's floor the kiss broke and Quinn exhaled loudly.
"Mm, that was hot," she said breathy. "What was that for?"
"Because you're sexy," Rachel replied leading her to the apartment. "And we're about to spend the night with my mom and your daughter… I just needed to feel those lips before we have a full on G-rated night," Quinn's smile disappeared when she realized she wouldn't be getting any sex that night… or the next morning.
"Oh crap," she said as Rachel knocked.
"What?"
"I just realized that I'm not getting lucky tonight," Rachel shook her head no and Quinn pouted but her pout quickly disappeared when the door opened and she heard Beth squealing.
"Mama Quinn! You came!"
"I did," Quinn said with a huge grin on her face.
"Yay mommy… Mama Quinn is here," Beth said to Shelby and grabbed Quinn's hand and dragged her inside. And the delighted yelp that Quinn released literally made Rachel's day.
Hell it made her whole year.
"Hey Rachel," Shelby said waving her in.
"Hey mom," they hugged and Shelby closed the door behind them. "Do you need any help?" Rachel wondered noticing that Shelby was cooking. There was a mess in the kitchen.
"No, it's fine you don't have to… you're the guest."
"I know I don't have to… I want to," Rachel shrugged off her coat and hung it on a nearby kitchen chair.
"Okay well then… yeah I'd love some help sweetie," Shelby handed Rachel a mixing bowl.
"And you're sure it's okay that we invited Mercedes to join us tomorrow?"
"Of course it is Rachel, the more the merrier."
"Okay," Rachel relented and started mixing what was in her bowl. Rachel looked over at Quinn in the living room as she played with Beth and her dolls and she smiled.
Quinn was on top of the world playing with Beth and when her eyes drifted over to Rachel who was helping her mom cook she locked on those eyes and knew they were both thinking the same thing.
How much had changed since their first summer together when they helped each other through the hardest times of their lives… and now how they had both gotten a second chance.
And how her life really was a fairy tale come true.
Rachel winked and Quinn and Quinn's smile widened even more.
"I love you Rachel," she called and Rachel could do nothing but grin her smitten with Quinn Fabray grin.
"I love you right back Quinn."
"Ew gross," Beth said and all three women laughed at that.
"Beth, we need to stop letting you hang out with Santana," Quinn told her while Rachel nodded wildly.
"Auntie Santana is cool," Beth squealed.
"Yeah cool," Quinn said under her breath but she continued to play with her baby and she was on top of the world.
A few hours later Quinn was relaxing on the couch when Rachel slumped on the couch beside her and cuddled close.
"Hey baby," Quinn said and kissed Rachel's forehead. "Did you have fun with your mom?" Rachel's smile widened and she nodded.
"I did… and did you have fun with Beth?" Quinn's huge smile was all Rachel needed to know for her question to be answered.
"So much fun… she's amazing Rachel."
"Well of course she is; she came from you."
"And Puck," Quinn looked at her with her eyebrow arched and Rachel curled her lip at the thought but then she smiled at the thought that so much had changed since then.
"Right… but Noah does have a certain charm and although at the time of Beth's conception he was a pig; deep down he was and is wonderful so yeah… Beth has good genes," Quinn nodded in agreement. "And she is being raised by my mother who created me and I'm-"
"Arrogant," Quinn cut her off.
"It's pronounced amazing Quinn," Rachel corrected with a pout and Quinn- like always- melted at the sight of it.
"Right, amazing… that's what I meant," Rachel was still pouting when Quinn leaned over and kissed her; and Quinn felt her smile into her lips.
"You don't think that just because you kiss me with these incredible lips that you're immediately forgiven for picking on me, do you?" Quinn shook her head and then kissed her again.
"How about now?"
"You're getting there," Rachel hummed against her lips and then kissed her again. Rachel pushed her tongue alongside Quinn's and just reveled in kissing Quinn. Just like always she could feel how much she was loved by her and that feeling was indescribable.
"Ew gross," Beth said again and her voice broke them out of their bliss. Rachel giggled again as Quinn looked over at Beth.
"Hey sweetie," Quinn said softly and her face was covered with a deep blush over being caught by her four and a half year old daughter who again sounded a bit like Santana.
"Mama Quinn… why were you kissing Rachel?"
"Because I love her," Quinn answered simply and watched as Beth's smile spread across her mouth.
"Like how mommy loved Uncle Paul before he got afraid?"
"Yeah Beth just like that," Quinn felt so bad for Shelby and Beth because of what Paul did. She watched as Beth looked at Rachel.
"But you're not gonna run away from Mama Quinn, are you Rachel?"
"No, never sweetie," Rachel saw both blonde girls smiled at her.
"Good," Beth said and Rachel could feel the adoration from both girls as they stared at her. Then she saw Beth look back at Quinn. "Mama Quinn?"
"Yes."
"Can you help me write my letter to Santa?" Quinn's eyebrows lifted in surprise and her mouth dropped.
"I-I'd love to Beth but don't you want your mommy to help you?"
"Yeah..." she trailed off as she looked at Shelby who had been leaning against the door for a while and saw her mommy nod. "But I want you to help me too and mommy said it was okay to ask you since because you'd like to help me."
"Well she was right, I'd love to," Beth reached for Quinn's hand and tugged on it. Quinn smiled at Rachel who winked at her as she got to her feet and led Beth drag her out of the room. As they passed by Shelby, Quinn shot her a thankful grin.
"Thank you."
"My pleasure," Shelby replied before sitting down on the couch next to Rachel as Beth dragged Quinn to the kitchen table.
"That was nice of you," Rachel told her.
"Yeah well, I just thought about all of the Christmases and Hanukkah's I missed with you and I don't want Quinn… or Beth for that matter to miss out on any of it." Rachel's grin widened at that. "And speaking of Hanukkah… I know tonight is the last night and I wanted to give you this," she handed Rachel an envelope. "Happy Hanukkah Rachel." Rachel beamed and took the envelope.
"Mom… what's this?" She squealed with the excitement of a four and a half year old. "You didn't have to get me anything. Presents are not what Hanukkah is-"
"I know it's not what Hanukkah is about baby girl but I just… I just wanted to give you something to show you how happy I am that you gave me a second chance to be your mom… so please just open it."
"Okay," Rachel squealed again and tore into the envelope. She squealed again when she saw two tickets to a Broadway musical. Her eyes widened and she looked back at Shelby; who saw nothing but love and adoration in the eyes of her daughter. "Bring it On: The Musical," she said clutching the tickets to her chest. "I love it."
"Yeah well I figured it's the two things you love the most. Musicals and cheerleaders," Rachel laughed really hard at that and pulled Shelby into a tight hug.
"Thank you so much mom."
"You're welcome," Shelby got to her feet. "Come on there's more." She held out her hand and Rachel took it but she was reluctant.
"The tickets are enough."
"Relax kid, this didn't cost a thing." Shelby led Rachel over to the fireplace where Rachel saw for the first time… a menorah. She smiled up at her mom who shrugged.
"I don't exactly celebrate the holiday but I know you do…so Beth and I lit a candle for each night and I wanted you to light the last one," Rachel pulled her into another tight hug. "There is one more thing."
"What now?" Rachel said backing away from her. Shelby held up a finger and looked at her watch. After several seconds, she picked her phone up off of a nearby table; and just as she did it started to ring.
"It's for you," she saw Rachel arch her eyebrow but took the phone. She hit the talk button and tentatively held it to her ear.
"He-Hello," she said and waited.
"Hey baby girl," Leroy's voice boomed over the line and Rachel squealed for the third time. "You didn't think we'd miss the last night of Hanukkah, did you?"
"Of course not daddy," she said with glee. A moment later Quinn and Beth joined them both wearing smiles and when Rachel's eyes locked on Quinn's she knew Quinn was a part of this.
"Did you know about this Quinn?" She watched as her girlfriend shrugged but then nodded.
"Put us on speaker Rach," Hiram's voice came through the line and Rachel did as she was told.
"Okay dad," she said and then they all laughed as both men said Happy Hanukkah… well they actually screamed it.
"Hi Quinn," Leroy yelled and Quinn laughed at him.
"Hi dad," she replied. Rachel pulled Quinn into a tight hug and kissed her cheek before she lit the final candle knowing at home in Lima her dads were doing the very same thing and the six of them celebrated Hanukkah as a family for the first time ever. And it may have been the most unique celebration but with the Berry-Fabray- Corcoran family everything was unique.
And Rachel wouldn't have it any other way.
After celebrating with her dads for a while they wished them all a Merry Christmas and hung up and then after putting Beth to bed the women had a good time playing Santa and making the tree and presents look perfect for Beth in the morning.
Before Shelby went to bed she gave the girls some pillows and blankets and kissed them both goodnight.
"Behave yourselves," she said to them with as much authority that she could muster knowing they wouldn't anyway. Once she was gone Rachel got settled on one couch and Quinn on the other.
That arrangement only lasted for about twenty minutes. Rachel was cuddled with her face toward the back of the couch she was on when she heard Quinn's voice.
"Baby," she whispered and Rachel turned over to face Quinn; who could see that she was wearing a smug grin but Quinn didn't even care. She wanted to cuddle with her girl dammit.
"Hey Quinn."
"I missed you," she said sticking her lip out. "I hate not being in your arms as is and I don't want to be in the same room as you and not be in those arms," Rachel swooned and she held her arms open. Quinn nearly jumped into her arms and it wasn't long before they were both asleep with Quinn's back pressed into Rachel's front and even though it was cramped it was perfect.
And still a better rest than if they were apart.
/
In the morning Quinn woke up to the sound of packages being ruffled. Her eyes fluttered open and she saw Beth with the biggest smile on her face as she looked through the many, many gifts. She was a little sad that she had missed so much with Beth but still very grateful that the woman who adopted her baby was a permanent part of her life; meaning Beth was a permanent part of her life. She sat up; and just watched… and after a few minutes Beth must've heard her moving because she looked over and they smiled as if they were sharing a secret. Quinn put her fingers to her lips.
"Shh," she said as she got up off the couch without waking Rachel up and she shuffled over to Beth. She sat on the floor and Beth sat on her lap.
"There are so many," Beth said with wide eyes.
"Yeah and do you know why Santa brought you so many presents?"
"No," Beth shook her head.
"Because you were a very good girl all year and good girls get lots and lots of presents," what neither of them knew was that Rachel did wake up when Quinn moved out of her arms but she didn't say anything.
She just watched in awe as her beautiful girlfriend shared a perfect moment with her perfect baby and Rachel was just so happy for her.
She also was maybe thinking about their future and Christmas mornings with their own babies and then having Beth and Shelby over later… and of course the rest of their families and Rachel realized that even though she was terrified of growing up she was also looking forward to it as well.
Quinn looked over at her, their eyes locked, and once again…
Just like always…
She got lost in those hazel pools of love and there was no greater feeling in the world. Rachel reveled in it. And she knew Quinn was too because she didn't look away.
/
After spending an amazing morning opening presents with Beth and then opening more presents when Santana, Brittany and Mercedes got there they all were helping Shelby in the kitchen except for Quinn.
No Quinn was helping Beth make a Skype call to her mom and Richard to wish them a Merry Christmas and then after finally calming down her mom who was balling at the sight of her beautiful daughter and granddaughter celebrating together; Quinn helped Beth Skype Puck to wish him a Merry Christmas and then she again had to calm down Puck's tears when he also started to cry like a baby. When the calls were over Beth looked at Quinn.
"Why come everyone crying Mama Quinn?"
"First of all it's how come," she said and Beth repeated it and Quinn could only smile at her brilliant daughter. "And second of all they're all crying because they love you so much… and they miss you so much."
"Maybe next year, Grandma Judy and Dada Noah can come sleep over too."
"Yeah maybe," Quinn hugged the little girl.
When they were all eating dinner; Shelby jumped when an incessant banging was heard on the door and she got up to answer it. When the door swung open she squealed and then she backed away. Everyone looked over concerned but smiled at the sight of Shelby's ex-boyfriend Paul who was down on his knee in the doorway.
"P-Paul what are you-"
"I'm so sorry baby… I'm sorry I panicked. I'm sorry I ran away but I'm here now. I can't live without you and Beth in my life. I didn't even know that this was what I wanted until I didn't have it anymore," Shelby's hand went to her mouth when he pulled a box out of his pocket and opened it to reveal a beautiful ring. "I… Pleas Shelby… please forgive me for panicking. I'm so in love with you and it took the thought of not having you to realize that I want it… I want it all. Marriage, kids… this amazing little girl," he looked over at Beth who had run over when she saw him. He cupped her cheek; and then looked back at Shelby. "Please… marry me?" Shelby was crying; she couldn't find words because of her tears so instead she nodded. "YES!" He shouted and got to his feet; nearly tackling Shelby in a kiss that had her toes curling.
"YAY!" Beth yelled jumping up and down. Shelby picked her up and they both enveloped her in a hug. Quinn watched with a smiled on her face. There would always be a part of her heart that was broken over not raising Beth herself but there mere fact that Beth was so loved by the two people holding her was enough to make her remember why she made this choice… the right choice.
Shelby was able to give Beth the things that a sixteen year old girl couldn't and now it was finally all coming together for her.
And Quinn couldn't be happier.
And as Rachel watched Quinn watch them she knew what Quinn was feeling and she couldn't agree more.
Once everyone congratulated them Paul joined them for dinner with wonderful friends, family, and the perfect Christmas evening that continued when Rachel made everyone join her in the living room.
She stood in front of them all and smiled.
"I um… well I'm Jewish."
"No shit Rach," Santana shouted and then got promptly slapped on the arm by both Brittany and Quinn as they both pointed to Beth. Santana turned bright red and she slumped down in her chair in embarrassment. Rachel quickly changed the subject; which Santana was thankful for.
"Anyway, I never celebrated Christmas, not until I met Quinn and we decided to celebrate both and give out future children the choice of which religion they wanted to follow," she saw Quinn staring with adoration as everyone else awed. "But anyway Christmas is everywhere so even though I didn't celebrate I did know all about it… especially the music and I wanted to sing a song to all of you tonight. This is my all-time favorite Christmas song and I wanted you all to know that I love each and every one of you." She winked at Quinn and started the music on Shelby's sound system.
Everyone stared in awe as Rachel blew the song away… as usual.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on
Our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
She withheld a chuckle when she saw Santana's smirk at that line. She looked around the room at all- well a lot- of her favorite people and she continued.
From now on
Our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years
We all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star
Upon the highest bough
And have yourself
A merry little Christmas now
Her eyes locked on Quinn and she could see the love of her life singing along with her and it made her heart soar.
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years
We all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star
Upon the highest bough
And have yourself
A merry little Christmas now
When the song ended everyone was on their feet cheering and Quinn pulled her into a tight hug. Everyone else fell into comfortable chatter while Shelby and Paul cuddled with Beth between them but Rachel and Quinn were lost in their own world.
As usual.
"That was incredible babe," Quinn told her and Rachel beamed. She took Quinn's hand and interlocked their fingers.
"Come on," she said with glee and dragged Quinn away from the group. Quinn of course went willingly. Rachel dragged her out onto Shelby's small fire escape where they saw that a light snow was covering the streets of Manhattan.
"What's going on Rach?"
"Just this," she said and pointed to the stairs above their heads and when Quinn looked up she saw a sprig of mistletoe and she giggled.
"Hm, how'd that get there?" She asked playfully and saw Rachel shrug just as playfully.
"I don't know… maybe an elf."
"You know babe, you don't have to trick me into kissing you. I would do it anywhere, any place and time."
"I know but," she shrugged again letting her hands fall at her sides. "This way is more I don't know… magical."
"You are magical, Rachel Berry."
"I bet you say that to all the girls, Quinn."
"Only the ones I'm in love with."
"Which better only be one," Rachel chided and Quinn nodded furiously. "Kiss me?"
"I thought you'd never ask," she said just as she pressed her lips against Rachel's and she thought that just maybe Rachel was right.
Because under the mistletoe, on Christmas with the snow falling around them it was in fact magical.
And a fairy tale come true.
But then again every kiss with Rachel was a fairy tale come true.
In fact every minute was.
A/N 2: The song Rachel sang was Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by many, many different people; my personal favorite being Sarah McLachlan. The title of the chapter comes from the song The Gift by Jim Brickman.
I'm off to go meet some Faberrians now.
How'd you like it? Let me know.