A/N: I did a bit of research for the award that Quinn is nominated for; it is presented in early October in a ceremony that all of the finalists are invited to in New York City; that much I know is fact. What I don't know is what type of ceremony it is. So that part of this story may or may not be what happens at these events .
Rachel and Quinn sing a song together in this chapter. Rachel's parts are (bold) Quinn's are (Italics) and together is (both)
I have made a decision on the future of this story and some of you may know this from my tumblr post but those of you who don't; here is a brief explaination. I am seriously fed up with anons telling me how to write my story so I have decided to end it.
It will end once I reach the SIB epilogue which is the chapter I am writing right now. But because I don't want to disappoint all of my amazing, wonderful, loyal readers I promise you all that I will be writing a third part which will be the five years after the epilogue that I promised.
However, I will complete it before I post any of it. Just a glimpse into how long of a wait it will be. This story will end with chapter 43 which is about to be finished. And I will begin writing the third story as soon as I'm done. It will be 25-ish chapters long and with writing two chapters a week I think the time in between when I post chapter 43 of this story and complete the third one will be no longer than a month. So I thank all of my loyal readers for continuing with this story and for all of the love and support you have given me over the course of SIB and MMH. I means everything to me.
Warning: Sexy times (Don't like it. Don't read it)
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, anything mentioned, any songs, quotes, or books used.
Chapter 31: Better Than It's Ever Been
"The truth about forever is that it's happening right now."
-Sarah Dessen; The Truth About Forever
/
Quinn was rushing to get home to pack. She had just gone to all of her professors to get any work that she was going to miss for the week that she was going to be in New York. She had been allowed to take the time off and get any work she would miss because she was a finalist for the Norman Mailer writing award that Professor Tate had nominated her for; and all the finalists were invited to the presentation of the award in New York City. This worked out well for several reasons. One was that the awards were being held the same week as her anniversary and Shelby's wedding. She couldn't have planned it better herself.
So she had just gathered all of the work she would miss and was walking across the courtyard so she could go home and pack when she heard a voice that she knew fairly well calling her name. She turned around to see Eric walking toward her; with a girl she had never seen before as approached her. She stopped walking away from him and walked toward him instead.
"Hey Eric, how are you?" She wondered with a smile.
"I'd be better if you weren't ditching me this year with the play," and she looked down blushing.
"I didn't say I was for sure not going to audition I just told Professors Tate and Avery that I couldn't write or edit it this year."
"Yeah I know Quinn, I was just teasing. Look I know you're in a rush… congrats on being a finalist by the way."
"Thank you," she said and her eyes darted to the girl that seemed to be feeling very awkward; having not been introduced yet. When Eric caught on to the awkwardness he slapped himself in the head.
Like literally; and Quinn had to hold back a laugh at her friend.
"Shit, I'm sorry guys… Quinn this is Kim," he pointed to the awkward girl who smiled when Quinn met her eyes. She was very pretty in a shy awkward sort of emo kind of way. "Kim this is Quinn," when Quinn held out her hand to shake it Kim blushed but shook her hand anyway.
"It's nice to meet you…are you Eric's girlfriend?" They both giggled shyly and Quinn couldn't help but think of how adorable they were. And even though they weren't dating they both clearly wanted to be.
"N-N-No sh-she's just a friend," Eric stammered. "And she's and incredible filmmaker," Kim blushed again.
"No I'm not Eric, you think too much of me," she looked at Quinn. "He thinks too much of me."
"Well if I know him the way I know him… he doesn't lie or embellish so you must be great."
"See I told you," Eric agreed and met Kim's eyes; when Quinn saw her blush again she knew instantly that this girl was very much smitten with her friend.
"You told her too, she has no idea if I'm good," Kim finally spoke and again Quinn couldn't stop smiling at their cute interactions.
"Anyway…," he trailed off; as he finally pulled his eyes off of Kim and looked at Quinn. "My point is… Kim approached me with an idea she had for her final film project, she wants me to star in it," he beamed with pride.
"Awesome," Quinn cut him off.
"And she wants you to write it," he finished. Quinn's eyes widened with wonder, surprise, and delight.
"Me?" She squealed and watched Kim's head bob up and down in a wild nod. And then she started speaking and the way this girl talked about film was how Rachel talked about Broadway. Instantly her shyness was gone replaced with unbridled passion and Quinn couldn't help but be impressed.
And miss Rachel a little bit more.
"Yes Quinn, I saw the play you wrote last year and I was blown away. You are an amazing writer and your story of Brooke's final film project is what inspired me to want to create that as my final film project… so you see you wouldn't even have to write anything new… you would just have to get more in depth into what Brooke filmed in your play."
"So let me get this straight you want to use the story within my actual story for your film final."
"Yes… and don't worry you'd obviously get full writing credit, and also I don't just want Eric to be in it… I want you to be in it too. You can re-create your characters from the play in the documentary that Brooke films about her friends in that loft just over…"
"The Brooklyn Bridge," Quinn finished the last line of her play which was also the title.
"Right… so what do you say," Eric wondered hopefully.
"You want me to write and star in an independent film?" They both nodded.
"Well technically it's my final film project but if it comes out good I'm going to submit it to some film festivals and see where that takes me."
"I'm in," Quinn said with a lip bite and watched as the other two's eyes widened with glee. "One condition though."
"Okay?" Kim wondered nervously.
"You let me produce as well… or at least co-produce."
"You want to fund it?" Kim asked shocked and Quinn shrugged with a smile. "Hell yes… you can produce it."
"Then we have a deal," she said and watched as Eric literally leapt off the ground with excitement. "I'll call you after I get back from New York," she watched him nod.
"This is so awesome Quinn, thank you."
"Yes thank you," Kim repeated.
"You don't have to thank me… this is literally everything I want to do with my life," she winked at them.
"Have fun in New York with your girlfriend," Eric said and she grinned.
"Oh I will… it's our anniversary too," she said before turning away and as she walked away she heard them talking.
"Is her girlfriend as hot as she is?" Kim wondered.
"Yeah they're very sexy," Eric answered with a heavy exhale.
"Nice," Kim responded.
Quinn just laughed and continued walking because Eric was right Rachel was sexy as hell and she couldn't wait to be in her arms where she belonged.
Two hours later she found herself exactly where she wanted to be.
In those arms.
After having some of their favorite sex… against the door. They were now cuddled in Rachel's bed. Quinn's ear was pressed against Rachel's chest and she was listening to her rapidly beating heart.
"This is great isn't it Quinn."
"It's better than it's ever been babe."
"Yeah it is," Rachel giggled. "But I meant holding you like this," Quinn lifted her head so she could see Rachel's eyes. She rested her hands on Rachel's stomach and her head on her hands and could see that Rachel was staring at her with nothing but love in those eyes.
And a little bit of lust.
"Yeah holding you Rachel, is one of the best parts of my day… of my life," she corrected and saw Rachel blush slightly under the compliment. "I have news." Quinn finally blurted out.
"What kind of news?" Rachel sat up fully causing Quinn to slide off her. She knew Rachel was suddenly nervous and she hated that she always assumed the worst but she also understood that with the distance between them; that was something that would happen.
She couldn't wait until she was in New York and the separation no longer made them think the worst. She couldn't wait until they had the kind of complete understanding they had with each other that they had back home; when they spent every night in each other's arms. But until then she had to reassure Rachel that her news was good.
Very good.
She sat up and straddled Rachel's legs, cupped her chin to force their eyes to meet, and what she saw was worry.
"I didn't say it was bad news baby… please relax."
So it's not bad news?" Quinn shook her head no and watched as Rachel's worries literally vanished.
"It's very good news actually."
"Oh," Rachel said and waited but instead of talking Quinn kissed her. Deeply and passionately and without worry; and as Rachel kissed her back she felt herself getting more and more turned on… but she still wanted to know Quinn's news so she very reluctantly pulled her lips away from Quinn's.
"Tell me."
"Eric approached with this girl today and gave me an offer I couldn't refuse," Rachel's mouth dropped open and an appalled look crossed her features.
"I swear to Barbra, Quinn if this offer has anything to do with sex I will break Eric's dick off and whoever the girl is will get a Rachel Berry gold star ass beating," Quinn was laughing now. She knew that Rachel wasn't serious, even though Rachel looked completely serious.
"C'mon Rach, I told you it was good news… you can't be serious," she waited and then finally saw Rachel calming down.
"I know I guess… I don't know just tell me," she groaned and Quinn rutted her hips which caused her wet center to slide against Rachel's waist.
"Mm babe," Quinn moaned.
"Oh Quinn you're all wet," Rachel moaned and looked down to watch what Quinn was doing. It felt and looked amazing.
"Yeah because you're all crazy jealous even though I told you there is no reason to be… but you're still so hot when you're so possessive." Quinn moaned again when she grinded against Rachel. "Take me baby."
"Oh fu- um… te-tell me your news first," Rachel barely said because Quinn was rolling her hips again all she wanted to do was fuck Quinn into the bed.
"Eric and Kim… who is a friend of his," she rolled her hips again. "Asked me to write and star in a film she is making for her film final."
"Really?" Rachel's pride in Quinn overrode her desire… only briefly though because Quinn was again rolling her hips and now she was biting her lip. "So-So you're going to write and star in a movie... like an actual movie," Quinn nodded.
"Well a student film but yeah a movie… she's even going to enter it in festivals if it's good enough," Rachel's mouth turned into a swooning smile.
"With you starring in it… it will definitely be good," Rachel said and Quinn rolled her hips, a loud moan falling from her lips and that broke all of Rachel's restraint. She leaned forward and closed her mouth around Quinn's stiff nipple.
"Aw fuck yeah," Quinn shouted and cupped the back of Rachel's head holding her in place while one of Rachel's hands gripped her tense back and the other one slid down her body. When Rachel's hand slid over and through Quinn's soaking wet core they both moaned.
Quinn reached down with her free hand and rolled Rachel's equally hard nipple between her fingers causing Rachel to bite down gently on her own nipple while sliding two fingers fast and deep into Quinn.
"Aw yeah baby," she begged and with that Rachel pulled away from her and met her eyes. Quinn's eyes were barely open but Rachel could still see the shining hazel that she loved so much.
"Happy Anniversary Quinn," Rachel said and Quinn nodded pulling her lip between her teeth as she started to ride Rachel's fingers. "That's right babe ride those fingers, ride them hard."
"Oh god yes Rachel," Quinn bounced and Rachel watched her breasts memorized. "Oh happy anniversary love," Quinn said between pants.
"Ride me Quinn," she demanded and Quinn bounced harder forcing those fingers to go deeper. "I love you so much."
"M-M-Me t-too," Quinn stammered reaching up to cup her breasts and she watched as Rachel again leaned forward and sucked her pert nipple into her mouth. This time when Rachel bit down Quinn came with a scream all over that hand. When her body was done convulsing she fell forward into Rachel who caught her with ease. She slid her fingers out from inside Quinn and wiped them on the blanket before holding her girl tight with both hands. "That was… that was… fucking hot."
"Yeah… you know what else is fucking hot Quinn?" She waited as Quinn pulled her weak body away from her and looked at her.
"What?"
"Your dirty mouth."
"Oh you like that," Quinn tease as she slowly moved her body away from Rachel's and settled lower on the bed between Rachel's legs. Both girls smirked when Quinn grasped Rachel's thighs and pulled her down into a laying position and spread her legs wide. Rachel watched enamored as Quinn settled between her open legs. "And what else do you like?"
"That naughty mouth all over me," Rachel answered proudly.
"Oh yeah," Quinn swiped her tongue through Rachel tasting her delicious desire. "And what else turns you on?"
"The thought of you being in a movie."
"Mm hm."
"Your face, your incredibly long fingers… your ass," Quinn giggled. "Oh and the thought of that tongue being deep inside of me," she barely finished the word when she felt Quinn's tongue do exactly what she wanted it to do.
She fell back to the bed and enjoyed another of many, many, orgasms that they planned on giving each other as the night progressed.
Quinn and Rachel always did have epic anniversaries.
And they were all so very perfect.
This was no exception.
Quinn was grasping Rachel's hand tightly as they sat down at the table that had a place card with Quinn's name on it; Rachel sat in front of the card that read: Quinn Fabray's guest. She may have squealed internally at finally being someone's plus one to a fancy dinner. She hoped to bring Quinn as her plus one to many, many of these formal gatherings and dinners.
She quickly pulled herself out of fantasy land as she felt Quinn's fingers nervously wiggling against her own.
"Relax baby you got this… you gave an amazing valedictorian speech in front of way more people that this," Rachel tried to reassure her and she saw Quinn nod once. She knew Quinn was listening but she was still freaking out a bit. "And you have starred- I might add- in two dramatic productions, and one small role all of which were for larger crowds that this… one of which is why you're being award tonight... and when you win I can't wait to hear your incredible speech. Because even though you wouldn't let me hear it I know it's incredible," Quinn finally smiled and she figured she was doing well so she continued her words of support.
Meanwhile all Quinn could think about was how cute Rachel was when she was rambling incessantly, and how Rachel's fingers that were now tapping against her thigh were turning her the hell on.
"I know," Quinn finally said once she could get a word in. "I mean I know Rachel, and I am worried about this speech but what I'm more worried about is falling on my face or something, and that is if I even win… and come on Rach, that's a big if."
"First of all, it's not a big if… you are a brilliant writer Quinn. I have been saying so for years," Quinn couldn't fight the smile at those words. "And second of all you won't fall… you're like the most graceful person I know, with the exception of Brittany," Quinn nodded in agreement because well come on… anyone who has seen that girl move knows that is true. "You know except for all those times when you trip around me," Quinn's smile turned into a pout and she pulled her hand away from Rachel's- which wasn't a very good idea because that gave Rachel the freedom to inch her hand up Quinn's thigh closer and closer to…
"Rachel," Quinn scolded but she couldn't really be angry… it just felt so good.
"Look I'm sorry okay, I was just trying to get you to relax by making a joke and when that didn't work," she shrugged. "I thought I'd help you relax another way." Quinn could see the lust in her girlfriend's eyes but she had to fight that desire and be strong.
They couldn't have sex in the ladies room of this fancy ballroom.
Could they?
No- Quinn shook all of those bad but incredibly good thoughts away and she focused on Rachel.
"I would love that babe… but we can't," she whispered the last words and Rachel nodded but she was smirking.
"Well okay then, I'll wait… I'll wait until you win this thing, and you go up there, and make an amazing and awe inspiring speech and then I'll fuck you in the elevator," she finished just as Quinn took a sip of her water and held back a laugh when Quinn choked a bit. A few of the people at their table turned and looked at them; Quinn blushed, and wiped her mouth while Rachel's hand was still tracing circles high on her thigh and Rachel's stupid poker face was intact.
Quinn was livid.
But she was also highly turned on… and much more relaxed.
She eyed Rachel and she tried to give her a HBIC glare but Rachel's doe-eyed innocent look made her smile against her will.
"Behave," she reprimanded.
"Yes dear," Rachel said patronizingly. "But it worked… you are much more relaxed," Rachel turned to her food just as the waiters had started to place it on the tables in front of them. And Quinn watched her with a stupid in love with Rachel grin because of course she was right.
She was more relaxed.
And when she placed her hand back on top of Rachel's-which was still on her thigh- she rubbed it soothingly. Rachel knew that was Quinn's way of thanking her for making her feel better.
"I love you," Quinn whispered into Rachel's ear and saw her girl smile.
"I love you too," Rachel replied. "But my plan for the elevator is still on," luckily this time Quinn's glass was still on the table and Quinn smirked and glanced sideways at Rachel with nothing but adoration in her eyes.
"Yes dear," Quinn repeated Rachel's words and that was all it took to set her fears at rest. She loved that Rachel knew her so well and as they ate dinner and listened to a few distinguished writers, and former winners speak Quinn felt so ready to graciously accept this award or cheer for whoever did win it.
But luckily she didn't have to celebrate someone else because as they announced the winner of her category; she was nearly tackled by her very exuberant girlfriend when they called her name. She was in a daze as she made her way up to the podium to accept her award and give her speech.
And Rachel was right… she didn't fall on her face.
She took a few steadying breaths before she spoke.
"First of all I would like to thank the Norman Mailer Colony for even considering me for this amazing award and I am so proud and honored to accept this award. I would also like to thank Professor Tate for believing in me from the very beginning and nominating me for this award in the first place," she took another few breaths before continuing. "And I'd like to thank the most amazing woman in the room… my girlfriend Rachel." Her eyes landed on Rachel and she could see that the girl was crying. "It's better than it's ever been with you and I know with each passing year it'll only get better and better, I love you." She saw Rachel wipe her eyes and mouth the words I love you in return. Quinn winked at her and then addressed the room again.
"I'd like to leave you all with one of my favorite quotes and one of the reasons I found a passion for reading and writing… and why I am standing here today in front of you all." She took a deep breath before saying the quote that she had memorized because it had touched her so. "Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home… books are the reason why I love writing. Thank you all so much for this great honor," Quinn picked up her trophy and walked off the stage to a thunderous applause.
When she got back to her table she was pulled into a tight hug by Rachel. She buried her face into Rachel's neck and was assaulted with the vanilla scent that was also home.
"I am so, so, so proud of you my love and I am so honored to be the girl of your choice." Quinn chuckled and pulled back; not too far just enough to meet those eyes.
"More like the girl of my dreams," she watched Rachel's smile widen before she slid her hand around the back of Quinn's neck and pulled her into a chaste but highly erotic kiss. "Mm," Quinn hummed contently. "I believe you owe me some alone time in the elevator," she husked.
"You don't want to stay for dessert?"
"I want you for dessert." Rachel growled at that and it took less than a second for Rachel to grab both of their bags and tug Quinn out of the room.
Not even a full minute later Quinn found herself with her back pressed against the elevator wall. Their bags, her trophy, and winning envelope were discarded haphazardly on the floor as Rachel was kissing and licking her neck all the while her hand was trailing up and down Quinn's side.
"Oh god babe… if this is how you react to a writing award I can't wait until I win an Oscar," Quinn breathed out and Rachel pulled off her neck. The sudden lack of contact had Quinn's formerly cloudy mind numbing back to reality. "What wh-why'd you stop?"
"Oh I was just thinking about fucking you in the ladies room at the Kodak Theater after you win said Oscar," Quinn giggled. "But I might win one first."
"I doubt it."
"Do you doubt my talent?"
"Not in the slightest."
"Then what were you getting at?"
"Just that it's more likely that you'd win a Tony first and I'd win an Oscar first," Quinn saw Rachel's pout turn into a smile and she knew she was out of trouble and still likely to get lucky… very, very lucky she corrected when Rachel's mouth was again attached to her neck but this time Rachel's hand was trailing up her leg and under the dress.
The elevator dinged and the two girls flew apart, Quinn smoothed out her dress as Rachel picked up their things just as the doors opened and several people stood waiting to get on. Rachel dragged Quinn out of the elevator and into the brisk air of fall in New York.
"What do you want to do?"
"You," Rachel replied as she hailed a taxi with the precision of a true New Yorker. She held the door open for a stunned Quinn. "What?"
"Nothing," she shook her head. "That was just… really fucking hot," Rachel blushed. "You hailed that cab like you were born in New York baby," she walked toward the cab.
"Well," she began but the words failed her when Quinn reached for her jacket. With one side of the jacket in each hand she yanked Rachel closer.
"Take me home Rachel… and properly congratulate me," Quinn demanded and got into the taxi. Rachel followed suit and did take Quinn home.
And she did congratulate her all night long.
In fact, they may have started in the taxi.
Shelby paced back and forth across the floor of her apartment; the girls had just arrived and were waiting for her to come to grips with the reality of where they were bringing her.
"I don't know if I can do this, girls." She said wringing her hands. She had finally stopped pacing and was now looking at the five girls in front of her.
"Look mom," Rachel stepped closer. "Beth is at the sitters until morning, you're getting married in three days, and your work friends all gave you a very lovely albeit a tad boring wedding shower. So relax, and enjoy this night that we have planned for you."
"Thank you Rachel and I am very flattered that you girls are trying to do something nice for me but I just don't think it's appropriate."
"Shel-" Quinn started but was quickly cut off.
"Oh fuck off Ms. Corcoran you needs to loosen up a bit," Santana shouted and then cowered a bit when she saw Shelby glaring at her; but it didn't stop her. "Look your friends gave you a boring ass shower and now it's time for your family to show you what a real bachelorette party is like."
"Yes… and I appreciate that Santana but… a strip club?" She saw all the girls shrug but again it was Santana that spoke.
"Sorry dude but we're all into the ladies and-"
"I'm not," Tina chimed in.
"Hush Asian one… no one was talking to you," she looked from Tina back to Shelby. "Four out of six of us are gay and if Snix is going to have any fun tonight it is going to be watching pretty ladies shake their ass…ets for my enjoyment, so suck it up Ms. Corcoran and take one for the team… also you're not entirely straight either unless that was someone else sticking their tongue down that hot as fuck dance teacher's throat," she watched as Shelby blushed but there was also a smile playing on her lips. "Now get that stick out of your ass and let's go get you a lap dance from a hot lady before you settle down with a boring ass man for the rest… of… you… life," she dragged it out as if it were the worst thing ever.
Rachel watched as Shelby seemed to be thinking it over and was happy to see her mother relax a bit as she walked closer to Santana.
"Okay Santana, I'm in… on two conditions." Santana crossed her arms and nodded. "One, you call me Shelby… I'm not your teacher anymore."
"I can do that," Santana agreed. "And what's the other one?"
"No lap dance for me," she said and Rachel watched the disappointment cross Santana's face.
"We'll discuss it… preferably after your second or tenth shot," Santana draped her arm around Shelby's shoulder and led her out of the apartment. Rachel knew Santana well enough to know that her mom would be getting a lap dance before the night was over.
And as nauseating as that thought was to her; it was also a bit funny.
She looped her arm through Quinn's as they followed the others out.
"So Quinn… do you want a lap dance tonight too?" she saw Quinn's eyes light up at the thought and jealousy ran through her like an electrical current. But when Quinn spoke again she was grateful she hadn't yet voiced her jealous rage.
"Only if it's from you," Quinn said sweetly and she swooned.
"Hm, you just might get your wish."
Seven hours, and many, many drinks later they all stumbled into Santana, Brittany, and Rachel's apartment. The night was perfect. They had a nice dinner followed by lots of drinking and watching ladies strip for them.
And Shelby did have that lap dance after all.
And she loved every second of it.
She was almost passed out on the couch when she grasped Santana by the wrist.
"Thank you," she husked through her liquor induced voice.
"You're welcome but it was all Berry's idea," Santana admitted. "She asked me to take credit for it so that you would actually go through with it but-"
"That was s-supposed to be a secret S-Satan," Rachel slurred and saw her mother's eyes land on her and tears filled them.
"You bought me a lap dance?"
"When you say it like that it sounds… just not right," Rachel told her with a curled lip.
"Berry's right don't ever say that shit again," Santana was also curling her lip and Quinn took notice of how similar Rachel and Santana were sometimes.
"But yeah… that was gross," Shelby's lip was also curled. "B-But I meant the sentiment behind it… it was your idea to give me a night to remember?" Rachel nodded.
"I love you kid."
"I love you too mom," Rachel replied and it wasn't even a whole minute before Shelby was passed out on the couch.
"Alright," Santana's voice broke the silence. "You bitches might want ear plugs tonight because after all that hotness I witnessed, I am going to be doing lots of fucking."
"Ugh-" Rachel began but was cut off by Tina.
"Yeah me too… I think I'm going to wake up Mike," she walked toward the door still talking. "With my mouth," she finished before ducking out.
"That's just nasty… now I need to get the image of Asian one deep throating Asian two out of my head," Santana grumbled.
"Santana," Brittany called gaining her attention. "I think I can give you a new image in your mind," she said from the room knowing Santana could see her from where she was standing but no one else could.
"Oh fuck… I gotta… fuck," she trailed off practically running for her room.
Quinn and Rachel stumbled into Rachel's room and got out of their clothes. Once Quinn was on the bed Rachel straddled her hips.
"Ready for your lap dance?"
"Mm yeah," Quinn moaned and then Rachel claimed her lips in a bruising kiss that led to many other things… none of which was a lap dance.
The next couple of days were a blur of hangovers and wedding preparations and during this time Rachel told Quinn that if she so much as thought about having a quickie wedding she wouldn't have a bride; Quinn- of course- relented because Rachel was right… there was a reason why weddings were planned years in advance.
This… this was too fucking stressful.
And because she was whipped.
But even with all the rushing around that comes with only a few months of preparation the wedding went off without a hitch. Quinn and Rachel looked lovely in their red bridesmaid's dresses and of course Beth was the most stunning flower girl ever.
Quinn took a million pictures, and cried a lot.
After dinner and the traditional dances Rachel looked at Quinn.
"It's time," she whispered and Quinn nodded. It was time to surprise Shelby with what she had planned for her; Rachel pecked Quinn's cheek, and got to her feet. No one but Quinn had been paying attention to the fact that Rachel had gotten up on stage and talked to the DJ before grabbing the mic; until they heard her speak and then she had the undivided attention of the whole room.
"Hello," she said awkwardly and waited for the quiet chatter to die down as all eyes were now on her. "Hi… my name is Rachel Berry and I am the daughter of the bride," she looked at Shelby who was currently beaming with pride. "You look beautiful mom," a tear fell from Shelby's eye. "I wanted to get you something special and of course Quinn and I followed wedding etiquette and got you a gift on your registry but I wanted to do more. I wanted to show you that I am both amazed and proud of how far we have come," this time she saw as tears were falling down her mom's face. "I know it was rough for us but we're here now… a family like we both had always wanted and I love you." Shelby blew her a kiss and Rachel smiled.
"So I wanted to give you something special, something you could cherish and I knew that with the passion we both have for music that it just had to be a song," Shelby let out a chuckle. "And I asked Quinn to sing it with me because this song could have so many different interpretations… but in the end it's about love… in any form. So Quinn," her eyes darted quickly to her girlfriend and waved her up. As Quinn walked toward the stage she looked back at Shelby. "Here is a gift of love to you mom… and the man of your dreams," she looked briefly at Paul who was grinning like a fool. "From me and the only girl I have ever loved; a song about love and about how grateful I am to have love in my love… love from my girl, love from my mom… love pure and simple," she nodded to the DJ and the music began.
Shelby watched as her beautiful daughter and her daughter's beautiful girlfriend sang a love song. It could be a song from a person to their lover, a friend to a friend, or even a daughter to her mother.
And of course it was incredible.
Rachel was incredible.
And Shelby was in tears the entire time.
The song started with Rachel singing by herself but Quinn joined in and harmonized throughout the remainder of the song.
For all I've been blessed with in this life,
there was an emptiness in me.
I was imprisoned by the power of gold.
With one kind touch you sent me free.
Let the world stop turning.
Let the sun stop burning.
Let them tell me love's not worth going through.
If it all falls apart,
I will know deep in my heart
the only dream that mattered had come true:
In this life I was loved by you.
For every mountain I have climbed,
every raging river crossed,
you were the treasure that I longed to find.
Without your love I would be lost.
Let the world stop turning.
Let the sun stop burning.
Let them tell me love's not worth going through.
If it all falls apart,
I will know deep in my heart
the only dream that mattered had come true:
In this life I was loved by you.I know that I won't live forever (forever)
but forever I'll be loving you.Let the world stop turning.
Let the sun stop burning.
Let them tell me love's not worth going through.
If it all falls apart,
I will know deep in my heart
the only dream that mattered had come true:
In this life I was loved by you.
In this life I was loved by you.
It was their last night together. It had been an amazing week and two weekends but Quinn was going to have to return to New Haven the next day and Rachel was not happy about it. She hated saying goodbye to Quinn.
She always had.
But instead of letting it get her down she decided to have as much fun as possible on their final night and that included a party. The party was actually a celebration of Tina who had been cast as Wednesday in a Village Production of The Addams' Family and it was her first big step toward building her own Broadway career.
And it was also an excuse to party.
The shots were lined up on the dining room table and the girls were all lined up around it. The guys were in the living room and Rachel had her eyes on them. She was laughing at the image of Mike once again trying to get Kurt to stop doing that shimmying thing he does when he dances.
And he was once again failing miserably.
Rachel didn't even know why he still tried but it was very amusing; and the love-struck grin Blaine had across his face as he watched was swoon worthy.
"Alright bitches let's do this," Santana's voice brought Rachel's attention back to what they were doing and she turned to see each girl holding up a shot. Her eyes darted over to Tina who looked so happy and proud and Rachel couldn't help but feel pride for her friend.
"Here's to Tina proving that I was right all along," Rachel said.
"And there she goes making everything about her," Santana cut in.
"No I wasn't," Rachel said and saw Santana's glare land on her. "Well I was, but I was merely trying to point out that time and time again; especially senior year I told Mr. Schue how talented Tina is and what a gift she had… and that he wasn't utilizing her enough, Quinn too," she added and looked over at Quinn who was wearing her familiar dopey grin and it filled her with butterflies.
"Yeah well he overlooked me too but you don't see me taking credit."
"Yeah he did overlook you but you eventually forced him to see what a gift the glee club had in you as well Santana," Rachel told her and Santana couldn't help but smile at that. "But Quinn and Tina they were just always overlooked and unappreciated."
"Yeah well that's because Mr. Schue had a boner for Finn," Brittany said and they all laughed.
"Yeah what was that about?" Rachel asked.
"Fuck off Berry… you're taking all the fun out of the toast."
"Oh can you do better Satan?"
"Yeah I can," she held her glass higher. "Here's to Tina for being fucking awesome."
"Oh that was eloquent."
"Fuck you Berry."
"Fuck you!"
"You wish."
"Um no," Rachel said with her lip curled. Everyone else had already taken their shot as the two argued. "I have Quinn and she is much better and nicer."
"That's only because she's whipped."
"Oh like you're any less whipped," Quinn cut in.
"Ooh whipped," Tina spoke for the first time since this toast idea was brought up. All eyes landed on her as she was clearly lost in fantasy land.
"See I knew Chang squared were the biggest freaks of all," Santana said as she barked laughter while Tina blushed. "Just too damn quiet… I tell you and-"
"San," Brittany's voice practically purred beside her and she lost all train of thought. Especially when she looked over and saw that Brittany was holding a shaker of salt and a piece of lime; a shot of tequila waiting innocently on the table. Santana's mouth fell open when Brittany put the lime in her mouth and handed the other two things to her.
They all watched as Santana licked a stripe across Brittany's collarbone; sprinkled some salt on it and then did the body shot. Quinn coughed.
"Whipped," she said in a hushed tone and was greeted with the sight of Santana's middle finger because her mouth was otherwise occupied with Brittany's.
Rachel and Quinn decided to do a body shot of their own and when they started to make out Tina stormed off.
The party went on for hours and everyone was pretty drunk; at one point Tina yanked Mike onto the couch and did a body shot off of his abs. Then she nearly dragged him away mumbling something about a whip and Santana laughed again.
"I knew it… it's always the quiet ones."
Another hour or so after that; Santana and Brittany had gone home; Kurt and Blaine had gone to bed and Tina and Mike had never re-emerged from the bedroom. Rachel and Quinn were sobering up and they decided to clean up the place a bit. Rachel told Quinn that she knew Tina was going to be very, very hung over and shouldn't have to worry about cleaning.
Quinn wasn't happy about it when all she wanted to do was cuddle with Rachel for the few hours they still had together before she was getting on a train again.
But she agreed because she liked making Rachel happy.
And plus there was the whole whipped thing.
When they finally stumbled into Rachel's apartment at four in the morning; they got into their bed clothes and cuddled into Rachel's bed. They were lying on their sides facing each other and Quinn was idly playing with Rachel's hair.
"This week was great," Quinn said and saw Rachel's smile. "I mean we obviously spent time together on holiday breaks and spring break but those are always so planned and involving other people you know."
"I do," Rachel agreed.
"But this week, this week felt like… I don't know… normal. Like this is how our everyday life will be once I live here."
"Oh I can't wait for that baby."
"I know me neither," Quinn replied before leaning over and pressing a sweet kiss to Rachel's lips. Rachel tangled her fingers into Quinn's hair and deepened it. "So will there-" Quinn started to say but then Rachel's lips were on hers again and her thoughts flew right out the window; all she could do was kiss her back. It wasn't until several moments later, when Rachel moved her lips to Quinn's jaw that she remembered what she was going to say.
That she remembered she was even speaking in the first place.
"So will there be lap dances every day once I move here?"
"Mm," Rachel pulled back slightly. "If you want," then she trailed her tongue down Quinn's neck and bit down where it meets the shoulder eliciting a raunchy moan.
"I want," Quinn breathed out and dug her fingernails into the bed. "I really, really want."
"But it wasn't even you who got a lap dance," Rachel said and it took a second for Quinn to realize that those lips were no longer on her and when her eyes fluttered open she was looking deep into very annoyed brown eyes. "Why did you want a lap dance Quinn?"
"Um… no?" She didn't know why she said it as a question but she instantly knew it was the wrong answer because all of a sudden she was alone on Rachel's bed and the girl was storming toward the door. "Rach…wait I meant… umpfff!" In her haste to get up Quinn's foot got tangled in the sheet and she landed on the floor face first. "Ow fucking fuck!"
"Quinn!" Rachel's worry overtook her anger and she ran to Quinn's side. "Ar-Are you hurt?"
"Fuck," Quinn shouted again and flopped to her back. "Yeah… but mostly my pride," she looked at Rachel and saw that her anger had gone and her features were much softer; and much more like her normal expression.
"And your face babe," Rachel said leaning over and pressing a kiss to Quinn's forehead where a large lump was already forming. "You banged your head."
"I know," Quinn groaned as she felt a headache start to pound behind her eyes.
"I'll get some ice," Rachel said and tried to get up but she felt Quinn grasp her wrist and tug her back down. When their lips collided it took her breath away. And though she knew she was really upset with Quinn a moment ago she suddenly could not remember why.
"I meant you," Quinn rushed out with a heavy breath.
"Huh?"
"A lap dance," she clarified. "I only want one if it's from you," she saw Rachel's megawatt smile take over her face.
"Oh Quinn," she said with sugary sweetness. And then she started to kiss her again it was hot and erotic but when their foreheads pushed together Quinn winced in pain and Rachel felt it.
"Oh shit baby, I'm sorry," she placed another sweet kiss to her head. "Let me get you some ice."
"It's not necessary… really Rachel I-"
"Quinn Fabray," she yelled which instantly shut Quinn up. "You fell on your face trying to stop a Rachel Berry storm out and I feel really guilty so you are going to let me take care of you, got me?" Quinn nodded wildly and Rachel bit back a laugh at just how whipped her girl really was. "Now get your ass in that bed while I get you some ice."
"Yes ma'am."
"Oh and don't trip," Rachel said as they both got to their feet. She was laughing but she instantly regretted it when she saw Quinn's HBIC glare directed at her. "I was just kidding," she saw the glare soften. "Now do you need help getting into bed or do you think you can handle it?"
"Fuck you Rachel," Quinn grumbled because she hated being picked on.
"Oh you will," she winked before leaving to get the ice. Quinn was settled back in bed when Rachel returned with the ice pack wrapped in a towel and a glass of water. She straddled Quinn's hips and handed her the glass and two pills that were gripped in her hand. "For the headache you must have," Quinn smiled took the pills from Rachel and chased them with the water. Once the glass was on the night table Rachel pressed the ice pack to her head.
"I'm sorry for storming out on you."
"It's okay I'm used to it," Rachel pouted at that.
"And I'm sorry that you fell and hurt yourself."
"It's okay," Quinn was rewarded for that with a kiss.
"I'll make it up to you," Rachel teased in that innocently naughty tone that never failed to instantly arouse Quinn.
"How?"
"I could give you that lap dance you requested… unless you have a headache."
"You don't really believe that do you?"
"You tell me Quinn, you're the one with a headache."
"Rachel," she circled her hands around Rachel's waist and over her ass. She kneaded it causing a strangled moan to fall from those perfect lips and then she pushed Rachel down into herself causing a moan to fall from her own mouth. "That headache excuse to delay sex was made up by women who were clearly unsatisfied in the sex department."
"And you?" Rachel wondered with her eyebrow arched as she continued to dry hump Quinn's lap; absentmindedly giving her said lap dance.
"I have never once been left unsatisfied," Rachel's eyebrow arched further and Quinn quickly caught on. "With you," she added.
"Nice save." Rachel rocked her hips again. "But baby, you really do have a headache from bouncing your head off of the floor I don't want to make it worse."
"You won't… actually I know for a fact that you'll make it better."
"And how is that?"
"By fucking me into oblivion," Rachel moaned again at the thought. "Orgasms cure headaches."
"And this is a fact?" Rachel teased. "How can you prove this fact?"
"Test the theory," Quinn challenged. "If you fucking me into oblivion makes my headache go away then you win."
"I like winning," Rachel said with a smirk. "Challenge accepted."
"I like winning too," Quinn husked out before her lips were claimed by Rachel who did in fact fuck her into oblivion.
And afterward Quinn's headache was no longer an issue.
But then again nothing was; other than the gentle thrum of her oversensitive body as Rachel cuddled close and they passed out.
Quinn made sure to repay the favor in the morning by waking Rachel up with her mouth. It always had been the best way to wake up.
They both knew it always would be.
And there would be plenty more lap dances in their future.
A/N 2:Sorry the chapter was posted so late; I was out of town.
The song Rachel and Quinn sang was In This Life by Bette Midler. The title of the chapter is from the song I Finally Found Someone by Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams. The book quote that Quinn used in her speech was from the book How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlen.