A/N: Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, anything mentioned, any songs, quotes, or books used.
Chapter 34: Throw Your Doubt Away
"We can spend our lives letting the world tell us who we are. Sane or insane; saints or sex addict; heroes or victims. Letting history tell us how good or bad we are; letting our past decide our future. Or we can decide for ourselves. And maybe it's our job to invent something better."
-Chuck Palahniuk; Choke
/
Rachel crumbled to the floor as pain shot through her. It didn't take long for both Brittany and Mike to hover around her.
"Are you okay Rachel?"
"You're not broken are you?" Mike and Brittany said at the same time.
"No I- fuck," she winced when the pain shot through her foot again. "I just, shit… I rolled my ankle. It's no big deal."
"Do you want to go to the hospital?" Mike asked and she shook her head no.
"No I… just-just, help me up," she held out her hand to her two friends and they each took one helping her to her feet; once on her feet she started to laugh. They both looked at her like she was a bit crazy. "You know I thought I was a bad ass after rocking it in Cassie's dance class. I should've known that I couldn't hold my own with the two best dancers in New York." Brittany and Mike both blushed under the compliment. Mike walked to the other side of the room and dragged a chair over. They both helped Rachel sit in the chair.
"Don't be silly Rachel, you kept up with us for three years," Brittany told her as Mike got down on one knee and inspected the damage.
"It doesn't look too bad but you should get some ice on this," he said as Brittany was already walking over to the nearby freezer.
"I just kind of want to go home… I'm mortified," Rachel covered her blushing face. Brittany handed the ice pack to Mike who gingerly placed it against Rachel's slightly swollen ankle.
"Why, because you rolled your ankle?" Brittany asked with her hands on her hips. Do you know how many dancers roll their ankles daily around here… and these are professionals Rachel," she uncovered her face and met Brittany's eyes.
"I guess you're right."
"I rolled my ankle yesterday," Mike added and she looked over at him. He shrugged. "It happens, and you're a terrific dancer Rachel," she smiled and nodded.
"And I thought taking this dance class with me and Mike was supposed to be fun for you."
"It was but-"
"I thought it was about trying something new and different to see what Rachel Berry was made of besides Broadway music and performing?"
"It is but-"
"Rachel," Brittany cut her off again. "Throw your doubt away. You are meant to shine and it's up to you to be who you want to be. You put too much pressure on yourself to be the best at everything."
"Isn't that a good quality though?"
"Yeah sure it is," Mike continued instead of Brittany. "But not when you're supposed to just be discovering new things you enjoy." He saw her nod. "You didn't want to be a professional hip hop dancer did you?" She laughed loud and her two friends couldn't help but laugh with her.
"You're right you guys."
"We know," they said at the same time.
"So do you think you can walk on it?" Brittany asked and she nodded; but when she got to her feet and put weight on it she nearly collapsed again. Mike caught her easily.
"Maybe it's a bit more than just an ankle roll."
"Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital?" Brittany asked.
"I'm sure… I just want to go home. I think it'll be okay with some rest."
"Well okay," Mike turned around. "Hop on."
"Don't be absurd Mike," Rachel crossed her arms with pride.
"Well it's either my back or I carry you bridal style," she curled her lip at that and he chuckled. "And risk Quinn breaking my face for touching her girl and-"
"Okay… okay," Rachel reluctantly agreed and saw him smile. "And Quinn would never break this face," Rachel patted his cheek and his smile widened.
"You ready?"
"Let me just text Quinn first and then we can go," she said, he nodded, and picked up her bag handing it to her. Rachel pulled out her phone and shot Quinn a quick text before she dropped her phone back into her back.
"Okay, I'm ready." Mike turned around and Brittany helped her hop up onto his back. She sent a silent thank you to Barbra for having yoga pants on today. Mike's strong arms gripped her legs and held her tight.
"You good," he asked turning his head to look at her as best he could and she patted his arms.
"I'm wonderful," she held on tight and thanked Barbra again for having such good friends. After he carried her out, Brittany locked the studio doors and followed beside them carrying Rachel's bag and her own.
"Are we walking the whole way?" Brittany wondered.
"Why not?" Mike replied. "It's only ten blocks."
"Absolutely not Mike Chang… we are taking a taxi," Rachel tried and failed to protest as he continued to walk. "Mike," she whined and he just chuckled.
"Relax Rachel… you weigh less than most of the weights I lift," he heard her huff behind him and he laughed again. "And plus… have you see these abs," she rolled her eyes.
"No but I have unfortunately been on the receiving end of a conversation with Tina where she wouldn't shut up about the size of your-"
"Rachel!" Brittany cut her off with a shocked tone.
"Muscles," Rachel finished, she saw Brittany let out a relived sigh, and she found it funny that Brittany of all people was worried about her saying something inappropriate.
Meanwhile Mike was blushing profusely having thought the same thing.
Luckily neither girl noticed.
Quinn was taking a break, sitting on a bench trying her best to keep warm. It wasn't freezing cold but it wasn't spring yet either. So she was huddled on the bench in the park where she was filming the movie.
That she wrote.
Sometimes she feels like she'll never be good enough but then she thinks of Rachel and all of her hope and blind optimism; and then she throws all her doubt away and remembers that this is what she wants and it's up to her to make it happen.
Ignore the past and focus on the future.
And she hoped that future held… a career in film.
She still couldn't believe that she wrote a damn movie. Sure, it was just a student film so far but it was an important first step. And she wrote it.
Starring in and writing a movie.
She sometimes still said it out loud to herself whenever no one was around and then would laugh at herself because of the fact that Rachel had rubbed off on her in so many ways.
And not even just in the naughty ways.
But she couldn't help but be excited over the prospect of getting to do with her life the only two things she had ever wanted to do… well three.
Write… act…
And be with Rachel.
It was the first day of filming and it was already off to a rocky start.
Eric and Kim would not stop arguing and it reminded her of herself with the way she picked fights with Rachel freshman year. Of course she was incredibly in love with Rachel then- and incredibly in denial about it- and then her eyes popped up and she looked at her two friends.
She and Kim had gotten closer over the last few weeks as they worked on the script and shooting locations and she knew that the girl was crushing really hard on Eric but it was him she wasn't so sure about.
She never really understood boys and how they act when they like a girl except for Puck but that was because he was more obvious than Santana was.
But as she watched Eric while he argued very animatedly with Kim; she saw it. She saw the desire in his eyes and the bite in his tone. It reminded her-well- it reminded her of herself when she was the HBIC and the way she picked on Rachel.
He was smitten and Quinn thought it was the cutest thing ever.
She was about to get to her feet and use something she like to call the Santana approach; and call them out on their shit when she remembered that she still hadn't checked her phone and that was her whole reason for taking this break. She sat back down and pulled out her phone. She saw that she had one new message.
She smiled as Rachel's name graced her phone screen and she quickly opened the text. But as soon as she read the first words her smile disappeared.
From Rachel: Okay don't worry but I may have hurt my ankle today while dancing with Britt and Mike. I'm fine I promise baby but I knew you'd be upset if I didn't tell you. Mike is going to carry me to a taxi and then I'm going home to rest it. Call me when you get this. I love you.
Quinn immediately dialed Rachel's number; feeling her heart pounding in her chest. It rang once.
"Hello love of my life," Rachel's bubbly voice called over the line which calmed her down instantly.
"How bad is it?"
"It's not bad Quinn," Rachel promised. "I told you not to panic. I think it might be a slight sprain."
"You need to elevate it, put ice on it and don't walk on it. I'm leaving now to take the train, I'll be there-"
"Quinn!" Rachel shouted which shut her up instantly. "Are you there?" Rachel wondered when the phone had become dead silent.
"Yes."
"Okay," she exhaled quickly. "I'm fine, I'm with Brittany and Mike who are both dancers and know how to take care of an injury," she heard Quinn released a strangled breath. "Also Brittany was a cheerleader so you know she can take care of this."
"I know I just-"
"I know Quinn and I love you for it," Rachel cut her off and could practically hear the girl smile into the phone. "And besides you're not coming here this weekend. I'm going there remember?"
"That was before you hurt yourself, no… I'm coming there."
"No Quinn you can't, you have your movie this weekend and-"
"Fuck the movie… you're more important," Rachel smiled at those words. "And I'm not having you take a train in your condition."
"My condition?" Rachel chuckled. "Quinn, it's barely a sprain… I didn't even go to the doctor," she heard an annoyed huff and continued before Quinn could start ranting on her some more. "It's fine baby, the swelling is already going down and it feels lots better, okay?"
"Okay," Quinn grumpily agreed.
"And besides, when I get there tomorrow… I'll let you take care of me all weekend." Quinn smiled at the sound of that. "I'll even let you carry me."
"You're a tease Rachel Berry."
"I know, but I'd rather have my arms and legs wrapped around you as you carry me. I mean I appreciate Mike's help but his gross, hard, boy body was very uncomfortable," she smiled because Quinn was laughing.
"I love you," Quinn continued to laugh and she heard Mike in the background defending himself.
"I'm sorry Mike but um… no," Rachel told him before turning her attention back to Quinn. "Do you want to see a picture of my ankle so that you'll relax?"
"No," Quinn let out an exaggerated breath. "I believe that you're okay I just… I don't know I hate being so far away when this type of thing happens."
"I know babe, but a few more months is all we have left. We got this," Quinn smiled and saw that Eric was waving her over. She held up a finger to him.
"Of course we do," she heard Rachel sigh. "But I gotta go now because Eric and Kim finally stopped fighting long enough to get this thing going."
"Are those two doing it yet?" Rachel wondered.
"No… but I just realized that they should be."
"You just realized that Quinn?" She asked and then shook her head at Quinn's oblivion. "Sometimes you are just so obtuse." Quinn's squeal had Rachel feeling the butterflies.
"I resent that comment," she pouted.
"It's true… I mean how long did it take you to figure out that I was insanely in love with you?" She could tell Quinn was thinking about it.
"Well my own fears and denial got in the way of seeing anything about you, right away."
"Okay well you make a good point… but how long did it take you to realize that Noah was in love with you, or that Sam wanted you, or that fucking dickhead Rob was-"
"Okay I get it… I'm obtuse," Rachel laughed. "But I'm not so obtuse when it comes to you. I could tell that Finn, and Puck, and St. Doucheface wanted you," Rachel laughed again.
"That's called jealousy babe," Rachel told her and heard her huff again. "But when it comes to other people you're clueless… except for Santana because she's completely obvious."
"She really is," Quinn was laughing now. "But I cannot be blamed when it comes to anyone other than you. I don't notice other people being interested in me, or each other; because I only care about you."
"Oh Quinn keep talking like that and you're going to totally get lucky tomorrow."
"Like I wasn't going to anyway."
"True," Rachel was smiling like a goof into the phone and she loved that to this day Quinn still did this to her.
"Quinn," she heard Eric's pathetic whine over Quinn's phone. "Can you please come over there already before Kim starts yelling at me again?" She heard Quinn laugh.
"Okay Eric… I really have to go babe."
"Just tell him to kiss her already," Rachel said into the phone and Quinn couldn't help but agree.
"Will do… and um, please rest that ankle. I'll call you later."
"I promise I will and I look forward to you Quinn." This time Quinn felt the butterflies.
"I love you," she blew Rachel a kiss.
"I love you back," she heard a rushed goodbye as Eric started to rant again. When the call ended; she laughed at the poor desperate boy and held her phone to her chest, hugging it tightly. She couldn't wait until tomorrow when she could see Quinn in action. But until then she just wanted some pain killers because her ankle really did hurt.
"Here you go," Brittany dropped two pills and a bottle of water onto the table by her foot. Rachel stared at her with wonder… thinking that maybe she was a bit psychic. "What?"
"It's n-nothing I just… it's like you read my mind." Rachel took the pills and chased them with the water, before lying back against the couch.
"Yeah well I've had this injury like a million times, it really helps."
"Thanks Brittany," she felt her phone vibrate in her hand and smiled as she read Quinn's text.
From Quinn: I just told Eric to man up and fucking kiss her already.
From Rachel: What'd he do?
From Quinn: He squealed like a girl and then stuttered. He's got it really bad doesn't he?
From Rachel: Um yeah.
From Quinn: Obtuse girl… right here.
From Rachel: Haha, you so are.
From Quinn: :(
From Rachel: But you're also incredibly adorable.
From Quinn: :) I love you xx
From Rachel: I love you too. And if Eric kisses her make sure you tell me.
From Quinn: Will do; until then get some rest.
From Rachel: Halfway there. I don't think those were regular aspirins Brittany just gave me.
From Quinn: LOL. Sleep well my love.
From Rachel: xx
Quinn didn't hear from Rachel again for several minutes so she assumed the girl fell asleep. She sent out two quick thank you texts before getting back to work.
It wasn't until hours later when she picked up her phone that she saw the replies.
From Mike: Not a problem Quinn. I'm always here for you both no matter what.
From Brittany: Of course Quinn you don't have to thank me for taking care of her. And I gave her something that'll really make her feel better. You remember those pills Coach Sue gave us whenever we got hurt in Cheerios right?
She laughed because she did remember those pills. She was curious as to how and when Brittany had gotten her hands on something Sue Sylvester had once given them but she decided curious or not she really didn't want to know.
She was just happy that Rachel was asleep and in no pain.
And she would feel much better when she woke up.
When Rachel woke up she was still on her couch and her head was still up against Mike's shoulder. She wiped the drool off of her chin and turned to look at him; he smiled at her.
"Hey Rach, you feeling better?" She sat up and looked around the room. Brittany was still on her other side flanked by Santana. Tina was on a nearby chair and they were all looking at her.
"Y-Yeah I'm f-fine… Brittany what was in the pills you gave me?"
"Don't worry Rachel, you feel better right?" She looked from Brittany to her foot and smiled when she moved it and felt much less pain.
"Yeah it's a lot better."
"See, that's all that matters then," Brittany said happily. Rachel was a still a little worried but she decided that she really didn't want to know what was in the pills. She looked over at Tina.
"Sorry I stole your boyfriend as my pillow." Tina laughed.
"It's okay Rachel, he is pretty comfy right?"
"Not as comfy as Quinn," she heard Mike huff and smiled up at the boy. "But he was an excellent substitute," she patted his arm and got to her feet; well her foot. "But here switch with me."
"No Rachel it's okay," Tina said but it was useless as Rachel was already on her feet and hobbling over to her. Tina didn't want to make it worse so she got up so Rachel could sit. She quickly joined Mike and cuddled into his side.
"You should really keep that foot elevated shrimp."
"Aw, Santana you do care," Rachel teased.
"Not really… it's just if you don't take care of that foot it could fall off and then I'd have to listen to your non-stop bitching about it… I'm just thinking of myself here," Rachel knew she was teasing. She could see it in her eyes but she had long since given up on trying to get Santana to admit her true feelings. It didn't matter anyway.
She knew Santana loved her.
She proved it time and again.
"Oh of course," she said winking at her friend. Sure Santana had only merely tolerated her for Quinn's sake in the beginning but they were real true friends now and she wouldn't change it for the world. She actually really loved their banter.
But she'd never tell Santana that.
"So when is Quinn going to get here?" Santana asked and Rachel arched her eyebrow in confusion.
"She's not… I'm going to New Haven this weekend."
"Oh," Santana nodded once. "I assumed her ass would be on the first train here so that she could make you feel better by rubbing herself all over you." Rachel giggled so loud while also hiding the fact that Quinn would've been on her way if she hadn't talked her out of it.
"Oh my god!" Kurt's excited voice called out as he and Blaine burst into the apartment.
"Knock much assholes," Santana grumbled but both boys were so excited they completely ignored her.
"So Blaine just got a call and… and," he paused to take a breath having not taken once since Blaine got off the phone and told him. "You tell them honey."
"I just got offered a role… in an off Broadway production of Chicago," he said and they were all quiet.
"Well," Kurt waved his hands. "Where is the cheering?" At that both Tina and Rachel cheered loudly; Tina even got to her feet to hug Blaine.
"I don't get it Lady Lips; you weren't even this excited when you told us about you starring in Rent… also off Broadway."
"I was when I first found out."
"He was," Tina confirmed.
"He really was," Blaine added.
"It's just that when I told you all it had sunk in a little bit by then… we literally found out about this like five seconds ago, I'm so proud of you babe," Kurt could see Blaine smile but then some of his self-doubt crept back in.
"I didn't think I had what it took to be the male lead so I was surprised when I got it," he said honestly.
"Throw those doubts away Blaine," Kurt said honestly. "You were born to be a male lead on Broadway," Blaine grinned from ear to ear.
"So were you baby," Blaine promised and watched Kurt's face light up at the thought.
"Congratulations Blaine Warbler," Brittany said and got up to hug him.
"Yeah it's awesome dude," Santana finally said. "So we get to watch you die then?"
"No I'm the male lead," Blaine tells her as if she hadn't heard the whole conversation they were just having; she merely shrugged.
"So you're not one of the dead guys then," she continued and this time Rachel scoffed.
"Honestly Santana your knowledge of musicals is absolutely abysmal. I mean do you know anything about Chicago?"
"The city?" Santana teased and watched Rachel become even more enraged. "Look all I know about it was that I got to sing a song about stabbing a dude ten times… I thought that was what the shit was about."
"You need to be educated Santana."
"And you needs to shut up Berry… hey babe," she looked up at Brittany. "Got any more of those horse tranquilizers to shut the hobbit up?"
"Horse Tranquilizers… Brittany!" Rachel nearly screamed. But before Brittany could answer Rachel was hobbling to her room; Rachel could hear Santana's barking laughter behind her and it enraged her even more.
"Santana you know they're not horse tranquilizers," Brittany scolded.
"I know that and you know that… but Berry didn't… and it got her out of my face didn't it?" Brittany shot her a dirty look and stormed toward their bedroom. "Wait baby," Santana got to her feet. "Wait baby… come back I was just teasing her." Blaine, Kurt, Tina, and Mike all looked at each other. "Baby," Santana begged and they all laughed at her as she ran after Brittany.
"So," Blaine began and looked at his boyfriend who was still bouncing with excitement. "Would you guys like to join Kurt and I for a celebratory dinner?" Mike smiled and patted his shoulder.
"Only if you let us buy you dinner Blaine," he saw Blaine smile and nod. "Congrats bro this is really awesome and I'm sorry they kind of ruined it for you." He hugged him tight and Blaine smiled into Mike's shoulder.
"It's cool, and it's definitely not ruined."
Rachel was in her room with the blankets pulled over her head. She had already sent a text to Quinn before she was even in her bedroom and was now waiting to hear from her.
She was still seething when she heard her phone beep and tugged the blankets off of her head. She looked at her phone to see that it was a text from Brittany not Quinn; she opened it very angrily with the intent to read it and send a very nasty text back but once she read it she couldn't help but smile.
From Brittany: Santana was just teasing I promise. Those pills I gave you were just some painkillers that Coach Sue used to give to us when we were Cheerios. They're completely legal and won't hurt you. I have a prescription because I hurt myself often at work. Please trust me.
Before she could respond to her she got two more texts back to back. She opened the first.
From Satan: Fuck off Berry. Britt won't talk to me until you forgive her, so just tell her you're not mad at her. And I swear on everything I love that she isn't lying; so fuck off!
She smiled and read the second one.
From Quinn: Oh, baby please don't be upset with Brittany. Those pills are perfectly safe and please never believe Santana again.
Rachel knew she shouldn't have lashed out at Brittany because of Santana she just couldn't help herself. She was tired, sore, and grumpy. She just wanted Quinn's arms and couldn't wait until the next day to see her.
She tapped out a few texts herself; the first was to Brittany.
From Rachel: It's okay Brittany I'm not mad at you and I believe you.
From Rachel: I know you have watched the musical with me before but apparently you weren't paying attention last time Satan; so we will be having another viewing sometime soon :)
From Satan: No we won't!
From Brittany: Yes we will. Don't worry Santana and I are going to watch the movie with you sometime next week.
From Satan: Fuck you Berry!
Rachel couldn't help but smile to herself over the fact that Santana was so whipped and she would enjoy forcing the girl to watch Chicago with her next week, and make her listen while she explained in depth the premise of the story. She was so giddy with excitement that she almost forgot to text Quinn.
Almost.
From Rachel: I'm not mad at Brittany I guess I'm just grumpy.
From Quinn: Can I make it better?
From Rachel: That depends…
From Quinn: On?
From Rachel: On whether or not you are home and can make me feel better with your words… and that mouth of yours.
Quinn was practically drooling as she read that text.
From Quinn: I'll be home in five. I'll call you then.
From Rachel: Okay but I may start without you.
From Quinn: Fuck Rachel. Good thing I run so much. Give me two minutes.
From Rachel: Okay but I'm timing you.
When Rachel didn't hear from her again she knew the girl was running and that made her smile. She loved that even when she was in the foulest of moods Quinn could always… always make her feel better.
With something as simple as a few words or a smile.
Her hand slowly made its way into her sleep shorts as she thought about all of the wonderful things Quinn did to her mind, body, and soul. She was already so worked up but she did give Quinn the two minutes and of course Quinn made it with a few seconds to spare.
Quinn was pacing back and forth on the platform at the train station. Rachel's train had arrived a few moments prior and she was getting antsy as she waited for the girl to exit the train. When she finally came into sight Quinn noticed a barely there limp and she rushed over.
"How's the ank-" her words were cut off as Rachel's lips pressed firmly against her own. And then she let out a moan when she felt Rachel's tongue glide across her bottom lip. She gripped her waist and pulled her closer as she welcomed that tongue into her mouth. Rachel fisted her hands into Quinn's windblown hair; messing it further but right now she did care.
And neither did Quinn.
Nope, all they could think about was the passionate kiss they were sharing in the middle of the train station's platform. A few passersby stared at them; not that they noticed anyone but each other.
"Fuck," Rachel husked when the kiss broke. "I want more of you."
"Me too… but not here."
"Quinn," she whined. They have had sex in the bathroom of this station plenty of times over the last three plus years. "Why not?"
"Because you're hurt and I'm not going to have you standing on your sore ankle while I go down on you," Rachel moaned. "And we're not lying down on that disgusting bathroom floor."
"You could pick me up," Rachel tried and pouted when Quinn shook her head.
"But I will pick you up to carry you to the street."
"You don't need to. It barely hurts anymore." This time Quinn pouted; Rachel melted and she relented. "Okay."
"You promised," Quinn said still pouting as she crouched down so that Rachel could hop on her back. Rachel pulled her backpack onto her own back and hopped onto Quinn's. As Quinn circled her arms around her legs she couldn't help but note how much sexier it was doing this with Quinn than it was with Mike.
Quinn was softer, and warmer, and prettier.
She hugged Quinn's neck and pressed her lips to Quinn's neck. She heard a very quiet moan in the back of the girl's throat and instantly backed away. She didn't want Quinn to be so distracted by her teasing and drop her.
But backing out of Quinn's embrace left her vision open to the stares they were getting from the other train station patrons. Her face blushed bright.
"This is mortifying."
"I would think it's valiant," Quinn countered.
"Yeah well you're not the one being looked at like she's a freak," Quinn looked up and could see what Rachel was talking about and her instincts kicked in.
"She's hurt assholes. What are you all staring at?" Quinn shouted and the few people who were looking quickly looked away.
And Rachel swooned.
"And now I want you even more."
"See valiant works."
"My hero," Rachel said dramatically.
"And then you ruin it," Rachel could do nothing but laugh at that. Once they were outside Quinn put Rachel down so that she could get a taxi but instead she felt herself being pulled back into Rachel's arms and Rachel's lips pressing against her own.
The taxi could wait.
When they got out of the taxi at Quinn's apartment, Quinn pulled Rachel's backpack onto her own shoulders and then swept Rachel off of her feet… literally.
Rachel swooned again as she wrapped her arms around Quinn's neck who was carrying her bridal style. She was a bit embarrassed because she could walk on her ankle; it really didn't even hurt anymore but Quinn was being so chivalrous that she couldn't fight it.
Not that she even wanted to.
When Rachel opened the door and Quinn stepped in carrying her they were greeted by the sight of Sawyer and Puck staring at them like they were crazy.
"Oh fuck, you didn't get married did you?"
"No," Rachel answered Sawyer; and since the mood was now gone she didn't fight it as Quinn let her down to the floor. "I just rolled my ankle and Quinn was being valiant," she winked at the word choice and Quinn felt that giddy excitement in her belly.
"Just now?" Sawyer wondered.
"No, yesterday afternoon."
"And you're still bitching about it… man up bro," Puck told her and looked away from a glaring Quinn.
Scary Quinn; still terrified him.
"No I wasn't… I-I, Quinn just wanted to-"
"I was jealous that Mike carried her okay," Quinn finally said and saw a knowing look cross both of her friends' faces. "So, she let me carry her today. And shut the fuck up about it or I will seriously knock you both out." Both Sawyer and Puck hid their smirks and fought their giggles.
"So how'd you hurt your ankle Rachel?" Sawyer asked, quickly changing the subject.
"Hip Hop dance class with Brittany and Mike," Puck laughed and Rachel glared at him.
"Sorry, sorry," he stopped laughing but she was still glaring at him. "It-It would've just been so much cooler if you had done it, in like karate class or something."
"I did take a karate slash self-defense class with Santana," she said and Puck covered his heart.
"I'm hurt Jew babe… I'm hurt bad. I was hoping if you ever got into kicking ass it'd be with me," her glare finally dissipated and she smiled at him.
"Well if I ever saw your face around New York maybe we'd have time to do that," he clenched his jaw trying to give her his angry face but he could only smile.
"You're right… I'll make time for you Jew babe but… one condition."
"What's that?"
"You join my fight club."
"Okay."
"No."
"No." Both Quinn and Sawyer said at the same time and both were met with glares from their significant others.
"Why not?" Rachel crossed her arms over her chest and Quinn knew she was in trouble.
"I just- I just want you to be safe and I don't want anyone hurting your beautiful face," Rachel knew Quinn was digging but she appreciated the effort. "Those things can be brutal babe and I might have to kill anyone who lays a hand on you," Rachel's glare turned soft and suddenly she needed to feel Quinn all over her. She looked back at Noah.
"We'll talk Noah," she tugged Quinn's hand and pulled her into the bedroom. Her slight limp was barely there.
"Hm, she didn't look hurt," Puck said looking back at Sawyer and saw that she was still very angry with him. "Babe?"
"No… you promised you would quit that stupid club."
"And I did," Sawyer got to her feet and stormed away. "I did," he shouted and followed her into the bedroom. "I was just teasing Rachel to get a rise out of Quinn," he saw Sawyer's face soften. "And even if I did start one with Rachel it would just be us two… and it would only be sparring I could never hit my best friend in the whole world," he saw Sawyer nod and sat down next to her.
"I'm sorry I'm such a girl sometimes I just," she looked up and met his eyes. "I just really love you Noah and I don't want you hurt."
"Don't ever apologize for that babe," he said before pulling her into a heated kiss that quickly progressed.
/
Rachel had Quinn pressed into the bed and was kissing her deeply. Quinn's hands were running all over her back. Rachel pulled out of the kiss and met those dizzying hazel eyes.
"Would you really beat someone up if they hurt me?"
"Rachel, if anyone hurt you on purpose I would destroy them," Quinn promised and was rewarded with another kiss. This time Quinn grumbled when she pulled away.
"Well I promise I won't join Noah's fight club," she saw Quinn smile. "But I may start doing some practice fighting with him. I liked what I learned with Santana and I wouldn't mind spending time with Noah like that."
"That's fine as long as it's just you two and he doesn't hurt you."
"Come on babe, you know I'd be the one doing the hurting," Quinn growled as she thought about how hot Rachel is when she's all fired up. She remembered having to pull her very angry girlfriend off of a frat guy, and off of Finn Hudson a few times.
"Yeah… Puck wouldn't know what hit him." The lazy smile on Quinn's face had Rachel thrumming with arousal.
"Babe…" Rachel's voice was so sexy and seductive that Quinn attention snapped to her in a heartbeat. "I believe you promised you'd go down in me when we were at the train station."
"I did do that… didn't I?" Quinn asked and Rachel nodded. Quinn flipped Rachel onto her back.
"You sure did," Rachel growled as she lifted her ass off the bed so that Quinn could remove her pants and panties. And as she watched Quinn's mouth work her into a frenzy she could do nothing but feel it as she became consumed with the extraordinary sensation that was so familiar but still out of this world wonderful.
She fisted Quinn's hair and held on for the ride.
And what a ride it was.
A ride they continued to take over and over again… all night long.
Santana was pacing back and forth in front of Brittany. They were at Brittany's dance company. Santana had just auditioned for her bosses and was now waiting what they would tell her.
The company was putting on a show in the spring and this show called for a singer; Brittany immediately mentioned Santana's name and told them that she was her girlfriend. They smiled and said to have her come in citing if her talent is half as good as yours we're sold.
Santana was so happy when Brittany told her about the audition they didn't leave the bedroom for three solid days. It annoyed the hell out of Rachel but in the end they knew she understood.
But now Santana was a nervous wreck and Brittany was doing her very best to calm her down.
"It was awful, I was awful."
"No you weren't Santana it was incredible," Brittany told her and she scoffed.
"Oh come on," she stopped pacing and put her hands on her hips. "You heard that I was bad… like really bad, my voice was shaking and the nerves were getting to me. I think maybe I'm not cut out for this after all," her voice trailed off when Brittany stepped closer and pulled her hands off of her hips; as their fingers interlocked she smiled at Santana who immediately felt calmer in Brittany's hands.
"Stop doubting yourself," Brittany began. "I'm going to tell you what I told Rachel the other day when she thought she wasn't a good enough dancer," she saw Santana nod. "Throw your doubt away. You are meant to shine and it's up to you to be who you want to be."
"I know but-"
"No you don't know… Santana, the things your voice does to people… it's magic. You are magic," she could see a tear escape her eye and she reached up to wipe it. "Singing is what you're meant to do… I know it, you know it, and my bosses know it-"
"Got that right," Stephen said as the three of them exited the room and approached the two girls. Brittany could feel Santana shaking; especially when Stephen held out his hand. "Congratulations Santana… you got the job."
"I did?"
"You did," he told her and then he felt her collide into him hugging him tightly. She tried to hug the other two but they settled for handshakes.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much," she told them each.
"Don't thank us… you did this," he said and then the three of them left leaving Santana and Brittany alone. Santana faced her amazing girlfriend.
"You did this."
"No you did Santana," Brittany told her.
"Well you believed in me enough to tell your bosses about me," Brittany nodded.
"I wasn't lying when I said your voice is magic and that was exactly what I told them when I mentioned you."
"God I love you," Santana said.
"I love you t-umphff," Brittany's lips collided with Santana's in a heated kiss; and as they both tugged at each other's clothes they needed to get out of there as soon as possible.
"Home," Brittany said in between kisses and Santana moaned into her mouth.
They made it to the taxi before Brittany's shirt was unbuttoned; and they made it to the elevator before the shirt was off.
Luckily they made it into their apartment before more clothes ended up in the elevator, or the hall.
They'd get Brittany's shirt later.
Or Santana would buy her a new one.
But right now all she wanted to do was show her girl just how magical her mouth really was.
And she did.
Repeatedly.
The next day, Rachel sat on the same bench in the park that Quinn was on the day before and watched her girl work. But at the moment Quinn wasn't working instead she was standing off to the side while Eric and Kim argued.
Again.
It was very frustrating.
She could be home in Quinn's bed watching her work in a totally different way but instead she was here in the park… in the cold… watching Quinn's director and co-star's sexual frustration affect their work.
It was annoying.
And if it wasn't for this being such an important thing for Quinn she would already be screaming at them to just do it for fuck's sake… and then she realized she was once again channeling Santana and she reeled it in.
Quinn on the other hand, was not doing so well at reeling in her inner Santana. Rachel could tell she was about to explode her head bitch all over her unsuspecting friends.
But before she could say anything; fate stepped in.
"You know what Eric if you think you can do it so much better why don't you fucking do it," Kim screamed at him.
"I thought you wanted me on this project because you valued my opinion," he screamed back.
"I did... and I do Eric, you're fucking brilliant," she threw her hands in the air and the script she was holding went flying. "I just can't handle your constant questions and bitching about how I do things. I thought you trusted my judgment."
"I do. I just… I just-"
"You just what?"
"I just want to hear you talk okay… I think it's fascinating when you talk about film and I could listen to it all day long." Kim's mouth dropped open in surprise. "So I'm sorry if you thought I was picking on you when in fact it was the opposite," when she continued to stare dumbfounded he lost his nerve and turned away from her.
When his eyes met Quinn's he could tell she was annoyed; and urging him kiss her; he saw her mouth the words; and decided to take her advice.
"Fuck it," he whispered to himself and turned back to see a saddened, and a little bit angry expression on Kim's face. "I also wanted to-"
"What?" Her tone was biting. "What did you want?"
"I just want-wanted to do-"
"What?"
"This," he cupped the back of her head and brought their lips together in a scorching kiss. Quinn turned back to meet Rachel's eyes with her eyebrows raised. Rachel thought Quinn looked adorable and she winked.
When Eric and Kim's kiss broke they could both see her stupid grin and could only imagine he was wearing a similar one.
"Um… yeah, that's- that's a wrap," Kim stammered before linking her fingers with Eric's and pulling him away. Once they were gone and the camera crew had dispersed. Quinn joined Rachel on the bench.
"So looks like I'm free after all," she saw Rachel pout at that.
"That's awesome but I really wanted to see you work."
"Do you really?"
"Of course Quinn, why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know, I just… I guess I ju-I don't-"
"Full sentences would be helpful," Rachel teased but she could see that whatever Quinn was trying to say was something that had really been weighing on her mind so she reached for Quinn's hand and pulled it into her lap. "Hey," when those bright eyes landed on hers she saw it.
She could always see Quinn's fear and self-doubt.
"You're going to be brilliant Quinn," she said and Quinn felt her heart swell over how well Rachel really knew her. She wanted to say thank you, she wanted to say so much.
"Yeah?" was all she could articulate, but she knew Rachel knew what she was really asking.
Rachel always knew.
"Yes baby… Quinn you are so much better than you give yourself credit for and I want you to throw your doubt away," she saw Quinn's lips turn up slightly. "I want you to forget your father and all that his world expected of you and I want you to make your own dreams come true. Forget the past; forget what the world expects Quinn, and do what makes you happy."
"You make me happy."
"Well you can do me whenever you want," Quinn's loud chuckle was all Rachel needed to hear and she knew Quinn would be okay. She always was.
Sometimes she took the long way around but she always found her way.
"You are so happy when you're acting, and writing, and this is what you want Quinn. I know you will be great at it, and I honestly can't fucking wait to see it." She saw Quinn's posture change and just like that her confident girlfriend was back.
Oh how she loved her.
"You will, we're shooting again tomorrow, and now that those two have figured out their shit maybe we'll actually film something this time." Rachel nodded and Quinn interlocked their fingers. "So I was thinking maybe you and I could do something."
"Are you asking me out on a date?"
"I was thinking about it," Quinn teased and saw a megawatt Rachel Berry smile appear on her face.
"And what do you want to do?"
"I was thinking we could go get some take out and maybe have a picnic here in the park," Rachel's smile faded a bit.
"Quinn it's cold out."
"I'll keep you warm."
"Can't we keep warm in your bed instead?"
"Come on Rach, where is your sense of adventure?"
"Trust me… I could make a picnic in your bed plenty adventurous," Quinn held back a moan at the images that assaulted her mind.
"I'm sure you could but I'm just as positive that I could make this park just as adventurous," Quinn waggled her eyebrows and Rachel's mouth dropped open.
"Quinn Fabray you little exhibitionist," she laughed when Quinn shrugged.
"What do you say baby? Me, you, this park, and a blanket." Again with the eyebrow waggling and Rachel was a goner.
"I'm in," Quinn popped to her feet with a stupid grin on her face as she helped Rachel up. "But so help me Quinn if we get caught fucking in the park I'm never having sex with you again."
"You will."
"Try me," Rachel challenged.
"We won't get caught," Quinn promised and interlocked their fingers. As they walked together Rachel rested her head on Quinn's arm knowing full well that she could never stop having sex with Quinn but also loving how easily Quinn folded sometimes.
Quinn and Rachel were cuddled on the couch several hours later. There was a movie playing but all Rachel was paying attention to was the beating of Quinn's heart and all Quinn was paying attention to was Rachel's silky hair as she twirled it between her fingers. They were so content to just lie there together without doing anything except being together.
So of course a loud incessant banging happened on the door.
And of course it was Santana Lopez.
"Open the fucking door bitches I gots news," it was quiet for a moment as Rachel lifted her head and looked into Quinn's eyes; she knew they were sharing the same thought.
Would they ever escape the wrath of Satan?
They laughed at their own thoughts and then the banging started again.
"I swear to Jesus if you are fucking right now I'm going to go all Lima Heights."
"Stop it San," they heard Brittany's voice. "We're interrupting their weekend… at least be nice," Quinn smiled at Rachel but neither girl made a move toward the door. "Guys can you please let us in, we have awesome news, and Santana just really wanted to share it with you guys before anyone else." Quinn looked at Rachel who nodded.
But still neither girl moved.
"Come in it's open," Quinn said casually. Then the door burst open and then the yelling started again.
"Oh fucking Christ as least put some clothes on," Santana covered her eyes so she wouldn't see the two naked girls covered only by a thin blanket. "What the fuck?"
"What do you want Santana?" Quinn asked nicely and saw her friend fuming but Santana also knew she shouldn't push Quinn right now.
"I got a singing gig in one of Brittany's shows," she blurted out.
"What?" Quinn sat up so quickly that Rachel fell to the floor with a thump.
"Ow!"
"Shit! Sorry Rachel."
"Oh fuck off Quinn," Santana yelled
"Hot," Brittany said as they all noticed that when Rachel fell she took the blanket with her and now they were all looking at an almost naked Quinn.
Thank god she had her panties on- Santana thought.
Quinn tried her best to cover herself up but there really was no point. With a squeak she bounced off the couch and sprinted to her room. Meanwhile Rachel had gotten to her feet and wrapped the blanket around herself.
"I'm so very proud of you Santana," Rachel said honestly and saw that Santana was beaming at her words. "I know Quinn is too, and I'm sure she'll tell you so once the embarrassment wears off."
"Yeah," Santana was blushing as well and she couldn't figure out why. It's not like they haven't seen that before with being on the Cheerios. Maybe it was the intimacy of the moment that made it awkward but either way Santana didn't like it.
But she quickly shook it off.
"Oh get your ass out here Fabray and give me a hug… it's not the first time I've seen you naked," she saw Rachel shoot her an icy glare and she rolled her eyes. "Cheerios Rachel," she watched the glare fade before Rachel turned on her heels and walked toward Quinn's room just as Quinn exited.
Quinn swallowed her embarrassment because- well- they had all seen each other mostly naked so there really was no reason to be awkward now; and she walked up to Santana and pulled her into a hug that Santana gladly reciprocated.
"I'm so proud San," she whispered.
"Thanks Q," she whispered back and they were still hugging when Rachel returned fully dressed. Santana stepped out of Quinn's arms and looked at her three favorite people.
"Brittany and I came here today because when I found out about this gig there was no one I wanted to tell more than you two," she saw both of her friends smile wide as Quinn draped her arm across Rachel's shoulder. "And a very beautiful and wonderful woman who is also a complete genius told me that I was better than my past and I was in charge of my future," they all looked at Brittany knowing who Santana was referring to.
"And do you know what else she said?"
"What?" Quinn asked and Santana met her gaze.
"That I'm magic."
"Well she's right," Quinn agreed.
"Let's go celebrate me, by creating a little magic of our own," her eyes landed on Rachel. "Berry, what do you say we drink a lot of booze and sing a lot of karaoke?" She saw Rachel's eyes light up.
"I thought you'd never ask," Rachel said walking toward the front door. "You know I love karaoke."
"I know," Santana rolled her eyes. "You tell me every fucking time we go out," Santana grumbled as she followed Rachel out. Quinn's eyes met Brittany's and they both sighed. Brittany draped her arm around Quinn's neck and then followed their girls out.
It would be a long night.
But with these girls it would most definitely be magical.
A/N 2: The title of the chapter comes from the song Light Up the World by the Glee Cast.