A/N: I would like to thank you all for taking another very long journey with me and these characters that I love so much. It means the world to me that you all have reviewed, favorited, and followed this story as well as SIB. This isn't the end. This is just the end for now.
Again I thank you all for the love and support. Without you all- especially on this particular story- this never would've gotten finished as there were more than a few times that I wanted to quit writing it.
Warning: Sexy times
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, anything mentioned, any songs, quotes, or books used.
Chapter 42: Wherever This Journey May Lead
"I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, every dream
I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is
the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours."
-Nicholas Sparks; The Notebook
/
Things had been crazy since Rachel had been cast in the role she was born to play. She was rehearsing non-stop; which was okay because Quinn was also very busy herself trying to get her pilot shopped around to different producers.
It was a few weeks after Rachel's news that Quinn had gotten a call from her manager telling her that one of the television companies was interested in meeting with her. She had then spent the following days in negotiations with the network. Once they worked out a deal and she sold them the rights they then turned around and asked her to audition for one of the lead roles.
Which she eagerly accepted.
She would've turned them down flat if the network had been Los Angeles based but luckily the network that was interested was out of New York.
She and Rachel had finally just gotten back on the same page; New York was her home now… and it would be for many years to come. But the studio was based out of New York so she didn't have to worry about it; and immediately agreed.
And ultimately won the role.
Which Rachel promptly congratulated her for.
Over and over and over again.
But with all of her work; and with Rachel's two-a-day rehearsals they had hardly seen each other. However, they were both finally confident enough to not let it cause any distance between them.
Finally.
Another thing her busy schedule had kept her from doing was buying Rachel the ring that she and Santana had planned to go shopping for; but had yet to do so.
Which led to her current mood as she paced the ground outside of the jewelry store while she waited for Santana to arrive
She was also very nervous.
Actually she was freaking the fuck out.
She was wringing her hands nervously as she waited for Santana to join her. She knew that Santana was busy but she just couldn't wait for her to get her ass over there already.
She was lost in these thoughts when she finally saw Santana getting out of a taxi that had just pulled up at the curb near where she was pacing.
"It's about fucking time Santana!" She screamed at her stunned friend and waited for Santana to scream back at her.
Since that was normally what happened.
So she was more than surprised when Santana just smiled at her- well actually it was more of a smirk.
"What?" She asked cautiously because Santana hadn't said anything she was just staring at her with that crazy look in her eye.
"You're nervous," Santana teased and Quinn rolled her eyes. Of course she was nervous this was big fucking step.
And though she had no doubts about wanting to spend the rest of her life with Rachel.
This was still a huge- and incredibly scary- step.
"Of course I'm nervous… I mean what if she says no, or I get the wrong one, what if Rachel thinks it's too ugly, or too soon, or too grand of a gesture or…" she trailed off because Santana was laughing at her. "W-What's funny?"
"First of all Rachel is never going to say no," Santana told her once she stopped laughing at her suddenly neurotic best friend. "You won't get the wrong one… I mean you could get her a plastic ring from a gumball machine and she would think it's the greatest thing since Barbra Streisand's greatest hits," Quinn laughed at that and could feel some of the tension leaving her. "And seriously Quinn… Rachel Berry thinking anything is too grand of a gesture is just stupid… that girl thrives on big, romantic and incredibly cheesy gestures. So I think you're good."
"You're right."
"Naturally," Santana said arrogantly and Quinn rolled her eyes. Santana looped her arm through Quinn's and they walked into the store.
They were looking at the rings for a few moments when a man behind the counter approached them.
"Can I help you ladies with something?" He asked and Quinn looked up and met his eyes.
"Yeah… I-I'm looking for an engagement ring for my girlfriend," Quinn stammered as she pushed her nerves aside. The man smiled and looked over at Santana.
"Okay," he said with a knowing grin. "And is this lucky lady you're girlfriend?" He wondered and when Santana barked laughter in his face he flushed with embarrassment. Quinn tried but she couldn't help but laugh too. She felt bad for the obviously embarrassed man but she couldn't help herself.
Laughing was also helping her fight the nerves.
"I-I-I'm sorry," he stuttered and Quinn waved him off.
"It's okay," she said with a chuckle and Santana was still laughing.
"No, actually that's a pretty gross thought," Santana said and the man flushed again.
"Don't listen to her," Quinn tried to reassure him.
"Besides this bitch couldn't afford a ring for me," Santana continued and Quinn tried to get them back on point.
"No sir," she glared at Santana and the girl finally stopped laughing. "This is my best friend… my girlfriend is far nicer," he smiled. "And also cuter."
"Fuck you Fabray!" Santana shouted and all three of them relaxed and this time the man laughed.
"I'm sorry to have assumed… it's clear now that you two are more like sisters," he said and both girls nodded.
"Yeah I supposed that's true enough… but my girlfriend is wonderful, and perfect, and so gorgeous, and-"
"Calm your tits Q; the guy doesn't need to know about how hot the hobbit makes you," Quinn flushed in embarrassment. "He just needs to know Rachel's ring size and a little bit of her style."
"Yes that would be a good place to start," the man said trying to help Quinn's embarrassment the way she had done with his.
"Well Berry's style is a mixture of toddler and grandmother, and she's yappy and annoying-" Santana cut herself off when she was met with another of Quinn's bitch glares.
"Okay," the man clapped his hands together. "How about you tell me a little bit about your girlfriend… like… what is her name?"
"Rachel," Quinn said dreamily and Santana rolled her eyes.
"That's a lovely name," Quinn's smile widened. "And what does Rachel do?" He continued.
"She's about to star in her first role on Broadway," Quinn continued.
"Oh," the man seemed surprised and excited. "That's great… I just love Broadway," he gushed and again Santana rolled her eyes. "W-What show?"
"She's going to be playing Evita-" Quinn was cut off when the man gasped and put his hand to his chest. "Oh dear, I love that show. I cannot wait to see your girlfriend now," he was so excited that it calmed Quinn down but it also got Santana even more bored.
"Can we get on with this?" She asked rolling her hands and he snapped his eyes off of Quinn and onto Santana.
"Oh yes… of course," he and looked down at the cases. "Follow me ladies I think I know just the type of ring that you're looking for," he walked to the end of the counter and Quinn glared at Santana.
"What?"
"Be nice," she hissed as they walked toward the end of the counter as well.
"Nope that's your deal… I'm here to keep it real," she watched Quinn storm off; she smirked and then followed after her.
Sometimes it was fun being Quinn Fabray's best friend.
Because she got to pick on her in ways that no one else could or would ever, get away with.
And as she watched Quinn search for rings for Rachel; she thought of Brittany and how awesome it would be to propose to her.
Then she quickly shook her head of those thoughts and curled her lip.
Nope definitely not ready for that- she thought as she moved over to help Quinn decide on the perfect ring for Rachel.
Rachel was nervous.
It was her final rehearsal and she would be making her Broadway debut the following day.
Scratch that she wasn't nervous; she was terrified.
Every time she thought about it she got so worried; it made her feel like she was going to throw up. So instead she would shake the thoughts away and focus on something positive. She shook her head and reminded herself that even though it was scary it was also Broadway.
Her dream was about to become reality; the next day she would officially be Broadway star Rachel Berry.
With that she felt a giddy excitement overtake all of her worries and let those feeling engulf her. She rode that feeling throughout the rest of the day and when the director called the rehearsal to a close, and wished them all luck she knew she was ready.
She knew that this was the moment she had waited her whole life for.
As the theater emptied and she walked backstage she saw someone standing there. A very familiar, not always smile inducing, but still a very friendly face.
As she approached him she grinned and saw him match it with a grin of his own.
"Jealous?" She asked with a bit of teasing in her tone.
"A little," Jesse answered with a smirk. "But mostly proud." She couldn't fight the smile his words brought.
"What are you doing here?" She wondered. She didn't mean it any other way than out of curiosity.
"I just wanted to see you before…" he trailed off and shrugged. "Before tomorrow when your name is up in lights on Broadway," he smiled wide when she let out a giddy chuckle. "I wanted to tell you how proud and how honored I am to have known you, and have the pleasure of seeing your talent before the world at large gets to see it."
"Thank you Jesse," she told him with nothing but heartfelt sincerity.
"And I wanted you to know that I will be here tomorrow to see it happen," she nodded. "But I figured it was safer for me to say all these things now, rather than tomorrow… when Quinn is there," Rachel giggled. "And could kill me," he finished and she laughed harder.
"Well that is true," she bit her lip and then stepped closer to him. She placed both hands on his biceps and smiled up at him. "Thank you for coming here to wish me luck and for supporting me in the show. It means a lot," he nodded this time. "Now… hug me," she demanded and he pulled her into a hug knowing this was very likely the last time he'd ever get to be this close to her and he reveled in it.
The moment- however brief- was perfect and when Rachel pulled out of his arms he knew she had forgiven him for his past mistakes.
And that was all he wanted.
"Thanks again Jesse, but I have to go. Everyone is taking me out to dinner tonight and-" he cut her off with a knowing nod. He sucked in a breath as she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Goodbye Jesse." And with that she was out of his arms and out of his life.
Probably for good.
But it was okay… their past had been fixed.
And their journey was meant to be different.
"Break a leg," he said quietly as she left him behind. She didn't respond but he knew she heard him.
And she did.
/
After a very nice dinner with their friends Rachel and Quinn went home; and after Rachel's strict nighttime ritual she cuddled into bed where Quinn was waiting for her with open arms.
As she settled into her familiar spot against Quinn's side she looked up at her face, and those bright hazel eyes were shining down on her.
"What?" Rachel asked shyly.
"I'm just… I'm just so proud of you," Quinn told her and Rachel's smile spread across her mouth.
"I'm proud of you too," Quinn rolled her eyes at those words and Rachel shook her head no. "Quinn… please don't make light of all that you have accomplished in such a short time… you're a star baby." Quinn smiled. "You're every bit as much of a star as I am."
"New York… lesbian… power couple," Quinn teased.
"Exactly," Rachel smiled before she pressed a sweet kiss to Quinn's lips; then settled back down beside her and cuddled close. Quinn wrapped her arms around Rachel's waist and pulled her tight against herself; while Rachel played with her fingers.
"Quinn," Rachel said quietly into the silence.
"Hm," Quinn hummed sleepily.
"You are home to me," she said and felt Quinn smile into her neck.
"You have always been home to me and wherever this journey may lead Rachel that will always be true." With that Rachel turned in her arms and kissed her deeply.
And they kissed for a while both knowing it wasn't leading anywhere.
Except home.
They fell asleep shortly after their make out session; and it was a restful sleep where dreams didn't matter because both of their biggest and brightest dreams were already coming true.
Rachel woke up with a start; she had been having an amazing dream and when she woke up she realized it wasn't a dream at all. Her eyes peered down her naked body to see the blonde head of her incredible girlfriend bobbing between her legs she could do nothing but moan.
Quinn giggled when she heard it and pulled her face away from Rachel's drenched center. Her eyes peered up to see Rachel biting on her lip and reaching for her head.
"N-N-No Quinn don't stop," she breathed out and cupped the back of her head; urging her to continue what she was doing. "O-Our parents will be here soon and I-I don't want to be all frustrated on this… the most important day of my life," she husked and Quinn was about to complete her task when she realized what Rachel had just said she pulled her head back again.
"Wait I thought the day you and I connected was the most important day of your life," she asked with her famous eyebrow arch.
"It was… it-it is," she bucked her hips trying to get closer to Quinn, but she merely backed away. "Fuck Quinn, you can't ask me important questions after waking me up with your tongue inside me," Quinn laughed. "Now continue what you were doing or I will do it myself." Quinn resisted the urge to tell her to do it; and watch Rachel fuck herself.
She would've loved that.
But she wanted to taste her more.
So she dove back in and wrapped her lips around Rachel's stiff clit and sucked hard. Rachel arched off the bed in a perfect bow shape and her toes curled.
"Fuck Quinn! You're so fucking good at this," she groaned and then growled when Quinn pulled back again. She was annoyed with her girlfriend and was about to push her off and fuck herself but when she looked down into those hazel eyes shining with love and her face covered in her own juices her anger went away and desire took over again.
"We've been fucking like bunnies for over seven years Rachel," she said. "Of course I'm good at it," Rachel gripped Quinn's hair in her hand and dug her nails into her scalp.
"Less talking… more licking babe," she panted while pushing Quinn's head again. Quinn smirked and wrapped her lips around that clit again; eliciting another moan but this time she slammed two fingers deep inside of her without warning and Rachel screamed in pleasure. Quinn began pumping harder and faster and deeper while continuing to batter that nub with her tongue.
Rachel was in a tailspin of emotion. She fucking loved this girl who was thoroughly fucking her and she couldn't imagine ever being happier than she was in this moment. And then her mind went blank as her orgasm crashed around her and lights and colors flashed behind her eyes.
"Fuck Quinn!" She screamed as Quinn pushed her over the edge and as she heard Quinn screaming as well she knew that she was right there with her; it wasn't until after; Rachel found out that Quinn was fucking herself at the same time.
As her breathing slowed she opened her eyes to see Quinn take her fingers out of her and lick them clean; she moaned at that but she moaned even louder when she saw Quinn pull the fingers of her other hand out of herself and offer them to Rachel; and she didn't hesitate to suck them into her mouth and moan for a third time.
Quinn collapsed beside her and looked over at Rachel's still heaving chest.
"Your Broadway debut is tonight baby," she said and saw a smile spread across that amazing mouth and then Rachel's eyes landed on hers.
"I know," she squealed. "I'm nervous."
"You will do fine… you will shine like the star you have always been," Quinn told her and then felt Rachel yank her arm until she was hovering over her again.
"It's been one hell of a journey, hasn't it Quinn?"
"It sure has… and being on this journey with you is the greatest gift ever," Rachel smiled her Quinn smile. Quinn always had been good with words; and as she stared at the girl who knew exactly how to take care of her and always had she felt her heart fluttering the same way it did that day back when she was fifteen years old.
It was definitely one hell of a journey with this girl.
"Quinn your complete and total belief in me and the support you never fail to provide is why I strive to never give up," Quinn nodded. "And why even when I think I'm not good enough I still believe it because I have you telling me… you and your belief in me is the biggest strength I have… and it's also one hell of a turn on," Quinn giggled and arched her eyebrow.
"Oh and here I thought it was my fantastic ass."
"And then you ruin it," Rachel said pushing her arm but Quinn didn't move away instead she pressed herself closer and slammed her hips into Rachel's.
"Mm… fuck," she hummed and then her lips were covered, and Quinn's tongue was in her mouth kissing her the way the only Quinn has ever and would ever kiss her and she got wet all over again. She knew Quinn felt the same way when she pulled back and stared into her eyes. Rachel could see the passion in those darkened eyes.
"Want to go again?" Quinn asked.
"Are you seriously asking me that?" Quinn laughed and began kissing her way down Rachel's body and Rachel watched her go and when that head was once again bobbing between her legs she could only fall back to the bed and let Quinn take her places that only Quinn knew how.
There was no greater journey than the one she found in Quinn's arms.
Several hours and several orgasms later, Rachel was getting dressed and someone was banging on the door of their small but completely perfect apartment.
Quinn was rushing to the door and the incessant banging.
"Fuck off! Keep your shirt on I'm coming," she shouted before opening it to see Rachel's dads; and Leroy was glaring at her in that terrifying way that still managed to scare the shit out of her.
"Sh-Shit sorry dad… I-I thought you were Santana," she said and he chuckled. "She always bangs on the door like that," she was in his arms being hugged tight before the words were even out of her mouth. She hugged him right back.
"How are you baby girl?" He asked as he walked in and Hiram followed she kissed and hugged him too; before closing the door and facing them.
"I'm wonderful," she answered as a squealing Rachel came running out of the bedroom and threw herself at Leroy who caught her easily.
"I missed you Daddy!" She shouted.
"I missed you too sweetie," he kissed her cheek and lowered her. She then threw herself at Hiram.
"I missed you Dad," she hugged him and he nearly crushed her in a bear hug.
"I missed you too Rachel," he said pulling out of the hug and cupped her cheek. "You are not allowed to wait so long in between visits again do you hear me young lady?"
"I hear you dad," they were chatting idly and catching up when another loud bang was heard at the door and repeated over and over again.
"Open the fucking door Q; I don't have all day," Santana screamed and Quinn looked at Leroy with her eyebrow arched.
"See?" He nodded.
"And you two better not be fucking or-" her words died in her throat when the door swung open to see Rachel's dads standing there. "Oh hi Mr. Berrys," she blushed bright and hung her head.
"Glad to see that your potty mouth has only gotten worse with age," he told her before he pulled her into a hug. Brittany followed also hugging both men.
"How are you guys? What have you been up to?" Hiram asked and Santana smirked.
"Well I don't mean to brag but my professional dancer girlfriend works for Parsons Dance Company," of course the Berrys knew this already but they liked the smile Santana wore whenever she talked about Brittany. "…And I am working my way through a graduate's degree at NYU," she smiled warmly. "I've got a manager but I still haven't gotten a record deal," she said sadly and Leroy patted her arm.
"I have no doubts that you will; it's just a matter of time."
"That's what I tell her," Brittany said. "And until then she works at Starbucks and always brings me yummy sweets that make me work out way more often than I normally have to," Leroy saw the mirth in Santana's eyes and she shrugged.
"What can I say I like watching her work out," she admitted.
"Mm, me too… I have always love watching Rachel workout," Quinn hummed.
"Um, TMI Quinn," Hiram told her and watched her blush, Rachel just laughed and when all eyes landed on her she merely shrugged.
"What? Some things never change."
A few minutes later there was another knock heard on the door and when Rachel opened it she saw her two best gays standing before her looking as dapper as ever. She squealed and pulled Kurt into a hug.
After making the rounds Leroy looked the two boys over.
"So what have you two been up too?"
"I'm still in my final year of Tisch," Blaine said and looked at Kurt.
"And I am currently working in an off Broadway performance of Streetcar where I am breaking stereotypes by playing Stanley," he saw Quinn smiling at him and remembered that day that he thought he would never get a role like that but he proved everyone wrong.
"That is wonderful boys," Hiram said. The door was still open when there was a quiet knock heard and they saw Tina and Mike standing there.
"Tina," Rachel yelled and hugged the girl tight.
"Rachel you saw me yesterday," Tina told her.
"So that doesn't mean I miss you any less," Tina laughed at her crazy friend.
"So what is going on with the two of you?" Hiram wondered and Mike smiled.
"Well you're all the first to hear this other than Tina and my parents but I have just been cast in an off Broadway production of Billy Elliot," he said and again Rachel squealed and hugged him, Quinn was right behind her. "It's just a small dancing part… but it's something." He shrugged.
"I'm so proud of you Mike," she said and he nodded.
"Thanks," he told her. And then everyone congratulated him.
"And what about you Tina?" Leroy asked and she smiled shyly.
"I-I'm in my final year at NYADA," she replied and Rachel looked at her daddy.
"And in a year or two she'll be on Broadway with me… mark my words," Rachel said proudly and Tina laughed.
"I wish."
"Trust me… I'm never wrong."
"Oh please Berry you are so full of shit… you're wrong all the time," Santana said. "You were wrong last week when you were arguing with me about that stupid ass musical that you made me watch… and musicals are your thing."
"Shut it Satan, no one asked you," Rachel retorted and the room was filled with laughs as the two girls argued. Tina looked at Quinn.
"Some things really never change," she said and Quinn could only nod.
/
Rachel was in the kitchen making coffee for everyone when Quinn came up behind her wrapped her arms around her waist. Rachel leaned into her touch and arched her neck for the kisses that Quinn was leaving down her neck.
"I love you Rachel," she whispered.
"Well I should hope so… or I have been wasting the last eight years," she said and Quinn giggled into her neck. "I love you too," there was another knock heard and Quinn was about to pull away but Rachel held her in place. "Someone will get it," she hummed and Quinn went back to kissing her neck.
"Quinn," Santana's voice sounded from the other room. "There is someone here to see you," Quinn pulled off of Rachel's neck and walked into the other room. As soon as she got there her face brightened.
"Mama Quinn!" Seven year old Beth shouted and ran into Quinn's waiting arms. As soon as Rachel heard her voice she ran out to see her and Beth's expression changed when she saw Rachel.
"Rachel!" She screamed and ran over to her. Rachel scooped her up in her arms and kissed her all over her face. When her eyes met Shelby's she smiled and put Beth down. Beth instantly ran back to Quinn.
"Mama Quinn, can you please show me how to do my make up so I can look as pretty as you?"
"You already do look as pretty as me… prettier actually."
"No way… you're like the prettiest girl ever," Quinn smiled at her baby and remembered that Rachel had once told her the very same thing. "You're like a princess." Quinn kissed her forehead.
"You're the princess," she said and Quinn hugged her.
Rachel walked over to Shelby and hugged her.
"Congratulations Rachel I am so proud of you," Shelby said and Rachel nodded.
"Thanks mom," she replied and hugged her again.
"Alright enough of this sap fest, Santana called. "When are the rest of the glee nerds getting here?" Rachel crossed her arms and arched her eyebrows.
"Why, do you miss them Satan?" She asked and Santana scoffed.
"No," she responded but she knew that everyone in the room knew that she was lying.
"I think the rest of them are meeting us at the theater… including my mom and Richard," Quinn said and Santana nodded. Again there was a knock on the door and this time it was Rachel who answered it… and then she gasped.
She gasped because standing before her in full uniform was Finn Hudson.
"Long time no see Rach," he said with his signature dopey grin. She squealed and pulled him into a hug. He hugged her tight and smiled into her shoulder.
"I'm so glad you made it," she told him and he lifted her off the ground.
"Unhand my girlfriend Hudson," Quinn's voice had him nearly dropping Rachel and he looked at her with fear in his eyes but that changed into a grin when she pulled him into a hug.
"You clean up good Finn," she wiped some of the lint off of his shoulder.
"Thanks and you look just as gorgeous as ever Quinn," she smiled at him and pulled him inside.
"Thank you Finn; and I must admit that I'm surprised to see you here… I thought you weren't going to be able to make it."
"I didn't think I would either, but they granted me forty eight hours leave and here I am," he looked at Rachel. "There was no way I was going to miss this," he said to her and she squealed again.
"Well we will have to make the most of these forty eight hours won't we?"
"We will," he agreed.
Later, as they were all getting out of taxi's at the theater and every single one of them gasped when they looked at the marquee and saw what they all knew they would one day see.
Rachel Berry's name up in lights.
"Now I know that isn't Rachel Berry; Broadway star just hanging out with regular people?" Mercedes voice chimed behind them and they all turned to face her.
"Mercedes," Rachel shouted and pulled her into a tight hug. Sam was with her and was helping Artie out of the cab and into his wheelchair. "You guys all made it," she shouted.
"We wouldn't miss it Rachel," Artie said.
"No way," Sam told her. She hugged them both and then looked over all of their faces.
"So what have you guys been up to?"
"Well I'm about to graduate from USC with a film degree," Artie said and Quinn arched her eyebrow at him.
"Oh really?" She said and he looked nervous.
"What?" He asked her. "You knew this already Quinn."
"Yeah I know I just… you and I should talk later," he nodded and still looked at bit nervous.
"And I have a band in L.A.," Sam said. "We're nothing special yet so until then I work construction."
"And he helps me pay the bills," Mercedes said confirming that they had finally worked out and were happy together. Sam draped his arm around her neck and Rachel was smiling at them.
"Which isn't too hard," Sam said with a grin. "Because my baby has a record deal."
"Still as a backup singer Sam," she said.
"Semantics babe," he told her and kissed her cheek. "It's just a matter of time," everyone stared at how adorable they still were together.
"Is that my future daughter-in-law I see?" Judy's voice sounded from behind them and Rachel squealed and jumped into her arms while Quinn hugged Richard.
"How are you Quinn?" He asked.
"I'm wonderful Richard," she answered. "How are you?"
"I'm married to the greatest woman alive, how do you think I am?" He told her and she hugged him tighter and thanked god that her mom found this man.
As Quinn and Rachel were catching up with her parents and everyone else was catching up with each other. A familiar voice was heard that had them all looking in the direction it was coming from.
"Yeah you all know you can't have a party without the Puckasaurus," he said and Rachel was the first to jump on him. Quinn followed and the rest of the glee club sat back and looked at the woman that was on his arm, his girlfriend Sawyer.
They had met a few times but her similarities to Quinn and Rachel still shocked them sometimes, Mercedes scoffed.
"Oh hell to the no! I still can't believe Puck found himself a cross between Rachel and Quinn… with a dash of Santana."
"You guys remember Sawyer right?" Rachel wondered.
"Quinn's roommate at Yale," Artie said.
"Who is a cross between you and Quinn," Sam continued.
"And has Santana's attitude," Mercedes finished.
"Yup, that's me," Sawyer said to them. "It's great to see you all again."
"Oh fuck off! Stop talking… it's like listening to Berry talk and it makes Snix come out," Santana teased her for the hell of it.
"Hello to you too Santana, " Sawyer asked and Santana smiled and hugged her. As the two girls talked; Rachel looked at her watch.
"Okay guys I um, have to go… we'll catch up later," she smiled but just as they were about to leave they heard a squeal and turned to see Sugar getting out of a cab.
"Hey everyone," she yelled and Rachel smiled at her; then she gasped.
She gasped because getting out of the cab behind her was Brody.
"No fucking way!" Quinn said and Rachel's eyes locked on his.
"D-Do you know each other?"
He seemed confused as he walked over to Quinn and Rachel, while Sugar was talking with Brittany.
"No we were fighting over a cab," he said stepping closer to Rachel. "Then we realized that we were both coming here and decided to split it." He watched as Rachel's eyes darted back and forth between him and Sugar. "W-Why should I be worried… because we did sort of hit it off and-"
"Hit it off how?" Rachel cut him off and he smiled.
"Well," he started with a smirk and Rachel rolled her eyes.
"Ugh gross," she said and he looked back at Sugar.
"W-What is she not…" he trailed off.
"N-No she's lovely… it's just- well she's just Sugar and-"
"And?" He cut her off this time.
"It's too long of a story to tell you now, I gotta go." She covered his hand with hers. "We'll talk later and thanks for coming," he smiled. "And please keep it in your pants until we talk." She said but his eyes were already locked on Sugar's and she rolled her eyes again. He walked away and when she looked at Quinn she could see her laughing.
"Whatever makes him happy right?"
"Even if it's Sugar?" Quinn curled her lip.
"C'mon Quinn she's not that bad," Rachel tugged her hand.
"This from the girl who wanted to kill Sugar numerous times," Quinn retorted and Rachel led her over to the stage door.
"That was only because she was hitting on you… and I love Brody but I'd much rather have her all over my friend then all over my girl." Quinn rolled her eyes.
"She's no threat… she never was."
"I know that," Rachel faced her. "But I still don't like it," Rachel pouted and Quinn captured her lips in a sweet kiss.
"I love you Rachel Berry," she whispered and then kissed her deeply. When she pulled away she saw stars in her baby's eyes. "Go out there in shine in the role you were born to play," Rachel kissed her again leaving Quinn breathless. After regaining her composure she looked deep into those chocolate eyes and grinned. "Break a leg and I'll be the one clapping the loudest," Rachel chuckled.
"I do not doubt that," she said and cupped Quinn's cheek. "I love you too baby," and they kissed once more before Rachel went through the door to her future. Quinn made her way back to her big, and insanely odd family and they all went inside and took their seats.
Once Rachel was done in hair and makeup and it was just about show time. She was standing in the wings, looking out at the stage, and she took a deep breath.
"Time to shine," she whispered to herself and as she took the stage she found those hazel eyes in the audience and knew she was going to shine… and she was going to do it for her.
This was it… this was what she had waited a lifetime for.
The journey to her dream come true.
And in those hazel eyes she saw a wonderful journey that they had already been on and the incredible journey that still awaited them.
Because Broadway may have been her goal, and it was happening.
But Quinn was her dream come true.
Once the show was over and the theater was empty; Rachel's friends and family were still waiting in their seats for Rachel to join them. They were going to spend the night reconnecting… a glee reunion of sorts and they were all looking forward to it.
Quinn was talking to the manager of the theater and getting permission for them to wait for Rachel when she came back to the group it was Artie that spoke.
"Yo' how did you get the kind of pull that allows us to just hang here?"
"I um… I may have a few connections." She answered and Artie smiled.
"Yeah… you never told us what you have been doing since college." She looked to the floor. "C'mon give it up Quinn… what you been doing?" He asked and was truly curious.
"Well," she blushed. "I have had a few guest starring roles on several different television shows and also I wrote, produced, and starred in a documentary style film that is in post-production right now."
"Impressive," Mercedes said with a grin.
"There's more," Santana said with a huge grin on her face. "Tell them Quinn."
"I also just got a leading role in a new television pilot," she said with a blush across her cheeks. This time Sam spoke.
"And what is this role?"
"It's a pregnant and repressed lesbian cheerleader," she said and everyone giggled thinking she was joking. "Think I can handle it?" After a few more giggles they realized she was serious.
"How in the hell did you managed to get a role that was pretty much your story? Finn asked.
"Because I wrote it," she admitted and Artie scoffed.
"Seriously?" He asked, she nodded, and then everyone cheered. "That's fucking awesome Quinn," he said. She nodded again and smiled.
"Yeah I um… sold the rights for the pilot and the studio asked if I would be interested in reading for the part because I still look young enough to play high school. Once they had everything prepared I came in and read for it and got the job." Everyone cheered again and that was when Rachel came out.
"Hey shouldn't I be the one getting the applause," she said with a smile.
"You did," Santana told her. "You got a fucking standing O… stop being greedy dwarf." Rachel smiled and walked toward them.
"Are you guys ready for dinner… we have reservations?"
"Wait," Quinn said. "I have something to say first and I want our entire family to hear it."
"Okay," Rachel said with a slight nod. "What's up?" Quinn walked over to her and kissed her nose.
"I'm so proud of you Rachel," she husked and Rachel grinned like a fool. "You were brilliant out there and I want you to come with me," she took Rachel's hand and led her onto the stage. Once they were right in the center Quinn looked deep into Rachel's eyes and her palms were sweating. She cupped Rachel's cheek, kissed her quickly, and took a deep breath.
"Rachel we have been in love since we were 15 years old, we have dated since we were sophomores in high school. It hasn't always been the best times but through it all I knew I was loved by you, no conditions and I hope I relayed that feeling to you as well." Rachel nodded and then when Quinn got down on one knee, and pulled out a huge ring; Rachel gasped.
"We made it through a teen pregnancy, lies, fake boyfriends, an emotional breakdown, coming out, stupid Finn Hudson," Rachel chuckled and they heard him scoff.
"We made it through winning nationals, graduation, leaving our homes and each other, four years of long distance but through it all I knew I had your heart. It wasn't always easy Rachel but it was always, always worth it… I love you now more than I ever have before and I loved you before I even know what true love meant." Rachel nodded as tears fell from her face. "Our love has been perfect, and beautiful and messy. We are a mess Rach, but we are a beautiful mess… you always meet me halfway and somewhere in between it all I found my soul mate. Rachel Berry will you marry me?"
Rachel let out a shaky breath.
"Yes."
"Yes?" Quinn's voice wavered as tears fell from her own eyes.
"Yes," Rachel repeated and practically pulled Quinn off of her knee and connected their lips, and as her tongue pushed into Quinn's mouth she vaguely heard the sound of her friends and family applauding.
But she really only the heard the sound of Quinn's heartbeat and how it was in perfect tune with her own. When she pulled off of those lips and looked deep into those eyes.
She fell in love all over again.
For the millionth time on this journey with Quinn.
And then Quinn kissed her again and just like always… it was those kisses, and those eyes, and those arms that brought her home.
As the kiss continued; the cheers and wolf whistles became louder and more defined. As Rachel slipped out of her Quinn Fabray induced haze she felt Quinn's lips leave hers and her eyes fluttered open.
"Hey," Quinn whispered shyly and pressed her forehead against Rachel's while their friends continued to celebrate them.
"Hey."
"So you're going to be my wife," Quinn said more than asked and felt Rachel nod against her. She pressed a sweet kiss to Quinn's forehead before pulling back to meet her eyes.
"Rachel Berry-Fabray," she said and Quinn's smile widened. "Just like you wanted… since we were kids," Quinn nodded again.
"All part of my master plan," Quinn said before Rachel's lips covered hers and this time the sound of their friends was no longer cheerful… it was replaced with grumbling.
"Quit fucking making out so we can go celebrate," Santana yelled and Rachel laughed into the kiss; but as she broke the kiss she didn't move more than an inch away.
"Always?"
"Always," Quinn repeated. "You are home to me Rachel… now let's go and start a new beginning of another life."
"Same life," Rachel corrected. "But definitely a new beginning," Quinn kissed her one last time before they turned to their friends.
"About fucking time!" Santana shouted again as Brittany grabbed her hand and they all filed out of the theater. Rachel looped her arm through Quinn's and rested her head against the strong shoulder of her amazing girlfriend.
Fiancée.
Future wife.
Mother of her kids.
The possibilities were endless.
Quinn was right… they always did meet halfway, and somewhere in between the big moments in life she found the one person who was home.
And as one journey ended, another began and wherever this journey would take them Rachel knew it would be filled with the best moments…
The small moments.
The title of the chapter comes from the song I Will Always Be There For You by Jessica Andrews.
This is the end but there will be an epilogue and I promise there will be another sequel that will cover the next five years of their lives. I hope you join me on that journey as well. Stay tuned…