Cheers to everyone who took the trouble to review, to Pebblez24 for her encouragement and of course to the ever reliable eyghon for the speedy proof reading and the courage to tell me when I made a pigs ear of it! This much improved version owes much to her wise advice :) so if you think the following chapter is a bit crap imagine how much worse it was before!
It was barely light when Cassie decided it would be an appropriate time to make a tactful tactical exit from Rachel's bed and apartment. There was absolutely no sense in taking any unnecessary risks when she was a mere week away from ending her employment with NYADA. Besides it was apparent to her that Rachel obviously had some qualms about letting her loose lipped chinless wonder of a flatmate know what was going on between the pair of them and that suited her just fine. Rachel had remained snuggled up to her for the night enjoying the sleep of the innocent as Cassie wrestled against the urge to touch the tempting flesh pressed against her. It was amazing that she'd actually had any sleep to awaken from given all the temptations that had been within, well, touching distance.
Rachel's t-shirt rode up as she turned in her sleep allowing the hint of a breast to show in the glow of the streetlights. The only way to stop herself from licking a route from the tempting curve to what she envisioned would be a pert and inviting nipple was to imagine the mock outraged articles that would appear on-line in the unlikely event she was caught with a student's nipple in her rather older teacher's mouth. As a reward for her restraint - it took some time - she allowed herself to gently touch the firm ass outlined to best effect by the rather skimpy shorts Rachel was wearing. She pushed the headline of 'lecherous predatory teacher cops a feel' away from the front of her brain by concentrating on the feel of Rachel and how much better it would be once the necessity of a barrier of clothing between them was removed. Cassie's smugness was short lived as Rachel mumbled in her sleep and then rolled closely into Cassie with her arm coming to rest across Cassie's chest and her fingertips within easy touching distance of where Cassie's nipples were suddenly standing at attention against her t-shirt. It would be so wrong to move Rachel's hand. She settled instead for running her hand through Rachel's hair and gently tracing the profile of her nose. She was considering a risky outlining of those talented luscious lips when a rather sleepy and barely coherent Rachel asked her if she was okay. Cassie's mumbled affirmative sounded decidedly squeaky to her own ears but was enough to satisfy the adorably sleepy girl. Rachel rolled over and then encouraged Cassie to be the big spoon. Just when Cassie thought she'd bested all the temptations that could be thrown her way, Rachel wriggled backwards slightly so that her rear was pressed tightly against Cassie's groin and then she sighed contentedly. Cassie smothered a groan and hoped her embarrassingly high level of arousal remained known only to her. At some point, exhaustion had trumped horniness and she'd fallen asleep.
Cassie awoke to find their positions had switched in the night and Rachel's arm draped possessively but lightly across her body. She eased her way from under Rachel's arm and slid out of bed. It was a bracing temperature in the apartment - student finances not running to central heating - so little encouragement was needed for Cassie to dress quickly. She was in need of a shower, preferably an icy cold one. She walked softly back to where Rachel was sprawled out across the bed and sat gently alongside her. She couldn't leave without saying goodbye and she daren't risk a note going astray so she would need to waken the sleeping beauty in front of her. Rachel looked so young and just so - she couldn't think of anything other than adorable. It seemed a shame to wake her. She brushed some of Rachel's hair back behind her ear and tenderly ran her fingertips down her cheek. So young. So innocent. Cassie's potential spiral into self-doubt was circumvented by a croaky "Cassie?"
"Shhh," Cassie soothed continuing to stroke Rachel's cheek, "Much as I'd rather stay I think it'd be prudent for me to leave now."
"Okay," replied Rachel moving her hand to squeeze Cassie's. She couldn't let the woman leave without a final touch of her. Rachel could barely believe they'd spent the night cuddled together in her bed. It had been ages since she'd slept so well. She hadn't even realised it was possible to sleep that well with someone else in her bed. She focussed on Cassie. This amazingly stunning woman had chosen to spend the night snuggled up with her. Her heart raced with excitement at the mere thought.
"Thank you" breathed Rachel, suddenly shy as the enormity of risk she had persuaded Cassie to take, "I shouldn't have..."
"Thank you and I'm glad you did," replied Cassie reassuringly before adding a teasing; "I'll see you later in class."
Cassie's decision-making processes were mostly sensible and restrained until she decided a farewell kiss on the forehead was in order. As she leaned forward to gently press her lips against Rachel's tanned smooth forehead she inexplicably found herself lured instead into tasting the moist pouty slightly ajar lips that she had spent many an hour speculating about the taste and texture of. They were as soft, if not softer, than she had expected and the brief heavenly contact sent her pulse and arousal rate soaring. It was Cassie's dazed state that allowed Rachel's gently insistent hands to cup her face and pull her back in for a slightly firmer, still somewhat chaste kiss.
Rachel had whiled away many a night imagining what it would be like to kiss Cassie. Usually in her imagination an infuriated Cassie chose to silence Rachel with the judicious application of her lips to Rachel's in a bruising, take-your-breath-away kiss, often pressed up against a suddenly handy door or wall. As the softer romantic side of Cassie became apparent Rachel had imagined a more romantic location - top of the Eiffel tower was maybe a bit far to travel to - but the New York equivalent with a declaration of heartfelt longing preceding the long awaited melding of lips together. The reality was less dramatic but the gentle, almost shy way in which Cassie's lips met hers far exceeded anything she had imagined and although she was light-headed with sheer joy, she had the presence of mind to guide Cassie's lips back to hers just so this time, rather than being awestruck by sensation overload, she could actually actively participate.
A reluctant Cassie pulled slightly away to whisper a half-hearted rather husky "we shouldn't..." Only to be overruled by a sparkly-eyed insistent Rachel purring, "Oh yes we should" as she yet again pulled an all too willing Cassie in to meet her lips, sliding a hand to the nape of Cassie's neck to dissuade her from withdrawing from their next kiss. This time as their lips met Rachel took the opportunity to run her tongue briefly along Cassie's bottom lip. It was enough of an incentive for Cassie to push her concerns about Rachel's lack of experience aside and for her to deepen the kiss. She quickly realised that Rachel was no novice when it came to kissing and Cassie's last vestiges of restraint and honourable intentions crumbled under the cross between a whimper and a moan that Rachel made in response to her upping the ante. Kissing Rachel was addictive and although they occasionally parted breathless and grinning inanely at each other, such separations were minimal and thankfully brief. Cassie's kiss addled brain could only berate itself for resisting the temptations of Rachel's highly skilled, deliciously soft lips for so long.
Rachel could only wonder at why she had wasted so much time kissing boys. If only she'd known how incredibly soft and tender a woman's lips were. Or maybe it was just Cassie who had the ability to move her from a half awake state to a scorching ball of lust just with a few restrained kisses. Cassie was pressed against her as much as the bedclothes between them would allow and it wasn't enough. As Cassie's tongue teased and explored her mouth she could feel her excitement levels rising. If anyone had suggested before this morning that she could have been brought to the edge of what promised to be the most intense orgasm of her life just by kissing she'd have laughed heartily. Kissing had always been a necessary chore before now that had to be endured in order to keep a boy interested. Now, now, she finally understood what all the fuss was about. She tried to fight the urge to writhe and moan under Cassie's skilled ministrations but it was a losing battle. Rachel managed after some judicious tugging of clothing to place her hands on the bare flesh of Cassie's back. Cassie's resulting involuntary gasp had Rachel teetering on the edge of a glorious sensory overload. She tried to pull Cassie closer to her for that added bit of pressure just there where she needed it when the obnoxious blaring of her early morning alarm suddenly caused Cassie to jump and pull away.
There was a moment as a wide-eyed Cassie gazed at her in momentary bewilderment before the pair of them began to laugh.
"For a moment I thought your dads had had you fitted with a chastity alarm," commented Cassie as she caressed Rachel's cheeks. Rachel laughed at her remark.
"If it was possible I'm sure they would have. It's actually an alarm to signal the start of my workout," replied a still heavily breathing Rachel before she added with a grin, "but my workout started a bit earlier than usual today."
It was Cassie's turn to laugh and then lightly kiss Rachel.
"You're amazing and incredibly beautiful," she started only to be interrupted as Rachel drew her back in for another kiss, "but we ought to show a bit more self-restraint..."
The rest of Cassie's sentence was lost as they both demonstrated how difficult self-restraint was.
"I really should go," managed Cassie as they drew apart to catch their breath and she rolled over to pull herself up into a seated position on the edge of the bed. She realised her statement had been half-hearted and unconvincing even as Rachel pushed herself up and captured her lips again.
"I'm not stopping you," grinned Rachel in between light kisses.
Cassie groaned before pulling Rachel into a hug.
"You know you are but I need to go before Kurt..." Cassie lost her train of thought as warm lips found a rather sensitive spot to play with on her neck. She found herself pushing Rachel back on to the bed as their tongues duelled for dominance. Cassie knew she needed to leave but her resolve was easily weakened and Rachel was hardly helping. Time passed unnoticed as they exchanged endearments and yet more kisses.
If Rachel's alarm had been a shock it was completely topped by the sound of Kurt calling out to Rachel from just outside her curtained room.
"Rachel, I know you're awake I can hear you. I think we need to have a chat."
"Kurt?" managed Rachel in a strangled tone before controlling her fear and adding a calm, "I'll be out in just a minute" despite Cassie doing her best to distract her.
"Well if you're decent I'll just come in," replied Kurt as Cassie had the dubious pleasure of watching Rachel pale and go wide eyed with alarm, "I bring hot black coffee," Kurt added.
"Just a moment," called out Rachel as her eyes desperately scoured the room. She dismissed the thought of Cassie climbing out of the window even before it had fully formed. For all her graceful agility, Cassie was no spider woman. She dismissed the wardrobe too. It was so rickety that she had to take care just when hanging anything in it; certain it wouldn't withstand a person in it. The consequences of the sudden collapsing of the wardrobe and Cassie spilling out of it whilst she was mid-conversation with Kurt didn't bear thinking about.
Cassie could see the thought processes play out across Rachel's face as she scanned the room and was understandably relieved at the quick dismissal of the window option. It was time to help out. She placed a calming hand on Rachel's arm and then leaned forward to whisper in Rachel's ear, "Time to put your acting classes to good use," before adding a resigned, "the things I do for love," as she lowered herself to the floor and rolled gracefully under Rachel's bed. Rachel pulled a robe on even as she tried not to focus on the fact Cassie had just implied she loved her. She adjusted the bedclothes before taking a deep breath and calling Kurt in. She was going to need that coffee he'd been offering.
Cassie listened to the murmuring voices above her and yet again tried to shift position quietly and without catching more of her hair in the bed frame. She was fighting the urge to laugh at the ridiculous situation she found herself in. Here she was a fully grown woman hiding under a teenager's bed, listening to Rachel give the performance of her life above her and all she could think about was a strong cup of black coffee. Well, that and assessing her chances of getting out of the apartment unnoticed by Kurt. Perhaps they should have just brazened it out because if she were found under Rachel's bed things would be far worse.
Rachel practically inhaled the coffee Kurt offered as he sat down beside her on the bed. Maybe he'd put her vibrating with happiness down to caffeine overload. She eyed Kurt over the rim of her mug, as he seemed to debate what starting point to take with her. Time to head him off.
"What I'm really loving about the whole New York college experience is not having to account for my whereabouts every second of the day," she sighed wistfully as she fixed Kurt with a sincere wide eyed look, "Just being able to do things on a whim is just so," she paused, "liberating."
"Yes well um," managed Kurt before Rachel suddenly cut him off with a hug.
"And you're such an ideal flatmate," she flattered shamelessly, "being concerned without prying. It's such a rare talent, most people wouldn't be able to do that."
Kurt pulled away from the far too enthusiastic hug that Rachel was giving him. She was clearly telling him to mind his own business but he wasn't just going to back off. He needed to play her at her own game.
"As a concerned friend I can't help noticing you've been a bit withdrawn recently and it's hard not to worry when you suddenly race out of the flat like you did last night," he said quietly.
Rachel looked down at her hands before looking at him hesitantly, "Well," Rachel began with a little squirm, "It's just, well it's a bit awkward but then relationships are," Kurt tried to control his excitement. Was Rachel about to confess to her fling with Quinn or whatever it was? It was almost worth braving being up at this hour for.
"You know, when it's the start of a new relationship and things are a bit fragile and tentative," Rachel sighed, "What I'm trying to say is that I've been trying to give you the space you need to explore your relationship with Stefan without me being too much of a third wheel. I'm sorry if that's made me seem withdrawn."
Kurt gaped at her, as his planned triumphant response of "I knew there was something going on between you and Quinn" was suddenly no longer apt. There was reason he didn't usually get up at this time in the morning - oh yes the inability to think, that was it.
"I'm sure you'd do the same if roles were reversed." Rachel added pleased with her ability to wrong foot and silence Kurt, if only temporarily.
"Umm well you don't need to hide from us Rachel besides," Kurt leaned into her conspiratorially, "I think Stefan's a huge fan of yours and is half hoping your talent will rub off on him." Two could play the flattery game. "So last night?" he prompted with a casual indifference that belied the intense level of curiosity he felt.
"Yes well I must have got my dates wrong as I was surprised by the start of my menstrual cycle and I didn't think I could send you to the shop on my behalf to purchase the appropriate...uh...essentials." Explained Rachel putting all her effort into keeping a straight face as Kurt squirmed with embarrassment. He had paled on just the mention of the word menstrual and was struggling to disguise his discomfort even as he edged slightly away from Rachel.
"Don't worry, it's definitely not catching," she teased him.
They both sipped their coffees as they waited for Kurt to move on from his discomfort.
"Are you really okay?" asked Kurt. He looked at her closely, "I know I don't usually see you in the mornings but your lips look a bit puffy and swollen."
Rachel had no way of stopping her face flaming as her mind raced for a reply.
"I think I've been biting my lips in my sleep as I'm worried about next week's performance at Cassie's farewell," Rachel realised she'd used Cassie instead of Ms July but hoped Kurt wouldn't pick up on it, "I haven't even finalised a song yet."
"Hmm. Well what about 'Ding dong the witch is dead'?" mused Kurt.
"Kurt you're sounding dangerously like the bitchy gay dancers you always moan about. You know 'walking stereotypes giving gay men a bad name' and I know you're better than that," Rachel replied hastily to cut Kurt off from expanding on his thoughts about Cassie.
Kurt was momentarily chastened before replying, "You shouldn't worry about it. You don't owe that woman a thing. Besides," Kurt grinned at Rachel at a slowly dawning thought, "You're the one who called Ms July a paler, meaner version of the wicked witch of the east. That's where the idea of the song sprung from."
"Yes well," responded a suddenly flustered Rachel, "that was before I properly appreciated her teaching abilities."
"Yeah, right," scoffed Kurt as he laughed at her before adding sarcastically, "You're definitely a big fan of hers."
"No...I've sort of developed an... er... affinity for her methods," stuttered Rachel.
Kurt's laughter was louder.
"Oh right, abuse as a motivator. Who knew?" scoffed Kurt, "As for her and Brody.."
Rachel's glare was enough to know he needed to drop the subject. He held his hands up in a gesture of conciliation. They sat in silence drinking the rest of their coffees.
"Thanks for this Kurt," Rachel waved her mug at him, "I could get used to coffee in bed every morning."
"Don't even think about it. This is just a one-off as early mornings are so not me," Kurt stood and headed out of the room.
Kurt was halfway to the kitchen when it occurred to him he should have collected Rachel's empty mug while he was in her room. So he turned and popped back to collect the mug only to be met by the sight of Rachel on her knees adjusting the hangings on her bed and even more weirdly, even for Rachel, talking to them. Had she really been telling the creases they could come out now? He cleared his throat and watched Rachel jump guiltily. He tried not to roll his eyes at Rachel's borderline OCD habits, at least she recognised her behaviour was a bit odd judging by the intensity of the blush on her cheeks. Lining up the drapes was one thing but talking to them was quite another. He held his hand up to stop whatever attempt to defend the indefensible she was going to make.
"I'll leave you to converse with your bedclothes in peace," he smirked, "I'm going to shower and then perhaps we can have breakfast together."
Rachel managed to nod in agreement. Kurt whistled his way back to his room to find his favourite designer products for his shower. Behind him Rachel sank on to her bed clutching her heart. There was only so much excitement she could take in one morning – was it possible to die of an adrenalin overdose?
A smirking Cassie finally emerged from under the bed.
"A paler meaner version of the wicked witch of the east" grinned Cassie, "I think you might need to work on your insults."
"Mmm," replied Rachel wasting no time in stealing a quick kiss," I know just the person to teach me."
They smiled at each other before moving in for a hug.
"Right, let's get you out of here while Kurt's in the shower," ventured Rachel, "I'm not sure I can take any more surprises."
"Good idea, we can't have much luck left now," smiled Cassie, "And I'm in desperate need of a coffee."
Rachel peeked out into the living space. She couldn't hear the shower but then Kurt was probably busy lining up his various designer products and debating the smell needed to match his chosen outfit. She took Cassie by the hand and headed towards the front door. Kurt's sudden appearance as he made his way to the bathroom had Cassie hitting the deck as if she'd been shot, her involuntary yelp as she landed drew Kurt's attention. Cassie slid silently behind the sofa.
"Everything okay?" asked Kurt as he noticed Rachel standing awkwardly in the middle of the living room, "Did you really just squeak?"
"More of a startled girlie yelp," replied Rachel also surprised by Cassie's exclamation as she hit the floor, "I'm used to having the flat to myself this time in the morning."
"You're very jumpy today," commented Kurt, "Maybe strong early morning coffee is a bad idea."
With that he finally headed into the bathroom.
Rachel stood still, sucking in some deep breaths trying to control the racing of her heart. She waited for the sound of the shower before finally indicating to Cassie that she could emerge from behind the sofa. As Cassie brushed herself down Rachel turned her iPod on and tried to ease the front door of the apartment open under the cover of her music.
"Girlie yelp?" queried Cassie slightly miffed as they stood in the doorway.
"Adorable girlie yelp," soothed Rachel.
"I'm too old for this, I don't think my heart can take It." muttered Cassie
"Let me make it worth your while," replied Rachel as she pressed her lips to Cassie's before encouraging her out of the door.
"Cassie?" Rachel whispered down the hallway causing Cassie to turn to face her, "Remember you're only as old as the woman you feel."
It was worth the exaggerated eyeroll she received in return. Rachel closed the apartment door and found herself smiling and itching to dance. She scrolled through her playlist until she located 'Friday I'm in love'. Turning up the volume, she allowed herself to dance round the kitchen singing along as she prepared a fruit salad for her and Kurt.
Cassie decided against heading home, settling instead for an almost leisurely breakfast before heading in early to NYADA for a shower and change of clothes. She caught herself singing in the shower and that giddily happy look she glimpsed on her face in the mirror would have to go. She schooled her features to disapproving, only for an involuntary smile to break out. Maybe she'd just have to learn to live with her face exuding the happiness she was feeling. She could always claim it was excitement about new challenges if anyone asked. Cassie hummed her way to the teachers' lounge for another shot of coffee. She knew she really shouldn't have stayed overnight at Rachel's and that they certainly shouldn't have kissed. She sighed even as she brought her fingers up to her lips. It was hard to regret actions that had caused such intense personal happiness. Nothing could ruin her mood; she just needed to be better at hiding her euphoria. The door of the staffroom opened and Lydia Fariweather's whining tones filled the space
"Carmen's always had a soft spot for her why else would a broadway washout with a vodka addiction be allowed to," there was a small pause as a surprised Lydia registered Cassie's presence," Cassie," she said brightly without a trace of embarrassment at possibly having been overheard," I was just telling Susie here how much NYADA was going to miss you."
Behind Lydia's back and out of eyeshot Susie rolled her eyes and waited for Cassie's verbal annihilation of Lydia - it didn't come. Cassie stood, causing Lydia to flinch involuntarily.
"Lydia," Cassie paused to sigh," please find some personal happiness rather than sucking the joy out of everyone and everything around you." Cassie placed her mug in the sink,"I can recommend it," she added as she strode out of the room.
Lydia grabbed Cassie's mug out of the sink sniffed it and then put it down," Seems like Cassie's started on the sauce even earlier than usual," mumbled Lydia feeling somewhat foolish now that she'd remembered vodka was virtually odourless.
"No," replied Susie reflectively,"I think she's just finally happy in herself judging by the way she was humming as she left."
Lydia frowned, something was terribly wrong with the world if Cassie was happy and she felt almost duty bound to do something about it.
Rachel was working hard on keeping her emotions under control as she skipped into her dance lesson with Cassie. She was bursting with happiness and bristling excessive energy, it was all she could do to keep her beaming smile in check. She'd floated in a gloriously happy haze through the worst NYADA's least inspiring teachers could throw at her. Her excessive praise of Fridays in response to Lydia's inquiry about her cheerfulness had Lydia looking at her as if she had a screw loose. Rachel had been trying not to countdown to this lesson but she had and now it was finally here. She bounced into the room slightly nervous about what her reception would be - they'd been too lip locked to actually discuss it. What if Cassie ignored her? Or worse, what if Cassie picked on her? Then Rachel's glance met Cassie's and her smile grew wider even as the pair of them hastily glanced away from each other. Was that a hint of a blush on Cassie's cheeks? That lithe body had been pressed into hers only hours earlier and those lips…Now it was Rachel's turn for a heated face as her memories made her blush. One more week she told herself sternly. One more week and then a decent respectable gap of time reminded her inner voice of reason. She ignored it.
Cassie called the class to order and led them through a light warm up before it came time for the introduction of today's chosen tune. She ran her gaze around the students as she carefully lined up her song.
"Okay a bit of nostalgia to end the week. Pairs I think" said Cassie calmly even as gaze caught Rachel's and her heart raced as a smile threatened to break out on her lips. There were and odd number of students in the class so she'd have to join in which was fine because she felt like dancing. It would be prudent sensible thing for her to choose someone other than Rachel. Julian sidling up to Rachel and placing his hand on her shoulder was enough to divert Cassie immediately froma sensible prudent path.
"Rachel, you're with me," instructed Cassie trying to keep her tone neutral even as Rachel's delighted skip to stand next to her made her want to laugh.
"Okay today's tune is..."
'River Deep, Mountain High' began to play from the speakers.
Cassie reached for Rachel's hand and pulled her in maybe a little closer than was necessary as she whispered suggested dance moves in her ear. She didn't need to whisper but the tantilising closeness of Rachel and the involuntary shiver she made as Cassie's breath teased her ear made the action worthwhile in Cassie's book. It was the ideal song to capture their current mood. On the second play through they spun and twirled their way exuberantly through the song. It was the first time Cassie had heard Rachel laugh while dancing, sparked by some of Cassie's more outrageous moves. Rachel made a comment about being glad Cassie wasn't wearing that skirt as ripping it off and tossing it aside probably didn't suit the current song. Cassie countered that she was glad Rachel wasn't wearing that lipstick or she would have been obliged to lick it off her and slowly too. Rachel's blush was just adorable. They sang and smiled at each other oblivious to the world around them. Cassie pulled Rachel in so her back was pressed against her front as she sang 'Do I love you my oh my' into Rachel's ear. It was then she noticed Lucinda's speculative gaze on the pair of them. She held Rachel a bit tighter, caught Lucinda's gaze and smirked at her while raising a knowing eyebrow. She was amused as Lucinda looked away. Rachel smiled at her and she grinned back. Finally it was great to be her and the future was looking amazing.
The grand finale of everyone dancing was uplifting and energetic. Cassie was focussed solely on Rachel and her obvious delight in dancing without fear of ridicule. She didn't notice that Carmen had stepped into the room until her applause broke through the exhausted panting of the entire class. Cassie passed a heavily breathing red-faced but smiling Rachel a bottle of water off her desk as Carmen walked towards them. Carmen's eyebrow raise at the gesture made Cassie aware of her mistake but she couldn't exactly take the bottle back now. At least Carmen would now realise it didn't have vodka in it - either that or she'd think Rachel had a drinking problem too.
"Bravo, I was coming to check whether Rachel was having second thoughts about next week's performance but..." Carmen's gaze swept over the pair of them, "well, whatever the disagreements you've had in the past you seem to have kissed and made up about them."
Cassie kept her gaze on Carmen even as her face lit up and a scorching heat radiated off from it. Rachel's sudden choked gasp suggested she probably wasn't faring any better so Cassie didn't brave a look.
"Well I think I've talked Rachel out of singing 'Mean'," drawled Cassie with a nonchalance she didn't feel. Who said her acting lessons had been wasted on her?
"I still haven't finalised my choice yet," managed a still slightly out of breath Rachel. She now dared to brave a glance at Cassie and was slightly pleased to find she looked as red in the face as Rachel felt "so you'll need to be nice to me for a little while longer."
"Sounds a little last minute on the preparation front," teased Cassie.
"Oh don't worry, it'll be something good," replied Rachel.
"And there was me thinking being good wasn't good enough," mock sighed Cassie only for Rachel to suddenly laugh.
"You're living dangerously," Rachel warned waving a finger at Cassie as the pair grinned at each other. Cassie's eyebrow raise was her only response.
Carmen's glance wavered between both of them trying to ascertain what the new dynamic between them was about before dismissing it as unimportant. Arrangements for Friday were well under way and she somehow doubted that Rachel didn't have a specific song in mind or even a few in reserve too.
"Anyway Rachel," Carmen interrupted the smiling marathon going on in front of her, "I'm sure you won't disappoint."
"I know you won't," seconded Cassie with a smirk and suddenly Rachel was blushing fiercely yet again.
Carmen sent Cassie a disapproving look even as Rachel headed off hurriedly to collect her belongings - she was in danger of being only on time to her next class instead of fashionably early. As the students headed off and Cassie gathered her few belongings together she was aware of Carmen loitering, seemingly waiting for an opportune moment to bring up what must be a potentially awkward topic of conversation judging by her nervous hand clasping. She wasn't sure how brutally honest she was going to be if Carmen asked her for her thoughts on the suitabilty of Lydia Fairweather as her replacement.
"You know it's great to finally see you enjoying your classes so much," ventured Carmen. Cassie paused her movements to look at Carmen and wonder where the conversation was heading.
"I think I've finally faced up to my demons," stated Cassie matter of factly,"and I'm beginning to look forward rather than back."
Carmen stepped a little closer and placed a hand on Cassie's arm as she asked, "Does that mean you're happy now?"
Cassie laughed with amusement, "Oh yes, definitely. So happy I'm even being nice to the freshmen."
"And all it took was for you to resign your post here," Carmen pointed out.
"This job, your kindness and the expression of your faith in me when around me all my dreams were falling apart have been so important to me even if I haven't always shown that," there was a pause as both recalled heated arguments of the past,"but I think now is the right time to move on."
"As long as you're sure that's what you want to do, I could always find space for you here, not that your pride would allow you to ask," offered Carmen. Cassie gave a wry smile, how well Carmen knew her.
"Thanks," replied Cassie giving Carmen a quick hug. Carmen held on to Cassie's forearms and took the opportunity to look her closely in the eye before asking one last time, "and you're sure you're happy?"
Cassie bit back all the smart remarks that sprang to mind and settled instead for a "totally sure, totally happy," and then because all this seriousness was a bit heavy she added flippantly, "Only another shot at Broadway could make me any happier."
Suddenly Carmen's expression turned into possibly the smuggest self-congratulatory look Cassie had ever seen on anyone
"Well," drawled Carmen, "funny you should say that..."