Colors and Promises

by itsfaberrytaboo

Quinn has loved Rachel Berry since she was seven years old, bound to her by a light green ribbon. When Rachel tries to circumvent fate, 19 year old Quinn goes to New York City in search of her soulmate. But how do you establish your loving dominance over someone who doesn't even want to be found? D/s AU.

21. Off to See the Wizard

You didn't have to.

Hush.

She offers Quinn a half-smile and settles in amongst the blankets and stuffed animals piled on the floor.

Maybe thirteen is too old to have stuffed animals, she thinks, but there's a blanket over her head, draped over some chairs, and her room is warm and dim with only one lamp lit in the corner. Her mother is staying out late for something, Rachel isn't sure what. She doesn't care; she's just glad for the unfettered time to herself.

And Quinn is wearing red and white shorts and a white tee-shirt as she adjusts her own fort, which she then flops down in and gives Rachel a smile.

It's Halloween night. An unused superhero costume is tossed haphazardly in a corner of Quinn's room.

There is no costume for Rachel.

You're missing out on all the candy.

But I'm not missing out on you, Quinn says simply.

Rachel shakes her head. You deserve to have fun with… with friends, not be stuck in here with m—

Rachel, stop that, right now.

Quinn's tone is sharp and Rachel stops her line of thought, immediately.

Now you listen to me, Quinn said. What am I missing out on, really? Getting loads of candy that I'm just going to have to run extra laps at practice to work off. Parties? There's no one there I want to see and the guys only want one thing anyway.

The rush of anger and jealousy Rachel felt was instantaneous and natural. She knew Quinn felt it too, because the girl laughed.

Down, princess, it's all right. I'm just saying, I don't mind pretending to be sick if it means I get to spend time with you.

But you—

Rachel. Right now, there's nowhere else I want to be but right here, with you.

She thinks about Halloween. About dressing up as Elphaba, maybe. Collecting buckets of candy and walking up and down darkened streets, laughing with friends. Going to parties and tasting the first burn of alcohol, the haze of fun and relaxation.

And she sees Quinn, on her stomach against pillows, with her feet in the air, and armed with a million DVDs. Rachel glances down at her own stack.

Wizard of Oz? Quinn suggests.

Rachel's smile is bright and strong as she answers.

Follow the yellow brick road.