A Very FaBerry Glee-verse-part II-Dream On
By Shiney1983
A/N: Hey guys! First off I want to say a heartfelt thank you to anyone who has taken an interest in this story. I started writing it mostly for my own amusement and posted it because I thought others might enjoy my way of seeing GLEE as well. I'm thrilled to find that is the case. If you know others who might enjoy it direct them this way. Also, if you are taking the time to read this story please review it. Any feedback, questions, and comments can only help with my writing process and will ensure that I continue to post for all you lovely readers. Without further ado, we begin on the night before "Dream On…"
Disclaimer: I own nothing belonging to GLEE, including any dialogue I borrowed straight from episodes for my own purposes. Also, any songs mentioned belong to the original artists.
"No way," Quinn exclaimed, shaking her head, "there is no way Angel is a better match for Buffy than Spike! You're out of your mind, Short Stuff."
Quinn sat on the Berry's couch as she'd been doing every night after school for the past week.
After agreeing to become friends, Rachel had persuaded Quinn that it was "imperative for us to get to know one another anew, as friends, not merely as enemies, or as two young ladies vying for the same suitor." After chuckling at Rachel's description of Finn as a "suitor" and assuring Rachel that she was the only sixteen-year-old capable of using "vying" in normal conversation, Quinn agreed.
The two would meet at Rachel's locker at the day's end, Rachel would drive them to her house, they would hang out until an hour before LeRoy Berry was due home, (Quinn was apprehensive about meeting Rachel's dads, given Quinn's colorful history with their daughter), and Quinn would take the bus back to the Puckerman's. She could've asked Puck to drive her after football practice, but neither girl was ready to face the overly lude boy's probing questions about their new and sudden friendship.
In the past week, both diva and cheerleader had discovered that they had a surprising amount in common. On the first night Rachel found that Quinn had a hidden love for all things Streisand, even owning a extremely well taken care of original "Funny Girl" script, which Rachel had admired for nearly forty five minutes.
The second night brought a revelation for Quinn finding that the two shared a favorite movie: "The Princess Bride." Quinn was shocked to find that Rachel's number one movie was not a musical, and Rachel found Quinn innate nerdy-ness absolutely endearing.
Each new disclosure showed the pair that they had grievously misjudged one another, and brought them closer overall.
Currently, Quinn had her legs draped over Rachel, as the shorter girl painted the taller one's toenails. Tonight's admission had been that both had a deep affection for the writer-director, Joss Whedon. Furthermore, of all his works, the two had a common favorite: the teen drama, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." They didn't agree, however, on which of her romantic interests the title character was best suited to, and thus was their current topic of discussion.
Rachel dipped the nail polish brush back in to the bottle and looked at Quinn. "I simply feel that Spike made a much more interesting adversary than a lover for Buffy," Rachel reasoned as she pulled the brush out and resumed her task, "not to mention I find the way he looks at her sometimes to be downright creepy."
"That's the look of passion," Quinn argued, "and besides, you can't tell me that you didn't think the scene when they make love as the house crumbles around them was at least a little hot."
"Erotic implications aside," Rachel began, awkwardly clearly her throat, "I hardly think that angry sex is the start to a healthy, long-term courtship."
Quinn removed her feet from her friend's lap as Rachel's handy work was complete and arched a trademark eyebrow in the brunette's direction.
"What?" Rachel asked innocently.
"Umm…did you just use the word 'erotic' in a debate about a TV show?"
Rachel shrugged, "Given the context of the debate I think my word choice was more than appropriate."
"Oh yeah," Quinn said, breaking into a wide grin, "well I think this is more than appropriate…"
With that, in one fluid motion, the ex-cheerleader grabbed the throw pillow from behind her head and hit the tiny starlet square in the face.
Rachel gaped, her face flush with excitement. "You are so dead, Fabray!" she shouted, climbing on top of Quinn and beginning to tickle her senseless.
Quinn squirmed and writhed trying desperately to slip from Rachel's grasp, but was unsuccessful, due, in large part to her very pregnant stomach. Suddenly Rachel felt a sensation that made her freeze and jump back instantly.
"What was that?" Rachel questioned shock evident in her voice.
"I…I…umm…think that someone," Quinn indicated her stomach, "wants to join in on the fun."
"Oh!" Rachel exclaimed as realization hit her, then in a whisper, "I've never felt a baby kick before."
Quinn felt a blush settled into her cheeks. Talking about her unborn child always made her uncomfortable. It brought to the surface a whole host of emotions; she'd had yet to deal with.
The blonde bit her lip and looked at Rachel. "She really only does it at night…when I sing to her, when everyone else is asleep. Puck's only felt it twice and both times were purely by chance."
Rachel began searching Quinn's eyes and could see the raw pain hidden in the hazel orbs, some pain Rachel doubted Quinn even knew she had. It made the diva's entire soul ache for her friend. "Quinn?" she asked tentatively.
"Hmm?"
"What do you sing to her?" The question was so quiet; Rachel was almost certain Quinn missed it until…
'Baby mine, don't you cry. Baby mine, dry your eyes. Rest your head close to my heart, never to part, baby of mine.'
Rachel's eyes were already brimming with tears and when she heard Quinn falter upon singing the last line, Rachel took Quinn's hand and took over.
'Little one when you play, don't you mind what they say. Let those eyes sparkle and shine, never a tear, baby of mine."
Quinn squeezed Rachel's hand and locked eyes with the singer, tears also threating to spill from the blonde's eyes, as the two began to sing together.
'If they knew sweet little you, they'd end up loving you too. All those same people who scold you, what they'd give just for the right to hold you.'
Slowly Rachel placed her free hand on Quinn stomach, and, never breaking eye contact, Rachel gasped as she felt the baby kick furiously beneath her hand. Quinn gave a tiny laugh and covered Rachel's hand with her own as the two finished the song.
'From your head to your toes, you're not much, goodness knows. But you're so precious to me, cute as can be, baby of mine.'
"That's amazing." Rachel whispered quietly, as the tiny being inside of Quinn began to calm.
"Yeah, it is." Quinn agreed wiping at a few stray tears, then, slowly, she stood. "I…better go. Your dad will be here soon."
Rachel stood too. "You could stay." she offered. "I'm sure Dad and Daddy wouldn't mind a dinner guest."
Quinn smiled. "Thanks Rach, but…" she shook her head, "I'm so not ready for that today."
"I understand." Rachel stepped forward and embraced Quinn. Quinn breathed in the comforting scent of the girl who was quickly becoming her best friend and closest confidant. "You'll be a great mom someday Quinn," Rachel breathed, "when you're ready."
Quinn hugged the small creature in her arms a little tighter. "Thank you, Rachel." she responded, not sure if she believed it, but glad that Rachel had so much faith in her. Reluctantly, Quinn moved out of Rachel's embrace. "I'll see you tomorrow." she said brightly, putting on her coat and moving toward the door.
"Of course," Rachel answered following close behind, "goodnight Quinn."
"Goodnight Rachel. Thanks for another great night."
Rachel beamed. "It was my pleasure, Quinn, really."
"Bye Rach." Quinn offered a tiny wave.
"Bye." Rachel echoed, shutting the door softly.
As both girls drifted off to sleep that night, contented smiles graced their features, thinking of the special moment they shared.
The next day the choir room emptied out rather quickly following glee rehearsal and the unwelcome appearance of Bryan Ryan. Quinn lagged behind a bit, waiting on Rachel, and only moved to stand when the shorter girl did, as the last of their classmates exited the room.
"Rach," Quinn called out as she stepped off the risers, toward the girl. Rachel turned. "Are you okay?" Quinn asked the question sure she already knew the answer. The star-in-training put on a good show, but Rachel's dreams of Broadway were near and dear to her heart, a heart that Quinn was learning was easily broken.
"Of course, Quinn," began Rachel's stock answer, "I will not let some two-bit talent who failed to make his dreams a reality squash any of mine." When Rachel offered her a stage smile that failed to reach her eyes, Quinn found herself unsure which one of them the diva wanted to convince. Rachel took two steps forward then turned to face the blonde again. "Quinn, would you mind if we postponed our activities for this evening? I simply must put in some time practicing my foot work. I've been neglectful as of late."
It was a flimsy excuse and Quinn could see right through it. Rachel Berry never let any aspect of her performance slide; however, Quinn had a feeling that her friend needed some alone time to collect herself after the severe dream bashing they'd just endured, and Quinn reasoned some solace might do her good as well.
"Sure Rach, no problem." Quinn said brightly, smiling reassuringly at the girl. She slid her hand down Rachel's arm, giving her hand a tiny squeeze when she reached it. "Call me later?"
"I will." Rachel responded, nodding slightly.
Silently the two girls left the choir room, Quinn headed for her car, Rachel for the small dance studio on McKinley's campus that was hardly ever used.
Quinn had just turned out the light in the Puckerman's basement when her phone started to ring that night.
"Hello?"
"Hello Quinn." Rachel replied, not quite sounding like her normal self.
"So…what's up?" Quinn breathed out awkwardly. She was unsure of what was bothering Rachel, or even whether she should broach the subject, so she didn't.
"I apologize for taking an inordinate amount of time to call you tonight, Quinn. I found myself quite busy. Jesse's back," was Rachel rushed reply, in which Quinn could swear she detected the smallest amount of guilt.
The blonde tensed slightly at the mention of their former main competition's name.
Quinn shook her head slightly to rid herself of the feeling. Rachel should have nothing to feel guilty about. It was true that the ex-Cheerio had little regard for the new male lead of the glee club, a fact which she had done very little to keep secret. Something about the boy just screamed snake in the grass to Quinn, but she had to let that all go know. Rachel was her friend, and to spite all his flaws, St. James seemed to make the diva happy, even beating Finn by leaps and bounds in that department. As long as that were the case, Quinn would keep her opinions to herself, for Rachel's sake.
"That's great Rach! I know how much you missed him," Quinn said honestly, hoping she sounded as happy as she wanted to be.
"I did," Rachel agreed, and then she added, so quiet Quinn had to strain to hear it, "I thought he wouldn't come back."
Quinn breathed in involuntarily. Every time Rachel said something so self-depreciating, Quinn's heart ached. How was it possible that she'd known the starlet so long and had failed to see how easily her heart could break? Maybe it was simply that Quinn was hiding from how similar Rachel was to her former self, her true self. Either way, what she was learning about her classmate now, weren't facts the hazel-eyed beauty would be likely to forget.
Quinn let out a tiny laugh in hopes of lightening the mood. "What? And miss your drama? Never," she chided.
"Funny," Rachel laughed back, "he said something remarkably similar."
"Oh please don't compare me to St. James," Quinn begged, in an overly dramatic tone, "my heart can't take it!"
"Why Quinn," Rachel giggled, "I believe my flare for drama might be rubbing off on you. If I'm not careful you may soon be stealing my solos and my storm outs in glee club."
The blonde laughed joyously. She was beginning to notice that she only felt this happy and carefree in Rachel's presence. "Yeah, Short Stuff," she agreed, "I might give you a real run for your money."
"You are like him, you know," Rachel insisted, as their laughter died down, "in fact, I believe you share some of his best qualities."
Quinn smiled. While part of her was still reluctant to accept the comparison, she knew that Rachel had put her boyfriend on some sort of pedestal, and knowing that the diva held her to the same standard, gave Quinn a warm feeling inside.
"Thanks, Rach. I'll…umm…take that as a complement." Quinn managed.
"Good, that's how I meant it," was the almost instant response and then, "Quinn?"
"Hmm?"
"Jesse's helping me look for my mom."
"Oh yeah?" Quinn arched an eyebrow in surprise. She knew how much Rachel adored her fathers, and in the entire time the former HBIC had known the brunette, she had never once mentioned her birth mother, let alone a desire to know who she was.
"Yeah…I…it's what I wrote down today in glee club." Rachel confessed quietly.
Quinn's mouth dropped open. She, along with probably everyone else in glee, had naturally assumed that Rachel had written down "Broadway star." Learning that the petite girl had been so open only made Quinn's blood boil more to know that Bryan Ryan had gone all star-crusher moments afterward.
"I'm scared," Rachel continued. "What if I've built her up too much in my mind, and she falls short of my insane standards? Or…what if…" Rachel trailed off, afraid to say what she was most afraid of.
"What if, what, Rach?" Quinn tried encouragingly. "You know you can tell me anything, right?"
Rachel took a deep breath, and then sighed. She was silent for so long that Quinn thought she might've hung up, and actually checked her cell phone timer. Then Rachel said the words that nearly broke Quinn's heart. "What if I'm the disappointment? What if, when we find her, she doesn't want me?"
"You listen to me, Rachel Barbara Berry," Quinn demanded, the use of Rachel's full name sure to get her attention, "to have a daughter as incredible as you, this woman must be nothing short of spectacular. Furthermore, if, in the remotest of remote possibilities, the woman doesn't want you, it's her loss, understand? You are absolutely amazing Rach, and don't ever forget it."
"Thank you, Quinn," Rachel breathed, with tears in her eyes. "How is it that you always know how to make me feel better?"
"What can I say?" Quinn teased. "It's a gift."
"Hmm…and there's that ego again," Rachel jibbed back, "diva!"
Again, Quinn laughed. "Takes one to know one," she said through her laughter.
"Geez, Fabray. I guess I'd better let you get some sleep," Rachel chided, "That come back was rather weak."
"Watch it Berry!" came the response, followed by a yawn, "I guess you're right."
Rachel giggled again, truly loving the playful side of her friend, and then said sincerely, "Goodnight, Quinn. I hope you have pleasant dreams."
"Thanks, Rach. You too," Quinn responded. The blonde hung up the phone, and, as she did on many nights following a call from Rachel Berry, Quinn fell asleep smiling.
Quinn didn't see Rachel much for the next few days. Quinn tried not to let the diva's absence bother her. She figured that Rachel was busy, with St. James back, and with the pair's quest to find Rachel's birth mother.
In truth, however, Quinn felt a void inside her with Rachel gone; a void that made the blonde feel sad, lonely, bitter, and angry.
She had been unusually snippy toward Puck, and even a little short with his mom, which she instantly regretted. Loretta Puckerman had been gracious enough to open her home to Quinn after all.
To add to Quinn's sour mood, a rain storm had hit Lima. So far it had lasted for two and a half days, with no signs of letting up, and the blonde was sick to death of it. Rainstorms had made her uneasy for as long as she could remember, and the extra pregnancy hormones were just making her anxiety worse.
Not to mention Quinn's sixteenth birthday was today. Not that many people knew. Quinn liked to keep her birthdays pretty low key. When she was younger, few people came to her parties, and the ones people did show up to, her mom and dad usually ruined with their constant drinking and fighting.
Brittany had remembered, and while Quinn's two ex-teammates rarely talked to her outside of glee since "baby gate," her fellow blonde had snuck a card and some candy into her locker. The card was signed with both Brittany and Santana's names, although Quinn doubted the snarky brunette remembered her birthday, let alone had anything to do with the card.
Needless to say, Quinn was less than thrilled when someone knocked on the Puckerman's basement access door just as she was laying down that night. She got up and stalked across the room to answer it. She assumed it had to be one of Mrs. Puckerman's "drinking" buddies, as the dirty men were usually the only ones who used that entrance. So Quinn was more than a little surprised when she flung open the door and found a soaking wet Rachel Berry on the other side.
Quinn furrowed her brow in confusion. "Rachel?" she questioned.
"Hello Quinn," the dripping wet diva replied, smiling at Quinn in spite of her current state, "may I come in?"
"Uhh…sure," Quinn answered, stepping aside, still thoroughly confused, "Rach, did you walk here?"
Rachel tilted her head to the side and gave Quinn a highly amused glance. "Of course not Quinn, I took the last bus."
"Oh," Quinn mumbled, suddenly feeling dumb. Rachel set down her messenger bag and shrugged off her bright yellow rain coat, as Quinn motioned for her to sit down on the couch, which the blonde had already pulled out for the night. "So, what are you doing here?" Quinn asked, once the diva had gotten settled.
Rachel lit up with a grin that threatened to break her jaw. She reached in to her messenger bag and retrieved a lone cupcake in a plastic container, and a rectangular present wrapped in brightly colored paper. "Happy birthday!" the brunette exclaimed, causing the old couch to creak, as she vibrated with excitement.
"What…I…how did you…" Quinn stammered, unable to finish a thought due to pure shock.
Rachel blushed. "I…umm…I noticed it marked on the calendar in Finn's bedroom back when we were dating."
Again, Quinn was shocked. Not that Rachel would notice such a small detail, but that Finn would have taken the time to note her birthday. She had forgotten how caring the dopey quarterback could be. He had his moments. Quinn shook her head slightly and focused her attention back to Rachel. Slowly she took the items from the smaller girl and set them down next to her. Then she picked up the present. "What is it?" she asked, smiling at Rachel.
"Open it and find out."
Curiosity getting the better of her, Quinn quickly removed the paper, revealing a DVD copy of Walt Disney's Dumbo.
"Oh Rachel," Quinn breathed, emotions of her friendship with the diva and for her unborn child nearly overwhelming, "thank you so much."
Rachel shrugged, "I didn't know if you already had it, but I thought-"
"It's perfect," Quinn interjected, "I'll treasure it." She then set the movie aside and surrounded her friend in a warm embrace.
"Well I'm glad you like it," Rachel returned, against Quinn shoulder.
"So what now?" Quinn asked, pulling back.
Rachel motioned for Quinn to give her the cupcake container. The blonde obliged and the starlet pulled a candle and a lighter from her bag. She placed the candle on top of the cupcake and lit it, and then handed the dessert to Quinn. "Make a wish." she intoned. Quinn shut her eyes tight and blew. "What did you wish for?" came the diva's voice.
Quinn arched an eyebrow, "Can't tell you that or it won't come true," she said.
Rachel laughed, "Can't have that now, can we?" she responded.
"Nope." Quinn jumped then as a thunder-induced boom shook the windows. "Umm, Rach," she started, timidly, "do you think you could stay the night?"
Sensing her friend's fear, the diva took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "Just let me send a quick text to my dads, although seeing as it's a Friday, I'm sure they won't mind."
Quinn nodded, and then a thought occurred to her. "Hey Rach, how were you planning on getting home anyway?"
Rachel shrugged. "I honestly hadn't thought that far ahead," then the brunette's phone buzzed. "I have their permission," she informed the blonde.
"Thank you," Quinn said and then rummaged through a pile of clothes beside the couch. "Here," she said, throwing an old Cheerio's shirt and sweatpants at Rachel, "to sleep in."
Rachel retreated to the tiny basement bathroom to change and then joined Quinn once again on the pullout.
"Goodnight Rach," Quinn breathed, reaching up to turn out the light.
"Goodnight Quinn," Rachel replied, softly.
Being a naturally cuddly sleeper, Quinn automatically rolled toward Rachel. Realizing what she'd done, the blonde started to move away, but was happily surprised when Rachel sighed, and her petite little body snuggled deeper into Quinn's.
"Quinn?" The vibrations of Rachel's voice made Quinn's body tingle all over.
"Hmm," she whispered back, directly into the singer's ear.
"Jesse and I found a tape my mother left me," Quinn held her breath waiting for Rachel to continue, "I listened to it tonight…I heard her sing."
Quinn could hear the emotion in the tiny starlet's voice. "And?" she quietly coaxed.
Through the darkness, Rachel beamed with pride. "She was amazing."
Quinn mirrored Rachel's smile. "Like mother, like daughter," she stated. "Rachel thank you for remembering my birthday," she breathed into the darkness.
" 's just what friends do," Rachel mumbled her voice thick with sleep.
Soon Quinn breathing slowed to match the diva's, and so Rachel Berry and Quinn Fabray slept soundly in one another's arms for the very first time.
A/N: This section turned out better than I'd hoped; I like it a lot. Let me know what you all thought though. Comments, questions, and suggestions are all happily accepted. As Rachel once said, "I'm like Tinkerbelle. I need applause to live." LOL! Your time and effort in reading and reviewing this story are greatly appreciated. Also, don't forget to spread this story to fellow shippers if you have the time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Until next time- your humble author…