A Very FaBerry Glee-verse-part III-Theatricality
By Shiney1983
A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for the slight delay. I was abnormally busy the last week or so, and rather than rush out chapters I wanted to give these my usual time and attention. Hopefully they are worth the wait. "Theatricality" is one of my favorite episodes of "Glee" so far, and my only hope is that the elements I add enhance the relationships and characters I'm seeking to showcase. As always I'll be anxious to hear you guys' thoughts. So without further delay…
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.
"Guys, we have a serious problem. You know how I've been doing some deep background on Vocal Adrenaline?"
Quinn looked up immediately as Rachel charged in to the choir room. The blonde hadn't seen much of the tiny brunette since their impromptu slumber party the week before.
Quinn had wondered if the closeness the two were building was confusing Rachel as much as it was her. For her part, all Quinn knew is that sleeping with Rachel in her arms made her feel safe, happy, and wanted in a way she never had before.
Quinn dismissed her thoughts that Rachel might feel the same almost as quickly as they entered her mind, however. The diva's fathers had always provided her with all the love and acceptance in the world, and even though Rachel had confessed wanting such affection from her newly sought out mother, she couldn't possibly be seeking it or desiring it from Quinn. No one in the former cheerleader's life ever really had.
Quinn shook her head and bit her lip in an effort to clear her mind and return her focus to the here and now. The choir room was abuzz with excitement, due to Mr. Schue's announcement that, just like Vocal Adrenaline supposedly was New Directions would try their hands at Gaga.
The hazel-eyed beauty retrieved her art supplies from her backpack and began to plan her outfit. Pink, with pink eye shadow, maybe…maybe even a mask…
"Ladies would either of you be up for a little re-con mission?" Rachel's voice once again captured Quinn's attention.
"What," Quinn asked, confused, as Mercedes scooted her chair closer, eager to hear the brunette's plan.
"Well, now that I've gathered such damning intel on our competition, I find it entirely necessary, not to mention well within my rights as one of the leaders of this group, to find out as much as I possibly can."
Mercedes let out an exasperated sigh at Rachel's long winded and somewhat egotistical response. "So what exactly is your plan?"
"Rachel," Quinn whispered as the trio crept through the empty halls of Caramel High, "I still don't think this is a very good idea."
The determined brunette shook her head. "Nonsense Quinn, a little espionage is what is expected among any serious rivals."
"But I still think…"
"Come on. It'll be alright." Rachel linked her arm with Quinn's and the blonde's protests were momentarily forgotten.
"And five, six, seven, eight. One, two, three, four..."
"Think they can see us?"
Mercedes' nervous question pulled Quinn back to reality and back to her own concerns. "If they catch us, are we gonna have to go to jail," she whispered tiptoeing closely behind Rachel.
"Stealing their ideas is not a crime," came the diva's exasperated reply.
"...six, seven, eight. And one, two… ...and five, six, seven, eight. And one, two, three, four, five, six and seven…"
"They look amazing," Rachel breathed out, either mesmerized or terrified at seeing their competition rehearse in person.
Quinn had to admit Vocal Adrenaline was wonderful, even at this early stage in their Gaga rehearsals.
Their moves were crisp and in sync, totally textbook. The only obvious missing element was a little passion, and Quinn was sure they'd nail that piece too, as soon as they'd mastered the foot work.
Also, as if all of that wasn't enough of a worry for the New Directions, Shelby Corcoran was a real tour de force. The petite brunette had her hand on her hips as she called out directions left and right, only frowning slightly when the moves weren't completed with perfection.
She seemed to be almost the polar opposite of Mr. Schuester. The curly-haired director rarely led the group's choreography practices, usually deferring to Mike and Brittany, as the two dancers were responsible for most of the group's moves anyway. Not to mention that when he did sit in, he forgot half of the numbers anyway and almost never offered constructive criticism, simply telling them all how great they were.
Yep, Quinn could see their rag-tag choir was in trouble, but there was another reason the blonde couldn't tear her eyes away from the rehearsal. The take-charge director reminded her of someone. Her attitude, her mannerisms, her determination, even her speech pattern were all very similar to…
"Exactly what I would have done: Barbra. I could do it in my sleep."
Rachel.
"Oh my god," Quinn muttered before she could stop herself. She glanced at Rachel, watching the diva's face twist and turn as she figured out what Quinn had only a second before. Automatically the blonde reached between them and took the smaller girl's hand in her own. Rachel jumped a bit, surprised at the contact, but her eyes never left the stage, as her life's greatest mystery thus far unfolded right in front of her.
Mercedes eyed her classmates warily but couldn't quite tell what was happening.
Slowly, as if still in shock, Rachel dropped Quinn's hand, and began to move toward the stage, the whispered question and command from Mercedes and Quinn not even registering.
Then Rachel heard her own voice, shaky and quiet, "Ms. Corcoran?"
The older woman's head turned in Rachel direction, her eyes search questioningly when Rachel added, "I'm Rachel Berry. I'm your daughter."
All color drained from the director's face as her eyes moved to her choir all staring at her with shock and confusion on their faces. "Rehearsal is done for the night you can all go home," she managed, her voice lacking conviction for the first time all night
"But Ms. Cocoran-"
"Be back here tomorrow right after school, be prepared to stay late, and have a dramatic interpretation ready to demonstrate," Shelby interrupted, hands on her hips.
Almost collectively the members of Vocal Adrenaline nodded and began to file out of the auditorium. Quinn felt Mercedes pull at her sweater, pulling her from the daze she'd been in while watching the two divas interact. "Come on girl. Let's give 'em some time."
Quinn was unable to pull her eyes away but she knew Mercedes was right, so she allowed the other girl to pull her wordlessly from the auditorium.
Quinn was sprawled out on the pullout couch about to tackle the latest Margaret Atwood novel when there was a quiet knock on the basement entrance door. Quickly the blonde moved to answer it, sure of whom it would be. Sure enough Quinn found herself face to face with a very frazzled looking Rachel, who was ringing her hands and shifting from one foot to the other. Silently Quinn moved aside for Rachel to enter and wasn't surprised at all when the shorter girl began pacing.
"I'm sorry for showing up unannounced Quinn," Rachel began while Quinn's eyes followed her back and forth across the Puckerman's carpet, "it's just it's been a rather surprising and stressful day, and while I could have simply gone home, I'm not sure it's fair to cause my dads an emotional upheaval 'til I've dealt with my own, and besides I feel safe here…with you."
Quinn's heart leapt the smallest amount when she realized that maybe Rachel did get as much out of their friendship as she did, or at the very least more than the blonde had thought possible. However, now was not the time to deal with her own feelings, Quinn knew, so she took a deep breath and pushed them aside.
"Rachel," she said calmly, stepping into the girl's path and placing her hands on Rachel's shoulders, "you never have to second guess coming to me. We're friends. I'm here for you and whatever you need."
Rachel gave a small smile and relaxed her shoulders a bit. "Thank you Quinn."
"You're welcome," Quinn said smiling back, "now why don't we sit down before you wear a hole in the carpet."
Rachel obliged and Quinn moved to follow her, sitting calmly while the starlet gathered her thoughts.
"It wasn't the reunion she'd hoped for," Rachel admitted quietly, "maybe I'm not who she wants after all."
Quinn sighed and placed her hand gently on top of Rachel. "Rach," she started as the girl's brown eyes pulled up locking with her hazel ones, "if that's true, as I've told you before, it's her loss. Even if she only got to know you as a friend, she'd be getting an amazing gift. You're a great friend, Rachel," Quinn steeled herself as she admitted the next part quieter, "in fact you're the best I've ever had."
Rachel's eyes sparkled at Quinn and her smile was so wide Quinn swore it had to hurt the diva's face.
Rachel then launched herself at Quinn in a hug so powerful it sent both girls falling backwards on to the pillows. "You're my best friend as well, Quinn," Rachel said sincerely once the laughter between the two had died down.
Quinn smiled adoringly at Rachel and started stroking her cheek. Maybe it was just the roller-coaster of their night thus far, but Quinn swore Rachel started to lean toward her…
"Hey!" Rachel exclaimed ending the moment the two were sharing abruptly, then gently rubbing Quinn stomach she whispered, "Sorry if we disturbed you little one. How about a song as penance?"
Quinn laughed softly, not at all surprised, this was Rachel Berry after all, any excuse to perform.
"Now let's see," Rachel murmured already lost in thought. Slowly a smile spread across her face. "Perfect."
Rachel laid her head on Quinn stomach and hummed contently as Quinn absentmindedly ran her hand through brunette locks. Then quietly the starlet's voice began to vibrate through Quinn.
'Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.'
Quinn smiled to herself, as a gamete of emotions ran through her. Truth was she always loved hearing Rachel sing and now that the two were friends the ex-cheerleader reveled in no longer having to hide her joy.
Not to mention Quinn had always loved the "Wizard of Oz." In fact, that particular Garland classic had gotten the youngest Fabray through some harrowing nights at her childhood home.
Knowing that Rachel had picked that song not knowing any of that information, startled Quinn. The two high schoolers had so much in common. At times Quinn would swear it was as though Rachel could see her soul…
"I think she's settled back down now." Quinn had been so lost in her own thoughts she hadn't realized Rachel had finished the song.
"Thanks Rach," she mumbled trying to hide her shock.
"No, thank you Quinn," Rachel insisted, "I always feel better after I talk to you."
"I'm just glad I could help" was the blonde's modest reply.
Rachel sat up careful not to disturb the littlest Pukerman again and, to spite herself, Quinn frowned.
"Well I better get home before Dad and Daddy send a search party," Rachel stated swinging her legs off the couch. She stood then turned to look down at the blonde when she heard her laugh. "Don't laugh," Rachel chided, "it could happen. Those two are such drama queens."
Quinn swung her leg left and gently nudged Rachel's. "I think it runs in the family," she commented.
Rachel feigned offense. "Watch it, Fabray! You know I'm not above tickling a pregnant girl."
"True, but you just got her to sleep," Quinn reasoned.
"Well then I better leave before I lose my restraint." Rachel winked and suddenly Quinn forgot how to breathe. "See you tomorrow Quinn," Rachel called over her shoulder as she left.
However, Quinn was in full panic mode and barely heard the girl. How could this have snuck up on her? Better yet, how could this have happened period? Quinn Fabray, former golden girl of the ultra-Christian Fabray family, had developed a serious crush on a girl, and not just any girl, a girl Quinn once swore was her enemy. Quinn had feelings, and rather strong ones at that, for one Rachel Barbara Berry!
The next morning Quinn awoke grumpy an irritable. She'd had a lousy night's sleep following her inner revelation, and the emotions coursing through her now made her pregnancy hormones seem mild.
One thing the blonde knew for sure was that she couldn't stop thinking about Rachel. In TV shows this type of problem was easily solved. Buffy, the vampire slayer, falls for a vampire? No problem; give the guy a soul, make him the cuddly type of demon, the audience buys it, and all are happy (for a while at least.)
But this wasn't a script. This was real life, in small town Ohio, where she was a pregnant teen, whose destiny was tied to dot-on-the-map Lima. On the other hand, one look at Rachel's future and anyone could see it read star. It was one of the differences between the two girls that Quinn had always loved and hated. Now Quinn knew it was one of the many things that would keep them apart.
Then there was St. James. Quinn had always harbored a dislike for the male diva; for some reason he just rubbed her the wrong way. Now, however, that dislike turned to jealousy, then to anger. The alto star's bigger than life ambitions meant that he could stand next to Rachel without weighing her down. As long as he didn't screw up, Jesse could have a future with the starlet, and that knowledge hurt Quinn.
She stalked toward her locker, the return of the HBIC so thick around her that most of her fellow titans shied away. Quinn was relieved. Maybe she could get through the school day with as little interaction as possible. She started to feel some of the tension leave her body when…
"Hey Baby Mama!"
Oh great the last thing Quinn needed this morning was to have to deal with Noah Puckerman. Worse yet, it wasn't exactly like the blonde could ignore the father of her baby, who was giving her free room and board.
Quinn closed her eyes and breathed out a tired sigh as she inched closer to her locker and the mohawked boy fell into step with her. "What do you want Puck," Quinn asked through gritted teeth keeping her eyes straight ahead.
"Well," Puck began stepping in front of his ex, forcing her to stop and make eye contact with him, "I thought of the most righteous name for the baby."
Quinn sighed again and rolled her eyes. "Something tells me I'm gonna regret this, but what is it?"
"Jack Daniels," Puck stated brimming with pride. Quinn was almost surprised he didn't beat his chest to celebrate his accomplishment.
Yep, Quinn picked some real winner sometimes. Except for Rachel, she thought, then immediately berated herself for it. She had to stop thinking about the brunette, especially in that context.
She turned her attention back to Puck and looked the boy up and down in disbelief. "You're an idiot," she shot out, at a loss for anything better to say in that moment.
Puck's forehead scrunched up and he nearly stomped his foot in protest. "You're wrong," he argued, "It's a really good name. It's a rock star name."
"You want to name our daughter Jack Daniels," Quinn questioned still in awe of what she was hearing. Puck nodded. "She's a girl," Quinn tried.
Puck was undeterred. "Okay fine whatever. Jackie Daniels. The name is not the point."
As Puck began to search her eyes Quinn could feel what he was thinking, and she needed to stop it. Puck trying to usher both of them back on the baby train was one more headache than the blonde could handle right now.
"I told you this," she started, her words already coming out more forceful than she intended, "I'm giving up the baby so I don't have to do this with you." Quinn saw immediately how much impact her words had had and grasped for something to take the edge off. "This is good for you," she told him, "Now you can go off and be a rock star yourself."
Not wanting to stick around to see if her words had helped or hurt, Quinn pushed passed Puck and walked away.
Quinn groaned as she headed toward the bathroom to change out of her Gaga getup. As she had expected it had been a long day, and glee hadn't helped.
To begin with, Quinn had seen the hurt in Rachel's eyes when she'd showed up to in the choir room in what she had called "an homage to her lost childhood." The diva had then tried to cover her sadness by ushering the group into performance, but Quinn could still see the pain. It made the ex-cheerleader want to hold the starlet and run away all at the same time. She certainly didn't want to run into the brunette in the bathroom, but as it always seemed to, life had other plans.
The petite girl was talking very animatedly to Kurt and Tina. The Asian girl gave Rachel a reassuring smile. "I'm sure she'll help and I'm sure it'll be great. Don't worry Rachel." Tina offered Quinn a tiny wave as she walked past her then and left the bathroom. Kurt followed her out soon after, muttering something about an Ikea catalogue and days of work ahead of him.
"What was that all about," Quinn questioned as Rachel faced her and gave her a beautiful smile, causing Quinn to blush.
If Rachel noticed, she didn't seem fazed by it. She waved her hand dismissively, "Oh Kurt's dad gave him and Finn a sort of redecorating fund to soften their new living arrangement, and Kurt seems to have taken the project on sans Finn's input."
"No not that," Quinn said, "I mean, what was Tina talking about? Who'll help with what?"
Again Rachel flashed her mega-watt smile. "My mom. Kurt suggested I ask for Shelby's assistance in procuring a more suitable Gaga outfit prior to the boy's performance tomorrow."
Quinn instinctively wondered how the seemingly reluctant choir director would feel about Rachel's use of the term 'mom' and it hurt Quinn to see the hopefulness in the brunette beauty's eyes. It was the same look Quinn used to get when she made an effort to please her mom and dad, a look Quinn knew could end in heartbreak.
"I'm gonna go to Caramel now and talk to her after rehearsal," Rachel said almost humming with excitement, "I'll call you tonight if I can."
Quinn grabbed Rachel's hand as the shorter girl tried to pass her on the way out. It was the first real contact they'd had since Quinn realized her feelings, and the touch made the blonde's mouth go dry.
Quinn swallowed and breathed out quietly, "Be careful, Rach."
Rach leaned over and kissed Quinn on the cheek. "I appreciate the concern Quinn," she replied, "But I assure you it's unnecessary. I'll be fine. You'll see."
Quinn wasn't convinced, and after collecting herself following the unexpected kiss, Quinn turned on her heel and went to find Mr. Schue. The man may not be the best choir director but Quinn knew he might be her best ally in helping protect Rachel's heart.
Rach was abuzz with excitement when she knocked on the door to the Puckerman basement. Her time with Shelby had gone perfectly and she couldn't wait to share her new look with Quinn. She found herself fighting back an alarming amount of disappointment when a sweaty Noah Puckerman greeted her instead.
"Why my little Jewish princess," the boy said eyeing Rachel cautiously, "what brings you to chez Puckerman at this hour?"
"I was looking for Quinn," Rachel stammered out, still a bit surprised.
"Ahh," Noah said shaking his head, "alas my baby mama is not here at the moment, probably on one of her late night ice cream runs. You wanna come in anyway."
"Thank you Noah," Rachel answered as the boy moved aside so she could step in. "What are you doing," she asked, noticing for the first time that the boy had his guitar.
"I wanted to write a song to convince Quinn that we should name our baby Jackie Daniels and the acoustics are better down here."
"Why," Rachel questioned again moving to sit on the couch.
Puck joined Rachel on the couch. "I want the kid to have a totally badass name," then he dropped his eyes and his guard, something he always found himself doing around the diva. "You know for when I can't be there to protect her."
"Noah," Rachel responded touching her friend's knee, "if you want your daughter to feel your love, you shouldn't express it in an attempt to harden her against the outside world. You should try to pick a name that represents the regret you feel over not being able to be there for her. Plus, Quinn will never agree to Jackie Daniels."
Puck's eyes shown with gratitude and understanding. "I think I get what you're saying," he said with renewed confidence, "and I think I might know the perfect song."
"I'm glad I could help Noah," Rachel said pulling the boy into an awkward embrace. "You'll tell Quinn I stopped by?"
"I will," he promised, standing to match the brunette's new posture, "Thanks Rach." He offered the girl one of his rare genuine smiles which she immediately returned.
"Goodnight Noah."
"Night Rachel," he said, then turned and ran upstairs to grab the phone. He and his Kiss band mates had some work to do, pronto.
A few days later, Quinn sat in glee rehearsal speechless. She couldn't believe that Puck had come up with the perfect name for their baby girl, with such emotion behind it to boot. She caught up with him at his locker to tell him as much and to say that she would consider the name. She kissed him on the cheek as she rounded him at his locker.
"What was that for," Puck questioned clearly stunned.
"I wanted to thank you for what you said in glee today and for the song. It was beautiful. I think she'd be lucky to be called Beth."
The boy shrugged sheepishly. "I just wanted to give her something you know, so she'd know I thought about her.
Quinn blushed. "I'll definitely consider it," she supplied before turning to leave.
"The credit isn't all mine you know," Quinn stopped and spun back around to face him, "when Rachel stopped by the other night, she made me see why Jackie Daniels was the wrong way to go. She even inspired me to think of Beth."
Quinn sighed and ran her hands through her hair. Of course, it had to be Rachel. Every positive feeling in the blonde's life lately could be traced back to the brunette. Her unborn daughter's name was just another in the long list of things Quinn had to thank Rachel for.
When Rachel opened the door, Quinn could tell there was something bothering her. As if to confirm her suspicions, Rachel said almost immediately, "I'm sorry Quinn, but now's not a very good time."
"Oookay," Quinn responded skeptically. The diva's eyes seemed glued to the floor and Quinn was growing more worried by the minute. "Rach, what's wrong," Quinn tried, "Rach, look at me please." Slowly, Rachel obeyed, and as brown eyes met hazel, Quinn searched Rachel's eyes with deep concern. As if in slow motion, the blonde watched the brunette crumble.
"S-s-she d-d-doesn't want me," Rachel stammered as tears filled her eyes.
"Who," Quinn asked confused, "Shelby?"
Rachel nodded. "She said we should admire each other from afar. I don't want that. I want to get to know her." Before she broke completely the diva added, "Why doesn't she want to know me?"
Quinn's heart broke for Rachel. Gently, she moved toward the girl and wrapped her up in her arms. She stroked Rachel's hair as tears filled her own eyes. "Oh Rach," she breathed in to the singer's ear, "I don't know baby. I really don't." The endearment slipped past the blonde's tongue before she could stop it, but she decided that now wasn't the right time to worry about that.
She continued to hold Rachel until the sobs racking her body subsided, and as she held the tiny brunette, Quinn knew one thing for sure: she was irrevocably in love with the girl in her arms, and she would do anything and everything in her power to make sure Rachel would never hurt like this again.
A/N: So, now hopefully you see why I didn't want to rush this chapter out. A LOT happened in it. I think it might be my favorite chapter thus far. I'm trying to delve into all the characters in depth like the show could, but never has. I hope you all are enjoying it. Let me know. Also, a few of the other gleeks have started to enter the story now. So I'm curious. As the seasons progress what characters/ships are you all hoping I explore? All suggestions will be taken in to consideration. Thanks for reading and thank you very much for your feedback!