Chapter 27 – Just You and I Tonight

"What are we doing here?" Rachel asked as she stared up at the theater's marquee.

"You'll see," Quinn said, taking her hand.

"But the show doesn't start for another two hours!" Rachel said as Quinn pulled her toward the side door.

Quinn turned the knob, and to Rachel's surprise, the door opened. She really figured they locked these things between shows, but Quinn walked in as if it was nothing. Rachel looked around, certain they were going to be caught and thrown out at any moment. They only passed one woman along the way, though, and Quinn nodded at her, getting a smile back. Rachel furrowed her brows at the interaction and became even more curious about what on earth they were doing there.

"Quinn, what are we doing here?" Rachel tried again.

Instead of answering, Quinn looked over her shoulder, cocking her eyebrow at Rachel. The brunette sighed, knowing she wasn't going to get any answers out of the other woman. As she glanced around the hallway, she couldn't help but smile. She'd always felt at home in a theater—any theater—and this one was no exception. She found them comforting in an odd sort of way, as if she was meant to be there. And when Quinn led them onto the stage, her smile only grew.

"I know you were on this stage when we came for Nationals," Quinn stated. "Kurt told Tina about it, who told Brittany, who mentioned it to me when I asked why you weren't helping writing our songs when it was your idea to perform original songs."

Rachel smiled at the memory. "Yes, we snuck into the theater; it was the first time I had ever stood on a Broadway stage."

"And I have no doubt you'll be here many more times, and when you are, I'll be front and center, but right now, I want to hear you sing here," Quinn stated.

"You want me sing?" Rachel asked.

"Yes," Quinn replied. "Even in high school, I loved listening to you sing, and it's been far too long since I saw you perform." Quinn smiled. "And I want to be one of the first to see you on a Broadway stage."

Rachel ducked her head as she smiled and then nodded. "I believe I can think of an appropriate song."

It was completely unexpected of Quinn to do this, and as Rachel watched her step to the edge of the stage, her affection for the blonde only grew. This was the same person who made her doubt herself for years, and here she was telling her how much she wanted to hear her sing. Even though there was no music, that would never stop Rachel Berry from giving the best performance she could give.

"Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap!"

Rachel could practically hear the music in her head as she sung the song she knew all too well. She had sung it in front of Quinn before during her sophomore year, but it had ended with her losing a diva-off to Kurt. And the only reason she had lost it was because of Quinn and Santana, who sabotaged her performance.

"It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you won't bring me down"

Rachel looked over at Quinn and locked eyes with her. The blonde was staring at her intently as Rachel began to sing directly to the other woman.

"I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone said they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost"

Quinn smiled softly at her and Rachel couldn't help but return the smile through her tears. She didn't know why she was getting so emotional, but there was just something about being on that stage, singing to Quinn, and she couldn't seem to stop her tears. She never had any doubt that she would be on a Broadway stage one day or that she would have someone to sing to, but she never thought Quinn would be that person. At the same time, though, it was beginning to feel completely right.

"I'd sooner buy defying gravity

Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity

I think I'll try defying gravity

And you won't bring me down

Bring me down

Ohhhhhh, ohhhhhh"

Quinn began softly clapping the moment the last note finally stopped echoing through the room. Rachel tried not to blush as she looked down at the floor. She wasn't one to be shy, but the look on Quinn's face was almost too much for her. She wasn't used to anyone looking at her with such adoration and want.

"Sometimes I forget how amazing you are," Quinn said as she approached Rachel.

"How could you ever forget that?" Rachel joked with a smile.

"Thank you for reminding me," Quinn said, smiling back.

"Thank you for bringing me here," Rachel replied. "How did you get us in here, by the way?"

"A woman who works here had a book published this summer at the place I was working," Quinn explained with a shrug. "I asked her to do me a favor." Quinn reached out her hand and smiled. "Come on; I made dinner reservations."

Rachel smiled back and took Quinn's hand. "You didn't have to do that. This is already the perfect date, you know."

Quinn laughed. "Well, let's see if I can make it even better."

"May I ask you something?" Rachel said as she spun the spaghetti around on her fork.

"You can ask me anything," Quinn replied.

"Do you ever regret giving Beth up for adoption?" Rachel asked.

Quinn sighed as she sat back in her chair. She didn't say anything for a few moments and Rachel found herself suddenly regretting the question. It was something she had wondered for a while, though, and she thought she would finally ask. They had talked about it a little before when the subject of Shelby had come up, but this was the first time she was asking the question.

"Yes and no," Quinn finally answered. "I knew Shelby could give her a better life than I ever could and that's really all I wanted for her. And at least now I get to have her in my life even if she doesn't know who I am."

"She'll know one day," Rachel stated.

"Maybe she shouldn't," Quinn replied, looking down.

"Do you not want her to know?" Rachel asked.

"Do you really think she'll want to be around me once she knows I gave her up?" Quinn asked back.

"I think she'll understand," Rachel said. "Of course, I don't plan on telling her until she's older. Right now, it's far too soon after Shelby's accident, and I really wouldn't want to confuse her." Rachel cleared her throat. "I probably shouldn't have brought this up right now."

"No, it's fine," Quinn said, shaking her head. "I told you you could ask me anything and I meant it. If we're going to make this relationship work, we need to do that, right?"

"Right," Rachel replied before smiling. "You called this a relationship once before; so—does that mean we're officially a couple now?"

"What else would you call this?" Quinn asked, smiling back.

"I didn't want to assume anything," Rachel said with a shrug.

"Well, how many dates have we been on?" Quinn asked. "I think it's safe to assume at this point."

Rachel laughed lightly and said, "I suppose that's true."

"Did you ever think this would happen?" Quinn asked, shaking her head, and smiling.

"I'm fairly certain this is the last thing I ever thought would happen in my life," Rachel said, laughing again. "This had been a strange year, but I'm always incredibly happy where I am right now. I may not have seen this coming, but I'm glad it did."

Quinn was looking at her with that same look she had at the theater; Rachel wanted to look away, but she kept her eyes on Quinn's. She had the feeling the blonde wanted to say something, but she remained silent. That seemed to happen a lot. Rachel always wondered what was going through her mind and what she wasn't saying. Part of her was afraid to ask, though, which is why she almost never did.

"So, I told my fathers you were coming with me to Lima," Rachel said as she finally broke eye-contact.

Quinn hummed and said, "Are they already planning the best way to avoid me?"

"Actually, I've told them I would like the four of us to all sit down and have a nice meal together," Rachel replied. "They have agreed to dinner on Saturday night and I was really hoping you would agree as well. I really want them to get to know you the way I know you."

"Of course I will," Quinn said. "I know how important this is to you, so I'll do whatever."

"Wonderful!" Rachel replied. "I'll let them know."

"And I promise to be on my best behavior," Quinn said.

"Yes, no name calling and no drawing pornographic pictures on the bathroom wall, please," Rachel said with a grin.

Quinn shook her head. "Sometimes I can't believe how repressed I was back then or that it took me so long to admit I'm gay. What straight girl draws pornographic pictures of another girl just to bully them?" Quinn rolled her eyes. "I'm shocked no one else figured it out. Santana claimed to know the whole time, but if that was the case, she would have told everyone just to get back at me when I stole her spot on the Cheerios."

"Yes, I don't believe Santana could have remained quiet for very long," Rachel remarked.

"I'm kind of hoping my mom will agree to have lunch with us while we're in town," Quinn said, reaching out for her glass, and taking sip. "She'll never acknowledge that we're anything more than friends, but—I don't know."

"You want to try," Rachel stated. "It's understandable, and I would be happy to have lunch with you and your mother."

"I doubt you'll be saying that after you have lunch with her," Quinn said with a wry smile.

"I'm sure I've been through worse," Rachel replied.

"Maybe so, but she has this way of making you feel like a complete disappointment with just a look," Quinn commented.

"Is that how she makes you feel?" Rachel asked. "Like a disappointment? Because I can assure you, you're far from one. You're smart and beautiful and talented. I've always envied that; I always wished I could be more like you. You have an amazing life ahead of you and you should never let anyone make you feel differently."

"How do you always do that?" Quinn asked.

Rachel frowned slightly. "Do what?"

"Make me feel better," Quinn replied. "Even when I was horrible to you, you always came to me when things went wrong."

"I really didn't think anything I said ever mattered," Rachel stated.

"Well, it did," Quinn replied. "More than you know. Even when I tried to push you away, you'd always be there to tell me what I needed to hear. I think that's one of the reasons I hated you so much. No matter what I did or said, you were always right there."

"I guess I have a habit of not giving up on people," Rachel said with a shrug.

"But you eventually did," Quinn noted.

"Honestly, I never thought anything would ever change, so I made the conscious decision to give up trying so hard since it didn't matter," Rachel replied. "It was after Regionals during our junior year when you told me I didn't matter to anyone and that I never would."

"I couldn't have been more wrong," Quinn said softly. "I'm just thankful you gave me another chance."

"So am I," Rachel replied, giving the blonde a smile.

"On the right," Quinn instructed to the cab driver.

Rachel was disappointed that the cab ride was already over. She really wasn't ready to say goodnight to Quinn even if it was getting late. She knew Kurt would be home soon with Beth—who had spent the evening with Zoe and Emma—and she had planned on being there before they got back. But it was hard to part when the night had been so perfect, and all she wanted was for it to never end even if she knew that wasn't possible.

"Would you like to come up?" Quinn asked, turning to Rachel.

Rachel's first thought was to say that she needed to get home, but she found herself nodding and saying, "I would like that."

Quinn paid the driver before stepping out of the vehicle and walking around to Rachel's door. Rachel thanked the driver on the way out and Quinn closed the door behind her. As Rachel looked up at Quinn's apartment, the blonde took her hand, and began leading her to the door. By the time they were standing outside of the door to Quinn's apartment, Rachel's nerves began to set in. She didn't even know what Quinn had planned—for all she knew, she could be inviting her in for tea—but she knew what was on her own mind and it definitely wasn't a hot beverage.

"Is your roommate home?" Rachel asked as Quinn unlocked the door.

"Actually, she said not to expect her back tonight," Quinn replied, looking over her shoulder, and rolling her eyes. "She's been flirting with this bartender and I think she was planning to finally seal the deal tonight."

Quinn opened the door for her and Rachel stepped inside the apartment. As she put her purse on the table in the entryway, she heard the door close behind.

"Are you sure she's not going to be home tonight?" Rachel asked, looking over her shoulder.

"Fairly certain," Quinn answered, walking next to her. "Why do you ask?"

"I just wanted to be sure," Rachel quietly replied.

She tried not to blush as Quinn's eyebrow rose in realization. Quinn threw her purse next to Rachel's, never breaking eye-contact as she did so. Rachel followed the other woman's every move, and the moment Quinn tossed her keys onto the table, Rachel threw her arms around the back of Quinn's neck, crashing their lips together.

Quinn wrapped her arms around Rachel's waist, pulling their bodies flush, and nearly lifting Rachel off her feet. The blonde began walking them back, never breaking the kiss, which only became more intense. Quinn's hands began to wonder up her sides, grazing her beasts as they made their way up her neck, finally landing on either side of her face. Quinn pulled back, holding Rachel's face still when she tried to follow her.

"Are you sure about this?" Quinn asked.

Rachel nodded and said, "I'm sure."

Even though Rachel was sure about this, it didn't stop her from being nervous. She had never been with a woman before, and while she figured she knew the basics, she was afraid she was going to disappoint Quinn. It felt like her first time all over again, expect this was probably even more nerve wracking since she had never been worried about disappointing Finn.

When Quinn entwined their fingers together, she gently pulled her toward her bedroom, and Rachel followed with a shy smile. She walked into the bedroom and turned around, watching Quinn as she closed the door. Quinn's eyes locked onto hers and they stared at each other for several moments as neither of them said a word. Finally, Quinn pushed off from the door until she was standing just in front of Rachel. One hand moved up to cup Rachel's cheek while the other landed on her hip. Silently, Quinn brought their lips together again; this time it was much more languid, but no less intoxicating.

Rachel held on to Quinn's waist as she began to guide them back to the bed. When the back of her thighs touched the edge of the mattress, she paused for a moment, but Quinn quickly took control. The blonde leaned forward and Rachel sat on the bed before crawling backwards. Quinn followed suit, never breaking the kiss as she moved with Rachel, hovering just above her. Once Rachel was completely on the bed, she leaned up, pushing Quinn back slightly.

"Are you okay?" Quinn asked.

Rachel quickly nodded. "I'm wonderful."

Quinn smiled as she ran her thumb along Rachel's bottom lip. Before she could kiss her again, though, Rachel put her hands on Quinn's back and pulled the zipper down. Her dress fell down slightly, and Rachel helped it along by slipping the straps down Quinn's shoulders. The blonde sat up, allowing Rachel to take it the rest of the way off, leaving Quinn in her bra and panties. Her eyes roamed over Quinn's body, noticing several scars along her stomach and side, which she assumed were from her accident.

Rachel traced the one on Quinn's side with her thumb as she looked up at the other woman. Quinn glanced down at the motion and then looked up, locking eyes with Rachel. After a few moments, Rachel trailed her hands up from the scar and reached around Quinn's back once again, releasing the hook on her bra. Rachel just stared for a moment, completely transfixed as Quinn discarded the garment. When she finally looked up at Quinn's face again, the blonde had a slight smirk on her face. Rachel no longer felt embarrassed, though. Quinn was the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen, and she was going to admire every inch of her.

Rachel leaned forward and nipped at Quinn's lip before reclaiming her mouth. Their tongues met and tangled together, causing Rachel to whimper. Her hands trailed up the blonde's sides again, her thumbs brushing Quinn's bare, erect nipples. Quinn instantly reacted by moaning, so Rachel did it again, hoping to get the reaction out of the blonde again. Quinn moaned even louder and Rachel pulled back so she could see her. Quinn had her lip between her teeth and a look on her face that Rachel had never really seen before.

Quinn's eyes looked darker than usual and she was looking at her hungrily. As much as Rachel wanted to take her time and remember every second of this, her desire to touch Quinn was even stronger. She slipped her hand into Quinn's black panties and was immediately met by her wetness. Rachel didn't know if they were in the best position for this—Quinn was half on top of her and Rachel's hand was at an awkward angle—so she guided Quinn until she turned, and Rachel used her free hand to push her back onto the bed.

Quinn whimpered slightly when Rachel pulled her hand away and lifted her head. Rachel just smiled softly and grabbed the top of Quinn's underwear, pulling them down her thighs, staring at the newly exposed flesh as she did so. She looked into Quinn's eyes as she pulled them the rest of the way down, throwing them somewhere over the side of the bed. As Rachel stared at Quinn, she was internally debating what she should do. She had no idea what Quinn liked and she didn't want to disappoint her in any way. She looked away, but when she glanced back at Quinn, the blonde was smiling at her.

"Are you okay?" Quinn asked.

"I-I'm fine," Rachel replied.

"You don't have to do this if you're not ready," Quinn said, sitting up on her elbows.

"It's not that," Rachel said, trying not to blush.

"Oh," Quinn replied in realization.

"Yeah," Rachel said, looking down.

"You know whatever you do is going to be fine, right?" Quinn said, sitting up further.

"I would like it to be more than fine, though," Rachel replied. "I want this to be special."

Quinn put her hand on Rachel's cheek and forced her to look up. "It is special because I'm with you. This is the first time I've ever—"

"Ever what?" Rachel asked when Quinn fell silent.

"This is the first time I've ever done this with someone I love," Quinn finished, averting her eyes as soon as the words left her mouth.

Rachel's jaw fell for a moment, but then her shock quickly turned into happiness, and a smile spread across her face. "I love you, too, Quinn."

Rachel leaned forward, bringing their lips together in a gentle kiss. When the brunette pulled away, she rested her forehead against Quinn's and just stared into her eyes for a moment. She no longer felt nervous anymore, and all she wanted to do was make love to Quinn. She gave Quinn another, lingering kiss before guiding the blonde back onto the bed and then making her way down to taste Quinn for the first time.

Rachel felt Quinn shift next to her and she looked over to find the other woman staring at her. She gave the blonde a shy smile as she pulled the sheet up a little further and turned toward Quinn. Quinn had been asleep for the past hour, but Rachel was wide awake even though it was well past three in the morning. She was tired, but she couldn't seem to stop thinking long enough to actually fall asleep.

"You okay?" Quinn asked.

"I'm fine," Rachel replied.

"Then why are you still awake?" Quinn asked, moving closer to Rachel, and wrapping her arm around her waist.

"I was just thinking," Rachel answered.

"About what?" Quinn asked lightly.

Rachel sighed softly and looked up at the ceiling in Quinn's bedroom. She didn't want to let her insecurities get to her and she would rather not share them with Quinn. It was embarrassing enough without having to say it out loud, but she wasn't going to lie to Quinn. So, she looked over and Quinn, sighing once again, and trying not to blush before the words even came out of her mouth.

"I guess I should say I was worrying," Rachel said. "Worrying if—I was okay."

Quinn began laughing and buried her face in her pillow, which made Rachel frown. That wasn't the reaction she was hoping for, but she supposed it was better than Quinn telling her she was terrible. Still, it didn't do much for her confidence. Rachel crossed her arms over her chest, trying not to huff

"I'm glad this is amusing to you," Rachel remarked.

"I'm sorry," Quinn said, looking up at her with a smile still firmly on her face. "You're just too cute sometimes."

"What?" Rachel asked.

"You have absolutely nothing to worry about," Quinn said, placing a kiss just below her jaw.

"I don't?" Rachel asked.

"No," Quinn softly replied. "It was perfect. You were perfect. Believe me, I definitely want to do that again very, very soon."

Rachel smiled in relief. "That's good to know. And me too. About wanting to do it again."

Quinn laughed lightly. "You're usually much more eloquent than this."

Rachel rolled her eyes at herself. "I know, and I apologize for being a little weird about this. I just know you've been with other women and I barely even have any experience with guys, not less women. I didn't want our first time together to be a disappointment and I suppose it's made me a little insecure. But, if you say everything was okay, I'll believe you and gladly never bring up the subject again."

"I believe the word I used was perfect," Quinn replied with a smile.

"And it was," Rachel said, smiling back.

Despite her insecurities, it had definitely been perfect for Rachel. She had never been with anyone who was so attentive to her. It had also never felt so right with either of the guys she had been with. She had worried that it would feel strange because it was Quinn Fabray, but really, she'd never felt more at ease with anyone.

"Are you going to be able to sleep now?" Quinn asked.

"I may be able to," Rachel said before placing a quick kiss on Quinn's lips. "Goodnight."

"Night," Quinn replied, pausing a few moments. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Rachel said, smiling to herself as she closed her eyes.

The song was Defying Gravity from the musical Wicked.