Chapter 33 – A Quiet Night

Rachel felt Quinn shift next to her and looked to the side to find the blonde with her eyes open. Smiling, she said, "Good morning."

"Hey," Quinn softly replied.

"Did you sleep okay?" Rachel asked.

Quinn nodded as she rubbed her eye. "You could use a better pillow, though."

"I can buy a new one for you," Rachel offered. "What kind do you prefer?"

Since they talked on Halloween about Quinn staying over more, she had done just that. In the past week, she had slept there three of the nights, and Rachel couldn't be happier about it. She didn't know why, but she just seemed to get a better night's sleep when her girlfriend was next to her. Mostly, though, she was just happy because it meant Quinn was around more. She still had a lot of schoolwork, but she now spent most of her free time there. Quinn even had a drawer there now, where she kept some of her clothes, so she didn't have to keep borrowing pajamas from Rachel.

"I can just bring a pillow from home," Quinn replied.

"If you're sure," Rachel said.

"I have extras," Quinn replied as she wrapped her arm around Rachel's waist and snuggled into her neck.

Rachel smiled and ran her hand up and down Quinn's arm. It was times like this when she would think about how truly content she was with her life. For the first time in her life, she was completely happy. She finally had someone in her life who she loved with all her heart—and who loved her back—not to mention a best friend she could always count on to be there for her. And then of course there was Beth; the little girl brought so much happiness into her life that she didn't even know she needed. She was fairly certain the only way her life could get better was if she was suddenly offered a part on Broadway.

"What are you thinking about?" Quinn asked.

"Just how wonderful my life is right now," Rachel answered before looking at Quinn. "Everything about this year was completely unexpected."

"Mine, too," Quinn said.

Rachel laughed lightly and asked, "You mean you didn't think you would be here in my bed?"

"Honestly, I didn't know if I would even ever see you again," Quinn replied. "Sometimes I kind of hoped I would run into you, though."

"Really?" Rachel softly asked. "Why."

Quinn shrugged. "I guess I just wanted to be able to apologize. At the same time, I was always a little terrified of what would happen if we did run into each other."

"Why would you be afraid?" Rachel wondered.

"I always knew there was nothing I could say to fix what happened," Quinn replied. "I had no idea what I would say to you. What is there to say when you were an absolute bitch to someone for four years?" Quinn shook her head. "What do you say when you went out of your way to make someone's life miserable just because you could?"

"I don't know," Rachel said. "I think it's more about a person's actions than their words, and with that, you've done an amazing job apologizing. I see every day that you're sorry and that you're not that person anymore."

Quinn hummed and began to play with the hem of Rachel's shirt. Rachel wondered—or hoped, maybe—that she was going to try to take her shirt off, but Quinn dropped the fabric a few moments later and asked, "What time is it?"

"A little after seven," Rachel replied, glancing over Quinn at the alarm clock.

Quinn sighed. "If I don't go soon I'm going to be late for class."

"I know," Rachel reluctantly said.

Quinn kissed her forehead before slipping out of bed, leaving Rachel feeling cold. Rachel sighed and sat up on her elbow as she watched her girlfriend. The blonde walked toward Rachel's dresser and pulled out a pair jeans before walking to the closet and grabbing a top. As she put on the clothes, Rachel smiled at the sight. Not only because Quinn's body was very aesthetically pleasing outside of clothes, but also because of what she had chosen to put on. Quinn wore almost nothing but dresses in high school—other than her Cheerio uniform, of course—which was a shame because Rachel thought she looks incredibly sexy in pants.

"I wish you didn't have to go," Rachel commented.

"Don't you have class this morning, too?" Quinn reminded her.

Rachel sighed and said, "Yes."

"So, you wouldn't be here even if I could stay," Quinn pointed out.

"Will you come over tonight?" Rachel asked.

"I would, but I have a test Monday and some of us are putting together a study group tonight," Quinn said, running her hand through her hair. "I'm probably going to be there really late."

"Okay," Rachel said, feeling disappointed, but trying not to let it show.

The last thing she wanted was to be too needy and risk pushing Quinn away because of it. She knew the blonde needed her space, but Rachel would be okay with no space at all. In fact, Rachel would be completely okay if Quinn never had to leave. It was just how she was in relationships; she wanted to be around the other person all the time.

"I'll be over tomorrow," Quinn said.

"You don't have to come over if you're busy," Rachel replied. "Shouldn't you use all weekend to study for your exam?"

"Probably, but I'll be over tomorrow," Quinn said, leaning down, and giving Rachel a kiss.

"But—"

"Rach, quit arguing with me," Quinn interrupted with a light laugh. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll bring my notes and you can quiz me."

"It would," Rachel replied, smiling at her girlfriend.

"I'll text when I'm coming, but it'll probably be sometime in the late afternoon," Quinn said.

Rachel nodded and grabbed Quinn's shirt, pulling her down for another kiss, and then letting her go with an, "I love you."

"I love you, too," Quinn said, giving her lips a quick peck before finally turning to leave the bedroom.

"I wondered if you were ever coming out," Kurt said as Rachel walked out of her bedroom.

"Why didn't you wake me?" Rachel asked with a yawn. "I would have taken Beth to school."

Kurt shrugged and said, "With Quinn staying over, I just figured you didn't get a lot of sleep." Kurt turned to her with a pan in hands. "But don't get used to it."

"I'm sorry," Rachel apologized. "I didn't intend to fall asleep again."

"Are you hungry?" Kurt asked.

"You made breakfast?" Rachel asked back.

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Do you think I'm performing Riverdance over here by the stove?"

"You just generally make it before Beth leaves for school," Rachel said, not appreciating her friend's sarcasm.

"She wanted cereal, so I thought I would wait until you were up, so I wasn't just making it for myself," Kurt replied.

"Oh," Rachel said. "Well, in that case, breakfast would be lovely."

"Why did Quinn leave so early?" Kurt asked as he turned back to the stove.

"She has an early class," Rachel explained.

"Is she coming back tonight?" Kurt asked.

Rachel shook her head and said, "She had an exam on Monday, so she's spending her night at the library."

"How ever will you survive?" Kurt asked over his shoulder with a smirk.

Rachel huffed. "I don't think it's a bad thing to want to spend time with your significant other. You know you would do the exact same thing if you were in my position."

"But I'm not," Kurt replied. "I'm going to be single the rest of my life."

"No, you won't," Rachel said as she sat at the table. "I guess that guy from last week still hasn't called?"

"No," Kurt replied. "Whatever, I'm over it. It's his loss."

Rachel hated that Kurt was so lonely, but there wasn't a lot she could do about it. She'd tried setting him up with guys at her school, but it had never worked out very well. She didn't know if Kurt was picky or if she was just really bad at picking men out for him. So, she usually left it up to him to find his own dates now even if she hated sitting back and watching him get melancholy over his lack of a relationship.

"Maybe Quinn knows some guys who would be interested," Rachel said.

"I'm fairly certain the only guys Quinn knows are ones who want to get in her pants," Kurt stated.

Rachel frowned at the thought. "I'm sure that's not true."

She knew it probably was true, though. It had always been true. Every guy in high school wanted Quinn Fabray, and she could see that not much had changed over the years. She saw it every time she was out with Quinn. Guys—and sometimes women—were always looking at her. Not that Rachel could really blame them—Quinn was quite stunning—but it wasn't always easy on her. She tried to ignore the looks her girlfriend received from other people, but it did bring out Rachel's insecurities sometimes. It just reminded Rachel how it easy it would be for Quinn to find someone else if she chose to do so, and the thought always made her stomach clench.

"It would just be nice if a guy actually called for once," Kurt remarked. "Or if the ones that did call didn't turn out to be duds."

"I promise you, Kurt, you will find Mr. Right," Rachel said. "He's out there and he'll come when you least expect it. He may even turn out to be the last person you would expect, but it'll be wonderful and you'll be happier than you could ever hope for."

"When did you get so sappy?" Kurt asked.

"I've always been sappy," Rachel replied.

"Yes, but it was far less noticeable when we were commiserating over our failed love lives," Kurt commented.

Rachel smiled and said, "I guess I'm just sappy over different things now."

"I guess so," Kurt replied as Rachel stood to grab some plates and utensils. "I know I complain, but I hope you know I'm happy for you."

"I know," Rachel said, smiling to herself.

"What would you say to a movie night?" Kurt asked. "Just you, me, and Beth. It's been a while since we spent a night together just the three of us."

"Don't you have to work?" Rachel asked.

Kurt shrugged and said, "I was supposed to, but Kat needed Sunday off for some family thing, so we traded shifts."

"That was nice of you," Rachel replied.

"Not really," Kurt said with a smirk. "Jason works tonight and you know how much I hate working with him."

Rachel laughed lightly as she began setting the plates and silverware on the table. "So you had an ulterior motive."

"Naturally," Kurt replied.

"Well, a movie night sounds nice," Rachel said. "You're right, it has been a while since the three of us just spent some quality time together, and I think we need to change that."

She hadn't even realized it until Kurt said it, but the three of them didn't spend nights together like they did. Quinn was over a lot of the time or Kurt would be working or one of them would be out for the evening while the other took care of Beth. And that wasn't how Rachel wanted them to be. They may not be biologically related, but they were a family, and they needed to make more of a concerted effort to spend time together, so they didn't slowly drift apart. Or maybe she just needed to make more of an effort; she was the one who was spending so much time with Quinn.

"Maybe we should make it a weekly event," Rachel added. "One night a week when the three of us do something together. We can alternate who chooses what we are going to do."

"I see a lot of zoo trips in our future," Kurt remarked.

Rachel laughed and said, "You're probably right."

"Oh!" Rachel said, lighting up. "I forgot to tell you! My dads called today and wanted to know if you would like to join us on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Since everyone will obviously be with their families on Thursday, they thought they would have a little get together. Burt and Carole are also invited, so when you speak with them, let them know. And Finn, too, obviously."

She wasn't thrilled with the idea of inviting Finn, and she knew Quinn wouldn't be, either, but they couldn't very well not invite him when everyone else was. It wasn't that she had a problem with him or anything—she still cared for him and probably always would—but it was always a little strange having him around. He'd once been such a large part of her life and now he barely felt like an acquaintance most of the time. And now that he knew about her and Quinn and had the past month to fully process the information, she didn't know what he was going to be like.

"Your fathers love to have parties, don't they?" Kurt said.

"Get-togethers," Rachel corrected. "And yes, they do love to entertain."

"I'll let my dad know," Kurt said. "I don't know where we're going this year or if we'll even be in town."

Rachel looked across the room at Beth, who was closely listening to her dance instructor. "I'm going to ask Quinn if she would like to invite her mother."

"That'll be fun," Kurt sarcastically said.

"I know," Rachel said with a sigh. "I don't know if I would rather her come or turn down the invitation. For Quinn's sake, I want her mother to accept our relationship, but I know that isn't going to happen overnight, and I don't know if having her come to my fathers' house would be the best first step."

"Too many gays in one place," Kurt commented.

"Something like that," Rachel replied. "On the other hand, she would see that we are all perfectly normal, happy people." Rachel shook her head. "I know how much it hurts Quinn that her mother won't accept her, accept us, and I hate that I can't fix it. I don't understand that she can't just see what an amazing person Quinn has become. Parents are supposed to want their children to be happy. Why can't she see that Quinn is happy and accept that anything that could make her that happy can't be so bad?"

"We got lucky with our parents," Kurt said. "We may have lived in a small minded town, but we were lucky enough to have parents who love us no matter what."

"I know," Rachel softly replied. "I can't imagine growing up being afraid of your own parents. Of being afraid that they wouldn't love you any longer if you turned out not to be exactly who they wanted you to be or even for making one mistake. Admittedly getting pregnant at fifteen was a rather large mistake, but to kick your child out when they need you the most is unforgivable."

"It was rather harsh," Kurt said.

Rachel crossed her arms over her chest and scowled. "Sometimes I wish I could tell Quinn's parents exactly what I think of them. How they have this amazing daughter and they can't even see it. How much they hurt her when they don't accept her or won't acknowledge who she is."

"Does she even talk to her father?" Kurt asked.

Rachel shook her head. "I don't think she's spoken to him since he kicked her out of her home. If she has, she hasn't told me; she doesn't really like to talk about him, though."

"I can't blame her," Kurt replied.

"Me either," Rachel said with a sigh.

She wondered if she should even bring it up to Quinn about asking her mother to come. She knew it would only hurt Quinn when her mother declined the invitation, which she felt like was inevitable. Rather than getting better, things seemed to be getting worse between the mother and daughter. Quinn said any time they talked on the phone, Judy would avoid the subject of Rachel altogether. She even said her mother wouldn't ask what she had been doing lately anymore because she knew the topic would come up. On top of that, she would still ask if Quinn had met anymore yet, like Rachel didn't even exist.

Rachel really thought it would get better over time, but she was beginning to wonder if it really would. Quinn's mom seemed to be going deeper into denial rather than moving toward acceptance. She knew it was taking its toll on Quinn; she could see it every time the blonde came over after talking to Judy on the phone. Quinn was beginning to say less and less about it, but it didn't matter. Rachel could just look into Quinn's eyes and see everything she was feeling.

"I think they're wrapping up," Kurt said.

"It is about that time," Rachel said, craning her neck to look at the clock on the wall just above her head.

"Should we pick up something on the way home or order once we get back?" Kurt asked.

"Maybe we should see how hungry Beth is," Rachel replied. "I don't really have a preference, and it is up to you, after all."

"No pizza," Kurt stated.

"I second that," Rachel replied with a light laugh. "I would be fine with anything else, though."

"We haven't eaten at that Chinese place around the corner recently," Kurt said.

"That's fine," Rachel replied. "Beth didn't like it last time, but we can just make sure we get a wide variety for her to try."

"If not, we have a frozen pizza in the freezer that maybe we can placate her with," Kurt said. "I think I'm going to like this idea of yours. Or at least when it's my turn to choose."

"Why do I have a feeling I'm going to come to regret it?" Rachel joked.

"If the delivery guy doesn't show up within two minutes, he isn't getting a tip," Kurt threatened.

Rachel laughed lightly and shook her head. The food was late—very late—but she knew Kurt wouldn't actually not tip him. He would complain to her and say he wouldn't tip or that he was going to complain to their manager, but when the food actually came, he wouldn't do any of it. He always threatened the same things when someone was late, but as a waiter, he knew how much tips meant, and he would never actually go through with it. Even when their pizza was an hour late once, the worst he did was make a passive aggressive comment to the kid.

"We could start a movie while we wait," Rachel suggested for probably the fourth time that evening.

"I wouldn't be able to concentrate," Kurt replied. "I'm too hungry."

"We should have just picked it up on the way," Rachel commented.

"Like that hasn't crossed my mind," Kurt replied, sounding a bit snappish.

She wanted to point out that he shouldn't have skipped lunch, but she knew that wouldn't get her anywhere. Kurt got very moody when he was hungry and it would probably only start a fight. And with Beth there, that was the last thing she wanted to do. She knew how impressionable children were and she didn't want Beth worrying in any way. Rachel's fathers never fought around her, and she always appreciated it. Usually the only way she knew they were having a spat was when they wouldn't really speak to each other for a few days, but that was certainly better than hearing them yell at one another.

A few moments later, something whizzed by Rachel's face and Kurt said, "Ow."

"Sorry," Beth apologized.

Rachel looked over to find Kurt rubbing the side of his face and then glanced down and saw a piece of candy sitting on the couch cushion between them. When she looked at Beth, she had a sheepish expression on her face and her Halloween bag sitting on her lap.

"I tried to get it in your lap," Beth stated.

"You know you're being too moody when a four year old gives you one of her last pieces of Halloween candy," Rachel whispered to Kurt as she nudged their shoulders together.

Kurt scowled for a moment, but then sighed and said, "I'm sorry. And thank you."

Just as Kurt began unwrapping the Kit Kat, there was a knock on their door.

"I'll get it," Rachel said, standing up.

"No," Kurt said through a mouth full of chocolate.

Rachel sat back down as Kurt stood and walked over to the door with his shoulders squared. She knew he had every intention of complaining to the delivery guy, but also she knew the moment he opened the door, all his bluster would go away. Sure enough, when he opened the door, his posture relaxed a little and his tone was conversational.

After taking several bags from the guy—they ordered a lot of food—Kurt walked in and sat them on the table while the delivery guy stood at the door. When she finally got a good look at the guy standing in the doorway, Rachel tilted her head slightly, trying to figure out why he looked so familiar. A few moments later, he looked at her and she suddenly realized she had gone on a date with him. He seemed to recognize her, too, because he gave her a smile. Before she could respond, though, Kurt was at the door again, blocking her view, and a few moments later, he was sliding the door closed.

"Why did the delivery guy just ask me to tell you 'hello'?" Kurt asked the moment the door was closed.

"That was Ben," Rachel replied.

"The guy you went on the date with?" Kurt asked. "The one who hates music?"

Rachel nodded. "That's him."

Kurt hummed, but didn't say anything else even though his face clearly said there was something else.

"What?" Rachel asked.

"Nothing," Kurt replied.

"Kurt, we both know you're thinking something," Rachel said, putting her hands on her hips.

"I'm pretty sure he was flirting with me," Kurt stated.

Rachel frowned in surprise and asked, "Really?"

"Maybe I was wrong," Kurt said with a shrug.

"Or maybe you were right," Rachel suggested. "He could be bisexual." Rachel lit up. "Actually, I think you would really like him. His dislike of music aside, I think you would be perfect for you; he's really nice and smart, and he's obviously very attractive."

"I don't know," Kurt said, glancing toward the door,

"Kurt, you were just talking this morning about how you're lonely," Rachel reminded him as she began walking toward the table. "I think I still have his number somewhere if you'd like to give him a call sometime. What's the worst that could happen?"

"I could be completely wrong, humiliate myself, and we could never order from our favorite Chinese restaurant ever again," Kurt replied.

"Don't be so dramatic," Rachel said.

Kurt scoffed. "Look who's talking."

"Precisely," Rachel replied. "If I'm saying you're being dramatic—"

"Alright, fine," Kurt interrupted. "I'll think about it."

Rachel smiled triumphantly. "Good."

"Can we eat?" Beth asked.

"We can," Rachel said with a laugh. "Help me carry these over to the coffee table, okay?"

"Okay," Beth replied, walking over to the kitchen table, and grabbing the smallest bag.

"Have you chosen a movie?" Rachel asked as she picked up the bags and handed one to Kurt.

"I have," Kurt said with a slight smirk.

Rachel sighed at the look on his face and asked, "You're going to make me watch Frozen again, aren't you?"

"Maybe," Kurt said as he walked away.

"I think you like that movie even more than Beth does," Rachel called after him.

Despite the knowledge that she was going to have to watch that movie yet again, she couldn't help but smile as she watched her best friend walk into the living room and sit down next to Beth.