A/N: I'm sorry for abandoning you guys, but I'm back! Hopefully you guys can stay with me, and I promise it'll be worth it. I'm actually going to incorporate aspects of my own relationship with my beautiful girlfriend and editor, Charlie (Raichuberry) for realism. So stay tuned, updates should be once a week from here on in!
"…And so good American Christians are becoming a minority. We're demonized by a country that believes homosexuality is God's will. They think these people, living in sin, deserve to be married in a union before the eyes of God. And they wonder why God has turned His back on them!"
A small chorus of "Amen" followed.
Quinn sat with her hands folded neatly on the knee of her crossed over leg, listening to the service. She had, upon joining the Glee Club and befriending Kurt, done her own research into what the Bible said on homosexuality; and found nothing. Jesus himself had never spoken against this apparently great sin of man.
Though that didn't change the nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach.
So sure, she wasn't exactly the bible quoting, abstinence preaching girl she used to be; but that didn't make her any less devoted to her faith. It was something important to her, and that's how she preferred to keep it. Unlike the others that attended her church, who took it upon themselves to 'spread God's word', the simple cross around her neck was enough for Quinn.
The service ended, Quinn being among the first to leave, murmuring a quick 'thank you' as she passed the preacher. Digging her keys out of her bag, she jumped into her car, slipping a CD in before sitting stock still.
She didn't really have anywhere to go.
Her typical Sunday morning was all about church with her mother, and then spending the afternoon following her around the mall. Today, however, her mother had been to 'ill' to get out of bed, claiming a stomach bug despite the copious amounts of wine bottles littering her floor.
Satanna and Brittany were out of the running, the pair were probably enjoying the morning together after, well, enjoying the night together. Noah was who knows where doing who knows what.
Months had passed since that fateful day, and life was starting to return to normal. Police presence at school was starting to wane, news articles were barely existent and those affected could start to live and laugh once more.
She began driving with no end in sight, driving for the sake of getting anywhere anytime. Before she really had formed the plan in her mind, she was on the road to Rachel's house. Before she knew it, she was parking in her driveway. Before she could stop herself, she was knocking on Rachel's door.
Almost as if she had been waiting for the knock, the door swung open to reveal Rachel in-
Oh.
Rachel in an oversized baseball style jersy, her hair falling in soft tussles over the curve of her shoulders. Whether or not the brunette before her was wearing any pants underneath that large shirt was unclear, the red and white fabric extending down mid thigh.
Rachel's expression changed to mimic the shock that Quinn was sure must be written across her own. A soft flush crept across the singers cheeks as she self consciously curled her fingers around the hem of her shirt, tugging it down a little further.
"Quinn", Rachel began, before clearing her throat.
"Suffice to say, I wasn't expecting your company this afternoon. I'm actually waiting for my Dad's to come back from a trip. As I'm sure you've gathered, you've caught me in my lounge wear"
The blonde nodded a quick reply, running a hand across her neck.
"Yeah, sorry Rachel. I'll leave you to it then"
Before she could even turn to leave, the singers small hands wrapped around her wrist, tugging her through the doorway.
"Don't be silly. I'll just dash upstairs and put on an appropriate outfit"
The words seemed to hang in the air, cartoon style, as Rachel sprinted up the stairs to her room.
Leaving a very dazed Quinn in her wake.
Taking a look around the Berry's living room, Quinn felt like she was intruding on some kind of sacred family land. Never before had she seen a house so entirely dedicated to family love. Endless pictures lined walls, souvenirs and memento's had pride of place on top of the fireplace.
A beaming couple holding up certificates in one hand, holding each others hands in the other, hidden by the dark fabric of their graduation robes. Two neatly dressed men signing a document together. The pair holding a small brunette bundle up 'Simba' style to a poster of Barbra Streisand.
Walking along the wall and peering at each picture in turn, the blonde's smile seemed to grow with each step. A small laugh even rumbled in her throat as she picked up a rough, worn out stuffed kitten.
"Dorothy, meet Quinn. Quinn, meet Dorothy"
Rachel motioned between the two from her position on the stairs, now dressed in her traditional skirt and animal sweater combination.
Quinn turned, clutching the barely still stuffed toy to her chest, turning her now full smile to Rachel.
"Dorothy. Let me guess…"
"Wizard of Oz", they said in unison.
Rachel grinned, stepping forward to pet the animal in Quinn's arms, taking the opportunity to glance up into hazel eyes.
"So, what gives me the pleasure of having you in my home today? Although I do applauded you on your ingenious use of a front door", the singer teased, in the tone Quinn instantly recognized as instruction to laugh.
She complied.
"Well, I didn't really have anyone else to hang out with today-"
Rachel's smile faltered in an instant.
"No, not like that. I mean, my mom's sick. So I figured you and I might… I don't know. Spend time together, I guess?"
Even quicker than her smile had disappeared, it was drawn back across that flawless skin, the smile joining her eyes now.
"I'd love to have you in my home for the day", was the reply.
And so began the pair's day together. Quinn gradually felt more at ease in the home, Rachel quick to give the blonde a guided tour, before the girls decided on watching a movie. As expected, their tastes clashed which inevitably led to Rachel pouting.
"Quinn, I don't have any kind of the movies you like. These are classics!"
"V for Vendetta IS a classic", the ex cheerleader shot back.
Quinn eventually persuaded Rachel into loading the movie on her laptop ("It's illegal!") and together they settled on the diva's bed, legs extended, a bowl of popcorn between them.
The blonde felt a blanket of comfort settle over her, something she hadn't felt in a long time. It was easy, being here with Rachel. She didn't have to pretend to be anything other than what she was, and she found herself stealing glances at the girl as her face flickered in the lighting from the movie. Light danced across her features, and Quinn couldn't help but recognize that Rachel was indeed very beautiful.
The movie progressed, Quinn finding herself absorbed by the brilliant plot and acting once more. Rachel had her head against Quinn's shoulder, so the ex cheerio was glad for a distraction from the energized feeling the small action gave her.
"See, Rachel? And that's why the-"
Suddenly the weight slipped from her shoulder and into her lap. With only a small muffled noise, a sleeping Rachel adjusted onto her side, her hair forming a curtain across her face, head resting on Quinn's legs.
As hard as Quinn fought the smile that tugged at her lips, she ultimately lost. Her heart starting beating quicker, and she could have sworn she had never been more aware of her breathing and movements in her life. With a delicate hand, she reached out and gently brushed the hair from the brunette's face, tucking it behind her ear. The singer looked so peaceful in her sleep, so fragile and vulnerable that the blonde couldn't bear to wake her.
So despite it being only midday, despite being a guest in a new home and despite the movie coming to an end, Quinn let Rachel sleep. She tilted her head back against the headboard, closing her eyes and letting her mind take her.
"Sweet dreams, Rach"