Longest chapter ever. At least in this story :-).
Rated M.
Standard disclaimer for Glee. Jenna though is my invention.
Liked how you all jumped on Sharon's back! Sad that there really are people like her out there...
Gllover22: you wrote the 100th review. Jubilee, yay! Thanks for constantly providing your feedback!
JPElles: Maybe they would have met eventually at one or the other gathering, but that would have made for another story :-).
Chapter 23
Later that Friday morning, Rachel sat on her couch after Quinn had left for her concert rehearsal. Unfortunately, she was still asleep then, she would have preferred to personally say good-bye to her girlfriend. But the little love note she found on her pillow when she woke up was a small consolation at least. Luckily, Quinn would only have to work on two songs today and would be free again later. They had agreed to meet at Quinn's apartment for a change.
On a spontaneous notion, Quinn sent a text to Rachel asking if she would mind if Santana came over for dinner. She felt that after her early morning call it would be a nice idea somehow. She had not said anything to Santana yet, first wanting to check if Rachel would be ok with it.
At first Rachel had hesitated, then decided that it would actually be quite nice to have dinner in this constellation.
Another idea popped into her mind. She fished out her phone.
Hey Kurt, what are you up to tonight? Santana is in New York and we want to invite her for dinner at Quinn's house at 7 pm.
It would be so nice if you came as well. If Blaine's free, he's also welcome of course.
Rachel
She wavered. Did she really want to have so many people around her? Even though she knew them and really would like to have a nice get together with her old friends, she was afraid of what it would do to her. Could she still enjoy their company while not having the benefit of joining their conversations, at least not the way she was used to? After all, what do you do during a dinner besides eating? You talk, exchange stories, discuss, tell jokes. All of which required someone to interpret for her if she wanted to participate in the discussions.
Rachel, give yourself a chance. Give them a chance, her heart piped up.
Besides, she could not ask of Quinn to stay reclusive with her for the rest of her life, spending the nights like an old couple on the couch. Ok, remembering the last evenings and how much pleasure and fun one could have on a couch – or in bed, for that matter – was not such a bad prospect. Still, she also had to grant Quinn some access to her friends and acquaintances. She was not sure how close she was with Kurt and Blaine, but she doubted they had seen each other much. It might be quite nice for Quinn to catch up with them. After all, she had mentioned that she would like to meet him again.
Rachel asked her girlfriend if it was all right to invite two more people, namely their two former Glee clubbers.
The answer came back promptly.
Sure, if that is ok with you, I'd be happy to see Kurt and Blaine again.
We just have to increase our shopping list for tonight then :-)
Just thinking… would you mind if I also invited one of my friends from Yale? I think she would fit nicely into our round.
Before answering, Rachel sent off her previously written message to Kurt. Then she typed her response to Quinn.
I guess one person more or less won't really tip the scale :-). Who is this mysterious person you'd like to invite?
Her name is Jenna, I mentioned her the other day. She's the one I talked to about us.
Jenna was the one that pushed me in the right direction in regards to my feelings for you :-)
Aha, I remember. Didn't I say that this Jenna was a smart person?
I think I would like to get to know her.
Rachel typed bravely, not really knowing how she would survive the evening with so many people around, and even a stranger she had not gotten to know yet. Her insecurities about social gatherings threatened to overwhelm her again, but she tried not to dwell on them. The distraction of another message from her favorite blonde helped.
Oh good! She'll be happy to know. She has been bugging me when I would finally introduce you to her!
Though I have to admit, she is kind of your fan.
She was so enthusiastic about having seen you in two of your shows and how great she thought you were.
Rachel swallowed when she read that, having no idea how to react to that. Her phone buzzed again.
Oh god, I should not have said that. She made me swear to never tell you!
Rachel had to grin at that revelation and quickly typed her answer.
Quinn, something tells me you are not so good in keeping secrets.
Remind me to never ever tell you anything compromising about myself!
Uh, ok, good. I'll remind you should anything come up ;-).
Gotta go, break is over, two more hours till we see each other, yay!
Kiss and hug!
Quinn
The brunette's phone vibrated another time to alert her to two more messages.
Hi Rachel!
We'd looooove to come! Turns out we have a free Friday! So Blaine would join us as well.
How are you, is everything ok in the R & Q world? :-)
Happy to see you tonite!
The second one was from Kurt as well.
And don't worry, you'll be fine, Rachel! You have two people to interpret for you!
Quinn and I will help you through this together.
Relax, ok?
Kurt
Rachel was touched by the encouragement from her friend. He seemed to understand how torn she felt regarding the evening. The motivating words indeed calmed her a bit. So she quickly sent her response.
Thanks for the small prep talk. Glad you'll come.
See you later!
Rachel
Then she got a piece of paper from her desk and jotted down the shopping list.
….
Later, shortly after lunch, Quinn and Rachel met at the supermarket close to Quinn's apartment. Embraced for a long moment and stole a quick kiss from each other. Rachel dug out the list from her bag and showed her girlfriend her suggestions for dinner. Quinn agreed and they weaved their way through the aisles. They added few more things into their shopping cart and then made their way home, each of them carrying four bags.
Upon entering Quinn's apartment and placing the bags on the counter with a sigh of relief, Rachel was fascinated again by the picture of the angel in the living room. She remembered that she had never gotten an answer to her question where Quinn got the painting from and so she asked again.
It's from the wife of a colleague of mine. She mostly paints angels in all different scenes. She also has one of two female angels facing each other, quite breathtaking.
"It's really beautiful. I don't want to look away."
Quinn chuckled and stood right in front of Rachel to hide the picture from her view.
Her girlfriend smiled up at her. "Oh, even better. That angel is at least alive, and," she pecked her lips "I can kiss her."
Good, otherwise I would have to get jealous over a painting!
"Yeah right, Quinn Fabray, as if I would chose you over some art."
You never know!
The smaller woman punched Quinn lightly on the arm. "Let's get the table ready and start preparing the food."
Yes Ma'am! Saluting to Rachel, Quinn marched off in the direction of the kitchen where they had deposited the groceries.
They set and decorated the table together and fixed the lasagna so it just had to be baked in the oven later. They prepared one with meat and another vegan one. Rachel was sure she was probably the only one eating the latter, but that was ok. More for her.
Once the meals were prepared, they both shared the bathroom to get ready. It was a good thing that they still had a couple of hours before the guest would arrive, because taking a shower together did of course not help in getting ready quickly. They took a rather long time kissing, touching and enjoying each other. In between kisses, they used a nice, soft sponge to spread the shower gel across each other's skin until everything was covered in a nice smelling lather. After that, each inch had to be cleaned again with absolute tender and care. Quinn never knew that taking a shower with someone could be such a turn on and when they were toweling each other dry, she was hard pressed to jump back in and cool off a little. She noticed that Rachel was in the same state of arousal as was she, so she took her towel and slowly and teasingly started to dab at each little droplet that still lingered on the smaller woman's skin. Carefully Quinn worked herself down until she knelt before her girlfriend. Then she embraced Rachel's legs with one arm, pulling her a bit closer. Rachel laughed and had to steady herself with both hands on Quinn's shoulders.
"What are you doing?" She asked with an astonished smile.
Quinn did not respond, she continued her slow drying job with her free hand. Once she was done, she let the towel drop and focused on the view before her. Gently she let her hand glide across the soft stomach, while the other tenderly squeezed and massaged her girlfriend's butt. That caused Rachel to moan softly and Quinn felt goose bumps rise on her arms at that sound. Then she flicked her tongue out and licked at the little nub that already throbbed with pleasure at the juncture of Rachel's legs. The brunette let out a gasp at the touch and blindly reached behind her to place her hand against the shower door for support.
"God, Quinn," she let out under her breath and moaned again while Quinn intensified her play with her tongue. Rachel spread her legs apart a little to give the other woman a better access, which she promptly took advantage of, softly probing Rachel's folds with one of her fingers. She felt the wetness there and let her finger slide a bit deeper while still teasing the little throbbing core. She felt one hand on her head, pressing her against the other woman's body. "Quinn," Rachel panted breathlessly, "I want to feel you inside of me. Now." And Quinn was more than happy to oblige. She carefully added a second finger and slowly thrust them deeper, only to pull them back again.
It drove Rachel sheer nuts. She bit her lips and suppressed a gasp. Quinn repeated the motion with her hand. Rachel's grip on the shower stall tightened all the while trying to not press Quinn's head too hard against her. She needed her girlfriend to breath, this at least she still realized in her intoxicated state of pure and utter arousal. When the blond woman intensified her movements even more, Rachel lost it completely. It did not take her long to reach her climax with Quinn's last flick of her tongue and she let out a long carnal sound of pure pleasure. Her fingers curled around Quinn's hair, trying desperately in her inebriated state not to pull too hard on the blond strands.
As the final wave of pleasure had ebbed away, Rachel weakly collapsed against the shower. Quinn raised herself off the floor and enveloped her girlfriend in a hug to steady her. She held her until she felt her breathing even out a bit. Then big, luminous brown eyes looked up at her, begging her close. So she inclined her head a little and let her own lips be captured by Rachel's. No further words were needed. The kiss told her everything. After a moment, they pulled apart and made their way into the bedroom where Quinn was treated to the same pleasure she had just served Rachel. As she had already been ready to go off while pleasing Rachel, she did not need much stimulation to reach her peak.
Afterwards they laid in each other's arms, gently touching each other, kissing and cuddling until both were ready for a second round.
When they finally rested completely sedated under Quinn's blanket, neither woman felt like ever getting up again. But the clock on the nightstand urged them to jump under the shower again, very quickly this time and get ready for the evening.
When watching her girlfriend get dressed, Quinn was actually surprised that Rachel was not wearing as many skirts as she used to in high school. At that time, it was hardly possible to see her wearing pants. Now jeans seemed to be the usual dress code for her. When asked about it, Rachel answered that she did not want to feel so exposed and that she did not really want to draw any attention to herself, especially now.
She had made an exception for this evening though. Maybe because she knew most of the people she would meet and felt vaguely secure, at least when it came to her outfit. She was clad in an olive green skirt, a white low cut blouse which tempted Quinn more than once to shift her gaze from Rachel's face two stories lower. She had tied up her long brown mane in a loose bun at the nape of her neck. Some strands fell in soft waves around her face. Rachel looked absolutely gorgeous and Quinn would have liked to devour her again right then and there.
"Miss Fabray, please contain yourself. I am not sure our guests will appreciate you drooling all over me during the evening." Only then did Quinn notice the brown eyes resting on her, observing her with a hint of amusement. She exhaled slowly.
You just look stunning. I can't take my eyes off you. You'll have to sit next to me later, otherwise I will not be able to look anyone else in the eye if I have you in my direct view.
"Haha, I am not sure you'd be able to even look me in the eye, seeing how your eyes keep on dropping down to my chest."
Can't help it. At least, sitting next to you I'll get to touch you under the table at least, Quinn added slyly, leaning close, murmuring under her breath: "God, so beautiful," before placed her lips on Rachel's, savoring her softness.
A warm feeling spread inside Rachel's chest. Quinn's eyes told her that she meant every word she had said. It was an absolutely wonderful and still astonishing feeling to be the object of desire of someone as beautiful as Quinn.
"Mmmm, you don't look half-bad yourself, Quinn," she then teased her girlfriend. "No, in fact you are absolutely lovely," and she let a hand weave loosely through the blond hair that fell down to her shoulder blades in a natural wave. The taller woman wore grey pants and a short-sleeved navy blue colored blouse that was a wonderful dark contrast to her light colored hair.
They sealed their compliments with a short kiss before Rachel pulled back.
"I wanted to ask you something before all the other guests arrive. Would it not be better if Santana moved into one of your two spare guest rooms until she is settled in her job and found a new apartment? This way you could spend some more time with her and she would not have to worry about disturbing her family. I can imagine that it is not the happiest arrangement for her."
That statement earned her an astonished look from Quinn.
And what about disturbing us? She wiggled her eyebrows at Rachel which made her laugh.
"Well, we still have my apartment as refuge where we are undisturbed and it won't be forever. Even when we stay here, it's not like Santana is the demurest person on earth. I don't think she'd have a problem with us, you know… I mean…I don't mean…" Rachel felt the color rise in her face, even more so when Quinn started outright laughing.
Oh Rachel, you are really cute, you know that? I know what you mean. Well. Let's ask her tonight and then we can discuss the details. Or rather not. Not those kind of details, I mean. Now it was Quinn's turn to flush slightly.
Rachel pressed her lips against Quinn's and effectively defused the situation. Though when pulling apart, both women were still grinning sheepishly.
"Let's focus on getting ready and put the lasagnas into the oven. That will hopefully steer us clear of any compromising topics for now."
Sensible suggestion, darling.
Quinn snugged an arm around Rachel's shoulder as they ambled away from the painting over to the kitchen area.
Half an hour later, the doorbell rang as the enticing aroma of the baked lasagna wafted through the apartment and they greeted the first guests. Kurt sniffed, appreciating the nice smell before he threw his arms around Rachel and they squeezed each other really hard, which made Rachel laugh. "Let me breath, Kurt!"
He took a small step back, spread Rachel's arms and took in her outfit. Letting go of her hands he commented: You look very nice, Rachel. Elegant hairdo.
"Thanks!"
Then he made his way over to Quinn, both had not seen each other for almost two years. Last time, they had run into each other by chance on a home visit in Lima.
"I am happy to see you again, Kurt!" Quinn gave him a heartfelt hug. "I am glad you could make it on such a short notice."
"Yes, thank you for the invitation!" With this, he turned to Rachel who could read his signs in parallel. She answered with a warm smile.
"You are more than welcome!"
Next, Blaine stepped inside and gave Rachel a tentative hug.
"Hi Blaine, great to see you again," Rachel beamed at him. He took a breath and wanted to say something, unsure of how to address her. As Kurt and Quinn were still greeting each other, his gaze wavered between them and Rachel, momentarily unsure of what to do. To her own surprise, Rachel stayed relatively calm. She pointed at the little shelf to Blaine's left where a small white board hung. "You can use that if you want to tell me something."
Blaine smiled faintly and took it off the hook, quickly scribbling something on it.
Hi Rachel, I am glad to see you again. I'm …He did not manage to write more as Quinn came up to him and a little relieved he turned to greet her, handing the board to Rachel.
When they finished hugging, Rachel addressed Blaine again, pointing at his unfinished sentence. "Did you want to say something else?"
"Oh, sorry, did I interrupt you two?" Quinn asked.
Blaine just shook his head and made a dismissive gesture. "Nah, it's not important." Kurt translated and Rachel could not help but feel a bit brushed off, but did not want anyone to notice and followed the group into the living room.
Next, Santana arrived and neither Quinn nor Rachel had told her about the additional guests. She was genuinely and positively surprised and happily hugged her two former high school friends. When she saw the plates on the table, she figured: "So, one more guest, huh?"
Quinn nodded. "Yes, a friend from Yale is also joining us. Jenna, I am sure I told you about her."
Rachel thought that Santana looked a bit relieved. Curious. Had she expected someone else?
"Right. I remember vaguely."
Quinn moved behind the kitchen counter and busied herself, putting the salad in a big bowl, mixing it with the dressing. She turned and caught Rachel's attention who stood closest to the door.
The doorbell just rang. Probably Jenna, can you open the door?
Her girlfriend nodded and turned towards the entrance.
Quinn had watched Rachel closely as she herself was busy preparing the rest of the food. She did not want her to feel excluded and was glad that Kurt accompanied his and Blaine's conversation with Santana with ASL.
When Rachel pulled the door open, she found a woman a little smaller than herself standing outside. With her dark red hair and green eyes, Rachel pegged her as the Irish type. She stepped aside to let her enter.
"Hi, you must be Jenna. I am Rachel."
Jenna smiled and bobbed her head.
"Yes, hi, I am so glad to finally meet you! I'm such a fan of you, I mean, I was.. I … god, I am sorry, I keep blabbering and… "
Rachel had to laugh at the flushed face in front of her, wondering if she ever took a breath, because her mouth kept moving at high speed. Luckily, Kurt had the good grace to step over and sign when he noticed the new arrival.
"It's ok. Why don't you take off your jacket and we introduce you to the rest?" Rachel suggested to the younger woman.
"Ok, good idea." That did not require a translation as it was easy to read from the nicely curved lips. Rachel hung Jenna's jacket in the wardrobe and turned back towards her former NYADA fellow and the newest guest.
"This is Kurt, a good old friend and high school Glee club member. Kurt, this is Jenna, a friend of Quinn's from Yale."
The two exchanged some short pleasantries when Quinn came over to greet her friend with a hug.
Rachel left Quinn to introduce the rest of the group and placed the salad and lasagnas on the table. Everyone quickly gathered around at the sight of the food, so she explained to them about the different kinds of baked pasta dishes.
"Oh and careful, the salad is vegan, too," she added coyly, which earned her a small chuckle from the group and a roll of her eyes from Santana, but one that was accompanied with a half-smile. Rachel let out a silent breath. Maybe this was not so bad. Maybe she could fit in a bit. Quickly, everyone found a seat and they served each other. Quinn went around the table, offering some red wine.
Rachel sat at the head of the table. From that vantage point she had almost everyone in her field of vision and could see who was talking. Quinn sat to the right, around the table corner. Next to Quinn sat Blaine and at the other end of the table, across from Rachel, was Kurt. That also made it easy for Rachel to see his interpretations. On her left, she was flanked by Jenna and between her and Kurt was Santana's seat.
Soon they settled into a nice routine. Whenever Quinn or Kurt was talking, they also signed for Rachel's benefit. They also tried to take turns interpreting the other conversations around the table if they were not otherwise engaged in a discussion. This way Rachel at least learned to a certain degree what was being discussed and chatted about. She forced herself to put in her share of comments even though she kept wondering if her timing was right due to the slight delay caused by having to wait for the interpretation.
Rachel knew that the subtleties of the conversations would not come across, but she was still immensely grateful for her two friends to make the effort in between bites to fill her in. Sometimes Kurt or Quinn would falter, either when the conversations became too quick to follow or when several people were talking at once. Quinn started to say something at one point.
"Guys, can we try maybe not talk all at once, because…" but she was interrupted by her girlfriend's hand on her arm.
"It's ok, Quinn, thank you, but I don't want them to have to hold back because of me," Rachel stated softly. She noticed that Santana had looked at her for a long moment and then took up her conversations again. Quinn tapped her on the arm and held her gaze for an instant. Then she signed without voicing the words.
Are you ok? If this all becomes too much for you, we can call this evening short. I mean it. I don't want this to become an ordeal for you. And I have not told you yet, but I am very proud of you coping with this. I can imagine that it is probably not that easy for you.
The only one privy to their private conversation was Kurt who threw a short and warm smile in Rachel's direction.
"Eavesdropping, Kurt?" Rachel teased her friend who laughed and blatantly answered: "Yes," accompanied by a nod.
She turned her attention back to Quinn, posing a question herself.
How do you feel? It must be exhausting to sign, talk, listen and eat in parallel. It is ok, Quinn if you need a break or Kurt, for that matter. Really.
But I don't want you to miss out on anything, Rachel.
Her hazel eyes searched her girlfriend's face to find the real emotion behind her brave words.
She found a little unease and some tension around her eyes. It was probably not easy for Rachel to relax in this situation, having to constantly look and observe, wondering who said what to whom, trying to fill in the parts that she missed, even though there were two people who tried to keep her in the loop, one of them still far from being fluent.
"I am ok, Quinn, really. A bit exhausted and overwhelmed, but I just have to get used to it." She said then in a low voice.
Quinn did not take her eyes off her. She did not want Rachel to have to get used to this. She did not want her to miss out, she did not want her to depend on the consideration of others to have the same level of information. Quinn felt swept back to the evening where both of them had their first dinner at the very same table. When realization had hit her on how many levels Rachel was deprived of information and social interaction and without this was basically missing out a great deal of life. She blinked and took a breath, focusing back on the person in front of her.
Quinn, where did you just go? Concern was written all over Rachel's face.
Sorry, just lost in a memory, she answered with a bittersweet smile. She quickly let her gaze swipe their table. The rest of the group was still animatedly engaged in a discussion and was not paying attention to them. Except maybe Kurt who threw them a look every so often to check what was going on.
Rachel had an inkling on what memory Quinn was talking about. She did not know where it came from, but she was pretty sure Quinn remembered her own breakdown during their first dinner.
She wondered why it seemed to hit Quinn harder than herself sometimes. But somehow knowing that, made it a bit easier for Rachel in this moment to be strong and face the facts instead of mourning her loss. It helped that some people could identify with her to a certain degree. It made her feel not so utterly alone anymore in her world.
Quinn, if this is about me, please don't let that spoil your evening. There is nothing you can do about it. I – we just have to learn to live with it. You are already helping me so much, please don't let that become a liability. I have asked you before to not let it come so far. Her eyes were imploring when she formed the words in the air.
Rachel, you are not a liability! You are my love. And sometimes it is just hard for me to know that I cannot do anything to change your situation. And that you are missing out on so much.
Rachel sighed.
"Quinn, I am not missing out on much." She closed her eyes briefly and tilted her head to the side. "Well, yes, I do miss a lot of things. But thinking back on how far I have come these past weeks gives me hope. Four weeks ago I would not have thought of sitting here with old friends enjoying a nice dinner, neither of having you in my life again. Quinn, I …" she paused for a moment and frowned, as a realization just struck her.
"Actually, I could be a lot worse." For her girlfriend's benefit, she smiled and squeezed her hand that lay on the table between them. Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed that the four other heads were turned her way.
Rachel let her gaze wander around the table. "Sorry if I interrupted your conversation. I ... did not mean to."
Santana answered first. "Is everything ok with you two?" Kurt helped interpreting as Quinn was still too moved to interpret.
"Yes." And Rachel quickly threw another encouraging smile at the blond woman next to her, before addressing her friends again. "Really, everything is ok." As the others went back to their discussions, Santana still held her gaze with a slightly raised eyebrow, asking with that silent gesture if Rachel really meant what she just said. Rachel dipped her head once and smiled. This seemed to satisfy the Latina somewhat.
Then she felt a soft nudge against her left elbow. Jenna had written something on a pad and pushed it over to her.
Rachel, I am sorry for my earlier incoherent rambling :-) I tend to talk a lot and too fast when I am excited.
Quinn told me a lot about you. About your time together in high school and how she did not want to meet you for the past years. I am happy you two have finally found each other. It seems that you make her very happy and I am glad to finally get to know you.
Rachel soaked up the features of the slender person next to her.
"She makes me happy." She then commented with a smile at Quinn who still had to digest Rachel's words. "Though I wonder what she told you about our early years in high school, we weren't so happy around each other then," and with that she threw a meaningful glance at the woman on the other side of her who looked appropriately chastened.
Jenna laughed and answered in writing: She told me everything when she poured her heart out to me once. Quinn was very honest. I couldn't believe that you put up with her like you did!
After reading the words, Rachel stated with a chuckle: "Yeah, she was a challenge, I have to admit."
"Gee guys, you know I am sitting right here?" Quinn asked indignantly which made both women laugh.
"Yes, we know and you deserve to suffer a bit for your old sins," Jenna teased her back.
Rachel just quirked an eyebrow and tried to suppress a smile, especially since Quinn had to relay those words to her which she did with the appropriate offended look on her face. She was starting to like Jenna. And the way she was interacting with Quinn showed that they were really good friends.
Then Jenna focused her attention back to Rachel as Quinn was asked something by Santana from across the table.
Rachel, I am not sure if it is appropriate to say, but I really admired your performance in Funny Girl. I watched it twice. Forced my parents and a good friend to go with me. I wish you could still perform. Please forgive me if I am too forthright.
Brown eyes skimmed the page and it took a little longer than necessary to read the short sentences.
"Thank you, Jenna. I wish the same," Rachel simply sttated.
"So, Quinn told me you went to an audition at the Beacon Theater some days ago. How did it go?" Rachel was sincerely interested and did not want to deflect the subject, she found out to her own wonder.
Oh, it went quite well, I had a callback three days ago and they want to decide whom to cast the start of next week. I really hope I get the part!
Jenna's eyes had a hopeful sparkle in them when she observed Rachel reading her lines.
"What did you audition for? Music theater or drama?"
Drama. I am not much of a singer I'm afraid.
"Well, I'd be really interested to know if you get the part." Then she noticed some empty glasses on the table and excused herself to get some more wine and water for the guests. To her surprise, even half of the vegan lasagna was polished away already, wondering who would have tried it besides herself and Quinn.
"Who had some of the vegetable lasagna?" She then asked as she walked around the table, continuing to fill up the glasses.
Santana raised her arm. "I did. And I have to admit, I liked it." She held two thumbs up in Rachel's direction.
"You did?"
The Latina nodded. "Yes. Could get used to it. Not for the rest of my life, but once in a while it would be ok."
Rachel held Quinn's gaze for a moment longer after she had relayed Santana's words, silently asking her if they should touch upon the topic of Quinn's guest room. Quinn nodded once and turned towards her old high school friend.
"Well, maybe we can help out with the 'once-in-a-while-vegan-meal' if you are up to it, Santana. Have you already looked for an apartment?"
"No, I didn't have time yet, but I surely have to start soon. It is getting quite cramped at my tia's place. Two of my cousins are coming over from Canada with their kids for my uncle's birthday and believe me, they will be staying for a while. A loooooong while." She rolled her eyes at the last sentence.
Rachel had returned to her seat and placed a hand on Quinn's knee under the table, squeezing it lightly as if to say, go ahead.
"Santana, I can offer you my guest room for a couple of weeks, until you're settled with your new job, if you like."
"And this way you don't have to rush to find an apartment just for the sake of moving out of your aunt's. You can take some time and find one you really like," Rachel added.
Santana looked from one woman to the other, quickly chewing and swallowing the piece of food she had just spooned into her mouth.
"Oh, wow, Quinn, really? You guys are cool with that?"
Rachel smiled and Quinn nodded. "Yes. Actually, we just pity your family so we decided to get you off their backs." She then teased, which caused a snort from Santana, prompting Rachel to mutter good-naturedly under her breath: "Now we have her on ours."
Santana raised an eyebrow and pointed at Rachel. "I heard that, Berry!" Then she stood up and walk around the table towards Quinn. "Gee, Q, thank you, your offer just made my day! I would have had to share my room with at least one of the kids! And I promise I'll try to stay out of your hair."
"And out of my face, with your hands at least" Quinn shot back with a playful daring look and got up from her seat.
Jenna's eyes darted between the two bantering women back and forth. Rachel jumped in to explain in a low voice: "Santana slapped her across the face once. I mean, really slapped her."
The red haired's eyes grew big. "What? Jesus, Quinn has an interesting bunch of friends, I have to say," she chuckled, quickly penning down her comment in parallel.
"Yeah, don't know what is it that attracts all these challenging people to her otherwise even tempered and charming nature." That comment earned Rachel a slap on the shoulder from Quinn which prompted Jenna to state:
"Ok, I see that you probably weren't all that innocent when you received that facial treatment from Santana, Quinn."
"You got that right, Jenna!" Santana grinned at her.
Quinn huffed at that, clearly not wanting to translate that and Jenna's words into sign language, compromising herself even more. She did nevertheless, adding without saying it: I don't know why I keep digging that whole you three shoved me into deeper by having to repeat all the nasty things they tell about me in ASL. That's really tough.
She put on a grumpy face that made Rachel laugh.
"Oh, poor mistreated you!" She stood up quickly, placing a pacifying kiss on her pouting lips.
Maybe I can jump in and help out, Quinn. I have no trouble interpreting these teasers that are at least half way true, I have to admit, Kurt offered also in ASL, not voicing the sentence.
Thanks Kurt. Good to have such friends. Glad to be the object of entertainment here," Quinn answered signing, still pouting.
Rachel watched the silent exchange, noticing the clueless looks from the other three people in the room, secretly enjoying a bit to be in the inclusive for once instead of having to wait for a relay. She saw Blaine asking Kurt what he just had said, but his boyfriend shook his head and said something that included "between us" from what she could read from his lips, pointing towards Quinn, himself and her. She turned back and placed a gentle hand on her girlfriend's cheek and stroke it softly with her thumb, donating a dazzling and warming smile at her which Quinn gratefully acknowledged.
Santana gently pulled Rachel's attention back by touching her on the shoulder. "Ok, you two, enough of the heartbreaking stuff." She smiled at Quinn gratefully. "I really appreciate your offer, Q. Thanks," and she raised her arms to hug her friend.
Quinn took a step back and held up a hand. "No!" Then continued signing in parallel "You get to hug me later. Actually, Rachel deserves the main praise. It was her idea. She came up with it on her own."
Santana crocked an eyebrow. "Really?" That seemed to surprise her. And turning towards Rachel: "You suggested that I move in with Quinn? I hope not to torture me with your nightly … exercises."
A roll of eyes from Rachel was directed at her. "Yes, Santana, what do you think, I still have to get some revenge for the one or other Slushie. Might as well steal you some sleep with our nightly exercises as you so nicely call them," Rachel retorted flippantly, which caused the rest of the room to laugh.
"Thought so." Santana stepped over to Rachel and pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you, Rachel!" When they pulled apart, her dark eyes locked with the smaller woman's for a moment, squeezed her shoulders lightly before letting go.
"Rachel just thought that you might not feel too comfortable for a longer time with your aunt and uncle. I guess she was right, when I think about your cousin's visit. Actually, it might also be better for your little great-nieces and nephews if you are out of reach, we all know how much you like kids." Quinn quipped up from behind.
Santana winced playfully. "God, maybe I should look for new friends, these ones here are just not appreciative enough of me."
"Kurt and I can offer you a bed at our place," Blaine smirked.
"Ugh, yeah, right, your place doesn't even have doors, you think I'd want to listen to you having a go at it half the night? No, then I rather prefer some girl-smooching."
"Santana!" Rachel gasped as she understood what she had said.
Kurt plugged his fingers in his ear singing. "Lalalalala, I didn't hear anything, I didn't hear anything!" which made everyone laugh again.
Santana finally got to hug Quinn and thanked her as well. They shortly agreed to talk about the details the next day.
When everyone had finished eating, Rachel and Jenna cleared the table. She found it nice that Quinn's friend had offered to help, while Quinn prepared the dessert. Rachel noticed that the other petite woman would throw a glance at Santana who was animatedly chatting with Kurt and Blaine once in a while.
At one point, when she had Jenna's attention, she whispered: "You know, Santana has a soft heart. Don't let yourself be deterred by her somewhat gruff behavior."
Jenna smiled at that. Then she looked around and found a notebook on the counter. She pointed at it with a questioning look. Rachel nodded and the younger woman scribbled something on an empty page, not being shy about addressing this topic to Rachel.
She has a nice voice.
"Yes, and that voice can sing really well," the brunette answered.
Really? She is a singer as well?
"No, not in her career, but we were in Glee club together. I wonder why she never wanted to pursue a career singing." Rachel was surprised that the hurt which usually came when she talked about such topics was easier to bear this time. She felt comfortable talking to Jenna about this, even though the other woman had seen her perform before. But her openness and the way she did not dance around a topic was quite refreshing.
Jenna threw another glance at the Latina who met her gaze and held it for a second, lifting one corner of her mouth in a half smile before turning back to Kurt.
When they were at the table enjoying their dessert, Rachel had a good vantage point to watch the interaction between the two women further. She was currently not interested in the conversations around the table, but observed the interaction between Jenna and Santana while enjoying her fruit salad with ice cream.
Quinn let the ice cream melt on her tongue, imagining what it would do on Rachel stomach. The vegan vanilla ice cream would make a nice contrast on Rachel's tanned skin. Her eyes automatically found their way to her lover sitting next to her and she trailed them down from her face to her dropping neckline. Realizing what she was doing, she gulped and pulled her eyes away from the alluring naked skin she glimpsed at beneath the fabric.
Then Quinn wondered if she should help Rachel catch up again on the conversations that were going around, but she noticed how her girlfriend seemed content just watching two of their guests. Quinn's gaze followed Rachel's and she was intrigued by the chemistry between the two other women opposite of her. She tried to blend out the conversation she was hearing and concentrated on the visible cues that passed between the two other women.
Interesting.
Jenna was not really Santana's type, besides Jenna was not gay. Even though she was single for the past months, she had always had boyfriends before. Yeah, right, Quinn, as if that deterred you to fall for a woman, she reminded herself. She had learned that life really can have some surprises in store for one, so she was just content watching and trying not to draw conclusions before anything happened.
At one point, Rachel switched seats with Santana and sat next to Kurt to catch up with him on his week and to congratulate Blaine on their wedding plans. Blaine thanked her shortly and kept silent otherwise. Then he excused himself quickly to go to the bathroom. Rachel followed him with her gaze, her brows furrowed.
Rachel, I am sorry if Blaine seems a little put off, Kurt signed silently and Rachel answered likewise.
Honestly Kurt, I think he has a problem with me … or rather with me not being able to hear. He never reacted like this before, Rachel stated. I don't know why, but he never looked at me during the whole dinner, he just kept avoiding me.
Kurt sighed. I honestly don't know what his problem is. But you are right, that is not the Blaine I know. I wonder why he acts like that. I am sorry if that hurt your feelings, Rachel.
I'll talk to him.
"Ok." Then Blaine joined them again, still looking uncomfortable around Rachel. She soon wrapped up her conversation with Kurt, who obviously felt torn between accommodating his boyfriend and not wanting to be impolite to his friend.
She excused herself and went to use the bathroom. When she closed the door, she let out a breath and leaned against the wood. She noticed how every fiber of her being was vibrating with constant tension and drive to stay alert to her surroundings. Exhaustion was crawling up her limbs. When she exited, she found her girlfriend waiting outside.
You ok? Quinn attentively asked. You seemed a little sad when you left the table.
"I'm ok. Just noticed that I am getting really tired. I don't know why, but this is really exhausting for me. Guess I need more time and practice until I can be a bit more at ease at such gatherings," she smiled tiredly and then pulled herself together.
"Let's get back to our guests." But Quinn held her back and enveloped her in a tight embrace, placing a kiss on the top of her head. Rachel allowed herself to snuggle into her arms and let herself be held for a minute. This loving physical contact gave her the feeling to be a bit more centered again, to have a bit more strength again.
Kurt, also sensitive to his friend's state, soon started to break up the round, using his scheduled Saturday performance as a reason to leave early. Blaine also had a scheduled play so he eagerly jumped up as well. Rachel let herself be hugged by her friend and Kurt promised her to meet for coffee the upcoming Monday morning.
"Ok, take care and break a leg tomorrow!"
I will, but not literally, Kurt joked signing. Thank you for dinner, it was really nice to meet Santana again and getting to know Jenna. Let's repeat this soon!
He quickly hugged Quinn as well and got his and Blaine's jacket from the wardrobe.
Blaine gave Quinn a hug and shrugged into the jacket that Kurt held for him. He then gave a short wave at Rachel and quickly turned towards the door.
What was that all about? Quinn huffed as the door closed behind them. Couldn't he at least say goodbye to you in a proper way?
"It's alright Quinn, I guess he just did not feel comfortable around me. At least that is what I think."Rachel stated in a low voice. Sensing an upcoming tirade from Quinn in regards to Blaine's insensitivity, she tried to stall her upfront.
"Quinn, let's just leave it for tonight, ok? Or let's at least discuss it later when we are alone. We still have two guests," she indicated with a small jerk of her head in the direction of the living room.
Quinn let out a sigh after a moment. Ok. Fine. For now.
Then she quickly cupped Rachel's face and placed a kiss on her lips, and was rewarded with a small smile.
Santana and Jenna were talking animatedly about the movies they had watched over the last couple of months. When Rachel and Quinn joined them again at the table, the conversation changed to Santana's job and when she would start working. She was excited about her new field of work and wondered what kind of clients she would have.
Soon after that, she also made her leave as she had to drive with her family to run some errands in the morning and in order to avoid the usual weekend rush in the stores, her aunt insisted on being ready as soon as the doors opened.
Santana bade her good-byes with the promise to report back from her first day on Monday.
Jenna was the last one to leave, after helping the two women to clean up the rest of the dishes and the kitchen. When they accompanied Jenna to the door, she turned around and gave Rachel a hug, handing her a piece of paper.
Thank you for the nice evening. It was really great meeting you! Until next time, I hope soon! Jenna
Rachel gratefully hugged Quinn's friend. "Thank you Jenna, it was my pleasure to get to know you. I can see why Quinn likes you so much. Let's meet again soon!"
Quinn nodded. "I agree! Let me know as soon as you hear something, ok?"
"Yes, I promise!" And with a small but friendly wave, she was out of the door.
Quinn turned and leaned against the closed entry, stretching out her arms, begging for Rachel to come closer. When she did, she wrapped her arms around her and held her for a long while.
Then she loosened her arms a bit so she could sign. So, tell me honestly, how do you feel? And no beating around the bush!
"Quinn, you have been asking me this already two times tonight." Rachel answered a little exasperatedly.
I worry about you. I want you to feel ok with the situation, I mean with this, and she made a sweeping motion towards the table that their friends had been sitting at just moments ago.
Rachel placed her hand lightly on Quinn's neck. "Thank you for being so concerned. I am tired, a little overwhelmed and very grateful for you and Kurt to have gone through such an effort of signing for me. That really made me feel included, even though I still missed out probably half of the conversations." When she saw the dreary look on Quinn's face, she hastened to explain.
"No, not because of you or Kurt. It's just in the nature of things." She pecked her girlfriend's lips and then pulled back again, resting her brown eyes on Quinn's. "You are really wonderful Quinn. I love you." With that, she kissed her again deeply and passionately. Slowly she flicked her tongue out, probing against the other woman's lips who eagerly met her with her own.
After a long moment, they pulled themselves away from each other to get ready for bed.
On their way to the bathroom, Rachel commented: "I like Jenna, she seems like a really nice and fun person. I am glad you found such a good friend at Yale, Quinn."
She is great. What I like about her is that she tells you things head on, not dancing around the subject for long. You always know where you stand with her.
"Yes," Rachel laughed, "I have noticed."
In bed, they snuggled close together, and even though Rachel wanted to take advantage of having her girlfriend all to herself again, she felt sleep taking over. The longer she lay in their comfortable embrace under the warm blankets, the harder it was to keep her eyes open, but she tried. She noticed that her eyes had closed again on their own accord when she felt Quinn chuckle against her body. She lifted two very heavy lids to gaze into the hazel eyes that lovingly peered at her.
Rachel, don't try to stay awake, it is ok. How about I rub your back and you just close your eyes and sleep, ok?
"Hmh, 'kay. Guess it was more exhausting than I thought. Night Quinn, luv you," she mumbled the last words.
Quinn wanted to answer to that but judging by the regular and deep breathing that came from Rachel, she deducted that she was already asleep. Quinn was content to just hold her and stroke her lightly and gaze into her beautiful and peaceful face before she turned off the light as sleep also came over her.
"Sweet dreams, darling." With that, she placed a kiss on Rachel's forehead and let herself drift off.