The evening enveloped Isaac like a warm embrace as he sat on the porch of his childhood home, his heart aflutter with anticipation. Above, the night sky shimmered with a tapestry of stars, each one twinkling like a hopeful promise in the darkness.A gentle breeze danced through the air, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers, setting the stage for what would surely be a momentous occasion.
With trembling hands, he retrieved a small velvet box from the depths of his pocket, its weight a comforting presence against his palm. Inside rested a ring— his mother's ring. The same ring Jacob Hargrave had used to get on one knee and ask the love of his life, Sophia Collins, to marry him. His parents had been buried with their wedding rings but Sabrina had asked that they be given her best friend's engagement ring in case he wanted it in the future.
In the distance, he heard the soft cadence of footsteps approaching, and his heart leaped in anticipation. And then, there she was—a vision of beauty illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. Even after all this time, she still took his breath away, her presence filling him with a sense of wonder and a smile that could rival the stars above, Isaac rose to his feet, his eyes never leaving Quinn's as she drew near. Every step she took seemed to bring her closer to his heart, and he marveled at the profound depth of his love for her.
"You're wearing the same clothes," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath as she reached him. And indeed, it was true. Isaac was clad in the very same ensemble he had worn on that fateful day—the crisp white linen shirt, the soft gray chinos, the pristine white Chucks
"I promised you I would come back to you, didn't I?" he replied, his voice filled with a warmth that echoed through the night. "Perhaps eight years later than planned, but here I am ready to keep that promise."
Tears welled up in her eyes with the overwhelming rush of emotions that threatened to consume her. His heart ached at the sight, his instinctive urge to soothe her pain overwhelming.
"Please don't cry," he implored softly, his thumb gently wiping away her tears. "I can't bear to see you cry."
"They're happy tears," she reassured him, her hands reaching out to cradle his. "You make me so incredibly happy."
A sigh of relief escaped Isaac's lips, his heart swelling with love and adoration for the woman standing before him. "Good God, woman," he chuckled, the sound rich and full of mirth. "You'll be the death of me one of these days."
"And I'm the dramatic one? Right."
He threw his head back, his laughter coming from deep within, a contagious burst of pure joy that made her heart swell. Seeing Isaac like this was everything she had ever wanted. His usual worries and stresses melted away, replaced by a carefree happiness that was infectious. His eyes, usually clouded with concern, sparkled with delight, and she found herself getting lost in their warmth. In that moment, nothing else mattered—just the two of them. She felt a warmth spread through her chest, filling her with a sense of peace she hadn't felt in ages.
This was what she had always dreamed of—for him to be happy, truly happy, and to share that happiness with her. And she knew, as long as they had moments like this, everything would be okay.
"Baby," Isaac's voice broke the silence, pulling Quinn back to the present moment. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes as she beheld her boyfriend, down on one knee, his gaze filled with a mixture of love, vulnerability, and hope.
"I love you," he began, his voice trembling with emotion. "I always have, even when I didn't yet know what love meant. I—" His words faltered as tears began to cascade down his cheeks, mirroring the tears that streamed down her face.
Moved by a rush of overwhelming emotion, she knelt down to his level, her heart pounding in her chest. With trembling hands, she reached out to wipe away his tears, her lips curving into a watery smile. "I love you," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with a depth of feeling that words could scarcely capture.
"I once told you... I told you that you deserved more than the stars," Isaac continued, his voice catching on a sob. Despite his efforts to stem the tide of tears, they flowed freely, a testament to the depth of his love for her. "From the moment our paths crossed again at that Homecoming game, I knew—I knew that you were the one. I was foolish not to recognize you then, but fate works in mysterious ways, and I fell in love with you all over again. Just friends, my ass."
Quinn's laughter bubbled up through her tears, filling the air with a melodic sound that warmed his heart. He couldn't help but smile at the sound, his own tears mixing with his laughter. Her laughter was a symphony, a melody that he could listen to for eternity.
"I promise you... I promise you that as long as I live, you will always have someone to share your joys, your sorrows, your fears, and your anger. With me, you will always have a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold, and a heart that beats only for you. Whatever you need, whatever you want, I'll be there to support you, to cheer you on, to lift you up. I've already spoken to our families and friends, and now it's just you and me."
With utmost care, he retrieved a small velvet box from his pocket, his fingers trembling slightly as he opened it to reveal a delicate ring. It was a ring that held more than just precious stones and metal—it held the promise of forever.
"So, this is me, asking you under the light of a thousand stars," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "Lucy Quinn Fabray, will you do me the great honor of making me the happiest man alive and marry me?"
In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them standing amidst a sea of stars. Their eyes locked, their hearts beating as one, green meeting hazel in a collision of love and longing, their souls intertwining in a dance as old as time itself.
Quinn's eyes widened in disbelief, her heart pounding fiercely in her chest as she struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the moment unfolding before her. Years of anticipation, of hopes and dreams woven intricately into the fabric of their relationship, had led to this singular instant. With every smile, every jest, every tender embrace, he had unknowingly painted a portrait of their future together—a future now crystallizing before her eyes as he knelt before her, offering his heart and his mother's ring in a silent promise of forever.
"Baby?"
She felt tears stream down her cheeks as she nodded, her voice choked with emotion yet filled with unwavering certainty. "Yes," she exclaimed at last, her heart overflowing with love. "Yes, Isaac Hargrave, a thousand times yes."
With trembling hands, Isaac gently took hold of her hand, his touch tender and reverent as he slid the ring onto her finger, sealing their bond with the sacred promise it symbolized. Tears streamed down his own cheeks as he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
"I love you," he murmured, his voice choked with emotion as he gazed up at her with adoration. "More than you'll ever know, baby. You nearly scared the life out of me, I thought—"
But before he could finish, she reached out, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and pulling him close. their breaths mingling in the charged atmosphere. "Just shut up," she breathed against his lips before capturing them in a kiss that ignited a wildfire within them both.
Time seemed to stand still as fireworks ignited behind their closed eyelids and the world faded into a blur as they surrendered to the intensity of the moment. Each touch, each caress, sent sparks flying between them, igniting a passion that burned brighter with each passing second. A deafening bang reverberated through the sky, causing them to break apart, their eyes instinctively turning heavenward as they felt the first few drops of rain patter down upon them. Within moments, the gentle drizzle escalated into a torrential downpour, soaking them both to the bone.
Quinn squealed and made a dash for cover, but Isaac remained rooted in the middle of the street, his laughter mingling with the sound of raindrops pounding against the pavement.
"What are you doing? You're going to catch a cold!"
"Dance with me."
She shook her head, her lips trembling with a mixture of laughter and apprehension, but he persisted, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Dance with me, baby."
"Isaac, you're going to get sick," she protested, watching as the rain fell harder, obscuring his figure in a blurry haze. After a moment of contemplation, Isaac relented, closing the distance between them until he stood before her, his gaze fixed intently upon her and his grin growing wider.
"Isaac, no," Quinn warned, sensing his intentions. "Isaac, don't you dare, or I won't marry you."
"Too late for that now, baby," he interrupted as he swept her off her feet, eliciting a startled yelp from her as she clung to him for dear life. "ISAAC JACOB HARGRAVE, PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT OR I SWEAR I-!"
Isaac laughed heartily as he gently set her back on her feet, placing his cap on her head to shield her from the rain. "I love you," he whispered, his gaze filled with warmth and adoration.
"You're crazy."
"Crazy for you," he countered with a soft smile. "Dance with me? Please."
Quinn couldn't help but smile back as she placed her hand in his, her heart swelling with love. With a joyful squeal, she surrendered to his lead, allowing him to spin her around in his arms as they danced amidst the rain-slicked streets.
"Drop everything now, meet me in the pouring rain. Kiss me on the sidewalk, take away the pain. 'Cause I see sparks fly, whenever you smile."
The rain became their dance floor, the streetlights casting a soft glow as they twirled and swayed in each other's arms, lost in the magic of the moment. The streetlights cast a soft glow upon their figures, illuminating the sheer joy reflected in their eyes as they danced, oblivious to the world around them. Each step they took seemed to stir the puddles beneath their feet, sending ripples of reflected light dancing around them like liquid diamonds. Her fiancé—she savored the word on her lips, was undeniably crazy, but in the most wonderful of ways.
"Get me with those green eyes, baby, as the lights go down. Gimme something that'll haunt me when you're not around. 'Cause I see sparks fly, whenever you smile."
She couldn't help but marvel at the sheer madness of it all, the exhilarating freedom of dancing in the rain with the person she loved most in the world. They were like children, carefree and alive.
It was crazy, sure, but it felt so right.
In his arms, she felt free and utterly in love and as she gazed into his hazel eyes, filled with unbridled joy and mischief, she knew she was exactly where she belonged. Feeling the droplets kiss her skin, she couldn't help but smile back at him, she wouldn't trade this beautiful madness for anything else in the world.
"And the sparks fly, oh, baby, smile and the sparks fly."
1 year later
"We should get married."
The papers in Isaac's hands slipped from his grasp, forgotten, as he leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "Come again?" he chuckled, disbelief lacing his words.
"We should get married."
"Baby, you're literally wearing my ring,"
Quinn let out an exasperated sigh, frustration evident in the way she tied her hair up into a bun. "I mean now," she clarified, her tone firm and determined.
His eyebrows shot up in surprise, a laugh escaping him at the suddenness of her suggestion. "Now? Baby, we can't just up and get married. Your parents would kill me...not to mention mine, my sister, and Santana."
Frustration bubbled up within her, evident in the way she huffed and crossed her arms, her resolve unwavering. "For God's sake, Isaac, you're 21," she retorted, her tone sharp. "I think we're both old enough to make decisions without worrying about what they think."
"A wedding takes time, and we haven't even graduated yet."
"Those are just cheap excuses, and you know it."
"I'm not pulling a Finchel, look where that got them" he countered, rising from his seat with a frown, concern etched into his features. "Quinn, we're still young. Why the rush all of a sudden?"
Quinn's green eyes narrowing as she met his gaze head-on. "Young?" she scoffed, her tone cutting.
"Quinn, you're 20. You're still—we're still two years away from graduating. We don't even have—"
"Excuses, excuses, that's all I'm hearing."
Before he could answer, she began to gather her things. The room felt heavy with unspoken words, the tension between them thickening with each passing moment.
"Wait, where are you going?"
"Yale."
"Quinn, wait!" Isaac's voice echoed through the corridor, desperate and urgent, as he sprinted after her. "Please, stop!" he pleaded, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he finally caught up to her, his hand reaching out to grasp her arm gently, urging her to turn around.
"Let go of me."
He shook his head, his eyes filled with concern. "No, not until you tell me what's wrong. Talk to me."
"Nothing's wrong with me," Quinn insisted, her voice hollow and distant, still avoiding his eyes.
"Look at me," he implored, his voice soft but firm. But she shook her head stubbornly, her eyes fixed on the ground. "Baby, look at me."
Frustration etched lines on Isaac's brow as he rubbed a hand across his face. Final exams loomed on the horizon, and a fight with Quinn was the last thing he needed right now. She turned away, signaling for a taxi to stop.
"Quinn, don't even think about getting in that cab. Do you hear me?"
"You're not my father. You can't tell me what I can or can't do," Quinn shot back defiantly as she slid into the back seat of the taxi, the driver already taking her suitcase and stowing it in the trunk.
"If you start this car, I will personally make sure that you never drive a car again in your life, do you hear me?" The taxi driver hesitated, glancing nervously between them before reluctantly sliding into the driver's seat and starting the engine.
They hadn't even moved a few meters when Isaac abruptly stepped into the driver's path, causing the taxi driver to slam on the brakes with a screech. "Step on the accelerator again, and you'll regret it!" he warned, his voice ringing with authority.
Quinn, her frustration reaching a boiling point, leaned out of the window, her voice sharp with anger. "Are you fucking crazy? Get out of the way!"
"Get out of the taxi. I won't repeat it again."
"I'm not getting out of the taxi."
"Then I'm not moving from here."
Seething with frustration, she sank back into her seat, her glare fixed firmly on her fiancé. Isaac, on the other hand, simply smiled smugly, his confidence unwavering in the face of her ire.
"Stupid fucking idiot," she muttered under her breath, her words laden with annoyance and exasperation. "Wants to get killed and doesn't know how to."
"Miss, I think maybe you should talk to him," the taxi driver suggested, his voice gentle as honks and insults toward Isaac began to crescendo outside. "If he doesn't get out of the way, I can't drive."
"Can't you just run him over or something?"
"I'm sorry, but no. My wife would kill me if I did that."
"You're married?" Quinn's surprise was evident in her tone. "You look too young to be."
The man nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face as he retrieved a photo from his wallet. In the picture, a beaming woman stood beside him, cradling a small child in her arms. "This is my wife, Sarah, and my son, Isaiah. He just turned two."
Her gaze softened as she took in the image, a pang of envy mingling with admiration. "They're beautiful," she murmured, momentarily forgetting the tension outside.
As Isaac's shouts interrupted their conversation once again, the man chuckled softly. "Your friend... he reminds me of my wife. She's got quite the temper, too."
"He's actually my fiancé."
"Ah, that explains a lot. What happened?"
"We've had a fight. He doesn't want to marry me."
"Are you sure about that? He doesn't seem like the type of guy who doesn't want to get married. Quite the opposite, in fact. Otherwise, he wouldn't be trying so hard to stop you from leaving."
"He says we're too young to get married, that weddings take time, and we still have two years left to graduate."
"He does have a point. But why do you want to get married now?"
"I just... Isaac and I have been together since we were 15, and we've known each other since we were kids," she explained, her voice softening as memories flooded her mind. "It just feels right. Maybe if it were another guy, it would seem crazy to me, but with him..." Her gaze drifted to Isaac, who was now embroiled in a heated argument with a police officer, and a fond smile tugged at her lips. "I know he's the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
"Have you tried telling him?"
Quinn's breath caught in her throat for a moment before she murmured, almost hesitantly, "There's another reason." She paused, her fingers instinctively moving to cradle her abdomen. "I'm pregnant."
The taxi driver's surprise was evident, but it quickly transformed into a warm smile. "Congratulations!" he exclaimed sincerely, his eyes twinkling with genuine joy.
"Thank you," she replied with a grateful smile, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. However, her attention was abruptly diverted when she noticed Isaac being handcuffed by the police officer, his expression a mixture of confusion and defiance. Without a second thought, she scrambled out of the taxi and sprinted towards the unfolding scene.
"Officer, what's wrong? Why are you handcuffing him?"
"Miss, do you know this man?" the policeman's voice cut through as Isaac shot him a dirty look.
"He's my fiancé."
"He's cutting the traffic."
"I promise it won't happen again. Could you please let him go?"
"Give me one good reason not to."
"I'm pregnant. He's the father."
"WAIT WHAT?" Isaac's reaction was immediate, his shock momentarily overriding any other emotions as his gaze darted between Quinn and the police officer.. "I'm... we're going to be parents?"
Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded, her heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and hope. "Yes," she confirmed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I didn't know how to tell you. I'm sorry for getting into a fight with you, I—"
"For God's sake," he interrupted, his voice cracking and his eyes brimming with tears as he looked at her in disbelief, trying to process all the information. "You need to stop doing this, Quinn. You can't just—"
"I was afraid that if you found out, you would think that I was marrying you just for the baby. But that's not the case. I love you. You are the love of my life and I know it's not how we planned it, but it's what I want. I love you and I love this baby. I want everything with you."
The police officer nodded, understanding softening his features as he removed the handcuffs, a stern warning accompanying his actions. "Don't let it happen again," he cautioned, his tone firm yet laced with a hint of warmth. "And congratulations on your future child," he added with a genuine smile.
Isaac, now freed from restraint, wasted no time, closing the distance between him and Quinn in two swift steps. With an impulsive grin, he pressed his lips to hers, a rush of emotion flooding through him. "You're insane, woman. Absolutely insane," he murmured between kisses, his words punctuated by her laughter. "We're going to be parents."
"You're one to talk. You need to stop putting yourself in situations where you could get hurt, especially involving cars."
"You're the one to blame." he shot back, his forehead coming to rest against hers as they shared a moment of quiet intimacy. The blaring of horns snapped them out of their reverie, prompting them to step off the road once more.
The taxi driver, having moved his vehicle to their level, approached them with a warm smile. "Congratulations, Isaac. You've got yourself a wonderful woman there. Take care of her and make sure to finally tie the knot," he advised with a chuckle. "Who cares if you're young?"
He laughed in agreement, wrapping an arm around Quinn's waist possessively. "Will do, sir," he promised, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "How much do we owe you?" he asked, reaching for his wallet.
"No need for payment. I'm just glad you two sorted things out. Just promise me you won't risk your life the next time you have a disagreement."
Isaac nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes as they bid farewell to the taxi driver, watching as the car pulled away from them and disappeared into the bustling city streets.
"I can't believe I'm going to be a dad," he whispered with wonder, his gaze filled with awe as he looked at her. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time, his heart overflowing with love and anticipation.
"Well, you have nine months to believe it, Sunshine."
"WE'RE GOING TO BE PARENTS!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement, as he swept her into his arms and spun her around in the air. Quinn laughed joyfully, her heart swelling with happiness.
After a while, Isaac gently set her back down, his eyes filled with adoration. "I love you, baby. You and our future little princess,"
"Why are you so sure she's going to be a girl, Hargrave?" she teased. "She could be a little prince."
"Believe me, I know. A girl dad's intuition never fails, Fabray."