fic: Le Click
Title: Le Click
Author: slacker_d
Crossover: Imagine Me & You/Glee
Pairing/Characters: Quinn/Finn, Rachel/Quinn, Puck, Will, Sue, H, Shelby, Tina, Brittany, Mercedes
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A chance meeting on her wedding day, changes everything for Quinn.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~12,750
Spoilers: The entirety of Imagine Me & You, none for glee
A/N: Requested by jbluish a thousand years ago. I'm sorry it took so long, but hopefully it was worth the wait.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
It’s Quinn’s wedding day. Giddily, she jumps out of bed and begins getting ready. It isn’t long before there’s a knock on her door. Answering it reveals her bridesmaids, Brittany and Mercedes. Quinn greets her with a squeal of delight and drags them both into the hotel room.
When her mother Sue, father Will and younger sister H appear, Quinn is almost ready.
"Mom, mom," H says as she trails behind her mother. "I have a question."
"Lucky me. What is it?"
"Why is the alphabet in that order?"
Ignoring her youngest, Sue calls out, "Morning, darling. Please tell your father he can't wear that suit."
"I think he looks charming," Quinn calls from the bathroom. She sticks her head out and really looks. "You look charming."
"Thank you, Quinn."
"Well, I for one," Sue begins, but is cut off by Quinn exiting the bathroom.
“You look enchanting, dear,” Will tells her.
“Very lovely darling,” Sue adds.
Quinn spins. “H?”
“You’re look like a meringue,” the ten year old tells her big sister.
“Thanks.”
…
Standing in front of her flower shop, Rachel checks her watch again. Her car is loaded and she's ready to leave; if only Tina would show up.
"Sorry. Sorry," Tina says, running up.
"Of course you are," Rachel replies as she hands over the keys.
"What's today's gig?"
"A wedding."
"Nice couple?"
"I wouldn't know," Rachel tells her. "I haven't met them yet."
"Over bearing mother?"
"That would be an understatement."
"Well, we should go out when you're done," Tina says.
"Sounds great."
"Cool," Tina replies. "What time are you done?"
"You know, I'll just meet you there."
"You're not coming, are you?"
"No, I am not," Rachel says as she climbs into her car.
"You need to get a life!" Tina calls after the car.
…
At the church, Rachel hunts down the groom and the best man. She spots them in front of the church, greeting guests. With flowers in hand, she approaches the pair. She's seen pictures of the couple and so she knows the tall, sweet looking guy is the groom.
"Hello, you're Finn, aren't you?"
Finn turns and smiles. "I am."
"Well, I'm Rachel," she tells him as she attaches the flower to his lapel. "And I did your flowers."
"Well, they're great," Finn says. "Aren't they great, Puck?"
"Oh, sure whatever you say, dude. I know nothing about flowers."
"But they're great, aren't they?"
"It's your wedding, dude."
…
As they're getting into the cars, her father Will leans over and says, “It’s not too late to back out,” he tells her. “I would completely understand.”
“Dad.”
“Don’t worry about the money. I just want you to be happy.”
Quinn grasps his hands. “I am,” she tells him, looking into his eyes.
“Will,” Sue interrupts. “Stop pestering the girl. She cannot back out now.”
“Don’t worry, mom,” Quinn assures. “I’m not.”
“Good. Don’t listen to your father, darling,” Sue says. “All the product he uses in his hair has seeped into his brain, causing delusions.”
“Thank you, dear,” Will tells her.
Despite the fatherly advice, Sue lets Will ride with Quinn. Brittany joins them as Mercedes, H and Sue get into the first car.
The ride begins in silence. Quinn seems to be off in her own little world and so Brittany turns to Will.
"How long have you been married?"
"Thirty years," Will replies.
"That's incredible."
"And just think," Will continues. "If I'd killed her when I'd first thought about it, I'd be out by now. A free man. I just remember all the way to the church, I just wanted to shout, "Stop the car! This is a horrible mistake." But you can't, can you?"
Feeling awkward, Brittany doesn't know where to look.
"So you just sit there, saying nothing, as the wheels keep turning, leading you to the longest sentence one can ever be subjected to."
"Oh thank god," Brittany says. "We're here."
The car lurches to a stop in front of the church. Everyone exits except Quinn and Will.
"Last chance, darling," Will tries again. "I won't tell."
"Dad."
"I'm just speaking from personal experience, Quinn," Will continues quietly. "Looking back, I should have followed my first instinct. But I didn't and here I am. Think of all the misery I could have circumvented."
"I'm fine, dad. I promise."
"All right then. Take all the time you need." He kisses her on the top of her head and exits as well.
…
Sue and H approach Finn and Puck as Rachel puts the flowers on.
"Hi Finn," H says.
"Hey babe," Finn replies with a high five.
"I know what you're thinking," Puck says to Rachel as she attaches the flower. "I do work out. I know it's hard to tell because of the suit, but I have awesome guns."
"I'm sure they're lovely," Rachel answers. "I can't say that's important to me, though."
"As a bonus, I'm also a good listener."
"Mom, mom," H says. "I have a question."
"Please, not now."
"What's the question, H?" Finn asks.
"What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immoveable object?"
Silence is her answer, before Finn says, "No idea, actually."
"Good," Sue says. "Now that's settled, so the wedding can continue." Sue begins to lead H away.
"Actually," Rachel says. "That would never happen. If there's something that can't be stopped, it's not possible for there to be something else which can't be moved, and vice versa. They can't both exist. You see, it's a trick question is the answer."
Sue quickly pulls H away as the girl asks, "Can she sit with me?"
…
Moments later, Rachel finds herself sitting in a church pew next to the younger sister.
"I don't mean to be rude," Rachel says. "But why am I here?"
"When do fish sleep?"
"What should I call you, then?"
"Everyone calls me H," she explains. "They tell me it's short for Henrietta, but it's not. It's short for Jesus H Christ. That's what my mom said when she found out she was pregnant with me."
Rachel smiles as she tries to hold back a chuckle.
H's attention turns to a fidgeting Finn in the front.
"Isn't Finn handsome?"
…
Finn can't help but check over his shoulder for his bride to be.
"She'll be here, won't she?"
"Don't be dense, dude," Puck says. "She'll be here. BTW, that chick that did your flowers? Hot."
"I figured you think so."
"And she's into me, too," Puck continues. "I definitely felt it. Didn't you?"
"Puck, you're my best friend and all, but could we talk about me today?" Finn asks. "It being my wedding day and all."
"Right. Of course." A moment passes. "You felt it, though, didn't you?"
…
Suddenly the organ music begins as Sue sits next to H.
"All right," Rachel says. "I'm going to go set up for the reception." She begins to inch her way out of the pew as the music swells.
Quinn and Will appear at the back of the church and begin moving forward.
As Rachel walks down the far left side of the church, she watches the bride and her father walk up the aisle. Quinn turns and her eyes meet Rachel's. They hold the gaze for a moment before the pull of Will drags Quinn's attention away. When Quinn looks again, there's no one there. For some reason, this saddens her.
But then she reaches the front and all she can see is Finn's smile. She hands her bouquet to Brittany and lets go of her father's hand before taking Finn's.
"Okay?" Finn asks.
"Definitely," Quinn replies.
"Dearly beloved…"
"You look amazing," Finn whispers to Quinn.
At the entrance, Rachel takes one more glance at the happy couple before exiting. Outside, she glances back in, even though the door is closed. Shaking off the odd feeling that just settled on her, she jogs over to her car.
…
The reception is going well as Rachel strolls over the punch bowl. There she finds the bride stirring the punch. When she notices Rachel approach, she turns and tries to hide the punch bowl.
"Hello."
"Hi.
"We haven't met," Rachel says. "I’m Rachel."
"Quinn."
"I did your flowers," Rachel tells her.
"Did you?" Quinn asks. "My flowers are nice."
"I'm glad you like them," Rachel says. "I was just going to get…"
Quinn blocks her from approaching the bowl.
"…a drink."
"I rather you wouldn't."
"Is there something wrong? I'd be happy to help," Rachel says.
"It's my ring," Quinn says. "I was getting some punch and--"
"Your wedding ring?"
"It fell off," Quinn explains. "Off and in there." Quinn stirs the punch. "My wedding ring is now in there."
Both women look into the swirling red liquid.
"I assume you tried the ladle?"
"Didn't work."
"And you certainly can't empty it," Rachel continues. "It's far too big. Okay, then I can think of only one solution. Cover me." Rachel begins rolling up her sleeve.
"What?"
"Your dress is the perfect cover," Rachel explains. "I'm going in." She pushes Quinn in front of the bowl as she ducks down and begins searching for the ring.
"You can't just…or than again, maybe you can."
Rachel digs around until she finds the ring and quickly pulls it out. With Quinn still blocking her, Rachel slips the ring on her finger and shakes the excess liquid off her hands.
…
A bit later Puck approaches the DJ and requests a slow song before sauntering over to Rachel.
"A dance, my lady?" he asks.
"I suppose."
Rachel attempts to keep the proper distance between them, but Puck pulls her closer.
"We fit together rather well, don't you think?"
"A bit tight, Puck," Rachel says as he pulls her closer.
Rachel is saved by the lowering of the music as Will's voice comes over the speakers.
"Excuse me, is this thing on?"
A moment later, Sue appears and pulls the microphone away from her husband. "I think it's time for a proper speech."
…
"…Anyway, these guys are in love…and I think that's boring," Puck says into the microphone. "They've been in love for years, years! Years that have seen endless amounts of drugs consumed, and meaningless sex thoroughly enjoyed by me! They just stayed home, as they do. They've been like a married couple for so many years, it's a relief that they're finally married. So, before I do my duty as best man and do a bridesmaid, and you know who you are, I would like to raise a glass to Quinn and Finn. May they grow old together sharing the same pillow." Puck raises his glass. "Quinn and Finn."
"To Quinn and Finn," everyone echoes.
Puck drinks his champagne before continuing. "Oh, and now, this is a very big deal. Some say the reason it's taken him this long to get married is his fear of making just this speech, but he's making it now! He's not sure he can do it, I know he can do it. Please put your hands together for Finn."
Everyone claps as Puck hugs the now standing Finn. Puck sits as Finn takes his place at the mic. Clearing his throat, Finn attempts to speak, unsuccessfully. After an uncomfortable moment, Quinn jumps up.
"Hi everyone. I'm Finn. And welcome to my wedding. So I'm glad you're all here looking at me because, uh, because I want to tell you how much I love Quinn. What an amazing, wonderful, uniquely fantastic person she is." Quinn turns to Finn and whispers, "Do you want to keep going?"
"No, actually I think you're doing just fine," he tells her, before sitting.
Quinn returns her focus to the crowd. "Okay, so this is me now. I've been looking forward to this day all my life. And I'm so glad to share it with so many people I love and a few people I've never met before. But I'm sure you're all great too. I feel like I've known Finn all my life. And I know I'll know him for the rest of it. He's my best friend. They say fairytales have happy endings, even though the passage can be rough. But Finn and I were friends and then we were more. And it's been smooth all the way. Maybe that's a better kind of fairytale." Quinn picks up her glass. "We won't do a toast or anything. But if you could all just wish us luck, well Finn and I would really appreciate that." Everyone stands and raises their glasses. "Ready? One, two, three."
"Good luck!"
…
Rachel is opening up her shop, Flowered Up, when her first customer of the day scurries in.
"Hello."
"Hi," he says in a rush. "You've got to help me. I need a flower. Just one. A good one. The perfect one."
"Okay."
"This is my last chance," he says. "My last chance flower."
"Your last chance?"
"Yes, I fucked up something fierce," he continues. "Only the right flower can save me. What about a rose? A red rose. What would that say?"
"Love."
"Love's nice."
"And fidelity."
"Not a red rose, then."
"No," Rachel agrees. "A rose is too obvious. If this really is your last chance, we need to find you something spectacular." Rachel begins checking what flowers she has when someone knocks on the front door.
"Be right with you," Rachel calls over her shoulder.
"That's fine," Quinn replies.
Rachel turns. "Oh, hello."
"Hi," Quinn says. "I just…came by to say thanks."
"It was a total pleasure."
Their eyes linger for a moment before Rachel says, "Sorry. I'm just dealing with…" She points to the man poking around the various bouquets.
"Oh, right, of course. Go right ahead," Quinn assures her.
"What's your favorite flower?" he asks.
"I don't know," Quinn replies. "I guess I like lilies."
He stares at her for a moment. "No. Definitely not."
"How about this?" Rachel says pulling out an orange bloom. "Bird of paradise."
"Good so far."
"Real name's Sterelitzia, named after Charlotte of Strelitz. She married King George III, had fifteen kids. They never spent more than an hour apart. He actually--"
"That's enough. Stop." And he goes back to his browsing.
"You want to come to dinner?"
"Excuse me?"
"Dinner with us. Finn and I," Quinn explains. "I mean, you don't have--"
"I'd love to."
"Really? Okay, how about this Friday?"
"Friday? Sounds lovely."
"Okay," Quinn says. "I'll just write down the address."
…
"I really want this couch," Finn tells Quinn.
They're at an auction. Finn has been searching for a leather couch for months now and has finally found the perfect one. Quinn agrees it's perfect and that they must have it.
"As long as it's under our limit," he continues. "$250."
"Why do we need a limit?" Quinn asks.
"Because otherwise, you'll go nuts," Finn tells her.
"Of course I will," Quinn replies. "I have to have that couch. Oh, by the way, I invited Rachel to dinner, Friday."
"Rachel?"
"The florist from our wedding."
"Great," Finn says. "I'll cook something."
"No way, I want her to like us," Quinn jokes.
"The next item up for bit is lot number 279…"
"That's us," Finn says, turning towards the front.
"…we'll start the bidding at one hundred dollars."
"I asked her because," Quinn says. "And this is my plan."
Finn just groans.
"I thought we'd invite Puck too."
"You know what might be a better idea?" Finn asks. "Not doing that."
"Do I have $125?" the auctioneer asks.
"I think they'd be good together," Quinn continues. "Don't you?"
"Well he did say he made a promising start at the wedding, but then she disappeared after the speeches."
"Exactly. We're doing it."
"$175 in the back."
"Closer," Finn mumbles.
"It's funny," Quinn says. "I stopped by her shop the other day to say thanks for all she did at our wedding."
Finn eyes the competition. "Closer."
"You know when you just met someone, but you know immediately that you were meant to be friends?"
"$220?"
"Just about," Finn mutters, eyes wide.
"Who knows why?" Quinn muses. "Past life, physiognomy. But for some reason, you just kind of click."
"I have $260 on the right."
"Damnit," Finn grumbles.
"I'm not even sure exactly what I'm saying. But do you know what I mean?"
"$260, going once…"
"We lost the couch, Quinn."
"What?"
"Over our limit."
"The hell it is," Quinn says, standing. She waves their auction number as she shouts. "$350!"
…
Friday afternoon, Rachel stops by her mother's with some flowers. She finds her on the couch reading the paper in her pajamas.
"What are you doing?"
"I live here," Shelby says. "What are you doing?"
"Thought I'd drop by. Help tidy up a bit." Rachel finds the last bunch of flowers she brought, dried up and dead. "You're not dressed?"
"I was earlier," Shelby tells her. "But now, I'm all settled in for the evening."
"It's only five," Rachel points out. Didn't you say you were going out?"
"Actually, if memory serves, you said I was going out later," Shelby replies. "You're done working already?"
"I'm busy tonight."
"A date?" Shelby questions. "Does my daughter have an actual date?"
"No. But you could."
"Sure. Tea dances, reading groups, bridge clubs. They're just tragic attempts by lonely old coffin dodgers to meet someone before they fade away. Everybody looking for love; well, they won't find it." Shelby sets down the paper. "Those people are sad."
"You're sad."
"Actually, I'm depressed," Shelby replies. "There's a difference."
"I wish you'd get a life," Rachel sighs. "I really do."
"I know you do."
…
Friday night, Quinn is in the bathroom getting ready when Finn comes rushing in.
"Sorry. Sorry," he apologizes. He leans in for a kiss as he loosens his tie.
"It's fine," Quinn replies. "How as work?"
"Awful, horrible even," Finn replies as he changes out of his work clothes. "I'm going to quit."
"You say that every week."
"And one day I will," Finn tells her. "And then we'll have a celebration, won't we?"
"Oh definitely," Quinn says. "You think she'll be into him?"
"What?"
"Rachel," Quinn replies. "You think she'll be into Puck."
"I'm not a good at that sort of thing, you know. How do I look?"
Quinn glances up at Finn in the new shirt he's put on. "Very handsome."
"Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself, gorgeous."
The door bell rings.
"I'll get it," Finn says. "Let the fun begin."
…
"Welcome," Finn says opening the door.
"Thanks," Rachel replies, entering. "I brought these." She holds up a large bouquet of lilies.
"Wow, lilies, Quinn will love these," Finn tells her. "They're her favorite. Sweetheart?"
"I'm here," Quinn says, appearing a moment later. "Hi."
Quinn and Rachel seem content to stare at each other before Quinn breaks out of the trance.
"You should see our amazing new couch."
"Our incredibly, expensive new couch," Finn mutters.
"Money shouldn't be an issue where comfort's involved," Rachel says.
"A woman after my own heart," Quinn tells her.
"Hey, Rachel, do you believe in reincarnation?" Finn asks. "Because Quinn thought maybe the two of you have met before."
"That wasn't exactly what I…"
"I would have remembered," Rachel says.
"Well, let me hang up these flowers and put your jacket in some water," Finn says.
"I'll do it." Quinn takes the flowers and heads into the kitchen.
…
As Quinn sorts out the flowers, Finn and Rachel chat on the amazing and incredibly expensive couch.
"…Well, so, basically, the book I've wanted to write is a guide to wherever is the coolest place on the planet at the time. If it's February, it's the Rio Carnival. And if it's, I don't know, May, it's the bulls in Pamplona. So if you want a holiday/party, then, you know, you open the book and there's me telling you where to go."
"Because you've been there."
"Yeah, that was the plan, but, you know, Quinn, life, work…Quinn."
"Some day."
"Yeah, yeah, maybe." Finn pours them both wine. "And so what about you? Married? Almost married?"
"No, I've never been married," Rachel says. "I suppose it depends if it's ever allowed or not."
"What?"
"I'm gay."
Finn chuckles. "Hmmm. Well, then, that's…super then."
The doorbell rings.
Feeling awkward, Finn says, "That's Puck."
"Puck's coming," Rachel says. "Lovely."
"Yeah."
…
"Finn," Puck says as he sets down his fork. "I hate to say it man, but this? This is awful."
"Really?"
"Really," Quinn agrees. "It's truly horrible."
"Listen, now that's it been three weeks, I have to ask," Puck says. "Is post married sex better than pre married sex?"
"Oh please," Quinn says.
"No, seriously," Puck continues. "Because when I've had sex with married people, they all says it's awesome. Quinn?"
"I guess you'll just have to get married and find out for yourself."
"Seriously?" Finn asks. "That would be like a whole two or three years of Puck's life. That's like twenty times longer than his longest relationship."
"I'm not someone who needs just one person."
"You don't think your other half is just out there waiting for you?" Finn asks.
"Or maybe even in here," Quinn adds.
"Quinn…"
"What?" Quinn says. "There are some amazing women out there."
"I agree," Puck says. "And I'm trying to sleep with as many of them as I can."
"Well, you've made a start then, haven't you?" Finn asks.
"You know," Puck says turning to Rachel. "They teach the birds and the bees about me."
Rachel laughs.
"That'll change when you meet the right woman."
"But how am I supposed to know?"
"You don't know, not straight away," Quinn answers. "It just feels…warm and comfortable and you just hang in there and give it a chance. And before you know it, you just feel it, yeah this is it. It must be love." She smiles at Finn.
"Yeah, I'm with her," Finn agrees.
"That sounds good," Puck says.
"I disagree, actually," Rachel says. "I believe you know immediately. As soon as your eyes… Then everything that happens from then on, just proves that you were right in that first moment. When you suddenly realized you had been incomplete and now you're whole."
Quinn can't help but stare back into Rachel's intense gaze.
"Actually," Finn says. "I'm with her, I think."
"I agree."
"Excellent. Who's up for desert?" Finn asks, standing.
"Yes."
"No," Quinn says.
"No?" Rachel's confused.
"If you think that, you think that everyone that doesn't have all that, I don't know, business is settling for less."
"I don't believe that's what I said."
"Yes, it kind of is."
"She said it a bit nicer," Puck adds.
…
Finn is cleaning up as Puck watches.
"You look like hell, dude," Puck says. "Bad week at work?"
"Total shit," Finn replies. "I'm definitely quitting."
"You hear flower girl, back there?" Puck asks. "Made that speech for me. Later on, the two of us are going to fall madly in bed."
"So it's going well is it?"
"Very well, in fact."
"She's a lesbian," Finn tells him grinning.
"Really? Awesome."
"You don't think that puts a kink in your plans?"
"Anyone can change teams," Puck says. "Not anyone. I wouldn't… Cause, you know, but anyone, I mean…" Puck takes a large gulp of his drink.
…
Quinn goes in search of Rachel and finds her on the roof, huddled under an umbrella.
"What are you doing?" she calls from under the awning.
"It's gorgeous."
"It's raining," Quinn points out. She manages to convince Rachel to seek better shelter and the two stare out into the rainy night. "Finn won't come up here. At first I just thought he had a thing about heights, but he freaks out when I get too close to the edge, too. Sorry about dinner."
"Don't worry," Rachel replies. "I've eaten worse."
"I kind of went off."
"You didn't go off," Rachel says. "You went a little way off."
They turn to face each other, smiling.
"You're wet," Quinn points out.
"I'm fine."
"Take this," Quinn says, removing her jacket.
"I'm fine."
"You're cold."
"I'm really quite fine."
"You should take it," Quinn continues, wrapping the jacket around Rachel's shoulders.
"Well, now you'll be cold."
"No, I'll be fine--"
"Hey, what are you guys up to?" Finn calls up.
Feeling guilty, Quinn turns and yells down. "Nothing."
"Well, Puck wants to play strip poker," Finn tells them. "And I just really want him to go home."
Quinn smiles sheepishly and the pair head back downstairs.
"Thanks for dinner," Rachel says.
"Night," Finn replies.
"Bye." Quinn lets her gaze linger on Rachel for just a moment longer.
Rachel exits first and Puck eyes follow her out. He turns to Finn and gives a thumbs up. Finn just chuckles as he returns it.
…
In Puck's car, Rachel directs him to her place. "Next left."
"Or we could head back to my place, have a bit of fun and then I take you home."
"Or you could take the next left."
"Something wrong?" Puck asks.
"Why? Because I don't want to sleep with you?"
"That's a personal choice, I guess," Puck replies. "But I'd appreciate you not looking so tortured."
Rachel glances over. "I'm sorry."
"Well, it's obvious you've got something on your mind."
Rachel doesn't reply.
"You know what you should do? You should tell me. Just because I seem like a jag off, doesn't mean there isn't a sensitive soul underneath."
"No there isn't."
"Okay, no there isn't," Puck agrees. "But tell me anyway."
Rachel sighs. "Fine."
Puck pulls into a parking lot for a little bistro. It's late enough that it's nearly empty and so they grab a table and order coffee.
But Rachel refuses to say anything, so Puck starts out. "Well, it's obviously a girl. So, it's a hot and horny scene. It's you and another vagetarian. You can tell me. Spare no detail."
"Have you ever met someone and just… But there was someone else already?"
"Of course. Always," Puck replies. "Hot ones are always taken."
"So what do you do?"
"What do I do?" Puck pretends to think it over. "I fuck 'em."
Rachel chuckles.
"Partner is their problem, not mine."
Rachel shakes her head. "Yeah, well, I don't believe in messing with other couples. You don't cause that pain. Ever. You just face facts that it can't happen…and walk away. Find someone who's available instead."
"Okay then," Puck says. "Your place or mine? Come on. I promise, I never disappoint."
…
The next morning Quinn and Finn are at the grocery store.
"So we're done with this whole match making thing, now, right?"
"Are you kidding me? They left together." Quinn drops some cans of tuna in the cart.
"You're serious?" Finn asks. "You didn't… I can't believe how uncool you are."
"What? I'm cool. And I didn't what?"
"Well, what you don't know about Rachel is that she's…" Finn says as he turns and sees Rachel pushing a cart in front of him. "Right here. Hey."
"Hey. Hi."
"Hello."
"Crazy. We were just talking about you," Finn says.
"All nice, I hope."
Standing next to Rachel, Tina coughs.
"Yes, right. Finn this is Tina."
"Tina."
"Finn."
"And Quinn."
"Quinn."
"Tina."
"Rach?"
"Good," Rachel says. "So Saturday shopping…"
"Is good," Finn answers.
"Lovely then. Enjoy it," Rachel says. "And thank you so much for dinner. We should definitely--"
"Definitely," Finn agrees.
"We will," Quinn insists.
"Okay. Well, have a nice time shopping."
"Yes, you too," Quinn says.
And Rachel drags Tina down another aisle.
"So what are you up to tonight?" Rachel asks.
"Whoa, hold on, one sec, there Rach," Tina says. "What the hell was that?"
…
"That's what I'm trying to tell you," Finn explains. "Rachel is gay."
"She's gay."
"As a tennis player," Finn replies as he grabs a box of cereal.
…
"She's not just heterosexual," Tina chuckles. "She's, like, Barbie heterosexual."
Tina's now pushing the cart and as they pass Finn and Quinn again, she can't help but stop. "Oh hey. How's it going? We were just talking about you this time."
"Baby, we're going to miss kickoff."
"Oh, there's hours yet," Finn assures her. "Sports thing. Soccer."
"That is darling," Tina says. She turns to Rachel. "Isn't that darling?"
"Good. Well, I hope your team wins."
Rachel tries to pull Tina down another aisle.
"Tina, are you gay?" Finn asks.
"Oh god," Rachel mumbles.
"Am I gay? I'm ecstatic."
"And are you two…"
"No. We're not," Rachel says.
"I've tried and I've tried," Tina says, pulling Rachel into a hug. "But she loves another."
"So, I'll call you," Rachel says.
Finn nods. "Do, cause we should definitely--"
"Definitely," Quinn agrees.
"We will." Rachel manages to push Tina down another aisle. "Bye again."
"Bye." Quinn watches the pair disappear down the aisle before joining Finn down another.
"So I found out that they are not an item," Finn grins.
"Yeah. Great. And so tactful too. Let's just pay."
At the checkout, Finn begins to unload the cart.
"Hi."
Quinn and Finn turn to see Tina and Rachel just two checkouts down.
"Are you stalking us?" Finn asks.
"Now why would we do a thing like that?"
"We'll be at this till," Rachel says, placing items on the conveyer belt.
"Waving," Tina adds
"We'll wave back," Finn says.
"And do," Rachel adds.
"Yes," Quinn agrees.
"Well we must," Finn says.
"Definitely," Tina agrees.
…
Quinn and Finn are having breakfast in bed as they read the paper. Quinn refills Finn's coffee, adding just the right amount of creamer before handing it over.
"Thanks." He takes a sip and sets it on the bed tray. He picks up his toast and takes a bite. "This is excellent jam. I mean, really excellent. I should make jam. I could you know."
"Of course you could."
"You don't think I could."
"Not for a second."
"Anyway, I was talking to my boss, Rob yesterday."
"God, that man is a jackass," Quinn sighs.
"That he is," Finn agrees. "But he's got this amazingly sweet girlfriend. God knows what she loves about him, but she does. And he cheats on her like crazy."
Quinn climbs out of bed and grabs her robe.
"Aw, now, stay in bed."
"I'm up now," Quinn tells him. "Does she know?"
"Don't think so," Finn answers. "But I told him, if you want to leave, just tell her. Are you really up?"
Quinn smiles. "I really am. Maybe he doesn't want to leave. Maybe he doesn't know what he wants."
"Anyway, he should figure it out before someone gets hurt." Feeling his wife's eyes on him, Finn asks, "Why are you looking at me?"
"Because you're a good person," Quinn says before heading into the bathroom.
"Wait until I make jam," he calls after her. "Then I'll totally rock your world."
…
Rachel is putting together a bouquet for a woman.
"A little more lilac, I believe," Rachel thinks out loud. "Add a bit more color."
"Why not?"
Rachel adds the bloom.
"They're for my boyfriend," the woman tells Rachel. "I'm going to tell him we're having a baby."
"That's great."
"I, uh, I think so. A-and he will too. He definitely will. Bit of a control freak, though. He'd probably take the birth control if he could." She begins sniffling. "He's…he's going to hate me." She begins crying in earnest. "He's going to hate me."
Rachel pats her on the shoulder. The woman wraps herself around Rachel.
"I just love him so much," she sobs.
"Of course. He sounds like a peach."
"I didn't…"
Rachel can't understand the rest, because her sobbing becomes too much. The phone rings and she tries to unwrap herself from the woman's embrace, but can't.
"I just have to…" She finally just drags the woman along as she contorts and bends and snatches the phone from its cradle. "Flowered Up. Yes, we do deliverers. Right now? Not a problem."
…
Rachel greets the maître'd. "I'm supposed to deliver these to table seven," she tells him.
"It's right through there."
Rachel weaves through the tables and stops in front of Puck.
"Cute, right?" he smiles.
"Very," Rachel replies dryly as she sets the flowers down.
"Fuck me if I'm wrong," Puck says. "But I think you want to kiss me."
"Puck, you and me, it's not going to happen."
"It's not?" he questions.
Rachel shakes her head. "I'll be your friend."
"Fine. That works." He pours champagne into the two flutes at the table. "For now."
…
H is giving a presentation at school and Quinn is there to watch along with her parents.
"My daughter's giving a presentation," Sue says. "You should've let me get T-shirts made."
"It's not really that sort of thing," Quinn tells her.
"Just as well," Sue says. "Your father doesn't have the body for them. Mind you, I'm just speaking from memory."
"Hi."
Quinn turns to see Rachel leaning against a wall, hands in her pockets.
"Rachel, dear, what are you doing here?" Sue asks.
"I helped H with her project," Rachel explains. "And, well, she invited me…"
"Isn't that lovely?"
Quinn finds herself between her mother and Rachel watching her little sister explain space. She tries to concentrate, but all she can focus on is Rachel sitting so close. She finds if she tilts her head slightly, she can see Rachel out of the corner of her eye and still appear to be focusing on H. It helps that the lights are dim.
What she really wants to do is let their fingers just barely touch. Perhaps draw Rachel's attention to her, brush a bit of hair back and lean in for a kiss.
The lights snapping back on draws her out of her thoughts and she's left feeling a bit disorientated.
After congratulating H and separating from her parents, Quinn finds herself outside with Rachel.
"You have somewhere to be?" Quinn asks.
"No. I'm all right."
"Well, good," Quinn says. "Because I was hoping to talk to you…about, it's just, well, every time I'm with…"
"You know? I do have to go," Rachel interrupts. "I forgot. I have a delivery to make." And she waves as she takes off.
"Right. You go." Quinn walks her watch off, feeling lost.
…
Back at work, Quinn is at her desk reading an article. "Hey guys, listen to this."
Mercedes and Brittany turn to listen.
"In her acceptance speech, the distinguished scientist paid tribute to her husband, Dr. Artie Abrams. Tomorrow the pair will celebrate their forty-second wedding anniversary after eloping together on the day they met. When asked how they could possibly have known it would all work out, Professor Cohen replied in true scientific fashion. You don't know. You can never be sure. But you take the plunge anyway. Sure is for people who don't love enough."
"Awww," both Brittany and Mercedes murmur.
"Do you guys believe in love at first sight?"
"Well it's certainly easier," Mercedes says.
"No, really," Quinn continues. "That you could meet someone, or just across a room and with that one glance you could look in their eyes and see their soul. Do you believe that could happen?"
Brittany ponder for a moment before responding, "No."
"Absolutely not," Mercedes agrees.
"Me neither," Quinn mumbles, looking at her computer screen.
…
In the video store, Quinn picks out a couple DVDs and hands them over to the cashier. Tara, her name tag says, takes the cases and goes to grab the rental cases. While she's waiting, Quinn wanders over to a small rack that apparently has adult films on it. Seeing several advertising girl on girl action, she grabs one and hastily sets it on the counter as the clerk returns.
"This too."
The clerk, Tara, looks at it and then looks up at Quinn.
"It's for research," Quinn manages.
"Whatever you say." She goes to her computer. "It's actually out."
"Oh, that's fine."
"But it's due back," the clerk continues. "I'll give 'em a call."
"That really isn't necessary."
"Trust me," she says. "This one you want to see. Hello? Cassie? It's Tara from the video store. Yeah…"
"I thought it was you."
Quinn turns around and fights off a wave of panic at seeing her mother enter.
"I was just stopping by to drop off the wedding pictures," Sue says as Quinn covers up the DVD case. "Though I should have stiffed that wedding photographer when I had the chance. He made me look like an ogre. An ogre in lilac. Anything good?"
"No, no." Quinn pushes the movies under her arm to hide them further.
"There's a woman here that needs your copy of Georgie's Bush," the clerk says into the phone.
"Georgie's Bush?”
"It's for research," the clerk tells her.
"Yeah, I'm trying to get Finn to better understand politics," Quinn says.
…
At home, Quinn watches the movie feeling a bit detached. In theory she knew how…girl on girl worked, but seeing it, well that's a different story. She's not disgusted, certainly, but she's not turned on, either.
The front door opens and Quinn hears, "Quinn, you home?"
She quickly shuts off the movie and shoves it back in its case. The case is then put under the other two legit movies she rented.
"Oh, hey, you're home," Finn greets.
"Hi."
"God, am I glad to see you. It's been just an awful morning, I thought I'd get away for lunch."
"Sounds great."
"Hey, picked up some movies, huh?" He picks them up looks them over. "This one's good. This one sucks. And I don't believe I've seen this one…" He grins at Quinn.
She snatches it from him and reads the title. She pretends to be surprised. "Oh, that's definitely not…the woman at the store, it must have been a mix up. I'll take it back."
"Yeah, definitely take it back," Finn agrees. "It's porn. It's degrading and offensive."
"I agree."
"Let's watch it anyway," Finn says.
"Finn."
"Come on, Quinn," he tries. "We haven't been as…I mean, I know it's my fault that we haven't as much…"
"No, it's mine. But I don't want to watch this."
"Why?"
"It doesn't turn me on," Quinn explains. She jumps up and grabs her keys, running out of the apartment.
"Well, that makes one of us," Finn mutters.
Part Two
Author: slacker_d
Crossover: Imagine Me & You/Glee
Pairing/Characters: Quinn/Finn, Rachel/Quinn, Puck, Will, Sue, H, Shelby, Tina, Brittany, Mercedes
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A chance meeting on her wedding day, changes everything for Quinn.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~12,750
Spoilers: The entirety of Imagine Me & You, none for glee
A/N: Requested by jbluish a thousand years ago. I'm sorry it took so long, but hopefully it was worth the wait.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
It’s Quinn’s wedding day. Giddily, she jumps out of bed and begins getting ready. It isn’t long before there’s a knock on her door. Answering it reveals her bridesmaids, Brittany and Mercedes. Quinn greets her with a squeal of delight and drags them both into the hotel room.
When her mother Sue, father Will and younger sister H appear, Quinn is almost ready.
"Mom, mom," H says as she trails behind her mother. "I have a question."
"Lucky me. What is it?"
"Why is the alphabet in that order?"
Ignoring her youngest, Sue calls out, "Morning, darling. Please tell your father he can't wear that suit."
"I think he looks charming," Quinn calls from the bathroom. She sticks her head out and really looks. "You look charming."
"Thank you, Quinn."
"Well, I for one," Sue begins, but is cut off by Quinn exiting the bathroom.
“You look enchanting, dear,” Will tells her.
“Very lovely darling,” Sue adds.
Quinn spins. “H?”
“You’re look like a meringue,” the ten year old tells her big sister.
“Thanks.”
…
Standing in front of her flower shop, Rachel checks her watch again. Her car is loaded and she's ready to leave; if only Tina would show up.
"Sorry. Sorry," Tina says, running up.
"Of course you are," Rachel replies as she hands over the keys.
"What's today's gig?"
"A wedding."
"Nice couple?"
"I wouldn't know," Rachel tells her. "I haven't met them yet."
"Over bearing mother?"
"That would be an understatement."
"Well, we should go out when you're done," Tina says.
"Sounds great."
"Cool," Tina replies. "What time are you done?"
"You know, I'll just meet you there."
"You're not coming, are you?"
"No, I am not," Rachel says as she climbs into her car.
"You need to get a life!" Tina calls after the car.
…
At the church, Rachel hunts down the groom and the best man. She spots them in front of the church, greeting guests. With flowers in hand, she approaches the pair. She's seen pictures of the couple and so she knows the tall, sweet looking guy is the groom.
"Hello, you're Finn, aren't you?"
Finn turns and smiles. "I am."
"Well, I'm Rachel," she tells him as she attaches the flower to his lapel. "And I did your flowers."
"Well, they're great," Finn says. "Aren't they great, Puck?"
"Oh, sure whatever you say, dude. I know nothing about flowers."
"But they're great, aren't they?"
"It's your wedding, dude."
…
As they're getting into the cars, her father Will leans over and says, “It’s not too late to back out,” he tells her. “I would completely understand.”
“Dad.”
“Don’t worry about the money. I just want you to be happy.”
Quinn grasps his hands. “I am,” she tells him, looking into his eyes.
“Will,” Sue interrupts. “Stop pestering the girl. She cannot back out now.”
“Don’t worry, mom,” Quinn assures. “I’m not.”
“Good. Don’t listen to your father, darling,” Sue says. “All the product he uses in his hair has seeped into his brain, causing delusions.”
“Thank you, dear,” Will tells her.
Despite the fatherly advice, Sue lets Will ride with Quinn. Brittany joins them as Mercedes, H and Sue get into the first car.
The ride begins in silence. Quinn seems to be off in her own little world and so Brittany turns to Will.
"How long have you been married?"
"Thirty years," Will replies.
"That's incredible."
"And just think," Will continues. "If I'd killed her when I'd first thought about it, I'd be out by now. A free man. I just remember all the way to the church, I just wanted to shout, "Stop the car! This is a horrible mistake." But you can't, can you?"
Feeling awkward, Brittany doesn't know where to look.
"So you just sit there, saying nothing, as the wheels keep turning, leading you to the longest sentence one can ever be subjected to."
"Oh thank god," Brittany says. "We're here."
The car lurches to a stop in front of the church. Everyone exits except Quinn and Will.
"Last chance, darling," Will tries again. "I won't tell."
"Dad."
"I'm just speaking from personal experience, Quinn," Will continues quietly. "Looking back, I should have followed my first instinct. But I didn't and here I am. Think of all the misery I could have circumvented."
"I'm fine, dad. I promise."
"All right then. Take all the time you need." He kisses her on the top of her head and exits as well.
…
Sue and H approach Finn and Puck as Rachel puts the flowers on.
"Hi Finn," H says.
"Hey babe," Finn replies with a high five.
"I know what you're thinking," Puck says to Rachel as she attaches the flower. "I do work out. I know it's hard to tell because of the suit, but I have awesome guns."
"I'm sure they're lovely," Rachel answers. "I can't say that's important to me, though."
"As a bonus, I'm also a good listener."
"Mom, mom," H says. "I have a question."
"Please, not now."
"What's the question, H?" Finn asks.
"What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immoveable object?"
Silence is her answer, before Finn says, "No idea, actually."
"Good," Sue says. "Now that's settled, so the wedding can continue." Sue begins to lead H away.
"Actually," Rachel says. "That would never happen. If there's something that can't be stopped, it's not possible for there to be something else which can't be moved, and vice versa. They can't both exist. You see, it's a trick question is the answer."
Sue quickly pulls H away as the girl asks, "Can she sit with me?"
…
Moments later, Rachel finds herself sitting in a church pew next to the younger sister.
"I don't mean to be rude," Rachel says. "But why am I here?"
"When do fish sleep?"
"What should I call you, then?"
"Everyone calls me H," she explains. "They tell me it's short for Henrietta, but it's not. It's short for Jesus H Christ. That's what my mom said when she found out she was pregnant with me."
Rachel smiles as she tries to hold back a chuckle.
H's attention turns to a fidgeting Finn in the front.
"Isn't Finn handsome?"
…
Finn can't help but check over his shoulder for his bride to be.
"She'll be here, won't she?"
"Don't be dense, dude," Puck says. "She'll be here. BTW, that chick that did your flowers? Hot."
"I figured you think so."
"And she's into me, too," Puck continues. "I definitely felt it. Didn't you?"
"Puck, you're my best friend and all, but could we talk about me today?" Finn asks. "It being my wedding day and all."
"Right. Of course." A moment passes. "You felt it, though, didn't you?"
…
Suddenly the organ music begins as Sue sits next to H.
"All right," Rachel says. "I'm going to go set up for the reception." She begins to inch her way out of the pew as the music swells.
Quinn and Will appear at the back of the church and begin moving forward.
As Rachel walks down the far left side of the church, she watches the bride and her father walk up the aisle. Quinn turns and her eyes meet Rachel's. They hold the gaze for a moment before the pull of Will drags Quinn's attention away. When Quinn looks again, there's no one there. For some reason, this saddens her.
But then she reaches the front and all she can see is Finn's smile. She hands her bouquet to Brittany and lets go of her father's hand before taking Finn's.
"Okay?" Finn asks.
"Definitely," Quinn replies.
"Dearly beloved…"
"You look amazing," Finn whispers to Quinn.
At the entrance, Rachel takes one more glance at the happy couple before exiting. Outside, she glances back in, even though the door is closed. Shaking off the odd feeling that just settled on her, she jogs over to her car.
…
The reception is going well as Rachel strolls over the punch bowl. There she finds the bride stirring the punch. When she notices Rachel approach, she turns and tries to hide the punch bowl.
"Hello."
"Hi.
"We haven't met," Rachel says. "I’m Rachel."
"Quinn."
"I did your flowers," Rachel tells her.
"Did you?" Quinn asks. "My flowers are nice."
"I'm glad you like them," Rachel says. "I was just going to get…"
Quinn blocks her from approaching the bowl.
"…a drink."
"I rather you wouldn't."
"Is there something wrong? I'd be happy to help," Rachel says.
"It's my ring," Quinn says. "I was getting some punch and--"
"Your wedding ring?"
"It fell off," Quinn explains. "Off and in there." Quinn stirs the punch. "My wedding ring is now in there."
Both women look into the swirling red liquid.
"I assume you tried the ladle?"
"Didn't work."
"And you certainly can't empty it," Rachel continues. "It's far too big. Okay, then I can think of only one solution. Cover me." Rachel begins rolling up her sleeve.
"What?"
"Your dress is the perfect cover," Rachel explains. "I'm going in." She pushes Quinn in front of the bowl as she ducks down and begins searching for the ring.
"You can't just…or than again, maybe you can."
Rachel digs around until she finds the ring and quickly pulls it out. With Quinn still blocking her, Rachel slips the ring on her finger and shakes the excess liquid off her hands.
…
A bit later Puck approaches the DJ and requests a slow song before sauntering over to Rachel.
"A dance, my lady?" he asks.
"I suppose."
Rachel attempts to keep the proper distance between them, but Puck pulls her closer.
"We fit together rather well, don't you think?"
"A bit tight, Puck," Rachel says as he pulls her closer.
Rachel is saved by the lowering of the music as Will's voice comes over the speakers.
"Excuse me, is this thing on?"
A moment later, Sue appears and pulls the microphone away from her husband. "I think it's time for a proper speech."
…
"…Anyway, these guys are in love…and I think that's boring," Puck says into the microphone. "They've been in love for years, years! Years that have seen endless amounts of drugs consumed, and meaningless sex thoroughly enjoyed by me! They just stayed home, as they do. They've been like a married couple for so many years, it's a relief that they're finally married. So, before I do my duty as best man and do a bridesmaid, and you know who you are, I would like to raise a glass to Quinn and Finn. May they grow old together sharing the same pillow." Puck raises his glass. "Quinn and Finn."
"To Quinn and Finn," everyone echoes.
Puck drinks his champagne before continuing. "Oh, and now, this is a very big deal. Some say the reason it's taken him this long to get married is his fear of making just this speech, but he's making it now! He's not sure he can do it, I know he can do it. Please put your hands together for Finn."
Everyone claps as Puck hugs the now standing Finn. Puck sits as Finn takes his place at the mic. Clearing his throat, Finn attempts to speak, unsuccessfully. After an uncomfortable moment, Quinn jumps up.
"Hi everyone. I'm Finn. And welcome to my wedding. So I'm glad you're all here looking at me because, uh, because I want to tell you how much I love Quinn. What an amazing, wonderful, uniquely fantastic person she is." Quinn turns to Finn and whispers, "Do you want to keep going?"
"No, actually I think you're doing just fine," he tells her, before sitting.
Quinn returns her focus to the crowd. "Okay, so this is me now. I've been looking forward to this day all my life. And I'm so glad to share it with so many people I love and a few people I've never met before. But I'm sure you're all great too. I feel like I've known Finn all my life. And I know I'll know him for the rest of it. He's my best friend. They say fairytales have happy endings, even though the passage can be rough. But Finn and I were friends and then we were more. And it's been smooth all the way. Maybe that's a better kind of fairytale." Quinn picks up her glass. "We won't do a toast or anything. But if you could all just wish us luck, well Finn and I would really appreciate that." Everyone stands and raises their glasses. "Ready? One, two, three."
"Good luck!"
…
Rachel is opening up her shop, Flowered Up, when her first customer of the day scurries in.
"Hello."
"Hi," he says in a rush. "You've got to help me. I need a flower. Just one. A good one. The perfect one."
"Okay."
"This is my last chance," he says. "My last chance flower."
"Your last chance?"
"Yes, I fucked up something fierce," he continues. "Only the right flower can save me. What about a rose? A red rose. What would that say?"
"Love."
"Love's nice."
"And fidelity."
"Not a red rose, then."
"No," Rachel agrees. "A rose is too obvious. If this really is your last chance, we need to find you something spectacular." Rachel begins checking what flowers she has when someone knocks on the front door.
"Be right with you," Rachel calls over her shoulder.
"That's fine," Quinn replies.
Rachel turns. "Oh, hello."
"Hi," Quinn says. "I just…came by to say thanks."
"It was a total pleasure."
Their eyes linger for a moment before Rachel says, "Sorry. I'm just dealing with…" She points to the man poking around the various bouquets.
"Oh, right, of course. Go right ahead," Quinn assures her.
"What's your favorite flower?" he asks.
"I don't know," Quinn replies. "I guess I like lilies."
He stares at her for a moment. "No. Definitely not."
"How about this?" Rachel says pulling out an orange bloom. "Bird of paradise."
"Good so far."
"Real name's Sterelitzia, named after Charlotte of Strelitz. She married King George III, had fifteen kids. They never spent more than an hour apart. He actually--"
"That's enough. Stop." And he goes back to his browsing.
"You want to come to dinner?"
"Excuse me?"
"Dinner with us. Finn and I," Quinn explains. "I mean, you don't have--"
"I'd love to."
"Really? Okay, how about this Friday?"
"Friday? Sounds lovely."
"Okay," Quinn says. "I'll just write down the address."
…
"I really want this couch," Finn tells Quinn.
They're at an auction. Finn has been searching for a leather couch for months now and has finally found the perfect one. Quinn agrees it's perfect and that they must have it.
"As long as it's under our limit," he continues. "$250."
"Why do we need a limit?" Quinn asks.
"Because otherwise, you'll go nuts," Finn tells her.
"Of course I will," Quinn replies. "I have to have that couch. Oh, by the way, I invited Rachel to dinner, Friday."
"Rachel?"
"The florist from our wedding."
"Great," Finn says. "I'll cook something."
"No way, I want her to like us," Quinn jokes.
"The next item up for bit is lot number 279…"
"That's us," Finn says, turning towards the front.
"…we'll start the bidding at one hundred dollars."
"I asked her because," Quinn says. "And this is my plan."
Finn just groans.
"I thought we'd invite Puck too."
"You know what might be a better idea?" Finn asks. "Not doing that."
"Do I have $125?" the auctioneer asks.
"I think they'd be good together," Quinn continues. "Don't you?"
"Well he did say he made a promising start at the wedding, but then she disappeared after the speeches."
"Exactly. We're doing it."
"$175 in the back."
"Closer," Finn mumbles.
"It's funny," Quinn says. "I stopped by her shop the other day to say thanks for all she did at our wedding."
Finn eyes the competition. "Closer."
"You know when you just met someone, but you know immediately that you were meant to be friends?"
"$220?"
"Just about," Finn mutters, eyes wide.
"Who knows why?" Quinn muses. "Past life, physiognomy. But for some reason, you just kind of click."
"I have $260 on the right."
"Damnit," Finn grumbles.
"I'm not even sure exactly what I'm saying. But do you know what I mean?"
"$260, going once…"
"We lost the couch, Quinn."
"What?"
"Over our limit."
"The hell it is," Quinn says, standing. She waves their auction number as she shouts. "$350!"
…
Friday afternoon, Rachel stops by her mother's with some flowers. She finds her on the couch reading the paper in her pajamas.
"What are you doing?"
"I live here," Shelby says. "What are you doing?"
"Thought I'd drop by. Help tidy up a bit." Rachel finds the last bunch of flowers she brought, dried up and dead. "You're not dressed?"
"I was earlier," Shelby tells her. "But now, I'm all settled in for the evening."
"It's only five," Rachel points out. Didn't you say you were going out?"
"Actually, if memory serves, you said I was going out later," Shelby replies. "You're done working already?"
"I'm busy tonight."
"A date?" Shelby questions. "Does my daughter have an actual date?"
"No. But you could."
"Sure. Tea dances, reading groups, bridge clubs. They're just tragic attempts by lonely old coffin dodgers to meet someone before they fade away. Everybody looking for love; well, they won't find it." Shelby sets down the paper. "Those people are sad."
"You're sad."
"Actually, I'm depressed," Shelby replies. "There's a difference."
"I wish you'd get a life," Rachel sighs. "I really do."
"I know you do."
…
Friday night, Quinn is in the bathroom getting ready when Finn comes rushing in.
"Sorry. Sorry," he apologizes. He leans in for a kiss as he loosens his tie.
"It's fine," Quinn replies. "How as work?"
"Awful, horrible even," Finn replies as he changes out of his work clothes. "I'm going to quit."
"You say that every week."
"And one day I will," Finn tells her. "And then we'll have a celebration, won't we?"
"Oh definitely," Quinn says. "You think she'll be into him?"
"What?"
"Rachel," Quinn replies. "You think she'll be into Puck."
"I'm not a good at that sort of thing, you know. How do I look?"
Quinn glances up at Finn in the new shirt he's put on. "Very handsome."
"Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself, gorgeous."
The door bell rings.
"I'll get it," Finn says. "Let the fun begin."
…
"Welcome," Finn says opening the door.
"Thanks," Rachel replies, entering. "I brought these." She holds up a large bouquet of lilies.
"Wow, lilies, Quinn will love these," Finn tells her. "They're her favorite. Sweetheart?"
"I'm here," Quinn says, appearing a moment later. "Hi."
Quinn and Rachel seem content to stare at each other before Quinn breaks out of the trance.
"You should see our amazing new couch."
"Our incredibly, expensive new couch," Finn mutters.
"Money shouldn't be an issue where comfort's involved," Rachel says.
"A woman after my own heart," Quinn tells her.
"Hey, Rachel, do you believe in reincarnation?" Finn asks. "Because Quinn thought maybe the two of you have met before."
"That wasn't exactly what I…"
"I would have remembered," Rachel says.
"Well, let me hang up these flowers and put your jacket in some water," Finn says.
"I'll do it." Quinn takes the flowers and heads into the kitchen.
…
As Quinn sorts out the flowers, Finn and Rachel chat on the amazing and incredibly expensive couch.
"…Well, so, basically, the book I've wanted to write is a guide to wherever is the coolest place on the planet at the time. If it's February, it's the Rio Carnival. And if it's, I don't know, May, it's the bulls in Pamplona. So if you want a holiday/party, then, you know, you open the book and there's me telling you where to go."
"Because you've been there."
"Yeah, that was the plan, but, you know, Quinn, life, work…Quinn."
"Some day."
"Yeah, yeah, maybe." Finn pours them both wine. "And so what about you? Married? Almost married?"
"No, I've never been married," Rachel says. "I suppose it depends if it's ever allowed or not."
"What?"
"I'm gay."
Finn chuckles. "Hmmm. Well, then, that's…super then."
The doorbell rings.
Feeling awkward, Finn says, "That's Puck."
"Puck's coming," Rachel says. "Lovely."
"Yeah."
…
"Finn," Puck says as he sets down his fork. "I hate to say it man, but this? This is awful."
"Really?"
"Really," Quinn agrees. "It's truly horrible."
"Listen, now that's it been three weeks, I have to ask," Puck says. "Is post married sex better than pre married sex?"
"Oh please," Quinn says.
"No, seriously," Puck continues. "Because when I've had sex with married people, they all says it's awesome. Quinn?"
"I guess you'll just have to get married and find out for yourself."
"Seriously?" Finn asks. "That would be like a whole two or three years of Puck's life. That's like twenty times longer than his longest relationship."
"I'm not someone who needs just one person."
"You don't think your other half is just out there waiting for you?" Finn asks.
"Or maybe even in here," Quinn adds.
"Quinn…"
"What?" Quinn says. "There are some amazing women out there."
"I agree," Puck says. "And I'm trying to sleep with as many of them as I can."
"Well, you've made a start then, haven't you?" Finn asks.
"You know," Puck says turning to Rachel. "They teach the birds and the bees about me."
Rachel laughs.
"That'll change when you meet the right woman."
"But how am I supposed to know?"
"You don't know, not straight away," Quinn answers. "It just feels…warm and comfortable and you just hang in there and give it a chance. And before you know it, you just feel it, yeah this is it. It must be love." She smiles at Finn.
"Yeah, I'm with her," Finn agrees.
"That sounds good," Puck says.
"I disagree, actually," Rachel says. "I believe you know immediately. As soon as your eyes… Then everything that happens from then on, just proves that you were right in that first moment. When you suddenly realized you had been incomplete and now you're whole."
Quinn can't help but stare back into Rachel's intense gaze.
"Actually," Finn says. "I'm with her, I think."
"I agree."
"Excellent. Who's up for desert?" Finn asks, standing.
"Yes."
"No," Quinn says.
"No?" Rachel's confused.
"If you think that, you think that everyone that doesn't have all that, I don't know, business is settling for less."
"I don't believe that's what I said."
"Yes, it kind of is."
"She said it a bit nicer," Puck adds.
…
Finn is cleaning up as Puck watches.
"You look like hell, dude," Puck says. "Bad week at work?"
"Total shit," Finn replies. "I'm definitely quitting."
"You hear flower girl, back there?" Puck asks. "Made that speech for me. Later on, the two of us are going to fall madly in bed."
"So it's going well is it?"
"Very well, in fact."
"She's a lesbian," Finn tells him grinning.
"Really? Awesome."
"You don't think that puts a kink in your plans?"
"Anyone can change teams," Puck says. "Not anyone. I wouldn't… Cause, you know, but anyone, I mean…" Puck takes a large gulp of his drink.
…
Quinn goes in search of Rachel and finds her on the roof, huddled under an umbrella.
"What are you doing?" she calls from under the awning.
"It's gorgeous."
"It's raining," Quinn points out. She manages to convince Rachel to seek better shelter and the two stare out into the rainy night. "Finn won't come up here. At first I just thought he had a thing about heights, but he freaks out when I get too close to the edge, too. Sorry about dinner."
"Don't worry," Rachel replies. "I've eaten worse."
"I kind of went off."
"You didn't go off," Rachel says. "You went a little way off."
They turn to face each other, smiling.
"You're wet," Quinn points out.
"I'm fine."
"Take this," Quinn says, removing her jacket.
"I'm fine."
"You're cold."
"I'm really quite fine."
"You should take it," Quinn continues, wrapping the jacket around Rachel's shoulders.
"Well, now you'll be cold."
"No, I'll be fine--"
"Hey, what are you guys up to?" Finn calls up.
Feeling guilty, Quinn turns and yells down. "Nothing."
"Well, Puck wants to play strip poker," Finn tells them. "And I just really want him to go home."
Quinn smiles sheepishly and the pair head back downstairs.
"Thanks for dinner," Rachel says.
"Night," Finn replies.
"Bye." Quinn lets her gaze linger on Rachel for just a moment longer.
Rachel exits first and Puck eyes follow her out. He turns to Finn and gives a thumbs up. Finn just chuckles as he returns it.
…
In Puck's car, Rachel directs him to her place. "Next left."
"Or we could head back to my place, have a bit of fun and then I take you home."
"Or you could take the next left."
"Something wrong?" Puck asks.
"Why? Because I don't want to sleep with you?"
"That's a personal choice, I guess," Puck replies. "But I'd appreciate you not looking so tortured."
Rachel glances over. "I'm sorry."
"Well, it's obvious you've got something on your mind."
Rachel doesn't reply.
"You know what you should do? You should tell me. Just because I seem like a jag off, doesn't mean there isn't a sensitive soul underneath."
"No there isn't."
"Okay, no there isn't," Puck agrees. "But tell me anyway."
Rachel sighs. "Fine."
Puck pulls into a parking lot for a little bistro. It's late enough that it's nearly empty and so they grab a table and order coffee.
But Rachel refuses to say anything, so Puck starts out. "Well, it's obviously a girl. So, it's a hot and horny scene. It's you and another vagetarian. You can tell me. Spare no detail."
"Have you ever met someone and just… But there was someone else already?"
"Of course. Always," Puck replies. "Hot ones are always taken."
"So what do you do?"
"What do I do?" Puck pretends to think it over. "I fuck 'em."
Rachel chuckles.
"Partner is their problem, not mine."
Rachel shakes her head. "Yeah, well, I don't believe in messing with other couples. You don't cause that pain. Ever. You just face facts that it can't happen…and walk away. Find someone who's available instead."
"Okay then," Puck says. "Your place or mine? Come on. I promise, I never disappoint."
…
The next morning Quinn and Finn are at the grocery store.
"So we're done with this whole match making thing, now, right?"
"Are you kidding me? They left together." Quinn drops some cans of tuna in the cart.
"You're serious?" Finn asks. "You didn't… I can't believe how uncool you are."
"What? I'm cool. And I didn't what?"
"Well, what you don't know about Rachel is that she's…" Finn says as he turns and sees Rachel pushing a cart in front of him. "Right here. Hey."
"Hey. Hi."
"Hello."
"Crazy. We were just talking about you," Finn says.
"All nice, I hope."
Standing next to Rachel, Tina coughs.
"Yes, right. Finn this is Tina."
"Tina."
"Finn."
"And Quinn."
"Quinn."
"Tina."
"Rach?"
"Good," Rachel says. "So Saturday shopping…"
"Is good," Finn answers.
"Lovely then. Enjoy it," Rachel says. "And thank you so much for dinner. We should definitely--"
"Definitely," Finn agrees.
"We will," Quinn insists.
"Okay. Well, have a nice time shopping."
"Yes, you too," Quinn says.
And Rachel drags Tina down another aisle.
"So what are you up to tonight?" Rachel asks.
"Whoa, hold on, one sec, there Rach," Tina says. "What the hell was that?"
…
"That's what I'm trying to tell you," Finn explains. "Rachel is gay."
"She's gay."
"As a tennis player," Finn replies as he grabs a box of cereal.
…
"She's not just heterosexual," Tina chuckles. "She's, like, Barbie heterosexual."
Tina's now pushing the cart and as they pass Finn and Quinn again, she can't help but stop. "Oh hey. How's it going? We were just talking about you this time."
"Baby, we're going to miss kickoff."
"Oh, there's hours yet," Finn assures her. "Sports thing. Soccer."
"That is darling," Tina says. She turns to Rachel. "Isn't that darling?"
"Good. Well, I hope your team wins."
Rachel tries to pull Tina down another aisle.
"Tina, are you gay?" Finn asks.
"Oh god," Rachel mumbles.
"Am I gay? I'm ecstatic."
"And are you two…"
"No. We're not," Rachel says.
"I've tried and I've tried," Tina says, pulling Rachel into a hug. "But she loves another."
"So, I'll call you," Rachel says.
Finn nods. "Do, cause we should definitely--"
"Definitely," Quinn agrees.
"We will." Rachel manages to push Tina down another aisle. "Bye again."
"Bye." Quinn watches the pair disappear down the aisle before joining Finn down another.
"So I found out that they are not an item," Finn grins.
"Yeah. Great. And so tactful too. Let's just pay."
At the checkout, Finn begins to unload the cart.
"Hi."
Quinn and Finn turn to see Tina and Rachel just two checkouts down.
"Are you stalking us?" Finn asks.
"Now why would we do a thing like that?"
"We'll be at this till," Rachel says, placing items on the conveyer belt.
"Waving," Tina adds
"We'll wave back," Finn says.
"And do," Rachel adds.
"Yes," Quinn agrees.
"Well we must," Finn says.
"Definitely," Tina agrees.
…
Quinn and Finn are having breakfast in bed as they read the paper. Quinn refills Finn's coffee, adding just the right amount of creamer before handing it over.
"Thanks." He takes a sip and sets it on the bed tray. He picks up his toast and takes a bite. "This is excellent jam. I mean, really excellent. I should make jam. I could you know."
"Of course you could."
"You don't think I could."
"Not for a second."
"Anyway, I was talking to my boss, Rob yesterday."
"God, that man is a jackass," Quinn sighs.
"That he is," Finn agrees. "But he's got this amazingly sweet girlfriend. God knows what she loves about him, but she does. And he cheats on her like crazy."
Quinn climbs out of bed and grabs her robe.
"Aw, now, stay in bed."
"I'm up now," Quinn tells him. "Does she know?"
"Don't think so," Finn answers. "But I told him, if you want to leave, just tell her. Are you really up?"
Quinn smiles. "I really am. Maybe he doesn't want to leave. Maybe he doesn't know what he wants."
"Anyway, he should figure it out before someone gets hurt." Feeling his wife's eyes on him, Finn asks, "Why are you looking at me?"
"Because you're a good person," Quinn says before heading into the bathroom.
"Wait until I make jam," he calls after her. "Then I'll totally rock your world."
…
Rachel is putting together a bouquet for a woman.
"A little more lilac, I believe," Rachel thinks out loud. "Add a bit more color."
"Why not?"
Rachel adds the bloom.
"They're for my boyfriend," the woman tells Rachel. "I'm going to tell him we're having a baby."
"That's great."
"I, uh, I think so. A-and he will too. He definitely will. Bit of a control freak, though. He'd probably take the birth control if he could." She begins sniffling. "He's…he's going to hate me." She begins crying in earnest. "He's going to hate me."
Rachel pats her on the shoulder. The woman wraps herself around Rachel.
"I just love him so much," she sobs.
"Of course. He sounds like a peach."
"I didn't…"
Rachel can't understand the rest, because her sobbing becomes too much. The phone rings and she tries to unwrap herself from the woman's embrace, but can't.
"I just have to…" She finally just drags the woman along as she contorts and bends and snatches the phone from its cradle. "Flowered Up. Yes, we do deliverers. Right now? Not a problem."
…
Rachel greets the maître'd. "I'm supposed to deliver these to table seven," she tells him.
"It's right through there."
Rachel weaves through the tables and stops in front of Puck.
"Cute, right?" he smiles.
"Very," Rachel replies dryly as she sets the flowers down.
"Fuck me if I'm wrong," Puck says. "But I think you want to kiss me."
"Puck, you and me, it's not going to happen."
"It's not?" he questions.
Rachel shakes her head. "I'll be your friend."
"Fine. That works." He pours champagne into the two flutes at the table. "For now."
…
H is giving a presentation at school and Quinn is there to watch along with her parents.
"My daughter's giving a presentation," Sue says. "You should've let me get T-shirts made."
"It's not really that sort of thing," Quinn tells her.
"Just as well," Sue says. "Your father doesn't have the body for them. Mind you, I'm just speaking from memory."
"Hi."
Quinn turns to see Rachel leaning against a wall, hands in her pockets.
"Rachel, dear, what are you doing here?" Sue asks.
"I helped H with her project," Rachel explains. "And, well, she invited me…"
"Isn't that lovely?"
Quinn finds herself between her mother and Rachel watching her little sister explain space. She tries to concentrate, but all she can focus on is Rachel sitting so close. She finds if she tilts her head slightly, she can see Rachel out of the corner of her eye and still appear to be focusing on H. It helps that the lights are dim.
What she really wants to do is let their fingers just barely touch. Perhaps draw Rachel's attention to her, brush a bit of hair back and lean in for a kiss.
The lights snapping back on draws her out of her thoughts and she's left feeling a bit disorientated.
After congratulating H and separating from her parents, Quinn finds herself outside with Rachel.
"You have somewhere to be?" Quinn asks.
"No. I'm all right."
"Well, good," Quinn says. "Because I was hoping to talk to you…about, it's just, well, every time I'm with…"
"You know? I do have to go," Rachel interrupts. "I forgot. I have a delivery to make." And she waves as she takes off.
"Right. You go." Quinn walks her watch off, feeling lost.
…
Back at work, Quinn is at her desk reading an article. "Hey guys, listen to this."
Mercedes and Brittany turn to listen.
"In her acceptance speech, the distinguished scientist paid tribute to her husband, Dr. Artie Abrams. Tomorrow the pair will celebrate their forty-second wedding anniversary after eloping together on the day they met. When asked how they could possibly have known it would all work out, Professor Cohen replied in true scientific fashion. You don't know. You can never be sure. But you take the plunge anyway. Sure is for people who don't love enough."
"Awww," both Brittany and Mercedes murmur.
"Do you guys believe in love at first sight?"
"Well it's certainly easier," Mercedes says.
"No, really," Quinn continues. "That you could meet someone, or just across a room and with that one glance you could look in their eyes and see their soul. Do you believe that could happen?"
Brittany ponder for a moment before responding, "No."
"Absolutely not," Mercedes agrees.
"Me neither," Quinn mumbles, looking at her computer screen.
…
In the video store, Quinn picks out a couple DVDs and hands them over to the cashier. Tara, her name tag says, takes the cases and goes to grab the rental cases. While she's waiting, Quinn wanders over to a small rack that apparently has adult films on it. Seeing several advertising girl on girl action, she grabs one and hastily sets it on the counter as the clerk returns.
"This too."
The clerk, Tara, looks at it and then looks up at Quinn.
"It's for research," Quinn manages.
"Whatever you say." She goes to her computer. "It's actually out."
"Oh, that's fine."
"But it's due back," the clerk continues. "I'll give 'em a call."
"That really isn't necessary."
"Trust me," she says. "This one you want to see. Hello? Cassie? It's Tara from the video store. Yeah…"
"I thought it was you."
Quinn turns around and fights off a wave of panic at seeing her mother enter.
"I was just stopping by to drop off the wedding pictures," Sue says as Quinn covers up the DVD case. "Though I should have stiffed that wedding photographer when I had the chance. He made me look like an ogre. An ogre in lilac. Anything good?"
"No, no." Quinn pushes the movies under her arm to hide them further.
"There's a woman here that needs your copy of Georgie's Bush," the clerk says into the phone.
"Georgie's Bush?”
"It's for research," the clerk tells her.
"Yeah, I'm trying to get Finn to better understand politics," Quinn says.
…
At home, Quinn watches the movie feeling a bit detached. In theory she knew how…girl on girl worked, but seeing it, well that's a different story. She's not disgusted, certainly, but she's not turned on, either.
The front door opens and Quinn hears, "Quinn, you home?"
She quickly shuts off the movie and shoves it back in its case. The case is then put under the other two legit movies she rented.
"Oh, hey, you're home," Finn greets.
"Hi."
"God, am I glad to see you. It's been just an awful morning, I thought I'd get away for lunch."
"Sounds great."
"Hey, picked up some movies, huh?" He picks them up looks them over. "This one's good. This one sucks. And I don't believe I've seen this one…" He grins at Quinn.
She snatches it from him and reads the title. She pretends to be surprised. "Oh, that's definitely not…the woman at the store, it must have been a mix up. I'll take it back."
"Yeah, definitely take it back," Finn agrees. "It's porn. It's degrading and offensive."
"I agree."
"Let's watch it anyway," Finn says.
"Finn."
"Come on, Quinn," he tries. "We haven't been as…I mean, I know it's my fault that we haven't as much…"
"No, it's mine. But I don't want to watch this."
"Why?"
"It doesn't turn me on," Quinn explains. She jumps up and grabs her keys, running out of the apartment.
"Well, that makes one of us," Finn mutters.
Part Two