fic: Le Click - Part Two
Title: Le Click - 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.
Part Two
That night at the neighborhood bond fire and fireworks, Finn attempts to talk to Will about his problem while they're in line at the concession stand.
"I love the smell of hot dog in the evening," Will says. "It smells like hot dog."
"Yeah, listen, Will, could I ask you something?"
Distracted, Will replies, "Sure. Two hot dogs."
"Yeah, well, the thing is, I wanted to ask you…it's just I'm kinda, wondering if it was a bit odd after you guys got married. If things got a bit different, out of sync or something."
The vendor hands over two hot dogs and Will hands one to Finn.
"Mustard? Ketchup?" Will asks.
"No, I'm actually trying to talk to you about something."
"Oh. What's that then?"
"Well, I was just wondering, I'm having, well, the thing is, I'm feeling a bit off with Quinn."
"Oh, god, no. We must never discuss her. Never. We can talk ourselves blue in the face about sports or weather, but never Quinn."
"Why not?"
"Because, the minute you bring her up, the only thought I'm going to have is, that's the bastard that doing my daughter."
Finn just stares at Will a moment before going to find Quinn.
…
Meanwhile, Quinn and Sue are watching the fireworks.
"I just don't know what to do about your father, Q," Sue says. "He's certainly never been a crazed animal in bed, but lately--"
"Hey guys."
"Oh thank god you're here," Quinn tells Finn.
"Ditto, trust me."
"Excellent, now that you're both here, tell me you're working on grandchildren."
"Let's go over there," Quinn suggests.
"I'm merely suggesting, Quinn," Sue calls after them. "It would be nice if I'm still young enough to be able to pick them up, you know?"
"You know, whenever your parents make me feel awkward?" Finn asks.
"Which is all the time."
"I just remind myself that for all their faults, they still gave me you, so they can't be all bad."
"Awww," Quinn says leaning in for a kiss and a hug. Feeling content, Quinn catches a flash of Rachel in the crowd and she's reminded of her unresolved feelings.
Finn seems to sense the mood switch. "Anything wrong?" Finn asks.
"Let's just go home."
…
Brittany walks around with H. "Please don't think I want people to think you're mine," she tells her. "I think it actually puts men off."
"I know," H replies. "Rachel!" She runs towards the brunette and hugs her. "This is Brittany. She's on her own."
"Good, you've found a friend," Shelby says. "Can I go home?"
"No," Rachel says. "We're trying to find her a man," she explains.
"Ha. There aren't any," Brittany says.
Just then a ten year old boy runs into her.
"Sorry, ma'am," he says.
"Please don’t call me ma'am," Brittany says.
The boy's eyes fall on H and he smiles.
She smiles back. "Hello."
"Hey." He just continues to smile at her and can't seem to keep his eyes off her.
"Isn't that just great," Brittany groans.
…
"You've got a boyfriend, you've got a boyfriend," Rachel teases H.
The pair is sitting on a park bench waiting for H's new friend who is a boy to return with some sparklers.
"Not yet," H replies. "Though I can't wait until you get a boyfriend."
"Actually, you probably can."
"You could even get a husband," H continues. "You're old enough. You should try to find one like Finn."
"H, I should probably explain something," Rachel says. "I do believe in finding that one special person to be with for the rest of my life, but that person is going to be a woman."
"I understand."
"You do?"
"Yeah, my best friend is Becky Johnson. I'd rather spend the rest of my life with her than any silly boy." H jumps up and accepts a sparkler from her new friend. "It doesn't mean you're a lesbian or anything." And the two run off.
Rachel just smiles after her.
…
Arriving home, Finn hangs up his jacket. "You want anything to drink?"
"A beer."
Finn stops in front of the refrigerator. "Oh. Well. I was going to offer, but."
"But what?"
"You're not pregnant are you?"
Quinn sighs. "You're as bad as my mother."
"Look, I know we said we were going to wait," Finn says. "But for what? To be more settled than we already are?"
"I know."
"Do you want to have kids now?"
"I--"
Finn pulls out his cell phone. "Sorry, I better take this." He flips open his phone. "Rob, hi. Yeah, I've got a second."
Quinn wanders over to the couch. The house phone is on the coffee table, just staring at her. After a few moments contemplation, she picks it up and dials.
"Hello?" Rachel's voice comes through the speaker, but Quinn doesn't know what to say, so she just hangs up.
"Sorry, Quinn," Finn says, coming into the living room. "But I can't go to the game with you Tuesday night. Work."
Quinn groans. "What's Rob making you do now?"
"Dinner. With some big wigs."
"Well, then I should go with."
"No way. It'll be dull. I don't want to subject you to that. I barely want to subject myself."
The house phone rings.
"Hello?" Finn answers. "Oh hey, Rach."
"Hey Finn, listen my phone just rang and--"
"What are you doing Tuesday?" Finn interrupts. "Because it would be really great if you could hang out with Quinn."
"Well I don't have any specific plans," Rachel says.
"Great. Because I have this terribly boring work thing I have to do and it would mean so much to me if you would take her."
"Sure, Finn, that sounds great."
"Great," Finn says. "Quinn'll call later with the details. Bye."
"What are you doing?" Quinn asks once he's hung up.
"Now you have someone to go to the game with," Finn answers. "It makes perfect sense."
"But we hardly know each other," Quinn protests.
"Yeah, but you said you guys had like a connection or whatever. So now you can explore it."
"Does she even know what we're doing?"
…
Tuesday night finds Quinn and Rachel at a soccer game. Quinn's team is playing and she tries to see a live game every chance she gets.
"Go on, hound him! Hound his legs, chop him!" Quinn yells. "On the left side!"
The visiting team scores a goal and the crowd groans.
"You know, you're kind of shrill," Rachel tells Quinn.
"What?"
"When you shout," Rachel explains. "If you want them to hear your insults, then you've got to project better."
"Teach me," Quinn says.
"Okay. First off, tighten your stomach muscles."
"I don't that I have any," Quinn replies.
"You do. Trust me. They're right here," Rachel says, placing her hand on Quinn's stomach.
"There?"
Rachel nods. "Tighten."
"Tighten."
"Tense them," Rachel tells her.
"They're pretty tense."
"Okay," Rachel says. "Next, broaden your diaphragm."
"Excuse me?"
"It's here," Rachel tells her as she moves her hand upwards.
"Oh."
"Right then," Rachel continues. "Push it out against my hand." Quinn breathes out. "You feel my hand?"
Quinn takes a deep breath and says, "Maybe if you put them both there."
Rachel moves to stand behind Quinn as she wraps her arms around her and places her left hand on top of her right. Pressed slightly against the blonde, Rachel continues her lesson. "Okay. And now for the most important part. Imagine the roof of your mouth is a cathedral."
Quinn glances back at Rachel. "No. You've lost me here."
"Seriously?"
"No, the muscles, the diaphragm, that I understand, but--"
"It's about space. Imagine your mouth is so big that you have to fill it with sound. Deep from inside, filling the space, then throwing it out."
"Really?"
"Really." Rachel smirks and turns to face the field.
"You're a wanker, number nine!"
"I didn't realize you were British," Quinn comments.
"I find they have the better insults."
…
"So now what?" Quinn asks after the game.
"I don't know."
"So I pick again, huh?"
"Well, I feel like doing something a little bit silly."
Quinn turns to Rachel. "Hold that thought. I've got the perfect place."
…
"Are we really singing this?" Rachel asks.
"What? You said you wanted to do something silly," Quinn replies. "What's sillier than disco?"
They're at a small bar that has Karaoke every night. Rachel didn't know what song to pick, so she let Quinn. It's finally their turn and the music's begun.
Quinn starts out singing first.
My head is in a spin
My feet don't touch the ground
Because you're near to me
My head goes round and round
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
They both swing their arms in motion to the laser sounding beat. Rachel joins Quinn in the chorus.
It feels like
It feels like I'm in love
Ain't been this way before
But I know I'm turned on
It's time for something baby
I can't turn off
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
Laughing, they both swing their arms to the laser beat.
It feels like
It feels like I'm in love
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
This time they try to mirror each other's movements.
It feels like
It feels like I'm in love
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
Ooh baby Ooh baby Ooh baby
My head is in a spin
My feet don't touch the ground
Because you're near to me
My head goes round and round
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
It feels like
It feels like I'm in love
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
They bow to the spattering of applause before jumping off stage.
…
"Ask another," Rachel says.
"Tell me about the lily," Quinn tells her as they walk towards Quinn's place.
"You don't want to know about the lily."
"It's my favorite," Quinn protests.
"Ask me about the azalea."
"Okay," Quinn agrees. "Tell me about the azalea."
"The azalea means, may you achieve financial security."
"Bleh."
"See what I mean?"
"I do. Now tell me about the lily."
"The lily means…I dare you to love me."
Quinn stops. She was expecting something odd, but not that. She quickly catches up to Rachel as they cross the street to her building.
"Thank you for this evening," Rachel says. "I had fun."
"Thanks. Me too."
"It's my birthday."
"Today?" Quinn asks. "You should've said something. Mine's coming up."
"Crazy world."
They stop in front of Quinn's building. "Well, this is me."
Quinn isn't sure why, but she has the urge to kiss Rachel. It feels like the end of a perfect first date. She leans into Rachel, slowly, carefully, so close and then a car drives by and the headlights cause the pair to jump apart. The moment is lost.
Realizing what she was about to do, Quinn backs away considerably. "Well, good night."
"Night," Rachel replies, before walking away.
Quinn watches her walk off and when she can't see Rachel anymore, she heads inside.
…
Crawling into bed with Finn, Quinn can't get the almost kiss out of her mind. What did she almost do? What is she doing?" When she's snuggled in, Finn rolls over and spoons her. It's like a vice of guilty surrounding her. She lays there a long time, not sure what to think until she eventually drifts off.
…
Needing to get out of the office again, Finn meets Puck for lunch.
"We hanging tonight?" Puck asks. "Or are you too busy being married?
"Actually Quinn and I are going to dinner," Finn replies. "She just called me up and wants to take me to dinner. It's sweet."
"Very sweet," Puck agrees. "Blow her off. Come over for pizza."
"Mmmm."
"No, seriously," Puck continues. "I want you to meet this smokin' hot Italian girl that delivers it."
"What about the flower girl, Rachel?" Finn asks. "I thought there was a vibe or whatever."
"Another one that won't let me get it wet."
"She's a lesbian."
"And I'm the cure."
"No, you're a shallow, selfish jag off."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Puck replies. "When's it going to stop?"
"Never."
"That's right."
They clink their drinks.
"Seriously, though," Puck says. "I'm 29."
"You're 31," Finn tells him.
"Exactly. I'm getting older. And I see you," Puck says. "I see what you have, the stability, the trust, the permanence and I think, god, I'm glad I'm not you."
"Actually, things don't feel as stable as you'd think at the moment," Finn admits.
"Trouble in paradise?"
"No," Finn says. "No. And how could there be? We just got married. That's all it is, isn't it?"
"Santana! Santana, over here."
Puck turns and ducks his head into Finn's shoulder.
"What the hell, man?"
"I slept with her and never called. So if you could stay perfectly still, we'll get through this."
…
In the bathroom, Quinn finally asks the question she's been dying to for days. "Hey, Mercedes? Have you ever…you know, crossed the street?"
"Well, that depends," Mercedes says as she washes her hands.
"On what?"
"On what you mean, by crossing the street. Drinks, later?"
"Dinner with Finn," Quinn replies. "I meant, have you ever considered, you know, with another woman?"
"Not really," Mercedes answers. "I've thought about it. Who hasn’t? But the opportunity never really came up. Why?"
"I was just thinking B needs more options," Quinn covers.
"Trust me, I've tried," Brittany says, drying her hands. "Wasn't for me."
"So Finn's taking you out to dinner?" Mercedes asks.
"I'm taking him," Quinn says as she exits.
"Well, well," Brittany says.
…
Dinner is awkward and stilted. Being a couple for so long, they have a rhythm, which is always there. Actions and routines are fluid. It's mostly the conversation that falls flat.
Despite it being Quinn's idea, she can't seem to embrace a night out with her husband. She knows they've been settled for years now, but she didn't think the honeymoon period would end so quickly after they said, I do. She knows it's all on her side and that poor Finn is struggling to be a good husband.
She wishes she could fix things; make them like they were before.
…
Quinn spends the night tossing and turning. All she can think about is Finn, who's trying so hard. She wishes she could explain it to him, she really does. Actually, she wishes it was just physical attraction. That she could deal with.
When morning finally arrives, she vows to herself that it's over, whatever it is. She'll tell Rachel that today.
…
Rachel's just opening the shop when Quinn walks up.
The brunette smiles, widely. "Hi."
"No," Quinn says. "Don't be happy to see me. Please. You can't be." She stalks into the shop and feeling slightly confused, Rachel follows.
"Listen," Quinn begins. "I've been up all night and I came here because…I don't know what's happening exactly. I know we…but I can't, I can't. I'm married! Married to this amazing guy who's trying so hard and I can't… I can't do it to him anymore."
"Excuse me?"
Both women look up to find a customer in the doorway.
Quinn throws her hands up in the air and goes into the back room.
"We're closed," Rachel says, closing the door and following Quinn into the back room."
"So, you see," Quinn says, the minute Rachel steps into the back. "So you see why we can't. It's over. I'm sorry, I know I'm being harsh, but it's over. Whatever this is or was, is over. Okay?"
Rachel is left staring as Quinn stalks out the door. It's obviously Quinn came to some decision before she arrived. Rachel just wishes the blonde would have given her a second to catch up.
She turns at the sound of the door swinging open again. And Quinn's back. Before Rachel can comment, her lips are otherwise occupied.
It's sweet and tender and perfect and Rachel knows she's gone. They eventually fall back onto the table Rachel uses to sort flowers. Normally she'd be very annoyed that she's most likely ruining her stock and her organizational system, but it's very difficult to care with Quinn above her kissing her so deeply.
They're interrupted by the front door of the shop opening. They pull away and try to calm their breathing.
"A customer," Rachel whispers. "Of course."
Quinn smiles and is about to reply when they hear Finn's voice.
"Hello, Rachel, you here?"
"I'll be right out," she calls. She jumps up and hurries out front. "I was stock taking, counting and such. Hey."
"Hey yourself."
"What's up?"
"I was hoping for some flowers," Finn tells her.
"Flowers, of course."
"Not for me, for my wife, Quinn. Recently she's just been, I don't know. But you know what they say, there's nothing quite so cheering as a well-timed bloom. So I figured I'd get one of your finest arrangements."
"Of course. Why does she like?"
"You know what she likes."
Rachel tries to fight the deer in headlights look she feels coming on.
"Lilies," Finn says. "Her favorite flowers are lilies."
"Right, of course," Rachel replies. "Well those are simple enough." She begins to put together an arrangement.
"How was the soccer game the other night?"
"Definitely an experience," Rachel replies.
"And how was Quinn?"
"Fine, I suppose," Rachel replies, awkwardly. "I wouldn't exactly…fine."
"I don't suppose she…no, well, I guess I was just wondering if she said anything about me or…" Finn sighs and looks down at his feet a moment before glancing back up at Rachel. "I just think I'm doing something wrong is all. That's what it seems like. And I just thought if she said something I'm doing or not doing, then I could stop doing it or start, I guess. And then we could get back to how we were before."
"She didn't say anything."
"No." Finn looks at Rachel who can't seem to meet his eyes. "I've embarrassed you. And myself. Though that's fairly normal. Those are beautiful, how much?"
"No charge," Rachel says, handing them over. "On the house."
"Thanks," Finn says, accepting them.
"You should ask her, you know," Rachel says before Finn leaves. "Not me."
"Bless you, but I can't. That's way too scary."
"Why?"
Finn looks so forlorn. "Because what if there is? Thanks." And Finn walks out.
The ramifications sinking in, Rachel returns to the back room only to find it empty. Spying an open window, she takes back out the front and turns the corner. She sees Quinn running down the street.
She chases her for a block and finally manages to catch up to her. "Quinn, wait up!"
"Rachel, please!"
"We've got to talk."
"About what?" Quinn demands. "I heard him. I was just lying there and I heard him and he's blaming himself. "
"You can put an end to this," Rachel points out.
"How?" Quinn spins around to face Rachel.
"Tell me to go."
Quinn doesn't know what to say.
"Tell me that's what you want," Rachel continues. "And I will walk away and you will never see me again."
"Is that what you want?" Quinn asks, quietly.
Rachel smiles sadly. "I want you."
Quinn swears she can feel her heart breaking. "Rach…"
"I know."
"I can't," Quinn says.
"I know." Rachel knows she has to be the one to say it. "We'll be okay."
They hug, pulling each other tight.
"Don't forget me," Rachel tells her.
"I won't remember anything else," Quinn whispers back.
Rachel pulls away first and walks back towards her shop. Quinn watches her for a moment before walking in the opposite direction.
…
The next day Rachel is organizing her stock when a customer comes in.
"Hello."
"Hello," he says. "I'm looking for a break up plant."
"What?"
"I want to break up with my girlfriend via a plant."
"Okay, well then what you need is a bouquet of hydrangeas. They mean, it's over, but think well of me."
"Sounds great. I'll take one."
"One bouquet?" Rachel asks.
"One hydra-whats-it."
"That's not a lot."
"So? I'm breaking up with her. Why do I care what she thinks of me?"
That's all Rachel can take. "You know what? Get out. You're an asshole and she's lucky to be rid of you." She pushes him out the door and watches him stomp away.
…
After work, Rachel heads over to her mother's.
"Mom?" she calls.
"I'll be right out."
"Take your time."
Rachel sinks into the couch and fights the tears she feels coming.
Her mother, Shelby enters and upon seeing her exclaims, "What's wrong?" She sits on the couch next to her.
"I met this girl," Rachel says. "She's with someone else."
"Does she love you?"
"I don't know. No." Rachel looks at her hands. "Yes," she nods. "But it doesn't matter."
"My dear, it's the only thing that does."
"She's with someone else," Rachel protests. "She can't… When dad left you, he broke your heart."
Shelby shrugs. "It mends again."
Rachel sniffles and notices how dressed up her mother is. "You look amazing."
Shelby chuckles. "Just because I'm as old as sin, doesn’t mean I can't make an effort."
"My mother has an actual date?" Rachel questions.
"Well, I'm going to sit at a restaurant and eat with a man, yes."
"How do you feel?"
"Ummm," Shelby starts. "Well you know, when you're holding a hot cup of coffee and you realize you're going to sneeze? That's how I feel."
"It'll be great."
"Thanks, dear," Shelby says, reaching out and embracing Rachel.
…
Finn never came home after work and he's not answering his cell, so Quinn ate dinner alone and watched TV until she fell asleep. She's woken by the door being unlocked. She sits up in time to see her husband drunkenly stumble in. He goes to hang up his jacket, but misses. He doesn’t notice.
She follows him into the kitchen where he starts he post drunken ritual of water drinking.
"Works like a charm, eh?" Finn says. "Eight pints of water and tomorrow will be smooth sailing. How are you my darling?"
"I'm fine. I just wanted to talk to you."
"I wanted to talk to you as well. Just three more of these and I'm all yours."
Once he's done with his water drinking, Finn flops down on the couch and waits for Quinn to begin. "And go."
Quinn paces in front of him. "I wanted to talk to you because…this thing happened." She can't look at him as she says it, so she turns and tells the opposite wall. "I wasn't looking for it, but it just…it came out of nowhere and even though it's done with, I think you should know." She takes several deep breaths. "I went crazy, Finn. I went crazy for someone and it wasn't you. I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry."
Quinn turns around to find that Finn has fallen asleep or passed out.
"No, no, no. Don't be asleep. Please, Finn, wake up." Quinn rushes to the couch and kneels by Finn. She shakes him slightly, trying to wake him. "Please. I don't think I can say this more than once. I'm staying. I couldn't, wouldn't leave you. You're my best friend. That was enough before and it will be again."
She grabs the blanket off the back of the couch and lays it atop Finn. She tucks it around him, kisses him and heads to bed.
Finn rolls over and the blanket drops to the floor. When Quinn's footsteps are quiet enough that she's in the bedroom, Finn lets his eyes open.
…
The next morning, Rachel is getting ready for another delivery. Turing around, she finds Puck standing behind her.
"You're a fucking bitch," Puck says in lieu of a greeting.
"Hello to you too, Puck," Rachel says.
"It's you, isn't it?"
"I'm not sure what you're talking about," Rachel replies.
"Finn called me last night. Quinn told him she loved someone else, but she didn't say who. But I knew it was you."
"Puck."
"Go on," Puck tells her. "Tell me I'm wrong."
Rachel sighs. "You're not wrong."
"You stupid cunt."
"Don't start with me, Puck."
"Don't start?! Her god damn husband called me in the middle of the night. He was devastated, Rachel. You wrecked him." Puck says. "What the hell happened to not messing with other couples?"
"I…"
Puck shakes his head and walks away.
…
It's Quinn's birthday and she's celebrating it with her husband, her parents and her sister. A few months ago, that was all she needed, but now all she can think about is Rachel. She misses her.
She opens her mother's gift and sighs. How to be a Domestic Goddess: Baking and the Art of Comfort Cooking.
"They're some great recipes in there," Sue says. "There's even a section about cooking with your children."
"Thanks, mom."
H comes in looking a bit down. She's just gotten off the phone.
"Who was that, dear?" Sue asks.
"Rachel," H replies. "She called to tell me she can't take me and my boyfriend to the museum next weekend."
"Well, maybe another time."
"No," H says. "She said she's going on a long vacation."
"She is?" Quinn mumbles.
"When's the last time you took me on a vacation?" Sue asks Will.
"Ten years," he replies. "Great Barrier Reef. You scared away all the sharks." He goes into the kitchen to get the cake.
"She didn't mention that the other night," Finn says.
"She did," Quinn counters. "I kind of remember now."
"Can you take us?" H asks. "Maybe you and Finn?"
"Of course."
"Do penguins have knees?" H asks.
"Isn't this grand?" Sue says. "Such a shame it only happens once a year."
Will enters a moment later with a cake. There are candles lit, but just enough to circle the cake.
"Happy birthday to you…" Will sings. Sue and H joins in. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Quinn--"
"I can't do this," Finn says, standing.
"Finn." Quinn stand and tries to block his path out.
"I'm sorry, Quinn, I can't do it," Finn says. "I thought I could, but I can't."
Will holds the cake out in front of Quinn. "Blow out the candles, darling."
"What's going on?" Sue asks.
"I'm going," Finn announces.
"But it's good cake," Will protests. "Sue got the recipe from the book before she wrapped it."
Finn moves to walk around Will, but Quinn gets in his way again.
"I'm not going to leave you," she tells him.
"If you respect me at all, you will," he replies.
"What the hell is going on?" Sue asks again.
"Why's Finn sad?" H asks.
"It's not you leaving that going to kill me," Finn says. "It's you loving someone more."
"Hate to interrupt," Will interjects. "But those candles are dripping wax all over your mother's creation."
"Forget about the fucking candles," Sue snaps.
Finn chuckles sadly. "Yeah. I gotta go." And he walks around Quinn and out the door.
Quinn chases after him.
"No, you aren't walking away from me," Quinn says as Finn strides towards his car. Don't you dare walk away from me."
"Yeah, keep repeating it," Finn replies. "We can totally pretend this is my choice."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Come on, Quinn," Finn snaps. "We both know you'd left me in the end, anyhow."
"That's not true," Quinn protests.
"Yes, it is!" Finn turns on Quinn. "It is. All I want is for you to be happy. More than anything else, I wanted to be the cause of that happiness in you." Finn takes a step closer. "But if I'm not, then I can't stand in the way. Do you see? Because what you're feeling now, Quinn, is the unstoppable force. Which means I've got to move."
Finn kisses her and walks away. Quinn stares after until his car is gone.
…
Quinn can only sit on the couch and stare at the floor. She feels her family's eyes; their questions screaming in the quiet room even if they haven't been asked yet. She can't bear to speak. She decides to wait for her mother to voice her thoughts. She always does.
"Darling, what did Finn mean when he said you're in love with someone else?" Sue asks after a few minutes.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Quinn is finding comfort in her mother's predictability. "Because I am."
"God, not Puck," Sue groans. "That manwhore would screw an open wound."
"It's not him."
"Who then?" Sue asks. "Well, spit it out already. What's his name?"
"Yes, dear," Will says. "What's the lucky fellow's name?"
"Her name is Rachel."
"Rachel?"
"Yes."
"Who is a woman," Sue clarifies. "As are you."
"Yes."
"So the two of you are lesbians?"
"It doesn't matter what you call it," Quinn replies. "It's not going to happen. Not after all this."
"Damn straight."
"Can I say something here?" Will asks. He sits next to Quinn on the couch. "When I first met your mother, back in the Trojan War, I fell for her immediately. And even though she loved me back, married me, somehow I always knew I wasn't good enough. Still, we managed, through the years, but I've never doubted that if she ever met someone she really fell for, who made her realize what true love is, she'd leave me like a shot. And how could I argue? Whatever you chose to do from here, we'll support you. We always will. But please, my dear, follow your heart."
"Can I borrow your car?" Quinn asks.
"I'll drive you."
They both jump out and run towards the garage.
"Nothing happens without me there," Sue mutters as she grabs her coat. "You coming?"
H shakes her head.
"When we come back, we can talk about this, if you want."
"Yeah. Okay."
"You know what I wish?" Sue asks. "That you wouldn't grow up so fast." She kisses H on the forehead and chases after her husband and oldest daughter.
…
As the cabbie puts her bags in his cab, Rachel hugs Shelby good-bye.
"You take care."
"You take care," Shelby replies. "I'm going to enjoy myself." She gestures to the flower shop that she'll be looking over.
Rachel just smiles and walks towards the cab.
"Hey," Shelby says. Rachel turns around. "You did nothing wrong."
"I did," Rachel argues. "But truth is? I'd do it again."
Shelby watches her daughter get in the cab and drive away.
…
As Finn sets his keys in the key bowl, it occurs to him that maybe coming home isn't the best plan. He really doesn't want to see Quinn anytime soon, but being in their shared apartment might put a damper on that. Hopefully, she'll stay at her parents' for a while. Not wanting to be surrounded by memories, he heads up to the roof. Standing near the edge, he looks out and stops fighting the tears.
"Why can't you have desert after breakfast?" H's voice interrupts his solitary sorrow. "I mean, you can have it after lunch and dinner, so why not breakfast?"
Finn just smiles sadly through his tears.
"You're still sad aren't you?" H is just behind him now.
"Yeah, I am," he tells her.
"I thought so. I brought candy."
"Great. Thanks." Finn turns and sits on the bench by the ledge.
"I didn't know what kind you like, so I got some of each," H tells him.
A sob escapes Finn. "Sorry, H, sorry. It's just I'm trying to do the right thing and now I'm kinda regretting it. Because if she'd stay with me out of guilt, well that's not so bad, is it? Right?" Finn finally begins sobbing.
"My math teacher Ms. Pillsbury has something she always says when people are sad. She says, no problem is insoluble given a big enough plastic bag."
Finn chuckles. "What does that mean?"
"I don't know. She's very strange."
Finn wraps his arm around H. "I should have married you."
"Maybe in ten years," H replies. "If you're still lonely, we could get married then."
"You know, it's funny. Ever since we first met, I was scared she was going to leave me."
"You shouldn't be afraid Finn," H says, putting her head on his shoulder. "You can do anything."
Finn smiles sadly and sighs as he kisses H on the head.
…
Will is driving with Quinn in the front giving directions. Sue sits in the back, back seat driving.
"Take a left here," Quinn tells her father.
"All I'm saying," Sue says. "If not Finn, then someone else. Someone, male."
"Keep going?" Will asks.
"Yes."
"It's very exciting."
"What about grandchildren?" Sue asks. "How are you going to accomplish that?"
"I've heard there's this nifty little invention," Will adds. "Something akin to the turkey baster."
"It's just up here," Quinn says.
Will parks the car at the corner and Quinn opens the door.
"Where did you meet her?" Will asks.
"At my wedding."
"How can you be sure after such a short amount of time?" Sue asks.
"I knew after three seconds," Quinn says, slamming the door shut.
"The French call love happening that fast, le click," Will says.
"They would, those freaking perverts," Sue mutters.
…
Quinn bursts into the shop. "Where Rachel? Is she here?"
"I think we should try that again," Shelby replies.
"Hello. I'm sorry, but I'm looking for Rachel."
Shelby eyes her for a moment before replying. "You're her, aren't you? You're the girl."
Quinn nods.
"You're married."
"Not anymore," Quinn replies. "I left. Or he left. Whatever. It's over."
"So you're free?" Shelby tries to keep all the hopefulness out of her voice. "And you love my daughter?"
Quinn nods.
"Let's go."
…
Rachel tries to ignore the cabbie as he talks dirty to who Rachel hopes is his girlfriend. Checking her watch, she checks her surroundings. He doesn’t seem to be taking the most direct route.
"Excuse me?"
"What?" the cabbie replies. "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"
"Yes, I'm aware of that, but I don't think this is the best way to go."
But he's ignoring her. Rachel sighs and leans back in her seat.
…
This time Quinn is driving while Shelby directs. Her parents sit in the back seat.
"You're wrong, you know," Sue tells Will. "You've always been enough for me."
"Not recently," Will replies. "There are pills…" Sue smiles. "I could buy some. But perhaps you might be a bit nicer?"
"Yes I could."
Quinn smiles to herself.
"Quinn, honey, take the next right. It's usually faster."
"Good job," Sue smiles.
Quinn takes the next right and runs right into a traffic jam. Fighting off her panic, she prepares to reverse and turn around, but finds several cars already blocking her in. She sighs.
"Three cheers for my husband," Sue says. "As much use as a fart in a jam jar."
"That was certainly the quickest honeymoon ever," Will mutters.
Feeling desperate, Quinn pulls out her cell phone and dials Rachel.
…
Stuck in traffic, Rachel glances out the window just in time to see a young man on a bike with a jaunty scarf ride by. He's singing an old classic.
"…I do. I think about you day and night, it's only right…"
Just then, her cell rings. It's Quinn. Reluctantly, she answers it.
"Hello?"
"Rach? It's me," Quinn says. "We have to talk. Everything's changed.
"There's nothing to say," Rachel replies. "You can't do it. Bye." And she snaps her phone shut.
…
Quinn reluctantly shuts her phone.
"How'd it go, darling?"
Quinn doesn't reply.
"She'll be back," Shelby tells Quinn. "She'll be back soon and then you can--"
"It's over," Quinn interrupts.
"Good," Sue says. Seeing everyone's incredulous looks, she continues. "You know what I mean."
Just then a young man on a bike rides by singing. "…and you and me. No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be…"
Quinn recognizes first the song and then the voice. She watches him ride away as something dawns on her. "That singing. I've heard that singing before."
"What's going on?" Sue asks.
"Where?" Will asks.
Quinn doesn't answer. Instead, she climbs out her open window and climbs onto the roof of her father's car.
"Be care of the car, Quinn," Will says. Sue smacks him on the arm. "Right. Never mind, then."
Standing on her father's car, all Quinn can see is cars and more cars. Still, Rachel has to be close, so Quinn begins yelling.
"Rachel! Rachel! Rachel! Rachel, where are you?"
"Oh my god," Sue groans. "Could this become anymore embarrassing?"
"Rachel! Rachel, please! Rachel!"
Feeling despondent, Quinn can hear Rachel's voice in her head. You're kind of shrill. So she takes a deep breath and remembers her instructions. Placing her hands on her diaphragm, she imagines her mouth's a cathedral and yells out, "You're a wanker, number nine!"
…
Still stuck in traffic, Rachel hears someone who sounds a lot like Quinn yell, "You're a wanker, number nine!" She quickly gets out of the cab and climbs onto a nearby piece of construction equipment. She sees Quinn standing on a car half a block away.
"Rachel, I can do this!" she shouts. "I can do this!"
Rachel can only shake her head and grin at her. Quinn's response is to jump off the car and runs towards Rachel. Not to be out done, Rachel jumps down and begins to run towards Quinn as well.
It takes some dodging and maneuvering, but the pair finally meet up. Rachel wraps her arms around Quinn and pulls her in for a kiss as horns honk in the background. But all Rachel cares about that Quinn is there, really there. She kisses her again.
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.
Part Two
That night at the neighborhood bond fire and fireworks, Finn attempts to talk to Will about his problem while they're in line at the concession stand.
"I love the smell of hot dog in the evening," Will says. "It smells like hot dog."
"Yeah, listen, Will, could I ask you something?"
Distracted, Will replies, "Sure. Two hot dogs."
"Yeah, well, the thing is, I wanted to ask you…it's just I'm kinda, wondering if it was a bit odd after you guys got married. If things got a bit different, out of sync or something."
The vendor hands over two hot dogs and Will hands one to Finn.
"Mustard? Ketchup?" Will asks.
"No, I'm actually trying to talk to you about something."
"Oh. What's that then?"
"Well, I was just wondering, I'm having, well, the thing is, I'm feeling a bit off with Quinn."
"Oh, god, no. We must never discuss her. Never. We can talk ourselves blue in the face about sports or weather, but never Quinn."
"Why not?"
"Because, the minute you bring her up, the only thought I'm going to have is, that's the bastard that doing my daughter."
Finn just stares at Will a moment before going to find Quinn.
…
Meanwhile, Quinn and Sue are watching the fireworks.
"I just don't know what to do about your father, Q," Sue says. "He's certainly never been a crazed animal in bed, but lately--"
"Hey guys."
"Oh thank god you're here," Quinn tells Finn.
"Ditto, trust me."
"Excellent, now that you're both here, tell me you're working on grandchildren."
"Let's go over there," Quinn suggests.
"I'm merely suggesting, Quinn," Sue calls after them. "It would be nice if I'm still young enough to be able to pick them up, you know?"
"You know, whenever your parents make me feel awkward?" Finn asks.
"Which is all the time."
"I just remind myself that for all their faults, they still gave me you, so they can't be all bad."
"Awww," Quinn says leaning in for a kiss and a hug. Feeling content, Quinn catches a flash of Rachel in the crowd and she's reminded of her unresolved feelings.
Finn seems to sense the mood switch. "Anything wrong?" Finn asks.
"Let's just go home."
…
Brittany walks around with H. "Please don't think I want people to think you're mine," she tells her. "I think it actually puts men off."
"I know," H replies. "Rachel!" She runs towards the brunette and hugs her. "This is Brittany. She's on her own."
"Good, you've found a friend," Shelby says. "Can I go home?"
"No," Rachel says. "We're trying to find her a man," she explains.
"Ha. There aren't any," Brittany says.
Just then a ten year old boy runs into her.
"Sorry, ma'am," he says.
"Please don’t call me ma'am," Brittany says.
The boy's eyes fall on H and he smiles.
She smiles back. "Hello."
"Hey." He just continues to smile at her and can't seem to keep his eyes off her.
"Isn't that just great," Brittany groans.
…
"You've got a boyfriend, you've got a boyfriend," Rachel teases H.
The pair is sitting on a park bench waiting for H's new friend who is a boy to return with some sparklers.
"Not yet," H replies. "Though I can't wait until you get a boyfriend."
"Actually, you probably can."
"You could even get a husband," H continues. "You're old enough. You should try to find one like Finn."
"H, I should probably explain something," Rachel says. "I do believe in finding that one special person to be with for the rest of my life, but that person is going to be a woman."
"I understand."
"You do?"
"Yeah, my best friend is Becky Johnson. I'd rather spend the rest of my life with her than any silly boy." H jumps up and accepts a sparkler from her new friend. "It doesn't mean you're a lesbian or anything." And the two run off.
Rachel just smiles after her.
…
Arriving home, Finn hangs up his jacket. "You want anything to drink?"
"A beer."
Finn stops in front of the refrigerator. "Oh. Well. I was going to offer, but."
"But what?"
"You're not pregnant are you?"
Quinn sighs. "You're as bad as my mother."
"Look, I know we said we were going to wait," Finn says. "But for what? To be more settled than we already are?"
"I know."
"Do you want to have kids now?"
"I--"
Finn pulls out his cell phone. "Sorry, I better take this." He flips open his phone. "Rob, hi. Yeah, I've got a second."
Quinn wanders over to the couch. The house phone is on the coffee table, just staring at her. After a few moments contemplation, she picks it up and dials.
"Hello?" Rachel's voice comes through the speaker, but Quinn doesn't know what to say, so she just hangs up.
"Sorry, Quinn," Finn says, coming into the living room. "But I can't go to the game with you Tuesday night. Work."
Quinn groans. "What's Rob making you do now?"
"Dinner. With some big wigs."
"Well, then I should go with."
"No way. It'll be dull. I don't want to subject you to that. I barely want to subject myself."
The house phone rings.
"Hello?" Finn answers. "Oh hey, Rach."
"Hey Finn, listen my phone just rang and--"
"What are you doing Tuesday?" Finn interrupts. "Because it would be really great if you could hang out with Quinn."
"Well I don't have any specific plans," Rachel says.
"Great. Because I have this terribly boring work thing I have to do and it would mean so much to me if you would take her."
"Sure, Finn, that sounds great."
"Great," Finn says. "Quinn'll call later with the details. Bye."
"What are you doing?" Quinn asks once he's hung up.
"Now you have someone to go to the game with," Finn answers. "It makes perfect sense."
"But we hardly know each other," Quinn protests.
"Yeah, but you said you guys had like a connection or whatever. So now you can explore it."
"Does she even know what we're doing?"
…
Tuesday night finds Quinn and Rachel at a soccer game. Quinn's team is playing and she tries to see a live game every chance she gets.
"Go on, hound him! Hound his legs, chop him!" Quinn yells. "On the left side!"
The visiting team scores a goal and the crowd groans.
"You know, you're kind of shrill," Rachel tells Quinn.
"What?"
"When you shout," Rachel explains. "If you want them to hear your insults, then you've got to project better."
"Teach me," Quinn says.
"Okay. First off, tighten your stomach muscles."
"I don't that I have any," Quinn replies.
"You do. Trust me. They're right here," Rachel says, placing her hand on Quinn's stomach.
"There?"
Rachel nods. "Tighten."
"Tighten."
"Tense them," Rachel tells her.
"They're pretty tense."
"Okay," Rachel says. "Next, broaden your diaphragm."
"Excuse me?"
"It's here," Rachel tells her as she moves her hand upwards.
"Oh."
"Right then," Rachel continues. "Push it out against my hand." Quinn breathes out. "You feel my hand?"
Quinn takes a deep breath and says, "Maybe if you put them both there."
Rachel moves to stand behind Quinn as she wraps her arms around her and places her left hand on top of her right. Pressed slightly against the blonde, Rachel continues her lesson. "Okay. And now for the most important part. Imagine the roof of your mouth is a cathedral."
Quinn glances back at Rachel. "No. You've lost me here."
"Seriously?"
"No, the muscles, the diaphragm, that I understand, but--"
"It's about space. Imagine your mouth is so big that you have to fill it with sound. Deep from inside, filling the space, then throwing it out."
"Really?"
"Really." Rachel smirks and turns to face the field.
"You're a wanker, number nine!"
"I didn't realize you were British," Quinn comments.
"I find they have the better insults."
…
"So now what?" Quinn asks after the game.
"I don't know."
"So I pick again, huh?"
"Well, I feel like doing something a little bit silly."
Quinn turns to Rachel. "Hold that thought. I've got the perfect place."
…
"Are we really singing this?" Rachel asks.
"What? You said you wanted to do something silly," Quinn replies. "What's sillier than disco?"
They're at a small bar that has Karaoke every night. Rachel didn't know what song to pick, so she let Quinn. It's finally their turn and the music's begun.
Quinn starts out singing first.
My head is in a spin
My feet don't touch the ground
Because you're near to me
My head goes round and round
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
They both swing their arms in motion to the laser sounding beat. Rachel joins Quinn in the chorus.
It feels like
It feels like I'm in love
Ain't been this way before
But I know I'm turned on
It's time for something baby
I can't turn off
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
Laughing, they both swing their arms to the laser beat.
It feels like
It feels like I'm in love
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
This time they try to mirror each other's movements.
It feels like
It feels like I'm in love
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
Ooh baby Ooh baby Ooh baby
My head is in a spin
My feet don't touch the ground
Because you're near to me
My head goes round and round
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
It feels like
It feels like I'm in love
My knees are shaking baby
My heart it beats like a drum
They bow to the spattering of applause before jumping off stage.
…
"Ask another," Rachel says.
"Tell me about the lily," Quinn tells her as they walk towards Quinn's place.
"You don't want to know about the lily."
"It's my favorite," Quinn protests.
"Ask me about the azalea."
"Okay," Quinn agrees. "Tell me about the azalea."
"The azalea means, may you achieve financial security."
"Bleh."
"See what I mean?"
"I do. Now tell me about the lily."
"The lily means…I dare you to love me."
Quinn stops. She was expecting something odd, but not that. She quickly catches up to Rachel as they cross the street to her building.
"Thank you for this evening," Rachel says. "I had fun."
"Thanks. Me too."
"It's my birthday."
"Today?" Quinn asks. "You should've said something. Mine's coming up."
"Crazy world."
They stop in front of Quinn's building. "Well, this is me."
Quinn isn't sure why, but she has the urge to kiss Rachel. It feels like the end of a perfect first date. She leans into Rachel, slowly, carefully, so close and then a car drives by and the headlights cause the pair to jump apart. The moment is lost.
Realizing what she was about to do, Quinn backs away considerably. "Well, good night."
"Night," Rachel replies, before walking away.
Quinn watches her walk off and when she can't see Rachel anymore, she heads inside.
…
Crawling into bed with Finn, Quinn can't get the almost kiss out of her mind. What did she almost do? What is she doing?" When she's snuggled in, Finn rolls over and spoons her. It's like a vice of guilty surrounding her. She lays there a long time, not sure what to think until she eventually drifts off.
…
Needing to get out of the office again, Finn meets Puck for lunch.
"We hanging tonight?" Puck asks. "Or are you too busy being married?
"Actually Quinn and I are going to dinner," Finn replies. "She just called me up and wants to take me to dinner. It's sweet."
"Very sweet," Puck agrees. "Blow her off. Come over for pizza."
"Mmmm."
"No, seriously," Puck continues. "I want you to meet this smokin' hot Italian girl that delivers it."
"What about the flower girl, Rachel?" Finn asks. "I thought there was a vibe or whatever."
"Another one that won't let me get it wet."
"She's a lesbian."
"And I'm the cure."
"No, you're a shallow, selfish jag off."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Puck replies. "When's it going to stop?"
"Never."
"That's right."
They clink their drinks.
"Seriously, though," Puck says. "I'm 29."
"You're 31," Finn tells him.
"Exactly. I'm getting older. And I see you," Puck says. "I see what you have, the stability, the trust, the permanence and I think, god, I'm glad I'm not you."
"Actually, things don't feel as stable as you'd think at the moment," Finn admits.
"Trouble in paradise?"
"No," Finn says. "No. And how could there be? We just got married. That's all it is, isn't it?"
"Santana! Santana, over here."
Puck turns and ducks his head into Finn's shoulder.
"What the hell, man?"
"I slept with her and never called. So if you could stay perfectly still, we'll get through this."
…
In the bathroom, Quinn finally asks the question she's been dying to for days. "Hey, Mercedes? Have you ever…you know, crossed the street?"
"Well, that depends," Mercedes says as she washes her hands.
"On what?"
"On what you mean, by crossing the street. Drinks, later?"
"Dinner with Finn," Quinn replies. "I meant, have you ever considered, you know, with another woman?"
"Not really," Mercedes answers. "I've thought about it. Who hasn’t? But the opportunity never really came up. Why?"
"I was just thinking B needs more options," Quinn covers.
"Trust me, I've tried," Brittany says, drying her hands. "Wasn't for me."
"So Finn's taking you out to dinner?" Mercedes asks.
"I'm taking him," Quinn says as she exits.
"Well, well," Brittany says.
…
Dinner is awkward and stilted. Being a couple for so long, they have a rhythm, which is always there. Actions and routines are fluid. It's mostly the conversation that falls flat.
Despite it being Quinn's idea, she can't seem to embrace a night out with her husband. She knows they've been settled for years now, but she didn't think the honeymoon period would end so quickly after they said, I do. She knows it's all on her side and that poor Finn is struggling to be a good husband.
She wishes she could fix things; make them like they were before.
…
Quinn spends the night tossing and turning. All she can think about is Finn, who's trying so hard. She wishes she could explain it to him, she really does. Actually, she wishes it was just physical attraction. That she could deal with.
When morning finally arrives, she vows to herself that it's over, whatever it is. She'll tell Rachel that today.
…
Rachel's just opening the shop when Quinn walks up.
The brunette smiles, widely. "Hi."
"No," Quinn says. "Don't be happy to see me. Please. You can't be." She stalks into the shop and feeling slightly confused, Rachel follows.
"Listen," Quinn begins. "I've been up all night and I came here because…I don't know what's happening exactly. I know we…but I can't, I can't. I'm married! Married to this amazing guy who's trying so hard and I can't… I can't do it to him anymore."
"Excuse me?"
Both women look up to find a customer in the doorway.
Quinn throws her hands up in the air and goes into the back room.
"We're closed," Rachel says, closing the door and following Quinn into the back room."
"So, you see," Quinn says, the minute Rachel steps into the back. "So you see why we can't. It's over. I'm sorry, I know I'm being harsh, but it's over. Whatever this is or was, is over. Okay?"
Rachel is left staring as Quinn stalks out the door. It's obviously Quinn came to some decision before she arrived. Rachel just wishes the blonde would have given her a second to catch up.
She turns at the sound of the door swinging open again. And Quinn's back. Before Rachel can comment, her lips are otherwise occupied.
It's sweet and tender and perfect and Rachel knows she's gone. They eventually fall back onto the table Rachel uses to sort flowers. Normally she'd be very annoyed that she's most likely ruining her stock and her organizational system, but it's very difficult to care with Quinn above her kissing her so deeply.
They're interrupted by the front door of the shop opening. They pull away and try to calm their breathing.
"A customer," Rachel whispers. "Of course."
Quinn smiles and is about to reply when they hear Finn's voice.
"Hello, Rachel, you here?"
"I'll be right out," she calls. She jumps up and hurries out front. "I was stock taking, counting and such. Hey."
"Hey yourself."
"What's up?"
"I was hoping for some flowers," Finn tells her.
"Flowers, of course."
"Not for me, for my wife, Quinn. Recently she's just been, I don't know. But you know what they say, there's nothing quite so cheering as a well-timed bloom. So I figured I'd get one of your finest arrangements."
"Of course. Why does she like?"
"You know what she likes."
Rachel tries to fight the deer in headlights look she feels coming on.
"Lilies," Finn says. "Her favorite flowers are lilies."
"Right, of course," Rachel replies. "Well those are simple enough." She begins to put together an arrangement.
"How was the soccer game the other night?"
"Definitely an experience," Rachel replies.
"And how was Quinn?"
"Fine, I suppose," Rachel replies, awkwardly. "I wouldn't exactly…fine."
"I don't suppose she…no, well, I guess I was just wondering if she said anything about me or…" Finn sighs and looks down at his feet a moment before glancing back up at Rachel. "I just think I'm doing something wrong is all. That's what it seems like. And I just thought if she said something I'm doing or not doing, then I could stop doing it or start, I guess. And then we could get back to how we were before."
"She didn't say anything."
"No." Finn looks at Rachel who can't seem to meet his eyes. "I've embarrassed you. And myself. Though that's fairly normal. Those are beautiful, how much?"
"No charge," Rachel says, handing them over. "On the house."
"Thanks," Finn says, accepting them.
"You should ask her, you know," Rachel says before Finn leaves. "Not me."
"Bless you, but I can't. That's way too scary."
"Why?"
Finn looks so forlorn. "Because what if there is? Thanks." And Finn walks out.
The ramifications sinking in, Rachel returns to the back room only to find it empty. Spying an open window, she takes back out the front and turns the corner. She sees Quinn running down the street.
She chases her for a block and finally manages to catch up to her. "Quinn, wait up!"
"Rachel, please!"
"We've got to talk."
"About what?" Quinn demands. "I heard him. I was just lying there and I heard him and he's blaming himself. "
"You can put an end to this," Rachel points out.
"How?" Quinn spins around to face Rachel.
"Tell me to go."
Quinn doesn't know what to say.
"Tell me that's what you want," Rachel continues. "And I will walk away and you will never see me again."
"Is that what you want?" Quinn asks, quietly.
Rachel smiles sadly. "I want you."
Quinn swears she can feel her heart breaking. "Rach…"
"I know."
"I can't," Quinn says.
"I know." Rachel knows she has to be the one to say it. "We'll be okay."
They hug, pulling each other tight.
"Don't forget me," Rachel tells her.
"I won't remember anything else," Quinn whispers back.
Rachel pulls away first and walks back towards her shop. Quinn watches her for a moment before walking in the opposite direction.
…
The next day Rachel is organizing her stock when a customer comes in.
"Hello."
"Hello," he says. "I'm looking for a break up plant."
"What?"
"I want to break up with my girlfriend via a plant."
"Okay, well then what you need is a bouquet of hydrangeas. They mean, it's over, but think well of me."
"Sounds great. I'll take one."
"One bouquet?" Rachel asks.
"One hydra-whats-it."
"That's not a lot."
"So? I'm breaking up with her. Why do I care what she thinks of me?"
That's all Rachel can take. "You know what? Get out. You're an asshole and she's lucky to be rid of you." She pushes him out the door and watches him stomp away.
…
After work, Rachel heads over to her mother's.
"Mom?" she calls.
"I'll be right out."
"Take your time."
Rachel sinks into the couch and fights the tears she feels coming.
Her mother, Shelby enters and upon seeing her exclaims, "What's wrong?" She sits on the couch next to her.
"I met this girl," Rachel says. "She's with someone else."
"Does she love you?"
"I don't know. No." Rachel looks at her hands. "Yes," she nods. "But it doesn't matter."
"My dear, it's the only thing that does."
"She's with someone else," Rachel protests. "She can't… When dad left you, he broke your heart."
Shelby shrugs. "It mends again."
Rachel sniffles and notices how dressed up her mother is. "You look amazing."
Shelby chuckles. "Just because I'm as old as sin, doesn’t mean I can't make an effort."
"My mother has an actual date?" Rachel questions.
"Well, I'm going to sit at a restaurant and eat with a man, yes."
"How do you feel?"
"Ummm," Shelby starts. "Well you know, when you're holding a hot cup of coffee and you realize you're going to sneeze? That's how I feel."
"It'll be great."
"Thanks, dear," Shelby says, reaching out and embracing Rachel.
…
Finn never came home after work and he's not answering his cell, so Quinn ate dinner alone and watched TV until she fell asleep. She's woken by the door being unlocked. She sits up in time to see her husband drunkenly stumble in. He goes to hang up his jacket, but misses. He doesn’t notice.
She follows him into the kitchen where he starts he post drunken ritual of water drinking.
"Works like a charm, eh?" Finn says. "Eight pints of water and tomorrow will be smooth sailing. How are you my darling?"
"I'm fine. I just wanted to talk to you."
"I wanted to talk to you as well. Just three more of these and I'm all yours."
Once he's done with his water drinking, Finn flops down on the couch and waits for Quinn to begin. "And go."
Quinn paces in front of him. "I wanted to talk to you because…this thing happened." She can't look at him as she says it, so she turns and tells the opposite wall. "I wasn't looking for it, but it just…it came out of nowhere and even though it's done with, I think you should know." She takes several deep breaths. "I went crazy, Finn. I went crazy for someone and it wasn't you. I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry."
Quinn turns around to find that Finn has fallen asleep or passed out.
"No, no, no. Don't be asleep. Please, Finn, wake up." Quinn rushes to the couch and kneels by Finn. She shakes him slightly, trying to wake him. "Please. I don't think I can say this more than once. I'm staying. I couldn't, wouldn't leave you. You're my best friend. That was enough before and it will be again."
She grabs the blanket off the back of the couch and lays it atop Finn. She tucks it around him, kisses him and heads to bed.
Finn rolls over and the blanket drops to the floor. When Quinn's footsteps are quiet enough that she's in the bedroom, Finn lets his eyes open.
…
The next morning, Rachel is getting ready for another delivery. Turing around, she finds Puck standing behind her.
"You're a fucking bitch," Puck says in lieu of a greeting.
"Hello to you too, Puck," Rachel says.
"It's you, isn't it?"
"I'm not sure what you're talking about," Rachel replies.
"Finn called me last night. Quinn told him she loved someone else, but she didn't say who. But I knew it was you."
"Puck."
"Go on," Puck tells her. "Tell me I'm wrong."
Rachel sighs. "You're not wrong."
"You stupid cunt."
"Don't start with me, Puck."
"Don't start?! Her god damn husband called me in the middle of the night. He was devastated, Rachel. You wrecked him." Puck says. "What the hell happened to not messing with other couples?"
"I…"
Puck shakes his head and walks away.
…
It's Quinn's birthday and she's celebrating it with her husband, her parents and her sister. A few months ago, that was all she needed, but now all she can think about is Rachel. She misses her.
She opens her mother's gift and sighs. How to be a Domestic Goddess: Baking and the Art of Comfort Cooking.
"They're some great recipes in there," Sue says. "There's even a section about cooking with your children."
"Thanks, mom."
H comes in looking a bit down. She's just gotten off the phone.
"Who was that, dear?" Sue asks.
"Rachel," H replies. "She called to tell me she can't take me and my boyfriend to the museum next weekend."
"Well, maybe another time."
"No," H says. "She said she's going on a long vacation."
"She is?" Quinn mumbles.
"When's the last time you took me on a vacation?" Sue asks Will.
"Ten years," he replies. "Great Barrier Reef. You scared away all the sharks." He goes into the kitchen to get the cake.
"She didn't mention that the other night," Finn says.
"She did," Quinn counters. "I kind of remember now."
"Can you take us?" H asks. "Maybe you and Finn?"
"Of course."
"Do penguins have knees?" H asks.
"Isn't this grand?" Sue says. "Such a shame it only happens once a year."
Will enters a moment later with a cake. There are candles lit, but just enough to circle the cake.
"Happy birthday to you…" Will sings. Sue and H joins in. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Quinn--"
"I can't do this," Finn says, standing.
"Finn." Quinn stand and tries to block his path out.
"I'm sorry, Quinn, I can't do it," Finn says. "I thought I could, but I can't."
Will holds the cake out in front of Quinn. "Blow out the candles, darling."
"What's going on?" Sue asks.
"I'm going," Finn announces.
"But it's good cake," Will protests. "Sue got the recipe from the book before she wrapped it."
Finn moves to walk around Will, but Quinn gets in his way again.
"I'm not going to leave you," she tells him.
"If you respect me at all, you will," he replies.
"What the hell is going on?" Sue asks again.
"Why's Finn sad?" H asks.
"It's not you leaving that going to kill me," Finn says. "It's you loving someone more."
"Hate to interrupt," Will interjects. "But those candles are dripping wax all over your mother's creation."
"Forget about the fucking candles," Sue snaps.
Finn chuckles sadly. "Yeah. I gotta go." And he walks around Quinn and out the door.
Quinn chases after him.
"No, you aren't walking away from me," Quinn says as Finn strides towards his car. Don't you dare walk away from me."
"Yeah, keep repeating it," Finn replies. "We can totally pretend this is my choice."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Come on, Quinn," Finn snaps. "We both know you'd left me in the end, anyhow."
"That's not true," Quinn protests.
"Yes, it is!" Finn turns on Quinn. "It is. All I want is for you to be happy. More than anything else, I wanted to be the cause of that happiness in you." Finn takes a step closer. "But if I'm not, then I can't stand in the way. Do you see? Because what you're feeling now, Quinn, is the unstoppable force. Which means I've got to move."
Finn kisses her and walks away. Quinn stares after until his car is gone.
…
Quinn can only sit on the couch and stare at the floor. She feels her family's eyes; their questions screaming in the quiet room even if they haven't been asked yet. She can't bear to speak. She decides to wait for her mother to voice her thoughts. She always does.
"Darling, what did Finn mean when he said you're in love with someone else?" Sue asks after a few minutes.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Quinn is finding comfort in her mother's predictability. "Because I am."
"God, not Puck," Sue groans. "That manwhore would screw an open wound."
"It's not him."
"Who then?" Sue asks. "Well, spit it out already. What's his name?"
"Yes, dear," Will says. "What's the lucky fellow's name?"
"Her name is Rachel."
"Rachel?"
"Yes."
"Who is a woman," Sue clarifies. "As are you."
"Yes."
"So the two of you are lesbians?"
"It doesn't matter what you call it," Quinn replies. "It's not going to happen. Not after all this."
"Damn straight."
"Can I say something here?" Will asks. He sits next to Quinn on the couch. "When I first met your mother, back in the Trojan War, I fell for her immediately. And even though she loved me back, married me, somehow I always knew I wasn't good enough. Still, we managed, through the years, but I've never doubted that if she ever met someone she really fell for, who made her realize what true love is, she'd leave me like a shot. And how could I argue? Whatever you chose to do from here, we'll support you. We always will. But please, my dear, follow your heart."
"Can I borrow your car?" Quinn asks.
"I'll drive you."
They both jump out and run towards the garage.
"Nothing happens without me there," Sue mutters as she grabs her coat. "You coming?"
H shakes her head.
"When we come back, we can talk about this, if you want."
"Yeah. Okay."
"You know what I wish?" Sue asks. "That you wouldn't grow up so fast." She kisses H on the forehead and chases after her husband and oldest daughter.
…
As the cabbie puts her bags in his cab, Rachel hugs Shelby good-bye.
"You take care."
"You take care," Shelby replies. "I'm going to enjoy myself." She gestures to the flower shop that she'll be looking over.
Rachel just smiles and walks towards the cab.
"Hey," Shelby says. Rachel turns around. "You did nothing wrong."
"I did," Rachel argues. "But truth is? I'd do it again."
Shelby watches her daughter get in the cab and drive away.
…
As Finn sets his keys in the key bowl, it occurs to him that maybe coming home isn't the best plan. He really doesn't want to see Quinn anytime soon, but being in their shared apartment might put a damper on that. Hopefully, she'll stay at her parents' for a while. Not wanting to be surrounded by memories, he heads up to the roof. Standing near the edge, he looks out and stops fighting the tears.
"Why can't you have desert after breakfast?" H's voice interrupts his solitary sorrow. "I mean, you can have it after lunch and dinner, so why not breakfast?"
Finn just smiles sadly through his tears.
"You're still sad aren't you?" H is just behind him now.
"Yeah, I am," he tells her.
"I thought so. I brought candy."
"Great. Thanks." Finn turns and sits on the bench by the ledge.
"I didn't know what kind you like, so I got some of each," H tells him.
A sob escapes Finn. "Sorry, H, sorry. It's just I'm trying to do the right thing and now I'm kinda regretting it. Because if she'd stay with me out of guilt, well that's not so bad, is it? Right?" Finn finally begins sobbing.
"My math teacher Ms. Pillsbury has something she always says when people are sad. She says, no problem is insoluble given a big enough plastic bag."
Finn chuckles. "What does that mean?"
"I don't know. She's very strange."
Finn wraps his arm around H. "I should have married you."
"Maybe in ten years," H replies. "If you're still lonely, we could get married then."
"You know, it's funny. Ever since we first met, I was scared she was going to leave me."
"You shouldn't be afraid Finn," H says, putting her head on his shoulder. "You can do anything."
Finn smiles sadly and sighs as he kisses H on the head.
…
Will is driving with Quinn in the front giving directions. Sue sits in the back, back seat driving.
"Take a left here," Quinn tells her father.
"All I'm saying," Sue says. "If not Finn, then someone else. Someone, male."
"Keep going?" Will asks.
"Yes."
"It's very exciting."
"What about grandchildren?" Sue asks. "How are you going to accomplish that?"
"I've heard there's this nifty little invention," Will adds. "Something akin to the turkey baster."
"It's just up here," Quinn says.
Will parks the car at the corner and Quinn opens the door.
"Where did you meet her?" Will asks.
"At my wedding."
"How can you be sure after such a short amount of time?" Sue asks.
"I knew after three seconds," Quinn says, slamming the door shut.
"The French call love happening that fast, le click," Will says.
"They would, those freaking perverts," Sue mutters.
…
Quinn bursts into the shop. "Where Rachel? Is she here?"
"I think we should try that again," Shelby replies.
"Hello. I'm sorry, but I'm looking for Rachel."
Shelby eyes her for a moment before replying. "You're her, aren't you? You're the girl."
Quinn nods.
"You're married."
"Not anymore," Quinn replies. "I left. Or he left. Whatever. It's over."
"So you're free?" Shelby tries to keep all the hopefulness out of her voice. "And you love my daughter?"
Quinn nods.
"Let's go."
…
Rachel tries to ignore the cabbie as he talks dirty to who Rachel hopes is his girlfriend. Checking her watch, she checks her surroundings. He doesn’t seem to be taking the most direct route.
"Excuse me?"
"What?" the cabbie replies. "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"
"Yes, I'm aware of that, but I don't think this is the best way to go."
But he's ignoring her. Rachel sighs and leans back in her seat.
…
This time Quinn is driving while Shelby directs. Her parents sit in the back seat.
"You're wrong, you know," Sue tells Will. "You've always been enough for me."
"Not recently," Will replies. "There are pills…" Sue smiles. "I could buy some. But perhaps you might be a bit nicer?"
"Yes I could."
Quinn smiles to herself.
"Quinn, honey, take the next right. It's usually faster."
"Good job," Sue smiles.
Quinn takes the next right and runs right into a traffic jam. Fighting off her panic, she prepares to reverse and turn around, but finds several cars already blocking her in. She sighs.
"Three cheers for my husband," Sue says. "As much use as a fart in a jam jar."
"That was certainly the quickest honeymoon ever," Will mutters.
Feeling desperate, Quinn pulls out her cell phone and dials Rachel.
…
Stuck in traffic, Rachel glances out the window just in time to see a young man on a bike with a jaunty scarf ride by. He's singing an old classic.
"…I do. I think about you day and night, it's only right…"
Just then, her cell rings. It's Quinn. Reluctantly, she answers it.
"Hello?"
"Rach? It's me," Quinn says. "We have to talk. Everything's changed.
"There's nothing to say," Rachel replies. "You can't do it. Bye." And she snaps her phone shut.
…
Quinn reluctantly shuts her phone.
"How'd it go, darling?"
Quinn doesn't reply.
"She'll be back," Shelby tells Quinn. "She'll be back soon and then you can--"
"It's over," Quinn interrupts.
"Good," Sue says. Seeing everyone's incredulous looks, she continues. "You know what I mean."
Just then a young man on a bike rides by singing. "…and you and me. No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be…"
Quinn recognizes first the song and then the voice. She watches him ride away as something dawns on her. "That singing. I've heard that singing before."
"What's going on?" Sue asks.
"Where?" Will asks.
Quinn doesn't answer. Instead, she climbs out her open window and climbs onto the roof of her father's car.
"Be care of the car, Quinn," Will says. Sue smacks him on the arm. "Right. Never mind, then."
Standing on her father's car, all Quinn can see is cars and more cars. Still, Rachel has to be close, so Quinn begins yelling.
"Rachel! Rachel! Rachel! Rachel, where are you?"
"Oh my god," Sue groans. "Could this become anymore embarrassing?"
"Rachel! Rachel, please! Rachel!"
Feeling despondent, Quinn can hear Rachel's voice in her head. You're kind of shrill. So she takes a deep breath and remembers her instructions. Placing her hands on her diaphragm, she imagines her mouth's a cathedral and yells out, "You're a wanker, number nine!"
…
Still stuck in traffic, Rachel hears someone who sounds a lot like Quinn yell, "You're a wanker, number nine!" She quickly gets out of the cab and climbs onto a nearby piece of construction equipment. She sees Quinn standing on a car half a block away.
"Rachel, I can do this!" she shouts. "I can do this!"
Rachel can only shake her head and grin at her. Quinn's response is to jump off the car and runs towards Rachel. Not to be out done, Rachel jumps down and begins to run towards Quinn as well.
It takes some dodging and maneuvering, but the pair finally meet up. Rachel wraps her arms around Quinn and pulls her in for a kiss as horns honk in the background. But all Rachel cares about that Quinn is there, really there. She kisses her again.