I Can Be Your Strength (Reboot) Pt. 4
Title: I Can Be Your Strength [REBOOT] Part 4
Author: Me
Length: ~2000
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Kinda AU, all episodes just to be safe
Summary: A lot happens during the start of Rachel's senior year, more than she could handle after she hears the news from her doctor. It shatters all the dreams she had for the future. Quinn also finds herself in a troubling situation on coming to terms with what she is and what she wants to become. The two look to each other for friendship, but neither is willing to bring down their walls. When Rachel really needs someone, will Quinn be there to save her?
Warning: This is gonna be pretty angsty. So..if you don't like that, TURN AWAY! But there will be nice parts so...just read it =D
Disclaimer: I own nothing
A/N: this is a reboot of I Can Be Your Strength starting from the beginning. OCs ARE COMING UP SOON. HOWEVER, THEY ARE BASED OFF PROSPECTIVE GLEE CANDIDATES FROM THE GLEE PROJECT. SO, THEY'RE NOT NECESSARILY MY ORIGINAL CHARACTERS I GUESS. THEY ARE PORTRAYED HOW THEY COULD BE IF THEY WERE CHARACTERS AND NOT REAL PEOPLE. GET ME? TWO MAY HAVE A PROMINENT ROLE IN THIS FANFIC. Also, I was thinking of embedding the songs more into the story, like musicals do. I know, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO TURN SOMETHING SO SAD INTO A MUSICAL? and I don't know. I thought it'd be pretty true to the show, since they can randomly start singing while they walk the halls. Just a suggestion. Not all of it would be like that, but idk. I thought it'd be pretty cool to write.
Glee had already started practicing a new dance routine when Quinn loudly burst through the doors and threw her messenger bag onto one of the chairs.She had already removed her glasses before entering the room, never finding a need for them during practice. Santana looked at the blond, hurt that she hadn't been responding to her calls or texts. She wouldn't even talk to the cheerleader or say hello. Mr. Schuester stopped the dancing and turned to Quinn; she stared back at him, with her hand on her hips, awaiting his order. It was obvious she was frustrated or upset. Rachel wondered what had happened. Quinn had been attending Glee practice regularly and she's been punctual after the first day up until now.
"Do you want to sit out for a while?"
"No," she answered shaking her head.
"Okay, you can go stand by Santana and try to get in the groove."
The blond gave a quick nod and walked toward the brunette, but said no greeting. Mr. Schuester asked the band to continue playing and the group took a few steps forward together, a couple twirls, some swaying and a shift in position. Quinn sighed as she went with the motions, but she wasn't feeling it today. She accidentally brushed Lauren and the taller girl gave her an evil look. Quinn rolled her eyes. She wasn't in the mood for an argument. The blond started to fan herself as the room started to feel warmer. The air conditioning was probably broken, at the hands of one Sue Sylvester. She let out a deep breath and twirled with the group, however, Finn stumbled, making everyone stop. She sighed deeply, annoyed by the heat, annoyed by Finn, and just absolutely annoyed with everything and everyone. The pause gave Quinn the chance to unbutton one of her sleeves and pull it up. When she was about to do pull up the next one, her hand froze. Santana noticed that was the same arm that she saw something on. The dancing began and so Quinn left that sleeve alone and continued.
The brunette watched the wrist, waiting for her to spot something that would prove she wasn't seeing things. She was waiting for a chance to tug at that sleeve and reveal it to everyone, but she wasn't sure what "it" was. As she watched the blond, she bumped into Kurt as they changed sides. She gave him a scowl and he quickly went on with the dance. Finn, not watching where he lugged his large body around, bumped into Rachel knocking the small brunette down with a slap. The large teen rushed to her side, apologizing frantically, afraid he had broken something again. Mr. Schuester leaned down to help Rachel up The whole club had stopped moving, leaving Quinn in front of Santana. She moved to the side, to get a better view of Rachel. A part of her wanted to see if the brunette was okay. When she scratched the top of her head, something red peeked from under her sleeve. Santana took her opportunity and snatched the blond's arm and quickly pulled up the sleeve.
"What the hell, Santana?" Quinn snarled attempting to take back her wrist.
She tugged, but the brunette had seen enough and the Glee club turned to look at Santana while Quinn buttoned her sleeve. The cheerleader turned to the blond with a smirk.
"You got a tattoo, Fabray?"
The blond looked at the Glee members who just stared. She clenched her wrist in her hand, not knowing what to do. She was angry at Santana for grabbing her wrist like that, but the brunette was probably mad at her as well. Everyone was silent and still, Rachel was back up off the floor and Mr. Schuester stared at Quinn, giving her a smile. She felt the need to just blow up in front of everyone and ask what the hell they were staring at and maybe pummel Santana a bit, but instead the blond shut her eyes, remembering the term, opposite action. Was her emotion justified? Did she have a right to yell at everyone? To beat up Santana? She turned and opened her eyes, looking at the cheerleader. Maybe, I do have a right to just push her. She shook her head. Opposite Quinn. Opposite.
"Excuse me," she whispered and walked out the door.
Quinn sobbed in the restroom, her hands clutched the sink so hard her knuckles and fingertips grew white. Her body shook with hiccups as the tears just streamed down her face and splashed onto the marble. Her cries echoed in the empty room, making them louder than they actually was. Her sleeves were wrinkled and had fallen to cover her arms. She didn't know how to feel. Should she feel angry? She just felt a roller coaster of emotions and couldn't find any way to alienate just one of them. She was losing it, the battle against her emotions.
"You're so stupid," She whimpered through her tears.
Her hand clenched itself into a fist and beat down on the sink. She repeated her words and started to chant them like a mantra, each ending with a blow to the sink. When her hand had gotten sore, she turned to look at her reflection. She hated what she saw. She hated everything about herself. She forgot everything she learned. All she wanted to do that moment was to let her rage out. Her eyes clenched shut. Her anger was already spilling out in tears. This never should have happened. Stupid Santana. The blond let out a sharp cry, unable to keep it all bottled in.
"What's wrong with you?"
The cheerleader's strong voice caused Quinn to open her eyes. They stared at each other through the mirror. The blond shook her head. No. No. No. Santana go away. She couldn't understand why Santana had followed her. Quinn chose not to acknowledge the brunette and turned on the sink and let the water run. Her hands reached for the water and she just allowed herself to focus on the sound of it, the feel of it. She closed her eyes.
"Spit it out," the brunette picked up her harsh tone again, causing the blond to snap open her eyes and jerk her body to Santana, spilling water everywhere.
They exchange glances and Quinn ran out of the restroom. When Santana exited, the blond was nowhere to be found. The cheerleader wanted to follow her friend, but didn't now where to follow her. Sobbing silently, Quinn had ran near the school exit and picked up the payphone near the office. She quickly patted her jeans for any loose change. Tears still managed to blur her vision, but she reached into her pocket and pulled out a quarter. While dialing the number, her lower lip trembled as she tried to hold in tears and so she bit it. The ringing continued and continued. She really hoped she'd get an answer. Her parents had work that day and so she couldn't count on them for ride. She whined as the ringing wouldn't stop.
"Hello," a female voice sounded.
"C-Come get me." Quinn croaked, but she was relieved. She clutched the phone in a death grip at the sound of that familiar voice.
"Quinn? Wh-where are you? At home?" The voice had picked up its speed.
"No, I'm at school."
Santana turned the corner to find the blond with her back turned away. She could hear Quinn's voice from the end of the hallway. In order to quiet her squeaky sneakers, she walked slowly and softly, as she hid behind a trashcan. Who was Quinn talking to? Her mom? Her dad? Frannie? Santana peeked her head out to watch.
"I'll be right there. I was on my way to the park already. I'll swing by."
"Thank you so much. I didn't know where to go and I - I couldn't - I -"
"Calm down, Quinn, okay? It'll be fine. I'm on my way. Everything will be okay. Improve the moment."
"Okay."
"See you in a few. Bye."
"Bye."
The blond hung up and slid down to the floor. She wiped her tears and leaned her head back on the wall. She was going to leave in a few and everything would be behind her. It'll be fine. She'd soon be with people she trusts. Relaxation. She inhaled deeply and exhaled, practicing relaxing breathing exercises. She shut her eyes and let herself calm down. Her fists unclenched and her legs slowly set themselves parallel to the ground. Santana watched, confused by her friend's conversation. The brunette fully hid behind a trashcan again as she saw Quinn stand up. Footsteps neared and the blond passed by Santana, oblivious. The cheerleader snorted softly. Quinn has to be more aware of her surroundings. The brunette stood up and ran toward Quinn, catching her attention. She wasn't going to give up.
"Please leave me alone," The blond whispered and continued walking.
"Not until you tell me what's up!"
Quinn shook her head, refusing to look at the brunette. Why can't she just let it go? The cheerleader kept up her pace however and wouldn't let the blond get away.
"You're my best friend, Q."
"I'm sorry!"
The blond entered the choir room as it filled with silence once more. They all had their eyes on Quinn, but she paid them no mind. Santana followed her in, but refused to question Quinn any further. If she didn't want to give up her secret when it was just the two of them, then she wouldn't want to give it up with everyone in Glee watching. The blond grabbed her messenger bag and headed out the door without a single word. She had to leave; she would come up with an excuse the next day at school. They'll eat it up just like they did with the other ones. Santana watched as she left and turned back to the club.
"Did she quit?" Lauren asked.
Rachel had noticed the blond's reddened eyes and heard her sniffling. She also knew that Quinn was angry when she left after Santana revealed her tattoo. Her furrowed eyebrows and tightened lips gave her away. She didn't find it odd, however that tears followed Quinn's angry behavior. It was something Rachel picked up early on. The blond would get angry and then sadness would follow soon after. When Quinn had slapped her and apologized, the brunette knew she didn't do it out of anger. She was sad. That was something no one seemed to realize. Quinn had been sad for so long and it was often displayed as anger, as bossiness, as harassment. Rachel felt she understood her better than anyone, but she wasn't sure if Quinn was coming back.
They all turned their eyes to Santana. She could do nothing but shrug. She didn't know what Quinn was planning. I don't know my own friend anymore. Sure, they have had their differences, but when Santana was having her little revelation, Quinn was there for her. Christian, bible thumper Quinn was there when Santana was finding her sexuality. The blond never spoke about how it was viewed to be a sin. Santana knew it was thought to be so in the blond's household. She often heard Russell talk about it. Hell, he even blocked MTV after Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" came on. The blond never got angry or blamed Santana. She actually apologized that her father removed the channel the next time the brunette slept over. Quinn would always just listen and offer support whenever Santana needed it. Quinn was a good friend, and the brunette only wanted to do the same.
By the time Glee had ended, and Santana exited the school building, she saw Quinn get in a black car. She wasn't sure what kind it was, only that it looked expensive. The windows were tinted and even if she tried to get a glimpse of the driver, she couldn't. The car quickly sped off, busted a u-turn and went in an opposite direction from the blond's house. Santana watched until the vehicle disappeared. Part of her didn't want to believe anything was actually wrong. Part of her wanted to think that what was wrong with Quinn, was nothing. Quinn found herself a sugar momma. Santana chuckled to herself at her own imagination. She could just picture it. Quinn, dating some cougar who bought her new clothes and aided to the blond's cocaine addiction as long as she got a little something something every now and then. The cheerleader snorted. That'll be the day. Her smile faded. She shouldn't joke about things like that, especially the drug addiction. She sighed and headed for her own vehicle. She would try calling Quinn later in the night, but as always Judy told the brunette that Quinn was busy, or sleeping.
Author: Me
Length: ~2000
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Kinda AU, all episodes just to be safe
Summary: A lot happens during the start of Rachel's senior year, more than she could handle after she hears the news from her doctor. It shatters all the dreams she had for the future. Quinn also finds herself in a troubling situation on coming to terms with what she is and what she wants to become. The two look to each other for friendship, but neither is willing to bring down their walls. When Rachel really needs someone, will Quinn be there to save her?
Warning: This is gonna be pretty angsty. So..if you don't like that, TURN AWAY! But there will be nice parts so...just read it =D
Disclaimer: I own nothing
A/N: this is a reboot of I Can Be Your Strength starting from the beginning. OCs ARE COMING UP SOON. HOWEVER, THEY ARE BASED OFF PROSPECTIVE GLEE CANDIDATES FROM THE GLEE PROJECT. SO, THEY'RE NOT NECESSARILY MY ORIGINAL CHARACTERS I GUESS. THEY ARE PORTRAYED HOW THEY COULD BE IF THEY WERE CHARACTERS AND NOT REAL PEOPLE. GET ME? TWO MAY HAVE A PROMINENT ROLE IN THIS FANFIC. Also, I was thinking of embedding the songs more into the story, like musicals do. I know, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO TURN SOMETHING SO SAD INTO A MUSICAL? and I don't know. I thought it'd be pretty true to the show, since they can randomly start singing while they walk the halls. Just a suggestion. Not all of it would be like that, but idk. I thought it'd be pretty cool to write.
Glee had already started practicing a new dance routine when Quinn loudly burst through the doors and threw her messenger bag onto one of the chairs.She had already removed her glasses before entering the room, never finding a need for them during practice. Santana looked at the blond, hurt that she hadn't been responding to her calls or texts. She wouldn't even talk to the cheerleader or say hello. Mr. Schuester stopped the dancing and turned to Quinn; she stared back at him, with her hand on her hips, awaiting his order. It was obvious she was frustrated or upset. Rachel wondered what had happened. Quinn had been attending Glee practice regularly and she's been punctual after the first day up until now.
"Do you want to sit out for a while?"
"No," she answered shaking her head.
"Okay, you can go stand by Santana and try to get in the groove."
The blond gave a quick nod and walked toward the brunette, but said no greeting. Mr. Schuester asked the band to continue playing and the group took a few steps forward together, a couple twirls, some swaying and a shift in position. Quinn sighed as she went with the motions, but she wasn't feeling it today. She accidentally brushed Lauren and the taller girl gave her an evil look. Quinn rolled her eyes. She wasn't in the mood for an argument. The blond started to fan herself as the room started to feel warmer. The air conditioning was probably broken, at the hands of one Sue Sylvester. She let out a deep breath and twirled with the group, however, Finn stumbled, making everyone stop. She sighed deeply, annoyed by the heat, annoyed by Finn, and just absolutely annoyed with everything and everyone. The pause gave Quinn the chance to unbutton one of her sleeves and pull it up. When she was about to do pull up the next one, her hand froze. Santana noticed that was the same arm that she saw something on. The dancing began and so Quinn left that sleeve alone and continued.
The brunette watched the wrist, waiting for her to spot something that would prove she wasn't seeing things. She was waiting for a chance to tug at that sleeve and reveal it to everyone, but she wasn't sure what "it" was. As she watched the blond, she bumped into Kurt as they changed sides. She gave him a scowl and he quickly went on with the dance. Finn, not watching where he lugged his large body around, bumped into Rachel knocking the small brunette down with a slap. The large teen rushed to her side, apologizing frantically, afraid he had broken something again. Mr. Schuester leaned down to help Rachel up The whole club had stopped moving, leaving Quinn in front of Santana. She moved to the side, to get a better view of Rachel. A part of her wanted to see if the brunette was okay. When she scratched the top of her head, something red peeked from under her sleeve. Santana took her opportunity and snatched the blond's arm and quickly pulled up the sleeve.
"What the hell, Santana?" Quinn snarled attempting to take back her wrist.
She tugged, but the brunette had seen enough and the Glee club turned to look at Santana while Quinn buttoned her sleeve. The cheerleader turned to the blond with a smirk.
"You got a tattoo, Fabray?"
The blond looked at the Glee members who just stared. She clenched her wrist in her hand, not knowing what to do. She was angry at Santana for grabbing her wrist like that, but the brunette was probably mad at her as well. Everyone was silent and still, Rachel was back up off the floor and Mr. Schuester stared at Quinn, giving her a smile. She felt the need to just blow up in front of everyone and ask what the hell they were staring at and maybe pummel Santana a bit, but instead the blond shut her eyes, remembering the term, opposite action. Was her emotion justified? Did she have a right to yell at everyone? To beat up Santana? She turned and opened her eyes, looking at the cheerleader. Maybe, I do have a right to just push her. She shook her head. Opposite Quinn. Opposite.
"Excuse me," she whispered and walked out the door.
Quinn sobbed in the restroom, her hands clutched the sink so hard her knuckles and fingertips grew white. Her body shook with hiccups as the tears just streamed down her face and splashed onto the marble. Her cries echoed in the empty room, making them louder than they actually was. Her sleeves were wrinkled and had fallen to cover her arms. She didn't know how to feel. Should she feel angry? She just felt a roller coaster of emotions and couldn't find any way to alienate just one of them. She was losing it, the battle against her emotions.
"You're so stupid," She whimpered through her tears.
Her hand clenched itself into a fist and beat down on the sink. She repeated her words and started to chant them like a mantra, each ending with a blow to the sink. When her hand had gotten sore, she turned to look at her reflection. She hated what she saw. She hated everything about herself. She forgot everything she learned. All she wanted to do that moment was to let her rage out. Her eyes clenched shut. Her anger was already spilling out in tears. This never should have happened. Stupid Santana. The blond let out a sharp cry, unable to keep it all bottled in.
"What's wrong with you?"
The cheerleader's strong voice caused Quinn to open her eyes. They stared at each other through the mirror. The blond shook her head. No. No. No. Santana go away. She couldn't understand why Santana had followed her. Quinn chose not to acknowledge the brunette and turned on the sink and let the water run. Her hands reached for the water and she just allowed herself to focus on the sound of it, the feel of it. She closed her eyes.
"Spit it out," the brunette picked up her harsh tone again, causing the blond to snap open her eyes and jerk her body to Santana, spilling water everywhere.
They exchange glances and Quinn ran out of the restroom. When Santana exited, the blond was nowhere to be found. The cheerleader wanted to follow her friend, but didn't now where to follow her. Sobbing silently, Quinn had ran near the school exit and picked up the payphone near the office. She quickly patted her jeans for any loose change. Tears still managed to blur her vision, but she reached into her pocket and pulled out a quarter. While dialing the number, her lower lip trembled as she tried to hold in tears and so she bit it. The ringing continued and continued. She really hoped she'd get an answer. Her parents had work that day and so she couldn't count on them for ride. She whined as the ringing wouldn't stop.
"Hello," a female voice sounded.
"C-Come get me." Quinn croaked, but she was relieved. She clutched the phone in a death grip at the sound of that familiar voice.
"Quinn? Wh-where are you? At home?" The voice had picked up its speed.
"No, I'm at school."
Santana turned the corner to find the blond with her back turned away. She could hear Quinn's voice from the end of the hallway. In order to quiet her squeaky sneakers, she walked slowly and softly, as she hid behind a trashcan. Who was Quinn talking to? Her mom? Her dad? Frannie? Santana peeked her head out to watch.
"I'll be right there. I was on my way to the park already. I'll swing by."
"Thank you so much. I didn't know where to go and I - I couldn't - I -"
"Calm down, Quinn, okay? It'll be fine. I'm on my way. Everything will be okay. Improve the moment."
"Okay."
"See you in a few. Bye."
"Bye."
The blond hung up and slid down to the floor. She wiped her tears and leaned her head back on the wall. She was going to leave in a few and everything would be behind her. It'll be fine. She'd soon be with people she trusts. Relaxation. She inhaled deeply and exhaled, practicing relaxing breathing exercises. She shut her eyes and let herself calm down. Her fists unclenched and her legs slowly set themselves parallel to the ground. Santana watched, confused by her friend's conversation. The brunette fully hid behind a trashcan again as she saw Quinn stand up. Footsteps neared and the blond passed by Santana, oblivious. The cheerleader snorted softly. Quinn has to be more aware of her surroundings. The brunette stood up and ran toward Quinn, catching her attention. She wasn't going to give up.
"Please leave me alone," The blond whispered and continued walking.
"Not until you tell me what's up!"
Quinn shook her head, refusing to look at the brunette. Why can't she just let it go? The cheerleader kept up her pace however and wouldn't let the blond get away.
"You're my best friend, Q."
"I'm sorry!"
The blond entered the choir room as it filled with silence once more. They all had their eyes on Quinn, but she paid them no mind. Santana followed her in, but refused to question Quinn any further. If she didn't want to give up her secret when it was just the two of them, then she wouldn't want to give it up with everyone in Glee watching. The blond grabbed her messenger bag and headed out the door without a single word. She had to leave; she would come up with an excuse the next day at school. They'll eat it up just like they did with the other ones. Santana watched as she left and turned back to the club.
"Did she quit?" Lauren asked.
Rachel had noticed the blond's reddened eyes and heard her sniffling. She also knew that Quinn was angry when she left after Santana revealed her tattoo. Her furrowed eyebrows and tightened lips gave her away. She didn't find it odd, however that tears followed Quinn's angry behavior. It was something Rachel picked up early on. The blond would get angry and then sadness would follow soon after. When Quinn had slapped her and apologized, the brunette knew she didn't do it out of anger. She was sad. That was something no one seemed to realize. Quinn had been sad for so long and it was often displayed as anger, as bossiness, as harassment. Rachel felt she understood her better than anyone, but she wasn't sure if Quinn was coming back.
They all turned their eyes to Santana. She could do nothing but shrug. She didn't know what Quinn was planning. I don't know my own friend anymore. Sure, they have had their differences, but when Santana was having her little revelation, Quinn was there for her. Christian, bible thumper Quinn was there when Santana was finding her sexuality. The blond never spoke about how it was viewed to be a sin. Santana knew it was thought to be so in the blond's household. She often heard Russell talk about it. Hell, he even blocked MTV after Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" came on. The blond never got angry or blamed Santana. She actually apologized that her father removed the channel the next time the brunette slept over. Quinn would always just listen and offer support whenever Santana needed it. Quinn was a good friend, and the brunette only wanted to do the same.
By the time Glee had ended, and Santana exited the school building, she saw Quinn get in a black car. She wasn't sure what kind it was, only that it looked expensive. The windows were tinted and even if she tried to get a glimpse of the driver, she couldn't. The car quickly sped off, busted a u-turn and went in an opposite direction from the blond's house. Santana watched until the vehicle disappeared. Part of her didn't want to believe anything was actually wrong. Part of her wanted to think that what was wrong with Quinn, was nothing. Quinn found herself a sugar momma. Santana chuckled to herself at her own imagination. She could just picture it. Quinn, dating some cougar who bought her new clothes and aided to the blond's cocaine addiction as long as she got a little something something every now and then. The cheerleader snorted. That'll be the day. Her smile faded. She shouldn't joke about things like that, especially the drug addiction. She sighed and headed for her own vehicle. She would try calling Quinn later in the night, but as always Judy told the brunette that Quinn was busy, or sleeping.