I Can Be Your Strength (Reboot) Pt. 7
Title: I Can Be Your Strength [REBOOT] Part 7
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.
Throughout the next weeks, Dr. Goldberg continued to run tests. He had x-rays, MRI's, blood work and even CAT scans done of Rachel. She had to admit, the tests made her worry. She was a bit nervous. She kept waiting to hear the news, which despite her positive outlook on life, she presumed to be bad news. She never let on about how she felt to anyone. Not her fathers, not Finn, not Glee Club. She knew the club wouldn't really care what she was going through. At the moment all their attention was on Quinn and reasonably so. Even Rachel wondered what had happened to the ex-cheerio over the summer. It was even more strange because no one had any idea. Quinn had effectively shut everyone out. While they were currently on the enemies side of their relationship see-saw, Rachel still couldn't help but worry about her "enemy." She wanted to be friends with Quinn, but it always seemed that after they had moments where a friendship could be formed, something would happen that would tear down all the progress they made. Finn never told Rachel how he and Quinn broke up, but she presumed it was mutual. Maybe, like Finn said, she couldn't prevent what was the inevitable. However, there was that pillow to the head she got from Quinn. Despite everything that happened, Rachel honestly thought Quinn would be okay when they went back to school, but she wasn't.
Rachel knew she was only thinking about the blond in order to distract the thoughts about herself. She didn't want to think about her own worries or concerns, but when Rachel finally confronted her dad about her questions concerning the doctor's methods, Leroy assured her that if something was wrong, Dr. Goldberg would have notified them already.
"He's running all those tests just so he can know for sure that you're healthy."
Or just to make sure I'm actually sick, Rachel thought.
Her father seemed to honestly believe everything was okay, so Rachel chose to put her faith in her father. When he worries, I'll worry. She thought that seemed understandable. Hiram was the most emotional out of the three. However, Rachel didn't know that Leroy was a much better actor than all three of them. He did minor in theatrical arts. He knew how to mask his feelings so his daughter never worried. She always looked to him as her emotional rock, ever since she was little.
"Oh, Lee, she's bleeding," Hiram whimpered as he carried the five year old Rachel in his arms.
It was a rather sunny day in Lima and so Hiram was playing outside with his daughter. They threw a beach ball around and later started to chase each other. He always allowed himself to get caught and would chase after a giggling Rachel. However, they stopped playing when Rachel started to get a nosebleed from the heat. He immediately brought his daughter in, telling her to cover her nose. Leroy has just gotten out of the shower when he heard his daughter's and his husband's cries.
"Calm down," Leroy told Hiram, chuckling. "It's just a nosebleed."
Rachel was set on the sink counter-top and Leroy dabbed at the blood with a damp towel. The small brunette was still crying.
"Sweetie, look at me," her doe brown eyes met her father's firm ones. "Be strong for me, okay?"
"B-but D-Daddy, he -"
"Daddy is a big baby," he shot a teasing glance at Hiram who crossed his arms and huffed. "But look at me, am I crying?"
"No," Rachel mumbled, wiping her eyes.
"Then there's no reason for tears, okay? I'll take care of you. It'll all be fine."
Rachel nodded.
"Now tilt your head back," Leroy said then proceeded to pinch the bridge of his daughter's nose.
Her doctor called one evening when they were having dinner saying he would like to speak to the two men and Rachel the next day about health. Leroy asked the doctor if everything was okay, but Dr. Goldberg said it would be better if they discussed the topic in his office rather than over the phone. Rachel had an exam the following day, so he knew she wouldn't be able to join them to the appointment. The doctor said it was fine. When the call ended, Leroy went back to join dinner. Rachel was still speaking about her day at school with Hiram listening intently. He glanced at Leroy and they exchanged looks. The turned to her dad and she smiled. He gave her a grin in response.
"Who was at the phone?" Hiram asked.
"Work," Leroy responded, having the intention to tell his husband when Rachel wasn't in the room. He didn't want to worry her before her test.
She returned to her conversation and Leroy looked down at his plate, not having an appetite anymore. His ears caught the name Quinn and he glanced up. He had not seen Rachel's friend for a while now. He remembered when she came home with Rachel one day and they went to her room to write a song. The last he saw of Quinn was when Rachel broke her nose. He was happy that she had offered to take her to the doctor and she even recommended a plastic surgeon.
"How is Quinn?" Leroy asked.
Rachel glanced at her father.
"She's good," I think.
"You should invite her over for dinner again,"
"Leroy," Hiram warned, but the man had no idea what his husband was warning him about.
"I'll try to, Dad." Rachel responded.
Leroy nodded with a smile and as he looked back his plate, he remembered his daughter mentioning that Finn broke up with Quinn to be with Rachel. He realized that asking Quinn over for dinner would not be rational on Rachel's part. Leroy told his husband that night and the following morning about the doctor's phone call. After Rachel had been dropped off at school, they headed to the hospital.
"If it was important, he would have said so over the phone, right?" Hiram asked, playing with the seatbelt, a sign of his anxiety.
"Yeah," Leroy mumbled. "Of course." He tried to say with more conviction.
Hiram reached over and grabbed his husband's hand. They glanced at each other. There was no hiding their feelings. They were worried and nervous. Rachel was their only daughter. They wouldn't be able to stand it if something was wrong with her. She's a strong girl, Leroy attempted to reassure himself, inside and out.
Rachel seemed to enjoy school a tad bit more now that it was her senior year. The slushies had decreased, since Karofsky was the main guy. However, Azimio was quick to replace him. But, that wasn't it. She was with Finn once again and they'd get their smooches by the lockers. He was being sweeter to her than he used to be. But that wasn't it either. Rachel knew it had to be the idea of going to New York. She was planning to go for college. She had discussed it with Finn and he seemed willing to follow her if he got into the school that Rachel got in, or just got in a school in New York. The couple had already started their application with NYU and Cornell. Rachel had her eye on Julliard for a while, but was hesitant to start any application. She worried if she would get in or not. However, she took some enjoyment in planning her future. It always made her feel better knowing there would always be a better tomorrow. There will be a better tomorrow.
"Hey, Rach." Finn's whisper sent chills down her spine.
His arm wrapped over her shoulder and she leaned into him, inhaling his smell of grilled cheese. Her nose scrunched up and she got a little distance between the two. She didn't want it to seem obvious that he wasn't smelling so great.
"Hello, Finn." She greeted back, looking up at his grin.
He kissed the top of her head and looked forward. Upon looking up, the couple caught sight of Quinn, strolling down the hallway, alone. The once head cheerleader still caught eyes when she walked, but it was for an entirely different reason, or so Rachel believed. She was still getting used to seeing Quinn dress in such casual attire, even the glasses still looked unusual on the blond. Not in a bad way, the brunette still believed Quinn was a very pretty girl, but she was showing a new side to her that not many people wanted to see. Quinn no longer looked traditionally beautiful. The blond neared and Rachel beamed at her. Hazel eyes glanced at the couple, but they quickly turned away as Quinn expelled a puff of air. Rachel frowned and her eyes followed Quinn as the blond neared her locker. The brunette stopped, but was still dragged a couple centimeters by Finn's arm.
"What's a matter, Rachel?"
"D-Do you think Quinn's okay, Finn?"
Finn looked at his ex and tilted his head. He found his eyes gravitating to her backside. He quickly shut his eyes. He was with Rachel now. Focus, Finn. He eyed the blond one more time and didn't seem to find anything wrong with her. Despite the fact that she looked less hot to him. He was used to Quinn wearing clothes that flattered everything she had to offer, but now the blond's features were muddled by clothes. He could barely even see her boobs. Darn it.
"She seems fine. Why? Do you think she's still upset about our breakup?" He turned his eyes to Rachel.
"I..."
Finn's eyes dropped down and he smiled. The perks of being taller than Rachel was that he could always see down her shirt. He looked back up at her full lips and noticed they were moving. Damn, she's speaking. He glanced at Quinn who was taking a notebook out of her locker.
"Do you think she wants to get back together," the smile on his face was still present as he said those words and Rachel frowned. "Not that I want to get back with her, Rachel," Finn added after he saw his girlfriend's face. "You're hotter than her now."
Rachel's eyebrows furrowed slightly and her eyes blinked rapidly, not really comprehending what Finn had just spoken.
"That's a condiment, Rachel."
She gave him a short and small smile as she nodded.
"Compliment, Finn. And of course it is." She turned back to Quinn who had returned to walking down the halls. "I guess I'm just concerned that something may be wrong with Quinn. After all that has happened."
"Like when I broke up with her," Finn responded looking at Quinn too.
"That's - that's one of the things that has happened, yes, but I was thinking more along the lines of how she acted in Glee a few weeks ago."
"Oh, that's right. Well something is obviously wrong with her, Rachel."
The brunette looked to Finn, frowning at the fact that he had noticed something she had not. He quickly turned Rachel around as he put an arm around her one more time. She found herself hoping her shoulder wouldn't smell like his armpit. He had a tendency to sweat more than the average male of his size. They continued walking and the brunette wanted to know what Finn meant.
"But you don't have to worry about that at the moment. You're with me now. Quinn's okay with our relationship. She won't try to kill you or anything," He spoke leaning in toward her. "I least I don't think she will." He muttered to himself.
"Why do you think something is wrong with her?"
"She looks different. She's obviously not the Quinn we saw before summer."
Rachel didn't understand Finn's logic, but she nodded nonetheless. The blond certainly wasn't the same and Rachel desperately wanted to talk to Quinn, but she felt odd going up to her. She didn't seem more hostile, but the difference intimidated Rachel in a way old Quinn never had. It was as if she were meeting someone new. The brunette didn't know what to say. She didn't know how to act. New Quinn was not influenced by Rachel acting the way she normally did with everyone. Quinn isn't everyone. Rachel leaned into Finn, overlooking his odor. She would find some way to get into Quinn Fabray's head. She knew Quinn, even if the blond wasn't aware of it. They were more similar than one would think.
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.
Throughout the next weeks, Dr. Goldberg continued to run tests. He had x-rays, MRI's, blood work and even CAT scans done of Rachel. She had to admit, the tests made her worry. She was a bit nervous. She kept waiting to hear the news, which despite her positive outlook on life, she presumed to be bad news. She never let on about how she felt to anyone. Not her fathers, not Finn, not Glee Club. She knew the club wouldn't really care what she was going through. At the moment all their attention was on Quinn and reasonably so. Even Rachel wondered what had happened to the ex-cheerio over the summer. It was even more strange because no one had any idea. Quinn had effectively shut everyone out. While they were currently on the enemies side of their relationship see-saw, Rachel still couldn't help but worry about her "enemy." She wanted to be friends with Quinn, but it always seemed that after they had moments where a friendship could be formed, something would happen that would tear down all the progress they made. Finn never told Rachel how he and Quinn broke up, but she presumed it was mutual. Maybe, like Finn said, she couldn't prevent what was the inevitable. However, there was that pillow to the head she got from Quinn. Despite everything that happened, Rachel honestly thought Quinn would be okay when they went back to school, but she wasn't.
Rachel knew she was only thinking about the blond in order to distract the thoughts about herself. She didn't want to think about her own worries or concerns, but when Rachel finally confronted her dad about her questions concerning the doctor's methods, Leroy assured her that if something was wrong, Dr. Goldberg would have notified them already.
"He's running all those tests just so he can know for sure that you're healthy."
Or just to make sure I'm actually sick, Rachel thought.
Her father seemed to honestly believe everything was okay, so Rachel chose to put her faith in her father. When he worries, I'll worry. She thought that seemed understandable. Hiram was the most emotional out of the three. However, Rachel didn't know that Leroy was a much better actor than all three of them. He did minor in theatrical arts. He knew how to mask his feelings so his daughter never worried. She always looked to him as her emotional rock, ever since she was little.
"Oh, Lee, she's bleeding," Hiram whimpered as he carried the five year old Rachel in his arms.
It was a rather sunny day in Lima and so Hiram was playing outside with his daughter. They threw a beach ball around and later started to chase each other. He always allowed himself to get caught and would chase after a giggling Rachel. However, they stopped playing when Rachel started to get a nosebleed from the heat. He immediately brought his daughter in, telling her to cover her nose. Leroy has just gotten out of the shower when he heard his daughter's and his husband's cries.
"Calm down," Leroy told Hiram, chuckling. "It's just a nosebleed."
Rachel was set on the sink counter-top and Leroy dabbed at the blood with a damp towel. The small brunette was still crying.
"Sweetie, look at me," her doe brown eyes met her father's firm ones. "Be strong for me, okay?"
"B-but D-Daddy, he -"
"Daddy is a big baby," he shot a teasing glance at Hiram who crossed his arms and huffed. "But look at me, am I crying?"
"No," Rachel mumbled, wiping her eyes.
"Then there's no reason for tears, okay? I'll take care of you. It'll all be fine."
Rachel nodded.
"Now tilt your head back," Leroy said then proceeded to pinch the bridge of his daughter's nose.
Her doctor called one evening when they were having dinner saying he would like to speak to the two men and Rachel the next day about health. Leroy asked the doctor if everything was okay, but Dr. Goldberg said it would be better if they discussed the topic in his office rather than over the phone. Rachel had an exam the following day, so he knew she wouldn't be able to join them to the appointment. The doctor said it was fine. When the call ended, Leroy went back to join dinner. Rachel was still speaking about her day at school with Hiram listening intently. He glanced at Leroy and they exchanged looks. The turned to her dad and she smiled. He gave her a grin in response.
"Who was at the phone?" Hiram asked.
"Work," Leroy responded, having the intention to tell his husband when Rachel wasn't in the room. He didn't want to worry her before her test.
She returned to her conversation and Leroy looked down at his plate, not having an appetite anymore. His ears caught the name Quinn and he glanced up. He had not seen Rachel's friend for a while now. He remembered when she came home with Rachel one day and they went to her room to write a song. The last he saw of Quinn was when Rachel broke her nose. He was happy that she had offered to take her to the doctor and she even recommended a plastic surgeon.
"How is Quinn?" Leroy asked.
Rachel glanced at her father.
"She's good," I think.
"You should invite her over for dinner again,"
"Leroy," Hiram warned, but the man had no idea what his husband was warning him about.
"I'll try to, Dad." Rachel responded.
Leroy nodded with a smile and as he looked back his plate, he remembered his daughter mentioning that Finn broke up with Quinn to be with Rachel. He realized that asking Quinn over for dinner would not be rational on Rachel's part. Leroy told his husband that night and the following morning about the doctor's phone call. After Rachel had been dropped off at school, they headed to the hospital.
"If it was important, he would have said so over the phone, right?" Hiram asked, playing with the seatbelt, a sign of his anxiety.
"Yeah," Leroy mumbled. "Of course." He tried to say with more conviction.
Hiram reached over and grabbed his husband's hand. They glanced at each other. There was no hiding their feelings. They were worried and nervous. Rachel was their only daughter. They wouldn't be able to stand it if something was wrong with her. She's a strong girl, Leroy attempted to reassure himself, inside and out.
Rachel seemed to enjoy school a tad bit more now that it was her senior year. The slushies had decreased, since Karofsky was the main guy. However, Azimio was quick to replace him. But, that wasn't it. She was with Finn once again and they'd get their smooches by the lockers. He was being sweeter to her than he used to be. But that wasn't it either. Rachel knew it had to be the idea of going to New York. She was planning to go for college. She had discussed it with Finn and he seemed willing to follow her if he got into the school that Rachel got in, or just got in a school in New York. The couple had already started their application with NYU and Cornell. Rachel had her eye on Julliard for a while, but was hesitant to start any application. She worried if she would get in or not. However, she took some enjoyment in planning her future. It always made her feel better knowing there would always be a better tomorrow. There will be a better tomorrow.
"Hey, Rach." Finn's whisper sent chills down her spine.
His arm wrapped over her shoulder and she leaned into him, inhaling his smell of grilled cheese. Her nose scrunched up and she got a little distance between the two. She didn't want it to seem obvious that he wasn't smelling so great.
"Hello, Finn." She greeted back, looking up at his grin.
He kissed the top of her head and looked forward. Upon looking up, the couple caught sight of Quinn, strolling down the hallway, alone. The once head cheerleader still caught eyes when she walked, but it was for an entirely different reason, or so Rachel believed. She was still getting used to seeing Quinn dress in such casual attire, even the glasses still looked unusual on the blond. Not in a bad way, the brunette still believed Quinn was a very pretty girl, but she was showing a new side to her that not many people wanted to see. Quinn no longer looked traditionally beautiful. The blond neared and Rachel beamed at her. Hazel eyes glanced at the couple, but they quickly turned away as Quinn expelled a puff of air. Rachel frowned and her eyes followed Quinn as the blond neared her locker. The brunette stopped, but was still dragged a couple centimeters by Finn's arm.
"What's a matter, Rachel?"
"D-Do you think Quinn's okay, Finn?"
Finn looked at his ex and tilted his head. He found his eyes gravitating to her backside. He quickly shut his eyes. He was with Rachel now. Focus, Finn. He eyed the blond one more time and didn't seem to find anything wrong with her. Despite the fact that she looked less hot to him. He was used to Quinn wearing clothes that flattered everything she had to offer, but now the blond's features were muddled by clothes. He could barely even see her boobs. Darn it.
"She seems fine. Why? Do you think she's still upset about our breakup?" He turned his eyes to Rachel.
"I..."
Finn's eyes dropped down and he smiled. The perks of being taller than Rachel was that he could always see down her shirt. He looked back up at her full lips and noticed they were moving. Damn, she's speaking. He glanced at Quinn who was taking a notebook out of her locker.
"Do you think she wants to get back together," the smile on his face was still present as he said those words and Rachel frowned. "Not that I want to get back with her, Rachel," Finn added after he saw his girlfriend's face. "You're hotter than her now."
Rachel's eyebrows furrowed slightly and her eyes blinked rapidly, not really comprehending what Finn had just spoken.
"That's a condiment, Rachel."
She gave him a short and small smile as she nodded.
"Compliment, Finn. And of course it is." She turned back to Quinn who had returned to walking down the halls. "I guess I'm just concerned that something may be wrong with Quinn. After all that has happened."
"Like when I broke up with her," Finn responded looking at Quinn too.
"That's - that's one of the things that has happened, yes, but I was thinking more along the lines of how she acted in Glee a few weeks ago."
"Oh, that's right. Well something is obviously wrong with her, Rachel."
The brunette looked to Finn, frowning at the fact that he had noticed something she had not. He quickly turned Rachel around as he put an arm around her one more time. She found herself hoping her shoulder wouldn't smell like his armpit. He had a tendency to sweat more than the average male of his size. They continued walking and the brunette wanted to know what Finn meant.
"But you don't have to worry about that at the moment. You're with me now. Quinn's okay with our relationship. She won't try to kill you or anything," He spoke leaning in toward her. "I least I don't think she will." He muttered to himself.
"Why do you think something is wrong with her?"
"She looks different. She's obviously not the Quinn we saw before summer."
Rachel didn't understand Finn's logic, but she nodded nonetheless. The blond certainly wasn't the same and Rachel desperately wanted to talk to Quinn, but she felt odd going up to her. She didn't seem more hostile, but the difference intimidated Rachel in a way old Quinn never had. It was as if she were meeting someone new. The brunette didn't know what to say. She didn't know how to act. New Quinn was not influenced by Rachel acting the way she normally did with everyone. Quinn isn't everyone. Rachel leaned into Finn, overlooking his odor. She would find some way to get into Quinn Fabray's head. She knew Quinn, even if the blond wasn't aware of it. They were more similar than one would think.