Breathless (2/?)
Author: t8kmybreathaway/LadyHawke69
Title: Breathless
Fandom: Glee
Pairing: Rachel/Quinn
Rating: M
Summary: Rachel and Quinn 8 years down the road. Rachel's got a condition that is life threatening. Quinn, now a doctor, has to do something to help.
Disclaimer: They’re not mine, complete and total properties of Fox. Ideas are mine.
A/N: Just want to thank my best friend for organizing my ideas. She's amazing. This chapter un-beta-ed. Mistakes are mine.
Quinn sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. She knew Rachel pretty well, at least in high school she had, and she was always the kind of person who wanted to know everything about anything. The brunette was never one to let things go and always felt better if she knew what was going on. Quinn had made her mind up long before she even talked with Dr. Lauritz; she was going to tell Rachel what was going on. She had a right to know.
Rachel approached her slowly, she looked deep in thought. “Quinn,” she spoke softly. The blonde’s eyes met hers.
“You called your dads?” the diva nodded but the smile that so often adorned the petite diva’s lips was gone. “Rach, what’s wrong?”
“They can’t be here,” Rachel replied her posture dipping even more so.
“Rachel,” Quinn said and rubbed her shoulder gently. “I’m so sorry.”
Rachel did her best to wave off Quinn’s concern. “Shelby has my medical records that are missing,” she spoke and worried her bottom lip between her teeth. The blonde waited for more of the story but none came and Rachel shifted her weight to her other foot.
Quinn knew this to be one of Rachel’s many nervous ticks, which she almost always found endearing now. She also remembered very well that Shelby had wanted nothing to do with her stating she didn’t want a teenager. “Oh,” Quinn cringed at her choice of words and silently chastised herself. “Uhm, have you talked to her?”
Rachel shook her head, “Not recently no. Actually, not since college. We tried to reconnect again, I just, I couldn’t handle it.”
Quinn had a feeling what really did it was the fact that Shelby had adopted Beth. “How long ago was…”
“Five years,” Rachel said answering the question she hadn’t let the blonde finish asking.
“I, uhm,” Quinn was unsure what to say. “Have you eaten?” the young doctor finally managed to ask. “I mean, we have a descent cafeteria,” Quinn suggested fidgeting with her hands. “You don’t have to, I just figured…”
Rachel smiled broadly at the nervous woman in front of her. “I’d like that,” she said taking the blonde’s hand.
Quinn relaxed after that. “So, are you still vegan?” Rachel nodded at Quinn. “Great, I always get these veggie wraps from the café and they’re to die for. Seriously, you’ll love them.”
“Are you trying to tell me you no longer ingest cow?” the brunette asked with a grin. “I thought you were like this,” she said crossing her index and middle finger in front of Quinn’s face.
Quinn laughed at the petite woman and elbowed her gently. “Very funny, Berry,” she shook her head. “College changed a lot for me, mostly my eating habits. When you’re broke and can only afford rice and veggies because meat is too expensive, you learn to deal without.”
“Really? You’re parents didn’t help you out?” Rachel asked.
Quinn laughed, “Sorry, it’s just the thought of my parents doing anything remotely nice for me now days are less than nil.”
“Why?”
“Let’s just say daddy dearest doesn’t think I’m a good enough Christian, especially now that he knows certain details of my life. I haven’t seen or spoken to them since graduation.”
“Not even your mom?”
Quinn shook her head, “Nope, she’s back under his thumb and always will be.” Quinn smiled sadly, “I’m just glad I’m out of there.” She placed two veggie wraps, a bowl of mixed fruit, and a couple of waters on a tray.
“I’m sorry,” Rachel replied as they sat down at a table in the far corner of the cafeteria.
“No, don’t be. I don’t need them in my life to be happy,” Rachel leaned back in her seat and watched Quinn with a smile. “What?” she asked.
“You seem different,” she remarked placing a strand of hair behind her ear. It was much longer than it had been in high school Quinn noticed. It was probably nearing her lower back and it was wavy, straightened it probably rest along her backside.
“That’s because I am, I’m not the head bitch in charge anymore, although I can be quite cranky when I don’t get enough sleep,” Quinn said eating a strawberry and averting her eyes. She could feel the juice dribble down her chin and she reached for a napkin to wipe it away when she felt the coarse material already gathering the moisture. Her eyes shot up and met darkening orbs. She kept her hazel eyes trained on the brunette as her hand lingered along Quinn’s face.
“I’m glad,” Rachel said softly.
Quinn cleared her throat and Rachel removed her hand crumpling the napkin in the process. “I’m sorry for the way I treated you then,” Quinn confessed quietly.
“It’s okay,” Rachel smiled.
The blonde shook her head, “No, it isn’t.”
“Quinn…”
“Rachel, I treated you like dirt. You didn’t deserve that. You did absolutely nothing to deserve it. You were always the sweetest and most honest person I knew. I am so sorry,” Quinn said ashamed of her past actions.
“Don’t beat yourself up over this. It’s in the past, I’ve forgiven you and you should forgive yourself.”
“How can you be so nice?”
“Because I know that wasn’t the real Quinn. I’m not dumb, I may not always get it, but I knew that it was expected of you to act that way being at the top of the social ladder. I also knew that it was more than that.”
“I know, but that’s not excuse,” Rachel looked at her and then it set it. She knew, Rachel knew. “Wait? You knew?” she suddenly felt her mouth go very dry.
“I knew that acting the way you did, gave you control over everything. I realized the end of sophomore year what was happening at home, especially when I saw that bruise.”
“You saw it?” Quinn asked quietly only slightly aware that her voice sounded like a little lost four-year-old girl. Rachel placed her hand over hers but Quinn pulled back. “I’m so sorry Rachel. I can’t, I just can’t…”
Before she could leave Rachel grabbed her wrist. “You have nothing to apologize for. I’m sorry I brought it up, that wasn’t my intention. Please sit back down,” when the blonde made no move either way Rachel spoke again softly. “Please,” she whispered, “Don’t go.” Quinn met her eyes and slowly sat back down feeling safer with Rachel somehow. “Quinn? It’s okay. You’re safe now,” Rachel said running her thumb across the top of the blonde’s hand. It soothed her and she looked up to meet Rachel’s eyes. “I’m here if you ever want to talk about it,” she said with a small smile.
“Thank you for being so understanding and forgiving. You really do have the biggest heart, Rachel,” the diva blushed at the compliment and they continued to eat.
“Tell me more about you, where did you go to school?”
“Dartmouth on a cheerleading scholarship. I studied premed and started up a show choir.”
“You started a Glee Club?”
“I really missed singing and I just grew to love it so much, I couldn’t picture my life without it. Anyway, I graduated at the top of my class and interned at Johns Hopkins before I got my residency here.”
“Wow,” Rachel replied, genuinely surprised but happy for the blonde. “So, anyone special in your life?”
Quinn shook her head, “Not exactly,” she replied. “What about you?”
“Well there was, until they realized my life was very hectic and I barely had time to spend with them,” she said somberly.
“Oh,” the blonde replied. She thought it was odd Rachel was using pronouns, she usually didn’t. “So he was jealous of your career?”
Rachel winced, “Uhm, she was jealous yes.”
Quinn nearly sneezed water though her nose. “You, Rachel Berry, are gay?” the diva nodded. “Are we talking about the same Rachel Berry?” Quinn asked astounded. “Because in high school you chased after every boy I dated.”
Rachel laughed, “Oh I’m sure of it,” she laughed. “I really got to experimented with my sexuality because mostly girls went to Julliard. Anyway we met at a bar when a few cast mates and myself went to celebrate our opening night going off without a hitch. She recognized me and stayed back for a while until everyone else was gone, and then she asked if she could buy me a drink. I let her,” Rachel said with a shrug.
“I’m honestly surprised,” Quinn said. “So how many women have you dated?”
“Since college?” Quinn nodded. “Maybe five,” she shrugged.
“Anything really serious?”
“Just one, but again my career got in the way. She moved to California and wanted me to leave with her. I told her I couldn’t do that, my entire world was here. She said if I really loved her I’d pack up and leave. I told her that if she really loved me she would have realized how important my dream was to me,” Rachel said with a slight shrug. “After that I just kept my relationships casual for the most part, of course I didn’t sleep around or anything, I was only ever with one person at a time. I can’t lie and say that I was ever committed after that though.”
“How does being gay affect your career?”
“No more than it does yours I’m sure,” Rachel smiled.
Quinn did shoot water out her nose this time and started choking. “I forgot just how blunt you can be,” she replied slowly getting her bearings back. “How did you figure that out? I never said anything.”
“I have really, really, awesome gaydar. And add to the fact I’m gay and have two gay dads? It’s easy to realize the signs. Besides, I always knew you were.”
“In high school too?” Rachel nodded. “Am I that transparent?”
“No, like I said, two gay dads. And I also noticed you checking me out often, mostly my ass.”
“Seriously?” Quinn was mortified. “Oh my God!”
“Calm down, it’s not a big deal. It certainly explained a lot even if I hadn’t known the other reasons you picked on me.”
“I feel so embarrassed right now.”
Rachel laughed a deep full bellied laugh that caught the attention of several others. Then she looked back to Quinn. “I can’t honestly say that I didn’t have some feelings for you too.”
Quinn blushed, “You’re not helping Rachel.”
Rachel laughed again, “I’m sorry.”
“So, uhm, how did your dad’s react?”
“Well they weren’t happy,” Rachel noticed Quinn’s reaction and smiled. “Yeah, I thought they’d be happy too, but they weren’t necessarily upset. They just didn’t want me to go through the things they did. I can understand that.”
“I guess I can see that too, I mean it’s definitely not easy.” Quinn laughed, “You certainly never do anything the easy way.”
Rachel shook her head, “Nope. So does anyone here know that you’re?”
“Uhm, my ex does,” Quinn laughed. “A few others, but other than that no,” Quinn looked down at her watch. “We should get back and start your EKG,” she said picking the tray up.
Rachel took it from her and threw the contents away. They walked quietly back to the room and Quinn motioned for Rachel to sit in the chair. The blonde immediately noticed how nervous the diva was once she sat down. She constantly fiddled with her small fingers and chewed her bottom lip. “Relax,” Quinn smiled.
“I’m just nervous and a little scared,” Rachel replied. “Why is this happening now?”
“That’s what we’re trying to find out,” Quinn said softly. “Ryan, would you excuse us?” she said to the tech and he left the room. “Look at me,” she spoke gently. “Everything is going to be okay, I will figure this out.”
“You don’t know that,” Rachel whispered.
“I do, you know why?” Rachel shook her head. “Because Dr. Lauritz is the best and because you’ve got me.”
Rachel looked into the blonde’s eyes, “I’m scared.”
“I know, but I’m not going anywhere. I won’t let anything happen to you if I can do anything about it. Now, I’m going to need you to stay still while I put the electrodes on your skin,” the diva nodded. “I’ll, uhm, need you take your shirt off.”
“My turn to tell you to relax,” Rachel said lifting the garment over her head. She folded it and set it down in her lap before catching Quinn’s gaze. Her face burned from being caught looking at Rachel’s bare skin but the brunette said nothing. The blonde began placing the electrodes where they needed to be on the diva’s skin brushing her fingertips ever so slightly across the olive colored skin. She felt the brunette shiver, “Sorry, I should have warned you the gel was cold.”
“It’s not that,” Rachel said her voice lower than Quinn had ever heard it. Goosebumps had erupted across her chest and Quinn tried not to notice. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat.
“Sorry,” Quinn spoke softly and placed the rest of the electrodes with more care to not linger too long. “I’m going to have you lay down first and do a reading for a base line,” she said sitting at the computer terminal. Rachel laid back and forced herself to stay still. “This is a long test and I need good results. I will need you to be relaxed and still,” she said.
“I’ll try. I’m ready when you are.”
“Okay I’m starting it now,” Quinn warned her and started the test. After a minute she stopped the device and rolled her chair towards Rachel. “This test you just need to start laying down and sit up and I’ll start it. So let me know when you’re ready. Take a deep breath,” she said and watched Rachel nod.
“I’m going to sit up now.”
Quinn recorded the test and waited the appropriate amount of time. “The next test stay sitting up and just flex your right hand.” They repeated a few more tests before doing the last one. “Okay, twenty-five jumping jacks.”
Rachel nodded and did the exercise. She sat down out of breath. “Quinn,” she said as the young doctor hit the record button. “I don’t, uhm, feel so good,” her eyes fluttered shut and she started leaning to her right.
Quinn pushed away from the desk and caught the brunette in her arms. “I need some help in here!” she shouted. A nurse burst through the door, “Get a gurney in here and find me an empty room!” The nurse nodded quickly and another person was coming through the door with a gurney.
Quinn looked up to meet the eyes of her ex-girlfriend and best friend. “It’s her isn’t it?” Quinn nodded. They got her onto the gurney and Quinn’s ex placed a hand on her shoulder. “She’s going to be fine, don’t worry.”
Quinn ignored the other brunette and covered Rachel up. “Room 427 is open, it’s a private room.”
“Thanks Liz,” Quinn said to the nurse.
“You got this?” blue eyes focused on the blonde.
“Yeah, Jen, I got it. Can you page Dr. Lauritz, Liz?”
“No problem Dr. Fabray.”
Quinn wheeled her to the room and shut the door. She sighed, running a hand through her hair and pulled it into a loose bun. She grabbed a gown for Rachel and started undressing the diva, careful not to hurt her. She placed an arm under her knees and behind her back, lifting her easily. Quinn silently thanked God for all the hours she spent in the gym when she wasn’t working. She gently laid Rachel on the turned down bed and reached for the gown. She placed it over her shoulders and pulled her arms through before tying it. She readjusted the pillows and stepped back making sure she looked comfortable. Then she waited.
“What happened?” Dr. Lauritz asked softly breaking Quinn’s thoughts. She hadn’t even heard the older blonde walk in.
“I was doing the last EKG test when she fainted.”
“Tell me you got that?” Quinn nodded. “Oh, good. I want to see it, maybe we’ll get something from it,” she said. Quinn stared at Rachel as Dr. Lauritz moved around to check her vitals. The brunette looked extremely pale. “She’s fine, go get the kit to take her blood,” Quinn nodded and left the room.
She stood in the supply closet staring at the syringes, trying very hard not to break down into tears. She heard a soft knock but ignored it, willing whoever it was to go away. The door opened slowly and shut softly. “Quinn, she’s going to be okay,” the other brunette said.
“You don’t know that,” Quinn whispered.
“God would not have brought her back to you only to take her away again. He doesn’t work that way,” she turned Quinn to face her. “She’ll be okay, besides she has you as a doctor. You won’t let anything happen to her.” Quinn nodded. “Now, get what you need and get back before Dr. Lauritz decides to take you off the case for getting too close.”
Quinn took a deep breath and gathered the supplies she needed. “Thanks, Jen,” she said with a forced smile before she left. When she got back to Rachel’s room the other blonde was gone, probably attending to another patient or case. The diva seemed to be sleeping, like nothing had ever happened, she looked peaceful and her heart rate had improved. Quinn carefully prepared Rachel’s arm to draw the blood and get the needle in smoothly. She closed her hand around Rachel’s and held the vials with the other.
Quinn felt a twitch in Rachel’s hand figuring the brunette was seeping back into consciousness. She finished and sent the vials with an intern to the lab, when she turned around deep brown eyes stared back at her. “If you wanted to get me naked all you had to do was ask,” she joked with a mischievous grin.
Quinn blanched, “I, uhm, you…” she fisted a hand in her hair. “You fainted again.”
“I figured as much, especially now that I’m in a hospital bed hooked up to machines.”
“How can you be joking right now?” Quinn asked in a depressing voice.
Rachel opened her mouth to say something but then closed it, “I’m scared. I have no idea what’s going on.” She was looking down at her hands when Quinn took them in her own. “Please Quinn, what’s going on?”
Quinn sighed. “I shouldn’t tell you, consciously as a doctor, I shouldn’t because I don’t have all the facts. But as… as, uhm…” Quinn paused and massaged her neck with one hand. “If Dr. Lauritz finds out, she’ll take me off the case and more than likely overrun me with so much paperwork I won’t see the inside of an operating room for months.”
“Quinn, you don’t have…”
Quinn quieted the petite woman with her hand. “Yes, I do. You deserve to know,” she said and sat down. She took a deep breath. “Your bradycardia is caused by a second degree heart block. Basically that means you have a slow irregular heart beat. The second degree block is the term for the actual delay between the atria and ventricles. These tests we’re doing will hopefully allow us to determine a cause so we can set up treatment. But having your medical history from when you were a newborn is dire to helping us rule out things that we can’t rule out right now.”
“What’s the worst case scenario?” Rachel asked quietly.
“Well the fainting spells could get worse and more frequent, which puts a great amount of stress on your brain because of the lack of oxygen. You could go into heart failure,” Quinn felt a lump in her throat mentioning the fatal complications. “Or you could die suddenly, out of nowhere,” she said just above a whisper.
Rachel suddenly burst into tears, sobbing harshly. “Why now?” she yelled. “Why when I finally get the lead role does this have to happen?” Quinn’s heart broke for the diva as she pulled her into a hug.
“I’ll take care of you…” she paused. “I mean, uhm…” thankfully the brunette hadn’t seemed to have heard her. “Damn it,” she cursed under her breath. After some time Rachel finally stopped crying and was left with only hiccups. “We’ll be going for an MRI scan next,” she told the brunette.
“Will you be there?” she asked.
“I-I shouldn’t…” Quinn started but paused seeing Rachel’s crestfallen face. “Yeah, I’ll be there.” Rachel hugged Quinn so tightly that she could feel the petite woman’s front pressed into hers. She felt herself flush and suddenly it was too warm. She pulled back regrettably. “I have some things to do, but I’ll be back in about an hour. If you need anything the nurse is right outside,” she hated lying to Rachel but she needed to get away from the brunette so she could get a hold of herself. Quinn decided she was going to track down Shelby and try to get those records so she at least wouldn’t feel too guilty about leaving Rachel.
Title: Breathless
Fandom: Glee
Pairing: Rachel/Quinn
Rating: M
Summary: Rachel and Quinn 8 years down the road. Rachel's got a condition that is life threatening. Quinn, now a doctor, has to do something to help.
Disclaimer: They’re not mine, complete and total properties of Fox. Ideas are mine.
A/N: Just want to thank my best friend for organizing my ideas. She's amazing. This chapter un-beta-ed. Mistakes are mine.
Quinn sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. She knew Rachel pretty well, at least in high school she had, and she was always the kind of person who wanted to know everything about anything. The brunette was never one to let things go and always felt better if she knew what was going on. Quinn had made her mind up long before she even talked with Dr. Lauritz; she was going to tell Rachel what was going on. She had a right to know.
Rachel approached her slowly, she looked deep in thought. “Quinn,” she spoke softly. The blonde’s eyes met hers.
“You called your dads?” the diva nodded but the smile that so often adorned the petite diva’s lips was gone. “Rach, what’s wrong?”
“They can’t be here,” Rachel replied her posture dipping even more so.
“Rachel,” Quinn said and rubbed her shoulder gently. “I’m so sorry.”
Rachel did her best to wave off Quinn’s concern. “Shelby has my medical records that are missing,” she spoke and worried her bottom lip between her teeth. The blonde waited for more of the story but none came and Rachel shifted her weight to her other foot.
Quinn knew this to be one of Rachel’s many nervous ticks, which she almost always found endearing now. She also remembered very well that Shelby had wanted nothing to do with her stating she didn’t want a teenager. “Oh,” Quinn cringed at her choice of words and silently chastised herself. “Uhm, have you talked to her?”
Rachel shook her head, “Not recently no. Actually, not since college. We tried to reconnect again, I just, I couldn’t handle it.”
Quinn had a feeling what really did it was the fact that Shelby had adopted Beth. “How long ago was…”
“Five years,” Rachel said answering the question she hadn’t let the blonde finish asking.
“I, uhm,” Quinn was unsure what to say. “Have you eaten?” the young doctor finally managed to ask. “I mean, we have a descent cafeteria,” Quinn suggested fidgeting with her hands. “You don’t have to, I just figured…”
Rachel smiled broadly at the nervous woman in front of her. “I’d like that,” she said taking the blonde’s hand.
Quinn relaxed after that. “So, are you still vegan?” Rachel nodded at Quinn. “Great, I always get these veggie wraps from the café and they’re to die for. Seriously, you’ll love them.”
“Are you trying to tell me you no longer ingest cow?” the brunette asked with a grin. “I thought you were like this,” she said crossing her index and middle finger in front of Quinn’s face.
Quinn laughed at the petite woman and elbowed her gently. “Very funny, Berry,” she shook her head. “College changed a lot for me, mostly my eating habits. When you’re broke and can only afford rice and veggies because meat is too expensive, you learn to deal without.”
“Really? You’re parents didn’t help you out?” Rachel asked.
Quinn laughed, “Sorry, it’s just the thought of my parents doing anything remotely nice for me now days are less than nil.”
“Why?”
“Let’s just say daddy dearest doesn’t think I’m a good enough Christian, especially now that he knows certain details of my life. I haven’t seen or spoken to them since graduation.”
“Not even your mom?”
Quinn shook her head, “Nope, she’s back under his thumb and always will be.” Quinn smiled sadly, “I’m just glad I’m out of there.” She placed two veggie wraps, a bowl of mixed fruit, and a couple of waters on a tray.
“I’m sorry,” Rachel replied as they sat down at a table in the far corner of the cafeteria.
“No, don’t be. I don’t need them in my life to be happy,” Rachel leaned back in her seat and watched Quinn with a smile. “What?” she asked.
“You seem different,” she remarked placing a strand of hair behind her ear. It was much longer than it had been in high school Quinn noticed. It was probably nearing her lower back and it was wavy, straightened it probably rest along her backside.
“That’s because I am, I’m not the head bitch in charge anymore, although I can be quite cranky when I don’t get enough sleep,” Quinn said eating a strawberry and averting her eyes. She could feel the juice dribble down her chin and she reached for a napkin to wipe it away when she felt the coarse material already gathering the moisture. Her eyes shot up and met darkening orbs. She kept her hazel eyes trained on the brunette as her hand lingered along Quinn’s face.
“I’m glad,” Rachel said softly.
Quinn cleared her throat and Rachel removed her hand crumpling the napkin in the process. “I’m sorry for the way I treated you then,” Quinn confessed quietly.
“It’s okay,” Rachel smiled.
The blonde shook her head, “No, it isn’t.”
“Quinn…”
“Rachel, I treated you like dirt. You didn’t deserve that. You did absolutely nothing to deserve it. You were always the sweetest and most honest person I knew. I am so sorry,” Quinn said ashamed of her past actions.
“Don’t beat yourself up over this. It’s in the past, I’ve forgiven you and you should forgive yourself.”
“How can you be so nice?”
“Because I know that wasn’t the real Quinn. I’m not dumb, I may not always get it, but I knew that it was expected of you to act that way being at the top of the social ladder. I also knew that it was more than that.”
“I know, but that’s not excuse,” Rachel looked at her and then it set it. She knew, Rachel knew. “Wait? You knew?” she suddenly felt her mouth go very dry.
“I knew that acting the way you did, gave you control over everything. I realized the end of sophomore year what was happening at home, especially when I saw that bruise.”
“You saw it?” Quinn asked quietly only slightly aware that her voice sounded like a little lost four-year-old girl. Rachel placed her hand over hers but Quinn pulled back. “I’m so sorry Rachel. I can’t, I just can’t…”
Before she could leave Rachel grabbed her wrist. “You have nothing to apologize for. I’m sorry I brought it up, that wasn’t my intention. Please sit back down,” when the blonde made no move either way Rachel spoke again softly. “Please,” she whispered, “Don’t go.” Quinn met her eyes and slowly sat back down feeling safer with Rachel somehow. “Quinn? It’s okay. You’re safe now,” Rachel said running her thumb across the top of the blonde’s hand. It soothed her and she looked up to meet Rachel’s eyes. “I’m here if you ever want to talk about it,” she said with a small smile.
“Thank you for being so understanding and forgiving. You really do have the biggest heart, Rachel,” the diva blushed at the compliment and they continued to eat.
“Tell me more about you, where did you go to school?”
“Dartmouth on a cheerleading scholarship. I studied premed and started up a show choir.”
“You started a Glee Club?”
“I really missed singing and I just grew to love it so much, I couldn’t picture my life without it. Anyway, I graduated at the top of my class and interned at Johns Hopkins before I got my residency here.”
“Wow,” Rachel replied, genuinely surprised but happy for the blonde. “So, anyone special in your life?”
Quinn shook her head, “Not exactly,” she replied. “What about you?”
“Well there was, until they realized my life was very hectic and I barely had time to spend with them,” she said somberly.
“Oh,” the blonde replied. She thought it was odd Rachel was using pronouns, she usually didn’t. “So he was jealous of your career?”
Rachel winced, “Uhm, she was jealous yes.”
Quinn nearly sneezed water though her nose. “You, Rachel Berry, are gay?” the diva nodded. “Are we talking about the same Rachel Berry?” Quinn asked astounded. “Because in high school you chased after every boy I dated.”
Rachel laughed, “Oh I’m sure of it,” she laughed. “I really got to experimented with my sexuality because mostly girls went to Julliard. Anyway we met at a bar when a few cast mates and myself went to celebrate our opening night going off without a hitch. She recognized me and stayed back for a while until everyone else was gone, and then she asked if she could buy me a drink. I let her,” Rachel said with a shrug.
“I’m honestly surprised,” Quinn said. “So how many women have you dated?”
“Since college?” Quinn nodded. “Maybe five,” she shrugged.
“Anything really serious?”
“Just one, but again my career got in the way. She moved to California and wanted me to leave with her. I told her I couldn’t do that, my entire world was here. She said if I really loved her I’d pack up and leave. I told her that if she really loved me she would have realized how important my dream was to me,” Rachel said with a slight shrug. “After that I just kept my relationships casual for the most part, of course I didn’t sleep around or anything, I was only ever with one person at a time. I can’t lie and say that I was ever committed after that though.”
“How does being gay affect your career?”
“No more than it does yours I’m sure,” Rachel smiled.
Quinn did shoot water out her nose this time and started choking. “I forgot just how blunt you can be,” she replied slowly getting her bearings back. “How did you figure that out? I never said anything.”
“I have really, really, awesome gaydar. And add to the fact I’m gay and have two gay dads? It’s easy to realize the signs. Besides, I always knew you were.”
“In high school too?” Rachel nodded. “Am I that transparent?”
“No, like I said, two gay dads. And I also noticed you checking me out often, mostly my ass.”
“Seriously?” Quinn was mortified. “Oh my God!”
“Calm down, it’s not a big deal. It certainly explained a lot even if I hadn’t known the other reasons you picked on me.”
“I feel so embarrassed right now.”
Rachel laughed a deep full bellied laugh that caught the attention of several others. Then she looked back to Quinn. “I can’t honestly say that I didn’t have some feelings for you too.”
Quinn blushed, “You’re not helping Rachel.”
Rachel laughed again, “I’m sorry.”
“So, uhm, how did your dad’s react?”
“Well they weren’t happy,” Rachel noticed Quinn’s reaction and smiled. “Yeah, I thought they’d be happy too, but they weren’t necessarily upset. They just didn’t want me to go through the things they did. I can understand that.”
“I guess I can see that too, I mean it’s definitely not easy.” Quinn laughed, “You certainly never do anything the easy way.”
Rachel shook her head, “Nope. So does anyone here know that you’re?”
“Uhm, my ex does,” Quinn laughed. “A few others, but other than that no,” Quinn looked down at her watch. “We should get back and start your EKG,” she said picking the tray up.
Rachel took it from her and threw the contents away. They walked quietly back to the room and Quinn motioned for Rachel to sit in the chair. The blonde immediately noticed how nervous the diva was once she sat down. She constantly fiddled with her small fingers and chewed her bottom lip. “Relax,” Quinn smiled.
“I’m just nervous and a little scared,” Rachel replied. “Why is this happening now?”
“That’s what we’re trying to find out,” Quinn said softly. “Ryan, would you excuse us?” she said to the tech and he left the room. “Look at me,” she spoke gently. “Everything is going to be okay, I will figure this out.”
“You don’t know that,” Rachel whispered.
“I do, you know why?” Rachel shook her head. “Because Dr. Lauritz is the best and because you’ve got me.”
Rachel looked into the blonde’s eyes, “I’m scared.”
“I know, but I’m not going anywhere. I won’t let anything happen to you if I can do anything about it. Now, I’m going to need you to stay still while I put the electrodes on your skin,” the diva nodded. “I’ll, uhm, need you take your shirt off.”
“My turn to tell you to relax,” Rachel said lifting the garment over her head. She folded it and set it down in her lap before catching Quinn’s gaze. Her face burned from being caught looking at Rachel’s bare skin but the brunette said nothing. The blonde began placing the electrodes where they needed to be on the diva’s skin brushing her fingertips ever so slightly across the olive colored skin. She felt the brunette shiver, “Sorry, I should have warned you the gel was cold.”
“It’s not that,” Rachel said her voice lower than Quinn had ever heard it. Goosebumps had erupted across her chest and Quinn tried not to notice. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat.
“Sorry,” Quinn spoke softly and placed the rest of the electrodes with more care to not linger too long. “I’m going to have you lay down first and do a reading for a base line,” she said sitting at the computer terminal. Rachel laid back and forced herself to stay still. “This is a long test and I need good results. I will need you to be relaxed and still,” she said.
“I’ll try. I’m ready when you are.”
“Okay I’m starting it now,” Quinn warned her and started the test. After a minute she stopped the device and rolled her chair towards Rachel. “This test you just need to start laying down and sit up and I’ll start it. So let me know when you’re ready. Take a deep breath,” she said and watched Rachel nod.
“I’m going to sit up now.”
Quinn recorded the test and waited the appropriate amount of time. “The next test stay sitting up and just flex your right hand.” They repeated a few more tests before doing the last one. “Okay, twenty-five jumping jacks.”
Rachel nodded and did the exercise. She sat down out of breath. “Quinn,” she said as the young doctor hit the record button. “I don’t, uhm, feel so good,” her eyes fluttered shut and she started leaning to her right.
Quinn pushed away from the desk and caught the brunette in her arms. “I need some help in here!” she shouted. A nurse burst through the door, “Get a gurney in here and find me an empty room!” The nurse nodded quickly and another person was coming through the door with a gurney.
Quinn looked up to meet the eyes of her ex-girlfriend and best friend. “It’s her isn’t it?” Quinn nodded. They got her onto the gurney and Quinn’s ex placed a hand on her shoulder. “She’s going to be fine, don’t worry.”
Quinn ignored the other brunette and covered Rachel up. “Room 427 is open, it’s a private room.”
“Thanks Liz,” Quinn said to the nurse.
“You got this?” blue eyes focused on the blonde.
“Yeah, Jen, I got it. Can you page Dr. Lauritz, Liz?”
“No problem Dr. Fabray.”
Quinn wheeled her to the room and shut the door. She sighed, running a hand through her hair and pulled it into a loose bun. She grabbed a gown for Rachel and started undressing the diva, careful not to hurt her. She placed an arm under her knees and behind her back, lifting her easily. Quinn silently thanked God for all the hours she spent in the gym when she wasn’t working. She gently laid Rachel on the turned down bed and reached for the gown. She placed it over her shoulders and pulled her arms through before tying it. She readjusted the pillows and stepped back making sure she looked comfortable. Then she waited.
“What happened?” Dr. Lauritz asked softly breaking Quinn’s thoughts. She hadn’t even heard the older blonde walk in.
“I was doing the last EKG test when she fainted.”
“Tell me you got that?” Quinn nodded. “Oh, good. I want to see it, maybe we’ll get something from it,” she said. Quinn stared at Rachel as Dr. Lauritz moved around to check her vitals. The brunette looked extremely pale. “She’s fine, go get the kit to take her blood,” Quinn nodded and left the room.
She stood in the supply closet staring at the syringes, trying very hard not to break down into tears. She heard a soft knock but ignored it, willing whoever it was to go away. The door opened slowly and shut softly. “Quinn, she’s going to be okay,” the other brunette said.
“You don’t know that,” Quinn whispered.
“God would not have brought her back to you only to take her away again. He doesn’t work that way,” she turned Quinn to face her. “She’ll be okay, besides she has you as a doctor. You won’t let anything happen to her.” Quinn nodded. “Now, get what you need and get back before Dr. Lauritz decides to take you off the case for getting too close.”
Quinn took a deep breath and gathered the supplies she needed. “Thanks, Jen,” she said with a forced smile before she left. When she got back to Rachel’s room the other blonde was gone, probably attending to another patient or case. The diva seemed to be sleeping, like nothing had ever happened, she looked peaceful and her heart rate had improved. Quinn carefully prepared Rachel’s arm to draw the blood and get the needle in smoothly. She closed her hand around Rachel’s and held the vials with the other.
Quinn felt a twitch in Rachel’s hand figuring the brunette was seeping back into consciousness. She finished and sent the vials with an intern to the lab, when she turned around deep brown eyes stared back at her. “If you wanted to get me naked all you had to do was ask,” she joked with a mischievous grin.
Quinn blanched, “I, uhm, you…” she fisted a hand in her hair. “You fainted again.”
“I figured as much, especially now that I’m in a hospital bed hooked up to machines.”
“How can you be joking right now?” Quinn asked in a depressing voice.
Rachel opened her mouth to say something but then closed it, “I’m scared. I have no idea what’s going on.” She was looking down at her hands when Quinn took them in her own. “Please Quinn, what’s going on?”
Quinn sighed. “I shouldn’t tell you, consciously as a doctor, I shouldn’t because I don’t have all the facts. But as… as, uhm…” Quinn paused and massaged her neck with one hand. “If Dr. Lauritz finds out, she’ll take me off the case and more than likely overrun me with so much paperwork I won’t see the inside of an operating room for months.”
“Quinn, you don’t have…”
Quinn quieted the petite woman with her hand. “Yes, I do. You deserve to know,” she said and sat down. She took a deep breath. “Your bradycardia is caused by a second degree heart block. Basically that means you have a slow irregular heart beat. The second degree block is the term for the actual delay between the atria and ventricles. These tests we’re doing will hopefully allow us to determine a cause so we can set up treatment. But having your medical history from when you were a newborn is dire to helping us rule out things that we can’t rule out right now.”
“What’s the worst case scenario?” Rachel asked quietly.
“Well the fainting spells could get worse and more frequent, which puts a great amount of stress on your brain because of the lack of oxygen. You could go into heart failure,” Quinn felt a lump in her throat mentioning the fatal complications. “Or you could die suddenly, out of nowhere,” she said just above a whisper.
Rachel suddenly burst into tears, sobbing harshly. “Why now?” she yelled. “Why when I finally get the lead role does this have to happen?” Quinn’s heart broke for the diva as she pulled her into a hug.
“I’ll take care of you…” she paused. “I mean, uhm…” thankfully the brunette hadn’t seemed to have heard her. “Damn it,” she cursed under her breath. After some time Rachel finally stopped crying and was left with only hiccups. “We’ll be going for an MRI scan next,” she told the brunette.
“Will you be there?” she asked.
“I-I shouldn’t…” Quinn started but paused seeing Rachel’s crestfallen face. “Yeah, I’ll be there.” Rachel hugged Quinn so tightly that she could feel the petite woman’s front pressed into hers. She felt herself flush and suddenly it was too warm. She pulled back regrettably. “I have some things to do, but I’ll be back in about an hour. If you need anything the nurse is right outside,” she hated lying to Rachel but she needed to get away from the brunette so she could get a hold of herself. Quinn decided she was going to track down Shelby and try to get those records so she at least wouldn’t feel too guilty about leaving Rachel.