Fic: She Will Be Loved
Title: She Will Be Loved
Author: dangercw
Rating: R
Length: 3,000
Spoilers: Up to 1.13
Summary: Quinn's life is in ruins. Puck has a habit of hitting her. So where the hell is the white knight? This is a very angst and mature fic since it deals with domestic violence.
It's the stress of everything that makes him like his father. It's the buzz of the cheap vodka that does it to him. It's the screaming of a toddler that he can't stop. Puck can't control anything in his life, except this. She won't leave him because there is no where she can go. Her job as a waitress doesn't make enough for her and Caroline to get out from under him. Her parents cut her off completely and everyone else moved on.
When he stumbles in after work, the smell of alcohol makes her stomach turn; Quinn knows what kind of night she's in for. The loud slamming of the door startles Caroline and the three year old begins to scream.
"Shut her up!" Puck demands, slurring half of his words, stumbling around their cramped living room. He reminds her why she stopped believing in God, why she stopped thinking that her white knight would come riding in once more. Once upon a time, Puck had been good to her, and to Caroline but then they graduated. The bills were piling up and everyone had left, everyone had made something but them. They couldn't afford college or daycare. The lived in the worst part of town, the part where the drug dealers and drunks lived. That was where they belonged though.
Caroline's still screaming and Puck's losing it. Quinn's backs against the wall as he towers over his, his eyes red and out for blood. It stings when his palm collides with her cheek but it's nothing new. It's her pride that hurts the worse. It's not as if Puck even hides the fact he hits now, the bruises are worn like battle scars now. The customers see them but no one says a word. They don't know her. She isn't their concern.
He's screaming again, his face right in hers but she won't back down again, not this time. He sees the resolve and hates it. His hand curls into a fist as he brings it up before striking downwards, connection with pale flesh. Blood. It's his prize. The screaming continues. She's worthless. She's ruined him. He hates her. Caroline just screams louder. Quinn starts to weep by now, silent sobs escaping as large knuckles rake over her skin, some hitting old spots, and some creating new ones. She's curled in a ball on the floor when he finally climbs off her. Spits on her as well. Turning around, Puck leaving a bleeding Quinn on the floor. It's what makes him like his father.
It carries on night after night. No one stops it. No one care. Puck worries he might kill her someday.
She's at work, four months later. It's been a violence free three days, some bruises are healing but it's still noticeable. The diner lies on the outskirts of Lima, it's the only place she feels safe. Caroline is in the back with her co-workers. They see the marks but they know better than to address it. The last time anyone said something about it, Puck had found out. The beatings were worse. At least he didn't touch Caroline. Then again, Puck didn't care enough for Caroline to be bothered. The little bell above the door chimes and Quinn's eyes lift to see who has entered. Her heart drops. Does Rachel Berry really need to be there?
Quinn thinks about asking to take a break but she couldn't hide in the back the entire time. Besides, it wasn't like she had enough pride left not to face Rachel. Slowly, Quinn walks over to Rachel, her notepad out ready for her order.
"Hi, can I get you anything to drink?" She wishes this could be quick and painless. The brunette's eyes open wide, the shock of hearing such a voice as he head snaps to the waitress.
"Quinn?" Rachel asks, disbelieving that it's really the same Quinn Fabray. Her brown eyes are examining her intensely. The purple and yellow bruises are the first thing she sees. The second is a black, puffy eye that seems to be healing. The cuts on his lips are obvious as well. Rachel wants to believe Quinn just been in an accident recently but she knows better. Those are the marks of a woman being battered. Her heart shatters looking at the blonde. She also knows its Noah that's doing that to her.
"Yeah. Your drink?" She responds quickly, afraid to further conversation with Rachel. It doesn't take words for Rachel to figure out Quinn won't discuss it, not here. She orders a water and a burger. The blonde hurries off and avoids Rachel the entire visit. The questions just linger for the brunette. She wants to know why, what had happened, why Quinn hadn't left. She wanted to know Caroline was okay. Rachel really just wanted to make sure Quinn was okay.
There had been a time the two were friends. After the baby gate scandal and Quinn had been kicked out, she moved in with Rachel and her fathers. It was only for a few months but behind the Berry doors, they were friends. They would watch movies together, eat ice cream and Rachel would hold Quinn as the tears fell. It worked, even if for only a little while.
Rachel returns to the diner the next day as well. Quinn's only half surprised to see her there. It becomes a routine over the next several days. Rachel comes in, orders a water and burger and then scans Quinn's body and face, looking for new bruises, new answers. She was only supposed to be in town for a week, to visit her fathers before returning back home to New York. By the fourth day, Quinn's brought Caroline out, explaining to the little girl that this is Rachel, Mommy's friends. Both woman feel their heart breaks when Caroline, terrified, asks if she's Daddy's friend too. Rachel quick to say no.
On the sixth night, Rachel follows Quinn home from work. It's a little stalker-ish but she's scared for Quinn and Caroline. She sits in her car all night. By 11, Puck is stumbling out of the house. She really just wants to jump out of the car and kill him but she doesn't. As she watches him walk away, Rachel jumps from her car and sprints to Quinn's apartment. She can hear Caroline screaming and she knows that Quinn's crying. Pushing the door open, Rachel steps inside and rushes to a slumped Quinn on the kitchen floor. Her hand touches Quinn's shoulder and the blonde jumps, until she realizes it's not Puck.
Rachel spends the rest of the night cleaning Quinn up. Her fingers brushing so gently over cut lips and trailing down bruised skin. All Rachel wants to do is cry but someone needs to be strong right now. Caroline's fallen asleep on the couch, next to Rachel. "Why are you still with him Quinn?" Rachel asks, her voice low as her eyes settle on the blonde's.
Quinn shrugs, there really isn't a good answer. "I have nothing without him Rachel." She whispers back softly, her eyes falling on Caroline. She's really why she's still with Puck because without his paycheck, she can't support her. Quinn isn't surprised that Rachel refuses to accept such a reason. She opens her mouth to speak when her phone rings, Finn's picture flashing on the scene. She holds up a finger and steps away.
"Hi." She whispers.
"Hey are you okay? I was worried you never called. What time do I need to pick you up at the airport tomorrow?" Finn asked all in one breathe. Being with her for two years has really rubbed off on him.
"I'm staying a few more days."
"What? Why? Is everything okay? Is it your Dad?"
She wishes she didn't need to lie because Finn would come rushing out here and would kill Puck. Even if he hadn't completely forgiven Quinn yet, he would come to her defense. "It's fine, I just want to spend some more time with my fathers."
Finn understands, because that's who he is, the understanding boyfriend. He's perfect, especially for her but lately, Rachel wonders if there is something else out there. Saying hurried I love you's, the brunette hangs up the phone and returns to Quinn."
"You should probably go." Quinn tells her as she rubs her own arms, "He'll be back soon. I can't imagine what he'd do if you were here."
Rachel notices how she can't even say his name but doesn't comment on it. Instead, she nods her head and leans in, pressing a kiss to Quinn cheek and promising to come back.
Rachel returned to the diner and Quinn's apartment the next five days in a row. The last night, the night before she leave, Rachel doesn't want to go and Quinn doesn't want to let her go. As crazy as it sounded, Rachel Berry was the white knight she had been waiting on. With the other woman around, her heart felt lighter, as if there was a hope at the end of the tunnel. She needed it. Caroline needed Rachel.
"You can come with me." Rachel offers, hopeful Quinn will say yes. The blonde shook her head and fought back the tears. She wished she could just say yes, grab Caroline and run away with Rachel but she can't. They both know the other can't leave. Rachel's hand reached up gently and cupped Quinn's cheek, pulling her into her. It was hard to tell who closed the gap between their lips first. They stood for a few moments, completely wrapped up in each other and their kiss until Quinn finally pulled away.
"You should go." She whispered, her eyes cast downwards to avoid Rachel's. The smaller woman nodded and placed a kiss on Quinn's forehead before turning and leaving.
It's not until Puck almost kills her that she decides to leave. Rachel had been gone for two months and they hadn't called or even attempted to get in touch with each other. Caroline finally asked where Rachel had went but she hadn't know that Daddy was in the kitchen listening. That night, Puck had never struck so hard. Each blow had Quinn begging for the end. He struck cheeks and eyes, arms and jaws, any part of Quinn that was not bleeding or black was a target. When he finally stopped, Quinn remained on the kitchen floor for half an hour, too sore to even move. When she finally got herself up, she knew she had to go. She grabbed Caroline and filled just a single bag, worried Puck would return at any moment.
Rachel was in New York. Her parents had disowned her. There weren’t many places that she could go but her best shot was a place she hadn't gone since her sophomore year. It was late to be knocking on their door but Mr. and Mr. Berry were her only hope. The light flicked on and a tall black man opened the door, confused as to who would be there at 1 in the morning.
"I know you probably don't remember me." Quinn said, adjusting her grip on a sleeping Caroline.
"Quinn Fabray?" Paul Berry asked, his eyes adjusting to the light and the dark. He couldn't even hold in the gasp when he saw her face, bloody and bruised. "Oh my God, honey come in." By now David had joined Paul, his gasp to match as he looked at the young mother. He reached out, taking Caroline from Quinn, "Paul will get you cleaned up. I can go and put her down."
The tears came again as Paul Berry slipped an arm around Quinn's shoulder, leading her towards the kitchen. They didn't even need to ask what had happened.
"I'm sorry." The blonde chocked out as she sat at the table, "I didn't know where else to go."
"Honey, you don't need to apologize. I'm glad you came." Paul said as he fetched the first aid kit, "You and Caroline are welcome to stay here for as long as you want. Just don't go back to him." They sat in silence as Paul cleaned Quinn's face, David returning by now and sitting next to Quinn., his hand covering hers and rubbing it reassuringly.
"Please don't tell Rachel I'm here." Quinn finally said after the two Berrys' cleaned her up. They shared a look but nodded, respecting the wishes as she headed to bed. They had known what Noah had been doing, Rachel calling them in tears the day after she left. Secretly both men had been hoping and praying Quinn would show up one night.
The next morning, Quinn woke sore but safe. She could smell breakfast cooking and slowly made her way down the stairs to the kitchen. Caroline was sitting on the counter, watching as Paul cooked the eggs, a smile on her face. They motioned for Quinn to sit and enjoy breakfast, enjoy herself. After breakfast, Paul and David sat Quinn down, telling her once more she was not going back to Puck, that she was to move in with them and quit her job at the diner. Paul would get her work at the hospital as an administrative assistant and they could take things from there.
It worked. Quinn enjoyed her job now, she had more time with Caroline, who was happier now too. Paul and David had been amazing, putting Caroline into dance lessons and soccer, turning her into a little Rachel. Then again, they did raise Rachel and she turned out alright. Puck had no idea where Quinn had gone but he had gone looking. He went to the diner, he went all over the town, and he even stopped by the Berry house, demanding that if they had his daughter they give her back. He only left when Paul threatened to call the cops.
Paul and David decided to not tell Quinn of Rachel and Finn's impending visit. They had kept the secret like Quinn had asked, not mention to Rachel in any of the phone calls that Quinn had left Puck and was staying with them. Rachel never asked though, since she was too scared to hear the answer. The day of Rachel's arrival, Paul had driven out to the airport while Quinn cleaned up the house as always. An hour later, when the door opened and Rachel's voice filled the house, Caroline tore from the kitchen and to the door.
"RACHEL!" She cried out as her body wraps around the taller brunette's. At first, Rachel is shocked and confused. Finn instantly knows the who the little girl is and has to wonder where Quinn is. Slowly the older blonde stepped out from the kitchen, her hands moving nervously as she looked at the familiar face. The first thing Rachel noticed this time were the lack of bruises on her face.
As if time stopped, Rachel glided over to Quinn, took her cheeks in her hands and pressed her lips down into the others. Finn looked momentarily confused but it lasted just a second when he watched Quinn's arms snake around Rachel's waist. When the two broke the kiss, Rachel kept her forehead pressed to Quinn's.
"How long have you been here?" She whispered.
"Five months." Quinn responded.
"Um, what's going on?" Finn asked looking between the two. Rachel pulled back suddenly, realizing that her boyfriend was standing right there as she just kissed a girl he hadn't seen in a year. And her daughter had just witnessed it. And her own fathers.
"Hi. Finn." Quinn said rubbing her lips quickly. "This is Caroline, she's bigger now."
Finn just nodded but wanted his question answered. They sat him on the couch and Rachel explained about her visit months ago. And then Quinn explained that Puck was no longer they Puck they once knew. She spoke of the beatings and the fights and barely got through it, Rachel rubbing her hand in comfort. When the two woman finished, Finn stood suddenly and charged out the house. Neither had the strength to chase after him. They knew he needed time, or so they assumed.
Finn had climbed into a car and driven to the outskirts of town and spent the next half hour tracking Puck down. When the drunken mess opened the door, the first thing he saw was Finn's fist colliding with his nose. Stumbling backwards, Finn charged in and tackled Puck to the ground, fist flying everywhere.
"How does it feel huh?" He yelled at his once best friend. The anger subsided and Finn climbed off of Puck, leaving him as a bleeding mess.
"If you ever," Finn told him, a finger pointing right at him for extra measure, "Come near Quinn or Caroline again, I'm going to make you wish you were dead."
"Where is she! She's my kid!" Puck yelled as he attempted to get to his feet.
"No!" Finn shouted right back, rounding to him once more, "You lost her the day you touched her mother."
And he left Puck then, leaving him from his life and from the life of his girls. It was easy the next step for him. He wasn't losing Rachel but Rachel was in love with Quinn. Quinn didn't have anyone else and Caroline needed a father. They could figure it. He knew they could.
By the time Finn came back to the Berry's, he explained where he had gone and reassured them that he left Puck breathing. The three of them sat there, talking and discussing their future. Finn reassured both of them he wasn't going anywhere since Caroline needed a father. He had loved Quinn once, it wouldn't be hard to fall in love with her again. There was no way Finn could leave Rachel now. And for the two women, it was clear they were in love with each other.
It was that night that Quinn found out Prince Charming was real and so was the white horse. Only her Prince Charming was really a Cinderella and the white horse was her boyfriend. And Quinn would not trade that for anything.
Author: dangercw
Rating: R
Length: 3,000
Spoilers: Up to 1.13
Summary: Quinn's life is in ruins. Puck has a habit of hitting her. So where the hell is the white knight? This is a very angst and mature fic since it deals with domestic violence.
It's the stress of everything that makes him like his father. It's the buzz of the cheap vodka that does it to him. It's the screaming of a toddler that he can't stop. Puck can't control anything in his life, except this. She won't leave him because there is no where she can go. Her job as a waitress doesn't make enough for her and Caroline to get out from under him. Her parents cut her off completely and everyone else moved on.
When he stumbles in after work, the smell of alcohol makes her stomach turn; Quinn knows what kind of night she's in for. The loud slamming of the door startles Caroline and the three year old begins to scream.
"Shut her up!" Puck demands, slurring half of his words, stumbling around their cramped living room. He reminds her why she stopped believing in God, why she stopped thinking that her white knight would come riding in once more. Once upon a time, Puck had been good to her, and to Caroline but then they graduated. The bills were piling up and everyone had left, everyone had made something but them. They couldn't afford college or daycare. The lived in the worst part of town, the part where the drug dealers and drunks lived. That was where they belonged though.
Caroline's still screaming and Puck's losing it. Quinn's backs against the wall as he towers over his, his eyes red and out for blood. It stings when his palm collides with her cheek but it's nothing new. It's her pride that hurts the worse. It's not as if Puck even hides the fact he hits now, the bruises are worn like battle scars now. The customers see them but no one says a word. They don't know her. She isn't their concern.
He's screaming again, his face right in hers but she won't back down again, not this time. He sees the resolve and hates it. His hand curls into a fist as he brings it up before striking downwards, connection with pale flesh. Blood. It's his prize. The screaming continues. She's worthless. She's ruined him. He hates her. Caroline just screams louder. Quinn starts to weep by now, silent sobs escaping as large knuckles rake over her skin, some hitting old spots, and some creating new ones. She's curled in a ball on the floor when he finally climbs off her. Spits on her as well. Turning around, Puck leaving a bleeding Quinn on the floor. It's what makes him like his father.
It carries on night after night. No one stops it. No one care. Puck worries he might kill her someday.
She's at work, four months later. It's been a violence free three days, some bruises are healing but it's still noticeable. The diner lies on the outskirts of Lima, it's the only place she feels safe. Caroline is in the back with her co-workers. They see the marks but they know better than to address it. The last time anyone said something about it, Puck had found out. The beatings were worse. At least he didn't touch Caroline. Then again, Puck didn't care enough for Caroline to be bothered. The little bell above the door chimes and Quinn's eyes lift to see who has entered. Her heart drops. Does Rachel Berry really need to be there?
Quinn thinks about asking to take a break but she couldn't hide in the back the entire time. Besides, it wasn't like she had enough pride left not to face Rachel. Slowly, Quinn walks over to Rachel, her notepad out ready for her order.
"Hi, can I get you anything to drink?" She wishes this could be quick and painless. The brunette's eyes open wide, the shock of hearing such a voice as he head snaps to the waitress.
"Quinn?" Rachel asks, disbelieving that it's really the same Quinn Fabray. Her brown eyes are examining her intensely. The purple and yellow bruises are the first thing she sees. The second is a black, puffy eye that seems to be healing. The cuts on his lips are obvious as well. Rachel wants to believe Quinn just been in an accident recently but she knows better. Those are the marks of a woman being battered. Her heart shatters looking at the blonde. She also knows its Noah that's doing that to her.
"Yeah. Your drink?" She responds quickly, afraid to further conversation with Rachel. It doesn't take words for Rachel to figure out Quinn won't discuss it, not here. She orders a water and a burger. The blonde hurries off and avoids Rachel the entire visit. The questions just linger for the brunette. She wants to know why, what had happened, why Quinn hadn't left. She wanted to know Caroline was okay. Rachel really just wanted to make sure Quinn was okay.
There had been a time the two were friends. After the baby gate scandal and Quinn had been kicked out, she moved in with Rachel and her fathers. It was only for a few months but behind the Berry doors, they were friends. They would watch movies together, eat ice cream and Rachel would hold Quinn as the tears fell. It worked, even if for only a little while.
Rachel returns to the diner the next day as well. Quinn's only half surprised to see her there. It becomes a routine over the next several days. Rachel comes in, orders a water and burger and then scans Quinn's body and face, looking for new bruises, new answers. She was only supposed to be in town for a week, to visit her fathers before returning back home to New York. By the fourth day, Quinn's brought Caroline out, explaining to the little girl that this is Rachel, Mommy's friends. Both woman feel their heart breaks when Caroline, terrified, asks if she's Daddy's friend too. Rachel quick to say no.
On the sixth night, Rachel follows Quinn home from work. It's a little stalker-ish but she's scared for Quinn and Caroline. She sits in her car all night. By 11, Puck is stumbling out of the house. She really just wants to jump out of the car and kill him but she doesn't. As she watches him walk away, Rachel jumps from her car and sprints to Quinn's apartment. She can hear Caroline screaming and she knows that Quinn's crying. Pushing the door open, Rachel steps inside and rushes to a slumped Quinn on the kitchen floor. Her hand touches Quinn's shoulder and the blonde jumps, until she realizes it's not Puck.
Rachel spends the rest of the night cleaning Quinn up. Her fingers brushing so gently over cut lips and trailing down bruised skin. All Rachel wants to do is cry but someone needs to be strong right now. Caroline's fallen asleep on the couch, next to Rachel. "Why are you still with him Quinn?" Rachel asks, her voice low as her eyes settle on the blonde's.
Quinn shrugs, there really isn't a good answer. "I have nothing without him Rachel." She whispers back softly, her eyes falling on Caroline. She's really why she's still with Puck because without his paycheck, she can't support her. Quinn isn't surprised that Rachel refuses to accept such a reason. She opens her mouth to speak when her phone rings, Finn's picture flashing on the scene. She holds up a finger and steps away.
"Hi." She whispers.
"Hey are you okay? I was worried you never called. What time do I need to pick you up at the airport tomorrow?" Finn asked all in one breathe. Being with her for two years has really rubbed off on him.
"I'm staying a few more days."
"What? Why? Is everything okay? Is it your Dad?"
She wishes she didn't need to lie because Finn would come rushing out here and would kill Puck. Even if he hadn't completely forgiven Quinn yet, he would come to her defense. "It's fine, I just want to spend some more time with my fathers."
Finn understands, because that's who he is, the understanding boyfriend. He's perfect, especially for her but lately, Rachel wonders if there is something else out there. Saying hurried I love you's, the brunette hangs up the phone and returns to Quinn."
"You should probably go." Quinn tells her as she rubs her own arms, "He'll be back soon. I can't imagine what he'd do if you were here."
Rachel notices how she can't even say his name but doesn't comment on it. Instead, she nods her head and leans in, pressing a kiss to Quinn cheek and promising to come back.
Rachel returned to the diner and Quinn's apartment the next five days in a row. The last night, the night before she leave, Rachel doesn't want to go and Quinn doesn't want to let her go. As crazy as it sounded, Rachel Berry was the white knight she had been waiting on. With the other woman around, her heart felt lighter, as if there was a hope at the end of the tunnel. She needed it. Caroline needed Rachel.
"You can come with me." Rachel offers, hopeful Quinn will say yes. The blonde shook her head and fought back the tears. She wished she could just say yes, grab Caroline and run away with Rachel but she can't. They both know the other can't leave. Rachel's hand reached up gently and cupped Quinn's cheek, pulling her into her. It was hard to tell who closed the gap between their lips first. They stood for a few moments, completely wrapped up in each other and their kiss until Quinn finally pulled away.
"You should go." She whispered, her eyes cast downwards to avoid Rachel's. The smaller woman nodded and placed a kiss on Quinn's forehead before turning and leaving.
It's not until Puck almost kills her that she decides to leave. Rachel had been gone for two months and they hadn't called or even attempted to get in touch with each other. Caroline finally asked where Rachel had went but she hadn't know that Daddy was in the kitchen listening. That night, Puck had never struck so hard. Each blow had Quinn begging for the end. He struck cheeks and eyes, arms and jaws, any part of Quinn that was not bleeding or black was a target. When he finally stopped, Quinn remained on the kitchen floor for half an hour, too sore to even move. When she finally got herself up, she knew she had to go. She grabbed Caroline and filled just a single bag, worried Puck would return at any moment.
Rachel was in New York. Her parents had disowned her. There weren’t many places that she could go but her best shot was a place she hadn't gone since her sophomore year. It was late to be knocking on their door but Mr. and Mr. Berry were her only hope. The light flicked on and a tall black man opened the door, confused as to who would be there at 1 in the morning.
"I know you probably don't remember me." Quinn said, adjusting her grip on a sleeping Caroline.
"Quinn Fabray?" Paul Berry asked, his eyes adjusting to the light and the dark. He couldn't even hold in the gasp when he saw her face, bloody and bruised. "Oh my God, honey come in." By now David had joined Paul, his gasp to match as he looked at the young mother. He reached out, taking Caroline from Quinn, "Paul will get you cleaned up. I can go and put her down."
The tears came again as Paul Berry slipped an arm around Quinn's shoulder, leading her towards the kitchen. They didn't even need to ask what had happened.
"I'm sorry." The blonde chocked out as she sat at the table, "I didn't know where else to go."
"Honey, you don't need to apologize. I'm glad you came." Paul said as he fetched the first aid kit, "You and Caroline are welcome to stay here for as long as you want. Just don't go back to him." They sat in silence as Paul cleaned Quinn's face, David returning by now and sitting next to Quinn., his hand covering hers and rubbing it reassuringly.
"Please don't tell Rachel I'm here." Quinn finally said after the two Berrys' cleaned her up. They shared a look but nodded, respecting the wishes as she headed to bed. They had known what Noah had been doing, Rachel calling them in tears the day after she left. Secretly both men had been hoping and praying Quinn would show up one night.
The next morning, Quinn woke sore but safe. She could smell breakfast cooking and slowly made her way down the stairs to the kitchen. Caroline was sitting on the counter, watching as Paul cooked the eggs, a smile on her face. They motioned for Quinn to sit and enjoy breakfast, enjoy herself. After breakfast, Paul and David sat Quinn down, telling her once more she was not going back to Puck, that she was to move in with them and quit her job at the diner. Paul would get her work at the hospital as an administrative assistant and they could take things from there.
It worked. Quinn enjoyed her job now, she had more time with Caroline, who was happier now too. Paul and David had been amazing, putting Caroline into dance lessons and soccer, turning her into a little Rachel. Then again, they did raise Rachel and she turned out alright. Puck had no idea where Quinn had gone but he had gone looking. He went to the diner, he went all over the town, and he even stopped by the Berry house, demanding that if they had his daughter they give her back. He only left when Paul threatened to call the cops.
Paul and David decided to not tell Quinn of Rachel and Finn's impending visit. They had kept the secret like Quinn had asked, not mention to Rachel in any of the phone calls that Quinn had left Puck and was staying with them. Rachel never asked though, since she was too scared to hear the answer. The day of Rachel's arrival, Paul had driven out to the airport while Quinn cleaned up the house as always. An hour later, when the door opened and Rachel's voice filled the house, Caroline tore from the kitchen and to the door.
"RACHEL!" She cried out as her body wraps around the taller brunette's. At first, Rachel is shocked and confused. Finn instantly knows the who the little girl is and has to wonder where Quinn is. Slowly the older blonde stepped out from the kitchen, her hands moving nervously as she looked at the familiar face. The first thing Rachel noticed this time were the lack of bruises on her face.
As if time stopped, Rachel glided over to Quinn, took her cheeks in her hands and pressed her lips down into the others. Finn looked momentarily confused but it lasted just a second when he watched Quinn's arms snake around Rachel's waist. When the two broke the kiss, Rachel kept her forehead pressed to Quinn's.
"How long have you been here?" She whispered.
"Five months." Quinn responded.
"Um, what's going on?" Finn asked looking between the two. Rachel pulled back suddenly, realizing that her boyfriend was standing right there as she just kissed a girl he hadn't seen in a year. And her daughter had just witnessed it. And her own fathers.
"Hi. Finn." Quinn said rubbing her lips quickly. "This is Caroline, she's bigger now."
Finn just nodded but wanted his question answered. They sat him on the couch and Rachel explained about her visit months ago. And then Quinn explained that Puck was no longer they Puck they once knew. She spoke of the beatings and the fights and barely got through it, Rachel rubbing her hand in comfort. When the two woman finished, Finn stood suddenly and charged out the house. Neither had the strength to chase after him. They knew he needed time, or so they assumed.
Finn had climbed into a car and driven to the outskirts of town and spent the next half hour tracking Puck down. When the drunken mess opened the door, the first thing he saw was Finn's fist colliding with his nose. Stumbling backwards, Finn charged in and tackled Puck to the ground, fist flying everywhere.
"How does it feel huh?" He yelled at his once best friend. The anger subsided and Finn climbed off of Puck, leaving him as a bleeding mess.
"If you ever," Finn told him, a finger pointing right at him for extra measure, "Come near Quinn or Caroline again, I'm going to make you wish you were dead."
"Where is she! She's my kid!" Puck yelled as he attempted to get to his feet.
"No!" Finn shouted right back, rounding to him once more, "You lost her the day you touched her mother."
And he left Puck then, leaving him from his life and from the life of his girls. It was easy the next step for him. He wasn't losing Rachel but Rachel was in love with Quinn. Quinn didn't have anyone else and Caroline needed a father. They could figure it. He knew they could.
By the time Finn came back to the Berry's, he explained where he had gone and reassured them that he left Puck breathing. The three of them sat there, talking and discussing their future. Finn reassured both of them he wasn't going anywhere since Caroline needed a father. He had loved Quinn once, it wouldn't be hard to fall in love with her again. There was no way Finn could leave Rachel now. And for the two women, it was clear they were in love with each other.
It was that night that Quinn found out Prince Charming was real and so was the white horse. Only her Prince Charming was really a Cinderella and the white horse was her boyfriend. And Quinn would not trade that for anything.