A Different Kind of Shine (Part Ten)
Title: A Different Kind of Shine
Author: Jenn
Rating: R?...could go up in later chapters.
Length: 2079 for this part
Spoilers: All of Season One
Summary: Quinn is a laid back surfer type. Rachel is... well, Rachel. Inspired by this Prompt at rq_meme
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven
Part Eight
Part Nine
Quinn had to literally stop herself from whistling as she made her way toward Rachel's dorm room. Climbing the stairs to Rachel's floor, she rolled her eyes when she skipped a few of the steps playfully. Santana had been right this morning, she was indeed turning into a 'pansy ass'.
Taking the corner of Rachel's hall, Quinn stopped short when she came face to face with Shelby Corcoran. The older woman looked startled for a moment and then cooled her expression. "Hello, Quinn."
The blonde managed to keep the glare from her face, still unsure where her intense distrust of the woman stemmed from. Rachel had told her that for all intents and purposes their relationship was improving. Her apprehension must have shown because Shelby spoke before Quinn could return the greeting.
"Quinn, I can tell you harbor some kind of dislike or resentment toward me and I can only assume it's because Rachel told you of our history. I'm not going to plead for your approval Quinn, that's not who I am. However, you're important to Rachel and I can see that she's important to you so I will say this: I love my daughter, Quinn, and I am doing everything I can to make up for the mistakes I've made with her. I would move mountains for that brown eyed girl in there and I would venture to say that you're heading down that path yourself. I think you are good for her, Quinn, and I rather like you. That said, despite living on the other side of the country, I can and will be here in three to four hours if I hear you've hurt my baby."
Quinn gaped at the warning and blinked when Shelby tossed her a wink and then continued on her way. She was completely still for several long moments before she remembered that she had come to Rachel's door for a reason. Taking a few more steps, she lifted her hand and knocked on the door.
Rachel's smiling face refocused her attention as the door swung open. "Hi!"
Quinn couldn't stop the grin forming on her face and held out her hand. "Ready to go?"
Smiling, the singer nodded and grabbed her purse before taking the blonde's hand shyly. Quinn laced their fingers together as Rachel locked the door. The brunette turned her eyes up at the blonde and bit her lip. "I hope I'm dressed appropriately. You said casual and mentioned the outdoors…"
Quinn scanned her outfit, suddenly thankful for the warmer weather. Rachel was in short black shorts that showcased her impossibly long, tan legs and a heather gray halter that fell loosely between her breasts. Quinn met the brunette's eyes again and smiled at the blush staining her cheeks. "You look perfect, Rach."
Rachel dipped her chin and swallowed a smile, pressing a little closer to the blonde's side as they made their way out of the building.
xxxxxx
Rachel couldn't believe how perfect the date was turning out to be. Quinn had been sweet and attentive and when the blonde had driven them to the same stretch of beach where they'd first met, she'd nearly swooned.
Quinn had just smiled bashfully and pulled a picnic basket from her trunk. "I liked the idea of watching the sunset with you where we first watched it rise together."
The food had been incredible and completely vegan friendly and Quinn had brought her guitar and sung to her quietly as they ate. Now, they were sitting across from each other laughing at the story Quinn was telling as the sun began to set in the sky. Quinn's golden hair seemed to blaze in the fading light as the oranges and reds from the sky soaked into her blonde locks. A silky tendril fell onto her cheek and Rachel couldn't resist reaching forward and tucking it behind her ear.
Quinn closed her eyes at the feeling of Rachel's soft skin and quickly caught the brunette's small hand in her own, pressing a kiss into the palm. The brunette's fingers curled in as if to keep the kiss from blowing away. Quinn smiled and tugged on her wrist. "Come here."
Rachel dipped her chin sweetly and moved forward to gently settle between the blonde's legs. Her body flooded with warmth as her back settled into Quinn and slender arms wrapped tenderly around her waist. She sighed when the blonde pulled her close and rested her chin on the singer's shoulder.
Both girls were quiet for a while, watching the sun sink closer to the rolling waves of the ocean. Quinn closed her eyes and surrendered to the moment, letting it wash over her. She marveled at how good it felt to hold the petite brunette in her arms, at how perfectly they seemed to fit together. Not for the first time since confessing her feelings to the singer, she wondered how she couldn't have seen it sooner.
"I'm kind of surprised you haven't asked how my conversation with Kate went."
Quinn's arms tightened around Rachel's waist at the mention of the brunette's classmate. Rachel's hands slid over her arms comfortingly and laced their fingers together on top of her stomach. "I didn't want to pry."
Rachel smiled and leaned her head back to rest on the blonde's shoulder. "She wasn't happy and made sure to tell me just what she thought of the situation. I feel guilty because she's right about a lot of things. I did lead her on in the fact that I was more or less forcing myself to like her more than I actually did at the time."
Quinn was quiet and hoped the soft tone of Rachel's voice wasn't borne of regret. The singer seemed to sense her apprehension and squeezed her hands. "I regret that Kate's feelings were hurt but I don't feel wrong. I was relieved the moment the words were out of my mouth. I wanted everything to be honest and set right so that I could be with you in the way I want to be."
Smiling, Quinn tucked her nose into the dark brown curls next to her cheek. "I'm learning a new song for you."
Rachel shifted slightly so that she was sitting almost sideways and could peer up at Quinn. "For me?"
The blonde felt her cheeks heat up and dropped her eyes. "I know you said the La Rocca song was 'our song' but I think I found one that means a little more, at least for me. It's probably cliché and too old school but I heard it and I immediately thought of you."
Rachel's eyes were shining brightly as she looked up at her from within the circle of her arms. "Will you sing it to me?"
Quinn bit her lip and shook her head softly. "Not yet. I'm still learning how to play it and I don't want to rush anything. You'll understand a little better when you hear it."
Rachel pouted but nodded reluctantly. Their eyes stayed lock together and Quinn reached forward and ran her hands through soft curls. Rachel's eyes fluttered as she sighed happily. The blonde smiled and leaned in slowly, brushing her lips across the singer's in the most gentle of caresses. She pulled back and caught Rachel's eyes once more before the brunette traced a finger down her jaw, leaning forward and catching Quinn's lips in a firm kiss.
They stayed like that for several moments, eyes closed and chests tight from holding their breath, just fused together in an embrace that spoke volumes. They both pulled back to breath but neither hesitated to bring their lips together again, this time with less restraint.
Rachel sighed as their lips moved over one another, Quinn's lips like velvet against her own. Unable to quell the desire for more, she traced the tip of her tongue against Quinn's supple bottom lip. The blonde gasped quietly and opened her mouth to the singer, a surge like an electric shock rippling across her skin as their tongues met.
Quinn responded eagerly and before either of them realized it, they were lying atop the blanket with Rachel pressed against her side and half on top of her as Quinn's hands found purchase in the brunette's hair. The fiery kiss turned languid until it tapered off into chaste pecks.
When they finally pulled away, Rachel propped herself up on her elbow and let her other hand rest on the blonde's ribcage. She smiled at Quinn's kiss swollen mouth and couldn't resist pressing her lips there one more time. Quinn grinned and tugged her down, wrapping the singer in her arms.
Rachel tucked her head under the blonde's chin and sighed happily as she watched the horizon swallow the sun and the stars burn brighter in the darkened sky.
xxxxxx
Rachel and Brittany were sitting on a bench waiting for Quinn and Santana so they could go to lunch. Brittany was pointing excitedly at a giant dog pulling a boy on a skateboard. Rachel laughed and shook her head before turning and catching sight of Quinn and Santana across the street. The Latina waved them over and Rachel made sure to grab Brittany's hand since her best friend had a tendency to run excitedly toward Santana without much thought of anything else. Once Rachel deemed it safe to cross, she let the dancer pull her across the street and then watched as the blonde launched herself into the Latina's arms. Santana laughed and lifted her a bit before catching her lips in an enthusiastic kiss.
Quinn rolled her eyes but smiled as she moved toward Rachel. The brunette smiled back as Quinn wrapped her arms around her waist.
"Hey, gorgeous."
Rachel blushed but leaned up and pressed their lips together, smiling into the blonde's mouth before pulling away. "Hi."
Both girls were beaming at each other and hadn't made a move to break the stare when Santana's voice rang out. "Hey, some people are actually hungry. Seriously, Q, stop undressing her with your eyes and let's eat."
Quinn shot her friend a glare and pulled Rachel into her side, guiding them inside the restaurant. As the four of them sat down, Santana glanced up and noticed a red head staring at them from the counter. Remembering the waitress from a couple of months ago, she tried to catch Quinn's attention to no avail. The waitress made her way over and propped her hip against the table, shooting Quinn a saucy smile. "Quinn, right?"
The blonde looked up from helping Rachel into her chair and took her own seat as she noticed the red head. Shit. She felt Rachel stiffen beside her and knew the singer remembered her as well. "Uh, yeah. Hey, uh, how are you?"
The woman smirked. "A little disappointed since I never heard from you."
Santana cleared her throat. "Aren't you going to introduce us, Q?"
Quinn stared at Santana, both grateful for the distraction and angry at having to prolong the interaction. "Right, um, this is my best friend Santana, Santana this is…"
Her voice trailed off and she frowned as she tried to remember the girl's name. The waitress winked flirtatiously. "Jess."
"Right, Jess. And this is her girlfriend, Brittany."
Brittany gave the other girl a tight smile and then glanced at Rachel who was avoiding looking at anyone. Jess seemed to notice and nodded at the brunette. "And who's this?"
Quinn turned and looked at Rachel, hating that she couldn't see her expressive brown eyes. Without thinking twice, Quinn slipped her hand in the brunette's and smiled tenderly at her. "This is Rachel, my girlfriend."
The singer's eyes immediately sought Quinn's, her mouth falling open slightly. Neither heard Jess mutter a goodbye and walk away. Rachel's eyes were wide. "You're girlfriend?"
Quinn nodded and then let her smile falter. "Shit. I mean if you want to be. I didn't mean to just assume. Of course I should have asked you…"
Rachel smiled and cut off Quinn's frantic words with a firm kiss. "Language and of course I want to be. Now kiss me again."
Quinn smiled but her brows were still drawn together in worry. "Are you sure? Because I know we haven't talked about…"
The singer laughed and silenced her with a finger on her lips. "Shh. Listen to your girlfriend, Quinn."
The blonde grinned and leaned back in to catch her girlfriend's lips in a searing kiss, this time tuning out Santana's scoff and Brittany's happy squeal.
Author: Jenn
Rating: R?...could go up in later chapters.
Length: 2079 for this part
Spoilers: All of Season One
Summary: Quinn is a laid back surfer type. Rachel is... well, Rachel. Inspired by this Prompt at rq_meme
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven
Part Eight
Part Nine
Quinn had to literally stop herself from whistling as she made her way toward Rachel's dorm room. Climbing the stairs to Rachel's floor, she rolled her eyes when she skipped a few of the steps playfully. Santana had been right this morning, she was indeed turning into a 'pansy ass'.
Taking the corner of Rachel's hall, Quinn stopped short when she came face to face with Shelby Corcoran. The older woman looked startled for a moment and then cooled her expression. "Hello, Quinn."
The blonde managed to keep the glare from her face, still unsure where her intense distrust of the woman stemmed from. Rachel had told her that for all intents and purposes their relationship was improving. Her apprehension must have shown because Shelby spoke before Quinn could return the greeting.
"Quinn, I can tell you harbor some kind of dislike or resentment toward me and I can only assume it's because Rachel told you of our history. I'm not going to plead for your approval Quinn, that's not who I am. However, you're important to Rachel and I can see that she's important to you so I will say this: I love my daughter, Quinn, and I am doing everything I can to make up for the mistakes I've made with her. I would move mountains for that brown eyed girl in there and I would venture to say that you're heading down that path yourself. I think you are good for her, Quinn, and I rather like you. That said, despite living on the other side of the country, I can and will be here in three to four hours if I hear you've hurt my baby."
Quinn gaped at the warning and blinked when Shelby tossed her a wink and then continued on her way. She was completely still for several long moments before she remembered that she had come to Rachel's door for a reason. Taking a few more steps, she lifted her hand and knocked on the door.
Rachel's smiling face refocused her attention as the door swung open. "Hi!"
Quinn couldn't stop the grin forming on her face and held out her hand. "Ready to go?"
Smiling, the singer nodded and grabbed her purse before taking the blonde's hand shyly. Quinn laced their fingers together as Rachel locked the door. The brunette turned her eyes up at the blonde and bit her lip. "I hope I'm dressed appropriately. You said casual and mentioned the outdoors…"
Quinn scanned her outfit, suddenly thankful for the warmer weather. Rachel was in short black shorts that showcased her impossibly long, tan legs and a heather gray halter that fell loosely between her breasts. Quinn met the brunette's eyes again and smiled at the blush staining her cheeks. "You look perfect, Rach."
Rachel dipped her chin and swallowed a smile, pressing a little closer to the blonde's side as they made their way out of the building.
xxxxxx
Rachel couldn't believe how perfect the date was turning out to be. Quinn had been sweet and attentive and when the blonde had driven them to the same stretch of beach where they'd first met, she'd nearly swooned.
Quinn had just smiled bashfully and pulled a picnic basket from her trunk. "I liked the idea of watching the sunset with you where we first watched it rise together."
The food had been incredible and completely vegan friendly and Quinn had brought her guitar and sung to her quietly as they ate. Now, they were sitting across from each other laughing at the story Quinn was telling as the sun began to set in the sky. Quinn's golden hair seemed to blaze in the fading light as the oranges and reds from the sky soaked into her blonde locks. A silky tendril fell onto her cheek and Rachel couldn't resist reaching forward and tucking it behind her ear.
Quinn closed her eyes at the feeling of Rachel's soft skin and quickly caught the brunette's small hand in her own, pressing a kiss into the palm. The brunette's fingers curled in as if to keep the kiss from blowing away. Quinn smiled and tugged on her wrist. "Come here."
Rachel dipped her chin sweetly and moved forward to gently settle between the blonde's legs. Her body flooded with warmth as her back settled into Quinn and slender arms wrapped tenderly around her waist. She sighed when the blonde pulled her close and rested her chin on the singer's shoulder.
Both girls were quiet for a while, watching the sun sink closer to the rolling waves of the ocean. Quinn closed her eyes and surrendered to the moment, letting it wash over her. She marveled at how good it felt to hold the petite brunette in her arms, at how perfectly they seemed to fit together. Not for the first time since confessing her feelings to the singer, she wondered how she couldn't have seen it sooner.
"I'm kind of surprised you haven't asked how my conversation with Kate went."
Quinn's arms tightened around Rachel's waist at the mention of the brunette's classmate. Rachel's hands slid over her arms comfortingly and laced their fingers together on top of her stomach. "I didn't want to pry."
Rachel smiled and leaned her head back to rest on the blonde's shoulder. "She wasn't happy and made sure to tell me just what she thought of the situation. I feel guilty because she's right about a lot of things. I did lead her on in the fact that I was more or less forcing myself to like her more than I actually did at the time."
Quinn was quiet and hoped the soft tone of Rachel's voice wasn't borne of regret. The singer seemed to sense her apprehension and squeezed her hands. "I regret that Kate's feelings were hurt but I don't feel wrong. I was relieved the moment the words were out of my mouth. I wanted everything to be honest and set right so that I could be with you in the way I want to be."
Smiling, Quinn tucked her nose into the dark brown curls next to her cheek. "I'm learning a new song for you."
Rachel shifted slightly so that she was sitting almost sideways and could peer up at Quinn. "For me?"
The blonde felt her cheeks heat up and dropped her eyes. "I know you said the La Rocca song was 'our song' but I think I found one that means a little more, at least for me. It's probably cliché and too old school but I heard it and I immediately thought of you."
Rachel's eyes were shining brightly as she looked up at her from within the circle of her arms. "Will you sing it to me?"
Quinn bit her lip and shook her head softly. "Not yet. I'm still learning how to play it and I don't want to rush anything. You'll understand a little better when you hear it."
Rachel pouted but nodded reluctantly. Their eyes stayed lock together and Quinn reached forward and ran her hands through soft curls. Rachel's eyes fluttered as she sighed happily. The blonde smiled and leaned in slowly, brushing her lips across the singer's in the most gentle of caresses. She pulled back and caught Rachel's eyes once more before the brunette traced a finger down her jaw, leaning forward and catching Quinn's lips in a firm kiss.
They stayed like that for several moments, eyes closed and chests tight from holding their breath, just fused together in an embrace that spoke volumes. They both pulled back to breath but neither hesitated to bring their lips together again, this time with less restraint.
Rachel sighed as their lips moved over one another, Quinn's lips like velvet against her own. Unable to quell the desire for more, she traced the tip of her tongue against Quinn's supple bottom lip. The blonde gasped quietly and opened her mouth to the singer, a surge like an electric shock rippling across her skin as their tongues met.
Quinn responded eagerly and before either of them realized it, they were lying atop the blanket with Rachel pressed against her side and half on top of her as Quinn's hands found purchase in the brunette's hair. The fiery kiss turned languid until it tapered off into chaste pecks.
When they finally pulled away, Rachel propped herself up on her elbow and let her other hand rest on the blonde's ribcage. She smiled at Quinn's kiss swollen mouth and couldn't resist pressing her lips there one more time. Quinn grinned and tugged her down, wrapping the singer in her arms.
Rachel tucked her head under the blonde's chin and sighed happily as she watched the horizon swallow the sun and the stars burn brighter in the darkened sky.
xxxxxx
Rachel and Brittany were sitting on a bench waiting for Quinn and Santana so they could go to lunch. Brittany was pointing excitedly at a giant dog pulling a boy on a skateboard. Rachel laughed and shook her head before turning and catching sight of Quinn and Santana across the street. The Latina waved them over and Rachel made sure to grab Brittany's hand since her best friend had a tendency to run excitedly toward Santana without much thought of anything else. Once Rachel deemed it safe to cross, she let the dancer pull her across the street and then watched as the blonde launched herself into the Latina's arms. Santana laughed and lifted her a bit before catching her lips in an enthusiastic kiss.
Quinn rolled her eyes but smiled as she moved toward Rachel. The brunette smiled back as Quinn wrapped her arms around her waist.
"Hey, gorgeous."
Rachel blushed but leaned up and pressed their lips together, smiling into the blonde's mouth before pulling away. "Hi."
Both girls were beaming at each other and hadn't made a move to break the stare when Santana's voice rang out. "Hey, some people are actually hungry. Seriously, Q, stop undressing her with your eyes and let's eat."
Quinn shot her friend a glare and pulled Rachel into her side, guiding them inside the restaurant. As the four of them sat down, Santana glanced up and noticed a red head staring at them from the counter. Remembering the waitress from a couple of months ago, she tried to catch Quinn's attention to no avail. The waitress made her way over and propped her hip against the table, shooting Quinn a saucy smile. "Quinn, right?"
The blonde looked up from helping Rachel into her chair and took her own seat as she noticed the red head. Shit. She felt Rachel stiffen beside her and knew the singer remembered her as well. "Uh, yeah. Hey, uh, how are you?"
The woman smirked. "A little disappointed since I never heard from you."
Santana cleared her throat. "Aren't you going to introduce us, Q?"
Quinn stared at Santana, both grateful for the distraction and angry at having to prolong the interaction. "Right, um, this is my best friend Santana, Santana this is…"
Her voice trailed off and she frowned as she tried to remember the girl's name. The waitress winked flirtatiously. "Jess."
"Right, Jess. And this is her girlfriend, Brittany."
Brittany gave the other girl a tight smile and then glanced at Rachel who was avoiding looking at anyone. Jess seemed to notice and nodded at the brunette. "And who's this?"
Quinn turned and looked at Rachel, hating that she couldn't see her expressive brown eyes. Without thinking twice, Quinn slipped her hand in the brunette's and smiled tenderly at her. "This is Rachel, my girlfriend."
The singer's eyes immediately sought Quinn's, her mouth falling open slightly. Neither heard Jess mutter a goodbye and walk away. Rachel's eyes were wide. "You're girlfriend?"
Quinn nodded and then let her smile falter. "Shit. I mean if you want to be. I didn't mean to just assume. Of course I should have asked you…"
Rachel smiled and cut off Quinn's frantic words with a firm kiss. "Language and of course I want to be. Now kiss me again."
Quinn smiled but her brows were still drawn together in worry. "Are you sure? Because I know we haven't talked about…"
The singer laughed and silenced her with a finger on her lips. "Shh. Listen to your girlfriend, Quinn."
The blonde grinned and leaned back in to catch her girlfriend's lips in a searing kiss, this time tuning out Santana's scoff and Brittany's happy squeal.