Finding New Directions

Jesse St. James. || Coach of Vocal Adrenaline || Married to the greatest woman in the world. If you'd told me this is where my life was headed, I wouldn't have believed you. But here I am. Married to the gorgeous, beautiful, exceptionally talented Quinn Fabray-St. James. The love of of my life. The one who makes it all worthwhile. After a third place finish at showcase, she's joined me at Carmel - and this year we take it all. No prisoners, no regrets. My girl deserves a first-place trophy, and damn it we're going to take it. (RP Account)

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Sectionals

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

Quinn shot Jesse a mock glare, trying to fight back the smirk that was tugging at her lips. All broke loose the moment that they were announced as the winners. They’d make it all the way to Nationals., Quinn was finally beginning to feel confident about that, further more about them beating out the New Directions. While it felt good to be lifted up onto the shoulders of her teammates, the blonde couldn’t help but realize that as great as it was to have this victory, it wasn’t the same as celebrating with those she’d grown overly close to. Maybe there was drama, constant drama amongst the McKinley crowd, but the connection she had with the few she was close to almost made those victories that much more. Shoving the thoughts aside, she put her smile back on, catching Santana in the crowd she softened her expression to smile to the other girl. Once set down, she found herself back beside Jesse after giving and receiving a few hugs. 

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Jesse wasn't always the most observant person - a lot of things escaped his notice.  But one area where his attention was always total was his wife - and Quinn's slight hesitation as she was lifted up on her team's shoulders made him wonder.  He'd have to talk to her about it later - he'd let them enjoy their victory for the night, but if she wasn't perfectly content then he'd have to fix that.  His only job, as far as he was concerned, was Quinn's happiness, and if it wasn't total then it wasn't good enough for him.  He watched as she made eye contact with Santana and smiled, glad to see the connection between them was as strong as ever.  Once she was down on his level he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.  "Want to go and say hi to her?" he gestured out to the seats.  "I'm going to take everyone out for dinner, but if you want to go and talk to her first, everyone will be fine with waiting..."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Sectionals

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“You are…” Quinn rolled her eyes before they would narrow in on him as he continued on his spiel. “Yeah, yeah… have I told you lately that I love you?” she leaned her head in over his shoulder and spoke softly, returning the squeeze to his hand. She wasn’t Rachel Berry, wasn’t quite so sure of herself. Jesse was right though, right about the applause, the support from her teammates… though sarcastic about it, Quinn couldn’t stop the smile from tugging at her lips. Keeping ahold of his hands as they waited for the results, time seeming to tick by as slowly as possible. Third place announced, not them, Quinn’s grip got tighter until they announced them as the winners. A quick hug to her husband first, she skipped up ahead to take the trophy, grinning broadly. The New Directions hadn’t ever lost Sectionals, it wasn’t a first in that sense, but it had only been just once that it was a large part to her doing. Holding the trophy above her head as she rejoined her team, another hand taking one side of the trophy, her now free arm wrapping around Jesse once more. “And this is just the first step..” she muttered into his ear.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"I love you more," Jesse murmured, watching the tension in her face as they waited for the results.  It was astounding to him what the time in Schuester's gong show of a choir had done to her - stripped her of all the cockiness she should have felt up there on that stage, made her doubt just how incredible she was.  But the smile on her face as she hugged him and retrieved the large trophy from the judges made everything worthwhile.  Her teammates swarmed around them, all of them cheering and whooping, but the noise and the people faded away as Quinn's free arm wrapped around his waist.  "Damn straight," he whispered back, the proud smile never leaving his face.  "Next up, Regionals - and then Nationals.  And you're going to be hoisting the first place trophy at each and every one of them."  He reached out and tapped the trophy once in celebration, his eyes finding Santana in the crowd and grinning at the way she was standing on her seat and cheering.  This was Quinn's moment, and she'd earned every second of it.  Stepping back, he looked out at the crowd and gestured at Quinn, the volume of their cheers increasing in response.  Even her teammates applauded, before picking her up on their shoulders as he laughed and whistled.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Sectionals

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

Quinn didn’t think on anything besides what she needed to pull of the performance to perfection. That wasn’t needed. She knew that those she cared for were out there in the audience watching her, her husband, her best friends, her family. Those who were there with other intentions might as well have not mattered, if they were there at all. This was her moment, and no one was going to take it away from her. As Jesse had said, she deserved it, and that was that. 

Feeling genuinely good about herself once back stage, she gave a few of her teammates congratulatory hugs, surprised that everyone seemed to think they had this in the bag. This sort of confidence wasn’t something so easily found back in the New Directions, but better yet, this sort of confidence felt good. Hanging back in the green room opposed to watching the other performances, Quinn jumped up from her seat once she spotted Jesse enter the room. Grinning smugly, though she would feign modesty, as he pointed her out, she rolled her eyes some, smiling at a boy beside her who’d placed his hand on her shoulder. Hanging back with Jesse once they were headed out, she laced her fingers with his, his arm around her shoulder. “I love you too, and let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet…” she grinned teasingly, nudging his side with her elbow.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"Who's getting ahead of themselves?" Jesse scoffed.  "You were flawless.  There's not a way on Earth that the judges could do anything but hand us that first place trophy.  You know it, I know it, your teammates know it - this is what winning looks like.  I know you won - that the New Directions won - sometimes, but you never carried yourselves like winners.  That's the difference.  I look at you, I see that spark in your eyes and the smiles on all your teammates' faces, and I know.  You're winners and you know it."  He gave her fingers a squeeze, leading her out onto the stage and taking their place next to the rest of Vocal Adrenaline.  The wait as the results were announced always seemed to take years, but once the third-place team was named he began to smile - a smile that only became bigger as they were announced as winners.  Stepping back, he released Quinn and pointed to the trophy.  This was her moment, and he was going to stay out of her spotlight.  "Go get it," he prompted her.  "It's all yours..."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Sectionals

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

Quinn let her nerves sink away as she stepped onto the stage. A deep breath in and then out, the nerves gone with it. There was nothing to be nervous about, she’d rehearsed this song over and over again, until she was virtually sick of it, more than several times to perfection, there was no reason that perfection couldn’t be repeated now that it counted. The nerves gone, Quinn closed her eyes, and softly with the music, she began to sing….

I can’t run anymore, I fall before you, Here I am, I have nothing left, Though I’ve tried to forget, You’re all that I am, Take me home, I’m through fighting it, Broken, Lifeless, I give up, You’re my only strength, Without you, I can’t go on, Anymore, Ever again….

Hitting each note as rehearsed, not paying attention to the relaxed dance routine going on around her, the blonde simply allowed herself to become lost in the music. Not until the song was over did she let her eyes scan the audience for a familiar face or two. A graceful nod and a smile later, she stood from the stool and walked off stage. For what had to be the first time ever, at least where Glee Club was concerned, genuinely having a good feeling about her performance.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Jesse could see it from his seat - the moment when Quinn set her nerves aside and became the performer he knew she was.  The look in her eyes changed, the way she carried herself, everything about her screamed professional.  Even more importantly, everything about her screamed winner.  There was no way the judges wouldn't see it - so before she even opened her mouth to sing, he already knew they couldn't lose.  Sitting back in his seat, never letting go of Santana's hand, he watched with both the trained eye of a coach and the passionate eye of a husband as she made her way through what was one of Amy Lee's most complex songs, hitting every note and every tempo change perfectly as the dancers behind her kept pace in what was a simple, elegant routine.  As the last notes faded into the air, he all but leapt from his chair to applaud her, Santana whistling loudly enough to deafen him in one ear.  It had been letter-perfect, as he'd always known it would be, and the reaction of the crowd told him everything he needed to know. When the other two choirs had performed, he excused himself to join his in the green room as they waited for the judges to deliberate.

"You guys - all of you - were amazing.  There's no way in hell we could lose after a performance like that.  Becca," he singled out one of the dancers, "that was flawless.  I want you training everyone on the choreography for next time.  And I think we'd be remiss if we didn't give a hand to our MVP, our lead soloist - Quinn, take a bow.  You were flawless, and everyone in this room knows it - but more importantly those judges know it.  I'm so damn proud of you - of all of you.  This is our year.  We're going to Nationals, and we're damn well going to win."  The lights dimmed.  "Let's go pick up our trophy, alright?  Then we're going out for dinner."  As they walked out, he looped an arm around Quinn's shoulders and whispered in her ear.  "You're a star.  You absolutely killed it out there, and I love you so damn much."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Sectionals

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“You’re right… I shouldn’t be getting nervous…” This wasn’t like her, it wasn’t Quinn Fabray, not the Quinn Fabray that she wanted to be, the Quinn Fabray who would get out there and show them all what she was worth. So much more than anyone from the New Directions ever pegged her for being. While some, namely Rachel, would be out there to size her, aka the competition up, there were others who were there for other reasons, real reasons, because they cared. They were the only ones who mattered, her friends. Even Mr. Schuester she didn’t think would be out there with ill intent now that she was thinking straight. Giving Jesse a quick kiss as the lights dimmed before rushing out to meet up with her teammates, reassured by a few of them. No sooner had she met up, that they were called onto stage. The spotlight on stage for her, Quinn ventured out and into it, aware of everyone behind her, she placed her hand on the mic and closed her eyes, waiting for her cue as the first notes of the piano began to play.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The kiss was perfect, just enough to let him know that she's got everything under control, and he knows that the rest of her team will stand behind her as much as she needs.  People criticize Vocal Adrenaline and their "soulless" approach, but he's always know that wasn't true.  The difference between other choirs, like the New Directions, and his own was that there was no backbiting, no desperately seeking to dethrone the lead soloist.  A soloist was chosen, and they had the full and complete support of their team for as long as they were the star.  And right now, it was Quinn's turn.  Squeezing Santana's hand, he took a breath as all the lights dimmed but the brilliant spotlight trained on his wife.  The music began to play and he waited for the magic to happen, for her to show everyone that it was her time now.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Sectionals

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

There was nothing to be worried about, and Quinn felt silly for even doing as much the moment that she caught Jesse’s eye. He knew, of course he knew, he always seemed to even when she was trying her hardest to hide certain emotions away. When everyone was gone sans the pair, Quinn didn’t look up to meet his gaze, not immediately, not until he finished talking. “I know… and you’re right. It’s just… different now. I’m still getting used to it. I know that I talked about this forever, transferring and doing well here, and now it’s all officially happening. I know that some of them are out there, and… I’m being ridiculous, aren’t I?” she turned around to face him and shook her head. Since when was she this sort of nervous. Well, it was more her being self conscious than her being nervous. About to lean in for a kiss when the lights backstage dimmed, meaning that now was time. Pulling away instead, Quinn breathed deeply, once, twice… and moved towards the door, opening it up to step out.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"You're not being ridiculous," he assured her.  "You were with the McKinley club for so long, this is different and a bit weird.  It's the first time you've ever been able to be the star, the first time everyone's been here to see you.  Just don't look out in the crowd and see your ex-teammates.  Look out there and see your friends.  They want you to succeed as much as you do, and no one's here to judge you or look down on you.  You can do this, I promise."  He leaned in to meet her lips - only for her to pull away when the lights dimmed.  Getting up and following after her, he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze and walks in the other direction, away from the stage and toward the seats.  In the old days, he would have wanted to stand there and be close to his performers, but he wants to give Quinn a friendly face to look at if she can't find another in the audience.  As he sat, he feels Santana ruffle his hair from her seat behind his and chuckles.  "Glad you're here," he smiled.  "I know she is too."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Sectionals

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

Nervous… what was there to be nervous about? Really, nothing. Quinn knew that she had this number down, it was nothing at all complicated, definitely not when held to comparison with some of the things she’d once done on the Cheerios, and yet here she was, nervous as could be. It wasn’t even as if they were facing off against the New Directions just yet, the only group that Quinn really was worried about facing off against, though some of its members would be in the audience. If anything, that was what made her more nervous than anything else. She was about to make her debut as the lead of Vocal Adrenaline, this was somewhere she never would have seen herself in a million years just one year ago. Standing off in the corner, trying to pull herself together, that working well enough, she pulled herself away from that corner once Jesse stepped into the room, returning his bright smile with a nervous one. No show circle, things done much differently in Vocal Adrenaline, rather everyone just agreeing to what they had to do, simple as that. Everyone starting to file out, Quinn hovered back some, perfecting her hair in the mirror.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Jesse gave each member of the team a pat on the back as they walked by him, murmuring encouragement and wishing them good luck.  Not that they needed luck - all they needed to do was perform as they were capable, and all would be well.  Quinn's smile, though, gave him pause.  This wasn't the smile of a girl who was ready to take on the world, the kind of smile she would have let loose back in the day before dominating a cheerleading competition so badly that no other team had a chance.  It was a smile of nerves and worry, the kind of smile the judges would see through in a second.  Once the room was cleared but for the two of them, he stepped closer and met her gaze in the mirror.  "Hey," he whispered.  "You're going to do great, you know.  This is what you were born to do, and I have all the faith in the world in you."  He gave her shoulder a squeeze.  "This is what you wanted, right?  A chance to stand under the spotlight and let all those people see just how amazing you are?  You're Quinn Fabray - you can do anything.  Anything you want.  Don't hesitate, don't doubt, just believe."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Sectionals

It was time, at last.  Quinn's first competition as the lead of Vocal Adrenaline, and Jesse all but strutted around the building.  They had this so completely in the bag that it was almost boring - almost.  He wouldn't have missed it for the world, though, because it was going to be his first chance to see her under the spotlight where she belonged, the star of her choir and the shining star that would lead the rest of Vocal Adrenaline to their first trophy of the season.  He'd had them in rehearsals almost non-stop for the two weeks before competition, and Quinn was completely on point, owning the Amy Lee number he'd chosen with her every single time.  All that was left was to do it in front of the judges.  Heading down the hall to their green room, he knocked and let himself in.  "Alright," he announced himself, "gather around please."  He waited for them, giving Quinn a bright smile.  "You're on next.  The first choir out there was weak, and this is your chance to impress the judges by bringing everything they didn't.  Everyone follow Quinn's lead, and focus on your timing.  You've got this, just go out and take it.  Ready?"

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The Start of Something New || St. Fabray

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“Where there’s a will there’s a way.” she glared at him out of the corner of her eye, elbowing him in the side once she’d scooted closer. “And if you had disputed that fact I’d have had to prove you otherwise….” Quinn grinned slyly, leaning in to nip lightly at his neck before pulling away once more. Even months into their marriage, Quinn was still and would likely always be a tease. Things just weren’t any fun without it. Not that Quinn would ever openly admit that she was a tease, and she’s more than likely become upset with anyone who claimed as much, even if she knew aspects of it to be true. “And I found the better… after winding up with Finn twice… still.” she shrugged lightly, letting out a sigh. That whole part of her life had been no more than one mess after the other. “I think it’s just an example that he’s really not as bad as you think he is. Like I said,he could be sweet from time to time, just enough to remind me why I was with him in the first place.” Another shrug, Quinn dropped a few more rasinettes into her mouth then took a sip of her soda. “You made it out alive, and that just means you’ll have to dance with me some other time. I will have prom at Carmel, you know…”

[consultant-stjames-blog]

Jesse oversold the elbow, pretending she'd knocked the wind out of him for a moment before grinning.  The nip at the soft skin of his neck made him shiver, and he gave her a mock glare.  "I'm pretty sure you've proven that many a time by now, but if you felt the need to I guess there's not much I could do about it, is there?"  He didn't mind that she was a tease - it was one of the things he liked about her most, truth be told.  She always left him wanting just a little bit more than she had any intention of giving him, and while it drove him crazy he really didn't mind at all.  "We all make mistakes," he said a bit sadly, remembering that time of his life with the same regret.  The time he'd wasted on Rachel, the way she'd stuck the knife in his back just as he thought they were going somewhere.  "I don't know - makes me wonder if someone told him what to buy, honestly."  He sipped his beer as the screen flared to life in the dark, signalling the impending start of the movie.  "You will," he nodded, pretending to think it over.  "I can't wait for that, actually.  It's about time you had a real prom.  With a real date."  He kissed her cheek, settling in.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The Start of Something New || St. Fabray

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“And if you were president and made than an order, I’d be forced to flee the country. Italy was nice… though I wouldn’t mind seeing some place else, some place you know nothing about.” She stuck her tongue out in return, laughing as well with a playful roll of the eye. “Every lawyer hmm? I’ still pretty sure I can be convincing enough if I had to be. Even the richest of men will fall to the woes of a woman scorned.” She’d seen enough movies to know that, just one could give you that impression. Plus, boys were desperate, always… in the heat of a moment they’d he hard pressed to say no, not that this was more than a hypothetical conversation by any means. “I sense the slightest bit of jealously in your tone, Jesse St. James. Don’t worry, Finn was never as romantic as you, not even close.” she shook her head, smiling to him and then looking towards the screen, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink at his words. “I was surprised too, he picked out something that matched my eyes perfectly.” One of those few romantic moments from Finn, it was probably a good thing that she didn’t know the truth behind it. “It was too bad that he had to ruin the rest of my night. I might have taken you up on that offer for a dance if you hadn’t been thrown out.”

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"Tsk tsk," Jesse shook his head.  "If I was president, I'd just ban you from leaving the country.  You'd be on the no fly list, and all the ports would have your picture.  There's no escaping me that easily, I assure you."  He pretended to twirl a moustache he didn't actually have.  "Italy was nice, though, I will agree with you on that one - and I'll definitely agree that you could convince any guy anywhere to do your bidding.  There's no disputing that whatsoever."  He grinned a slightly embarassed grin.  "Maybe a little.  I just don't like the idea of that zombie with you.  Not when you deserved so much better."  He's pleasantly surprised to see the blush in her cheeks, and reminds himself to compliment her more often, particularly when she's not expecting it.  It's not easy to make Quinn Fabray blush, but it's a nice victory when it happens.  "It will forever be a mystery how he even remembered what color your eyes are," he shook his head.  "And I'd have loved to dance with you.  But since the oaf managed to get me thrown out on top of getting himself ejected, I pretty much just went home after that.  I still can't believe he had the balls to swing at me, though.  I figured he was going to walk away, he almost ended up tagging me."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The Start of Something New || St. Fabray

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“You’re delusional, that’s why.” she replied with an airy tone of voice, as if she could care less though inwardly she was struggling not to laugh. After what happened with Puck, having Beth… the entirety of her Sophomore year, Quinn was more than hesitant about getting intimate with someone fully again. It was hard enough for her to simply trust anyone, after Finn dumped her, she’d been sure that she’d never find someone to open up to again, but that was when Jesse stepped into the picture. Even in her most desperate of moments, meltdowns more or less, he’d still kept to what he knew she wanted. It was the little things like that, that meant the world to Quinn. “If you say so. I like to think that I can be pretty convincing when I want to be.” she looked over and tipped him a wink. No way was she, or would she at this point in time consider divorcing him. She couldn’t see herself doing so at all. They’d been through too much together, Jesse would have to screw up badly for things to go down that path. “I know that you have a hard time believing it, but if he didn’t have his moments I wouldn’t have dated him twice, now would I have?” she stated matter-of-factly. Leaning in closer to him, she held the hand of the arm wrapped around her shoulder lightly, toying her fingers with his. “You should tell me what was on your mind then.”

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"Delusional?  Moi?  Please - if I was delusional, that would mean I wasn't elected President, and I couldn't mandate you staying with me by executive order."  He stuck his tongue out a little, laughing.  "And I know exactly how convincing you can be, trust me, but I pay all the lawyers really well.  They won't let you divorce me."  He shook his head solemnly.  "I'm sorry, Miss Fabray, it seems you're stuck here for life."  He'd never give her a reason to divorce him, of course, not in real life.  Not outside of these silly conversations.  He loved her, utterly and completely, and if he every did anything that upset her that much he only hoped that she'd talk to him about it first.  "I suppose," he agreed.  "I just can't believe that potato-head contained anything remotely romantic.  I'm surprised there was enough room in it for anything other than his own ego, really."  He toyed with her fingers in return, smiling.  "What was on my mind was you.  That dress was...it was perfect.  Completely and absolutely perfect.  And that wrist corsage - I still can't believe he was smart enough to pick out something that flattering.  You really were stunning, and I remember how absurd I thought it was, that someone like him had ended up with someone as perfect as you."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The Start of Something New || St. Fabray

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“At least you think you are.”  Quinn held in a laugh as he popped up his collar, finding it harder to hold in the more that he continued. Jesse had proved to her, on multiple occasions, that their relationship wasn’t all about sex. He seemed to have no trouble with her wanting to wait, even stopped things a few times himself, times when it wouldn’t have been right. Quinn had, had her share of meltdowns throughout her time dating Jesse, many of which concerning the relationship between her and both of her parents. Every now and then she did wonder what they were up to, if they were still together after reuniting behind her back. That was a part of her that she didn’t like admitting existed, wishing that she could simply say good riddance and be done with it. “I’m sure I could find a lawyer willing to help, if I really wanted to.” she narrowed her eyes at him, chuckling at the thought of her time spent with Puck and Finn. “Finn had a few moments, believe it or not… as did Puck, but a date, no. His idea of a date was going back to his place with wine coolers.” she said with a certain bitterness in her voice that wasn’t so easily hid. “So this is some kind of special place for you?” she rose a brow, flipping up the centerpiece between the seats to scoot closer to him. “And that’s sweet, I think, as long as it wasn’t said just to tick off Finn, which I’m sure it wasn’t.”

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"Oh, I know I am, baby," Jesse curled his lip - and then laughed loudly at how stupid he felt doing it.  As strange as it would have sounded if he'd told himself about it years earlier, one of the best parts of his relationship with Quinn was that they hadn't had sex right away.  She'd been strong-willed enough to tell him exactly what she wanted, which was to wait, and he'd been strong enough to stop himself a few times when going any further would have meant a betrayal of her wishes.  He wouldn't do that - not when there was so much at stake between them, when their relationship was so much more than anything he'd experienced before her.  He couldn't have lived with himself if it had been ruined by rushing into sex that neither of them was ready for.  "It's ironclad, no lawyers would touch this, I promise."  He grinned.  "I have a hard time believing Finn has any moments that involve him being any more than adequate."  He didn't address the comment about Puck, because he knew what she was referring to and that it wasn't something that was up for conversation.  He pulled her tighter to him when she moved the center console, leaning over to kiss her cheek.  "It's special, but there's not a great story or anything - it's just a place I've always liked, and that few people appreciate.  Only the smart ones."  He smiled softly at her.  "And I can assure you, Finn was the last thing on my mind just then."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The Start of Something New || St. Fabray

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“No, I’ve known all along, but I’ve always figured that I could somehow change you.” Quinn replied with a heavy sigh. If Jesse were being one-hundred precent serious with all of his sex comments, the truth of the matter was that he wouldn’t be getting any. He knew that as well as she did. If she believed for even a second that the only reason he’d opted to marry her was to get her in between the sheets, she’d have never said yes. Hell, if that were the case and she had fallen for it, there was more than a chance that they wouldn’t still be together. “I’m sure there’s a lawyer somewhere who’d be willing to help a pretty blonde whose been tricked under false pretenses to marrying someone else.” she lifted her shoulders and shrugged, smirking at his reaction to her finger tracing over his neck. “I wouldn’t use anything against you, not unless you asked me to.” Once they’d pulled into the spot, Quinn relaxed back in her seat, dropping a few Rasinettes into her mouth. She smacked him playfully at his necking comment, again rolling her eyes at him. “Well, maybe they weren’t all as sly as you. Remember, I was dating Finn a good majority of that time, and Puck wasn’t exactly Prince Charming.” She feigned shock for a moment, setting down her box of candy, she slowly leaned over to breathe into his neck, “But it’s a prime necking location….” Really, she was surprised that he’d never brought a girl there before, but at the same time she definitely didn’t mind it. She actually liked the fact that she was the first. “And so… compliments like that were reserved just for me? Even though we were far from dating?” she rose a brow, pulling away slightly.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"There's no changing me, baby."  Jesse flipped the collar of his shirt up, doing a horrible James Dean impression.  "I'm a rebel without a cause.  I'm a rolling stone.  A wolf without a pack."  It was an absurdity, of course, like the rest of the conversation - he wasn't the kind of guy who'd marry someone just to get them into bed, and Quinn was smart enough to have seen through him if that was his only goal anyway.  She respected herself too much to be in a relationship like that, and that was just another reason he loved her.  "Oh, that wouldn't help.  The lawyers would tell you it's an ironclad deal, so I'm afraid you're stuck here forever."  He chuckled softly as she chewed her raisinettes, thinking about her previous suitors.  "Fair point.  Finn wouldn't have known romantic if it bit him on the ass, and Puck's idea of a good time probably didn't involve anything outside of the bedroom.  Did he ever even take you on a date, or...no, he didn't, did he?  Typical."  He shivered and tightened the arm he had around her when she breathed softly against his neck.  "It is," he nodded, "but I never had anyone special enough to bring here with me."  When she asked about the compliments he'd given her, he colored a little.  "I've never said anything like that to anyone but you.  It didn't matter whether we were dating or not, it was still the truth."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The Start of Something New || St. Fabray

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“You are such a pig….” Quinn shook her head disgustedly, glancing to him out of the corner of her eye, she smirked ever so slightly. The truth of the matter was, Jesse was her husband, sure he said piggish things, yes, she was sure that he meant a good bit of it, but there was no doubt that, that wasn’t all there was to their relationship. “So you tricked me then. I didn’t exactly have time to read over the contract seeing as you were so eager to get married right that moment.” she chuckled, elbowing him from across the car. “I should have known that you were up to something.” she released a deep sigh and laid her head back against the head rest. “I did no such thing.” she shrugged, giving him her most innocent glance. “You just can’t say no to me.” she took a finger and traced it along his neck lightly with a teasing grin before dropping that finger down his arm. Taking the snacks into her lap, Quinn took a sip of the coke before placing it into the cupholder between their seats. “No, actually. It’s kind of… sad actually. I mean, I’ve always wanted to go, but never really got around to doing so… or to find anyone else around who actually wanted to come along. I can’t imagine a drive-in movie being much fun without company.” she tipped him a wink, unbuckling her seatbelt, sitting forward some to take his jacket off now that the car was nice and toasty. “What about you? I bet you were the guy who took all the girl’s here back in high school, telling them all they were the ghosts of whoever was on screen that night.”

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"I'm stunned you're just figuring this out now," Jesse waggled his eyebrows.  He caught her smirk and couldn't help a grin of his own.  Ninety percent of the things he said along that line were simply to rile Quinn up, and the rest was only half-serious.  He liked to consider himself a little bit better than the sex-obsessed peons that seemed to dominate high school.  Did he enjoy it?  There was no doubt.  But he hadn't married Quinn because of her body, he'd married her because she was the most incredible woman he'd ever met.  Mind, body and soul, she fascinated him.  "Hah!" he pretended to twirl a mustache he didn't have.  "My plan worked perfectly.  And now the contract is safely locked away, so I'm afraid you're stuck here forever."  Squirming a little as she ran a finger down his neck, he couldn't help but laugh.  "You're right about that.  It's just unfortunate that you know it, because it seems like the kind of thing you could use against me."  He parked the car about halfway back from the screen and tuned the radio to the station the movie's sound would be broadcast on.  "That's a travesty," he shook his head.  "There should have been boys lining up to take you to the movies.  After all, it's a prime necking location."  He sipped his beer, setting it in the other cupholder.  "And you're the only person I've ever called the ghost of anyone, so no.  I came here a couple times with Vocal Adrenaline, but I've never brought a girl here."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The Start of Something New || St. Fabray

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“Sure… excuses, excuses…” Quinn tsk’d and shook her head, of course she’d happily oblige him once it got down to it. She let out a gasp at his next words, holding back a laugh, “I didn’t sign up for that when I agreed to marry you…” Giving him a look, she rolled her eyes and looked away. Quinn found Jesse much more readable than he liked to believe that he was, but maybe that was just her. She liked to think that she knew her husband better than anyone else did, it was selfish in a sense, maybe, but when it came to Jesse, Quinn just assumed the right. “You should… we both know that you can’t say no to me.” she waggled her eyebrows at him suggestively. “I think I learned a while ago that it was better not to let it get to me… I mean, it still does, especially when it’s those who are supposed to be my friends doing it… but if they cared, they’d understand.” Hell, even Santana had been supportive of her decision. Not without a few guilt trips, but Quinn understood that unlike some of the others, Santana was just going to miss her. “I can’t wait either, and it starts with Sectionals.” she smiled to him, slumming down slightly in her seat, she rested her head along his arm. “You can’t see a movie without popcorn, and maybe just a coke. Whatever you’d like. Oh, and raisinettes.” nodding decisively, her gaze looked out towards her window.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"What can I say?" Jesse smiled.  "I have no shortage of excuses to want to curl up with you.  It's too cold.  It's too warm.  It's too dry.  I'm not feeling well.  Honestly, whatever it takes to get you naked and next to me is fine, I'll say it."  He laughed at her protestation, shaking his head.  "I'm afraid you should have read the marriage contract more closely, Quinn.  You signed up for everything."  He made a face, winking at her before bursting out laughing.  He nodded agreement to her next words, though.  "You're right about that much.  I think it's a psychological problem, honestly.  I want to say no, but then my brain goes numb and I just agree to whatever you want.  Sometimes I wonder if you didn't plant some kind of post-hypnotic suggestions or something one night when I was drunk."  The way she talked about her friends, about those that held her decision against her, made him a little angry.  All they had talked about in his time at McKinley was how the Glee Club was a family, but apparently that didn't extend to anyone who wanted to better themselves.  She was better off without them, but he knew it stung all the same.  "I think that's the best attitude to take, even if it hurts," he smiled, kissing her cheek.  "Popcorn, coke, raisinettes."  He repeated the list to the guy at the snack bar, along with a beer, and passed the snacks to Quinn before finding a spot.  "Ever been to one of these?"

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The Start of Something New || St. Fabray

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

“Oh, no… I won’t be warming you up if the coldness is making you stronger… You’re all ‘manly,’ you can deal.” Quinn fought back a chuckle, covering her mouth with the palm of her hand. Rolling her eyes with a smirk as Jesse verbally ignored her question, though she knew, that smirk she swore she caught as he walked past the front of the car to get to his side would give it all away. Though, of course, she wouldn’t say anything, she’d let him think that he was being clever… for now. “As always when you drive. I think it should be as always I’m the DJ. I seem to have a knack for getting you to pick what I want the few times you let me drive.” It had been months since her accident, but still Quinn preferred it when someone else drove. Less focus and less stress on her part, not dealing with her mind wandering back at random. Realistically, she should have been completely over it by now, but things were easier said than done. Seeing as Quinn couldn’t stop trying not to think back, she almost always wound up doing so. Leaning into him some as his arm found it’s place around her shoulders, she looked over to him as he spoke. “I’m glad too, to be honest. From what I hear at least a few of them are as well, the ones who don’t think I’m some kind of traitor at least.” she shook her head, not really too bothered by it anymore; they’d think what they wanted to think. “I’m ready for it, I want this year to be different. I’m not going to feel sorry for doing better.” shrugging, she finally picked a song on the ipod, turning on a little Simon & Garfunkel.

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"Hey, part of being manly is knowing when to curl up with a hot girl," Jesse protested with a laugh.  "So you're not allowed to refuse, else I'll hit you with a club and drag you back to my cave."  He'd never been the caveman type and she knew it, but it made for a good joke.  He did his best to keep the smile from his face as he walked past the car, but he'd also never been great at holding in his emotions.  One only had to witness the triumphant scene of Vocal Adrenaline's first win over the New Directions to know that he didn't hold anything back.  That wasn't what great performers did.  "Hmm," he thought out loud, "you've got a point there.  I should just declare you permanent DJ and be done with it, shouldn't I?"  He didn't mind, really - she had excellent taste in music, and he couldn't recall her ever putting something on the stereo that he disagreed with.  And she didn't drive that often anyway - understandable after what had happened.  He wouldn't have been big on driving either, not after an accident like that.  "I think that's a healthy attitude," Jesse shrugged.  "Any of them who want to say anything about it are just jealous that you're going to be on the winning side this year while they're not" He gave her shoulder a squeeze.  "I can't wait for you to start hoisting trophies, Quinn.  It's what you were made for - why the Cheerios was a good fit for you."  He nodded approvingly at her song selection, tapping a finger on the steering wheel as he drove.  "Do you want to stop and pick up anything to drink before we park?  I'm not going to get you blitzed on a school night, obviously, but if you wanted a beer or something to go with your popcorn..."

[consultant-stjames-blog]

The Start of Something New || St. Fabray

[ghost-of-gracekelly]

Where they’d be even a year from now was a complete mystery to Quinn. The one thing that she felt that she could still count on was the fact that she would be with him. College wise, she’d yet to really think about it. Stuck on what she wanted to do in the long run with her life, Quinn tired not to think about it, much less discuss it. Keeping things bottled up until it was too late, that was the Quinn Fabray way. Anytime that she did begin to think about it, she’d shrug it off with the thought that she still had plenty of time. They hadn’t even competed in Sectionals yet, the first competition of the year, there was really more than plenty of time. It was just too bad that, that time was ticking out. Still, she’d yet to even really open up to Jesse about it, talking to him about it meant facing it all herself. “Doesn’t everything look good on me?” she rose a teasing brow and returned his kiss. “You can always borrow mine if you get cold, or I’ll keep you warm.” she winked before stepping away. Following him outside, she curtsied before getting into the passenger seat. “Wow, you’re being awfully charming tonight. You’re hoping to get something, aren’t you?”

[consultant-stjames-blog]

"That is true," Jesse grinned.  "Everything does, especially nothing.  And no worries, I'm all manly, the cold just makes me stronger - but I won't turn down an offer to warm me up..." he raised an eyebrow at her teasing question, but didn't reply as he shut the door behind her.  Heading around and climbing into the passenger seat of the Range Rover, he gave it a start and gestured to the radio.  "As always, passenger DJs."  Not that it was going to be a long drive to the theater, but he and Quinn shared their deep love of music and any drive was going to be accompanied by either the radio or their own singing.  It was good practice for them both - she needed it more than he did, since he didn't have to sing on a regular basis anymore, but he didn't want to get out of practice either.  He couldn't exactly lead a winning show choir if he couldn't sing himself - a mistake that the Carmel faculty had made in hiring Goolsby was that he had absolutely no talent of his own beyond looking incredibly douchey.  The Akron roads were quiet, and Jesse had the lane to himself as he reached over and put an arm around Quinn's shoulders.  "I'm kind of glad," he confessed, "that we can have our Sectionals and Regionals without you having to take down Schuester's misfits.  I think it's good that you'll get some competitions under your belt first, because I know it's going to be tough for you to see them - some of them, at least.  By the time we get to Nationals, though, you're going to be ready.  You won't be overjoyed about beating them, I'm sure, but you'll be able to enjoy it at least."