The last week for Tom had been rough, there was a lot going on and to say he was overwhelmed and stressed was an understatement. The Brit knew the feelings would pass and things would slowly begin to resolve themselves until there was no stress, but he still wished he could escape and get away for a few days and let go of everything. Currently, there wasn’t a lot happening with his job and he was finically stable enough to get up and go. Paris had been rotating in his brain heavily the past week or two and he wanted nothing more than to return to the city, speak an entirely different language and involve himself with the culture, as if he were someone else, as much as he loved being himself. Not long ago, had Tom and Lizzie confessed the raw and true feelings they’ve been harboring for each other, and he knew, while he wanted to get away, he didn’t want to be alone. Nonetheless in one of the most romantic cities the world had to offer. He wasn’t trying to be lonely in the process.
So, Tom booked two flights for the both of them for Paris later this evening, a hotel, several reservations to museums and for tours and his favorite restaurants. He packed a carry on suitcase and his laptop and paid his neighbor to look after Bobby. He knew better than to do something like this but he had a feeling Lizzie wouldn’t say no. Tom loaded the carry on and laptop bag into the back of his F-Pace, and began to make the short drive to Lizzie’s place, turning off the vehicle and making his way to the door. He gave a knock before entering in, calling out her name. When she came around, as happy as ever, Tom’s lips formed into a grin as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing a brief but sweet kiss to her lips, every problem melting away. “If I told you to pack your bags for a week, would you do it?” He asked. “I’ve booked us a flight to somewhere that takes off in less than four hours. I just need some time away from everything, if you can’t or don’t want to, that’s okay, but I’d love for you to come.” @lizzieolxen
Where: Jackie’s Apartment
When: January 30th
Warnings: none just adorableness
Word Count: 2,825
Jackie was humming to herself as she was moving around the kitchen. She had music from her dance classes on as she was making dinner. Her hips swaying to the music, a smile on her face. One that had been so easily put on her face these last couple days. And all because of one person, and that person was Santana. She couldn’t make words for it but god...being with her was an amazing feeling she had not gotten the pleasure to experience yet. All she could do was enjoy it because she didn’t want to think too much especially with all the chaos going on. So she shook her head and moved her attention back to making dinner for the both of them.
Santana sighed as she arrived back at Jackie's early that evening, using the key Jackie had lent her and letting herself into the apartment. She paused for a moment, leaning back against the door and biting her lip. This - this was the right thing. Jackie was the right thing or her, she had to be. She took a deep breath, smiling slowly and then moving out toward the kitchen. "Babe? I'm back-"
Jackie started to sing along to the song almost in her own little world as her hips and body moved to the music. She didn’t didn’t even notice Santana walking in until she heard her voice. Causing her to jump slightly and turn around. A grin growing on her lips along with a blush across her cheeks. Almost as red as her lipstick. “Tana, hello gorgeous.” She turned the food off that was done just in time and took a few steps towards the girl. “Sorry got a little lost while cooking.”
Santana blinked for a second, glancing between the pans and the gorgeous girl in front of her. She smiled, stepping close and taking her hands in hers. "You know, you don't have to cook for me every night, baby."
Jackie laced their fingers and squeezed them softly. “I know I don’t have to, but I want to.” She brought one of her hands up to her lips to kiss her knuckles. “Plus I finally have someone to show off my cooking skills to of course I will do as much of it as possible.”
Santana shook her head with a soft smile, lifting a hand free to gently lifting up Jackie's chin, leaning in to kiss her softly, not realising her chest is aching or that a tear has run down her cheek as she pulls back.
Jackie couldn’t help but smile against her lips when she kissed her. But only for a moment until she kissed her back. Her hand moving on top of her arm that moved up. Although that smile quickly faded when she pulled back and saw the tear. Her hands quickly moved to cup her cheeks and wipe the tear. “Santana, darling...what’s wrong? Did I say something?” She asked softly trying to search her eyes for any answer.
Santana's lips parted slightly, and she blinked through another couple tears as she met Jackie's eyes, smiling a little shakily. "Jackie - I - I think I love you-" she paused, "Fuck, no I didn't mean to fuck that up, I didn't mean 'think'. I - I'm falling in love with you. And it's fucking terrifying but you make my day instantly better just by smiling at me, and I just - I'm choosing you, that is - if you want to choose me .... I love you."
Jackie jaw probably dropped at what she heard Santana said. She tried to quickly pick it back up and blink a few times to make sure it wasn’t all a dream. “Tana...” she managed to whisper out. No one has ever said those words to her... not like this. And the even crazier part what that this must have been that feeling that had been fluttering in her mind and heart. A feeling she never felt or thought she would feel for awhile. A small smile grew on her lips. Her fingers moving along her cheek bones. “I’m falling for you too, Santana...I haven’t...no one has...” she tried to say then let out a shaky breath and just smiled at her.
Santana tugged her closer, a hand lifting to cup her cheek as she smiled nervously, "You are?" she whispered, blinking back her tears and biting her lip as she looked at her.
Jackie just nodded, “I was trying to figure out if there was a word for what I was feeling...” She started letting one of her arms wrapped around her. “And I think you just put words to it.”
"I love you," she whispered again, her heart aching, holding Jackie tight against her, closing her eyes, their foreheads still resting together.
“God that sounds so wonderful coming you.” She mumbled out, moving her head slightly so their noses could brush together. “No one has...god.” She muttered noticing she was rambling again. “I...I love you too.”
Santana grinned softly, rocking slightly as she she held her, closing her eyes and sighing softly. "Fuck, I was so scared about what you'd say."
Jackie let her eyes flutter closed as well to just take in the moment. A breathless chuckle leaving her lips. “Scared? Tana...I have adored you for so long. You always had some hold on me.”
"I didn't know if it was - was more, though. I - honestly, I've only just realised it myself. How much you make everything better for me."
“That is all I ever wanted...” she whispered, “to make things better for you...to make you happy. And I was willing to be whatever you would let me be to make that happen.”
"Jackie-" she whispered, nudging her nose again hers as she blinked open her eyes, "I only ever want you to be you , don't you know that?"
Jackie let out a soft hum in response to her name, squeezing her eyes shut for a moment at what she said before opening them. "I...yes." She whispered her eyes soft having to take a moment to have the confidence behind her words.
Santana ran her thumb over Jackie's cheek, breathing out a little shakily, smiling softly and leaning in to kiss her gently. She pulled back after another moment, "I - I should probably tell you about Dani, though.... I think i do anyway,"
Seeing Santana's smile made her own grow, something that she had always been able to do. That smile staying on her lips as they kissed. This all still felt like such a dream...someone loved her, more important than that, Santana loved her. When they parted her eyes opened to meet hers. "Dani?" She asked raising an eyebrow but quickly nodding only knowing a little about their history. "Yes of course, Tana. You can tell me anything."
"Let's go sit down?" she said quietly, glancing behind them. "Does anything need our attention first?" she asked, meaning the cooking.
Jackie nodded and glanced back at the food, "I turned off the stove but I should probably move it and turn off my music...we can worry about dinner later." She said softly before turning her head back to glance at the girl.
Santana nodded, "Okay, okay," she murmured, "I'll turn off the music-" she moved over to the stereo then
Jackie moved to make sure the stove was off before moving the food to the counter. A shaky breath leaving her lips. Her mind still trying to process all of this letting her eyes shut for a moment, a small smile on her lips before opening them then walking towards the couch.
Santana moved over too, sitting down and automatically reaching out for the girl to pull her into her arms, dropping her head against the side of Jackie's. "I just - I feel like you need to know this, but I want /you/."
Jackie smiled as they moved closer to each other, almost like it was a habit for them and what felt right and it sure did. She took one of the girls hands once she was pulled closer and laced their fingers together. "Of course...I should tell you about some thing too. But I want you too, you are all I want."
Santana paused, raising an eyebrow but nodding, leaning back at holding her against her. "Okay. Should I go first?"
Jackie shook her head, "It isn't much...but I want you know I'm open with you too." She added on to try to push down any worries that could have possibly come up. Then she nodded, moving her thumb across her knuckles. "Yes, you can if you want to."
Santana nodded, shifting back and sighing softly. "Dani and I - we had... we have an intense relationship. We grew up together before she left, we've both screwed each other over a million times, hurt each other. But I do love her. I - I'm sorry, I can't pretend I don't. I just- I wasn't expecting her back so suddenly, she disappeared without telling me, and before she went, she asked if I would wait for her to be ready and I said yes."
Jackie listened to everything that she said nodding to let her know she heard. She felt her own heart hurt for Santana, she couldn’t imagine what that would be like. She turned her head and reached her hand out to move some hair from her face. “That couldnt have been easy, Tana...watching someone you love disappear like that.”
Santana blinked, trying her hardest not to let the tears roll down her cheeks, lifting a hand to wipe at her eyes. "It was always just... so much, y'know? We'd probably both die for each other but we still would screw each other over and I just - it exhausted me. And - and I was gonna wait, I thought I was but then you came," she breathed out shakily, "And we've always had this thing but something just happened and you made me feel light again, and like things were okay, and - and you gave me this kind of hope that I haven't felt in the l-longest time-"
Jackie reached out and wiped some of her tears away. A soft smile on her lips hoping that combined with her touch could help relax her. Feeling so surprised when she said she came and changed things. “You deserve to feel that hope all the time, Tana....the happiness, the light...I hope you know that.” She said softly and let her fingers move to run through her hair.
Santana was shaking just slightly, unable to help the tears flowing now as she shifted closer, biting her bottom lip. "I just - I was talking to Blaine about it, and he made me realise how - how good for me you are, how much I love you. How you're the first person that comes to mind when I need someone, no matter what. You're who I want to fall asleep next to every night, and that's cheesy as fuck, but it's fucking true. And I don't know if you'd want me like that, I know- I'm a lot. I'm a lot to take, to be with."
When Jackie felt the girl starting to shake she quickly took her into her arms hugging her close. Her fingers continuing to move through her hair as she pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Tana...” She whispered and squeezed her slightly. “You are the same person for me...when I came to you the other day I didn’t even realize what I was doing until I noticed I was at for door. Something always bring me back to you.” She explained letting out a soft sigh. “It has been an amazing few night waking up and falling asleep together hm?” Jackie teased as she squeezed her shoulders. “I haven’t...been with anyone like that before. I have had people ask me on dates, some happen some fall through...but I would love to learn with you, Tana.”
Santana sniffed softly, burying her head in Jackie's neck and holding onto her tight, breathing out shakily. "You want me?" she whispered against her skin, hands curling in the back of Jackie's top, "You'll be mine?"
Jackie kept her fingers tangled in her hair, turning her head slightly only to press another kiss against her hair. “Even though I wasn’t sure before I have always wanted you.” She mumbled against her hair then moved to lean her head against hers. “Be yours....” Jackie let out a sigh, as she felt her heart flutter. “God, that sounds wonderful.”
Tana lifted her head up, meeting her eyes and smiling nervously, "It does?" she whispered, shifting closer, lifting her own hand to the back of Jackie's neck.
Jackie nodded, “Yeah, god I did not think that someone would want me in that way...at least not until further down the road...” She shook her head but smiled. “You keep proving all my thoughts and fears wrong and I love it.”
"God, are you kidding? Jackie, you could have anyone-" she whispered, sniffling slightly and tucking the girl's hair behind her ear.
Jackie let out a soft chuckle and let her eyes fall on the girl. “I could have a fun night with anyone, Tana...a relationship? I haven’t even had a serious one yet.”
Santana cupped her cheek, leaning in to press a gentle kiss against her lips, "I want to be your first then," she whispered. "I wanna be your girlfriend."
Jackie swore her heart was doing flips in her chest at her words. Her body melted against hers and into the kiss.”I would love that...I would love to be your, girlfriend.”
Santana grinned softly, "Even with everything? I have a lot of baggage," she whispered, just wanting to make sure the girl was sure, kissing her again quickly.
"We all have baggage, Tana" She said softly with a smile still on her lips. "You just have to find the person you want to share that with..." Jackie added on, kissing her back with the smile still on her lips.
Santana pulled her properly into her lap, holding her close and leaning in to kiss her softly, slowly, putting everything into it, her chest aching with how much she cared about the girl.
Jackie easily moved into the girls lap with a grin on her lips, her hands moving to caress her cheeks as she kissed her. She pressed countless small pecks to her lips before kissing her back softly. Hoping the kisses could translate the joy moving through her.
Santana smiled against her lips, leaning back to lie down and pull the girl into her arms, "I know you made food, but can we just lie here for a while?" she whispered.
Jackie smiled when Santana laid down, her arms moving around her to hold her close. Her head moving to rest in between her shoulder and neck. "The food can wait..." She mumbled, "I just want to be close to you." She mumbled the pressed a soft kiss to her neck before relaxing again.
Santana grinned lazily, her hand lifting to scratching through Jackie’s hair. “What did you make?”
Jackie let out a happy hum when the other girls fingers moved through her hair. Letting her eyes flutter closed as she listened to her voice. "A fun recipe I found for Italian Chicken and Penne pasta. It looks delicious."
Santana hummed softly, grinning then, “Oh my god, that sounds amazing. You know how much I love chicken and pasta.”
“Mhm...that is part of why almost all of my Pinterest board is full of recipes including those two things.” She said with a smile, “I thought I should learn more of them when you moved in.”
Santana shook her head in disbelief at how thoughtful the other girl was, tucking a strand of hair behind Jackie’s ear and pecking her lips. “Thank you, gorgeous.”
Jackie picked her head up to look at the girl. Nudging her nose against hers after she pecked her lips. “It is my pleasure, darling.” Her eyes not being able to help but get lost in her eyes. “There is also some lasagna dishes as well but maybe we could make one of those together.”
Santana grinned and nodded, “I’d love that,” she murmured.
Jackie leaned in to press another soft kiss to her lips. “And I love you.” She mumbled against her lips. Still trying to process how amazing that felt to say.
Santana closed her eyes at the kiss, smiling against her lips. “I love you,” she murmured.
Jackie couldn’t help but grin, her eyes fluttering closed as she kissed her again. Her fingers moving to run her cheek then to her jawline. Realizing she could be here with her, cuddled up in her arms and stealing kisses for a long time. There was no place else she would rather be.
Where: St.James School of Performing Arts/Cooper Andersons Home
Warnings: small hints of nsfw
Notes: Cooper is bolded, Jackie is italic
Being able to dress up had to be one of Jackie's favorite things next to dancing. So this night was the perfect combination. And although having Cooper there would make everything perfect she was just as excited to get to facetime him today. He would still get to experience it with her. She wanted to make sure he could get a glimpse of the outfit before she would make any posts. Finding a quiet place to sneak away to from the party before pulling out her phone and calling Cooper.
Even though he’d not been able to fly back to attend the ball, Cooper has sent Jackie a dozen red roses and a red mask, banking into the fact that she’d go with her favourite colour. He’d found a mask for himself that complimented without matching exactly and had donned a black suit and the red tie and tie clip she’d given him for Valentine’s Day. When his phone rang with an incoming FaceTime call he knew it was Jackie and picked up eager. “Hey Beautiful!” He smiled into the phone.
The moment she saw Cooper and heard his voice her smile instantly grew. "Hello, Handsome!" Taking a moment to take in his outfit. "My gosh even over the phone you can still look amazing in a suit." She complimented, the fact that he still dressed up for her made her heart skip a beat. It made experiencing this together even more special. Even if he wasn't right next to her she still felt that same warmth and security that she always felt around him.
The moment Cooper saw Jackie come onto the screen he smiled. She was wearing the mask he sent and a red dress of course. Immediately his eyes zoned in on her bare neck, shoulders, and arms; a sigh escaping him. "You're wearing red. And you look beautiful, not that I doubted it." Cooper walked over to a full length mirror and turned the camera around so Jackie could see the full effect. "Okay your turn. Get someone to take the phone if you have to I want to see the full effect. Even if it means no doubt a racing pulse."
Jackie felt her confidence soar once she saw his eyes start to wander over her dress. A small smirk turned at the corners of her lips, but still couldn't hide the blush that grew on her cheeks. "Thank you, darling. I had a feeling you would like the color choice...and especially the bare neck." The last part she teased, giving him a wink. Gladly taking her turn to let her eyes wander over him when he stepped in front of a mirror. "The tie and clip." She said softly, before nodding. "Yes, yes of course!" Jackie made sure to pick a spot where she set down her phone and step back. Taking a few steps before she did a little turn to show off the whole dress.
"I should have sent something for your neck," Cooper grinned. "Or be there to mark it all up." His fingers went to the tie and the clip as she mentioned them. "Of course. I couldn't think of a a more perfect time to wear them both." He waited while she set her phone down and stepped back, into the frame and did a little turn, the skirt of her dress billowing out around her. Cooper whistled. "Wow. So you're undoubtedly the most beautiful woman in the room tonight. I'd probably have to fight people to dance with you."
The red shade on her cheeks got darker when he talked about marking up her neck. It totally made her mind wander. "They look amazing on you." She said softly before focusing on showing off the dress. After her spin she took a few steps towards her phone leaning forward slightly, knowing very well that the action would show off her chest. "I don't know I think I might have been distracted by having the most handsome date. If we weren't dancing I'd be hoping he'd would be leaving a mark or two." She moved some hair from her face, letting her fingers run along her neck. Jackie couldn't help but tease, it was too fun. "We would wow them on the dance floor though, I just know it."March 1, 2020
"Thank you beautiful," Cooper smiled. He groaned as Jackie leaned over, showing off her chest. "Please, please be careful doing that tonight. While your boyfriend very much appreciates that view, he'd prefer to be the only one appreciating it. And I'm sure if he was there, and you were not dancing with him he'd still be holding your hand, or in his arms, and enjoying kisses." He laughed. "You would wow them. I'd just be trying my hardest to keep up with you."
"What an amazing sound to hear." A hint of teasing still in her voice, her eyes locked on him. Jackie sat up after a moment, her proud smile still on her face. "Of course, my darling. That sight is reserved just for you. Part of why I made sure I could be alone for this little reveal." She teased before picking up her phone again. "All of that just sounds amazing. Almost like our early Valentines Day, if were werent dancing just being in each other arms." Just thinking about it made a bright smile grow on her face. "You did an amazing job though during our private lessons, you were catching on rather quickly. If I remember correctly"
“You drive me wild; you know that right?” Cooper laughed. Being with Jackie, especially now in this honeymoon phase, the NRE it tested all of Cooper’s will power. “Thank you for that,” he said softly. “You’re beautiful. And I can’t help myself around you. I want to be as close as we can. I don’t want you to ever doubt me being there for you.” He pointed a finger at the phone. “Because you’re an amazing teacher and I was trying to keep up and make you proud.”
“I hope I do, darling.” She couldnt help but let a laugh escape her too. Her eyes softening at what he said. “Even with the distance...it still always feels like you’re here. Your doing a great job of it and I just hope I’m doing just as well for you.” Jackie ducked her head down for a moment, “Well you did, you made me so proud. It made me wonder how one person can have so many talents.” She complimented. “And on top of all of that be so incredibly attractive.”
“Oh you do,” Cooper replied. “And I feel it a little more maybe because you were only here for a couple of days and it feels like our things, our places, are all Doveport related. Not something that can be helped just yet. And I miss you, obviously but you’re here when I need you. Setting aside special time and certain routines helps a lot with the distance too. Plus being busy and excited about new work.” He shook his heads. “Look at you being biased again.”
Jackie totally understood what he meant. “I’m hoping we can make that many more memories in California. We have a lot of time for that...like spring break, this summer. You can show me so many wonderful places just like how I showed you around here.” Jackie gave him a soft smile, “I could honestly spend all the time talking to you if we could.” She admitted, she certainly missed the days that they would just spend all day together. Making food, talking, and just enjoying each other’s company. “I mean I may be but look at you all dressed up. I could imagine so many people wanting to dance with you too.”
“Well I’ll also be back for some of that,” Cooper admitted. “But yes there is so much more out here I want to show you and share with you.” He nodded his head. “I know, I would too. Our lazy days I miss the most.” Cooper beamed at Jackie. “Speaking of; I’m sure there are lots of people waiting to dance with you. So I’ll talk to you later? But feel free to send me pictures or whatnot through the night. And most important, have fun.”
"I can't wait for all of it, so many wonderful things to do and memories to make." Just the thought of their lazy days made her heart flutter. Jackie did a playful pout when he said there were other people would want to dance with her. "Or I could stay and tease you some more." She joked before nodding, "Of course I will. I can't wait to get a dance with you and showing off my own surprise for you later." Jackie blew a kiss at the phone, "Talk to you later, handsome. Miss you." A sweet smile still on her face.
"If I know you, you'll tease me plenty later," Cooper laughed. He blew a kiss of his own at the phone. "See you later beautiful. Miss you too." He waggled his fingers and ended the call.
Notes → A self-para from me bc I needed for Sam to have some kind of closure when it comes to his relationship with Peter. It shows Sam’s thought about all that had happened and him trying to make sense of it all.
Sam placed his cup of tea on the coffee bar and looked out of the window, the tiniest of smiles tugging at the corner of his mouth when he spotted the lights that were still up over at Cassia's place. That was the first thing he had done after Peter had left, take down his Christmas lights, take down all of the decorations, and he'd thrown away the tree. Sam still didn't understand what the heck had happened, one moment they were chilling on the couch and the next, after a phone call, Peter changed clothes, kissed Sam goodbye and rushed out of the door. Sam could have sworn he'd seen a glimpse of Peter's Spider-man suit peak out from under the hoodie he put over it.
That was two days ago. Two days in which Sam had found a hurried written note from Peter on the fridge that mentioned his boyfriend was back to fighting crime with the Avengers that they needed him and wherein Peter told him he didn't want to put Sam into any danger, so he had left. The last words on the note had left Sam heartbroken; Peter thought he wouldn't be coming back. And for the life of him, Sam couldn't figure out if that meant that whatever mission his boyfriend was on was so dangerous that he didn't expect to survive or that it meant that Peter wasn't coming back, ever, so that technically he was single again.
Sam was pulled out of his thought when he felt something cold and wet pressing against his hand. “Hey bud,” he sighed, scratching Banner behind his ear. Banner rested his head on top of Sam's knees and let out a deep breath. “Yeah I know, I miss him too... Guess it's just you, Grimm and me from now on, right?” He smiled a little when the dog looked up at him, wagging his tail. “Love you too, bud.” Sam finished his tea and got up. Placing his empty mug in the sink he decided he needed to clear his mind for a bit, so he grabbed Banner's leash. “Come on, let's go for a walk.”
Sam: laughed as he slid down the long and winding slide. Recess was his second favorite thing to do while at school. He was met my a few of the other friends he had made since he arrived at this new school. "Hey Sam." Kevin Johnson said as he stood from the slide. "Hey," he replied dusting his pants off. "A bunch of us are thinking of climbing the big tree and seeing who can go the highest. Wanna come?" Sam loved climbing trees so he was excited when they asked. More for the fact that he had climbed that tree already and knew he could go really high. "Sure lets do it! Last one there is a rotten egg." He shouted as he took off towards the tree.
Mercy: had spent her recess talking to the girls she invited for a sleep over next weekend. Her mom wanted to show off once again. She had Mercedes invite the "cool" kids which in her parents terms meant the girls with high influential parents. Ones who her mom can show off for. She sighed as she watched Sam and his new-found friends running towards the big tree. She knew they were going to climb it, Sam had done it before. She ran over to them and smiled waving at Sam. "Hey Sammy! What are you guys doing?"
Sam: made it to the tree first without much effort on his part. He turned to the rest of the boys with a triumphant grin on his face. "Beat ya!" He taunted as the rest joined him. "Okay since I won I get to climb last." He said just as Mercedes sauntered over. "Hey Mercy! We are going to have a competition to see who can climb the tree the hugest and fastest." He answered. "Kevin was just about to go first. What are you doing?"
Mercy: smiled widely as Sam explained what they were doing. "That sounds like fun I wanna climb the tree too." She heard laughing around her and frowned angrily. "What're you laughing for? I can do it!" She turned towards Sam. "Sammy I wanna climb the tree."
Sam: "You're a girl," Vinnie Parks stated when Mercedes asked to climb as well. "Yeah, this is just for guys." Kevin agreed. "Maybe she can try. I mean it's just climbing a tree." Sam tried to be the reason of the group. "No way! Just cause you want your little girlfriend to join doesn't mean she can!" Reed chimed in. "He was sometimes a real jerk but he was never one to Sam so Sam would hang with him. "She can't climb the tree anyway. Girls are supposed to play with dolls. Not climb trees."
Mercy: folded her hands. "So what I'm a girl Vinny, your a boy and I don't make fun of you for wearing pink!" Mercy looked at Kevin angrily. She really didn't like him or Reed. "I can too climb trees! You just don't want a girl beating you! My nanny says that girls can do anything boys can do, sometimes even better! So I wanna climb the tree."
Sam: stepped in seeing that things were getting a bit heated. "Okay, okay, enough." He said in a stern voice. He put his attention on Mercedes. "Mercy, maybe you and I can come back later after school and climb together. Right now it's just the boys and I don't think they want to hang with a girl. Is that okay?" "Run along princess!!" He heard Reed say. "Shut it Reed." Sam warned him. "I'll beat them just for you okay?"
Mercy: stepped away from Sam frowning. "You don't think I can beat them do you? Do you think I am just a stupid girl too? That I can't do it?" Mercy looked over at Reed and shoved him. "You shut up Reed you cant even get across the monkey bars how are you gonna climb a tree. I am fast then most of you and I can do it. So move and let me go."
Sam "I didn't say that. I just said let's wait till later." He tried defending himself. "No, you know I don't. Why are you being this way?" Reed stood up from where she pushed him. "Fine, climb it if you're so bad. I bet you guys a juice box she falls before she makes it to the first branch." Reed laughed. Sam stood in front of Mercedes. "You don't have to prove them anything. Please don't do this."
Mercy: looked at Sam and sighed. He was right, he wasn't like most of the body in school. Reed started talking and she was about to go to the tree until Sam stopped her. She sighed. "If you think I should wait then I will." She was about to leave when she heard Kevin. "That's right, run along and go play with your dolls you scaredy cat!" She turned angrily. "Take that back!" She moved closer to the guys. "I am not scared!" Reed laughed. "You are scared! That's why you need your little boyfriend to protect you." She balled her fists angrily. "Shut up!"
Sam: sighed a deep sigh of relief. She seemed to be backing down. Last thing he needed was her trying to prove a point and possibly hurting herself. It wasn't that he doubted she could do it, but more so that he felt she had nothing to prove to the boys at their school. "Don't you know what shut up means!" He yelled at Kevin giving him a light shove. "Leave her alone and once again she's not my girlfriend." They were mocking her now and she had that look on her face that he knew all too well. She was going to climb that tree and there was nothing he could do or say to stop her now.
Mercy: was angry. How dare they taunt her. She moved closer to them. I am going to climb that tree higher then all of you!" She shoved Reed and Kevin out of her way and went to the tree. She stuck her tongue out at the boys then glanced at Sam , before reaching for the tree. She began to climb, hearing them aunt her and yell at her to fall. She made it to the first branch and smiled triumphantly as she continued.
Sam: watched with a concerned look on his face. This was so stupid. He knew she was only doing this to prove a point. "Okay Mercedes we get it. You can climb the tree." He said. When she made it to the first branch he smiled. His hands folded across his chest like a proud big brother. The other boys were starting to see that she was really doing it and their taunting somewhat calmed down. "Whatever, bet she can't reach the third branch," Reed snickered and Sam wanted to punch. "She can and she will." Sam said with confidence, but he was slightly panicking on the inside.
Mercy: wanted to make it to the top, she needed to prove a point, the girls can do anything boys can do. As she continued to climb she smiled passing the third branch and smiled reaching all the way up to the top. She cheered for herself and started coming down. "I told you! I told you I could do it." Mercy felt like she was on top of the world. Until she reached the third brand and it snapped. She tried to hold on but she couldn't and she fell off the tree and landed hard on her shoulder, screaming out in pain.
Sam: cheered as she made it towards the top. She actually did it. He did have a slight doubt that she wasn't going to make it all the way up but she proved even him wrong. "Guess girls can beat boys!" He boasted at the other guys who had shocked looks on their faces. She was on her way down and he planned to give her the biggest high five when she made it. She was half way down when he heard the snap of the branch and he couldn't help or do anything but watch in horror as she plummeted to the ground landing in a loud thud. "Mercedes!!" He yelled rushing over to her. "Someone help!!"
Even though she would love for the girl to take some lingerie off of her she knew the element of surprise with the black silk robe would be even better. After curling some of her hair to add more waves to it she stripped down and found one of her black silk robs to put on. When she was all ready she spun around, her round ass showing in the process. She smirked at herself in the mirror and then headed down to the empty room. She could feel the eyes of the camera men as she walked down the hall. If they moved down any lower they could probably see everything.
Whens she arrived she opened the door and closed in behind her. She stood by the bed twirling the tie on her robe and waited for Alyssa to arrive. In the process of waiting she put one hand on her hip. She couldn’t wait to see the reaction of the woman once she pulled the tie.
GENERAL NOTES → They take the kids to the museum and bookstore. Then have a few moments alone before unraveling.
QUINN: “Ms. Quinn. I mean Quinn. Can you please ask Eli to not do /that/ thing?” Grace’s tone sounded a hint forced but still exceptionally even, so very mature, and Quinn had to hide behind her hands so as not to giggle too loudly. Eli was being a true little brother in that moment and snapping his new toy in her direction for no other purpose than to annoy her. Arching a brow, Quinn gave the little boy an appraising but not too terribly stern look, just enough to get his attention and to satisfy Grace. “Padawan, your sister and your mother have both asked you to stop. Let’s listen.”
The afternoon had been close to perfect. She had shown up just a few minutes before one and been met with huge excited hugs from both Eli and Grace and a hug from Rachel too.
Grabbing their coats, both kids had talked nonstop about their weekend with Matt and their time at school that week. The museum exhibits allowed Eli to bounce around and play with large blocks and a few science type experiments, to climb over and through a few things too. Grace experienced it in a more subdued but not less excited way as she read most of the place cards and asked a lot of questions. By the time they had left, Quinn was glad to be stopping for hot chocolate and the time to refuel. The first place they had found was a Starbucks inside a Barnes and Noble which suited all of them just fine. The only hit was to Quinn’s wallet as she purchased more than a few books for Eli and Grace – many of them Star Wars picture books and early chapter books she intended to read with them.
Leaning close to Rachel, almost touching her, Quinn whispered. “Want to order take out or pizza while I rope and entertain Eli and start a Star Wars book or two?” It all felt very domestic but she refused to give that too much thought because it also felt so right.
RACHEL: "Eli," Rachel scolded for what felt like the eighteenth time that afternoon. All he wanted to do was to pester Grace, his new favorite past time it seemed and Rachel wasn't having it. He'd stop each time that Rachel said something, but it wasn't until Quinn offered up a few stern words that he finally stopped and seemed content to simply walk along beside Quinn.
The day had been wonderful. Things with Quinn were fun and carefree and she couldn't imagine a Saturday better spent than with her two perfect children and her new/old close friend. Ever since she and Quinn had gotten far too drunk together and spent the following morning in a hangover induced cuddle session, Rachel almost felt closer. Like their friendship was finally real and they'd been behaving as such.
After a fun time at the museum and a quick trip to a Barnes and Noble for some hot chocolate and a couple of books, per Quinn's request, the four of them headed back to Rachel's apartment with smiles on their faces and two excited children more than thrilled to start reading their new books. Rachel shrugged off her coat and hung it up as the kids sped off ahead of them and a wide smile creeped onto her lips as Quinn leaned in to whisper to her. "You're a lifesaver," she said softly, giving Quinn's forearm a light squeeze as she nodded her head towards the kitchen, "I'll order us something delicious and you can tame the beasts."
After a quick phone call to Rachel's go-to pizza place down the block, she joined the three in the living room. The kids were already in their pajamas and Quinn was settled between the two of them on the couch with a book in her hand and a smile on her face as they read through the Star Wars book. Rachel stopped in the doorway briefly just to watch them. It all felt so domestic, so wonderful, and so terrifying. Quinn was starting to feel a lot like more than an acquaintance or casual friend and it was a daunting thought. "You three look cozy," she said softly, earning a bright smile from Grace as she walked over and sat down next to her daughter, "Pizza is on its way."
QUINN: An easy smile graced her features, gaze staying on her arm at the light sweet touch of Rachel's fingers against her. The touch felt less casual than it probably should have, as if these little things were accumulating, adding up to something more than friendships and rekindling of past acquaintances. The sounds of shuffling feet brought her focus back to the present and little ball of energy other wise known as Eli. "I don't know how you keep up with him. He is non-stop --- until he passes out, but still. Non-stop."
Covering Rachel's hand with hers, she patted it and nodded before reluctantly moving away and toward the hallway. Wrangling him into pjs turned out not to be too terribly difficult as the promise Star Wars appeared to the ticket to keeping him on task. Handing him two of his books, she gave his shoulder a little squeeze. "Take these to the living room while I check on your sister."
Heading toward Grace, Quinn found the little girl sitting on the edge of her bed staring off into space as if contemplating the world and its possibilities. Casually, she crossed into the room making enough noise as to not startle the little girl and sat on the bed next to her. "What's up, Buttercup?" Grace dropped her head against Quinn's shoulder and giggled. "Is that my nickname like Eli's is Padawan?" Quinn nudged her and added a wink as the Grace continued to grin broadly. "Maybe. Let's see how it goes. But you are far far too young to be looking for your Wesley. Understand?" Grace's giggle turned up a notch and she nodded her head sharply. "Boys are weird."
"Yes. Yes they are. You keep thinking that until you're thirty. At least thirty." Quinn kissed the top of Grace's head patting her leg. They needed to get to the living room before Eli's attention span spun out. "Do you need help with your pajamas?" Grace shook her head and crawled off the bed to get a pair from her dresser. "No. I can do it."
Apparently she had simply needed a few minutes to herself and that was definitely something Quinn could understand. "Alright, buttercup," Quinn winked and Grace giggled again. "Bring one of your chapter books - new or old - I'll see you there."
Moments later found all three lost in flipping the pages of both of Eli's picture books - Grace and Quinn taking turns reading aloud as Eli pointed at different pictures, his mind processing the letters and the words as they went. Rachel's voice drew Quinn from her reading, her head coming up, the smile on her face now almost a permanent fixture. Her stomach twirled as butterflies flitted about from just that simple exchange. Quinn scooted Eli onto her lap and Grace edged closer making more room for Rachel. "Yes. Pizza is my favorite food. How long did they say? Do we have time to start Grace's book?"
RACHEL: "A good twenty or thirty," she said softly as she scooted a little closer, leaning back against the cushions with a smile. "Of course we have time for Grace's book." It was something they were working on, making sure that Eli and Grace had a well balanced reading schedule. Ever since Grace began reading alone, it was becoming harder to keep focus on, especially now that Eli was trying to learn how to read himself. But Quinn seemed to effortlessly include both children, balancing their needs and wants equally. It was an impressive feat in itself.
"Ms. Quinn - I mean, Quinn," Grace began looking up at her with a smile as she handed her the chapter book off of the coffee table, "Will you read it? I like it when you read." Rachel's heart just about burst in her chest as Quinn took the book and she placed a soft kiss atop Grace's head. She got incredibly lucky with two amazing children.
They began reading, going through the first few chapters with a breeze, Quinn's soothing voice practically lulling Rachel into a relaxing rest as she leaned back against the couch and let her smooth voice consume her. The door buzzed and Rachel slipped from their moment with a motion for Quinn to continue and she grabbed a couple of bills from her purse before greeting the delivery boy at the door. Within fifteen minutes, the four of them were back on the couch with empty and half-empty plates on the coffee table and completely full bellies.
QUINN: "That's good pizza. I might have to keep you around, Rachel, because you seem to know the best places." Quinn teased with a smirk firmly in place. The four of them were huddled up on the couch with probably a half hour to an hour before the kids would need bed and it felt to Quinn as if they had been doing this for years and years instead of a only a month.
"Who wants to tell me what their favorite part of the day was?" Both kids started to talk at once and Quinn immediately realized her error as Rachel started to giggle at her. "Let me try that again - Eli, name one thing. Only one."
"It's hard to pick just one. I liked the thing where they had a city like New York with subways stops and everything. It was fun to jump over the things." Eli spoke excitedly in contrast to the way he cuddled up next to Quinn, his eyes definitely getting heavier. "Grace?"
"Barnes and Noble. There are so many books there. I want to read all of them." Quinn felt her heart swell a little more for the young girl. "If it's okay with your mom, there is a bookstore near my apartment I think you would like very much. The owner works the counter and your mom thinks we can bribe her for cookies."
Grace's got impossibly wide and Quinn realized she probably should have asked before pitching it just in case. Too late now. "How about you, Rachel? Favorite part of the day?"
RACHEL: It almost felt like a date. A date that the two of them had had many nights in their time together. The outing at some fun attraction, a stop at a bookstore or for coffee, and then pizza or takeout at home. The familiarity was too much, though they added the children in this time around. Along with a handful of years of guilt and a massive heartbreak, though that was the furthest thing from her mind. All Rachel could think about was how wonderful the entire day had been.
Eli's and Grace's favorites were precious. Rachel met Quinn's gaze for a moment, just watching as she spoke to her daughter, inviting her to the bookstore for an outing. Grace's entire face lit up and Rachel couldn't wait to arrange when they could go. Maybe she and Eli could let Grace and Quinn had a book bonding day. She was so wrapped up in watching the way Grace was looking up at the blonde with wide eyes and a bright smile that she didn't even notice Quinn was asking her a question in the first place.
"Oh," she said, pulling back into the moment, meeting a pair of hazel eyes with a smile, "as wonderful as today was, I think this is my favorite part. But I loved getting to watch you crazy kids having such a fun time today." She ruffled Eli's hair playfully before moving to tuck a strand of hair behind Grace's ear. A yawn came from Eli, hidden behind his small hand as he snuggled closer to Quinn.
"I think it might be time for bed," she said with a knowing look to Quinn and Eli sleepily shook his head while Grace nodded hers. "Mom, can I read a little before I fall asleep?" the smaller brunette asked and she nodded, "Of course. Quinn," she said with a smile, "want to help with the kiddos?"
QUINN: "I definitely want to help, but only if I get to give my Padawan a piggy back ride to bed." Quinn breathed in an easy breath and helped Eli climb onto her back. He hardly weighed anything but she was still glad his room wasn't too far from the couch. Depositing him into bed, she pulled the covers around him and tucked them around his body. Eli cuddled up with the cutest stuffed giraffe she had ever seen even if it had little stuffing left in it's neck. "Quinn, will you be here when I wake up?" She shook her head and leaned over and kissed his forehead. "I won't, buddy, but I'll come back soon, okay?" Eli yawned, his eyes already starting to droop. "Okay. Night." "Sweet dreams."
Quinn passed Rachel in the hallway, their hands practically brushing against each other as they traded rooms and she went to say good night to Grace. The young brunette was on her back, blankets tucked around her sides with her book in both hands. The bedside lamp was more than enough light for her to read by and Quinn simply pressed a light kiss to her forehead as she had done with Eli. "Good night, Grace. I'll see you again soon and we have our bookstore outing to plan." Grace looked up from her book with a toothy little grin. "I'm excited. G'night, Quinn."
Leaving Grace's room, she pulled the door mostly closed and almost bumped into Rachel on her way out. "Is he already out?"
For a brief moment, Quinn wondered if she should say good night to Rachel too, to grab her coat and go, but she really wasn't quite ready to leave yet. "Do you have wild and crazy plans for the rest of your evening or are you willing to tempt me with tea and cookies?"
RACHEL: Grace wasn't a piggy back kind of girl, not most days. She was definitely far more 'skip down the hallway' and that's exactly what the two of them did, hand in hand to her bedroom. Grace climbed in bed and slipped under the covers and Rachel sat down next to her with a bright smile. "So you had fun today?"
Grace nodded, leaning into Rachel as she flipped to the page in her book where Quinn left off, "I like Quinn. It's nice to have someone who likes books more than I do." Rachel smiled and kissed the top of her head, "I don't think it's possible for anyone to like books more than you, but if anyone does then you're right. It's Quinn." Grace giggled softly and Rachel finished tucking her in, "You better get some rest okay? I don't want to come in here in the morning and find out you pulled an all nighter so you could keep reading." The little girl playfully rolled her eyes as Rachel stepped out of the bedroom to swap with Quinn. Her step faltered as she switched with Quinn, their hands brushing together and taking her breath away. Some things never changed, just like Eli's ability to fall asleep within seconds of hitting the pillow.
With a gentle kiss to his forehead, she slipped back into the hallway, closing the door behind her softly as Quinn stepped out of Grace's room. "Probably some more tequila," she teased as the pair of them started walking slowly down the hallway and towards the rest of the apartment, "but I'm thinking maybe some dessert is in order. I mean, my sweet tooth has been going crazy lately."
They stepped into the kitchen and Rachel leaned back against the counter, smiling across at Quinn. It had been the most wonderful night and she was almost certain the smile wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. "I have some of those little tea and coffee pods in that drawer if you want to pick one out and I can grab some cookies?" She nodded before Quinn even answered, not quite ready to have the night come to a full stop just yet. Rachel walked over to the pantry, stepping inside to grab the cookies from the shelf out of the kids reach and apparently out of Rachel's.
"Quinn?" she called out, hands on her waist with a soft huff, "I can't reach the cookies."
QUINN: "I'm beginning to think you are becoming a lush, Ms. Berry." Quinn rolled her lip between her teeth, a smirk playing on her lips as the teasing flowed so easily between them. The tension and awkwardness of weeks ago appeared to have disappeared a little more with each successive conversation and days like today, it was easy to pretend that everything was perfect between them.
Opening the drawer, Quinn flicked through the pods until she found an apple spiced black tea that would work well with dessert sweets. She took two out just in case.
"Hmm? Oh sure. No problem." Quinn rotated back toward the sound of Rachel's voice barely containing a giggle at how absolutely adorable the woman looked with her cute little pout firmly in place and those hands on her hips as if she might be willing the cookies to fall from the shelf. "I'm sure there is a joke in there somewhere about your height, but I want the cookies too much to try to find it. Aren't you proud?"
Without a second thought, Quinn stepped in close behind Rachel, placing one hand on Rachel's hip to steady herself as she leaned up toward the higher pantry shelf. God they were close, so very very close, their hips pressed so intimately together. An immediate heat surged through her as her senses narrowed to nothing but Rachel, the feel of her body against hers, the smell that was so unique swirling in her head drawing out a measured gasp. Somewhere in the recesses of her mind she thought to step back and clear her head, but that didn't quite make its way to her limbs over the burst of desire burning in her belly.
Her fingers brushed against the cellophane wrapper of the cookie package, a reminder of the task at hand. She carefully brought them down with a whispered, "Cookies," not trusting her voice to provide much more volume than that. Placing the cookies on the counter in front of Rachel, she breathed unevenly torn between wanting Rachel to turn toward her, into her, and finding the will to move to a safer distance. Instead, she stood there seemingly stunned into inactivity her pulse pounding in her ears.
RACHEL: Quinn was pressed against her back before she could process what was going on. She expected a joke, another teasing comment about her height, or a question about why she put the cookies on a shelf she couldn't reach. But none of that came, the blonde even acknowledged the lack of teasing much to Rachel's amusement. Her hand was on Rachel's hip as she leaned up to grasp the cookies and if it had been ten years ago, she would've giggled and playfully pressed back against Quinn in hopes to send them into a different course for dessert.
Her mind was foggy, judgement clouded with Quinn's perfume and subdued by Quinn's hand on hers. The whispered 'cookies' ghosted through her hair and over her ear and she knew that if she was smart she'd just say thank you and step away. One wrong move and their friendship could end, but Rachel's body had a different idea. When Quinn didn't move after the cookies were on the counter, she turned around slowly, enough to keep Quinn's hand right where it was gliding along her waist until she was facing the girl she once thought she'd spend forever with.
Rachel could barely breathe at the sight in front of her. Quinn was beautiful, stunning, elegant and so close. Close enough where if Rachel just leaned in a few inches, their lips would be pressed together for the first time in over a decade and god she missed it. She couldn't help herself, though deep down she knew she should, but something in Quinn's eyes gave her the green light. Leaning up slightly on her toes, she brought her hand to cup Quinn's cheek, thumb grazing over her cheek bone. And before she could give it another thought, Rachel was closing the distance.
When their lips met, her entire body felt as if it was engulfed in flames, surging with electricity and it felt like every cell in her body was vibrating. Fireworks, beautiful and magical fireworks that she hadn't seen in so long and didn't know how she'd gone so long without.
QUINN: The world slowed to a crawl, everything happening in slow motion, movements exaggerated and amplified as Rachel turned to face her. The woman's eyes sparked with a question about her next move, gaze seeming to flicker between Quinn's eyes and her lips but the blonde was unable to provide an actual response. She knew what was coming next, the gentle stroke of Rachel's fingers over her cheek adding to the sweet anticipation and there seemed no force great enough to stop it.
Rachel's lips pressed against hers in the sweetest of kisses, so light and gentle yet so incredibly perfect. Time lost all meaning, vanishing in a single breath, at once transported back to the their last kisses but feeling new and different in the present as well. Her entire body hummed its approval, heart nearly exploding in her chest as she saw flashes of light and color on the back of her eyelids. Her toes curled into the floor, fingers tightening on Rachel's hips to reflexively draw her closer.
One kiss became another and another as Quinn succumbed to the feelings of just how good it was to be back in Rachel's arms like this, to feel things she hadn't in so long and thought she never would again. Her fingers found their way to Rachel's cheek, mimicking the other woman's motion and stroking so lovingly the only thing Quinn seemed capable of was deepening the kiss, her tongue gliding over Rachel's bottom lip to taste as much of her as possible.
RACHEL: The world around them could be up in flames and Rachel would have no idea. Nothing existed outside of Quinn and the way her lips felt against hers. She hadn't expected her to kiss back, not in a million years, but here they were in the middle of Rachel's kitchen as their lips moved together in a well rehearsed dance. It was familiar and new and a thousand things at once and Rachel couldn't bring herself to stop. The nagging thoughts of the reality of the situation and of the conversations that they hadn't had tried to break through her Quinn-induced haze to no avail. Future Rachel could worry about what all of it would mean later. Right now she just wanted to enjoy the way Quinn tasted as their tongues brushed together.
The hand that had been resting on Quinn's cheek moved back slowly to glide through short blonde hair, fingertips curling around the fine hairs at the nape of her neck. Rachel was in heaven. It was the first sip of water after years in a desert and suddenly there was color back in her world. She'd missed this, she'd missed Quinn. It could've been thirty seconds, it could've been an hour - time didn't matter, but all Rachel could focus on was the way Quinn continued to deepen the kiss until it was a flurry of lips and tongues, mingling together effortlessly as Rachel's stomach fluttered with butterflies.
QUINN: Rachel's hands in her hair stole the rest of the her breath and even more of her sanity. Kissing Rachel was addicting and every single part of her wanted to lift Rachel to the counter in the kitchen, to slide between her thighs with the other woman crossing her ankles against her lower back to hold them together. How had they gone this long without kissing? The many many times, especially in the last few weeks, Quinn had thought about her lips on Rachel's did not do this moment justice. It was a breath of fresh air and coming home rolled into this singular moment after the longest of droughts.
Moaning against Rachel's lips, Quinn felt the woman's teeth tugging her bottom lip setting off a chain reaction starting in her chest and radiating to the tips of her toes. Tearing her mouth from Rachel's with a low moan, she rested her forehead against hers and her breath teased against her still parted lips. Filling the space with tiny little pecks, light kisses as if afraid to break the spell completely lest the gravity of what they were doing send her spiraling in the opposite direction.
RACHEL: So this was heaven, she was certain. Quinn's lips were softer than she remembered, her imagination hadn't done her justice. Not even close. Quinn moaned against her lips as she daringly tugged her bottom lip with her teeth and sound alone made her weak in the knees. It was almost all too much, but not enough at the same time.
The kiss ended all too soon, but it gave them a much needed breath for air. Maybe they could go through the night continuing their kissing and they could worry about what it meant in the morning. Or just never talk about it. They could be those friends who made out, it wouldn't be a big deal. Her free hand snaked around Quinn's waist, pulling the girl all that much closer as they shared gentle and sweet pecks in the quiet of the moment.
It took all of her energy to open her eyes, fear that she would break the trance when she looked at Quinn again. But she was met with a pair of beautiful hazel eyes, fluttering shut as she leaned in for another soft peck. A smile curved onto her lips, mingling into the kiss, as she let out a soft and happy sigh. "My memory didn't do you justice," she said softly, leaning back in for another kiss.
QUINN: Rachel's kiss swollen lips taunted her, beckoned her forward for one, two, three more lights kisses the taste of her lip gloss only now registering on own. This moment, the two of them in the kitchen trading kisses was not unlike many the couple had shared in their tiny little apartments years ago. Those moments would end more often than not end in their shared bed, spent and cuddled together so closely were practically one.
The memory was all at once too much and not enough for Quinn. She wanted that. Not tonight, but in the future again and it scared her to the depth of her being. As long as being that close, being that intimate wasn't on the table, the blonde felt safe, insulated from being hurt as she had been before. But Rachel's breath against her mouth, the soft sigh, and the lingering feel of her lips still tingling on hers, the boundaries were gone, flood gates opening to feelings she wasn't ready to face again. The proverbial band aid had been ripped away and years of tears pricked at her eyes.
Leaning forward like a desperate woman clinging to the shreds of the moment, she kissed Rachel's lips again one final time before resting her forehead gently against hers afraid to open her eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she whispered "I'm sorry." Over and over again. "I miss you, like this. I miss kissing you, holding you. Being with you. I miss what we had, but God, Rachel, I'm terrified of what we build today, how badly I could be hurt if you walk away. I can't ... I can't risk that again. Surviving you twice might not happen."
RACHEL: The air around them shifted in the kiss that Quinn left on her lips. Her heart was clenched in her chest and she felt it rip open the moment Quinn whispered out the apology. No. She wasn't ready for their perfect moment to end. It couldn't. Not when she was basking in the wonder of the way the blonde's lips felt against hers and the way her entire body had been engulfed in a warm happiness that she hadn't felt in so long. But Quinn didn't stop talking, saying the words that Rachel couldn't hear and stirring up the guilt that had been living just below the surface ever since she walked away.
Rachel didn't know what the kiss meant, she hadn't stopped to think that long either. Maybe they could sit down and talk about everything, because if Quinn missed this and Rachel missed this then why couldn't they just let life takes its course. "Quinn..." she breathed out in a sigh, finally willing her eyes open to look at the blonde. There were tears painted on her cheeks and she brushed a stray one away with her index finger, uncurling her fingers from blonde locks. "We...I wouldn't do that...I missed this so much...please talk to me? We can..." She was grasping at straws, "we can just have some tea and talk."
QUINN: Claustrophobia clawed at Quinn, the room closing in around her making it harder to breathe. Rachel's soft words, the pleading and the way her cheeks too were marred by tears tore at her heart but she couldn't stay. Not right now. She needed to breathe, to think, to find her footing and that wasn't possible in that apartment right now.
"We can't. I can't. I'm sorry." Quinn swallowed hard moving away a few inches at a time and it was like ripping her own heart out. "That's the thing, Rachel. I want to believe you wouldn't, but ... forgive me, I didn't think you would the first time either."
Tears flowed freely down her cheeks, a broken sob just under the surface. With a final look into Rachel's pleading eyes, Quinn did the only thing she could for herself. She backed out of the kitchen, grabbed her coat, and choked out one last apology as she walked out of the apartment into the cold night.
RACHEL: Rachel didn't think it was possible for her heart to break anymore, but here they were. Quinn was backing away from her with impossibly more hurt than she had the day that Rachel had ended things the first time and Rachel was, once again, helpless. She just stood there with a whirlwind of thoughts but no words came to her lips. And then Quinn said the words that hit Rachel like a bus. /I didn't think you would the first time either/. There it was. Rachel's guilt and regret put into words. There was no trust, no forgiveness in that moment and she felt like she had the wind knocked out of her.
"I -" she started, but Quinn was already slipping away, sobbing as she took a few steps back. Her own tears trickled down her cheeks and the moment she heard the door close, she fell back against the counter, her fingers gripping onto the edge of the granite. She'd messed up. And this time she wasn't sure there was any way to come back from it.
“To think you of all people wanted to hire me for a erotic photography. Is this a hobby or a kink of your mate.” He teased his friend who booked him for such a session. Being a photojournalist did pay it’s dues, but sometimes some extra cash on the side was good. Plus it helps him experiment his camera, though this encounter was unique indeed.
