Will The Real Rachel Berry Please Stand Up?

10

Rachel sighed again, she had five minutes to make a decision about what to wear for this morning's jog with Quinn. She would have gone for short shorts and vest top before Ali's oh-so-helpful words yesterday but now she was wondering whether below the knee jogging pants and a long-sleeved, high-necked t shirt was more appropriate – but maybe too hot? Her lack of sleep last night wasn't helping the decision making process. She had considered and dismissed Ali's hypothesis several times. She took a deep breath – stop second guessing yourself, wipe the Ali theory from your brain - don't wear any favourite clothes in case whatever Quinn was planning involved disgusting liquids or solids. It would need to be an ambush as she was pretty confident she could defend herself against Quinn but if outnumbered... Best not to think about it. She quickly put on her short shorts and vest top and was stretching by the front door when Quinn jogged up wrapping her earphones around her i-pod and putting it in a pocket of her backpack. Rachel plastered a big grin to her face, swallowing her apprehension. She noted Quinn eyes sweeping over her outfit she returned the favour noting that Quinn was back to a toned fit figure and she couldn't help admiring 'alabaster thighs' as her granny's romance novels would have it.

"I thought we were going for a run round the park not a two day trekking expedition" said Rachel indicating the backpack, wondering what torture instruments might be contained within it.

"Hi Rach. You need to be prepared for all eventualities," Quinn replied pulling out a small first aid kit, a bottle of water and a waterproof top from her bag. Rachel was relieved to notice the absence of ropes or handcuffs - maybe being left naked tied to a tree wasn't on the cards.

"Thanks for a great evening last night – it's been a while since I've had so much fun although, between you and me, I'm not sure Ali liked me," Quinn offered trying to resist the urge to check out Rachel's barely covered legs. Was fun the right word for an evening which ended with her having a mini breakdown in her car? She fought the urge to just pull Rachel into a hug.

"Oh I don't know, there was a moment during 'summer lovin' when the pair of you didn't glare at each other so there's something for you both to build on," Rachel replied wondering whether Quinn and Ali would ever cross paths again.

They set off at a gentle pace running alongside each other chatting about their individual exercise regimes. Rachel began to gradually pick up the pace and Quinn was content to lag behind slightly to admire the.. er..cut of Rachel's shorts. Rachel looked back over her shoulder.

"Eating my dust yet?" she smirked before tripping up over the uneven path and falling face first, catching herself with her hands but scrapping her knees.

"Well that never happens on my elliptical" joked Rachel as she looked at her bloodied knees that were beginning to sting.

"Sorry Rach," mumbled Quinn kneeling beside her and rummaging in her backpack.

"Quinn I really don't think you can hold yourself responsible for my clumsiness. I'm the living embodiment of 'pride comes before a fall,'" Rachel added as Quinn began wiping at her knees with an antiseptic wipe. Rachel found herself fascinated with the gentleness of Quinn's touch and the sympathetic look on her face. Quinn's delicate hands made light work of the mess on her knees.

"Well Dr Quinn medicine woman – will I ever walk again?" Rachel asked

"Ha ha. I think amputation at the neck is the only option" Quinn softened her words with a smile. "Failing that, some time out on the bench over there is needed. All this is as I was about to move out of first gear and show you my heels"

"Help me to the bench then, speedy Gonzales and I'll enjoy the view while you do a lap of the park" replied Rachel allowing Quinn to pull her to her feet. She appreciated Quinn's arm around her shoulders supporting her as she hobbled to the bench.