today, tomorrow

“I get it, but it’s not her place. Not really,” she said with a small shrug. “To be honest, I go back and forth about it a lot. I mean, I think I know what I’m going to do, but every so often when she kicks, or Puck stops acting like an imbecile for a few days, I question things. I think that maybe I could keep her. But I don’t know that I can,” she admitted. Quinn rarely spoke to people about what she was actually thinking. It was easier to just say she wasn’t sure yet, but she was. “She needs to have the best life she can and that’s not with me. But I still don’t need his mom involved in that decision because I don’t think the one I’ll be making in the one she likes.”

One thing Quinn selfishly missed from living at her own home was having someone come in to clean. She hated chores. She had to carry her weight now, and while she knew it was definitely good for her to get in that habit, she didn’t like it. “I’m glad you think so,” she said, looking at their hands as his went over hers. “I’m so sorry,” she said with a small chuckle. “Being paired up with her is awful, she’s too bossy and controlling. So I hope you know that you’ll probably end up not even being heard while she takes charge of the entire thing.”

.

“You’re right, Quinn. It’s nobody’s place but yours to make the decision.” The choice that Quinn had to make was probably one of the most important choices she’d make in her entire life. It was one that would change her life irrevocably no matter the decision that she made. And he wished she had more people supporting her in her decision-making than trying to persuade her to see their side of things. He listened as Quinn spoke, letting her speak her mind without interruptions or his own beliefs. He was sure she needed someone willing to do that. They were still so young and the thought of himself being a parent at this age was almost unimaginable, and while he was sure Quinn would do everything she could to give the baby a good life if she kept her, the truth of the matter was that it was an easier job for someone out of high school with a job. “No, maybe it’s not the choice she’ll want. But you have to do what you think is right.” 

His lips curled upwards as she chuckled. It was beautiful, getting to experience Quinn when it didn’t feel like she had the entire world on her shoulders, when she let herself relax just a bit. “She definitely wouldn’t be my first pick when it comes to a partner. She is bossy and needs things to be her way, but at least she’s intelligent. And at least I’m not stuck with Azimo or Karofsky...or any of the hockey players. I don’t have to worry about being stuck with someone who has no understanding of the way school works.” 

.

Quinn let out a small chuckle. “I don’t. Believe it or not, Puck is the least of my problems, too. His mom is just so much, she’s constantly on my case about prenatal care and drilling me about my plans. She breathes down my neck probably 70% of the day, every day.” She sighed. “I appreciate her because she’s letting me live there rent free, but I had no idea that meant she didn’t have to mind her business. Sometimes I want to sit around and eat ice cream and have peace,” she told him.

Her thumb moved gently on his leg, something she wasn’t aware was happening, it’s just what felt natural. “Chores aren’t a whole lot of fun, so hopefully I can be good enough entertainment for the night. But I’m glad you’ve at least got tomorrow, hopefully nothing else gets sprung onto you so you can just relax,” she said. 

.

“I guess that doesn’t really surprise me. I understand her wanting to know.” He paused. “But you’d think she’d understand that this is a decision that you can’t make lightly. Whatever you choose is...major. So I don’t get why she’s rushing you.” Of course, Quinn wouldn’t be pregnant forever but she still had some time to come to a decision that was right for her.

“They aren’t fun. But I guess the beauty of life is that they’re necessary.” He said with a chuckle. Laundry, dusting, vacuuming, doing dishes, making sure the bathroom was clean: none of it was fun, but it all made for a nicer home which helped when it came to relaxation. “And don’t worry. You’re definitely adequate entertainment to make this whole date worth it.” He glanced over and shot her a playful wink, his hand moving to cover Quinn’s for a brief moment and squeeze. She was more than adequate. “Well, I finished all of my homework; at least the things that could be finished. Mrs. Zapata paired me with Rachel for an English project which should be interesting. I’m sure I’ll hear all about her plans on Monday.”

.

Quinn grinned, her cheeks turning pink when he complimented her. “Thanks,” she said softly, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment when he kissed her cheek. “Yeah, I’m ready,” she said. “Just have to lock up.” Doing just that, she made sure the house was locked before turning back to face Mike. Looking at her date’s extended hand, she took hers in his, giving it a gentle squeeze as she did so.

“What a gentleman,” she commented as the door was opened for her, sliding into the passenger seat. Once she was buckled she reached over, placing her hand gently on his thigh. “I am,” she said with a small nod. “It’s been quiet around the house today, so I’ve had a lot of time to just be, and I needed that.”

.

He smiled at her saying that he was a gentleman and simply responded with a shrug. It wasn’t really a big deal. Kind of the staple thing that he could do. But if she appreciated it, he wouldn’t comment, and was happy to keep doing it. The music in the car was quiet, Mike having turned it down to the point of just giving enough background noise, wanting the evening to be more about them talking and hanging out at this point. Though he had a plan for music later on.

“I’m glad. Feels like you never really have the chance to just rest and be. So it’s good that you got it today.” He would have understood if she hadn’t been feeling well and had needed to postpone, he imagined being pregnant wasn’t exactly the most fun thing in the world. But he was glad that she hadn’t felt the need to.

The hand on his thigh was a surprise, but not an unwelcomed one. It was a small act but it was filled with...something. He couldn’t describe it, not really, but it wasn’t like just anyone was hanging out with their hand on his thigh. “My day was filled with chores around the house, but at least that’s out of the way. Tomorrow can now be a more quiet day for me.”

.

Quinn had been eager to go on this date from the minute Mike asked her out. Of course, she was nervous. She wouldn’t normally be, but with her circumstances, it was scary to be dating again. She was more nervous for Mike than she was for herself. She was used to the ridicule at school and in public, but he wasn’t, and she really hoped that any stares or comments they got wouldn’t deter him from wanting to continue on with this.

She’d been wanting to kiss him since the first time she did it at the bowling alley, but he was holding off. It was fair enough, but she was getting antsy. Getting ready for the night, the entire Puckerman clan was out. She had quiet, and she didn’t need to worry about any questioning. She worked hard, curling her hair, picking out the perfect dress and cardigan combo. She felt beautiful, and she struggled to feel that way ever since she started showing.

Hearing the knock on the door, Quinn grabbed her keys and purse, feeling butterflies inside as she stepped into her flats. Seeing Mike when she opened the door, she grinned. “You look handsome.”

.

Mike shifted from side to side as he waited for someone to answer the door. And when Quinn answered the door with that gorgeous smile on her face, he felt his own smile spread across his face. How could he not smile when she was answering the door, looking like that, and smiling at him in a way he had never been smiled at before. “And you look so beautiful.” He returned, leaning in to press a kiss against her cheek. More than just looking beautiful, she looked comfortable, and that helped Mike feel more comfortable and confident as well. “Are you ready to go?” He asked, holding out his hand for Quinn to take. 

Receiving affirmation from Quinn about her being ready, and taking her hand once she’d locked the door behind her, Mike led her to his car. Opening the passenger seat door, he waited for her to be settled before closing the door behind her. He moved to the driver’s side and quickly buckled up and got the car moving. “Feeling good today?” He questioned, just wanting to check in. 

It had also been extremely difficult to not kiss Quinn. They hadn’t stopped hanging out and some of the things that she did just made him want to kiss her so badly. But having decided to refrain until their first date, he wanted to stick to his guns.

Adjusting his jacket, Mike knocked on the front door of the Puckerman house with a breath. He knew that Puck was out somewhere and so at least he didn’t yet have to deal with his attitude, but he wasn’t sure if Puck’s mom was home and what her thoughts would be. But he wasn’t going to be the kind of guy who waited in his car on the first date.

.

“You know, if we take away my parents extreme religious beliefs and willingness to abandon their child, I think you and I were raised by some really similar people. They had priorities for us, and wanted us to be the best. Expectations were always so high.” She never realized how similar they actually were, but she had a deep appreciation for it, knowing that he understood the pressure just as well as she did. Maybe even more/

“I have full faith in you and your restaurant choosing abilities,” Quinn stated firmly. “You’re a bit of a tease, Mike, did you know that?” she asked with a laugh when he kissed her cheek. “But fine. Actually doing homework,” she replied, moving back to sit upright in front of her books.

“And that’s on the odd occasion that my parents would let me go to any of the parties. My dad hated when I’d go, he didn’t want me ‘risking temptation’ and sinning.” She missed out on a fair bit of social activities because of her dad. Her mom had always been the submissive of the two, and more relaxed with rules, but her dad was an alpha male with a strong personality and strong religious convictions. “It would be. A big shame. So I’m glad I don’t have to go through life like that anymore.”

Thinking about the food question, she took a minute before answering. “I’m pretty good now that I’m further along. We don’t like avocados but that’s about all I can say for that. She really enjoys things that include bacon the most but I’m easy.” 

.

“Well, we must have ended up at most of the same ones. Because parties aren’t something I’m always allowed to go to either. Doing homework, studying, getting rest for the next week of school...that’s more important than going out and having fun.” He shrugged. At least in the last few months they had been more willing to let him go; continuing to prove that he could keep on top of his school work, and get good grades, while also enjoying himself had helped the slightest bit. But he knew one mistake could send him right back.

“So a place that has meals with bacon and you can avoid avocados. Got it. I think that’s something that I can manage.” He said, fighting against the urge to kiss her. With their date just a few days away, Mike really wanted to wait until then before kissing her again. He wanted it to be special. So instead, he kissed her cheek again before murmuring, “We should probably actually do some homework.”

.

“We were, but I think even within the circle there were sub-circles. Finn and I were in one with Puck and Santana. Brittany too but she was in everyone’s. You were lumped in with Matt and some of the other football guys and cheerleaders, but you weren’t in the same sub-circle really as Karofsky or Azimio.” It was complicated, and that breakdown alone just showed how many cliques the school really had even within the main cliques. “I’m grateful for Glee club, for showing me that there’s better people out there than just the popular kids. I may never really be friends with Rachel, but I never would have gotten to know Mercedes, or Kurt. Or you.”

Quinn was worried about how his parents would react. Maybe they’d like her better when she wasn’t pregnant, but until that day cam she knew they weren’t going to like her, but she was prepared for that. “You know, a perk of having no parents anymore is that nobody can question who I date. And if I can handle my own not liking me, I can handle yours,” she said with a small laugh.

At his formal question, she nodded. “I will. You can pick me up at seven.”

.

“That’s true. We really only crossed over when it came to games or parties. And even at the parties, people still tended to stick with the same people.” Mike mused, shaking his head. It all seemed so stupid. To be so focused on cliques and what hanging out with people meant that you just lost sight of how cool people could be and how great of a friend they had the potential of being. “It’s true. And they’re pretty awesome. And I’m the best. So it would have been a real shame for you.”

Even as Quinn laughed about the fact that she could handle her parents not liking her and thus could handle his parents as well, his heart broke a little. He didn’t understand how people could have a child and then not support them especially through some of the most difficult times in their life. To Mike, it seemed clear that the Fabrays never should have been parents. They didn’t deserve to have Quinn as a daughter. She was strong and smart and beautiful. And she was all of those things in spite of her parents. 

“Seven it is. Any new foods that the baby is making it difficult for you to eat? Or has everything sort of evened out now?” The last thing he wanted was to plan a date that she then couldn’t enjoy.

.

“As long as you’re sure.” Quinn knew the icy pain of a slushie to the face, and it was awful. “I hate to admit that you’re right, but I wouldn’t have. I had the quarterback and that was all I wanted. But that Quinn would have been so, so wrong. She didn’t realize she was missing out on someone so fantastic.” The blonde sighed, putting a hand on his arm and rubbing it gently. “That’s understandable, I guess. Let’s hope they can come around to me.”

“When I joined Glee, my parents only approved for the same reason as yours. When I was kicked off the Cheerios, my mom suggested that I was gaining weight because singing doesn’t burn enough calories. It was only the Cheerios and the Celibacy Club that they approved of fully.” She looked at Mike, taking in everything that was him. “I really like your choice.”

.

“It’s funny. How we ran in the same circle and yet never really talked. To think about how much just joining a club at school really changed everything.” Of course Quinn getting pregnant also changed things, but he wasn’t sure that he would have reached out to her in the same way if they’d never been in the New Directions together. 

“I really like my choice too.” He affirmed, his lips curling upward into a smile. He knew when his parents found out that he was dating Quinn, he was going to have to deal with a lot of snarky comments. There would be conversations where all they did was try to talk him out of dating her. But his life wasn’t theirs. His life was his own. To live, to make mistakes, to enjoy, to make something worthwhile. And he was going to do whatever he had to to make sure he got to do that. 

“So, since we both like the choice I’m making. Quinn Fabray, will you go on a date with me Saturday evening?” 

.

“Think of it as a motivator,” she said. “Maybe knowing how much I want it will make it happen faster. Or maybe that’s just my wishful thinking,” she said. Quinn nodded. “Another one will never happen again. You have my word,” she told him sincerely.

Quinn was glad to hear he stayed true to his word and had been considering things. Before he started to explain himself, she was thinking about what he might have come to decide. She hoped for the best, but she wouldn’t blame him if he were to decide that all of this was too much for him. But as he began to speak, she felt an odd amount of relief wash over her. She didn’t realize that she cared that much, but she did and it would have crushed her if he’d turned her down.

“I appreciate that. I really don’t know what I’m going to do yet, but I’m glad that I’ve got your support through whatever I end up doing.” A blush rushed to her cheeks while he continued, talking about wanting to hold hands and take her on dates. “I like you too, Mike.”

She smiled. “Are you positive about this? Dating me at the beginning of the school year would be one thing, but I am just going to get more pregnant, and you’re going to get just as many looks as I do when we walk down the halls,” she warned him. “And from the little I’ve heard about them, I don’t think your parents are going to like me very much. But if you’re sure, then.. I want all of that too.”

.

“Listen, just by joining Glee I signed up for having a wild number of looks thrown in my direction...and even more flavored ice thrown in my face.” He certainly wasn’t the person in Glee who had to deal with the most slushies, but it was truly a rite of passage at this point for any New Directions member. I can handle some more stares.” He assured her. “And let’s be honest...I don’t know that Quinn Fabray of the beginning of the school year would have even thought about dating me.” It wasn’t meant to be a jab, it was just the truth of the matter. Even if Mike was a football player, he wasn’t the Quarterback and he wasn’t the most popular of the team.

“There isn’t a whole lot that my parents actually do like. Honestly I think the only person my parents would approve of me dating is Tina. It’s kind of an Asian thing. But if there’s one thing that I’m trying to take away from Glee club is that most often the most worthwhile thing to do is the one that not everyone can understand. You know? Like my dad hates how much time I spend in Glee. He fought so hard against the dance lessons that I took when I was little. The only reason he’s okay with Glee and Football really is that extra curricular activities look good on a college application.” Mike sighed. “My parents might not like this choice. But it’s the one I’m making.”

“Tackling him harder at football practice sounds like the perfect compromise.” There was no sarcasm in her voice at all, if he could give Puck a few good tackles, that was fine by her. “Just give him a couple extra ones on behalf of the baby, okay?”

Quinn smiled. “That’s sweet.” Not wanting to kiss her while he’s angry seemed completely on brand for the kind of guy she always figured Mike was. “Good. I hope it comes soon. Fabrays aren’t always patient for the things that they really want,” she told him softly. “Does this mean you’ve forgiven me for the Glist?” she asked. 

“Have you.. given anymore thought to things? I know you want to kiss me, that I’m not sure I know what to make of that or what it means.”

.

“I do like the thought of you being impatient for the chance to kiss me again. I have to admit. But I promise not to keep you waiting too long.” He reached to grab her hand, squeezing it gently. “I still don’t like that the Glist happened. But I understand a bit better why it did. And I’m not going to hold it against you.” He responded, his voice just as soft.

“I have thought about things. I told you that I would and that wasn’t a lie.” There had been a lot to think about. The first thing he’d thought was that he liked Quinn, that he wanted to hang out with her, and that he wanted to take her on dates and kiss her. That had been an easy thing to easily come to the conclusion of. But while her being pregnant wasn’t a bad thing, it was something that needed to be taken into consideration. They both knew it. And so he’d mulled over what that meant for them in a really serious way.

“First off, I want you to know that like I support whatever you choose to do with the baby. I know I’m not the dad and so maybe I don’t need to tell you I support you but I want you to know I do.” It was an important first point. “Secondly, it’s important for you to know that I don’t just want to kiss you. I want to keep doing all the things we’ve already been doing. I want to hang out and do homework...or hang out with the intention of doing homework and then do none of it...” He trailed off, gesturing at the books that lay forgotten. “I want to have you tell me things that you haven’t told anyone else and I want to tell you things that no one else knows about me. I want to take you on dates. I want to hold your hand in the car, or in my room, or at school, or anywhere else we are together.” He cleared his throat.

“I like you, Quinn.”

.

Truthfully, while pregnancy was quite the consequence of unprotected sex, she wasn’t fully understanding the severity of what Puck had done. Or maybe she did, and she just didn’t want to believe that something like that could have happened to a girl like her. “He and consequences have never really gone hand in hand, you’re not wrong about that.”

Quinn looked up at him, her gaze soft. “Thank you. I know you do. But if you do, then people are going to ask questions. I’d rather this stay hush and just have you here supporting me quietly like this.” When he kissed her on the cheek, she raised an eyebrow at him. “Just the cheek?”

.

She was right. There would be no determinable reason for Mike to have punched Puck. And people would ask questions or come to their own conclusions and both of those things wouldn’t help him keep the situation to himself like Quinn had asked. “I understand. Although, I could always tackle him a bit harder at football practice.” He teased gently.

“I don’t want to kiss you angry. And right now I’m simmering a little in anger.” He admitted, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face. “The kiss is coming though, I assure you.” He’d done the thinking that Quinn had requested of him. And while he’d come to the conclusion that he wanted to move forward with Quinn before the Glist had come out, his reaction to the list and what the list might say about Quinn’s opinion of him really cemented what he wanted.

.

“Everyone else puts the blame on me, Mike. Why shouldn’t I do the same? It was my idea in the first place to invite him over, and it takes two to tango, doesn’t it? He betrayed my trust and went against what I had asked, but I lead him on, and I said yes to sleeping with him. I share a good portion of the blame.” She sighed. “I could have said no to the drinks, but I didn’t. I just.. kept drinking them when he’d hand them over.”

Quinn shook her head. “Don’t hit him,” she said. “You have a really nice face and I don’t want to see it get damaged,” she admitted. “And as tough as you are, I think he’d probably kick the crap out of you if you came at him.” She nodded. “Thank you for making me comfortable enough to tell someone.” She paused for a minute, thinking about everything he said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you curse like that, it’s kinda hot,” she blurted out. 

.

“Everyone else doesn’t know that he lied to you about wearing protection. Look, I’m not saying that you didn’t make some mistakes. But you saying two to tango just means that he needs to take responsibility too. Which he literally hasn’t done. Ever in his life probably. And especially not with this situation.” Mike said, trying to get her to understand. Quinn hadn’t been perfect and she wasn’t necessarily completely blameless. But none of what she did meant she should have been lied to.

“Look, Quinn. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter that you invited him over or that you took the drinks. If you had said no, that’s it. There’s no leading him on. It’s you didn’t want to have sex and he can’t make you.” He paused. “And the fact that you just told me you wouldn’t have had sex if you’d known he didn’t have a condom is a real big problem.”

He let out a breath and closed his eyes for a minute before shaking his head. “Okay, I won’t go after him. But I really want to.”

When she called his cursing hot, he couldn’t help but roll his eyes slightly before leaning in to kiss her cheek softly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

.

“If Puck had been honest with me, I would have said no,” she admitted. “I know I shouldn’t have even invited him over in the first place, but if he had been honest, and if I hadn’t been drunk I don’t think things would have gone down like this,” Quinn told him. “And I knew that Puck had a reputation, I’d heard plenty of things about his sex life with Santana.. from Santana. I should have known better.”

Quinn shook her head, snuggling up closer. “I don’t know if I believe that, but you do and I appreciate it. But I think I’ll always question if I had this coming, if I deserved it.” She paused. “I know I’ve already asked you this about something else tonight, but please don’t tell anybody. You’re the only person I’ve ever told this to.”

.

And there it was. Quinn saying it point blank that she wouldn’t have slept with Puck if she’d known. And it just pissed Mike off further. “You have to stop putting the entirety of the blame on yourself.” Mike replied. “Fuck Puck’s reputation. He shouldn’t have taken advantage of the trust you were giving him. He shouldn’t have lied. He shouldn’t have made it a point to get you drunk and to that point.”

“I won’t tell anyone. But my fist might have to meet Puck’s face.” Mike expressed openly, his thumb gently brushing across her cheek. “Thank you for trusting me with this. I wish there was nothing to tell me about.” And it was true. He wished that things had turned out different for Quinn in a lot of ways, but there was no changing the past; he could just be there for her moving forward.

.

Quinn could feel the anger radiating off of Mike. She was glad that he didn’t move though. Her emotions were running wild, and it was taking every single part of her to keep from fully crying. She could allow the odd tear, but she didn’t want him to see her break down. 

“It’s what I deserved. It’s like it was God trying to tell me something, trying to prove to me that I shouldn’t have done it,” she said. She didn’t know why else she would have been in that position. Deep down, yeah, she was mad at Puck for doing things that she didn’t agree to, but she didn’t know how to process it. “It’s just too much,” she said, her shaky voice barely above a whisper as she wiped at her eyes.

.

“No, Quinn. I have to stop you there, alright?” His hand left her waist to cup her cheek again. “You didn’t deserve that. No one deserves to be lied to like that. You trusted him with something important. You trusted him to be honest. You trusted him to do the right thing. And he decided to do the opposite.” He said firmly. “Should you have had sex with him while you were dating Finn? No, we all know that was uncool. But that’s not the point right now.” Quinn had gotten enough flack from literally everyone, and probably from herself as well, for cheating on Finn. There was a new problem that had entered the ring now. “Quinn, saying that you deserved to be tricked into having unprotected sex is whole-heartedly untrue. And that...that one is on Puck. You deserved better than that, Quinn.” 

The truth of the matter seemed to be that Quinn wouldn’t have said yes to having sex with Puck if she knew it was going to be unprotected. And so Puck had lied to get her to have sex. And that was fucked up.