Chapter Text
For quite some time now, being a Fabray afforded a person several benefits.
The men who carried the name usually exuded power and possessed a natural ability to command attention when they entered a room, while the women in the family often remained in the background, mastering the class and poise passed down through generations of southern housewives.
Regardless of gender, if one were lucky enough to be a member of the Fabray family - the most important thing inherited was unprecedented wealth.
With that wealth, and the success that led to it, came a reputation. Multiple reputations. Good and bad.
In spite of that, Quinn Fabray - the youngest member of her family and heiress to their empire - was committed to charting a different path that mostly deviated from what was expected of her.
Naturally, she couldn’t escape genetics and picked up noticeable traits from both her mother and father that couldn’t be ignored. Such as, being an overachiever.
Quinn graduated high school at the tender age of seventeen and went on to ivy league colleges both for her undergraduate and graduate education. At twenty three, she’d successfully obtained an MBA in business and the following year accepted her first job offer at a fortune five hundred company.
It was an unavoidable generational curse, and despite the proof that she was smart and overqualified - she remained concerned about the stigma that came along with being an "heiress" and refused to be given a job solely based on who she was related to.
She’d made sure to excel at two other companies before ever entertaining the idea of taking over her family's business. That choice certainly helped with challenging the belief that the company - controlled for the last four years by a now thirty-one year old Quinn Fabray - had just been handed to her.
No, Quinn Fabray earned the right to carry on her family's legacy. She was special, and she always had been.
Her mother always told her that. Before she was an honor student, and before she was officially a billionaire.
Before she really knew who she was.
Judy Fabray always believed that her daughter was gifted. One of a kind.
"Some people are just special. They are chosen by God - or whoever you may believe in - and given gifts that help them succeed at whatever they do. I knew the minute I was pregnant with you that you would turn out to be one of those people."
Quinn never really understood what her mother meant and probably never would. She did, however, know that her father shared a similar opinion. Though, his thoughts were more of a combination of what her mother believed and a logical understanding of genetics. That understanding greatly affected the way he chose to raise her.
At the beginning, her father would call her the perfect little girl.
Mostly because she was her mother's lookalike - perfect blonde hair, flawless skin, and incredibly well spoken.
As superficial as it sounded, her father actually believed that those things would be crucial when setting his daughter up for greatness.
Realistically, and in addition to her beauty - and she was truly beautiful - it was her intelligence and creativity, along with her ability to think through things even at an early age that God had actually bestowed onto her.
That was really what made her special.
Quinn was a natural born leader and she was willing and able to take control of whatever situation she found herself in.
The ease with which she took to leadership was easily credited to her father and his insistence on developing that particular quality. He had been more concerned about how it would shape her professional success, but it had ended up affecting her personal life as well.
With the various disasters she’d struggled with throughout her life, she quickly came to realize that in order to prevent herself from crashing and burning, she would need to take control.
Of everything.
Of course, Quinn Fabray did not consider herself a walking pity party.
She understood that life had a tendency to shit on everyone - for lack of better words - and despite the ridiculous amount of tragedy that she had been negatively affected by, she tried not to dwell too much on the specific struggle she’d gone through and hadn’t moved on from.
Now, that didn't do much for the fact that she did have a painful past that she hadn't moved on from.
Quinn tried, of course. She had a therapist when she was nineteen.
It had been no surprise that sitting on a couch and sharing her feelings didn't exactly bring her the peace she’d been looking for at the time.
But the advice the woman had given Quinn turned out to be substantially helpful. She was told to channel her pain and sorrow into something. And while she hadn't begun working at that point, she managed to stumble onto a particular...outlet that allowed her to refocus her energy.
That particular outlet had to do with sex.
When she was younger, Quinn never considered herself to be very sexual - despite the fact that she very well should have been. She had definitely been attracted to women for quite some time and harnessed certain desires in response to that, though she hardly pursued them.
Luckily through a specific chain of events that she often tried not to think about, she managed to open herself up to a type of sexual exploration that would end up shaping her personal life.
She discovered a way to experience pleasure while staying in control of her emotions. A way to simultaneously be the person she was in her every day life while also not being the person she was in her every day life.
Quinn realized, just as her therapist had predicted, if she channeled all of the aggression and sadness associated with her youth into something that would provide a healthy release for her that she could keep her bizarre range of emotions - emotions she wasn't sure she'd ever manage to work through - in tact.
Quinn also knew what she truly needed. It wasn't about having meaningless sex with women. It was about finding a connection with someone, earning their trust and being able to give them an experience that would create real pleasure for them. Because that created real pleasure for Quinn. Which was something that Quinn cherished, deeply.
No other experience in her life made her feel as free. No other experience truly gave her that much control. More control than she felt she'd ever had in her life.
She now understood that her mother and father had seen something in her that she would never understand until she was an adult. She was special, for certain reasons. She always had been. That wasn't a burden, but a quality that she would grow to appreciate and accept.
It actually did make Quinn Fabray the wonder that she was. Even despite her guilt from straying so far away from what her father deemed ‘normal’.
She lived for control.
Quinn closed her eyes and took a deep breath, growing lightheaded at the mere thought of it. Flexing her slim fingers, she lifted herself up on the balls of her feet and opened her eyes to the darkening skies of New York City.
Had she really been standing at her window that long?
It must have been a particularly uneventful day for her because she hadn't even noticed how much time had passed while she mused silently. Pressing her hand to the window carefully, she allowed the tips of her fingers to touch the glass.
She'd loved the city for so long and would often peacefully observe her thoughts while gazing out at the skyscrapers. It gave her tranquility outside of her personal life. A way to meditate, so to speak. Most of the time those musings would leave her longing for another way to distract herself.
Thankfully, she had already made other plans for that evening.
A beep suddenly sounded and as the voice of her secretary rang through the speaker, Quinn drew her hand back from the window almost as quickly as she had touched it.
"Ms. Fabray? I'm sorry to interrupt you, but it's five-thirty. You told me to remind you when it began to get close to the time of your reservation. If you want to make it on time, you should probably start preparing to leave. Your car is waiting for you downstairs. Is there anything else I can get for you?"
Quinn Fabray smiled.
"Thank you Renee', but I think I’m set for the evening. Why don't you take off early and I'll make sure to lock up?"
"Thank you Ms. Fabray. Enjoy your evening." Renee’ spoke genuinely and Quinn brushed her bangs away from her brow.
There was something about being the last person to leave her building that helped affirm that she had put in as much work as she possibly could have. Quinn refused to be the boss that just sat behind a desk while nameless, faceless people ran her company for her. So every evening she would tie up all the loose ends that she could, meditate, and dismiss Renee' before locking up and heading home.
Tonight would bring a slight deviation from her normal routine - for good reason. She would be spending the evening having dinner with a new woman that she could possibly share her desires with and if it panned out correctly it could lead to a very promising opportunity.
Quinn usually didn't keep a submissive for long periods of time and often found that arranging a meeting to first make sure that she shared chemistry with the person was important. She would use that initial sit down to determine how passionate a woman was about submitting to her. Not to mention that it was important for each woman to understand that she was not looking for a permanent arrangement - via contractual agreement.
If Quinn was being honest with herself, she was still humoring the idea that someday she'd find the perfect woman; a woman who could meet all of her needs.
Realistically, she knew that she wasn't anywhere near ready to be with someone in that way. She had attempted it once and it didn't really work out. Until she stopped shying away from her issues and was able to truly give herself emotionally to a woman - it was easier and safer to keep her relationships temporary.
She couldn't bring herself to drag something out that didn't truly satisfy her and most - if not all - submissive's understood that. Fortunately, there were no hard feelings and no vengeance. They all understood from the beginning that their time with Quinn would eventually come to an end and as gratifying as that routine had been so far, there was a part of it that was getting a bit old for her.
It seemed that the same types of women sought her out - women that she sometimes felt held her back from the possibility of something real falling into her hands. Though, she never tired of their enthusiasm.
She needed it.
She needed the routine in her life to stay sane. However, she couldn't help but wonder if 'the one' - the woman that she liked to think of as sort of a rare diamond - would be the person who would absolutely wreck her.
Somehow, Quinn both feared and hoped for it.
So, she embarked on this dinner for the opportunity to meet a fresh face but deep down she held onto hope that maybe she'd be sitting down with her future. At the very least, the woman was Quinn's type: short exotic brunette, brown eyes, and long legs.
She never strayed from her pattern nor did she plan to. It was in her genetics to never settle for less and she believed that she'd never have to even consider it.
The woman she would be meeting that evening seemed like she had potential. Nice laugh, good personality, and fully willing to meet all of Quinn's needs.
Her only downfall was that she’d belonged to someone before her. A huge red flag.
Normally Quinn Fabray did not touch a sub who previously belonged to someone else.
Unless there was an exception.
The dinner was to determine if there could be an exception made and to say that Quinn was curious would be an understatement. She held onto hope that she’d find someone special. It was a yearning that had never been fulfilled.
Quinn anticipated that tonight that would change.
As usual, when entering the restaurant Quinn was met with stares from all over.
This had been the norm for her from the minute she took over her parents’ company. It could be attributed to the size of the business and the fact that by taking actual leadership within the company versus only holding the majority of shares she went from being just another spoiled heiress to one of the youngest, wealthiest people in the world. It was so rare that it was bound to make a major headline or two.
Most of the time it didn't affect her, though she often wondered what it would be like to introduce herself to someone who didn't already know her name.
The host greeted Quinn with a knowing and slightly nervous smile, another thing Quinn could live without. She disliked the intimidating fear people felt because of her wealth and influence.
"Ms. Fabray, it is wonderful to see you tonight…your guest arrived fifteen minutes prior to yourself and is waiting for you at your reserved table."
She follows directions well, Quinn thought. She had indeed informed the woman to be as obedient as she could tonight – a test of sorts.
Since Jessica - the woman Quinn would be dining with - had informed Quinn that she would not be requesting a 'twenty-four seven' relationship, the instructions regarding her behavior weren't necessary, but for Quinn it would reveal several things about her.
Aside from that, Quinn hadn't embarked on a relationship of that type of intensity in a long time, nor did she plan to at this point. She was only looking for something to fulfill her needs for the time being.
"Fantastic," Quinn uttered softly with a small smile as the host led the way to her table. They were always so formal to her at these kinds of places and although she didn't always have the patience for it, she made sure to respond with respect.
"Might I add that you look absolutely stunning in that gown!" He gushed and Quinn smiled at the compliment.
"Thank you," she said calmly, before she spotted her table. Jessica was sitting with her eyes cast downward, her hands in her lap and her shoulders back in the short red dress that Quinn had specifically request she wear.
Upon approaching the table, Jessica stood. The man looked at her curiously but chose not to respond. Instead he turned to Quinn, but before he could speak she’d already cut him off. "Let's start with a bottle of Chardonnay." She said firmly.
"As you wish, Ms. Fabray."
He hurried off to retrieve the order, and Quinn touched the smooth cheek of her potential lover. "Very good Jessica. Eyes up."
Brown eyes looked up at Quinn as she continued, "Tonight will be a test. You normally will not be required to accompany me anywhere in public. That is not the nature of the relationship I have requested from you. However, I would like to see how well you can follow directions. You have done exceedingly well so far." Quinn smiled.
The woman smiled softly in return and Quinn allowed her eyes to sweep down her body appreciatively. Jessica fit the dress that Quinn had purchased for her perfectly.
"You look exceptional, Jessica." Quinn complimented her and Jessica smiled.
"Thank you, Ms. Fabray," she said in a breathy sort of voice and Quinn nodded her approval. Her first name wasn’t an option and she hadn’t given her any specific instructions on how to address her. Jessica clearly came prepared.
"Well done. You may sit."
The woman waited a beat for Quinn to sit down, before she took her seat and placed her hands on her lap, smiling at Quinn.
"Do you drink white wine, Jessica?"
"No, Ms. Fabray. I’ve never had white wine before." She responded quietly. Quinn sucked on her teeth, "Hmm, that is unfortunate. You will have your first glass of white wine with me tonight, is that alright with you?"
As a look of confusion passed over her face, Quinn realized that Jessica had never been asked if anything was alright with her and was struggling to find the correct response to the question. That left Quinn curious to find out if Jessica would turn out to be a bit of challenge.
She loved challenges.
"If it's alright with you, it's alright with me, Ms. Fabray."
Nope.
Quinn couldn’t deny that she was slightly disappointed. Jessica appeared perfect, but only because she’d perfected the art of being submissive. She’d already been taught how to be obedient and although that seemed like exactly what Quinn would want, she hoped for something different. Someone fresh. She reveled in the thought of having a woman who was absolutely and totally clueless when it came to the lifestyle but passionate about being submissive to her.
Quinn was looking for something she'd only find in a woman that was head over heels in love with her, or vice verse. Sadly, Quinn could not trust many women enough to allow that kind of relationship to take place and she hadn't in a long time.
Considering those circumstances, she figured that though Jessica wasn't exactly what she was looking for - she would just have to do for now.
"It does feel good to have a first with you, Jessica." Quinn continued, unable to keep some of the bitterness out of her tone. After all, she was still annoyed with the idea of having someone else's submissive.
As terrible as it sounded, there was something that felt a bit sloppy to her about not being someone's first. She knew how ridiculous it sounded, but it was something that she had grown to accept about her preferences over time.
The woman across from her lowered her eyes at the remark, feeling the instant condemnation from Quinn's comment.
Interesting.
"Eyes up, Jessica. Surely you aren't hurt by what I said? Is there something you would like to share with me?" Quinn said giving Jessica a curious look and Jessica looked her in her eyes.
"No, Ms. Fabray I -"
Jessica's words were cut off in a gasp as Quinn's hand disappeared under the table cloth and quickly up her dress. Quinn let her fingers caress the girl's thigh, watching her face go a little pink at the touch.
"Something wrong?" Quinn spoke calmly. Jessica shook her head.
Second mistake in less than five minutes, maybe she isn't that perfect.
Quinn squeezed her thigh, before sliding her hand upward...near the place that caused an audible stutter in Jessica's breathing. Quinn couldn't deny her own arousal at the reaction she was pulling from her.
"Use your words, Jessica. I can't read minds." Quinn spoke firmly and Jessica stared into the hazel orbs before speaking.
"I-I apologize; there isn't a-anything wrong with me, Ms. Fabray." Jessica said, her voice shaking.
Quinn stared at her for a moment, her hard eyes looking through her rather than at her, before smiling and removing her hand. "I will overlook your mistake."
All that could be heard in the silence was the soft heaving of Jessica's chest. It seemed that she hadn't been expecting such a thing from Quinn. That caused Quinn's interest in the woman to grow considerably.
She glanced around the restaurant, amused by the way the servers bustled around to please the rich people dining there. Of course, the wealthy patrons reveled in the attention.
It always annoyed Quinn how they would use their influence to boost their own egos. She had never been a fan of being sucked up to and preferred for people to treat her like a normal person. Because that was who she truly was, a normal person, just trying to further the company her family built and remain in control of her life.
Maybe someday that's how she'd be seen.
Suddenly Quinn was being pulled from her reverie by the sound of a loud crash and the feeling of cold liquid splashing into her lap. Standing up, Quinn glanced down to see what she guessed was the white wine she'd ordered now dripping down her dress.
"Oh my God! I'm-I'm so sorry…I tripped and...and I'll get something to clean that up! I'm so sorry!"
Having glanced down to inspect the state of her shoes, Quinn noticed the person frantically apologizing at her feet. A short, tan brunette was on her knees - scrambling to pick up the glass that had fallen along with the broken bottle of Chardonnay. Quinn watched her in amusement as she fumbled around.
"I am so fired, damn it…" she mumbled to herself, before shaking her head. "I mean...I mean...excuse my language...I just need to get this...get this glass up a-and..." She rushed to her feet again and finally Quinn had the opportunity to get a good look at the waitress who'd apparently ruined her dress.
As cliche as it sounded, everything seemed to slow down when she laid eyes on her.
Her heart actually fluttered and her pulse began to race as she shared a gaze with the woman. There were butterflies in her stomach. It was startling. Mostly because it had been so long since she'd felt that strong of a pull towards another person initially. Where was this coming from?
She watched the brunette falter for words, her mouth hanging open as she stared back at Quinn.
She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her long brown curls were pulled back into a high ponytail, preventing her hair from obscuring her face. She had smooth skin, defined cheeks, and plump lips that looked absolutely delicious. Without shame, Quinn allowed her eyes to rake over her body. She appeared to have a really nice figure, which was noticeable even while she wore the standard waitress uniform: white button down top and black slacks. She was also particularly small in stature.
Quinn glanced back up at her eyes and swallowed, feeling her mind and body strain against both her composed expression and the fabric of her expensive dress.
She finally spoke again, which jerked Quinn from her musings. "I am so sorry ma'am. I didn't mean to-" she cleared her throat before continuing. "Listen, I can clean that up if you'd like? I don't know how much wine a napkin can take out of a dress, but I can try." She offered her a nervous smile and began to raise the cloth napkin to the material but Quinn caught her wrist before she could press it to her body.
"It's ruined, actually," She told her with a smile and the girl immediately looked like she was about to cry.
"I'm so sorry-"
"Berry!" The sound of an angry voice cut her off and Quinn watched as she wrung the hand not in Quinn's grasp like she was about to have a nervous breakdown.
"Oh God, ma'am. I'm really sorry. I'll have someone come over and clean all of this up for you. I'm really sorry again…" She pulled her arm free of Quinn's grasp before hurrying off, offering one last look over her shoulder before she was out of her sight.
Quinn smiled, the woman's features burning themselves into her brain. A man who Quinn assumed was the manager suddenly appeared in front of her, and instantly she snapped out of the haze she'd been stuck in.
"I want her name."
"Ms. Fabray, I am so sorry! The girl is new and in training but consider your evening on us-"
"There's no need for that...I just want her name."
Quinn didn't even look at the man, still staring off in the direction of where the girl had disappeared, utterly entranced. She was sure that she'd never seen a woman so perfect in her life.
"That won't be necessary Ms. Fabray. I promise that she will be fired immediately."
Quinn finally turned her head and stared at the man, her patience beginning to thin.
"You will not fire her and you will not pay for my evening, I am only requesting you give me her name." Quinn said with finality.
He looked at her confusedly, "I don't under-"
Quinn leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "I don't see how I could make myself anymore concise. Either you give me her name as I've requested or I will call the owner of this establishment and get it myself, but not before letting him know that because you refused to rectify the situation to my standards, I have made the decision to withdraw my patronage from this restaurant and will encourage my friends and colleagues to do the same. Your choice," she said lowly. Her hazel eyes were ablaze with promise.
Quinn hated intimidating people on purpose, but she had no other choice. She needed that name.
"Her name is Rachel Berry."
Rachel Berry.
Quinn couldn't immediately explain why, but there was a very distinct feeling rising inside of her. It wasn't something she felt regularly, but rather when she was in the midst of discovering something extraordinary.
Something like...a rare diamond.
And then Quinn realized that this woman was rare.
The very woman she never thought she’d find had been standing right in front of her tonight. And though she only knew her name, Quinn was sure about one thing.
She wanted her.