A/N: Alright guys, first things first. I'm so sorry I haven't updated recently, all I can say for myself is that I've had major writers block, plus some personal stuff came up that kept me from writing for a while. Secondly, I apologize for the lack of Faberry in this chapter, but it had to be done to bring back someone we all know and love. Trust me, there is a purpose. I will make no promises on the next update, just know that I haven't given up and will continue writing as long as you're reading. Thanks to everyone who's reviewed and alerted, you guys are awesome. As always, R&R, lemme know I haven't lost you guys :)

You´re better then the best
I´m lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow that´s right

The brightest of lights shined on the dark-haired woman as she bellowed from her diaphragm, the meaningless fits and starts of a new friendship that, for the first time held no meaning to Rachel Berry. Dreams had been realized, bound, and sometimes broken on this same stage, and for once the talent-driven diva wouldn't have noticed had someone broken out with a rendition of 'Kumbaya' during her solo.

The lines and lyrics that fell so effortlessly from her lips were those she'd memorized long ago, a flawless performance that the tiny brunette wouldn't remember once she'd fallen back into the darkened wings of the stage, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

It had been like this since she'd left the studio; left Quinn. She'd been running on autopilot as she'd raced to the theatre, through hair and make-up, thinking she'd much rather have had Quinn in her dressing room fixing her up like she had before. Touching her, caring for her, making her beautiful.

Once she'd been primped and prodded, she'd merely sat in the plush chair in front of her mirror, grinning like an idiot, every now and then pressing her fingertips to her lips. She'd kissed Quinn Fabray….and she'd thoroughly enjoyed it. Wanted to do it again. Now she was being led back to her dressing room, her obviously show-stopping performance done and over with…and she couldn't remember it. Not the overture, nor the back and forth with Amanda, who played Glenda, not the expression of gratitude when they'd taken their bows to a mass of applause.

Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me
Lets me know that it´s ok
Yeah it´s ok
And the moments when my good times start to fade

Suddenly, she felt light-headed. She lived for her dream, for these performances, yet after one, albeit wonderful re-connection with Quinn Fabray and she was losing moments she'd waited since her childhood to receive. She stood in front of the mirror, somehow trying to discern what had changed. If somehow she looked different.

She saw the same thing she always did when she looked into the reflective glass, a slightly large nose that was reminiscent of her idol, Barbra Streisand; or at least she'd always thought so. Dull brown eyes that lit up when she smiled, which she used to her advantage. She could pull off the puppy-dog look with the best of them. Sculpted cheekbones that sat a bit too high for her taste. The one thing she did like about her features was her smile. Though she thought her lips a bit too thin, she had a smile that could light up a room. It was infectious and giving.

She sighed softly, not noticing anything amiss. However, as she sometimes did, she nearly laughed at the dark-green make-up that coated her entire face, all the way from her hairline down past the neckline of her costume. It was even covering her ears. It was also hell to get off, she thought as she settled into a chair with her name gracing the back in elegant script.

Rather than the rest of her co-stars, the diva was left alone in her dressing room after the show to remove it herself. She didn't enjoy having the assistants around all the time. It was a hassle to have them fawn over her, with their lingering looks and busy hands. She'd much rather enjoy the time after alone, in the peaceful quiet. Even if it did take nearly half an hour to get the make-up off herself.

A knock on the dressing room door interrupted her thoughts and she all but growled, " Come in," not even bothering to check behind her for whoever was entering her dressing room. The loud squeal assaulted her ears just before two strong arms were about her shoulders, nearly squeezing the life from her.

The force of the embrace knocked her chair side-ways, leaving her no way to see who was behind her, and just for a moment, sheer terror placed a vise around her heart. 'No, not again…' was the only thought in her head and she found that she couldn't move or breath, shock permeating her body and a fog over her senses. She vaguely felt a mouth move against her ear, and knew her attacker was talking, but couldn't make out the words.

Even when you´re gone
Somehow you come along
Just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack and just like that
You steal away the rain and just like that

Something knocked into her shoulder and suddenly she screamed, the sound piercing and hollow and the security guard who permanently resided outside her dressing room door came barreling in, looking for the intruder, " Ms. Berry…wha..?" The look of confusion and the sudden loss of the arms around her shook her into motion and she scrambled from the chair and across the room. She turned only to find the security guard now holding a terrified looking Brittany S. Pierce in place.

"Rach, why does the man in black want me? Am I being recruited?" Hysterical laughter bubbled up in the diva's throat and she fought back tears as she bent over at the waist, allowing her racing heart to slow somewhat before gesturing to the guard, " Oh Brittany, I'm so sorry. You can let her go Carl." He looked uncertain, but did as ordered and backed away with a wary glance at the blonde dancer, " I'll be right outside Ms. Berry."

'Same as you always are' she thought, though the words uttered were, " Thank you Carl." They were heartfelt, to an extent. She was grateful for his quick timing, given past events especially, but she hated that he was necessary. The blonde watched him walk out the door with a frown, muttering something about aliens and she couldn't help but grin widely as she went over to her.

Blushing slightly, she pulled the taller girl into a hug, "It's wonderful to see you Brittany. Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would've had them set up the whole back-stage thing for you." Then she had a thought, " How did you sneak past Carl in the first place?" She could almost feel the dancer's grin as she whispered, " He was flirting with some woman in a bright yellow dress. It was easy," as if she were blabbing the top-secret entrance to the pentagon.

Don´t know how I lived without you
'Cuz every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes

She laughed as she pulled away, " Well then, Mrs. Smith, would you like a refreshment while we reminisce?" She winked, referencing that horrendous spy movie in jest. Brittany simply looked confused for a moment, " But Rachel, my last name isn't Smith. Don't you remember?" She looked so concerned that the diva had to laugh. "God Brittany, I missed you so much." And she had. The innocence and naivety that was her high school friend was refreshing and so poignantly familiar.

The blonde beamed and put a hand on her shoulder, " Of course you did silly. I missed you too. Wow, you're still short." The diva playfully stuck her tongue out and pouted, " I'll always be short Brit, would you like something to drink?"

"Not if you wear heels, Rachel. They wouldn't make you look like a dwarf," she murmured knowingly and the diva just grinned and shook her head. "Just water." Unlike Quinn and Santana, Brittany's comments had never been made in a direct attempt to cause her pain, and over the last two years of high school, they'd become friends. It had been in secret of course, the diva not wanting Brittany to become a target. The blonde had objected at first, but eventually had given into Rachel's long-winded speeches that she didn't understand.

Well, that she pretended not to understand. She understood a lot more than most people gave her credit for, she just didn't know how to express herself as eloquently as the brunette did. She preferred to keep things simple, and enjoy life. Besides, she loved the looks she received when something intelligent came out of her mouth. It was better than being observed with disappointment if she failed.

You make me smile like the sun
Fall outta bed
Sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night

Since high school, the two had kept in touch with texts and emails, and had seen each other occasionally. Rachel realized it had been a few months since she'd last seen the blonde, and as she brought her a bottle of water from the small fridge she had in the room, she looked slightly ashamed, " Brittany, I'm sorry I haven't been able to come see you-"

The blonde waved her off as she took the bottle, " Don't worry about it Rach. I know you're busy. That's why I came to see you instead. So, good surprise?" She'd seen how the singer had reacted, even if she hadn't noticed at the time. The brunette smiled as she shifted in place, "Of course. It's a wonderful surprise. I've missed you." She could see the questions forming in the dancer's eyes, but the diva wasn't quite ready to explain them, so instead she pulled the taller girl in for another hug which, being Brittany she eagerly accepted.

Once they'd parted she eyed the small diva curiously as she checked her phone for the hundredth time in a few minutes, " You waiting on someone Rach?" A knowing smile teased at the corner of her lips and the brunette couldn't help but smile, " Actually I am. I have a date tonight."

The girlish squeal was expected, and Brittany promptly squeezed her into a hug once more, " That's awesome Rach. Who is it?" Before she could answer, a thought placed its tender little hooks into her brain. She thought it over for a moment before saying cryptically, " Why don't I get ready and you come with me. See for yourself." She thought nothing of interrupting the diva's date and nodded eagerly. " Does that mean I get to dress you? You have to look hot for him, Rach." She didn't have the heart to tell her no…

You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile