A/N: Sorry about the end of the last chapter. it just felt like the natural break in this part of the story. All mistakes are mine. I have read over this so many times now it hurts so I have to publish before I run off scared x
As she opened the door she heard a car screech to a halt beside her. Turning she saw a very flustered Judy Fabray.
"Where's Rachel?" her Mom asked
"She left"
"Damn stupid airplanes and stupid airports. I am so mad I missed her" Judy calmed and a smile spread across her face "Quinn I have news"
"Not now ok Mom" Quinn couldn't hold her tears any longer.
Judy got out of the car and walked to her daughter. She took her in her arms and held her close.
"It's the best kind of news Quinn. Trust me you really want to know" she whispered into her daughter's hair as she comforted her.
Quinn stepped out of her Moms hug and looked at her.
"You better tell me then" she said and Judy's face exploded into a grin that almost competed with one of Rachel's.
Xxx
Quinn woke the next day and ached. She wouldn't see Rachel and as Santana promised the realisation hit her hard. She sat up in bed and just stared at a spot on the wall before giving in and collapsing back against the pillow she couldn't think of a good reason to get up today, not if she wasn't going to get to see Rachel.
"Quinn" Judy walked into her room moments later. "Get up"
"Ugh just leave me to wallow in my self-pity for at least a day Mom"
"No I will not. No pity. There are things that need doing and you need to be up and getting them done" Judy threw Quinn's towel at her "now get moving"
"Yes Ma'am" Quinn climbed out of bed and looked at her Mom "so this is really happening?"
Judy stopped making the bed and faced Quinn.
"Only if you make the effort"
"I'm on it" Quinn stretched and jogged to the shower. Her pity would wait. Today she had to track down Sue Sylvester and make some calls. She knew Rachel was busy with Orientation so wouldn't call until after dinner.
Later that day she sat at the kitchen table with Judy. They were surrounded by paper work.
"Are you going to tell Fran?" Quinn asked her Mom.
"I guess so. To be honest I was thinking I'd just let her know the day before because the last thing we need is her going to your Dad and the pair of them causing problems."
"No we really don't need any more problems"
"So that's it then"
"I can't believe we are really doing this"
xxx
Quinn's phone rang and she excused herself when she realised it was Rachel.
"Hey you, how was today?" she asked as she sat on the couch in the living room.
"It was um really good, a bit daunting but that was because it was a lot of new faces. I was kind of blown away but then I heard this girl sing and she was amazing."
"Nothing compared to you though Rachel, no one could make me feel the way your voice makes me feel."
"You'll make me blush"
"It's true. You are amazing I doubt she is half as good as you."
"There is a lot of competition here. I can't believe how talented she is."
"You will see them all off. You are going to be a Broadway star sooner than you think"
"I hope so Quinn. It was strange not having you near"
"I know. I didn't want to get out of bed today"
"But you did?" Rachel didn't hide the worry from her voice, she had been scared Quinn would sink into one of her quiet moods the moment she was gone.
"Mom got me out and doing things, she was mad she missed you yesterday and says Hi"
"Say Hi back. Did you do anything nice?"
"Nothing important but it got me out of the house and I am under orders from a certain future Broadway star to not sit around and sulk"
"Make sure you don't. Sorry I have to go there is a thing and this girl Emma is going so I better not be late, I think I may have made one friend at least so…"
"Sure. I'll call tomorrow and really don't worry you are going to make loads of new friends, they won't be able to resist you"
"People resisted me pretty well at High School"
"I never could and Rachel it's not High School. Just remember that"
"Love you"
"I love you too"
xxx
Quinn saw the look on Judy's face as she re-entered the kitchen.
"Well?" she asked eagerly.
"She says Hi"
Judy rolled her eyes "and did you tell her?"
"I didn't want to. Not on the phone"
"Perhaps you should set up a trip out."
"Maybe" Quinn shrugged.
"Come on Quinn you need to see her before it's all finalised"
"I'll tell her when I hear back from Coach, she doesn't need to know now. She has a lot on from the sounds of things and she doesn't need me adding to that with what is just wishful thinking at the moment."
"It's a lot more than wishful. The sooner you realise that the better and I doubt Rachel will agree with you keeping secrets again. You know Rachel will always support you whether you make it in or not"
"I know, but this is about me now and I need to work out a way to tell her in my own time"
"I guess I am going to have to trust you on this"
"You are" Quinn grinned and hugged her Mom "Thank you by the way."
xxx
Quinn spoke to Rachel every day and it helped. She could tell Rachel was worried about her but it sounded like she was enjoying Julliard and making friends. It wasn't easy being in Lima while Rachel began building a new life in New York.
Rachel didn't stop talking about the exceptionally talented Jenn and Quinn knew it was something different. There was Emma and she sounded nice, but Rachel seemed in awe of Jenn and when she talked about her like that she felt a little jealous.
When Sue called her later that day she knew what she had to do and how she was going to do it. She was still the girl that captained the Cheerios and like Sue said when Quinn wanted something she went out and got it.
xxx
Rachel slowly climbed out of bed and stretched, she had been in New York for almost two weeks and at times it felt like it had been two weeks since she had last smiled. She tried to make a go of things and was grateful of her natural acting ability because she really needed it. Inside she felt so lost and empty. She pretended but she couldn't help but feel sad because she missed Quinn. The girl had been her everything for so long. The person that made her complete and now they were apart and she ached like she had lost a limb.
She thought back to the summer months that had been everything she could have asked for. The memories often consumed her thoughts and made her feel a little less lost in her new world. The day Quinn kissed her at school was the start of a freedom that Rachel didn't even know she had missed. They were together and no longer afraid of what that meant. New York wasn't as exciting this time around. Without Quinn it seemed a little scary and even though her dreams were getting within reach it just made the whole experience all the more daunting.
Phone calls were not enough. Video calls were few because they were both so busy. At night she felt cold because she was nowhere near the girl she loved and she hated it but she told herself it would soon be ok and in time she would get used to the distance.
Orientation was hard. It was the first time she noticed how many other people there were trying to find their place, desperate to fit in and make new friends. Rachel hated that it felt so fake and that she didn't care. She looked at it for what it was, an opportunity to make important connections and a chance to scope out the competition. Everyone wanted a shot at the big time but not all were as driven as Rachel and she knew that would always be to her advantage. She wasn't here to make friends, she was here to become a star or so she kept telling herself but deep down she longed to be a part of something that was almost as amazing as Glee club had been.
It turned out that her roommate was evil. She tried to get on with her but even Rachel couldn't perform all the time, she was tired when she returned home and being faced with Candace and her distaste for personal privacy was too much for her. She had walked in on her with three different boys within the first week. Rachel was no prude but Candace appeared to be an exhibitionist and it really was not to Rachel's taste at all. The night that Candace returned with the forth Boy and began to have sex with him while Rachel was trying to sleep in the same room was the final straw, she stormed out and spent her time in the library. She found a book that she once saw Quinn reading and lost herself in it before falling asleep at her desk. The next day she put in a transfer request, but was told not to get her hopes up and nothing would happen that semester anyway.
She tried to talk to Candace but was just met with the irritation of having bubble gum popped in her face. Rachel sighed and decided spending as little time as possible in her dorm would be the best answer. She signed up for as many clubs as she could and decided mixing was the only way she could survive without Quinn by her side.
She met Emma on the first day and they slowly gravitated towards each other as the week passed. They had one thing in common, they were lonely. Emma was talented but she wasn't confident and Rachel found it easy to not have to battle with one of her peers for a change. They got on well enough and found themselves spending more and more time together. It was a nice change from ducking heads to avoid the hustle and bustle around them. Rachel liked to hold her head up high and with Emma at her side she could. Emma was happy for Rachel to stay at hers occasionally and it solved a lot of her problems. Mainly that she got some much needed sleep.
Once classes got under way she knew she would be ok and could settle into her studies. There was always something happening or an open audition to attend. She felt a little like she belonged but even in a group she couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness. It only disappeared when she heard Quinn's voice at the end of the day.
Emma dragged her along to a party that first week. She had refused at first but when Emma pouted she had no choice but to give in. She knew it was a chance to make friends and they'd agreed they would at least try because neither wanted to be the girl they were in High School. Both wanted a chance of something else.
Jell-O shots and boy's like Puck filled the house. Rachel cringed when she walked in the door but Emma was bouncing around happy to be a part of it all and her enthusiasm began to rub off on Rachel with the help of a glass of red wine. She drank and she danced and she sang along to the music. It was a couple of hours later that she was joined by Ryan on the couch. The poor boy didn't know what hit him. Rachel had a firm grip on his arm and every time he tried to make a move away she pulled him back. Forty minutes later and the boy knew everything there was to know about Quinn Fabray, how awesome she was, how romantic and sweet yet strong and sexy. He knew the girl could fool you with her cold exterior but really she was as soft as the cutest puppy. Ryan knew one other thing and that was he would never approach a drunken Rachel Berry ever again.
Rachel was left to her own thoughts until Emma jumped into her lap.
"Rachy baby what are you doing?" she slurred
"I was talking to this boy and then he left"
"No luck tonight then, maybe you'll have to settle for me" Emma winked at her suggestively, she managed to form a half smile but her heart was getting heavy.
"It's only Quinn you know that Em"
"I do baby girl, I was just joking. But if I was in to girls I would so make a play for you and speaking of which you know that someone here likes you?"
"What? Who?" Rachel hadn't spoken to many people and she definitely hadn't flirted or led anyone on. Even tonight she had turned up at the party in understated skinny jeans and a black top so that she wouldn't stand out.
"Jenn has it for you big time"
"Jenn?" Rachel took a deep breath, she was truly stunned. Jenn was, well she was the most talented girl in their class. Rachel had heard her practicing in the common room and couldn't help but be mesmerised by the sound of her voice. Rachel appreciated talent so she had lingered in the doorway. But when Jenn saw her watching and quickly turned her back Rachel figured she'd intruded so went back to her room only to discover Candace with boy number two. Jenn was also involved in some of the clubs Rachel had joined but she had so far avoided eye contact or one on one contact with Rachel so none of what Emma said made sense.
Emma nudged her and broke her from her thoughts "just saying what I heard and what I have seen too, girl seems quite smitten with you"
"Oh" Rachel sat up straight she wasn't sure what to make of it all. She had told Quinn about Jenn, she couldn't help but talk about the amazing girl she had seen, she was a little in awe of her and it was also fair to say that the girl was stunning. Not the sort of person that ever looked twice at Rachel, but then Quinn had so maybe. "She knows I am with Quinn?" she half asked not sure why Jenn would know anything about her.
"Doesn't everybody, really Rachy you talk about her all the time."
"I don't"
"You do"
"So maybe I do. I don't mean to bore you Emma" Rachel huffed.
"You don't. I think its sweet but really you can't expect the long distance to work. Quinn will face the same temptations as you."
"I don't need to worry about Quinn. She loves me. I love her and I guess I can be happy that Jenn knows that I am involved so she will leave me be."
"Hmm I don't see that stopping her"
"She is shy. I watched her sing and she hid her face from me, I think you have this all messed up, she avoids talking to me as well"
"However you want to see it." Emma got out of Rachel's lap "I'm getting us both another drink"
Rachel watched as she walked off, it was then that she saw Jenn watching her from the other side of the room, she wondered if the girl had heard any of the conversation, a blush rose up her cheeks when she saw how intense the stare was so rather than waiting for Emma to return she quickly raced after her not able to withstand the heated gaze a moment longer.
Xxx
Quinn called her the next morning and she struggled to find the phone, her head was throbbing. Clearly cheap red wine was not a good drink.
"Hello" she mumbled once she finally hit the button.
"Hey sleepy head. How is my girl today?"
"Sore"
"Ouch been partying?"
"Yeah ugh hang on" Rachel took a large swig of water and grabbed the pills she had left out.
"Did you have fun?"
"It was ok. I bored a boy by talking about my amazing girlfriend for hours"
"Ah good that's what I like to hear"
"And Emma seems to think that Jenn, you know Jenn?"
"Yep you mentioned her a few times" Quinn said through gritted teeth.
"Well she thinks Jenn has a crush on me! Can you believe it?"
Quinn went quiet, she felt the little stab of jealousy hit her in the heart yet again "the super amazing talent you told me about?" she couldn't hide the coldness in her voice.
"Really? Are you jealous?" Rachel teased.
"Yes"
"Don't be"
"How can I not be?"
"Because you trust me and I love you. Quinn if I got jealous, well I sometimes can't help it, you are stunning and boys and girls are always checking you out and…"
"It's not the same as some super talent having a crush on you and you are in New York alone, she can seduce you with her voice and hotness"
"It's the same"
"Hmm but…"
"Quinn! I'm just not used to the attention but it doesn't mean I sought it out, you have to believe that because otherwise I don't see the point in us continuing this conversation."
"I know. Really I do. I just miss you" she paused for a moment before blurting out "I'm coming to see you"
"You are?"
"Yep this weekend"
"Oh my Quinn" Rachel screeched and tried to do a little dance but then her hangover made her slump to the floor "I am so pleased, so happy but why now? This isn't to do with Jenn is it?"
"I just need to see my girlfriend. Truth is I have been planning it all week. I'll drive on Friday afternoon and be with you by Saturday morning"
"Quinn it's a long drive on your own. 11 hours was fine when it was me, you and Shelby."
"Don't you want to see me?"
"I do but I just don't want you being careless"
"Rachel I will see you on Saturday" Rachel imagined Quinn stomping her foot as she said it and it made her smile.
"I have a club meeting first thing. It's not important and should be done by 11am. "
"I can't wait to see you"
"I feel the same. I can't believe it's only been two weeks"
"Too long" Quinn sighed into the phone.
Xxx
Rachel felt a sense of trepidation about Quinn's visit because she had kept it from her how lonely she felt. She had wanted to set up a place in this new world of hers that would make Quinn happy when she visited. She didn't want her to see the mess she lived in. She was scared that Quinn would see that Rachel Berry hadn't changed and only managed to make one friend. She also didn't want Quinn to know how evil Candace was and how miserable that made her. She could hide it on the phone, but not if Quinn was actually here. They couldn't both hide out at Emma's for the weekend.
Despite her inner worries she couldn't help but smile at the thought of seeing Quinn. Two weeks had been too long and soon she could seek the comfort she had longed for.
The week suddenly flew by as classes began and she had something to look forward to. Emma met her for coffee on Thursday and convinced her to come to another party that Friday night. Rachel reluctantly agreed because she knew she wouldn't be around for her friend the rest of the weekend. She vowed to not drink and didn't think that would be hard after the hangover she had last weekend.
On Friday morning she tidied her dorm room and hoped and prayed that Candace wouldn't make a mess while she was out. She planned to stay with Emma and then go to her Saturday get together before coming back and waiting for Quinn to arrive.
Taking her things for the night and heading to class, she sent Quinn a quick message.
Love you baby. See you in the morning xoxox
Seconds later and she had a reply.
That just sounds perfect. I want to see you every morning xxx
Rachel ran across campus and caught up with Emma. She wished she could see Quinn every morning but, if anything, the summer had taught her how to enjoy the time they did have together rather than feeling sad about the time they'd be apart.
Another Friday and another Frat house called, admittedly this one was a little different to last weeks. It was actually a little more sedate. No beer kegs, no Jell-O shots and a DJ that actually knew what they were doing. Rachel couldn't help but join in and dance. She even had a few drinks with Emma. On her way back from the restroom she saw her friend deep in conversation with the boy she had been chasing so made a beeline to the kitchen grabbing a cold beer and opening it, when she looked up she was met with a smiling Jenn.
"Hi" Jenn said shyly.
"Hi" Rachel smiled.
"So are you enjoying Julliard so far?"
"I am, how about you? I heard you singing last week and wow you are really good"
A blush crept up Jenn's face and she ducked her head. Rachel couldn't help but think it was cute. "Thanks, I mean coming from you. Well I heard you too and I was blown away. You are really pretty"
Rachel was taken aback by the sudden compliment. She gulped "so do you know the guys hosting this thing tonight?" Rachel tried to change the subject as she felt Jenn's eyes raking over her body.
"I don't. I heard you'd be here actually, your friend Emma told me. She is really sweet"
"Oh I didn't know you knew Emma."
"Um well I got talking to her the other day. I knew you were friends and…"
"I have a girlfriend. A Very lovely, beautiful and fierce girlfriend" Rachel suddenly blurted out.
"Fierce?"
"Yep the fiercest, really she is."
"So you are giving the long distance thing a shot then? Because I know Emma thinks it isn't going to happen" Jenn suddenly seemed a lot more confident as she moved next to Rachel.
"We are and we will make it work"
"Uh huh well if you get tired of being alone, this is my number" she took Rachel's cell from her purse and tapped it in. Rachel didn't move. She had never been given a number before so it took her by surprise. This girl was as smooth as Jesse underneath the shy exterior. "I saved it under alternative option"
"You what?" Rachel grabbed her phone and Jenn laughed.
"I saved it under Jenn. I am just winding you up Rachel but, like I said, should you change your mind you know" Jenn ran her fingers over Rachel's before leaving the brunette alone in the kitchen. She took a swig of the beer and decided she'd had enough. Emma was busy sucking the face off Greg so she grabbed her things and headed back to her own room. Candace could go to hell for one night.
xxx
On her way back she called Quinn.
"Hey Quinn, it's me"
"Hello you, are you still partying?"
"I am on my way home, the party wasn't much and I had a few drinks. Actually I am a little bit tipsy and…
"What happened?"
"Jenn hit on me" the line was quiet so Rachel continued "but I told her I wasn't interested and that I love you but she gave me her number and it was all very weird. So I am now walking back to my dorm and my evil roommate whom I haven't told you about is probably there. I just miss you Quinn so much and being here isn't as great as it was in my dreams but I won't give up. I just can't wait to see you in the morning and I know I should have told you how awful things have been but I was scared and"
The line was still quiet "Quinn?"
"I'm still here. So she made a pass at you?"
"No um well. She just gave me her number. I didn't know what was going on"
"Right"
"Don't be mad"
"I'm going to kick her ass"
"Quinn don't be like that"
"How else can I be, she made a pass at my girlfriend"
"Clearly you aren't able to see reason. I will talk to you about it in the morning. I shouldn't even be talking to you when you are driving. Goodnight Quinn" Rachel hung up before Quinn could say another word. She knew she didn't have the right to be irritated by Quinn's jealousy but she just needed to work out how to deal with it before they got stuck into an unnecessary fight about it.
Rachel wished she hadn't made the call, she had thought it best to tell her right away but now it seemed silly and she didn't even have a goodnight wish from the girl she loved because she had hung up. She tried to call back but got no answer. She didn't realise she was crying until the tears fell onto her phone as she read the message Quinn had sent her earlier. She really wished it could be every day.
The tears kept falling as she made her way home. She hovered at the door not sure if she really wanted to open it or not. She heard a noise in the common room and headed that way instead.
"Hey Rachel" Casey said between a mouthful of cereal.
"Hey. You stayed in tonight?"
"I did. A bunch of the others went to a party at mega beta nano or whatever it was called. Your roomie went with them"
"She did? And they aren't back yet?"
"Nope all gone"
Rachel let out a sigh of relief and headed to her room.
"I am going to get some sleep before she comes back then"
"Oh Rachel wait" Casey called after her but Rachel was singing a song to herself and Casey couldn't be bothered to get up and chase after her with the news.
Xxx
Rachel opened her door and threw her bag down, she was so happy that she'd have a bit of space and then she realised she was not alone. She turned around sharpish and there she was.
"Quinn Fabray" she held her hand to her heart as she watched those hazel eyes take her in. She was sat in the chair by Rachel's bed with her phone in her hand. Rachel couldn't see a bag, but it wasn't the only thing that was absent from the room, there was no smile on her girlfriends face. Rachel looked at the phone again and her hand moved from her heart to her mouth.
"Quinn I don't know what you think I said or what I did but nothing happened I swear and she just well she did the number and"
"You've been crying?"
"Um" Rachel wiped at her eyes
"I didn't mean to be jealous. It just took me by surprise when you told me about Jenn. I trust you Rachel."
"I didn't kiss Jenn"
"You didn't kiss me yet either and last I heard I was your girlfriend" Quinn stood up.
"You still are" Rachel breathed.
"Good to hear" Quinn's face lit up "it's so good to see you" Quinn closed the gap between them. Rachel was so happy she jumped into her girlfriends arms and let her spin her around before she slowed and began kissing her tenderly.
"I missed you so much"
"I'm here now and it sounds like I need to kick a couple of people into touch. Jenn or Candace first that's the question"
"Can you just make love to me first?"
"I thought you'd never ask" Quinn took charge as she led Rachel to the bed. "What about the evil roommate?"
"She is at a party. We have hours"
"Good" Quinn pressed her lips against Rachel's and moaned at the sensation. She had really missed that.
She explored Rachel's body with fervour. Being away from her had been harder than she could ever imagine and now she could touch her again she never wanted to stop. She pulled Rachel's top over her head and swiftly removed her bra. She sat back and stared for a moment.
"What?" Rachel wasn't sure why Quinn had stopped
"Sorry, you are just so beautiful. I…"
"Just touch me, please" Rachel begged and Quinn couldn't deny her.
xxx
It was 2am when they were woken. Candace arrived back and she was not alone. Quinn got up and threw on some clothes when she heard the door opening. Candace looked a little stunned when she saw a strange girl in her room.
"I knew she wouldn't keep the long distance love going for long" the girl laughed.
"I am the long distance love" Quinn answered as she placed her hands on her hips "I think we need to talk" she pulled Candace and her companion into the hall. Moments later she climbed back into bed with Rachel.
"What did you say?" Rachel asked.
"Nothing important but we have the place to ourselves tonight. Get some sleep and we'll talk in the morning"
Rachel nuzzled back into Quinn and was soon sleeping again, the feel of Quinn's arms around her making her feel safe.
When she woke the next morning it was with a familiar smile on her face. Quinn was watching her and gently running her fingers in her hair.
"Morning sleepy"
"Quinn why are you here" Rachel asked suddenly as realisation hit.
"What? That's not the response I expected"
"I mean why are you here now?"
"I get that"
"No now. You are meant to be driving and I shouldn't be seeing you until lunch and then. Wait where are your bags? You didn't leave them in your car because that is so not safe in New York"
"I flew Rachel"
"You did"
"Yeah my Mom didn't want me driving either, so she put me on a plane."
"She did"
"Yes"
"And you didn't bring any bags?"
"I did. I just left them somewhere safe. Now you need to tell me about Jenn"
"There isn't anything to say. She likes me. I said I had a fierce girlfriend"
"Fierce?"
"I thought it'd scare her off"
"But she still gave you her number?" Quinn couldn't hide her irritation.
"I didn't know what was happening"
"Did you give her yours?"
"No"
"Well that's something."
"Did you think I would?" Rachel was a bit stunned
"No sorry I didn't mean it like that. I know you wouldn't."
"Good"
Quinn brushed a loose hair behind Rachel's ear "So tell me all about the evil Candace?"
"She is a slut"
"I got that impression"
"She keeps bringing guys back. I have basically been staying at Emma's"
"Why didn't you tell me? You pay good money to live here. She has to respect that"
"I didn't want you to worry. I figured it was my time for some bad luck, sure you had a lot last year so now it's my turn."
"I will sort Candace out"
"You don't have to"
"I do and I will"
xxx
"What do we do now?"
"Maybe it's time we got up. We can go and get some coffee?"
"Quinn" Rachel turned to look at her. She had so many questions but didn't know where to start.
"Rachel?" Quinn tilted her head to one side.
"Oh never mind. Let's just get that coffee. You are confusing me today and I can't waste time on it. I want to make the most of seeing you."
xxx
They showered and headed out into New York. As they walked out of Rachel's room Quinn noticed her girlfriend flinch. She turned to look at her and couldn't work out why Rachel would look guilty, then she heard something and it all made sense.
"Going to have a wild guess and say that must be Jenn?"
"Yep" Rachel ducked her head.
"You were right, she is good" Quinn began walking in the direction of the voice that began to fill the hall.
"Don't" Rachel grabbed her arm.
"I won't do anything Rachel but you need to let me see her"
Rachel was stuck where she stood as she watched Quinn walk to the door and peek in. The singing stopped and Rachel heard Quinn speak so she moved closer. When she joined Quinn in the doorway she saw Jenn smiling and wondered what was going on.
"Rachel" Jenn smiled and then looked between the two girls in front of her and the smile slowly faded.
"Jenn this is Quinn" Rachel mumbled.
"I was just telling Jenn how talented she is but I think she probably hears that a lot" Quinn had a sweet smile plastered on her face and Rachel knew just how fake it was. "So you know my girlfriend then Jenn?"
"Um" Jenn stuttered.
"Of course you do" Quinn walked towards the other girl "you are the girl that decided it was ok to hit on her even after she said she was involved. Not very respectful of you" Quinn was face to face with Jenn and when she noticed Jenn flinch and try to step back she grinned mischievously "I hope from here on out I can take it you won't be trying to take my girlfriend from me?"
"No. I wouldn't. Really I am sorry. I didn't mean to offend either of you. I just got carried away and well Rachel is beautiful"
"She is" Quinn turned to the brunette and smiled even though she was met with a worried look from Rachel.
"Are we done?" Jenn asked nervously as she began to reach for her things ready to make an exit. Quinn nodded and she hastily left the room barely looking at Rachel.
"How do you do that?" Rachel asked "You just talk to people and they run."
"I don't know, it's just something I have always been good at. The only person that ever really stood up to me was..."
"Me?" Rachel interrupted
"Yes. Funny how that worked out" Quinn winked and took Rachel's hand.
xxx
Quinn insisted they went to the place she remembered from before but Rachel was a little confused when the taxi took them into Greenwich Village.
"Quinn we have never been here before."
"Yeah we did. You must have gotten confused that first time at Nationals"
"No Quinn I'm not, I wanted to visit but…"
"Just trust me Rachel. I know where I am taking you"
So Rachel sat back and looked out the window, she linked her hand with Quinn's and turned to her with a smile when she felt a little squeeze.
The taxi stopped and Quinn helped Rachel out onto the sidewalk
"This is it"
"We have definitely never been here before Quinn"
"You sure?" Quinn questioned as she took Rachel's hand and led her through the doors.
"Definitely and really Quinn we could have got coffee on campus." Rachel was feeling a little wired. She needed her coffee about 30 minutes ago and looking at this place it didn't seem that coffee was on the menu "do they even sell coffee?"
"Sure they do. Wait here" Quinn walked towards the back and Rachel heard her talking. She sat at the table nearby and Quinn came back and joined her.
"Ordered?"
"Yes I even asked for a double espresso shot for you Miss Grump"
"Sorry, I just feel a little lost today, so much has happened and you turned up early and I forgot I was meant to go to that thing."
"Was it important?"
"No, I just could have let someone know. I hate letting people down."
"So call someone."
Rachel did and when she put her phone down she looked up to see Quinn had been watching her.
"Is everything ok?" she asked.
"It's my fault. I didn't want to tell you because I wanted to keep it a secret."
"But I don't understand I mean why didn't you tell me about the flight in last night? Have we not had enough secrets?"
"Maybe but I thought this was a good one, so I wanted to keep it."
"Well yes you showing up last night was a good one."
"But that's not the secret Rach"
Rachel sat back as her coffee arrived and Quinn thanked the waitress, she didn't take her eyes off her girlfriend who was now sporting the biggest smile Rachel had ever seen.
"It's so good to see you"
"Quinn just tell me! I can't do secrets again it's too tiring" Rachel snapped.
"This is it."
"I don't get it, really you are just confusing me now?"
"I mean this, the table, the coffee."
"Oh ok that makes a whole load of sense." Rachel was so confused her head hurt.
"Just ask the waitress" Quinn sat back and folded her arms her grin not dissipating.
Rachel looked up to see the waitress watching their table and then she did a double take. Judy was stood there and now Quinn was laughing.
"Meet the boss Rachel, my Mom!" Quinn jumped out of her seat and took Rachel by the hand. "This is all ours. Well kind of. It's a partnership with Michaels Mom. You remember Jean?" Rachel nodded "Yeah sure you do. Well anyway she has gone into business with Mom and this is it and here we are"
"Here you are" Rachel's brow was knitted together in confusion she really didn't know what to make of it.
"Yes here as in I am in New York. I start at NYU on Monday, I may be a little late but Sue pulled those strings and well..."
"How long have you known?"
"The day you left, but it took a week before I got confirmation I could join late, I thought it was best to wait until I was here because I wanted to surprise you."
"You have."
"In a good way I hope?" Quinn felt her breath catch this was not the reaction she expected.
"In a good way" Rachel smiled as she finally registered was what happening. "In the best way" she breathed and Quinn grabbed her and smothered her with kisses as she squeezed her tight. The moment they had both hoped for had finally arrived. They would be together, they would get a chance of a new life in New York and it felt nothing short of amazing. The stress of the events over the last year had finally gone and both felt their hearts lighten as they held on to each other.
Judy coughed and they separated. Rachel ran to Judy and hugged her. She was so happy to see them both. Judy welcomed her into her arms and smiled. Her life had changed and it was all in a good way and mostly thanks to Rachel Berry.
They sat down and Judy and Quinn filled Rachel in the events of the last few weeks. It all began the day after Fran left. Judy finally got it together and spoke to Jean. Soon she was in San Francisco pitching her new idea. Jean was still looking to expand into New York and Judy was standing in front of her with a winning concept. The money wasn't in place and Judy had to find her own share to put in, but other than that she left with a handshake and a chance to make things right for Quinn. Judy made the decision to keep it to herself until it was all confirmed and once she agreed a deal on the house she knew it was time.
She was back in San Francisco finalising things the week before Rachel left and was so happy to finally have it confirmed when she arrived moments after Rachel left she felt like kicking herself for missing out on saying goodbye even if it was only for a short time.
Quinn was elated but like Judy wanted to keep it secret until they were actually in New York and the doors were open. She turned to Sue for help with her NYU admission and like a boss her coach delivered.
Rachel listened as the Fabray's told their stories and she smiled inside and out, glad that they were both here with her finally.
"But I guess this means you have no ties to Lima anymore?" she said once they had finished.
"Well there's Beth and Shelby and both of your Dads Rachel. Lima is still there but we didn't belong there anymore. Not with Russell and Fran, not after what they did to Quinn."
"And this is it. New York?"
"This is a new start for me" Judy said "I can't spend my life in fear of Russell. I needed a new beginning. So yes I have hitched a ride with you both and I hope that is ok?"
"It is really ok" Rachel said and Quinn nodded.
They talked a while before Quinn stood and pulled Rachel up with her.
"Um Mom we have some catching up to do. I'll see you tomorrow" her eyes pleading that Judy would allow them a quick exit. She had so much to talk to Rachel about, a whole future to plan. Judy nodded and Quinn felt relieved.
"Yes both of you. Lunch here 12pm and don't you dare be late because I will not hold the table for you."
They walked out onto the streets of New York and Rachel spun around. "You are here. You are really here with me" she beamed.
"I am really here" Quinn tried to catch Rachel mid spin but Rachel evaded her and ran away. She finally caught up with her and kissed her. It was a different kiss. Almost like the tentativeness of that very first kiss but it was laced with promise and love, as their tongues collided Rachel moaned and it made Quinn feel weak at the knees. She never understood how Rachel had that power over her but she prayed it would never stop.
Rachel stopped for air and looked into Quinn's hazel eyes "This is just the beginning" she spoke softly and Quinn nodded. "I have so many things to plan, we can start by co-ordinating our schedules and listing activities, we also need to...what?" Rachel paused looking at Quinn quizzically.
"Maybe we can do that tomorrow"
"But Quinn we have to plan"
Quinn kissed her again and Rachel melted into the touch, it really was the only sure fire way to get Rachel to shut up and she felt the happiness fill her. The past year had been intense to say the least but now here she was with the girl she loved. Kissing that girl, knowing she loved her back. It really was just the beginning.
xxx
The end
A/N: So that is it. I just want to say thank you to those that read and I hope you enjoyed. I don't know where I will go from here. There is always room for a sequel but I will probably write something else next. It'll still be Faberry as nothing else inspires me as much.
Thanks for the reviews. They really do matter. As do the follows and Favourites. I am really going to miss writing this story :) x