Rita took a long sip from her water bottle. Rachel was smiling softly at Quinn who was patiently waiting for the next question.

"The beginning of season three was met with a lot of critics being slightly less than impressed with the format the show had taken on. Did you feel the pressure to constantly up the standard? Many critics claimed that the show had grown bigger than itself. Too many guest stars. Too many musical numbers. It'd lost some of its heart in all the glitz and glamour. Were you all aware of the changes and the audience reactions to certain episodes?" Rita questioned curiously.

"You know, as a cast we tried to ignore most of the talk about ratings and such. We had jobs to do. We got our scripts. We put out the best performances we could. We just tried to do what we were hired to do. The ratings had never been part of our concern. Our concerns were our characters. Were we presenting the characters that we and the writers had carefully crafted? Were our performances staying true to the characters?" Rachel replied.

"Do you feel they were?" Rita fired back.

"I think that the show that we were presented with was much more cohesive than what aired at the beginning of season three. We had scenes that were cut. There were so many things that were explained, that justified our choices but then in editing those scenes were lost. There were entire musical numbers that were scrapped in editing. So I think the show that we knew was still as heartfelt and honest as it had always been. Some of the continuity in those first few episodes was lost in editing and time cuts. We had expanded the writing team and the size of the cast. We did not expand the hour of television were allotted each week. Plus as popularity grew so did our sponsorship. Commercials cut into the time of each episode. You're basically allotted forty-four minutes out of an hour. Given the time frame we could work with in terms of both filming and what aired, I still think that the first few episodes were far better than we were given credit for," Rachel explained thoughtfully.

"So the format changed pretty quickly after those first few episodes of the season. Did that change the way things were filmed?"

"No. We still went to set each day and did our job. Cutting back the musical numbers actually gave us more time to focus on our characters. There was less time spent in dance rehearsals and the recording studio. When Artie came in as the director, he really wanted us to focus on building our characters more. Each line was considered. He made us think about our process. He made us justify every single word we were saying. I think a huge credit for the change in pace and storytelling that we were doing goes directly to Artie," Quinn answered.

"You both went to high school with Artie Abrams. How excited were you when Alan told you that the direction for the rest of the season would largely fall to Artie? Season three was mostly directed by Artie or Alan. Did you feel it was easier to develop a working relationship when you had a consistent director?" Rita asked.

Rachel looked to Quinn to answer the question. Quinn had always been the one who was more interested in the behind the scenes. She knew Quinn would have a great answer.

"You know it was always exciting to have a new director sit in. They brought fresh ideas. They kept us on our toes because each director has a slightly different process. I think having Artie as a consistent director let us each develop a working bond. It was a safe space. You knew that Artie wouldn't lead you astray. We could all play more with our characters. He'd spent so much time working with us and understanding our ideas of our characters that he really got to know each of them. Artie could let us play but keep us grounded in the characters. I think that's how we all got to reach these deeper levels. It completely showed in the work. Season three became the most character driven season. The story arch came from the characters instead of the musical numbers driving the show. I think that's why the third season ended up as such a critical success. Our first season, we were something different. We were celebrated for being different and we were rewarded when it came to awards season. By the third season, we weren't a new concept anymore. There were so many new, exciting, and amazing shows. We won so many awards because we became the show we were always meant to be. We gained heart where we previously had flashy musical numbers. Songs were picked because they fit the scenes instead of making scenes fit the songs," Quinn explained passionately.

Rachel beamed proudly at how Quinn could intelligently paint the picture and weave through her thoughts. Quinn never ceased to amaze her.

"The storylines really took a turn as well. They finally began to really explore the relationship between your character and Matt's. They teased us with the idea of you two in the first season and then forgot about it. They also really matured the relationship between your character, Rachel, and Chase's character," Rita looked over her notes once more.

"I think the point was that- for our characters, it was senior year. They were all growing up. I know by my senior year, all of our lives had drastically changed. I was engaged my senior year," Rachel laughed.

"I was in wheelchair," Quinn shrugged.

"It's this strange place between your childhood and really the rest of your life. Your relationships change in finding which ones are meant to last for the rest of your adult life and which relationships were about growing up and discovering who you are. I think in season three we really wanted to show which relationships were long lasting and which were the product of small town and the social pressures of a small town. It's why they also finally started developing the friendship between our characters. That last year of high school changes everything because you're constantly aware that it's almost over. Everything will change irrevocably after it's over," Rachel thought out her answer carefully.

"I completely agree. Sam's friendships with Jennie and Alessandra and the other cheerleaders had been totally based on social status. They were all friends because they were at the top of the social ladder. Her friendship with Emily was based on the fact that they were both dreamers at heart. They both loved the arts. They were both intelligent. Her friendship with Emily wasn't about the high school hierarchy. They really started becoming friends when they realized that their goals for their future were very similar. It was so vastly different from her friendships with Jennie and Alessandra. I think they way that we handled the coming out of Jennie and Alessandra was brilliant. It was exactly what the show was about. In turn, Sam wasn't needed in their story as much. Obviously those three characters were linked but Sam's friendship with Emily showcased this entirely different side of her personality. Just as Jennie and Alessandra's relationship really showed new aspects to those characters. The development of the Sam and Emily friendship is one of my favorites, not just because it meant I got to work with Rachel more, my real best friend…but also because that is exactly what happens in high school. That's exactly what happened with Rachel and myself in high school. It was so nice to see an honest portrayal of what that ending experience is like," Quinn went on further to add on to Rachel's explanation.

"Was season three your favorite?" Rita asked with a grin.

"I love every season for different seasons. The first will always be special because it's the one that started it all. It's the season that changed my entire life. Season two was great because we started getting amazing guest stars and the doors that opened during season two were unreal. Season three was my favorite in terms of character. We had some of my best friends on the show that season. We produced great work. Season four was wonderful because it was a fresh start with college and all of the new characters that were introduced. We expanded our family and it was more than I could have ever hoped for. Season five was our last and we knew it was our last so it was absolutely precious because that season was about cherishing every moment spent with these…these brilliant, wonderful, loving, amazing people," Quinn smiled, her eyes tearing up a little at the end.

"The awards season for season three was huge for you all. Rachel, you were nominated for your first Emmy."

"I was…I didn't win until after season five. But I was nominated," Rachel laughed.

"You'd all been there as an ensemble before. How different was it knowing that several of your cast members were nominated for individual awards? David was nominated for an award. Mercedes Jones was nominated. What was that like?" Rita inquired excitedly.

The week before the Emmy Award Nominations

Seven years ago

"The buzz is insane. They're saying it's our best season yet. I think we're gonna take home a lot," Scott exclaimed, rolling back and forth in one of the desk chairs on set.

Matt pushed Scott's chair sending him across the room quickly while laughing.

"I think it's in the bag. Miss Berry is gonna get an Emmy," Chase winked.

"Don't jinx me," Rachel warned seriously.

"Mercedes is a shoe in for a nomination for best guest star," David commented from the risers.

"Speaking of shoe-in's you're gonna get nominated," Matt nodded toward David.

"We shall see. It would be nice but I expect nothing," David smiled.

"Hell, I bet Court's gonna get one. The press has been salivating over the whole coming out thing," Brooke smiled warmly at the Latina.

Courtney shrugged but looked fit to vomit at any minute.

"Nervous, Court?" Quinn asked, grinning.

"My stomach turns every time I think about it," Courtney confessed.

"Aw, it'll be fine. Don't worry," Matt cooed, wrapping his arms around her.

"Are we ready in here?" Artie called from the doorway.

"You know it, A-man," Chase nodded, standing up from his seat next to Rachel.

"Okay then I need…" Artie trailed off looking down at the sheet in his lap. "Chase, Rachel, Matt, and David. The rest of you can hang out but please keep it down. We will be filming directly behind that wall."

"Artie, don't forget about tonight," Quinn smiled warmly at the director.

"I know, I know. Santana called me last night and already threatened to kill me if I made us late for her and Brittany's party. If y'all would keep it down in here then we'd be out early for a change," Artie laughed.

"I promise we will behave, Mr. Abrams, sir," Brooke teased.

"Don't mess with director man. He will let everyone else go but keep you late, B. Thomas," Courtney laughed.

"Preach," Artie chuckled.

Chase, Rachel, Matt, and David followed him back to the filming.

"Is Rachel freaking yet?" Courtney asked, sitting down next to Quinn.

"Surprisingly not about the nominations. She's freaking about S & B instead. She keeps saying she's going to die alone and everyone will be married before her," Quinn rolled her eyes.

"Did you tell her she'll never be alone because she'll always have you, her BFF?" Brooke teased.

"Shut up," Quinn growled and pushed Brooke over so that she fell off her chair.

Courtney covered her mouth to mute her snort of laughter.

"Thanks, bitch," Brooke rolled her eyes but grinned as she got back up on her seat.

Quinn smirked triumphantly.

"Seriously, though, how weird is that? Your best friends are engaged," Brooke raised her eyebrows.

"They've been practically married since we were like thirteen. It's less weird than you're thinking. I'm actually more surprised it's taken them this long to make it official."

"Does it make you think?" Courtney asked.

"Think about what?" Quinn countered.

"Well you don't date, Quinn. You've had a couple of high school boyfriends and, what, one girlfriend? You're twenty-six, nearly twenty-seven years old. You're not getting any younger, Gorgeous. Those looks will fade," Courtney teased.

"I…I date," Quinn offered up uneasily.

"Really? Who? When? Where did you go on these dates? No, wait, where did you meet her?" Courtney challenged.

"I don't really see how any of this is your business," Quinn defended.

"We're your friends. We're just…worried," Brooke smiled weakly.

"Worry about someone else. I don't see you climbing all over Scott or David or Chase…or Rachel for that matter," Quinn fired back.

It was like watching a dog get ready for a fight. The two could practically see the hair on Quinn's neck stand up as she was clearly gearing up for attack. Next her lips would pull back revealing a snarl and sharp canine teeth. They all knew Quinn's bark was worse than her bite- it didn't mean anyone them enjoyed being barked at.

"Calm down, girl," Courtney snorted.

Quinn glared at her and Courtney held up her hands in defeat.

"We just want to see you happy," Brooke sighed.

"I am happy."

"You're lonely," Courtney countered.

"I'm not lonely," Quinn growled.

"Michael and I have been living together for two years. I'm pretty sure he's the guy I'm going to marry. Court and Matt are…well who knows but somehow they keep ending up back together. It's gotta mean something," Brooke shrugged.

"It means he's an ass. He's a total ass…but I love him," Courtney fought a grin.

"Scott's dating that Kirsten chick," Brooke blurted out.

"He is?" Courtney asked, surprised.

"I didn't tell you that. You didn't hear that from me," Brooke backtracked.

"Why he didn't tell us?" Courtney demanded, offended.

"He didn't tell me. Michael and I were at his place and his phone rang. He told me to answer it. It wasn't my fault. If it makes you feel any better, it's only been about two weeks so he hasn't told anybody yet. They're still taking it slow," Brooke grimaced while explaining.

"I can't believe Scottie the Hottie has a girlfriend," Courtney muttered.

"Yep," Brooke popped her 'p' at the end.

"See, Q, even more reason to get out there. David's like barely even an adult. He's got tons of time. You're gonna be an old maid soon. Everybody else has somebody," Courtney pointed out.

"Not everybody," Quinn hissed.

"Come off it, we all know Berry and Cardell are gonna start shacking up soon. Every time his parents come to town, she's his little date. His mom adores her. They hang out all the time. It's only a matter of time before they pull their heads out of their asses," Courtney raised her eyebrow.

"No, that's not…they're not like that," Quinn grunted.

"Listen, I know a great girl for you to-," Courtney started.

"Please don't," Quinn cut her off.

"Just think about it."

Quinn rolled her eyes.

That night at Santana and Brittany's engagement party, Quinn was, to put it bluntly, a moody bitch. She kept to herself mostly. Mercedes tried to talk to her several times. Rachel eyed her from across the yard but kept her distance. She knew how Quinn could get. She wanted to give to her space.

Chase was slightly less patient than Rachel and some of the others. After Mercedes made her attempts to talk to Quinn, Chase wouldn't let it rest. He kept following her. He wouldn't say much but he didn't leave her alone.

"Are you stalking me?" Quinn asked after the fourth time Chase followed her to stand next to her.

"Just waiting for you to own up and tell me what the hell is wrong," Chase shrugged.

"Seriously? What's wrong is that I'd like to be left alone but you keep stalking me," Quinn snapped.

"It's your friends' engagement party. You're supposed to be happy. Santana is going to kick your ass later," Chase laughed.

"Leave me alone," Quinn reiterated slowly.

Chase just chuckled and stayed right where he was.

"Listen, I can be a huge bitch. You really don't want me to be a bitch to you. I'll start tearing you apart from the top down. From your stupid spiked hair that looks like you just crawled out of bed, to your arms that are too long for body- seriously gorilla boy, get it in check, right down to your horribly uncoordinated feet. Leave me alone or I will make your life hell today," Quinn threatened.

Chase merely raised an eyebrow.

"Can I talk to her?" Santana demanded rather than asked.

Chase nodded and walked away.

"Bug up your ass much, Q?" Santana snorted.

"I'm not- I just wanted some space. He's annoying me lately," Quinn grunted.

They watched Chase walk over to Rachel. He said something to her that made her giggle. She shoved him lightly and he wrapped her up in his arms. Quinn bristled at the interaction.

"I'm engaged. Can you save your moping for another day?" Santana smirked.

"Congratulations," Quinn deadpanned.

"Seriously, Tubbers. B and I just got engaged. Pull your head out of your ass or you can gets on out of here."

"You live in freaking Beverly Hills. Your Lima Heights Adjacent speak could not be more out of place," Quinn laughed.

Santana slung her arm around Quinn, "There's my snarky bitch. Why don't you come enjoy my party?"

Quinn rolled her eyes but nodded with a forced smile.

"Emmy noms are coming out. Think she'll get one?" Santana asked as they walked to join the group.

"I know she will. It's mystery to me how she hasn't been nominated before."

"Wheezy's gonna get one, too. I heard predictions on the radio. B was flipping out," Santana nodded.

"Yep. Mercedes is a sure bet. Rachel too. Probably David."

"I can't believe Wheels is at my engagement party," Santana snorted when the group surrounding Artie erupted into laughter.

"You still hold a grudge against Artie?" Quinn chuckled.

"Oh course. That fucker dated my Britts…okay, fine. I don't hate the guy anymore but whatever…it's weird that this is our life. Like we're all still here. I keep expecting to see Puckerman come running through the door with a keg or something," Santana rolled her eyes.

"We lucked out. We found a great group of people somehow," Quinn shrugged.

"You found great group of people. You made us join the glee club in high school. You brought me to this crazy group. I'd say you're the one who keeps lucking out. I just cash in on what you bring," Santana smirked.

"I knew you were using me from day one when I became Cheerios captain," Quinn shook her head.

"Of course. It's not like I actually like you or anything."

They both laughed. Rachel smiled watching them. When Quinn caught her eye, Rachel raised her eyebrow. Quinn rolled her eyes but smiled. Rachel beamed back at her.

"Gonna ever pull your head out of your ass there?" Santana asked.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Quinn protested.

"Let's see. You're a single lesbian who is entirely celibate. You don't look at other girls. You don't flirt with other girls. You have a best friend that you spend all your time with who happens to be a single, somewhat attractive- though I'll kill you if you repeat that- somewhat attractive female. It's not rocket science," Santana smirked.

"I really don't need another 'get out and date more' talk. I don't date because I chose not to complicate my already complicated life. Nothing more. I don't need set up. I don't need an intervention," Quinn sighed.

"You think I want to set you up? Don't be a friggin dumbass. I was saying you should tell Berry how you feel. Half of the freaking country thinks you're sticking it to her anyway. Might as well make it official," Santana laughed.

Quinn's cheeks flamed in embarrassment, "That's- I can't stick anything to her. I wouldn't stick…just stop."

"You poor, uneducated lesbian. Strap it on and stick it to her. It's great," Santana snorted.

Quinn flushed beat red as she shoved Santana, "Crude, much?"

"If I were you, I'd stick it to her before Cardell tries. That girl is as oblivious as you were about your gay in high school. She's totally thick headed. She has no freaking clue that Chase is into her and that you're head over heels in love."

"I'm not…I mean I was but…she's my friend and she's straight."

"Straight as a circle. Berry is like Brittany. You are like me. We pick a direction and we go with it. Britts and the hobbit, they kind of meander around in all directions. Whatever path life leads them on each week. You know, love who you ya love and all of that shit. I don't really get it. I see things black and white. They live in gray. To each her own, I suppose. You don't see the way you both look at each other. It's almost disgusting. I was on the fence about all of this when I first found out about you crushing on Berry. I've been back and forth for months about you two. But you can't pine away forever. Shit or get off the pot," Santana explained, tilting her head to watch her fiancée dance with an outdoor lampshade on her head.

"Where did she get that?" Quinn asked, laughing at Brittany's little dance.

"Who knows but my girl can rock anything. Even a lampshade," Santana beamed proudly.

A few days later the Emmy nominations came out. The entire cast was ecstatic at the news. A reporter from E! came over to interview everyone first thing in the morning on Monday. Mercedes was nominated for Best Actress in a Guest Starring Role for a Comedy/Musical. Artie was nominated for Best Director for the coming out episode last season. David was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy/Musical. Naturally, Rachel Barbra Berry had been nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for a Comedy/Musical.

"Can you believe it?" Rachel squealed as soon as she saw Quinn.

The blonde ran across the room and picked her up in a hug and swung her around while Rachel squealed and giggled. Both were unaware of the E! camera crew in the room filming their every moment.

"Of course I can believe it! You deserve it! Congratulations," Quinn beamed still hugging Rachel.

"Quinn, I'm nominated for an Emmy," Rachel gushed.

Quinn pulled her back in for another hug and then kissed her cheek, followed by her forehead while Rachel blushed. They pulled apart when David burst into the room. Rachel and David collided into each other with squeals and congratulations. The entire cast was bursting with excitement when they all finally gathered in the same room. Courtney was crying into Scott and Brooke's arms. Chase picked Rachel up and buried his face in her hair while whispering to her. The smile slid from Quinn's face at the sight but she regained her composure when David nearly leapt on her. She laughed and hugged him before congratulating him.

"Hey, we're all nominated. Up for best show," Matt winked at Quinn before hugging her after David was done with her.

"Obviously there is a lot of excitement in this room," the E! news reporter laughed once the cast all settled down into their normal choir room seats on the risers.

"So many nominations," Scott laughed.

"How does it feel?" the reporter asked.

They all sputtered before Rachel answered.

"Surreal. Amazing. There isn't a better group of people to share all of this with."

They all nodded and offered their agreement.

"Have any of you talked to Mercedes?" the reporter questioned.

"She called me this morning," Rachel replied.

"Me too. She's thrilled. Overwhelmed but so happy," Quinn added with a grin.

"Congratulations to you all. You just swept the Emmy awards with the most nominations for a TV show comedy. That has to feel great. You're only getting better with time."

"Thank you," they all echoed at the end of the interview.

As they were leaving set at the end of that day, Rachel walked up to a pleading Courtney and a frustrated Quinn. She didn't want to intrude on what looked to be an intense moment but at the same time she was curious. Quinn looked like she was about to blow and if anybody knew how to handle Quinn Fabray rage- it was Rachel. She thought maybe she could save Courtney the trouble of a spat. Quinn had been on edge for days. At first, Rachel assumed it had something to do with Emmy nominations but she was starting to think it was more than that.

"For the last time, Courtney. No," Quinn groaned, searching for her keys in her bag.

"Looking for these," Rachel sang, twirling Quinn's keys on her finger.

"Where did you get those?" Quinn asked, throwing her head back and sighing with relief.

"You left them in the trailer next to your hairbrush."

"Oh thank you God."

"You know what this means. I have the keys, I drive the car," Rachel winked.

"You are not driving my car, Berry. I've seen the way you drive."

"Says the girl who's been in two more accidents than I have," Rachel teased.

"One was your fault. I was texting you on the way to your stupid wedding so that doesn't even count," Quinn spat.

"Don't joke about that," Rachel replied seriously.

Quinn immediately sobered and offered an apology. She shouldn't take her bad mood out on Rachel. Besides, Rachel had made it very clear for years that she still felt responsible for Quinn's accident. It wasn't really meant to be a teasing matter or something thrown in Rachel's face. The brunette had always been touchy about the accident and her terrible excuse for a wedding.

"Now due to your insensitivity, I get to drive your car," Rachel perked back up instantly.

"That is just cruel," Quinn glared.

Rachel shrugged but skipped off towards Quinn's car. Sure she had been offended but it was obvious that Quinn was having a difficult day for whatever reason. It was also obvious that Courtney was partially responsible for the difficulties. The quicker she could change Quinn's mood and get her away from Courtney the better for everyone.

"Seriously. I think it'd be good for you," Courtney piped back in.

"Leave it, Court. I mean it."

"She's really cute," Courtney yelled after Quinn.

"The answer is still no," Quinn called back, climbing into the passenger seat of her own car.

"What is no?" Rachel asked when Quinn shut the door.

"It's not important."

"Well who's cute?" Rachel prodded.

Rachel started the car but didn't move, waiting for a response. The rest of the cast started passing with a series of honks and the occasional shout. Rachel waved at them but still didn't move.

"No one, okay. Courtney's trying to set me up," Quinn grunted.

"Set you up? Like on a date?"

"How else do you set someone up?" Quinn laughed.

"For murder," Rachel responded seriously.

Quinn gave her a strange look then started cracking up.

"Sometimes your mind is a frightening place, Berry."

"Considering it's you, it was a logical conclusion. We all used to take bets on when you'd become the Prom Queen Serial Killer," Rachel smirked.

She finally backed out of the parking space and got in the line of cars to exit the lot. She watched the shadows of the bodies in Brooke's car dancing around to whatever song they were blasting.

"Remember when we were friends? I miss those days when you didn't pick on me all the time," Quinn rolled her eyes, but was fighting a grin.

Rachel chuckled in reply before reaching to change the radio.

"Both hands on the wheel at all times when you're driving my car," Quinn ordered.

"We're still in the parking lot. We're not even moving," Rachel argued.

Quinn merely raised her eyebrow and changed the station to the XM channel that Rachel always preferred. They drove on in silence for a bit. Rachel was still stuck on the idea of Courtney setting Quinn up with a girl. She didn't know why she thought it was weird. It shouldn't be weird. Friends do that for each other. Isn't that technically how she had met Josh a couple of years prior- through a mutual friend. That seemed like the safest way for someone in their line of work to meet a potential significant other who wouldn't be a crazy fan or someone using them for fifteen minutes of fame. It would make sense for a friend to set Quinn up with a girl. Quinn hadn't really dated though. Somehow Rachel didn't really think about Quinn dating. Dating another girl couldn't be that different. She was sure Quinn would have no problem meeting women but maybe she was incredibly picky. Quinn should be picky. Quinn was a catch. Women should be falling all over themselves for- tampons!

"Oh hey, I need tampons," Rachel shrieked, turning sharply into a super market parking lot.

Quinn gasped and held on for dear life while Rachel careened into the parking lot. She glared at the brunette when the car was parked and finally shut off.

"Give me the keys," Quinn demanded when they both got out of the car.

"I'm not that bad."

"You didn't signal at all when you pulled into the parking lot. Then you nearly side-swiped a parked car in the lot. Give me my keys."

"You are entirely exaggerating about the parked car thing," Rachel sighed but handed Quinn the keys.

They wandered through the aisles aimlessly. Rachel had her tampons in one hand but insisted they see if either of them needed anything else while they were there. Quinn had protested half-heartedly but followed Rachel up and down every aisle while she picked up a pack of Swedish Fish and a jar of her favorite Vegan spaghetti sauce before putting both back on the shelves minutes later.

"Oh, look! It's me!" Rachel exclaimed picking up an Us Weekly from the magazine wrack.

"At dinner with Chase and his parents," Quinn muttered.

"I don't understand all the fuss. He's my friend and I adore his parents. His mother wanted to see me and he didn't want to go alone. It's not like it was a 'meet my girlfriend over dinner' kind of thing. We've met plenty of times. I swear, if I went to dinner with Scott and his parents nobody would blink twice," Rachel huffed, flipping through the pages.

Quinn crossed her arms and leaned back against the shelves of jarred preserves behind her. She watched the brunette fawn over the magazine article about herself and their mutual costar. It was easy to forget how much Rachel loved being a star when they were hanging out at home. Then she remembered how commercialized Rachel's twitter account had become in recent months. Ann, her publicist, was shaping a perfectly groomed starlet.

"Are you finished?" Quinn asked with a grunt.

"You know with all the grunting you do constantly, it's a wonder people don't assume you're a cavewoman," Rachel shook her head.

"Thank you, Rachel. You're so sweet," Quinn deadpanned.

"I am. I truly am but this…keeps happening."

Rachel pointed to another magazine. This one was a Star magazine with the headline: Rachel Berry throws another diva tantrum leaving guest star stunned.

"You probably shouldn't have stormed out of the room when Gwyneth Paltrow was on set," Quinn shrugged.

"I only stormed out because you were being moody bitch that day and I didn't want to berate you in front of everyone," Rachel retorted.

"I'm always a bitch. You act like it was something new," Quinn laughed.

"You are not. I don't know who told you that you are a bad person but they lied, Quinn."

"That's…actually really sweet…but coming from the girl who just called me a bitch seconds before it loses a little of its meaning."

Rachel rolled her eyes and picked up another magazine.

"This one is about you," Rachel commented.

"I don't care. I don't want to read it. It's all lies anyway. I don't know why you like torturing yourself with this stuff. You and your publicist are going to go insane," Quinn sighed.

"According to OK! Magazine you've been recently flirting with women in nightclubs all around the city. You went to a nightclub without me?" Rachel asked, chuckling.

"Of course. I go clubbing all the time with all of my other friends that you don't know."

"A waitress at a local gay bar insists you came in last week and felt her up as she passed your booth," Rachel continued.

Quinn let out a deep breath and tilted her head back to stare at the tile ceiling. There was a water stain on the tile that was kind of shaped like a bunny. Quinn furrowed her eyebrow and stared at the spot.

"What are you looking at?" Rachel questioned, standing dangerously close to Quinn and tilting her head back to stare.

"It looks like a bunny," Quinn grunted.

"No, cavewoman, it clearly looks like a banana wearing sunglasses," Rachel argued.

"How many bananas have you seen wearing sunglasses?"

"How many bunnies have you seen on ceilings?"

"Invalid argument. That would be like looking at a cloud and asking how many dragons you've actually seen in the sky," Quinn countered.

"Based upon that logic then your argument is also invalid because the basis of yours was that bananas don't wear sunglasses to which I say bunnies don't live on ceilings," Rachel smirked.

"You're infuriating sometimes."

"Yet I'm your best friend," Rachel chuckled.

"Who is a huge whore and diva," Quinn laughed picking up an InTouch magazine. "I'm totally buying this one."

"You are not. Don't support those slanderous people," Rachel stomped her foot before following Quinn at the way to the check out.

"You were the one reading them."

Quinn put the magazine down and reached for Rachel's things. Rachel made a noise like she was about to protest but it died in her throat at the look Quinn shot her. Quinn was always doing random things like that. She would make a good girlfriend for someone. Rachel's thoughts turned to the set up again. Who would Courtney try to set Quinn up with? The thought made Rachel's stomach knot. She swore she was over her tiny girl crush on Quinn a long time ago. Then some days her stomach twisted and her heart pounded- those days she wondered if there really was a difference between a 'straight girl crush' and just a 'crush' on her best friend.

"Your total is $12.98," the clerk mumbled, not paying attention.

"Oh and these," Rachel squeaked putting a pack of tic tacs on the conveyor belt.

"Rachel," Quinn groaned.

"I like tic tacs," Rachel shrugged.

"Berry. Rachel Berry. You're you. And you're you," the clerk stammered to Rachel and Quinn.

Rachel smiled at Quinn in satisfaction. After a few moments of polite conversation with the young girl who was clearly a fan of the show, the two excused themselves.

"You just can't stand it when somebody doesn't recognize you," Quinn rolled her eyes while unlocking her car.

"I told you. I happen to enjoy tic tacs. I wasn't waiting for her to recognize us. I like tic tacs," Rachel defended.

"I give the paparazzi five minutes if that girl tweeted about us. You know somebody was in the area."

Sure enough there was a flash of a camera just as they were pulling out of the parking lot.

"Think they'll ask her a bunch of questions?" Rachel asked.

"Sure and then they'll find out that we buy each other tic tacs and tampons and all sorts of kinky things. If that isn't rumor mill fodder then I just don't know what makes a good story," Quinn joked, shaking her head.

"Well you did buy my tic tacs and tampons. That obviously means we're secretly in love," Rachel giggled.

Quinn swallowed thickly and then forced a laugh. She pasted a smile back on her face before joking around with Rachel.

"Right. Except I could've been buying the tampons for myself. I also bought a tabloid magazine about us, which will fuel those rumors that you're a self-obsessed diva. The tic tacs, though, she knows I bought for you so that might be the thing that seals the deal," Quinn quipped.

"What a fine romance. The purchase of tic tacs and tampons. You know the way to a girl's heart."

"And trashy magazines, of course. It's how I pick up so many ladies at the club," Quinn smirked.

Rachel guffawed loudly and practically snorted in laughter. Quinn grinned. After dropping Rachel off at her house, Quinn pressed the little phone on her steering wheel. She knew it was time.

"Welcome to Onstar," rang out.

"Call Courtney," Quinn stated.

"Calling Courtney," came the reply.

It rang twice and Quinn mentally cursed herself for calling. It was nearly midnight by the time she and Rachel were done with their after work adventures.

"Hello," Courtney rasped sleepily.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize the time," Quinn grimaced.

"Fabray? What the hell," Courtney groaned.

"I'm sorry. I'll just talk to you tomorrow."

"You in your car? Jesus. What time is it?"

"Eleven forty three," Quinn replied after a quick glance at the glowing numbers on her dashboard.

"Well spit it out. You obviously called for a reason."

"That girl-," Quinn started but stopped herself.

"Hailey?"

"Yeah. She was in a band right?"

"Yeah. They had like two hits but she's done alright since then. Why? Did you change your mind?" Courtney asked, suddenly sounding wide-awake.

"I didn't- it couldn't hurt to just meet her, right? Like it doesn't have to mean anything. Doesn't have to be a date?" Quinn asked anxiously.

"It does not have to be a date. She's got a gig next week. I'll ask Matt. I'll even talk to Brooke and Michael. We can just head over there and you can introduce yourself. It doesn't have to be anything. Just meet her," Courtney promised.

"Okay…yeah…I can do that."

"Quinn, I am so pumped about this. You won't regret it."

"Right," Quinn replied. "Well I should go. I'm almost home."

"Sure. Good night, Q," Courtney said happily.

"Night, Court."