In Paths of Falling Stars

The Sylvesteropolis Observatory was packed for its grand opening. A meteor shower was supposed to take place in just an hour, but everyone was more focused on the stars on the ground. Quinn Fabray looked out at the sea of reporters and smiled. To her left, her lawyer Brittany Pierce spoke into the microphone.

"Just two more questions, I think," she said, nodding to one of the reporters.

He stood up. "Marcus Daly with The Times, Ms. Fabray. What's your response to the rumors that Fabray Enterprises went sorely over budget with this Observatory project?"

Quinn smiled cooly and leaned forward to answer. "People tend to think of business dealings as black and white- under budget or over budget. That's not the case. We began to go over budget at the beginning of the year, and pulled back on production. As you may remember, this opening was supposed to take place two months ago. However, we were able to fundraise and ended up coming in almost precisely on budget through Fabray Enterprises, and under budget for our friends at Chang and Chang Inc. We have to thank the citizens of Sylvesteropolis for that. Without their donations, this would not be possible."

"One last question," Brittany called. She pointed to a reporter on the right side of the room.

"Yes, Emma Herald with The Sylversteropolis Sound. Fabray Enterprises is known for its charity work. In fact, there are kids here tonight from the Schuester Private Children's Home. Do you envision using this observatory for more educational work with the community's children?"

"I certainly hope so," Quinn said, nodding. "One of the main factors in this project was the idea that it would be a state of the art educational tool, right at the school system's fingertips. In future years, we also hope to have an internship opportunity for high school seniors that will lead into appointments at our space training program."

"We'd like to thank you all for coming tonight," Brittany said. "Please enjoy your time here. Refreshments will be served in the lobby. Once the shower starts up, the panels on the roof will be opened so we can watch from indoors."

Quinn stood and led the way to the back. "That went well—besides having to justify our spending. Again."

"You're loaded," Brittany said shrugging. "They always want to know that the rich are keeping their noses clean."

"Or as clean as we can. Who's on patrol tonight?" she asked, dropping her voice.

"Puck and Mercedes. They promised to keep everything quiet. Santana!" Brittany said, running over to hug her wife.

"Hey! Sup, Q?" she asked, peeking around the taller blonde. "I was wondering if I could steal my lady for a while."

"You two go on," Quinn said, rolling her eyes and smiling. "I'll go mingle."

In truth, she hated these events. She hated mingling, making small talk with small minded people. She could have just as easily grabbed a drink and watched the revelry from the upper balcony, but she decided to make an attempt that night.

"Quinn!"

"Matt! You made it!" she said, hugging her friend. "How are things in Gotham?"

"Crazy," he said wearily. "You wouldn't believe the crime rate. I'm transferring back here as soon as I can."

"Well, I'm glad you're here now."

"Me too. Hey, I need to introduce you to someone," he said, nodding toward the stage.

She followed, genuinely curious. Matt knew her better than anyone, so if he was introducing someone, it was going to be good.

"This," he said, standing next to a woman with chestnut brown hair. "is Rachel Berry."

"Lead actress in A Kind of Delirium," Quinn said, smiling. "It's wonderful to meet you."

"You too," Rachel said, shaking her hand.

"Are you here with the theater company?"

"Technically," Rachel told her with a small smile. "We give free acting and voice classes to groups of students. We brought them tonight."

"That's great! Maybe they'd like to see the upper telescopes? We roped them off to everyone else, but I'm sure I could get you up there."

"That would be amazing. Thank you, Ms. Fabray."

"Please, call me Quinn." She smiled at the shorter woman, and gestured out to the lobby. "I'll have the DJ make the announcement for them to meet us by the elevators."

The children loved playing around with the telescopes. Quinn and Rachel watched them, and the meteor shower, from one of the benches.

"I didn't know the owner of Fabray Enterprises was a theater fan," Rachel said.

"I'm full of surprises," Quinn told her. "It was a…random thing I got into during my teen years. Your new show is one of my favorites though. I've seen it five times." Fuck sake, stop rambling you idiot! She yelled in her mind. She had seen the show five times—mostly because she thought Rachel was the most beautiful woman on the planet with a voice to match….

"Five? Wow, we should get you some sort of frequent flyer card," Rachel joked.

"I'll definitely take one whenever you get them," Quinn said with a wink. "Hey, listen—"

"Ms. Berry!" one of the kids called. "Ivan's peeking into houses with the telescope!"

"Duty calls," Rachel mumbled, hurrying over.

Damn, Quinn thought. Her cell phone buzzed, and she nearly laughed when she read the text.

Go ahead, Q! Get yo swerve on—I see you! Xo, S

She looked over the railing and saw Santana raise a glass to her. "Jesus…."

"Okay, crisis averted," Rachel said, coming back over. "You were asking me something?"

"Er…yeah. I just…I was wondering if you want to go get coffee next week?"

Rachel smiled. "I'd love to."

Quinn stretched as she slid into bed. The opening had last until 2 a.m., and after 10 she didn't even have Rachel to distract her. She'd never been happier to be home in bed. That was a lie, she had. Still, she was beyond ready to let sleep claim her.

"Quinn?"

She turned over to face her intercom. "What's up, Britt?"

"Just got an email from the President. She wants to see us tomorrow."

Quinn groaned. That couldn't be good. "Right. Thanks, Britt. Breakfast tomorrow?"

"Sure. Good night."

"Night."

LbN: Last round of voting is up! I'll try to have updates on this one quick. :)