A/N: It was suggested that I do a follow up for Sweet Dreams which is a Faberry fic I wrote quite a while ago. This is multichapter and I'll make sure to try and keep up at least as well with it as I do my pezberry/quinntana fics.

Rachel put on the big fake smile while she wrapped her knuckles against the Fabray's front door. It was a quarter to noon and she knew she was early. She'd always been taught by her fathers that It was important to arrive at least fifteen minutes before an important interview. strangely enough that's exactly what this felt like. Like a test against her ability to be a friend if that was what was going to happen. She'd spent the last six hours coming to terms with the fact that friendship was all she could even hope for. And she knew how many obstacles stood between her and even simple friendship.

Social status, her insufferable personality, Quinn's actual friends...She felt even more pathetic than she had last night after she'd completely lost control of the situation and blurted out her feelings as if it was an emotional knife in her heart to keep them private any longer. She sighed, sighing as she inhaled the bouquet she'd stopped to buy. the mixture of yellow tulips, white jasmine, and gardenia was heavily symbolic and some of them had multiple meanings she didn't mean to present. She hoped that all together, Quinn could get the idea. Could understand what she couldn't say again. Rachel decided to explain them.

The star looked down at her vintage sleeveless dress and hoped she looked okay. The blonde she had been waiting a minute or so for was so effortlessly beautiful she often felt completely hideous next to her and Rachel didn't want to embarrass her.

The smile that made her at least appear happy and confident stretched her cheeks even further when the door opened and Quinn stood there in a green sun dress with a pale off white cardigan tossed over her arm, purse in hand. Rachel could hardly think.

"Hey. Sorry it took me so long. I totally forgot I punched an idiot in the face last night. My hand needed some attention and I left it until the last minute. My hair was being ridiculous too, and I was just trying to make it look at least decent when you knocked. You're early." She raised her right brow, eyes finally locking on the bouquet in the shorter girls right hand.

"You're beautiful." Was all that would come out when she tried to apologize about being so early. Dammit.

"Um...thanks. You look good too Rachel. What's up with those?" She asked, her eyes that for the moment shone green locked onto the three types of flowers. She smiled softly when Rachel extended them towards her.

"F...for you. Um..the jasmine means amiability and modesty. And the gardenia expresses...in this instance, joy and beauty. The yellow tulip, I'm sure you know their traditional meaning. I know they're your favorite." Rachel blinked, breathing deeply to calm herself as she extended the flowers again.

"I do know what they mean, Rach. Thank you, these are beautiful. Let me drop them in the vase in the foyer. Would you like to come in?" Rachel shook her head, eyes widening a fraction. She didn't want to like, freak out over being in Quinn's house for the first time and embarrass her self any further. She stood at the open door while the blonde disappeared, glad she hadn't picked the red tulips also. She leaned her head against the door frame. God, she felt so pathetic.

"So where are we headed?" She stood up quickly.

"I thought it would be appropriate that we perhaps have brunch? It's the appropriate time and I know an establishment I think you will enjoy. They do traditional but also vegan so you can have your bacon and I my own my animal-free frittata." A pale brow rose as they walked to Quinn's car, sliding into the passenger side when Rachel opened the door for her.

"Thank you." No one had ever cared enough to do these things for her on a date, Quinn thought. Not that this was one.

"You are welcome. You deserve it."

"How do you have a frittata with no eggs? Isn't that like the point of the dish?" Q

"Traditionally, yes. I know people think it's strange that I stick to my veganism. I just abhor the fact that a living thing that god created should have to die just so I can have an unimportant meal. Perhaps it would offend me less if there was any balance maintained, any real need for it. But there isn't. People can and do live full, healthy, delicious lives without animal products." She said, pulling out of the drive way and heading down the road towards the restaurant in Westerville.

"How did you get into veganism anyway?"

"Actually my father's and I adopted it as a way to make staying kosher much simpler to understand and practice for me and my Daddy, Leroy who had decided to convert to Judaism when i was eight. I learned about the meat and animal product industry as a part of it and came to actually believe in abstaining from those things. I obviously still practice it now that they're gone." She said, glancing over for only a moment.

"Wait...gone, what do you mean? Where did they go?"

"They died, Quinn. Murdered as a part of a bank robbery in town last year. A month or so before the beginning of junior year. You don't remember hearing about it last year? In the news or from your mother or anything?"

"I don't really watch the news. It's honestly just depressing. And i try my best not to listen to anything that comes out of my mother's poisonous mouth. She only ever says hurtful things anyway. I'm really sorry about your dad's. I know how much you love them." She reached over and squeezed Rachel's free hand.

"It's okay. I am fine. And thank you."

"Wait, so if you were sixteen, what did you do, wouldn't they like make you a ward of the state or put you in the foster system?"

"Shelby happened. She took guardianship only long enough for me to get cleared for emancipation and then disappeared. At least I can thank her for being clear with how she doesn't feel for me. I don't even hope anymore. I know she doesn't love me. It makes things easy." She said, smiling in a way that all but broke Quinn's heart.

"But how do you support yourself? I mean I know you told me something about giving singing lessons to five year olds but I thought maybe that was for fun. You can really support yourself off of those six kids?" Realizing how alone Rachel really was heartbreaking. Not to mention realizing the kind of so called mother Shelby actually was.

"It is fun. People often poke fun at and belittle teachers as if it isn't one of the most important careers in our society. You know what they say about Mr. Shue and Coach Beaste. Those that cannot do, teach? I don't believe that. And anyhow, I have another job tutoring some of those same kids, plus what was left from my fathers and the money they put away as a fund I gain access to this december." They were parking while she spoke, and it was only a few minutes before they were seated with and served iced tea. Their food came moments later and they both dug in.

Quinn, for her part, couldn't believe it. Rachel was alone completely. She knew how much the loneliness must eat at the smaller girl. She often felt alone and even though she honestly tried to hate her, having her alcoholic mother in the house made the emptiness lessen just a bit, no matter how pathetic it made her feel. Rachel didn't even have that.

"Rachel, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. There's nothing that can be done really. I mean, you did help though. Last night when you called me, sang to me. I felt like someone cared about me for a few moments. It was everything I've been missing. Thank you." Guilt and regret was heavy in her heart. Wasn't it her fault that Rachel had no real friends?

"God, I'm so sorry. If it wasn't for me, you would have friends to spend time with. Brittany has wanted to be your friend for years and it was me who forced her and Santana not to."

"Just stop okay. Enough with the apologies. I can see you're that you're hurt, realizing that you've been one of the caused of my pain, and seeing you hurting isn't something I like Quinn. Just...do what I do. Forgive yourself and let it go." Quinn sighed, biting into her last slice of bacon while Rachel paid the bill on their way out. For some reason, she let her. She didn't want to stomp all over the shorter girl's idea of this being a date. she wasn't completely sure it wasn't one herself.

"How do you do that? Forgive me?" She asked, her lip trapped between her teeth as they both slid in the car, Rachel didn't start it.

"Quinn, I love you and I have always believed in the type of person you really are no matter what you said or did. Forgiving you has always been as easy as having you smile at me when you thought I wasn't looking, or singing that duet with me, or for example getting that glee club page I wanted so badly."

"I don't understand how that can help me forgive myself though, Rachel."

"All I was doing was taking those actions as an unspoken apology. If you looked over at me with that...look in your eyes, then I knew you were sorry. So I forgave you." She smiled at her as she reached over to grab her hand, squeezing it firmly.

"I know it isn't as easy to forgive yourself as it is to forgive others, but you deserve forgiveness. Especially from yourself Quinn."

"I guess you're right. Thank you, Rach." The brunette nodded, finally starting up her car and pulling out of the parking lot, headed back towards Quinn's house.

"You are always welcome. Was there anything else you'd like to do while we're out? If, you know, you don't have plans." She asked, pulling hand back to somehow feel less vulnerable in front of the girl who could break her without even trying.

"I talked Santana into hanging out with me. I know she's still isolating herself and stewing in her heartbreak. If I let it continue, she'll self destruct, and I can't let that happen. I love her, you know? She's my best friend despite what people think. Anyway, I wasn't sure what we were gonna do. Watch movies and binge on popcorn probably. But my mother is home and I want no part of that unsurprisingly. She said something about her house being occupied by her little brother's party though so maybe we'll just go to the theatre at the mall." Rachel nodded, understanding the blondes worry. Although it wasn't as often as she caught herself observing Quinn, she watched both Santana and Brittany and could clearly see what had happened between them.

"Okay, I'll take you home and walk the few blocks back to mine. It's a really nice day." Quinn nodded, leaning back to relax in her seat. It was a silent ride, Rachel pushing play on the cd in the player to fill the air around them after a few minutes. Local Native's Cards and Quarters streamed out near the end of the song and Quinn's voice joined in.

"Steal away, you and me, to a cave made of sheets." She sang, her eyes closed and her pale hand extended out her open window to surf the wind. Twenty minutes passed before Rachel pulled into Quinn's driveway and parked. She got out of the car, wiping away nonexistent wrinkles and then smiling over at the blonde as she got out and came over, leaning against the hood.

"I'm heading home, Quinn. If you um...find yourself bored or without anyone else to hang out with do call me. I'd love to spend more time with you." Her smile showed off how nervous she was all of a sudden, and she sighed, both eager to flee and in contradiction to herself, stay.

"Wait...are you sure you want to walk?"

"I am. I think I need to, honestly."

"Alright, i guess. Goodbye, Rachel." The brunette nodded, then turned around and walked down to the sidewalk, gripping at her own bicep to calm herself a little. She didn't look back. She wouldn't.

"Rach...Wait!" Stopping, Rachel turned around and saw Quinn jogging toward her.

"Yes? Did I forget something?" She looked in her purse, and seeing her phone there, looked back up. "My phone is here."

"No...no. I just...do you maybe want to come to the movies with us? S is cool with it." Rachel smiled widely, pleasantly surprised.

"Sure. Were you two still wanting to just relax and kind of veg out to watch movies instead of going to the theatre? We could go to my house? If the both of you are willing I mean. I think Santana is under the impression my house may be more of a temple to Barbra Streisand than a home." She said, giggling.

"Is she right?"

"No. I would never be able to afford the upkeep for all the devoted fans who would surely flock to see the gigantic marble sculpture I'd need." Quinn couldn't help the snort that slipped out with her laugh, but Rachel's smile only stretch further upon hearing it.

"You are ridiculous."

"Only a little." Rachel was completely surprised by the arms suddenly surrounding her torso as Quinn hugged her.

"You're more than a little adorable. Come on, we'll go pick up San and some of that popcorn that pops in the bucket.

"Am I still driving?"

"Yep. Out of the three of us, I'm the one who's like forever the dd since I got pregnant with Beth and it's nice just relax and sing whatever's playing." They both slid in the car and Rachel started it, turning the album back on and backing out to head to Santana's.

"I'll be your chauffeur Ms. Fabray." Quinn grinned over at her and laid her head back against the rest after switching over to the next cd in the 5 disc player. M83 is what came on, and Rachel smiled again.

"I love your taste in music. You should sing some of this stuff in Glee sometimes. Like, for example, I know you like Likke Li? And the Youth Novels album? Let It Fall would be a perfect duet for you and Brittany. If you were interested.

"You're too good for us. The club." Rachel looked over at her when they hit an infamously long stop light.

"What? No I'm not. What do you mean?"

"I just mean, I'm sure you have ideas...lists upon lists of ideas about what each persons range is, how they could improve, what songs and or artists complement their voices, a lesson plan that you could use if anyone ever takes you up on that everlasting offer for voice lessons...all of it. You probably have song's already lined up for our competitions this year, who should sing what, who could replace them if they got sick or something. You do all of that for us and we never recognize it except negatively. You run that club, Rachel. God...you could have probably coached Vocal Adrenaline if you wanted to." The light finally changed and they drove the rest of the way to Santana's house while the brunette thought it over, parking on the side of the road due to all the cars.

"I do have all of those things...but I'm the captain. It's my responsibility and it's one I cherish and take very seriously. Anyone else would do the same."

"No, Rach. They wouldn't. There wouldn't be a glee club without you. It would fall apart. I guess, at this point, I'm saying thank you. I'm sure Santana would do the same." Said brunette slid into the back seat without any warning, startling the shorter brunette.

"Santana, you frightened me. Hello."

"Berry. Hey Q."

"S I was coming in, i have Fernando's gift in the backseat." The Latina looked over, just now noticing the guitar case in the seat next to her.

"Enter the lion's den at your own risk. The place is full of sugar high thirteen year olds. It's literally hell in there right now. And, btw, I know you did not buy him that les paul he showed you. Quinn that thing was like a thousand dollars. You're spoiling him. And he already has that crush on you. You'll make it worse. Now he'll never shut up asking me when you're coming over."

"What did you get him, then?" She asked, grinning. she already knew how proud Fernando made Santana. He had followed her footsteps as far as his love for music went.

"That amp he wanted. And the mic." She said, looking away. She'd spent even more.

"That's what I thought. Britt got him the keyboard, didn't she?"

"Yea. He set it up and sang one of his songs for his friends. She said that...that she loves him almost as much as she loves me." She smiled, her eyes shining. It was something Rachel had only ever seen when during those days when no one seemed to notice her presence until glee and she had watched Brittany and Santana walking down the hall, pinkies linked.

"I'm glad, San. I'll be back, lemme go take the guitar in." the blonde hopped out, disappearing into the house with the guitar case Santana handed her out her open door.

Rachel said nothing, starting the car up again to turn the music back on, filling the silence.

"She's right you know." Rachel looked back at the other brunette, eyes curious.

"I don't know."

"I do appreciate what you do to the club. You already know it's my favorite part of the day and you do everything possible to keep us afloat, to keep us together. Even though we don't really deserve it from you. So thank you."

"You're welcome, Santana."

"So do you really have like...lesson plans for vocal lessons for the whole club?"

"I do. I didn't know you were here for that part of the conversation."

"I heard it on the way to the car. Your conversation carried out the windows. You have one for me? What...I mean, like what do I need? What would we do?" Rachel turned more in her seat, reaching in the back for the messenger bag she'd put in the car that morning in case there was an impromptu voice lesson or question about what they could sing come sectionals. She tried to always be prepared. Pulling out two typed out bullet-pointed sheets of paper, she kept one and handed the other over.

"As you can see, I think it would benefit you to start with breath work. It's important to have extensive lung capacity to hit notes I know for sure you could with some work. And then we'd work on helping you sing from the diaphragm, work on songs to test and improve your range, and so on. It is all here." Rachel said, smile tentative.

"And you would be willing to do this for me? You're sure?"

"Of course I am. Honestly, there's very little within reasonable limits I wouldn't do for anyone in the club. You're my family."

"I..."

"And if that isn't enough, you're my friend. Just let me know when you have some free time this summer. I can give you my schedule for the summer as far as acting, dance, and voice lessons. Plus I tutor and give singing lessons to young children. But I promise I have time for you, Santana. I know how important music is to you." the latina wanted to hug her. She really did. So she slid forward on her seat and let her arms circle around the smaller girl despite their awkward angle, squeezing her gently.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Santana let go, smiling genuinely at the small girl while Quinn slid into the car, her lips curved in her own smile.

"I'm really glad to see you two getting along so well. And you were so wrong by the way, S. Nando has a huge crush on a girl in his class. While everyone else jumped in the pool, he pulled her aside and played her a song he wrote for her. It was kind of adorable."

"He's got game. It's a Lopez thing. So let's dip."

"Yea, let's go, Rach. I want popcorn. I knew I should have had that extra plate of bacon but you kept looking at me eat it like I murdered a pig myself. I felt bad." Santana laughed in the backseat. Rachel shifted into drive, exiting the neighborhood.

"I apologize. From now on I'll keep my eyes away from your lips.

"As if you can." Santana laughed out loud. Rachel realized what she'd said and shrugged, backing pulling out onto the main road to head to the Whole Foods. Five minutes later, all three girls were walking into the store headed straight towards the snack isle. The picked up popcorn and then Santana mentioned ice cream and they headed that way. The blonde grabbed two one quart containers of coffee ice cream for her and the taller brunette while Rachel grabbed vegan chocolate.

"Rachel?" All three girls turned around to find Kurt, Mercedes, and Tina, all looking tired and with sunglasses over their eyes. The eyed the two former cheerleaders warily.

"Oh, hello. How are you three doing today? You appear to be suffering from hangovers, perhaps some jasmine, ginger, or peppermint tea? And then maybe some chicken noodle soup? Is that what you're here for?" She asked, talking as quietly as she could and still be heard.

"Kurt shook his head, pointing to the ice cream, still eyeing Santana and Quinn, who both stood with their hands on the mini push cart, their eyes icy.

"That will only make it worse. If you were to get brain freeze it will spike the headache all over again. I had miso soup for dinner last night, I still have quite a bit if you would like some and some tea to take both home with you." Gently, Tina pulled off her glasses squinted against the brightness, nodding. The other two shook their head, reaching instead for ice cream. Mercedes pointed to the two taller girls, a mean looking frown on her face.

"What are you doing with them?" She asked rudely.

"We came to get the items you can see us carrying. We're having a movie day. I would invite you but I know your head probably hurts far too much for something like that today."

"Those two? Watching movies with you? How'd you talk them into it? Promise to give up a few solos that aren't yours in the first place? Why else would they hang out with you?" Tina frowned at the quickly hidden hurt in Rachel's eyes.

"Hey, that was mean. And un-called for. Apologize, Cedes." The usually quiet girl said. Kurt stood there next to the diva, agreeing with her.

"I honestly don't think she should. She's right about most of it anyway. It isn't like it isn't true. And anyway, I'm sorry, Rachel, but you deserve it. It is mostly your fault we lost nationals anyway. Let's not forget about that."

"Kurt, stop it. Both of you stop it. The club is a family and this isn't how you should be treating them. Rachel I'm sorry." Tina stepped over to hold Rachel's hand, smiling gently at her, worried by the fact that the brunette wasn't responding.

"Oh whatever. Rachel's no family of mine. We only tolerate her in the club because of her voice, which isn't that great anyway. And we only tolerate the trinity for numbers."

"Okay, you know what, you two want Auntie Snix here so bad, you got her. Keep insulting my girl Rachel and you'll have twice the fucking headaches to worry about. She didn't have to promise us anything. We're her friends, you should think about learning what that actually means since I've no doubt you'll be claiming to be the same when school starts again. Now get's to steppin before we step over you. And by the way bitches, feel fucking lucky I stepped in and not Quinn, I guarantee she's about an inch from losing control and ripping you both shreds. T.T. you stickin with the losers or coming with us?"

"I met them here in my car. I'll just go home and make some soup and tea then get in the bed." She said, wincing and then slipping her glasses back on. He headache wasn't getting any better. Quinn watched as Kurt and Mercedes walked away, mumbling disgruntled whatevers.

"Okay, feel better, T."

"Thank you, Santana. Bye guys." Rachel waived was the girl disappeared, then turned and walked to Quinn, falling into the arms that had opened for her. The tears didn't fall, but they were there and Santana could see that from her position next to the two girls. She reached a hand out and rubbed the smallest girl's back in an attempt to soothe her.

"Hey, you're okay Rach. It's okay." The small brunette stepped away, wiping at the water collecting in her eyes that had just started to fall.

"I don't understand why they do this. I just. I tried to help them and they treat us all like...like shit! The two of you don't deserve that. Your voices are a unique and treasured addition to the club and I for one love having the two of you there everyday. It's like they only care about winning, and what solos they can lord over everyone else. I know that's what everyone thinks i care about but you're all wrong."

"We don't really think that anymore, tiny. I kind of think you love it for the music and you know, you get to perform."

"No...no I thought that Glee club had given me a family again. Like I wasn't alone anymore but I am." Santana frowned, eyes questioning. Quinn stood there, trying to catch Rachel's eyes. She was worried. Maybe today wasn't the best time for them to do this as of now. Maybe she should take Santana home and just spend some time alone with Rachel. Help her...somehow.

"Wait, what, I thought you had two dads?"

"I did. They're dead. I'm alone okay. They died. Last summer. It's okay that you don't remember hearing about it. I never mentioned it. I didn't want pity. I thought everyone knew. When no one but Ms. Pillsbury and Mr. Shue said anything I assumed that no one cared." Rachel grabbed the basket and pulled it with her as she started towards the front of the store the checkout lanes. It took them a few minutes to take care of checking out and the were a few feet from the care when Quinn took the keys from Rachel's hands and tossed them to Santana.

"Hey, can you drive please. I need to talk to her." She said when Rachel questioned her with her eyes as they put the stuff in the trunk. She opened the brunettes door for her then got in the other side. Santana started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, headed towards Rachel's house.

"I could have driven." Rachel said, leaning against her door, as far away as she could be. She wanted to shut down, to get home and lock herself in her room the way she always used to process whenever she was bullied back when her dads were still alive. She'd hide away then come out and cry on their strong shoulders, soaking all the love they gave unconditionally.

"I know. Rach come here." Quinn opened her arms, closing them when said girl laid her head against her chest.

"I don't know why it still hearts after all this time. I should be used to it, i should have gotten over it by now." Quinn ran slim fingers through her hair slowly, calming her sobbing tears.

"Over what?"

"Everything. The way people treat me isn't anything new. I should expect it, have thicker skin. Not let it affect me. And...my dads too. It's been a year. Shouldn't I be able to deal with that empty house? The empty feeling I get when I wake up and forget and go downstairs and expect them to be down there, expect them to be in their room when I check it too? Shouldn't I stop checking? Shouldn't it stop hurting that I'm alone? I should be used to it."

"It never stops hurting. We lost my Papi when I was Fernando's age and it still hurts everyday. I still wait up till two am every Saturday night expecting him to come in from a late shift at the hospital but he never does." Santana said quietly, her own tears falling as she pulled into the Berry driveway.

"I'm sorry you lost your daddy."

"You too, Rachel." Santana stopped the car, leaning into her seat and trying to stop her tears. Back in the car, Rachel sobbed and Quinn kissed her forehead.

"I know it hurts Rach, I know. But you're not alone anymore. You've got me. I'm here. I'll be here. If you need me just call and I'll be here asap, okay? I'll hold you just like this until you can calm down, I'll sing to you like last night. I don't want you to hurt, beautiful." She wiped at the tears falling from big brown eyes, kissing the girl's forehead again.

"I love you, Quinn."

"I know, Baby. Come on, let's head in. Maybe we can watch a comedy? I remember you saying something about your dad loving Ghostbusters? How about we watch that?" Rachel nodded, smiling softly and remembering the ridiculous days they'd watch those movies and laugh out loud for hours.

"Yeah. Yes that sounds like a good idea. I remember he had the most horrible Bill Murray impersonations. He was so silly and unintentionally funny. Daddy told me it was what made him fall so head over heels in love with him. Then dad would say that it was his amazing good looks. Ha. They loved each other so much." She said as all three got out of the car, Santana and Quinn grabbing the bags then shutting the trunk.

"I always kind of wanted to meet your dads. You know to just...finally talk to someone who had already fought through all of it and found their happiness with the person they loved." Santana said as they walked in the house and put the ice cream away and the first bucket of popcorn in the microwave.

"They would have loved to meet you. They asked me once, about meeting you, Quinn, and Brittany. I talked about you a lot. Because they'd met most everyone else through a sleepover or two, dance classes or whatever. I mean, they met Brittany once and she asked them if they were married and she asked where she could get married to you and they told her." Rachel said, walking into the living room to put the movie in the blu ray player.

"She wants to marry me?" Quinn giggled.

"No question. The two of you will get through all of this. You're meant to be together, there's no arguing that." The blonde said. Santana nodded, hoping her best friend was right.

"And the two of you?" She asked when Rachel walked back into the room, pulling her own butter-less popcorn from the pantry, handing Santana her own popped bucket when she pulled it from the microwave.

"I..." the shorter brunette sighed. turning around to face the taller girl.

"It's one sided. And it's okay, she's willing to be my friend, I'm okay with just that."

"Bull shit." Rachel huffed"

"Must you swear? And I am fine with it. It's something I've worked on a long time. I knew she could never feel the same. I've had years." Quinn felt like maybe she should say something, but what? The little crush that had initially caused her to strike out at it's focus had developed over the years, sure. But into what? Saying anything before she was sure seemed reckless and had a potential to hurt Rachel deeply with her being as emotionally invested as she was.

"No, I mean the unrequited part." The Latina said, tossing a few kernels into her mouth.

"What?!"