A/N: Disclaimer: I don't own glee.

I saw this prompt on the internet post/29092988507/prompt-quinn-enlists-in-the-military

Just change the dots to periods. Anyways it's like two years old but I decided to run with it. I want to continue more but I'd like to hear your thoughts before I do?

Oh and AIT stands for Advanced Individual Training. All soldiers go through it for the jobs that they enlist in. I know that basic can last longer than 10 weeks because of in processing but just look past that. The 39 weeks for her AIT is correct too so :)

Hope you guys enjoy it!

"Alright everyone quiet down." Mr. Schues's voice is calm and there's a hint of a smile in it. "I know you're all excited about college and it's been rough waiting to hear back. So I trust that you've all waited to let each other know the exciting news like we talked about?" A collective groan is heard from around the group, Mr. Schuester claps his hands together excitedly. "Excellent! Brittany and Santana! Let's start with you guys. Any news back?"

Brittany immediately begins bouncing in her seat, hand shooting up. "Oh oh pick me Mr. Schue!" He laughs gently at the tall blonde dancer while the group shares a tentative smile. She would definitely be missed.

"Yes Brittany?" He replies happily.

"San and I are going to New York!" She squeals, bouncing into the smiling latina's lap and kissing her cheek proudly. "I'm going to Julliard's school of dance! San is going to NYU for medical school!" She shouts happily and places another kiss, albeit a bit closer to her mouth this time.

Everyone cheers, mixed with cries of "we'll miss you guys!" and "we knew you'd be forever!" Santana finally speaks up. "That's right, my girl has mad dancing skills and ima be a doctor to make sure if she ever gets hurt she gets treated right. Plus you losers may need a second opinion one day." And everyone knows that's as close of a thank you that they'll get from her.

"Well I have to say I'm so proud of you two. You've come so far and it's fantastic that you'll be going together. New York is a big place so it'll be nice to have someone you love with you." Mr. Schue says, holding back his tears of pride. Santana smiles and nods to him, clearly working overtime to keep her emotions in check.

"Alright, Puck what about you?" He directs the attention to the mohawked boy.

Puck smirks while leaning forward, a look of mischief in his eyes. "My pool cleaning business is really taking off. I'm gonna have to hire more help just to get all of these lawns done too. We're expanding and I gotta say, I'm raking in money and cougars all day every day." Finn leans back and high fives Puck, the group shares a collective laugh.

"Just make sure you don't catch anything Puck. I might help you guys but I gots ta make money somehow and you'll be charged extra." Santana pokes at him with a smirk.

"Come on you know you want all up on this!" He throws back.

"I gots my Britt Britts I don't need anyone else." She says flatly, earning herself a kiss and some more cheers.

"Perhaps you should look up the meaning of lesbian in a dictionary Noah." Rachel adds in from the front, next to Finn and Artie.

"Ah Rachel, you've been awfully quiet! What are your plans?"

"Please Mr. Schue we all know little miss diva is going to NYADA. Unlike the rest of us she couldn't help but sing it from the roof tops." Mercedes cuts in. Kurt nods his approval still feeling the sting from his rejection from the school. Rachel look to her left and smiles brightly at them both, and they return it. They had all come a long way from being bitter and constantly making huge fights from small comments.

"While what Mercedes said is true Mr. Schuester, I feel as though I should have a fair opportunity to share my accomplishments and plans as well." Rachel sends him her dazzling smile and the group groans but when she stands putting her hands on her hips and stomping her foot they all break into a laugh. She relaxes and joins in as well.

"Continue before we all die from the suspense." Santana says, earning her a sad look from Brittany.

"San I like Rachel, she's our friend and if we're all going to be living together then-" Santana covers Brittany's mouth with her hand.

"Sorry Berry, looks like the cat's out of the bag." Santana shrugs towards her.

Brittany pries the hand from her mouth, "What cat? Lord Tubbington doesn't like other cats around me, it stresses him and I don't want him to start smoking again."

The group looks on in confusion but Finn shakes his head and turns his attention to Rachel. "Don't you guys like hate each other? How do you expect to live together?" He asks, perplexed.

"Yeah I mean no offense but I think we should start taking bets of when Santana snaps and kills her." Mercedes adds in. Sam turns to her with wide eyes and his mouth hanging open and shakes his head yes. Soon the group is shouting and laughing and conversations break out. All but one person looks like they're actually there, Rachel and Mr. Schue notice. The blonde sitting in front of Santana and Brittany looks miles away.

"Woah woah woah guys! Let's calm down! I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason they're staying together. Rachel please continue." Mr. Schue says once again having to direct their attention.

"Thank you Mr. Schuester. As well as getting into NYADA I have discovered that living in New York in an apartment alone is very challenging. Not just money wise but also people tend to get lonely. It only made sense that I find roommates and although Santana and I have had our differences in the past, we feel that we can get over them and live in harmony together."

"Plus Brittany will be their buffer." Artie stage whispers, receiving a glare from both Rachel and Santana. He sinks lower to avoid their stares.

"Berry isn't so bad once you get past her irritating rants and wardrobe choices." Santana defends.

"I resent that Santana, I'll have you know tha-" Rachel is cut off by Kurt who steps up almost nervously in front of the group and gently takes Rachel's arm and leads her to her seat. She nods sadly and he clears his throat to begin.

"So you all know that I didn't make it into NYADA." He states, looking to his boyfriend, Blaine, who gives him a sad but encouraging smile to continue.

"There's always next year though Kurt!" Rachel yells to him but he holds up his hand.

"I realize that but I've been thinking and just because NYADA isn't possible" He looks to Rachel who is about to open her mouth, "right now, doesn't mean that New York has to be a past tense dream for me. Which is why I've decided that I'm still going. Nothing will keep me from my dreams." He finishes proudly.

Everyone explodes all rushing up to hug him and congratulate him on his bravery and strength. Rachel tells him that he must live with them and Santana rolls her eyes but smiles and nods while Brittany squeals once more because now more people can join their extended, long term, slumber party. Everyone quiets down and wanders back to their seats, Mr. Schue steps in front of them again but first pats Kurt firmly on the shoulder, who then turns and gives him a huge hug before returning to his seat.

"That's very exciting news guys! Well where were we? Finn! Where are you off to for school?" Finn snaps his attention to the Mr. Shue and his lopsided grin is on in full force. He shuffles up to the front.

"OSU is giving me a full ride scholarship to play football!" He yells and there is another uproar of cheers and applause. Finn turns and hugs Mr. Shuester firmly. And returns to his seat. "I couldn't have done it without you guys though. Especially you Mr. Shue. I didn't know what I was capable of but you guys believed in me. I owe you guys a lot. Thank you." he says trying to discreetly wipe his eyes.

"Hey man maybe there'll be some cougars there with pools to clean?" Puck asks him and Finn's dopey smile returns full force and they both step over the chairs to hug.

"Okay first congrats Finn and second stop hugging him or I'm going to vomit." Santana smirks and Brittany once again lightly taps her and whispers something in her ear. The Latina flushes "We're happy for you. Seriously, congratulations."

"So happy!" Brittany exclaims and launches herself over the chairs and into his arms. He nods over Brittany's shoulders to Santana and smiles brightly.

"Artie? You must have a bright future ahead?" Mr. Schuester asks as Brittany climbs back to Santana.

"I got into Cal Tech." He says it gingerly like it's not a big deal.

"What?! Arite that's-that's amazing! That's unbelievable!" Mr. Schuester yells looking at him in disbelief.

"Yeah I guess it is." He breaks out into a huge smiles and everyone celebrates and pats his back.

"So Mercedes?" Mr. Schuester is interested to hear her response. Out of everyone she has yet to talk about any colleges that interest her.

"Well Mr. Schue I've been thinking and I've got a cousin in California who is friends with a guy at a record label. I'm gonna head there and see if I can get signed." She says proudly. Kurt is hugging her and telling her she can make it happen. "And if not there are a lot of schools there that would be more than honored to have me." She says in typical diva fashion. Once everyone calms down from the news Sam speaks up.

"My mom and dad both found jobs that are stable and pay well and as tough as it's going to be, leaving my little brother and sister, I know I have to do it. I'm going with Mercedes. She's the love of my life and I can't imagine not being with her for any part of it. There are aww's and they share a kiss that's innocent but starts to get heated. Mr. Shuester gets wide eyes and clears his throat, actively breaking the heavy make out session up.

"What about the Asian duo?" Santana says, earning her a glare from Mike and Tina.

Mike stands, wiping his hands on his jeans in a nervous fashion. "Since Tina is only a Junior we won't get to move together right away." They both look heartbroken and Tina reaches up to take his hand. "But that doesn't mean we won't get to live together, just not yet. I believe in waiting though, especially for someone who means everything to you." His eyes are twinkling with love and unshed emotion. "I'll be going to Harvard to study law." He says it kind of brokenly, everyone can tell it's not what he truly wants. He smiles then though. "I made a deal with my dad though. If I give my all my first year there and absolutely hate it then he'll pay for whatever school I want to go to, and I can study anything I want. But giving it my all means I have to apply myself one-hundred percent. And it means that Tina and I can't be together." Everyone seems a bit taken back by that. Tina wipes at her tears but smiles at him as he pulls her to her feet and stares into her eyes. "But like I said, I believe in waiting." He smiles and tears begin to roll down his face. They hug and everyone gives them a few minutes to talk amongst themselves so they can calm down.

"I think what you're doing is very admirable and strong Mike." Mr. Schuester says with a sad smile.

"Thank you." He says smiling and holding Tina's hand firmly.

Mr. Schuester takes a look around the room and his eyes land on the last person. "Quinn." He smiles but she still is unfocused and seems to be in her own world. He frowns and says her name louder with no response coming back. Everyone turns to look at her and Santana decides to kick the back of her chair.

"Yo Q, you still with us?" Santana says in a voice that most would believe is detached but to a trained ear, can clearly hear the concern.

Quinn snaps out of it and turns to the Latina but there's no anger there, just confusion. "What?"

"Q, Mr. Shue has been trying to get your attention." Santana says, then whispers "Is everything okay?"

Quinn smiles softly, and observes the latina's face. "Do you remember when you, and Britt and me broke into Coach's house?" Quinn asks and everyone gets wide eyed including Brittany and Santana.

"We swore to her we would never talk about it!" The latina hisses.

Quinn rolls her eyes but smiles, continuing. "Do you remember what she said?"

Santana looks around and notices everyone staring, leaning forward and intently listening. She feels uncomfortable under all of the attention. "Coach is crazy, she says weird shit all of the time. I just let it go in one ear and out the other."

Quinn's eye brows scrunch together "After she got done yelling at us and telling us we had to run one hundred miles next week or she'd send us to juvey she said something else. She said no matter what we all always seemed to have each others backs. That no matter what we always seemed to find our way back to each other. I love you San and I love you Brittany." Quinn finished looking to Brittany.

Brittany seemed unfazed and lept up and gathered Quinn in her arms. "I love you too Q!" She yelled and Quinn wrapped her arms tighter around the blonde, breathing in deeply and closing her eyes. She engrained this into her memory. She had to.

Santana was shocked. They only ever said those three words if something was seriously wrong. And they had never said them in front of anyone. Not even Brittany. "Quinn I don't understand..." Santana trailed off as Quinn let Brittany go, who gladly slipped back next to Santana and entwined their fingers.

Quinn nervously found the center of the room and looked to her feet. Taking deep breaths, clearly preparing herself.

Mr Shuester felt himself beginning to become nervous, while Rachel was finding it hard to keep still. She'd never seen the girl like this. No one really had, it was completely out of character.

Quinn looked up and opened her eyes, taking in everyone around her and smiling. She needed to remember this too, soon everyone would be gone and everything would be different. "You all know one of my greatest fears was becoming a Lima loser. I browsed for colleges and I was going to apply for them but something else caught my attention. I have a chance to be great now, to start over new and become a better person. I didn't want to tell everyone like this but I guess it's like a band-aid. I enlisted in the Army. I leave Monday." There was no response, everyone just stared and became very quiet.

Surprisingly it was Rachel who spoke up first. "I-I don't understand Quinn. You're so intelligent! You could go to any school and be anything you want to be! Why the Army?" Rachel was standing now and her hands were in fists. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Quinn was supposed to come visit her in New York and Rachel was going to visit her somewhere like...Yale! But the Army?

Quinn looked to her with a sad smile before addressing the group. "This is what I want. I signed up about a month ago and I've already talked to my mom, and Principal Figgins says that missing graduation is okay. They'll send my diploma to me. Look guys, you've always encouraged me to be myself so here I am. I'm going after something I want and it's something I have to do alone."

As New Directions starts to recuperate there are several things that happen. Puck just shakes his head at Quinn and holds back tears but walks up to her and hugs her. "You'll do great baby mama." Is whispered delicately into her ear. Mercedes and Kurt followed by Blaine join the hug and ask her if she's certain and then congratulate her. Soon the group is hugging, all except for Finn, Rachel, and Santana. As the group thins out Brittany looks sad but kisses Quinn on the cheek and says she's proud. Plus that Quinn will look hot in uniform. Puck automatically agrees and some laughs break out.

Mr. Schuester walks to her and hugs her tightly, telling her he's proud even if his heart is aching in his chest. She returns to her seat and can feel the latina burning holes in the back of her head.

"Well guys Monday we'll be singing for the last time in front of the school. Quinn I wish you could be here for it but I'm glad that you've decided what you want to do. It's very honorable and brave of you. I'll see everyone on Monday for graduation!" He yells and although everyone leaves smiling and chatting and hugging Quinn with promises of staying in touch, he can see that they have dulled down quite a bit. He leaves when he realizes Santana, Rachel, and Finn have all stayed behind while Quinn waits patiently at the front for the inevitable.

Once the door closes Quinn turns around and sighs. Santana just looks even more annoyed and storms up and into her face. "What are you thinking?! The Army? What the hell!? We were supposed to go to New York together! I told Berry to look for a bigger apartment because of that! And you said you had applied to NYU. What the fuck Quinn?" Santana looks outright hurt now.

"Santana I-" Quinn is cut off by Santana's snarl.

"What'd you sign up for?"

"What?" Quinn steps back for some much needed room.

"What. Did. You. Sign. Up. For. It's a simple question." Santana says, irritation becoming her only safety net.

"EOD." Quinn whispers and Santana steps back like she was physically shoved.

"EOD? Are you INSANE FABRAY?! Do you want to die?" Santana's voice cracks. "Are you trying to hurt me?" She whispers brokenly.

"Santana it's not that bad. I'll be safe, they train us to be safe. Don't be like this okay? I'd never do this to hurt you." Quinn pleads to Santana who just looks broken. She sniffles and steps into Quinn's space before hugging her as tightly as possible.

" I love you Quinn, with everything in me. Promise me you'll message me and call me and Skype me and everything." The latina cries softly.

"I promise." Is all Quinn can muster.

Santana smiles brokenly into Quinn's neck. "We're not coming to the airport. I can't watch you leave. Britt won't understand why we can't go."

"I understand." Quinn says. "Love you, S."

"Love you, Q" Is the last reply before Santana turns and walks away, slamming the door in her wake.

Quinn is still staring at the door when a soft clearing of a throat is heard. She smiles to herself before looking up and into dark brown eyes. Finn is still seated with his head bowed.

"What is 'EOD' Quinn?" Rachel asks in her authoritative tone.

Quinn looks over her carefully and commits this to memory as well. The girl is standing with her hands on her hips again and her hair is lightly falling in her face.

"Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Berry." Quinn adds, hoping to break the tension. Rachel's eyes go large as soon as she hears the words and she pales.

"Quinn I-"

"Listen Rachel I don't need to hear what a mistake I'm making or that I've disappointed you. You're off to New York! Your dream! This is why I didn't want to say anything."

"So what you were just going to leave.?" Rachel looks mad now, and she receives her answer when Quinn adverts her eyes. "You're unbelievable!" Rachel yells and stomps out.

Quinn steps back and her face morphs into confusion. She hears the door slam with more force this time. She doesn't understand the shorter girls anger. Sure they were getting along now and were kind of friends but she didn't understand why it matter to Rachel so much. They had just began this kind of friends thing anyways.

She shook her head and sat down next to Finn, deciding to think about the girls actions at a later date. "Hey." She nudges his shoulder with hers. He smiles and looks at her. "Hey yourself."

Sighing she turns to face him fully, which he mimics. "What's the problem? Going to tell me what a horrible mistake I've made? Or do you want to just kick some chairs for old times sake?" She asks the last question and makes him smile and soon they're both laughing together.

He reaches over and wraps his arm around her. She leans her head against his chest. "I'm proud of you Quinn, I really am. You're doing something that's so selfless but I feel like you're running away from your problems again."

She sighs and sits up. "Please Finn I don't want to do this."

"Why not? She's leaving on Friday next week! You'll be gone on Monday! Is that why you're leaving so soon? So you won't have to say goodbye?"

Quinn stood and began pacing. "Finn stop! I don't want to have this conversation again."

"You could've gone with them! She wants you there! Can't you see that? Quinn I think she has feelings for you too!"

"That's not enough Finn." She says with tears in her eyes. "I love her okay? I can't base my future around the hope that she may love me one day." Quinn sighs and he gets up to hug her. "Promise me you'll take care of her if she ever needs it?"

He holds onto her tight, forcing himself to remember this. Remember her like this, just in case something does happen. "I promise."

Quinn had spent the weekend checking if she had everything packed from the list her recruiter had given her. She didn't bring anything else and was staring at her bag that now sat next to her front door. This was it. Everything that was hers had to remain at home and the few things that were packed were brand new. She checked her watch that she now sported on her wrist and turned to call for her mom. When she look back her mother was staring at her with tears in her eyes.

"Uggh mom please, do we have to do this again?"

Judy stepped forward and hugged her body close. "I'm just so damn proud of you." She whispered.

Quinn turned in her mom's embrace and stared at this strange woman who must not be her mother. Judy never swore. "I've never heard you cuss. I'm damn proud of you too mom."

"Quinn watch your language." Was what her mother muttered before reaching up to turn her daughters face so it was resting once more on her chin. "No matter what happens I'll always be proud of you. If you hate it you can always come home."

Quinn sighed and finally separated them. She debated on telling her mom that, no, that was not how it worked at all, but ultimately decided against it. "Come on mom, we have to get to the air port." She reached for her bag but Judy grabbed it up and when she went to glare her mom looked to her with a pleading glance. She understood that her mother just needed to do this one more time. To actually be a mother before her baby was transformed into a soldier.

The ride to the airport seemed to drag on. Judy thought about starting a conversation or turning on music but a glance at her Quinnie told her that the girl needed time to gather her thoughts. She'd be gone for basic for ten weeks. She wouldn't see her until her graduation and then she'd have to say goodbye again when her daughter went off to AIT. Her AIT would then be thirty-nine weeks long. Judy knew that if Quinn would have gone off to college it would've been tough but this was somehow harder.

When Quinn had first come to her about it, her daughter had made it very clear that she wasn't asking for permission but she would like for her mothers approval. At first Judy had been outraged, saying that she had so much in her life and she only wanted what was best for her. But Quinn stood strong and calmed her down and told her that she believed that this was the only way that she could truly make a difference in this world. Everything was fine until she told her what she'd signed on for. Then the yelling began again and Judy didn't speak with Quinn for almost two weeks. She wasn't angry but she felt betrayed. It was one this to talk about joining but to actually sign the documents was a whole different thing. On the Sunday that marked two weeks of no contact, Judy told her that she loved her and was proud. She then went on to joke about how many women like women in uniform. Quinn had blushed and laughed joking about bringing her home a daughter in law. And it felt nice. They both felt at ease for the first time in two weeks and Quinn decided that telling her mother she liked women over the summer was one of the best decisions that she'd made. Judy had been calm and accepting, even offering to take her to pride but she quickly declined. Her mother was nothing like her father and she was thankful for that.

The car slowed to a stop in a parking space, they both climbed out of the car and made their way in to the large airport. Judy still hadn't said anything and Quinn had spotted her recruited and waved. Turning to Judy, Quinn cleared her throat and her mom sniffled back the tears and looked to her daughter.

"Well this is it." Quinn said, her hands tucked nervously in her jeans. Judy nodded but said nothing. Quinn hugged her mom as tightly as she could and cried into her shoulder. Judy began crying as well, not caring what the passerby's thought.

"I'll miss you so much." Judy whispered.

"I'll be back before you know it." She looked at her mom carefully, committing this to memory too. She looked so imperfect in that moment, her head ducked and makeup running. She looked like a parent who was saying goodbye to their child. Because she was, even after all of the mistakes that they'd both made, they were still mother and daughter. "You can go mom. I don't know if I can leave knowing that you're still standing here."

Judy nodded, hugging Quinn and kissing the top of her head before walking away. She kept glancing back and waving until she almost ran into the door.

Quinn walked to her recruiter and smiled. "Hello sir." She held out her hand. He shook it strongly, introducing her to the other recruits that were standing around with them.

"Everyone ready to go?" He asked. Everyone replied with "Yes sir's" and they were about to walk to their wing when they started to hear "WAIT!" being yelled.

It continued to echo through the airport and Quinn saw a short brunette rushing towards them. She ran right into Quinn, almost knocking her over. Quinn grunted from having the wind knocked out of her but smiled.

"I'm so sorry for how I left things and I couldn't stand the thought of you being here and being upset with me because everyone else reacted well and I simply yelled at you! Please forgive me Quinn, I know we're only kind of friends but I won't be able to handle departing the way things are now." Rachel said in one breath.

Quinn squeezed her tighter before inhaling her scent and letting her go. She laughed gently at Quinn's blushing face and Quinn joined because she too looked flustered. "Always one to make it dramatic Berry."

The brunette looked up at her through long lashes and Quinn melted. "All is forgiven. But I have to go now Rachel. I'll miss you. All of you. Take care of them for me." And Rachel knew she was referring to Brittany and Santana.

Quinn gave her hand one last squeeze and turned around to her recruiter and the others who had given them space and she could only hear murmurs as they all began to walk towards their gate. Quinn looked over her shoulder and locked onto Rachel. She smiled gently and rounded a corner. Rachel felt a familiar feeling in her stomach and chest, her heart skipping a beat. She was screwed.

It had been two moths since that fateful day, and Rachel was in New York at NYADA's summer program. To say she loved it was an understatement. Well NYADA was beautiful and the students may be rude but New York was to die for. She felt in her element and like she belonged once in her life. Santana and Brittany had left with her and they were all currently enjoying their living arrangements. Sure they fought, Rachel and Santana being they, and Brittany was the mediator, but they were starting to really become best friends. Kurt had joined them a few weeks later and found a job at a diner. There was singing at the diner so naturally they all applied there as well. Once they were hired in they had more money and time to be away from each other so the fighting settled down and the friendship settled in. There had still been no word from Quinn but they knew that she was still in basic training. Santana and Brittany were saving up to attend her graduation. Kurt wasn't as close with Quinn so he wasn't going to attend and as much as Rachel wanted to, she had classes. She had told Kurt of her feelings for Quinn, the sensations at seeing her smile and walk away and he had promised not to say a word. However Santana smelled a secret and threatened to burn Kurt's designer clothing one by one if he didn't spill. When the first article of clothing went missing he immediately sang like a choir and Santana smirked. She knew Quinn had a thing for the hobbit but it wasn't her place to tell. Brittany started talking about double dates which made Rachel flush in return.

Two months living with forty-nine other girls was hell. No one was in a good mood and everyone seemed to sync up. They were tired and sore and homesick and shedding their civilian selves. It was tough but soon it was the night before graduation and everyone was excited. People were going to see their families for the first time in over two moths and no one seemed to have a bad thing to say. Quinn had become close to mostly everyone during basic. Sure there were a few people who didn't like her and that feeling was mutual but it was expected. There were bound to be people who didn't like you in life. Quinn was thrumming with excitement, just waiting to see her mom again. Not only that but she had received news from Judy that Santana had threatened to track Quinn down if her mother didn't tell her where and when her graduation was being held. She couldn't help but smile at the fact that Santana hadn't changed much. She worried that maybe she had changed and the latina may not like it. However Quinn was proud of who she was now and squashed the idea that Santana would ever think poor of her.

The ceremony for her graduation had come to an end and now families and friends were rushing to find their daughters and sons. It was tough but Quinn finally caught sight of Judy and Santana peering over and around people to find her while Brittany just caught her eyes and bounced and waved. Quinn rushed to her and with open arms, and engulfed her. She made sure to spin her twice before setting her down. Next up was Santana who latched on with fiery determination and Quinn picked her up too. Santana grumbled about being manhandled but smiled and Judy hugged Quinn tight. Finally, she held Quinn at arms length and stared at her in her Dress Blues.

"You look so beautiful." Her mom stated as a fact and hugged her again, crying softly.

"Thanks mom." Quinn giggled and then released her. "Hey guys."

"What's up Q? I see basic did you some good, got rid of all that baby fat, you know which baby fat I'm talking about." Santana smirked and Judy looked on in horror.,

"You look hot Q! San thinks so too but she just feels awkward thinking it in front of your mom." Brittany said, launching in for a hug and patting Quinn's butt. Santana blushed but smiled.

"So how's New York? Better than Lima I imagine?"

"The best! We all work at a diner and we get to sing and dance while we work. People tip really well when we do! Rachel always makes more but San says it's because they feel bad and are donating to help cure hobbit syndrome. I didn't know Rachel had that." Brittany looks off into the distance before returning to their world and smiling.

"It sounds like you guys are having quite the adventure." She answers happily.

"Yep we sure are Q. Even the hobbit and I are getting along. Although Hummel is always a problem. Going on about Rachel needing to just date this guy already."

Quinn's head snaps up at Santana's mention of Rachel. Then her mind processes it. Dating. "She can date if she wants to Santana." Quinn says strongly. She survived hell week, she could survive a few rounds with Santana Lopez.

"Well they're already doing it so I think she should definitely get a commitment going."

Quinn saw red but controlled it while her mother tried to block their conversation out. "Well Quinnie would you like to come out to lunch with us? You're allowed to leave for a little while, right?"

"Yeah, I just have to be back by 1700 hours." She replied naturally.

They turned to really look at her and smiled. She stood straight but she looked free. Like she was no longer carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her blonde hair was up in a military sock bun and her Dress Blues were stark and clean. She looked like the vision of a perfect solider. They could see she had made the right choice.

It was Sunday night and families and friends were saying goodbye to each other. "Make sure you write and call Quinnie. No excuses this time. I understood why you didn't at basic but I want to be receiving emails and letters constantly." Judy smiled brightly dusting Quinn's uniform off and hugged her.

"Yes mother." Quinn said mockingly.

"Good. Then I'll give you girls a moment. I love you Quinn. I am so so proud of you. I'll see you again in thirty-nine weeks." Her mother broke down at that part. "I have to go or I'll never leave knowing that you're standing here." Judy repeated what Quinn had told her at the airport.

"I love you too." Quinn said. Watching her mom walk away was not any easier. It was maybe even worse.

"So Q, when are you going to come visit us in New York?" Brittany asked with a bright smile.

"As soon as I can."

"Why can't you now? I mean you graduated right? We can totally buy you a plane ticket if that's the problem. I saved up more money just in case." Brittany shakes her head proudly.

Quinn and Santana look at her in awe. She was becoming more independent and it scared them both a little. She always had to rely on them and it was frightening thinking about the day where they may have to rely on her more. Santana stepped into Quinn motioning for Brittany to join. They formed a close huddle and spoke quietly.

"No matter what happens we'll always have each others backs." Santana started. "Nothing will ever change between us Q. Right B?" Brittany nodded enthusiastically. "I want your ass on the first plane to New York when you're done with AIT. Understand?"

Quinn nodded and laughed. Santana definitely reminded her of a drill sergeant now that she thought about it.

"Alright bring it in." Santana stated, and they group hugged. "I'll be waiting for my phone calls and emails too Quinnie."

"Funny Lopez, maybe you should look into standup while you're in New York."

"Ha! They couldn't handle all of this." Santana motioned to her entire body. "I'm not big on long goodbyes. Later Q." The latina started walking away. Quinn was confused when Brittany stayed behind and stared at Santana's retreating form. She thought about asking her if she was confused, because as much as she loved Brittany, she couldn't stay with her.

"She's sad Q. She won't admit it but she misses you. I came home early from work and I thought maybe San was crying because she missed home but I'm with her and she told me I'm home. I hadn't been gone very long so there was no way she was already that lonely. She told me she was worried about you. She was afraid that one day she'd get a call and there'd be no more you. I know that I'm not as smart as everyone else but I understood what she meant. Q I don't want to get that call either." Brittany was crying a little but she had the most serious expression that Quinn had ever seen on her. "Promise me you'll come home Q. Home isn't home without you."

Quinn nodded and buried her face in Brittany. She hadn't cried since she got to basic. Leave it to Brittany to be the one to break her. "I love you Britt."

"I love you too Q."

"Come on Fabray! New York? What in the hell could be in New York? I mean when we finish class here I'm going to the beach for my month off. Holy hell I've had enough of being in crowded spaces with people." Martinez rocked back in her chair laughing when Quinn rolled her eyes. Jessica Martinez was a short Hispanic woman and she was only a year older than Quinn. She'd grown up in the bay area of California and was proud of it. She joined the Army because her father had been in the service, as were her two brothers and when her youngest turned eighteen in two years, he would as well. So she was an Army brat but she was proud of that as well.

"Not everyone wants to park their ass on the beach and get sand all up in them. I'll be glad to just get home and relax with my family. My dog is gonna be so stoked to see me too." Daniels defended. She was slightly shorter than Quinn but stronger than an ox and one of the buffest women Quinn had ever met. Sasha Daniels was from Washington but unlike Martinez, she wasn't proud of that. She hated Washington but her husband loved it and since he took care of their kids she didn't have much say. Sasha had joined because of the healthy sign on bonus she was offered for EOD, but also because she had an ultimatum. Quinn related very well to Sasha. Both were raised in religious homes, both had parents that drank too much. Although her parents gave it up after her mother had drank too much and fought with Sasha. In her rage she had pushed her daughter into a glass cabinet, earning her a scar that trailed from her elbow to her bicep. It stood out roughly against her dark skin. They both also had had sex out of wedlock, the only difference was Sasha was seventeen when she got pregnant. Her parents loved her but they still made her decide, if she was going to stay with them then she'd have to marry the father. The father was an Eric Daniels, a straight A white boy who was the resident nerd at the school. When Sasha had introduced him to her parents they had both laughed until they realized it wasn't a joke. Her father had almost convinced her mother that she didn't have to marry him but she wouldn't hear it. So at twenty-five she has been married for eight years and the two have started to slowly resent one another. Sasha resents him for making her choose between a grocery store job or the Military. Eric resented her because he was set to go to the college of his dreams and become a lawyer but instead had to marry her.

"Daniels you're just gay for Fabray. You two should seriously just hook up before we leave. Get this sexual tension relieved and the awkwardness gone before we get stationed together." Martinez said.

Quinn and Daniels both blushed and ducked their heads, looking anywhere but at each other. Quinn cleared her throat, "And what makes you so sure that we're going to be stationed together?"

Martinez rolled her eyes this time, a horrible trait that she'd picked up from Quinn. One that had cost her to run a mile in full Disposal gear. "Because we're the smartest people in our class Fabgay. We'll get stuck together because we work well together and we have yet to set off any of the bombs in training"

Quinn nodded and remembered back to when she had been with another squad doing practice run throughs. The group of three had managed to set off four of the seven bombs via trip wires and pressure plates. She hated how loud the fake bombs were. They blew smoke everywhere. It was a terrifying experience. To know that the people you were with and you yourself would be dead in that moment. One wrong footstep, one wrong word, one small mishap, not checking the right area, and everything you were and everyone close enough, gone. Finally after more practice they got it right. But when she was assigned in a group with Daniels and Martinez, they didn't set off a single one in their first go through. That had never happened before. She had never worked with these two women before that time, but she hadn't worked with anyone since. For some reason they all just clicked, and while Quinn and Daniels both felt something for each other, Quinn had deep feelings for Rachel and Daniels was married and had children. Martinez loved to tease them about it. Neither would ever act on their feelings, it would be wrong and they were too good of friends to have that kind of tension in their lives. They had to watch each others backs because they knew the risk, anytime they set foot outside the wire they'd be risking their lives. Anything could go wrong within a second, that's why their training was so extensive. That's why the washout rate was so high. They knew the risks going in and as much as it scared them, they loved every second of it.

"Maybe. I can't wait to get away from you Martinez. You've been a thorn in my side for too long." Quinn joked.

"You love me! I've saved your ass like four times!"

"I think you've got that backwards!" Daniels cut in.

"Who keeps track of those kinds of things anyways!" Martinez laughs

"God you remind me so much of Santana, it's disturbing really." Quinn stares at the girl who leans further back in her chair.

"Well we are both hot ladies. I could take her though, she doesn't have my muscles." Martinez flexed, tipping back too far and slamming down against the floor, back first.

Daniels and Quinn burst out laughing while Martinez picked up the chair and her damaged ego from the floor.

"Yeah you're also waaaaay smoother!"

"Shut up Fabray!" Martinez defends.

The bell sounds for departure to class and the three of them look to each other. "Last one there does suit tomorrow?" Martinez asks. They both nod in return and take off, Quinn trails slower getting stuck with the bomb suit for all of tomorrow. She wants the extra training, she has to keep a promise to a certain blonde.

Thirty-nine weeks. More than nine months. It had been that long since Santana saw Quinn in person. She stared at her alarm clock that read 5:56 AM in bright red. It was clearly mocking her, rubbing it in that she didn't even have to get up until nine o'clock. And still here she was, covered by a mere sheet while her feet breathed in the cool air of the apartment. She sat up slowly and untangled her limbs from Brittany's, working hard to not disturb her from her sleep. Looking down she saw the peaceful look on Brittany's stunning face. There was some drool dripping onto her pillow but she was still the most gorgeous woman that Santana had ever laid eyes on. She knew that she was going to marry this woman. Start a family, have a dog and hundreds of cats, and dance the night away. Complete with a white picket fence. This was her dream, to watch all of Brittany's come true. Well she also had becoming a doctor as her dream, but that was just a bonus.

So she stretched her limbs in all of her glory and pulled on a shirt and some shorts, making her way from the tiny room into the tinier kitchen.

"Good lord put a shirt on. No one wants to see you half naked." Santana huffed out, without her morning cup of coffee Brody went from her least favorite person to her mortal enemy.

The boy, upon hearing her declaration, squeaked and dropped the spatula that he was using to cook and tried to cover himself. Santana leaned around the corner to see what his deal was and there he was wearing his birthday suit. "Sweet Jesus!" Santana immediately spun around to avoid seeing anymore of him when Rachel decided to round the corner with headphones in. The two collided and both were thrown to the floor.

Rachel ripped her headphones out, "What has gotten into you Santana!? What are you even doing up?" Rachel was holding the top of her head that was already forming a lump. It would undoubtedly bruise.

"I was trying to get coffee when your play thing decided it was an okay decision to cook naked! I turned and you came bulldogging around the corner like I was a smoked honey ham and attacked my face!" Santana put her hand to her lower lip and pulled away with a bit of blood. "Nice Berry! You split my lip!" She stormed around the corner to the bathroom.

"What are you doing up so early!?" Rachel shouted. "And why are you cooking naked?" She asked Brody who was still standing dumbfounded, his eggs were burning.

Before the boy could answer Santana stormed back to the kitchen and poked Rachel in the chest. "Listen here Hobbit, it's only..." She glances to the stove in the kitchen, "6 AM and Brittany has class in a few hours. She needs her sleep, gots it? She had a rough day and I'm going to her class so I can haves a chat with the bitch that called her stupid. You better get it," the latina gestures towards Brody, "out of here before I'm done with my shower or you'll both be in a world of hurt. You don't wants me to go all Lima Heights Adjacent on you." And with that Santana storms back to the bathroom and quietly shuts the door.

Rachel stares in her wake and shakes her head. Normally Santana isn't like this. Even if Brittany has a rough day the latina usually just goes to her girlfriends class early and waits for the offender. But something else must be bothering her if she's threatening people. She always was hard on Brody but she rarely threatened Rachel, at least when she did it wasn't in a serious manner.

The short brunette sighs deeply, deciding to wait for the girl to have her shower so that she can calm down. In the meantime... "Brody you still haven't answer my question...and please put some clothing on." Brody smirked and walked to her bedroom. She and Brody had been doing whatever it was they were doing since they met about two months into the summer program. She didn't love the boy but he was attractive enough for her to feel something. Her mind often drifted to a certain blonde in uniform, only ever seeing her in it from pictures she had sent to Santana, Quinn had yet to write to her and she couldn't understand why that was.

Brody chose to reenter at that moment, collectively saving her from her rather sad thoughts. "Why were you cooking naked? You know how Santana feels about her food. She doesn't want anyone naked in the kitchen." Rachel reminds him.

"No she said no sex in the kitchen." He says to her while he walks up and places his hands on her waist. "She didn't say anything about being naked in it." He kisses her softly and she wishes so badly that she saw fireworks. She also thought it was strange that anyone would want to cook naked. There were just too many dangers not to mention how unsanitary it was. She shook the thoughts from her mind and looked up at his face. He had soft eyes and a perfectly chiseled jaw. His hair always looked like it had been styled by professionals. But he wasn't her and she didn't know if anyone could ever make her feel the way Quinn did. Because in the short moment that Quinn had tossed her a look and smiled to her at the airport, she had felt like her heart had been ripped from her chest, and taken with the blonde. Rachel was in love with Quinn, and she wanted so desperately not to be. It wasn't that she was a girl, it was that she was in the military. She had nothing against the military but she knew that a moments notice she could lose the hazel eyed girl and she didn't know if she could take it. From having the right to hold and kiss the blonde and call her her girlfriend, and then just have it ripped away? She couldn't risk it, she would be the sensible one, and if it turned out that the blonde somehow could or did harbor those same feelings for her, she would just have to tell the blonde it wasn't possible. Or lie to her and say she didn't feel the same.

A kiss to her neck brought her out of her thoughts. "You should go. Santana will be done soon and I really don't want to face her wrath this early in the morning."

"Lets go to your room." He said suggestively. His breath on her neck made her giggle so he picked her up and walked them towards it. She kissed him deeply and then shoved him away once he set her down.

"I'm sorry Brody but we can't right now. I'll see you later, okay?" She whispered gently stroking his face.

He kissed her hand in return and nodded. "Do you want me to clean up the eggs?" She smiled softly and shook her head. "Alright, bye." He smiled and kissed her which she returned.

Once he slid the door shut she went to clean the eggs. She was still a vegan but no one else was. And the only person who had eggs at the moment was...Santana. Great. Once the burnt excuse for eggs were dumped into the garbage. She gently went about setting the pan in the dishes to soak. Rachel then went to make coffee, passing the calender on the way. She back tracked when she spotted the red circle around today's date. Odd. The brunette wasn't expecting company and as far as she knew none of her roommates were either. She shrugged it off and began to make the coffee, nice and strong, that would please the latina. Just as she got up to retrieve a cup for herself Santana stormed out and her shoulders relaxed when she saw no signs of Brody. "He gone?" She asked in a disinterested voice. Rachel nodded in response, gauging the latina's reaction. She sat down on the bar stool and removed the towel that was in her hair. Rachel filled another cup full of the strong liquid and set it in front of Santana. She waited for five minutes (because she was counting and it was a trick that Brittany had told her to try) before engaging in conversation.

"Do you hate Brody?" Santana pulled her eyes from the contents of her cup and stared at Rachel deeply before she returned to it and took a long sip. The brunette did what she usually did and tried to fill the awkward silence with more words. "It's just that I've been with him for almost a year and you still act as if you just met him. Brittany and Kurt are both very respectful towards him and always ask him how he is. They even talk with him if I'm not there. But you? He told me that when I was late last week you both sat on the couch for forty-five minutes in silence. He said that you stared at him the entire time and that when Kurt got home, he knew his prayers had been answered. And today? I know that it's very disturbing for someone to cook in the nude. To see that was probably not what you were expecting but he did make a good point. You said no sex in the kitchen but-"

"Look Rachel it's not him. Well I mean yeah I don't like him because he's a freak and there's something wrong with someone who can have sex with another person for a year without defining it."

"But you and Britt-"

"Are different. I just feel like he's using you." Santana said in a monotone. Rachel knew that this was Santana being worried though. Brittany had told her that Santana showed she cared about someone in ways that were different and not to be offended in her wording.

Rachel reached across the table and grabbed the latina's hand. "I appreciate the concern Santana but I've never once objected. We may not have anything defined but we both care for each other."

"Are you trying to tell me that you like him? Or are you just using him too?" The latina asked curiously.

"I care for him as I'm sure he cares for me." Rachel tries to find a better way to say it but no matter what she would have said, the girl in front of her would know it was a lie.

"Whatever you have to tell yourself Berry." Santana merely shrugged and the tension in the room disappeared.

Rachel simply smiled, patting the girl's hand once more and then turned to grab the pot of coffee and refill Santana's glass. On her way she caught sight of the calender once more. Returning with the pot in hand she begins to fill her cup. "Hey what's going on today?"

Santana looks at her with drawn brows and shakes her head, irritated. "What?"

"On the calendar, today it's circled in red pen. What's so important?" Santana freezes and Rachel stops filling her cup. "What? What's wrong?" She is concerned that from all of the angry talking Santana has done that perhaps she has high blood pressure or-

"Quinn finishes AIT today." Santana mumbles. Rachel doesn't catch it and decides to finish topping up the glass.

"I beg your pardon?" Is her instant reply and when Santana repeats herself this time, it's Rachel's turn to go into shock. Santana is going on about seeing the sleaze ball naked and running into hobbits and how the water was still cold in the shower, so all of this caused it to slip from her mind but Rachel could only faintly hear it. The coffee spills over and drips onto the exposed legs of Santana.

"WHAT THE HELL BERRY!" Santana shrieks, jumping up from the stool like it was on fire. It was enough to snap the petite woman out of her haze.

"Santana I'm so sorry!" Rachel quickly returns the coffee pot to it's place and grabs a washcloth, running cold water over it. She rushes over to the scolded girl and applies it.

"OUCH! What the- ohhhh yeah that feels soooooo good." Santana basically moans out the last words and lets her head fall back against the wall. Brittany walks out dazed, and she can hear Kurt walking from the opposite hall. Brittany turns her head to the side and smirks a little while Kurt can only see Rachel Bent down with Santana moaning with her head dropped back and Brittany smirking.

"AHH god I'm sorry I thought someone was hurt!" He turns with his eyes closed and trips over the coffee table, landing with a solid thud followed by a grunt.

"Kurt!" Rachel squeaks, looking up to Brittany who has sex hair and is smirking. Santana is still against the wall and moaning from the relief of the cold wash cloth. Rachel assesses the situation and where she currently is and knows what this looks like. She stands, dropping the cloth into Brittany's hand and runs to Kurt who is still laying on the ground, clutching his shin. It looks red but not significantly injured. "Kurt I know what it looks like but I swear we weren't doing anything! I was pouring Santana coffee because she was mad that Brody was cooking naked in the kitchen and then she told me that Quinn is fished with AIT today and I got distracted and the coffee over filled and burned her so I had to apply a cold wash cloth to her leg to prevent it from blistering." Rachel finished in one breath and quickly sucked in some much need oxygen.

Kurt looks dazed and confused so he blinks about a hundred times and asks slowly "Who cooks naked?"

"Well well well lookie here." Martinez marched up to Quinn with a shit eating grin.

"What?" Quinn asked, not understanding what her friend was up to. If her expression was anything to go by then she was up to no good.

"Why didn't you tell me you have a lady back in New York? I wouldn't have teased you and Daniels so much." Martinez cuts her line of sight towards Daniels who just flips her off in return and continues to pack her things away.

"First of all there's no 'lady' as you put it, back in New York. Secondly, I know you and I know that you would have teased us even more than you do now." Quinn finishes then she wrinkles the shirt she has in her hand and tosses it into Martinez' face.

The other girl snatches it up and whips it at Quinn's back causing her to laugh, before Martinez throws herself onto the girls bed. "You're going to remake that. Top notch too, because I don't want to do anymore pull-ups or sit-ups or push-ups. I just want to get on my plane and go home."

"I thought Lima was home? And if there's no one in New York then why go?" Martinez asks with false innocence.

Quinn falters for a moment and both girls sense that maybe the joking has gone too far. Daniels whips a shirt at Martinez next, "Get off there and make it you turd."

Martinez grumbles and starts to straighten it up. "I'm the turd? As I recall who was it the stepped onto a pressure plate? Quinn do you know?" Martinez acts like she seriously has no clue.

Quinn scratches her chin and seems in deep thought. "Hmm I got nothin." She says with a shrug of her shoulders. Daniels glares but continues to pack.

"Oh that's right! It was you! And you cost us five minutes and almost blew our record. We both had to work on it! Thus getting our score knocked. You just had to go and be clumsy, stepping on what was probably the hardest bomb we've ever had to defuse."

"Oh my god Martinez. Shut. Up. It wasn't even a real bomb. God." Daniels zips her bag and sets it down on the floor, sitting down on top of it in the process.

"I'm glad it wasn't." Quinn says, and all of them go silent. It's not the first or last time that they'll have one of these moments. It's always sobering and they just take a moment to be.

Their CO comes in at that time and all of them straighten up and stand in formation, saluting their Commanding Officer. "At ease. Today's the day. I have to say you three are some of the finest soldiers that I've had the pleasure of teaching. Now I'm aware of the phrase 'Everyone makes mistakes, we're all human.' but none of you have the luxury of making mistakes anymore. We don't ask for perfection, we demand it. When you get out there it won't be practice anymore. There won't be any redo's. It's real life and there are no do overs in real life. You won't re-spawn and get right back to it. If you're lucky you won't have these mistakes. If you make a mistake you'll be lucky to survive. You'll be a miracle if you away from it untouched, both physically and mentally. But you'd also be a liar. Things out there will change you, so I won't sugar coat it. It's going to be tough and I can't promise any of you that you'll come back. I pray that you do. That's the hardest thing about teaching soldiers in this field. I go to more of their funerals than I can count. It's real now. I know that you heard that at graduation last night but I want you to burn it into your minds. It is real. If you don't pay attention you will die. Remember everything that you have learned here and if something doesn't feel right take a minute. Think hard and look hard. Chances are things are more complicated than you can see. I won't take up anymore of your time. Here are your duty assignments. Dismissed." He walked away and towards the next room.

Quinn opened hers and saw that her station was in...Texas? What the hell.

"Please tell me that I'm not the only one with a lame duty station." Daniels says closing her eyes and sighing with disappointment.

"Are you shitting me?! TEXAS?! Why in the hell would I go there? What's there?" Martinez looked like someone had just asked her to solve an impossible riddle.

"Looks like you got what you wanted Martinez. We're all stationed together." Daniels said shoving Martinez back. Quinn just laughed and slung her bag over her shoulders, gripping tightly to her plane ticket.

"Wait you guys too?! My prayers have been answered!"

"When will she be here Santana?" Rachel pleads for the millionth time that morning. Kurt wonders if he hit his head on his fall because he has a horrible headache and Rachel Berry is making it one he shall not forget.

After the episode that will one day be referred to as Trippy Tuesday, everyone went about their normal routines and once that was over they still had an hour before they made their departures. What they didn't realize is that Santana only had to deal with a girl in Brittany's class before taking off to the airport. If they had checked the work schedule they would have noticed that she had taken the week off. She and Brittany had money saved up so she didn't have to worry about running low on funds.

Rachel's annoying voice hit Santana again while she was tying to get her morning cuddle on. "Please Santana I need to know!" Now, Santana's temper had decreased, she had started to learn that she could give people a little more time and count to ten before blowing up but Berry had made her reach her wits end too early in the morning.

"Why Berry? You have a guy and she doesn't need to spend her only month off in almost a year chasing after you. You have someone so leave her alone! And have you seen the women in the military. They have to be fit, so there's no way Fabgay hasn't tapped her some of that yet." Santana went to continue her morning cuddle but was met with cold air and Brittany storming to their shared room. "God Berry why do I even try with you!" Santana sighed and threw her head to rest on the back of the couch. She heard another loud slam and groaned. Great she had already pissed off two people that she loved. "I don't even get all of these feelings! Like a long distance relationship can work." A few seconds later she heard another slam. Make that three people.

She stood to enter her room and took some calming breaths on the way there. She opened it to see Brittany getting ready for class. Blue eyes glared at her and then returned to her closet. "Britt-Britt I'm sorry-"

"Don't apologize to me Santana." Brittany snapped. "Apologize to Rachel and Kurt."

"How did you even...?"

"I heard his door slam. Why can't you just be nice to Rachel? She loves Quinn but they both are sad unicorns already. Don't make it harder. Please." Santana noticed her girlfriends lip begin to quiver and opened her arms, which Brittany walked into.

They stayed like that until Brittany's alarm on her phone went off. "I have to get dressed." She kissed Santana on the lips and pushed her out.

And there she was, alone with Rachel. But when Rachel turned to leave Santana stopped her "Wait. Please. Please wait." She tried to correct her demand.

Rachel halted with her back still to her. "I thought you had gone with Brittany to class. I'll be going back to my-"

"I get it alright? It sucks that we can't call Quinn whenever. Whether it's to make plans or see if she'll pick up food, or just talk. It sucks. This wasn't how B and I had planned it to go. But it did and Q seems really happy with what she's doing. She seems scared but that's normal. We were all scared when we got here but look at us now. And I haven't seen her since then, only pictures and emails. Look, Berry, I get that you're into Q but do you really think that the two of you can be in a relationship? It's not like she's in college. She can't text you or call you whenever she wants, there are set times for that. What if you have a bad day? Wouldn't you want to talk to your partner about that? Well you can't with her, you can't just randomly call her. And what about fighting? What if you fight and something happens to one of you? Would either of you be able to live with yourselves after that? No. I'm not just looking out for her, Berry. I'm looking out for you too." Rachel smiles and Santana glares at her. "Don't ever tell anyone. Now go get dressed or something Hobbit."

When Rachel starts approaching her she feels a little nervous, not that she'd ever admit it. "I'm going to hug you now." And Santana has to count to ten.

Quinn had just spent the entire three hours of her plane ride next to a man who would not get off of his phone. She knew more about his relationship then she cared to. He even had the audacity to leer at her when he began what she would call, toned down phone sex. If that's what New York had to offer her then laying on a beach next to Martinez sounded much more appealing. Ahh the fresh air of- nope smog definitely sucked. Quinn grabbed her bag from the luggage return and walked off towards the entrance of the airport. Some people nodded in her direction and a man even stopped her to ask what her job was in the military. He saluted her when she told him but found herself trying not to sigh. You don't salute indoors, because he wasn't an officer and she wasn't reporting for duty. Nevertheless she wasn't about to argue with the man. So now New York was already irritating her and it only got worse when she realized Santana still wasn't there. She pulled out the letter that contained the address and began to make the trek.

Knock knock knock

The one time that Santana chooses to take some time for herself and just sleep, of course she's interrupted. First that girl from Britt-Britt's class made her go all Lima Heights on her and now-

knock knock knock

For the love of everything that is holy she is about to strangle whoever is on the other side of that door. Dragging her exhausted body up from the couch she can barely open her eyes from the sunlight. "Lady Hummel better buy some new damn curtains." Is mumbled under her breath before she reaches the door to slide it open.

Knock knock kn-

Sliding it open and wearing a scowl Santana blows up. "I heard you the first fucking time!" Her eyes force out the pain of the sun and register Quinn standing in front of her. Well Army Quinn because dayum she looks good.

The blonde smiles in return and rolls her eyes, which seems to snap Santana out of it. Before Quinn can make a sarcastic comment the brunette has thrown her body into her. "God Q! Your plane early or something? I just laid down and closed my eyes."

Quinn chuckles and looks at her watch covered wrist that is behind Santana. "Nope, late actually. By a half an hour. But I needed to stretch my legs so don't worry about it." She hugs the girl back tightly before they separate.

"Don't just stand there, get in here dip shit. You're letting all of the AC out." And it's just as easy as it's always been.

Quinn observes the apartment. The pictures don't do it justice even if it is small. The kitchen is on the left as soon as the apartment is entered. There are two hallways, one on the right and left. The living and dining area are both directly in front of the door, while a corner around the kitchen is where the bathroom rests. "So S where is you room?"

"Nu uh Fabray, I knew you always wanted me but this is off limits." She smirks which causes Quinn to laugh and walk to the left hallway and take the first door on the right.

There's a huge bed that takes up most of the room, and a closet on the left side right next to the door. On the right side of the room is a short dresser that has clothes hanging out of it and a computer parked on top. A broken down desk chair in front of it. "Feel like browsing the web? I know you said you had all kinds of restrictions on base. Not here loser. Just make sure to clear the history, yeah?" Santana teases which causes Quinn to shove her and pretty soon they're pushing each other around and running through the apartment. Quinn grabs a throw pillow off of the couch and jumps on top of it, choosing the high ground while Santana just barrels forward with the pillow she had been sleeping on, using it as a shield. Quinn loses her footing and they both topple to the floor, giggling up a storm. They're broken away by the sound of keys jingling and the door sliding open.

Brittany was excited. Not only had the mean girl been extra nice to her today, but she had also decided to take over clean up duty after dance class for her. So she was early and was making her way to the bakery around the corner of the block for their apartment. Unlike anyone else Brittany paid attention to when people took time off and she noticed that her girlfriend had. She also recognized the red circle in pen on the calender. The same one that was used to mark the day Quinn graduated. Which is why she was on her way to the bakery. To pick up the cake that she had ordered for Quinn. The woman smiled brightly at Brittany. The girl was always so sweet and innocent to the baker and she was also a regular customer. When the girl had placed the order the baker was surprised. The blue eyed girl seemed sad when she said what she wanted on the cake but a smile appeared when she told her that in a few days The Unholy Trinity would be reunited. The baker had no idea what the dancer was talking about but smiled once more and gave her a friends and family discount. With the cake paid for and in hand she headed back home. Yes, home was finally home and would be for a month. Brittany took the elevator so she didn't have to risk dropping the cake and when she reached the third floor and came to a stop in front of the door she paused. The dancer heard laughter and jumping. Waiting a few moments she heard a thump followed by uncontrollable giggles. She smiled to herself and took a few steps back, noisily jingling her keys and putting them in the slot. She balanced the cake and slid the door back. Santana and Quinn were in a heap on the ground, surround by the throw pillows from the couch. They both stared at her in silent horror as if they had just been caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar. Brittany began laughing hard and the pair on the floor started in again.

When the laughter began to die down she made her way to the kitchen counter and set the cake down. It was packaged in a white box so no one could peak at it. As if on cue Santana rushed over and tried to pry to tape up, but Brittany lightly swatted her hands. "S no peaking! It's for Q." Quinn rounded the corner shyly and Brittany ran into her, hugging her as hard as her arms would allow. "Quinn! I missed you so much! My day was so great and it's totally because you're here." She gripped Quinn's uniform tighter and that earned her three spins around. She squealed and laughed the entire time. Taking a step back she observed the soldier closely. "You look really hot Q. San and I have a bigger bed now so if you want to-"

"B," Santana interrupted, putting her arm around Brittany's waist and narrowing her eyes at a smirking Quinn. "that'd be cheating baby. And Q Ball can't handle us." She kissed the blue eyed woman softly and went to sit on a bar stool, taking Brittany with her. "So soldier girl, any special ladies in your life?" Santana questioned.

Quinn leaned against the bar and looked at her friends. Brittany was sitting on Santana's lap and they both looked so interested. They also looked happy and so in love. Quinn was waiting constantly for a wedding invitation. "No. Not yet."

"But don't you like Sasha? I like her name and she's really pretty. She has a pretty smile Q." Brittany adds in.

"She's one of my friends Britt but she's married with kids." Quinn replies softly.

"Oh there's the deal breaker. See you'd totally bang if she had a husband, but kids? That complicates it." Santana smirks.

"I guess we'll never know." Quinn jokes, sticking her tongue out at the girl.

"Wow really mature Fabray." The girl stands up, Brittany hopping off and heading to Quinn, resting her head on her shoulder. "So lets go do something you lazy ass. Brittany has had class and I've been slaving away at chores all day. You've only had to get on a plane." Santana tosses over her shoulder as she heads for the door. Quinn only laughs and shakes her head in return, lacing her hand with Brittany's and swinging the joined hands, they follow the feisty woman out of the apartment.

Honestly all Rachel was asking for was a smooth day. It wasn't a lot to hope for considering the morning that she'd had. As it turned out she was just not that lucky. Besides living in New York and following her dreams, but still! So far she had just had too many disappointments. What with her normal coffee shop having a line out of the door because they were giving away free coffee and breakfast to the first fifty costumers. Now she was running late to her next class that was instructed by Casandra July who she was certain was trying to ruin her life. The woman was the devil and Rachel despised everything about her. If Brody hadn't stopped her in the hall and smiled cutely at her she wouldn't be late. When she had first started doing their 'not dating but not single' thing she had decided that he was a great distraction. It didn't occur to her that he could distract her outside of the bedroom as well. But she liked his attention and people treated her better when they saw the two together. All she wanted was a nice long hot shower once this class was over. Then she could enjoy a cup of tea and do her homework. Maybe life wasn't so bad after all.

"Come on, you haven't even thought about hooking up with someone?" Santana chatted to her like they were in private when they were actually in a crowded subway car. "Birtt's and I would fuck you so that clearly isn't the problem." Santana's face was scrunched in thought but all Quinn could do was blush.

"Santana! This isn't the place to be talking about it." Quinn whispered harshly at the other girl. She looked to the woman sitting across from her and smiled. The black haired girl smiled in return and actually flushed red. Did she find Quinn attractive or-

"I think she likes you Q. You should totally ask for her number." Brittany nudged her and Quinn shook her head and stared forward like she was taught in basic training. That meant that she would have to stare at the girl in front of her which caused them both to blush more but smile at one another. Brittany stretched her arm behind Quinn and gave the girl a small shove, causing her to slip out of her seat and almost slam into the girl.

"I am so sorry!" Quinn amended, "I must have slipped and – I didn't bump you or anything did I?"

The dark haired girl giggled and stood in front of Quinn. "Nope. Call me." And slipped a piece of paper into the blonde's hand that dangled at her side. The note had Alesia scrawled down, followed by a number. She only noticed it had stopped when the "Doors Closing" recording came on. She twisted around to see the girl wave.

She crumpled the paper in her hand and let it sail to the floor. The thought was nice but Quinn wasn't looking for a hook up. She wanted the real deal. She slipped back into her seat, "What the hell Q?! That girl was smoking, and she wanted to-"

Brittany leans over and kisses Santana and the raven haired girl understands. Quinn still loves Rachel. "It's okay Q, things always work out the way they're supposed to." Brittany says patting the shorter blonde's leg while standing up. Quinn jumps to her feet feeling nervous. She's never been to New York besides for Nationals and getting left behind is not on her to do list.

"Where are we going?" Quinn asks as they navigate through the large crowds of people departing with them as well as getting on the subway.

"Only the best Chinese restaurant in New York!" Brittany twirls around holding Santana's hand still and the two couldn't look anymore in love. "I remembered how much you love it! We haven't had it since the one time because you weren't here too. It made me sad."

Quinn wraps her arm protectively around Brittany and almost cries. "Thank you B."

"Oh oh oh! We're here!" Brittany breaks free and rushes down the steps. Halfway down Santana looks up to a motionless Quinn and laughs.

"Q, you're not gonna get ax murdered. There are tons of places like this here, it's not like back home." Santana turns and finishes her walk down. Quinn breathes out her last bit of anxiety and takes the steps down. No more caution while in New York, she was going to enjoy every second of it.

"RACHEL!" Kurt yells as he comes through the door. The sharply dressed man is tired from work and can't help but his irritation. He new she was home and desperately needed a drink and break from work. His friend ran from her room in her workout gear smiling brightly.

"What can I do for you?" She says too cheerily for his ears and runs her hand across his back. Fine, so she knew how to soothe his anger. The girl reached to get him a cup of water and heard a groan. Turning with a raised brow she saw him with his face down and hand pointing in the direction of the cupboard above the stove. "That bad huh?" She asks him sweetly before standing on her tippy toes and batting at it with a spatula from the dishes. Finally the bottle fell into her hands, narrowly missing the floor. She poured him a half cup of the vodka and sets it in front of him.

The boy stares at the glass and tips it back chugging it while the brunette stares in shock and concern. He winces and makes a noise of disgust. Looking up he meets her eyes and blows out a huff before dragging his body towards the couch and landing on it sloppily. "I hate vodka so I figured it would be easier to take it all at once."

"Understandable." Rachel says sweetly and dances over to him and sits beside him. "Would you care to share your fantastic day?" She says hoping to bring out a smile on the boy's face.

"No. It was busy and understaffed. I miss Blaine and I just want to sleep all day tomorrow." He looked up at her through his lashes then and frowns. "I have a favor." He states

"Of course Kurt!" Rachel smiles brightly and he winces, knowing she really won't be happy after this.

"I was wondering...if you'd work for me tomorrow? I'm so tired and I just-I need a break." He pleads, dropping to his knees and grabbing her hands.

Her smile falters slightly but then takes character. "Some would give fight to the death just to be in my presence. What does this handsome knight have to offer in return." She says in a very accurate British accent.

He smiles knowing this is her way of saying yes. "For you my lady? For you I'd catch the sun and the moon." He says imitating her accent.

"Both? What could I possibly want with both?" She stands and turns dramatically.

Kurt reaches for her face exaggeratedly and makes her look to him. "So that you may control the seasons and the people my love. All will look to you, asking your permission for such." He finishes softly.

Rachel pretends to think it over and sighs. "Very well. I will do this for you, but you must first concur the dishes!" She yells dramatically and cast her finger in their direction, covering her face with her free arm.

"As you wish my lady." He takes her hand and kisses the back, bowing to her as he backs away towards them.

Rachel laughs, taking Kurt's prior position on the couch. "Hey did you throw all of the pillows off of the couch before you left this morning?"

"No why?" He asks as he gets the sponge ready.

She turns to look at him, confused. "Well they were scattered all over the floor."

"Probably Santana and Brittany." He wiggles his eyebrows causing her to jump up from it.

"The couch!? That's disgusting, we have to sit there!" She screeches, heading to the bathroom in search of something to clean the invisible germs away."Sometimes I just don't understand those two. They have a perfectly fine bed in their room. The couch is for sitting and entertainment purposes. I wrote that in the roommate contracts!" She gives up her search and grabs the febreeze.

"Well some would say that is a form of entertainment." Kurt winks to her.

"Kurt you're not helping! When they get home we are going over the contracts again!"

Kurt rolls his eyes. "Rachel let's just talk to them without bringing the contracts in."

"But that's why they signed them. They are obligated by contract to-"

"Do you think Santana will even listen to you if you bring them out?" Rachel shakes her head and he laughs. "We'll talk to her and if she doesn't listen we'll get her back.."

Rachel claps her hands against the bottle and begins spraying the couch down. "How?"

"We'll mess with the time on her alarm and put a bucket of cold water above the bathroom door." He grins wickedly.

"What if it gets Brittany though?" Rachel asks sadly.

"That's why it's above the bathroom. So we can stop her if it's Brittany." He calmly explains, realizing this is may be the first time Rachel has pranked someone.

"She beams at him and then grows serious. "Can we do it anyways?" She asks, turning to him.

He holds up the bucket. "I was just about to start filling it!"

Rachel rushes back to the bathroom, putting the febreeze away and rushes towards the blonde and black haired girls shared room. "I'll set the clock!" She trips on something in the doorway and curses under her breath, stumbling towards to clock. She sets the alarm two hours early and laughs to herself, knowing the latina never checks the time. She hurries back out of the door shutting it tightly, not noticing the Army bag that she had tripped on.