A/N: Inspired by a brilliant photoset on Tumblr for Faberry week: Roomates, by user Lrbcn, and she gave me permission to write this story. Photoset can be found at post/53581578012. New chapter coming soon, Puck/Quinn bromance, adorably neurotic Rachel, and realistic relationship development… review/subscribe if you want it to continue!

The blonde walked up the flights of stairs, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she ascended to the room in question. She was admittedly nervous about meeting a potential roommate, although not for the traditional reasons. Half of her mind was set on the theory that she was walking into some serial killer trap, the other half argued she herself would soon become one if she lived with this girl for too long. The plan, however, was to stay only as long as necessary. She needed out of that damn dorm room, and it wasn't every day a room became available at this price, and if it meant slumming it with a musical theater wannabe, then slum it she would.

Reaching the fourth floor, the girl quickly found herself standing out the front of room 401. Strangely, right below the brass numbers was a small, golden star. Smiling to herself, the girl took the chance to read through the advertisement one last time.

Wanted: Female roommate, early 20s, to share two-bedroom apartment with the next Broadway sensation. I'm not picky, but must meet the following criteria:

Currently employed or studying (NYC is there for the taking, take it!)

Non-smoking (Terrible for my voice, and honestly, your health)

Clean, tidy and organized (A tidy house is a tidy mind!)

Doesn't stay out to late and not a big 'party person' (Specifically parties in the house, what you do in your own time is only partly my concern)

Pets allowed (Preferably a rescue pet, shows you're responsible! I have a little kitten, Liza Minnelli)

Must be LGBTQ friendly! (Not only for personal reasons but wouldn't want to be associated with someone who was intolerant)

Must agree to a weekly household meeting (Not all serious though; meetings will be followed by a shared meal and viewing of a musical film of my choosing)

Shaking her head, smile still tugging at her lips, the young blonde took a long breath before knocking on the door.

It opened immediately.

Standing in front of her was what looked to be a supernova contained in a small brunette's body. The brunette was pretty, there was no side stepping that; with a cute smile, shoulder length sleek hair and legs that looked like they were better suited to a horse, not a 5 foot nothing girl.

"Hi! You must be Quinn. I'm Rachel, Rachel Berry."

Quinn found herself providing a crooked grin in reply. There was something about this girl that radiated an aura of confidence with a hint of one too many coffees; far from the realms of washed up, cat loving clean freak her imagination had concocted. Rachel stepped aside with a sweeping hand, inviting her in.

The apartment was beautiful, far more beautiful than Quinn had imagined for the cost. The blonde took a mental note to make an effort to distrust her imagination in the future. Sunlight streamed into the room from a wall-length windowpane, washing over oak floorboards and striking furniture. Two large bookshelves cushioned a plasma TV, marble glistened spotless in the open kitchen and the walls held an array of pictures. In short, it was perfect.

"Please let me live here," Quinn blurted out, spinning around to face a grinning Rachel.

"Nice, huh? Make yourself at home, I'll grab us something to drink," Rachel replied, briskly walking to the kitchen.

Quinn dropped herself down onto the sofa, only to jump up upon the squeak that resulted. A tiny black and white kitten stared up at her before shooting to the other side of the room, perching itself atop the bookcase.

"So, you're studying Drama at NYU, right? I'm at NYADA, musical theater major," Rachel said, sitting down beside Quinn and presenting her with juice.

Quinn nodded quickly. She hadn't bargained on such a nice apartment, and she sure wasn't going to give it up easily. Time to put on the Fabray charm.

"That's right, I'm studying Drama and English Literature. In my final year, so I thought now would be a better time than any to spread my wings and head out on my own, you know? See another side of New York."

Rachel smiled, pulling a small notepad out from her back pocket. Wordlessly, she scribbled frantically, nodding as if for Quinn to continue.

"…And, um. I'm everything you said on the ad. Studying, neat, I don't smoke, and I love animals. I don't plan on throwing any house parties, and a weekly dinner and movie sounds great."

Behind Rachel, Quinn only just noticed a flash of color. On the balcony that extended outside of the kitchen, waved a rainbow flag.

Following her eye line, Rachel turned around. Looking back to Quinn, she offered a shy smile and shrug.

"And that, you're fine with too, right? Gold star doesn't just stand for my talent," she explained, holding up her necklace, the charm of which was indeed a golden star.

The drama student wasn't exactly sure what the last comment, but she wasn't so far gone as to not recognize the rainbow pride flag. She had never really understood the whole 'gay pride' thing; sexuality was one of those things that didn't need talking about. Regardless, it certainly wasn't an issue for her.

"Oh, right, no. Not an problem at all."

Silence ensued as Rachel continued scribbling away on the notepad. The brunette scrunched her face up, biting her bottom lip and scrunching her nose in what Quinn could only guess was a face of deep concentration.

"Well, I'll get in contact with you. I have a few other applicants to speak to, but I'm sure you'll hear from me in the next few days," Rachel dismissed as she stood up, making her way towards the door and leaving a rather confused blonde in her wake.

Quinn stood and followed, confusion written over her face at this point. Had she said something wrong? As soon as she stepped out of the threshold and into the corridor, the door was closed.

Well then.

The senior walked down the stairs in a daze, until the vibrant sounds of the New Yrewftlohj5t90pjhwy90op9o -''999…ork streets snapped her back into reality once she was outside. The moment her feet hit the sidewalk, however, her phone buzzed to life with the tones of Frank Sinatra.

"Hi, Quinn? It's Rachel Berry from 401. You can bring your stuff over tomorrow, if that's okay?"

Yes!

"…And to save time, I advise you color code your clothing and alphabetize your books. Also best to only bring cooking utensils or decorations of the following colors…"

Oh no.