There's still a bit of Quinn's blood on Rachel's jacket.
She is exhausted but she doesn't want to fall asleep. She wants to cherish the moments she shared with her boss today.
'' I just want you to be happy.'' '' I love you. You are fired!''
She remembered the first time they had hugged. It was right after Mary's suicide. Quinn's hands were stained with blood then too. She had held her against her body so tightly, that Rachel had almost believed everything would be okay.
'' What are you doing up here?'' Quinn's voice interrupted her nostalgic thoughts. '' It's 4 a.m.''
She turned to look at her boss.
'' Can't sleep.'' She explained, her eyes not meeting Quinn's.
'' Standing on the balcony won't help with that.'' She lit a cigarette before talking again. '' Come on. The chaise lounges are fun at night.''
She led the way and Rachel followed. They lay on the lounge chairs next to each other. Rachel turned to Quinn, who, as always, offered her the cigarette.
Rachel drew on the cigarette and felt her boss's eyes boring into her.
'' Say it, Goldberg. What's wrong?"
Rachel scoffed. '' What isn't?''
They both stayed quiet for a moment. It was cold at that hour of the night. The chairs were not as fun as Quinn had suggested.
'' I'm sorry, Quinn.'' The younger woman finally broke the silence. '' I'm sorry I betrayed you.''
Quinn frowned. She looked at Rachel hesitantly and bit her lip.
'' You're with me now.'' She replied, her voice softer than usual.
'' Maybe it's too late now.'' Rachel shivered. ''Coleman could bring us all down.''
''You need to get out of here.'' '' I love you. I LOVE you!''
Quinn shook her head and took the cigarette from Rachel's hand. '' He won't.'' She inhaled deeply and looked at her employee through the spiraling smoke.
'' Trust me.'' She lay back on the chair and let out a small laugh. '' This is not the end, Goldberg. Not yet.''
Rachel smiled, but it was a sad smile. '' Well, if it is, let me take the blame. It's the least I can do.'' It's the least I can do for you.
'' Don't get soft on me now, Goldberg.'' Quinn shot back. '' This is our fight. If we go down, we go down together.''
She put out the cigarette and stood up.
'' Now, go get some sleep. You are of no use to me if you freeze to death.'' She started walking away, but something made her stop. She was shaking, and it wasn't entirely because of the cold. '' If the worst happens'', she said and she turned to look at Rachel. '' -remember that we got to be kings, even if it was just for tonight''.
Rachel shifted in her seat and opened her mouth to say something but Quinn didn't let her.
'' Sleep. Now.'' She ordered and walked away, her mouth smiling but her eyes filled with tears. ''Weirdo.''
A/N: I'm probably just writing into the void, but, if someone actually reads this, please let me know what you think. :)