Hey! I'mmm baaaack! :) I know that Quinn and Rachel aren't actually friends, but I like the idea, so I went with it. Plese keep in mind that this chapter and the next is not really my best writing, but the rest is pretty good. I obviously don't own Glee or the songs that will be used in this story. Title credits are "Long Live" by Taylor Swift. Enjoy, and please review if you can!
"Rachel! Wait up!"
Quinn Fabray jogged over to the now-still brunette. Rachel's stance was that of somebody who was ready to blurt out defences at any minute and she still had her back to Quinn.
"What do you want, Quinn? Here to rub it in my face once again how badly I messed up with Finn? Or are you going to be a bit more creative this time, and tell me that Santana deserves him, or that you treated him better? Because if that's the case, I'd rather not listen to you."
Quinn sighed. She understood why Rachel was on the defensive- she had every reason to be. After all, Quinn herself couldn't even remember the last time she had said something nice to the small girl.
"I promise not to make fun of you. Will you please turn around?"
Rachel, too, sighed, and turned her body to face the blonde. "What?"
"Well, I was wondering if you needed some help with this week's assignment. After all, I don't think Taylor Swift is classified as a great Broadway icon."
Rachel didn't bother to mask her surprise. "No, she isn't….. But why would you want to help me?"
Quinn offered a half smile."You and I aren't so different. We both want to be liked; we can both be overly obnoxious; we both had Finn; and we both lost him. For the same reasons."
Rachel sniffed. "You do have a point. And I could use some help on this project. But how do I know this isn't some elaborate prank to humiliate me?"
Quinn took a moment to answer. "I suppose you're right. And even if I were to tell you that I wasn't, I doubt you would believe me. So I guess it's a matter of how much you can trust me, and whether or not you think I would be honest."
Rachel sighed again, clutching her notebook tighter to her chest. "I don't know who to trust right now. But I've seen your face when you're being devious, and I can tell right now that you are being completely honest. I do need some help in getting pointed in the right direction. And I kind of need a friend right now- but I doubt that's what you were thinking."
Quinn chuckled. "I'll admit, I never thought I would see that day, but it's clear that you need a shoulder to lean on. And you have always been there for me, even when I was a total bitch to you. Besides, I'm tired of hating you. It's exhausting trying to think of new insults. So yes- if you need me to be there as a friend I will be."
For the first time in a long time, Rachel felt her lips curl into a smile. "Okay. That would be really great."
Quinn smiled too. "Come over to my house at around 7:00, kay? Here's the address." She scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to Rachel. "I'll see you then." She shouldered her Cheerios' bag and turned to walk away.
"Quinn?"
She turned back to face Rachel. "Yes?"
Rachel blew out a long breath. "Thanks," she whispered softly.
Quinn simply smiled and continued her path down the hall.