A/N: woah! wasn't expecting the quick responses to the story. Glad you all are liking it. I hope it continues to meet your expectations. Now I'm getting all nervous haha. Anyway. Enjoy. More to come soon.

The brunette nods with wide eyes as Quinn removes the cardboard cup sling from her coffee and retrieves a pen from her bag. Bringing it the paper and looping her wrist in wonderful flicks to scrawl out her 10-digit cell phone number.

Quinn hands the note over, finally adjusting her scarf as she sends one last look back down at Rachel, smiling warmly as she gives the brunette a small wave.

"Bye."

She hears Rachel whisper softly as she stares transfixed at the cardboard piece of paper in her small hands – Quinn meets her eyes one final time before quickly making her way out of the coffee shop – the tension in her body finally ebbing now that she's stepped back out onto the bustling street. And now – she really can't get the image of Rachel Berry out of her mind's eye – something about the confidence the brunette exuded – never mind the fact that she's simply stunning – not that she never was – but Quinn can fully appreciate it now.

Her thoughts waver between this new Rachel Berry and her online friend? Pen-pal? - And later in the day – when she finally makes it home after grocery shopping, and rent paying, and grad school research – she finally sits at her couch and checks her computer. Curiously glancing at the inbox page of her CupidandAphrodite account as she peruses. And to her good grace – there is a new message, from BroadwayStar no less. It's been sitting here unread for close to seven hours now, but the anticipation is no less intense as Quinn opens the page.

In Reply To: QN_Citygirl

From: BroadwayStar at 11:32am

You've messaged me back

I can't tell you how excited and happy that makes me. I was only half serious about us comparing our love for apple cider, in truth – I think I'd much rather learn more about you if that's okay?

I'll start – firstly, I am a very verbose person, which I guess you can discern from my messaging prose. Secondly, I love New York City, I'm also originally form the Midwest, but something about the Big Apple compelles me. I don't think I could ever leave!

And thirdly, I love to sing – and it makes me so happy to hear that you do as well. What can I say – high school glee club alum and all

Sincerely,

BroadwayStar

Quinn smiles at her computer screen – and something about this mysterious internet messaging pal strikes her – there is a comfortableness about their prose, and Quinn can't help but feel light on her feet after finding a new message from her – whoever her really is. And it's all incredibly weird – but every time she thinks it through, BroadwayStar reminds her uncannily of Rachel Berry. It's not a truth she knows – but it adds to her ease of comfort. She smiles as she types out a well thought out and urgent response – sorry to have kept the mystery girl waiting for so long.

In Reply To: BroadwayStar

From: QN_Citygirl at 6:15pm

I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting

Busy day and all. Speaking of which, how was your day? Good I hope. Drink any amazing New York City apple cider?

I'm glad that you enjoy messaging me as much as I've certainly enjoyed messaging you, and speaking of apple cider – I have to agree – I think I'd much rather be learning about you – as you so eloquently put it

I love your little anecdotes to things – is it odd if I say that you remind me of someone? It's definitely a compliment – as she was destined for great things – but it's almost uncanny. And while I'm at it … here's a short list about myself.

I like dogs

I'm a quiet person – people used to mistake it for indifference or arrogance – some still do. But I want you to know first hand, that it has no relation to that whatsoever – I'm just kind of shy.

I've never been in a relationship with a woman before – I think this is important to say, I want to be honest in that respect. Yes, I am gay…but I just sort of figured that out in the last year and a half – much less acted on it. This is like a stepping stone for me – to integrate myself into the community. Willing to help?

And If I haven't scared you off already … I like talking to you, you've made my day that much more interesting

QN_Citygirl

Somewhere blocks away Rachel Berry sits at her computer screen. She has three tabs open on her browser. One is her Gmail account, the other being her management contact services…and the last being her CupidandAphrodite account. She's been anxiously awaiting a reply from the mysterious QN_Citygirl and she'd never admit it – but she's nervous, and butterflies have bombarded her stomach.

It hasn't helped that she ran into Quinn Fabray today. Quinn Fabray – yes, that one. It was short, and unexpected, and it still makes her anxious as she glances down at the number scrawled in beautiful loopy handwriting that is sitting adjacent to her mouse pad. She scans it every couple of minutes – her brown eyes flickering between the computer screen and the loopy digits.

She wonders why she feels so unraveled. Quinn Fabray had never been nice per se. Rachel of course, was taken aback at her sudden appearance at the coffee shop, in New York no less – but she wasn't anxious because of their lack of friendship in the past. She was anxious – because…well – there was something about the blonde. Something…she couldn't quite put her finger on. But she was mesmerizing, and stunning, and Rachel Berry had been transfixed.

And so, her nerves are for lack of a better word shot. And all she needs is a little bit of gratification. Perhaps a slight validation from her online pen-pal – because her heart is fluttering much too fast for her health, and she isn't even 22 yet.

So it is with great relief, and a deep sigh amid the butterflies that Rachel jumps at the ping of her monitor. Opening the last tab she sees a small script bubble illuminate at the forefront of her screen – it is a message from QN_Citygirl, she beams. Her fingers flying over the keys of her MacBook – ushering out a response.

Quinn is in the kitchen cooking herself a small dinner when she hears the ping from her computer screen. Intrigued she abandons the carrots that she's chopping and wipes her hands on a dishtowel before making her way back over to the living room where her laptop resides.

She grins at once – the script bubble illuminating her soft features in the evening light as she sees that BroadwayStar has messaged her back…and is…online. The blonde's shoulders tense as the realization dawns on her almost immediately.

We are online at the same time. She thinks – and she hurriedly sits so that she can read the message that she has been waiting on for the last twenty minutes.

In Reply To: QN_Citygirl

From: BroadwayStar at 6:47pm

Don't worry – far scarier things have attracted my interest

And you mustn't worry, because I find your musings far from scary. Would it be all right if I told you that find it all entirely endearing, and cute?

And…it's funny that you say that I remind you of someone, because lately I've been feeling the exact same way. It's almost like Déjà vu isn't it? But don't fret – the person that you've reminded me of is nothing less than extraordinary, even if she fails to realize that fact.

Anyway – I love your honesty. And let me be honest in return. I like men, I like women. But does that really matter? - I think I'm starting to like you QN_Citygirl, and that's all that matters in the end isn't it?

I really do enjoy talking to you – you aren't the only one whose day has been made – I hope we talk again soon! – I think I'm starting to find myself missing your cyber company.

Sincerely,

BroadwayStar

Quinn smiles and blushes despite herself. She's so wrapped up in BroadwayStar that she forgets that she was in the middle of preparing dinner. She decides quickly, that this is far more worthy of her time. Her nimble fingers hover over the reply button, but before she clicks she remembers that they…are both online. Hovering over BroadwayStar's name, she sees the green flicker of availability, and the small button for instant messaging. Her heart beats faster against her chest – carpe diem and all of that crap, right? She has little time to think before she opens up the small IM box at the corner and types a tentative salutation.

QN_Citygirl – 6:52pm

Hi there I saw that you were online. I thought this would be more convenient, no? Is that okay?

QN_Citygirl – 6:54pm

Rachel stares wonderingly at her computer screen. This occurrence had never crossed her mind – she had completely forgotten about the instant messaging feature on this website. And now – with QN_Citygirl's name blinking at her against the brightness of the screen, she feels her knees weaken even though she is sitting down. Why the butterflies are fluttering so feverishly she can't care to know – she simply swallows as she types out a shaking response in real time – her heart beating against her small chest all the while.

BroadwayStar – 6:55pm

Wow…I completely failed to remember that this site had an IM feature

But I'm happier for it

BroadwayStar – 6: 55pm

Hello

Quinn finally takes a much-needed breath once she sees the response pop up in her browser – her smile widens and her cheeks flush as her fingers work out the typing.

QN_Citygirl – 6:56

You're here

That makes me really happy.

How was your day?

BroadwayStar – 6:57

It was wonderful. I did some small shopping at a local market. And had coffee with… a friend. At least I think she's a friend.

QN_Citygirl – 6:59

I'm glad you had a good day.

And may ask what you mean by friend?

You seem kind of apprehensive at the use of the word.

BroadwayStar – 7:00pm

No, it isn't negative.

Just someone who I knew a long time ago. I think we might have the chance to be friends now though.

Good feeling that's all

QN_Citygirl – 7:01pm

Is it too forward of me, if I tell you that I want to be your friend?

Not now, of course, it's kind of soon.

But...in the future?

BroadwayStar – 7:02pm

No, not at all

I think I'd very much like that.

QN_Citygirl – 7:03pm

And now I'm smiling like a simpleton.

Look what you've reduced me to!

BroadwayStar – 7:04pm

You aught to know I take pride in my cheerfulness.

Especially where pretty girls are concerned.

QN_Citygirl – 7:04pm

You have no idea whether or not I'm pretty.

For all you know I could be the ugliest wench on the planet.

BroadwayStar – 7:05pm

Faith is a powerful thing, don't you think?

Somehow – I know that you're simplifying your physical beauty.

Don't ask me how, just intuition I'd imagine.

BroadwayStar – 7:05pm

but know that if we are meant to be friends. You're looks serve

no purpose in the matter. Because looks are gone, they leave us with time.

Looks are superficial and unapologetic. They are temporary, and good, and of surface value.

BroadwayStar – 7:06pm

but what's underneath all of that veneer. That's what I strive for. Do you have that?

QN_Citygirl – 7:09pm

There was a time where…no I did not.

I like to believe that I've come a long way since then.

I've apologized for my past – I'm living life for my future now.

BroadwayStar – 7:10pm

That is very respectable Citygirl. Is it all right if I shorten your moniker?

QN_Citygirl – 7:11pm

At least someone thinks so. I'm trying. And to answer your question..

Sure, Citygirl works. It's still a little long though, no?

How about Q?

Rachel's entire body freezes for all of thirty seconds as she sees the small letter grace the brightness of her MacBook screen. Again, the perpetual image of Quinn Fabray comes back to the forefront of her mind, and it's as if she can't shake it. What is it that keeps her mind backpedaling to the blonde? She can't begin to understand, but it does not stop her subconscious from falling to the small cardboard coffee slip that still rests against her mouse pad. The numbers are big and loopy – but they hold a discreetness that is entirely Quinn.

Rachel sighs, as she floats back to the conversation at hand. The smile fades from her lips as she realizes just how tired she is now that the day is coming to an end.

BroadwayStar – 7:13pm

Q sounds perfect.

I've gotta go Q, dinner awaits.

Can we chat later? I think I'll miss you if we don't.

QN_Citygirl – 7:15pm

You've read my mind. Dinner calls.

And it's about time I get my head out of the clouds

Talk to you later charmer.

BroadwayStar – 7:15pm

Until next time

QN_Citygirl Has Logged Out of CupidandAphrodite

BroadwayStar Has Logged Out of CupidandAphrodite

Rachel cradles her chin in her hand as she expels the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding in. All she can seem to think about now is Quinn – and running in to her today at the coffee shop. The blonde has sanctioned her mind at a time when it belonged to someone else. She feels bad for quitting out early on QN_Citygirl tonight, but there's something amiss at the fact that she can no longer say that she's invested. Once the mystery girl had admonished that she wishes to be called Q – it was all over.

And now – Rachel stares intently at the calling card – she cradles it between her small fingers, and the butterflies come back. This is wrong…she thinks. But before she can stop herself her fingers are fumbling blindly at her keypad on her phone, and it's ringing on the other line.

Quinn sighs as she spoons a small forkful of salad into her mouth as she closes out of her browser. She can't shake the feeling that BroadwayStar reminds her of Rachel Berry – there is something so familiar there it's uncanny. But there's no way – absolutely no way. Because Rachel Berry would never put a profile up on an online dating site – that fate was reserved for lonelies and simpletons – like Quinn.

She sighs again – this time falling onto the truth that she is falling for a pen-pal. Someone that she has no idea if she'll even meet. And if they were to meet? Would they even like each other then? It was all turning to mush in her brain, and the distant vibrating of her phone from the kitchen is a welcome reprieve. She doesn't recognize the number, but she answers on a whim – hoping that it isn't a telemarketer or a bill collector.

"Hello, is Quinn Fabray available?"

"This is she, may I ask who's calling?"

There is a pregnant pause on the other end of the line, and Quinn has the right mind to hang up – the only thing keeping her hanging on, is the small voice that rang out when she answered the phone. It was warm, and bright – and nervous no doubt – but the familiarity of it was soothing and calming – and Quinn wanted to hear more of it. She needed to hear more of it.

"Is anyone there?"

"Y-Yes. Um, Hi Quinn. It's Rachel. Rachel Berry?"

The fluttering in her abdomen and chest starts again – the butterflies are oddly persistent it seems.

"Oh! Hi…sorry, I didn't have your number so I wasn't sure who was calling…"

"No – no, it's no problem Quinn – I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, I can call back some other time…"

"Wait! Wait…I'm not – you aren't bothering me…did you need something Rachel?"

"Well – I've been thinking about your offer from earlier today – at the coffee shop?"

"Yea, what about it?"

Rachel's breath catches in her throat. And her hands tremble as she grips her cellphone to her ear. Her breath is warm and tremulous against the speaker – and she can't help the fact that she's nervous beyond belief. What is it about Quinn Fabray that does this to her? She can't fathom an answer – and apparently neither can Quinn.

The blonde is in an equal state of flux and apprehension. Her salad is left forgotten on the table as she leans into her phone – waiting on an intake of breath for whatever it is that Rachel needs to tell her. When did the butterflies become so raucous and unyielding – she can barely hear over their fluttering.

"I'd like to make good on that rain check."

Quinn sighs into the phone – her smile taking residence over her face. Her lips curled up in relief and hope.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Rachel beams into her receiver. Her laptop all but forgotten as she relishes in the moment – her heart's beating at a rapid pace – but it's wanted, and it's called for, and it stills the butterflies beating within. What is it about Quinn Fabray? – She needs to know.

"It's been four years… but I can't help but think our friendship is long overdue, don't you agree Quinn?"

The blonde chuckles lightly through the receiver, letting her shoulders relax into the couch atop which she rests, as she rubs lazily over her eyes.

"What makes you think it'll work this time, Rachel?"

There is no air of malcontent to Quinn's words – they are an honest question. And if Rachel knows any better – there are fragments of hope laced to their ends. The brunette smiles as she hunches back into her chair – her head light. Her words come out as if floating on a wayward wind.

"Faith is a powerful thing, don't you think?"