NOTE: Thank you all so much for the great feedback! This chapter is just another call between Quinn and Santana. The story will largely follow the timeline of the episodes, so a chapter on Thanksgiving is next. I want to show their new form of friendship first, but no worries, sexy scenes will follow in later chapters. I haven't figured out yet how to do authors notes by the way so I'll just leave it like this till I do. Forgive me for spelling, grammar or other language mistakes by the way. English is my third language.

It had been a week or so since I last spoke with Quinn. I'd actually been trying to focus more on school nowadays. Figuring that Britt and I broke up because I was in Louiseville and she was in Lima I'd better make it work out here. Q and I had been talking a couple times a week since I rang her about the break-up. Our second call after was a little awkward though; neither of us really knew how to approach the other after our very hot but also kind of weird photo-semi-sexting-battle thing.

In a moment of uncharacteristic openness I told Q that I was a little worried that I had guilt-tripped her into it. She quite matter-of-factly told me that it was her own decision and she would not have done so if she did not wanted to. Neither of us had brought it up since. With any other this probably would have been contrived and weird but with us it actually really was not a very big deal.

In our phone calls we now mostly just talked; about her life and my life, what we were doing and with whom. She scolded me for sleeping my way through the swim team here as a sexual pallet cleanser. I scolded her for being uptight about her classes, grades and professors. You could say we found a comfortable groove. In rare moments we also talked about the real things like my still very present feelings for Britt but also about my doubts about Kentucky and cheerleading. I don't really feel this is it for me. More importantly, I certainly hope this is not it for me.

Now that we weren't continuously sneering at each other or trying to one-up the other I got to truly value the great friend Quinn can be. She undeniably has grown into her own over the recent years but most of all these past few months, away from Lima and all the losers there holding her back.

Q had been a big help in my doubts about college. Obviously the girl was wicked smart being able to get into Yale and all while devoting most of her time on scheming and worrying about potato-sack-Finn or Puck or her ever growing list of physical obstacles. But she was also a great listener and gave some pretty good advice at times. Most important, she was not afraid to tell me the truth, which could be humiliating but also very necessary.

Before I could give up on Louisville she told me that I had to at least try. Not the kind of trying I'd done so far, with one leg in both Lima and college but give it a real try.

One of the wonderful side effects of me letting my guard down little by little was that Q managed to do the same in return. She told me about her life at Yale and how it was difficult for her to make friends that she felt comfortable enough with to share her messy past with. In addition she wouldn't be Quinn if she didn't worry about school and grades but it had increased from the 'striving-for-an-Ivy-acceptance' high school Quinn to a 'wanting-to-excel-at-the-best-education-institute-worldwide' college Quinn.

She had told me that even though her parents could easily afford Yale for her she had opted to go there on a scholarship. One of the few things Russel Fabray had done right was setting up funds for his girls to go to the best schools. I really admired that Q didn't want to take her fathers money unless absolutely necessary. I guess growing up all WASP-y did teach you some valuable lessons on the strings attached to money. If she wasn't reliant on her folks for her degree they wouldn't have a big say in her life. It's a miracle Judy had managed to repair her relationship with her after Beth was born but I'm pretty sure she would never let Russel back in again.

I must hand it to her; Q is insufferable at times, like most of the time, but she does stand for her convictions nowadays and sticks to her guns.

It was around 11 PM by now, I just finished practice and was walking home to my dorm. My roommate Elaine and I got along surprisingly well given my tendency to dislike and insult people. She however would most likely be out with one of the jocks we cheer for regularly. Quinn was probably still behind her books by now or out with some friends right now but I decided to try and ring her anyway. She picked up after the third beep.

''Santana! What is it?''. She sounded very worried which confused me since I hadn't texted her or anything that I had something to discuss.

Just as I wanted to start talking I heard her continue. ''Oh no honey, that's terrible. I'm coming right over, I will call when I'm on my way'' and with that the line went dead.

I looked down at my phone to see whether this 40-second call actually happened. Right as I contemplated if I should just try again, my phone rang. Caller ID showed a picture of Quinn and me together, taken the summer before sophomore year. We were goofing off in our bikini's by the side of her pool. It was taken right before sophomore year, before our lives became increasingly complicated. I liked the picture because of the innocent joy we had in it. The bikini shot portrayed quite the contrast with the cold weather happening currently. I accepted the call and brought the phone to my ear.

''Hey loony. What the hell was that? You on your way to Kentucky so I can have you committed or something? 'Cause I am pretty sure they also have nuthouses in New Haven. Probably a lot more considering half of your nerdy class will crack under the pressure of upping the other nerds in the nerd kingdom''.

I heard Q sigh a little. The amusement in her voice was prominent however in her reply. ''I am going to let that one slide San because you are a true lifesaver at the moment. I was actually on the most boring date ever so I lied that you were a towny friend of mine and really needed me because you just found out your boyfriend cheated with his yoga instructor''.

''First of all, that boyfriend of mine sounds incredibly gay if he has a yoga instructor to cheat with. Secondly, that's quite the elaborate story you've spun there at the drop of a hat. You would almost suspect you have lied once or twice before about fidelity''. I stopped for a second to ponder if I really wanted to know but decided to pursue my sentence anyway. ''Who was the date with by the way?''.

Why would I not want to know? That was weird.

I must admit to being surprised that Quinn had been on a date. Even if it was a horrible one. I kind of had the feeling she was majorly crushing on someone she did not want to tell me about. Considering her horrible taste in men I assumed she didn't want to tell me because I would ten to one disagree with her pick. I hadn't pushed the subject though. Equally because she would most likely just clam up if I did. Though a little part of me also just did not want to know. Again. Weird.

Q's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. ''Remember when I told you about the guy that works in the bookstore on campus?''.

''Which one Q?''.

''You know, the one where I go to buy the books that I borrow from the library and really want to own. With the little coffee corner in the back and the teakwood shelfs…'' she trailed of.

I interrupted her ''not the store Q, the boy''.

''Oh yeah, right. Of course'' she answered sheepishly as if she was caught with her hand in a very nerdy cookie jar. ''Well the cute guy with dark curly hair, glasses. Little bit of a hipster vibe. He always finds a way to talk to me about the books I'm buying and a few days ago he asked me out. I guess I thought he was kind of cute and did have something interesting to say about the books so I said yes. I shouldn't have though because it was terrible. The book talk was probably his best material ever. Though I did like his comments on this one book I read recently, you would like it. It's called Coraline, about trapped souls of children and a girl who discovers a passage into the world where they are trapped and at first it is all cool until…''.

''Q! Stop! Though it is weirdly sexy when you get you nerd on, and I probably would like a book about trapping souls of children I want to hear about the date first! By the way, did I ever mention how weird it is that you only buy books you've read already? Seems to me that it defeats the whole thrill of purchasing. Even if it is a book and not some sweet boots or anything''.

''There's really not much to say San. He managed to be boring and obnoxiously self-indulgent and arrogant at the same time. We both know my quota for handling arrogance is completely being filled by you these days''.

Even though I couldn't see her I could just hear the smirk that must be forming on her face now. She was obviously baiting me. I opted to bite.

''Oh puh-lease Lucy Fabray. We both know I'm not arrogant. I'm just a flawless combination of self-aware, honest and awesome. I keep it real and I'm hilarious remember? By the way. Now that you've told me about the guy it would be wise to be a little nicer to me. You wouldn't want me calling this little bookstore telling him that my super gay boyfriend is actually you being a pussy, now would you?''.

I heard her laugh. In the past this would be the point where one of us would get offended or cross a line or something switching our friendship status to enemy status on in a flick of a very sharp tongue. But ever since my post break-up call our usual snark had morphed into a playful banter back and forth. Without losing in wit or pointiness we'd somehow managed to eliminate the mean streak from our discussions.

''San, you know I just love it when you make empty threats. It gives me a challenge and we both know I'm not one to pass on the opportunity to beat you in about anything''.

I thought back to the last time I outright challenged her. That had resulted in those very interesting photo's and multiple great self-induced orgasms for me just thinking about them. Naturally I hadn't told Quinn that last part. She must know I wouldn't be unaffected by them though. She knows she's hot, and that I'm an out and proud lady lover.

It wasn't the first time I had masturbated with Q in mind and honestly probably wouldn't be the last. I was really curious though if our little exchange had had a similar effect on her or whether it was just all in good fun for Q. I didn't want to bring it up for obvious reasons. First I was not about to admit to her that I masturbated to the thought of her. Second was that out newfound relationship was still somewhat fragile and our calls soon had become one of my favourite parts of the day. Third there was also the fact that because I am the lesbian of the two of us it would make it a big deal if I said something about it. So since she didn't bring it up, neither did I.

I did notice the sultriness that had entered Quinns voice but chose to ignore it this time since as a matter of fact I did have a specific reason for calling tonight besides catching wanting to bluntly ask her for a favour I saw this as my opportunity to address the issue.

''There are so many jokes I could make now about that comment of you beating me that I'm not even gonna bother. But okay okay, I won't call him. And since I won't, you now owe me a favour''. I figuratively patted myself on the back for being able to blackmail her into a favour with something utterly ridiculous.

''Are you going to ask me for more nudes? Because I think the ones should be sufficient for now'' she said.

That took me by surprise. Not only was it the first time she mentioned her sending me sexy pictures, her sentence also included for now. For now! That means that there could be more to come in the future. I felt my heart speeding up and blood rushing through my head. I was glad that she continued talking because I wasn't sure if I could formulate words at this point. My mouth had instantly become very dry, while my core had become increasingly wet. How did Q nonchalantly mentioning our little endeavour get me riled up so easily.

''You do know that we are friends right Santana? If you want a favour you can just ask me, you don't have to blackmail me into it. I won't hold it against you come judging day. What is it?''.

Q and I truly were friends, we'd always been friends, even when it didn't seem like it. When we were battling it out for the top popularity spot at school. She might have told coach about my boobjob and I may have given her mono but that was us. If someone else would have done something like that to Q it would have torn him or her a new one and I'm pretty sure the same could be said for Quinn.

Lately however this flirtation seemed to be a lingering presence in our conversations. It was only noticeable if one of us actively provoked the other but still present nonetheless. But no way I would go down that road again with my other best friend after what happened with Britt. Besides, Q was straight until she told me otherwise I wasn't going to make assumptions. College girls experiment, it's a given.

I had reached my dorm room by now. As I expected Elaine was out somewhere. Figuring I was alone I thought it would be nice to switch our conversation to facetime. ''Want to facetime? Then I'll tell you my favour. I just arrived in my dorm and Elaine is out. And I like seeing you when we talk, gives me a sense of normalcy in this KFC county''.

She laughed ''it is troubling for me that I'm your reference for normalcy San. Maybe you should just get out of there while you still can''.

I clicked the call away, opening facetime on my laptop. Before pressing the call button I went through my hair with my hands, making sure to look as presentable as possible after the gruelling practice of tonight. Pressing the button Quinns face popped up on my screen immediately. She was wearing a little more make-up than usual and had her hair in elegant sideway braid. She was looking stunning.

''You're right San, it is nice to see you'' she smiled.

''You to Q, I dig the date look''.

Her smiled widened. ''Thanks. Can't say that I totally agree with your chosen attire however. But then again you don't either''.

I looked down and saw that I was still in my cheerleading uniform, in my hurry to fix my hair a bit I'd forgotten to put on something else. She chuckled upon seeing my face, knowing that I had developed a quite distinctive dislike for the outfit. ''You mind if I change into something a little more comfortable then while we talk?'' I asked, already starting to remove my shirt.

''Did you want to facetime me just so I could watch you strip San? I thought you had a thoroughly devoted swimteam for that nowadays''. I looked up to the screen and noticed that though teasing me, she wasn't exactly going out of her way to look somewhere else either.

''If I wanted to give you a little show you'd know the difference Fabgay'' I yelled to my computer from my closet.

''I'm sorry San, I couldn't really make out that nickname from the closet you're currently standing in''. I pulled on a pair of sweats and a low cut tank top. Not actively wanting to give Quinn a show and wanting to gauge her response to my top were not mutually exclusive. Not getting anything into my head about Quinns sexuality and wanting to probe her a little apparently weren't either.

''So what's that favour you want from me S?''.

''Oh yeah, good thing you mention it. Next week when we're both in Lima for the holidays, could you maybe keep an eye on me regarding Britt? I mean, I saw her a couple of weeks ago during the whole Glease thing and I lived, but still. I don't want to slip back into something because I've got a couple of extra days in Lima and still cannot really find my footing here. Don't want to go back just because it's familiar''. I stopped talking for a moment to watch her expression. ''I know I shouldn't ask you but frankly you're the only person I trust to just give it to me straight in that department''.

I watched her scrunch her brow. She looked worried. I know it wasn't fair of me to ask her. For starters, I'm a bitch. Especially when something, or someone, gets in my way. Even if it is per my own request. Secondly, Quinn most definitely had her own crap to deal with back in Lima.

Her asshat father surely wanted her to make nice with him seeing as he did still give her an additional monthly stipend to her scholarship. Then there was also the endless nightmare of Noah Puckerman. I had really no idea why Q gravitated towards him so much. The dude was an annoying prototype of the typical Lima-loser; no job, no brains and no future. Q on the other hand was the opposite. She had a bright future in front of her. Everyone could see that. Well, at least if she didn't succumb to this nasty habit of push-and-pull with Puck. Just the thought of him getting him hands on her again made me want to hurl. And punch her for being so stupid.

Thinking about the two of them actively made me angry. Apparently it was showing on my face cause a second later I heard Q comment. ''You are making one of your satanic faces. What are you thinking about?''.

''Oh you know, just how I am going to slap just very hard in a couple of days for once again falling for the mediocre pick-up lines of Puck''.

She laughed. Not the breathy laugh she usually laughs but one of those reserved for things she finds really funny. ''If I ever were to hook up with someone from Lima again it sure as hell would not be Puck'' she quipped.

''Why? Still hoping for that secret make-out session with Berry? You know she will just unlock her gigantic mouth and swallow you whole. Or make a Quinn suit out of your skin so she can actually be you''. The gorgeous girl in front of me turned slighty red at the mention of her making out with Rachel. That is very interesting. Everyone knew Berry always had a slightly obsessive lady boner for Q but I never though it might be a little reciprocal. Regaining her posture Q made a face.

''You know Rachel will never make a skin suit out of me. It's more likely she'd stuff me so she could throw darts at my head on her insecure days''. This made me laugh out loud. Quinn definitely could have a mean streak but she wasn't known for being witty.

''But we shouldn't be talking about her like this, Rachel is our friend''. She saw me make a incredulous face at the word friend and immediately berated me. ''Yes Santana, she is your friend and you do care about her. We all know you're not as tough as you portray yourself… Besides, Rachel is somehow weirdly my family these days so making out with her would be unsettling. You know, Shelby being her birth mom and all''.

Even though we had been getting closer these weeks Quinn had not mentioned Shelby or Beth once. However, I obviously knew how much giving Beth up had hurt her. And then turned her into kind of a nut-job. And then hurt her some more.

She's a survivor that Q, I must give her that. Somehow I wondered whether she would've ended up at Yale hadn't she gotten pregnant at sixteen. Beth seemed to be a driving force for Quinn. She once told me during our senior year that there was no option for her but to be great at something. If she wouldn't be great then what had she given up her baby for. That is some unhealthy pressure to put on yourself. Something I told her then and I would keep telling her now.

Luckily for me I know Quinn like the back of my hand. She's evasive. She would never come out to me and say that she wants to talk about something, Beth especially. Instead of telling me she will drop casual hints and aspects me to ask about it. Most of the time getting annoyed when I don't pick up on something. Beth however, I always pick up on. Her mentioning her daughter was almost never truly casual.

''Have you heard anything from Shelby lately?'' I asked, deciding to make it a little easier on her.

Her beautiful face pulled into a frown, like she was battling to say something. Not wanting to push to hard I opted to just wait for her to tell me. After a minute or so she softly said ''as coincidence would have it, I talked to her just a couple of days ago. She called''. There it was, the secret she'd been sitting on.

I could see her physically relax. Her shoulders dropped, her jaw unclenched and her worried frown disappeared. Like she finally exhaled. ''This is a coincidence indeed'' I smirked. Q knows fully well that I know her tells and vice versa. It's one of the things that makes us so explosive together. ''What did she say?''.

''She is moving with Beth. To New York. Starting some kind of Broadway daycare. I guess she prefers taking care of toddlers over dating them''.

I could sense that there was something more. Something she wasn't telling me. ''Is that all Q?''.

''Well, no. Not really. She asked me to visit. Now that Beth is getting a little older, and I am too, she would like for us to know each other. Build some kind of relationship… San, she looks like me. Shelby send me pictures''.

Her voice cracked up and I could see her eyes getting misty while looking for the picture on her phone. Seconds later a picture of a little girl appeared on my screen. The little girl does look a lot like a little Quinn. She has dark blond hair, big hazel eyes, high cheekbones and was looking defiantly into the camera. It was a mini Quinn for sure. If you didn't know Puck had a part in it too, you wouldn't have guessed it.

''I don't know if I could do that. Have a relationship with her I mean. It's all I wanted for so long. Just, look at her''. She shook the phone as to virtually shove it in my face. ''She's so perfect. What if I mess her up?''.

I could see how distraught she was with the idea of possibly doing something to hurt Beth. ''Q'' I sighed sympathetically. ''You let her be adopted by the woman who birthed Broadway Berry. If you messed her up it was then and not in a moment still to come. You've always said Beth was your perfect thing. But even perfect things need roots Q. You are not perfect, actually you have weird interests, are quite annoying and severely flawed…'' she raised her eyebrow at that comment, ready to protest.

''But'' I continued, ''You created that little girl. You carried her for nine months and birthed her. You are her mother Quinn. No matter what anyone else says. Or whether you are the one to raise her or not. You are her mother. Don't deprive yourself of experiencing your daughter just because you are scared to be there. It isn't really a choice anymore. You made a incredibly brave and mature decision to let someone else be her mother too, and you did it at only sixteen. But you are her mother. Shelby is just giving you the opportunity to get to know your baby girl, and for her to know where she comes from. That is a gift to cherish. But you should only do it if you are certain you want to and will be there. I think you do but you're the one that must be in it for the long haul''. I finished my little speech looking at Quinn. Who was now looking everywhere but at me.

She inhaled deeply, closed her eyes and wiped away the tears that had started to fall. ''You are right. I am her mother and I want to know her. I guess I just needed to hear it from someone else for once. You see, I tend to go a little nuts sometimes when it concerns Beth''. She was laughing again, reminiscing the events of her senior year.

I can't believe that was only a couple of months ago. ''Geeh you think? I could get behind trying to paint Shelby as a baby-hating Satan, but trying to get knocked up by Puck twice?! That's crossing a line. But what are you going to tell Shelby?'' Q was talking now and I really wanted to keep that door open.

''Well I told her Sunday that I had to think about it a little more which I did now. So I guess I will tell her to expect me in New York soon. Gives me a reason to visit Rachel as well''

All of sudden she got a shocked look on her face. ''Wait! Do you think Rach knows Shelby is moving to her city? Should we tell her?''. This surprised me, I had expected Rachel and Quinn to be in touch on a regular basis.

''Wait up Tubs. You mean to tell me that Berry hasn't send you daily updates on her faaaaabulous big city life, at her faaaabulous NYADA with her faaaabulous gay Minelli twin? Even I get that obnoxious newsletter they send out every two weeks. When I told her I wasn't interested in receiving the e-mails she actually send it to me per post. Post! Even for Manhands that is some next level egocentric stalkery creepiness. I probably will have to move to the Middle-East somewhere before getting rid of the heinous thing''.

Quinn gave me a stern look. ''Again Santana, she is your friend. Though I have to admit the newsletters are a little much''. I snorted at the word little. ''I also told her that last time we spoke so no need to move to the Middle-East just yet. We skype occasionally''.

'Well, if she doesn't cut it out, I will ends her''. Q just rolled her eyes at my threat.

Just as I said it the door of my dorm opened and a very giggly Elaine walked in. ''Oh hey Santana. How's your evening?''. She looked past me at my screen to see who I was talking to. A rude invasion of privacy might I add. ''Hey Quinn! How are you?'' She raised her arm as a wave to Q and let it fall to my shoulder.

I looked up to her at the touch. ''I wanted to do some laundry but my basket isn't full yet. You want to add something?'' she asked.

''Oh yeah, that would be great, thanks. I will get it for you in a second''. Elaine and Quinn had never met in person but seen each other in passing when I skyped with Q. ''I think that's our cue to end our nightly call babe''. It got out before I could catch the word.

Silently cursing myself I just hoped Quinn didn't pick it up or thought anything of it.

''I guess so. Thanks for getting me out of that horrible date San. Maybe I'll be able to get in one more call later this week before going to Lima but that depends on classes''. If she noticed my slip of the tongue she most certainly did not acknowledge it. ''And regarding that favour. Consider it done. Good night San''.

''You too Q''. And with that her face disappeared from my screen.