A/N: This is a short chapter, but at least it's an update, right? Once again, thanks for the reviews!

0~0~0

"I think I'm going to start looking for a job..."

Within seconds Santana was arguing. "No, it's only been two weeks, and you're still not one hundred percent. It's probably not the best idea to be wandering around New York City looking for a job when your immune system is still shit."

Rachel rolled her eyes and began swinging back and forth on the bar stool she was sitting on as she watched Santana work. She had been picking at a cupcake when she decided to voice her thoughts. Rachel knew that Santana would immediately shoot her down; she had been prepared for that.

"Santana, I'm fine. I feel great! My voice is still raspy, which means I probably won't be going for any roles yet, but the least I can do is get a part time job somewhere!" Rachel countered.

Santana shook her head and put her hands on her hips. She knew Rachel was right, she just didn't want to admit it. Rachel still wasn't completely herself, but Santana knew how much Rachel hated being so inactive. Rachel took advantage of Santana's silence and continued. "I mean, I'm tired of either sitting at the apartment, or sitting at Coffee and Cupcakes. I'm ready to get out and start doing stuff again." She paused and looked at Santana with big bambi eyes. "Please. Please? Please, please, please, pleaaaaaase-"

"Alright!" Santana almost yelled, causing a few customers in the shop to stop and stare at the two girls. "Alright..." Santana said again, her voice lower. "Starting tomorrow while I'm at work, you can go job hunting... And I'm sorry. It's not really my place to be restricting you anyways..."

Rachel smirked. "True, but I know you're only doing what's best for me, which is why I listen."

At that, Santana tried to hide her blush, but she could tell by Rachel's giggling she hadn't succeeded. "Sure, sure. Now leave me alone, I have to work."

"Fine, I have to go pick out my outfit for tomorrow anyways." Rachel hoped off of the barstool and put on her jacket. Santana's apartment was only five minutes away from Coffee and Cupcakes, at most.

Santana raised an eyebrow. "You have your key?" Santana had made Rachel a copy of her key after about a week of her staying there. There were days when Rachel didn't want to stick around the shop all day, or days when she didn't want to stay at the apartment. The significance hadn't even crossed Santana's mind until Quinn had pointed it out to her later that week.

"Yes! I only forgot it that one time a few days ago!" Rachel said, over dramatically before laughing. "I'll see you later tonight."

Santana watched Rachel walk out of the shop with a certain warmth in her heart. That girl really knew how to pull at Santana's heartstrings, and it had been a long time since someone had been able to do that.

0~0~0

The next day it was Santana waiting for Rachel to get home. Santana still hadn't been able to get Rachel a cellphone, though it was the next thing on her list, so when she realized it was past eight Santana was sure that this whole job hunt thing had been a terrible idea.

"What do I do? Do I call for missing persons? She should have been back hours ago!" Santana panicked over the phone to Quinn. Quinn, who was busy at a work party, quickly tried to be the voice of reason.

"Santana, calm down. It's only 8:07. Maybe she got an on the spot interview, or ran into an old friend? I seriously doubt that something happened to her. So do what I say: close your eyes, take a deep breath, and stop worrying. Okay? Now I gotta go. Call me if she doesn't turn up."

Santana tried to make herself busy with one of her grandmother's recipes as she waited. She knew Rachel was going to be hungry when she got home, even though she had given her money for lunch and a snack Santana had anticipated that Rachel would be home for dinner. Finally at 8:52 the door to the apartment opened and in walked Rachel Berry.

"Where have you been?" Santana all but shrieked. She dropped her ingredients and ran over and wrapped Rachel in a tight hug.

Rachel gasped. "Santana-"

"You were supposed to be home around six so we could have dinner. It's almost nine!" Santana pulled back and looked Rachel dead in the eyes. "Are you okay? You didn't get lost, or anything did you?"

"Santana, you're being ridiculous! I've lived here in the city for four years; I know my way around." She smiled at Santana and shook her head. "You shouldn't worry so much. I'm late because I went by a local theater to see if they were hiring, and they actually were. They've been looking for a extra stagehand for a while, and they liked that I already knew my way around a theater." Rachel grabbed Santana's hands, grinning so wide Santana thought her cheeks would shatter. "I start next week!"

"I'm so proud of you!" Santana laughed as she pulled Rachel in for another hug. This was it, Santana thought. Rachel really was getting better, and she was slowly slipping away from her. It was already starting, and even though Santana was smiling at the happy little actress in front of her, she had a heavy feeling of loneliness.