AN. Hey, you guys! It's been a month, I know that's way too long and I've been neglecting this fic. I'm sorry. College is just well, college. This has been sitting in my fanfic folder for weeks and I was never inspired enough to write anything good. I'm not sure if this'll make up for the time I've wasted but this is the longest chapter so far. It's a personal record! I'm sorry if it isn't as good or as detailed or as long as I would have hoped but it is an update! That's good, right?


An alarm rings by Quinn's beside. She groans and turns over to turn it off. She rubs her eyes and sits up, taking in the room. The first thing she notices is that she's not in her own home. She stares confusedly around the four white walls that surround her as memories of last night bombard her mind.

She came from the future and landed smack dab in Rachel Berry's rehearsal. Then she tried to convince her that she really was from the future. And then she continued to spill her guts about the reason behind her attitude.

'Oh, god. Why did you do that?'

'Shut up, I needed to be honest. That was a raw moment for both of us.'

'You do realize that you just bared your soul for the whole Berry family to see?'

'Yes, I do realize that and I'm not ashamed to admit that I did. I'm mature now remember? And part of being mature is owning up to mistakes and showing actual emotion.'

'You don't do that shit. You're not emotionally open, remember?'

'Whatever. No amount of looking back on it and being embarrassed by saying those things is gonna change anything I suggest we just try to move past this. What's done is done.'

'Fine.'

She sighs. She's been arguing with herself a lot these past few days. Mostly because she was being so emotionally open, she couldn't believe herself.

Quinn Fabray was never one to show emotion or talk about her feelings. She was taught early on that the unpleasant things you wanted to talk about were to be buried in the deepest recesses of your mind. If you don't talk about it, it doesn't exist. Fabray family motto.

So when she actually did open u she'd pick apart whatever she had fessed up to and wallow in embarrassment the next day.

Nevertheless, she was happy that she had opened up to Rachel and she didn't regret anything she had done

She sits up and tries to pat down her bed hair; this was the bad thing about having short hair, she always managed to wake up to an untameable mane. She spots her wheel chair beside her bed and pulls herself into it.

She headed to the ensuite bathroom, grips the edges of the sink, pulls herself upwards and stands. Her feet wobble a little from her weight. But she's stronger now and she's so happy that she didn't come out disfigured or horribly scared from the accident. She's quite likes how she looks

Although she could have done without the horrible case of bed hair.

'Oh well, guess the only thing to do now is try and look decent.'


Leroy Berry was not stupid. No, he was actually quite smart and he's proud to say that Rachel took after him.

As a doctor, he was supposed to pay attention to the small details. The slightest symptom could be caused by a bigger disease. He had to be constantly vigilant.

And that's how he knows that Quinn feels something for his daughter. The smiles she sends her way, the glances she took whenever she thought Rachel wasn't looking, and the body language. Everything just screamed attraction. Maybe more.

And he genuinely understood that. This was a case of a little boy pulling on a little girl's pigtails in the playground. Quinn just wanted Rachel's attention on her.

He understood that because he went through that when he wasn't out yet.

And he understands Quinn's disposition because of her upbringing and her family.

He understood all of that; but that didn't mean that he forgave her for it.

But Quinn was trying, he'd give her that much. She was trying to compensate and redeem herself. Something Leroy himself had never done. What he did was bury the past and never talk about it again; which is why he commends Quinn for the show of maturity and bravery.

And maybe with a little patience and time, he himself would be able to forgive Quinn for what she did and in the process, forgive himself.

And if she continues on the path that she's already on, he might just forgive her early in the game.

In the meantime, he'd have to have a talk with her about her feelings about a certain brunette.

'That would definitely be fun.'


Rachel was definitely chipper this morning, despite her nightly routine being ruined by the intense discussion her family and Quinn had, she was relieved and satisfied that her fathers had, for the most part, accepted Quinn's presence in their home.

She and Quinn had agreed that she would be present for every physical therapy session that Quinn had; which the Berrys agreed to pay for. They were to have the sessions at Leroy's hospital and since he works there, they're bound to have free service or at least a big discount.

She and Quinn also agreed that Quinn would go to school with her, but she wouldn't attend any of the classes and would just hang out in the auditorium. They also agreed that she'd have to keep the wig and the glasses.

'And not just because you insisted that she looked great in glasses. Nope, it had absolutely nothing to do with that.'

'So I was being a little adamant about seeing her in glasses. That's not a bad thing…right?'

'Of course it's not!'

Rachel went through her morning routine with a huge grin on her face and a bounce in her step. When she was done, she skipped happily downstairs and readied herself to enjoy a pleasant breakfast with her and family and Quinn.

Except when she got to the last step, the sight that greeted her was not pleasant at all. Leroy Berry was glancing down at Quinn, whose head was bowed.

"Daddy? Quinn? What's going on?"

Leroy's head snaps up to meet her eyes. "Oh, nothing dear. Quinn and I were just having a little talk," he finishes with a reassuring smile.

Quinn manoeuvres her chair to face Rachel and smiles one of her own, "Yeah, Rach. Don't worry about it."

'Did she just call you Rach?'

'I believe she just did.'

'Alright, Rachel. You can get through this. Do not, under any circumstance, panic.'

Rachel forces a smile, "Well, if it's nothing to worry about, we should be getting breakfast. I do have a tight schedule for these things and I wouldn't want to mess with my internal clock."

She passes both of them and settles in the kitchen, sitting herself on the counter and smiling as Hiram gives her a muffin, vegan of course.

'I can't help but feel that this is going to be a long day.'


It was indeed a long day. For Quinn Fabray, she had to bid her time away in the school auditorium because Rachel was off doing whatever she was doing during school and she had to keep herself entertained.

Not to mention the fact that because she had nothing to do, the conversation she had with Rachel's father was constantly on her mind.

"I know you're little secret."

She shudders just thinking about it. Leroy Berry had cornered her and forced a conversation she was so not ready to have with the man.

'How did he even know? I wasn't that obvious was I?"

'No, of course you weren't. You just have to downplay all the staring.'

'But I like looking at Rachel. She's just so breath-taking and talented and…'

'Stop right there. That kind of fangirling got you into that weird ass conversation with Leroy.'

Quinn sighs. It really was an unpleasant conversation

Quinn had just rolled her out and was heading to the kitchen where the scent of heaven was wafting. At that same moment, Leroy was just coming down the stairs.

"Quinn," he calls out softly as he reaches the end of the staircase. Quinn stops and faces him. "Might I have a word?"

Quinn tensed. She still felt uneasy around the man. "Of course, sir."

"Please, call me Leroy," he said with a smile that helped lower Quinn's defences.

"Ok, Leroy."

"I know your little secret," he said bluntly.

Quinn was taken aback. "I-I'm sorry?"

Leroy was stoic. "I know you're crushing on my daughter."

Quinn couldn't breathe. Had she been that obvious? If Leroy knew did that mean that Rachel knew?

"Quinn, it's okay. Breathe." Leroy said, putting his hand on her shoulder.

Quinn forced herself to take deep, calming breaths.

Leroy sighed. "Sorry to just dump this on you like this but I needed to get this conversation out of the way."

Quinn opened her mouth to deny the accusation once her breathing returned to normal.

But Leroy interjected with a, "Don't bother denying it. I've already made a ten page essay on the subject but I digress."

Quinn stopped breathing again. She should really stop doing that.

'Breathe, Fabray. Your future girlfriend's father is talking to you.'

'I can't. I just can't.'

'You need to participate in the conversation, he needs to like you!'

'I know. Okay, in and out. In and out.'

Leroy frowned, "Well, you're obviously uncomfortable. I suggest we talk about this more later, when you regain the ability to breathe again." He stared rubbing soothing circles on Quinn's upper back. Quinn flinched at the contact.

Leroy however smiled, "Trust me, I'm a doctor."

Quinn relaxed and willed her breath to slow down just as she heard footsteps coming down from the stairs.

Leroy pulled away and crossed his arms while Quinn looked down and tried breathing normally.

She never thought she'd be outed so early in the game. And she so wasn't anticipating another conversation like that.

She stopped her musings when she heard the door to the auditorium open and footsteps approach her position.

Rachel came into her line of sight carrying a lunch bag and wearing a huge smile. "Good noon, Quinn! I trust that you're morning was satisfactory. Are you hungry? I brought our lunch. Vegan, of course!"

Quinn beams at her. "I was actually totally bored. I had nothing to do."

Rachel frowns as she pulls a chair out from under one of the vanities. "I'm sorry to hear that, Quinn. I'll make up for it, though. When we get to physical therapy. That'll be fun!"

"Yeah, sure , fun."

'If by fun you mean indescribable pain from trying to regain the strength in my legs and trying so hard to stand without something to hold on to. Yeah, definitely fun.'

"How was your day?" Quinn asks as Rachel hands her a sandwich.

Rachel's face lights up at that. "It was amazing. While I would have done without Jacob Ben Israel asking me to take off my top to see my, quote unquote, over the shoulder boulder holder, the interview-"

"Wait," Quinn cut in. "Did he actually say that?"

Rachel looks at her, incredulous. "Did he actually say what?"

"The boulder holder thing."

"Over the shoulder boulder holder and yes, he did. I did say quote, unquote, Quinn."

Quinn takes a moment to stare at incredulously before bursting out in laughter. "That is the most hilarious thing I've heard all day. Thank you for that."

Rachel huffs, "It is not funny, Quinn Fabray, I could most definitely sue him for sexual harassment. Asking to see my bra is in no way-"

Quinn sobers up and puts a hand on Rachel's knee effectively stopping her midspeech, "I'm sorry, you're right. Jewfro's an idiot and he should be locked away somewhere. You should definitely tell me when he does something like that again, I'll totally kick his ass," she smiles softly at her.

Rachel looks down at Quinn's hand on her knee and blushes. "I should be reprimanding you for constantly interrupting me, but I find what you said incredibly sweet so I'll let it go for now. Thank you, I appreciate it."

Quinn beams at her, "You're welcome," she says and removes her hand from its current position on Rachel and starts eating her lunch.

Rachel frowns but digs in, too.


Rachel doesn't understand anything anymore. Here she is heading over to the choir room to meet with Finn, her ultimate crush. Yet she can't stop thinking Quinn. It's the way she feels around the girl that has her confused.

She actually likes talking to her, she's incredibly interesting and her mind is just an enigma. Which is surprising because, of course, who would imagine getting it on with your arch-nemesis?

And it doesn't help that she gets tingles every time Quinn touches an inch of her skin. The slightest touch could make her feel something she doesn't quite understand. And the feeling she's get in her stomach was infuriating.

'But aren't you supposed to be into Finn? He is the perfect leading man. And Present Quinn is still a huge bully.'

'Not to mention the fact that Finn is present Quinn's boyfriend.'

'Yeah, about that, is there any reason why you didn't tell Quinn about your sort-of-date with Finn?'

'It's not a date! Do not get your hopes up, Rachel Barbra Berry. He is still with Quinn.'

'Who is your friend now. You should have told her.'

'It slipped my mind. How am I supposed to concentrate on important things when Quinn was looking utterly gorgeous?'

'There you go again! Stop doing that, you're not supposed to find her that beautiful or smart or witty or just amazing…'

'Stop right there! There will be no more talk of gorgeous Quinn. And to lessen my guilt my guilt about not telling her about Finn offering to help, I'll tell her about it tonight. At physical therapy. Does that satisfy you?'

'Not really.'

'Oh, shut up.'


Quinn was feeling confused. Physical Therapy went well the other day if it weren't for the fact that Rachel was hardly paying any attention to her recovery process. No, she was too busy venting out about April Rhodes and how she was too old to be in high school and that it wasn't fair.

The worst part was when Rachel admitted to not telling her about practicing with Finn before the PT session. Because not only was Finn her boyfriend at the time, it also really sucked to know that Rachel would much rather spend her time with Finn than with her.

Oh wait, no. The worst part was when Rachel actually asked Quinn for permission to hang out with Finn the following night and Quinn couldn't possibly refuse her when she was pleading with those big, brown eyes.

"It's not a date Quinn, I swear. I wouldn't go behind your back like that. You can trust me."

"I do trust you. It's him I don't trust," she grumbles.

"Come on, Quinn. It'll just be two friends hanging out with each other. There's nothing suspicious about it."

"I don't know, Rachel."

"Quinn, please." Rachel dragged out the last word.

And that's when Quinn snapped, because Rachel was looking at her with doe eyes and god forbid she ever do anything to make hurt flash through those amazing eyes.

She cursed herself for being such a coward and that definitely intensified when Rachel came home from her not date with Finn and complained rather loudly that she didn't have anything to eat because the bowling alley didn't have any vegan options.

"They didn't even have any salad!"

Quinn slumped in her wheelchair. Rachel was obviously still head over heels in love with the guy. If only she could convince her to stop pinning over him that idiot. And then she'd…

'And then you'd what?'

'Shut up. I haven't figured that part out yet.'

'This is your second chance to get things right. Don't waste it.'

'I know, okay? I just need more time.'

'You don't have it. Everyday Rachel's going to fall deeper in love with that manchild unless you stop it!'

'Stop pressuring me! I'm doing the best I can!'

'Your best isn't enough!'

'SHUT UP!'

Quinn puts her head in her hands. She's arguing with herself again. This week could not get any worse.

And then she hears the auditorium doors open and slam close.

Quinn straightens up and looks at the direction of the newcomer.

"You're pregnant," is blurted out.

Quinn is taken aback but remains an impassive, "Well hello to you too."

Rachel stops in front of her wheelchair and crosses her arms, "I was the last to know. That's funny because I have been with you for the past few days and you didn't even think of mentioning it?"

"When would have been the right time to tell you? When you were busy talking about your play or during PT when you were hardly paying attention to me or when you asked me for permission on you "not date" with Finn? You know what? Maybe I should have told you then. That way you'd have backed off of Finn!"

Rachel shock is written all over her face. "Why are you so opposed to me being friends with Finn?"

'Because I'm in love with you!'

"Because you want to be more than that and I'm his pregnant girlfriend!"

Rachel's arms drop and she looks down. "I'm sorry. I admit I did have ulterior motives when I went on that not date but I didn't know." She looks back up, "But I promise you now, I won't go after him anymore."

Quinn licks her lips, "I doubt that. But I really do appreciate it, thank you."

Rachel nods and turns to grab a chair.

"How did you find out anyway?"

Rachel drags a chair towards Quinn and sits on it after, "The whole club was talking about it when they ignored me as I announced my return to glee."

"But how did they know?"

Rachel shrugs, "I didn't get to ask them. I was too busy being mad at Finn."

"Why were you at him?"

"He was just using me to get a scholarship. He said he needed me to return to glee so he'd have a chance at college."

'That asshole.'

'Yeah, we all know he is.'

'Except Rachel obviously.'

"This is why you should lay off him. He's a jerk."

Rachel gasps, "You're dating him!"

"Trust me when I say I have no idea why."

Rachel looks incredulous and clearly wants to ask a question but Quinn doesn't allow it. "Just don't, Rachel."

A sigh, "Alright."

Rachel shifts in her chair and then says, "On the bright side, I've been given complete artistic control over the play."

"That's great, Rachel."

Rachel hums noncommittally.

"But you should go back to glee."

Rachel head snaps up at that, "Why would you say that?"

"Because you love it there. And you can't abandon the club when it needs you."

"It doesn't need me, they have April Rhodes."

"Who is always drunk off her ass and will probably be asked to leave the school sometime soon."

"I was never appreciated in that club. The play is giving me the star treatment I deserve."

"I appreciate you," Quinn blurted out. "I'm not, I mean, past me isn't showing it right now but I really do. I always have."

Rachel blushes, "Thank you, Quinn. But I still feel like I'm not wanted there. I feel like such an outcast."

Quinn cocks an eyebrow, "When has that ever stopped you before?"

Rachel smiles softly, "Never. But I just thought glee would be different. I thought I'd get actual friends there. I thought I'd belong."

Quinn's heart breaks for her. She wheels herself closer to her and places her hand on one of Rachel's. "I know it seems that way right now but trust me, we'll be a family. I don't think I would've been able to survive this year without that club. And you being in the club helped me a lot. I know this is going to sound selfish but I want you to go back to glee because I, that is, past me would be so happy when you return. Without you, I would have broken down a long time ago."

Rachel stares at Quinn in apprehension. "Do you really mean that?"

"I meant every word of it. Please go back to glee."

Rachel bites her lip and says, "I don't know…"

"At least watch the performance. That'll help, I bet."

Finally, Rachel nods. "Okay."


Rachel watches as April Rhodes dances her way through the number, constantly in contact with one member or another. She's amazing and a great performer albeit obviously inebriated. Quinn is there in beside her and she takes comfort in that.

Quinn's confession a few hours ago had left Rachel with a funny feeling. She was shocked at what Quinn had to say. Who knew she would play such an integral role in the blonde's life? And she so wanted to play that role. She wanted to be friends with her. Desperately so. Even more than she wanted to be with Finn.

"Quinn, they don't need me."

"They do. You'll see after the intermission."

Rachel did want to join the club again. Finn had done a good job of convincing her so but she didn't want to return after knowing Finn's true intentions. The only reason she's even considering joining again is Quinn.

When intermission hit, Rachel grabs Quinn's hand and squeezes it. "Wish me luck?"
Quinn squeezes back and smiles, "You won't need it."

Rachel slips out of her seat and heads backstage.

Quinn was right. They needed her and she was more than willing to offer her assistance.

There was a flurry of action after she announced that she was willing to understudy. She was so caught up trying to get the choreography down and picking an outfit that actually fit her that she didn't really notice anything else in the environment.

She did, however, notice Quinn's smile throughout the entire thing.

Can anybody find me somebody to love?

Each mornin' I get up I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet

She executes the choreography perfectly because she's a perfectionist and everything has to be amazing. She belts out the first lines and feels exhilarated. She will never get tired of this feeling. The rushed feelings of being in front of a crowd, performing for them, making them all see how much of a star she was. It was her turn now and she was never going to give that up.

But everybody wants to put me down
They say I'm goin' crazy

They say I got a lot of water in my brain
Got no common sense
I got nobody left to believe
Yeah, yeah yeah yeah

Oh Lord
Somebody, somebody
Can anybody find me, someone to love?

Mercedes takes center stage as they all line up and she's standing beside Quinn, their heads are bowed down. She looks over at Quinn and thinks that she has found somebody to love. And that was Quinn. In that moment, she feels so strong, so in her element, that she feels nothing can ever ruin it. So she does what she really wants to do.

She reaches out and grasps Quinn's hand in her own. She didn't even fumble to find to it, it was all so natural, like they had done it a million times before. Quinn doesn't jerk her hand away.

Quinn's hand feels warm and nice. She wants to hold on to that hand forever. She squeezes and to her surprise, Quinn squeezes back.

She regretfully lets go when Mercedes finishes her bit.


Quinn is shocked to say the least. She just watched as Rachel reached over and grabbed past hers hand in front of an entire audience. What shocked her even more was that past her didn't let go and actually had a disappointed expression on her face when Rachel let go.

Invitationals were over and she was currently seated in Rachel's car wanting to break the silence.

"So…" she starts.

Rachel's head turns to her direction.

"You just held my hand. In an auditorium full of people."

"That is correct, yes."

Quinn hums in response, looking down at her hands in her lap.

"Are you mad at me?"

Quinn's head snaps up at that to meet worried brown eyes. "No, of course I'm not," she soothes.

She grabs Rachel's hand to emphasize the point, "That was a brave thing to do and to be honest, I, I mean, past me wanted to hold your hand at that moment too. I'm glad you did that."

Rachel beams at that. "I'm glad I did that," she says as she intertwines her hand with Quinn.

She starts the engine, never once letting go of Quinn's hand.

'This has been a great week.'

'And you were thinking it was the worst week ever.'

'I did not!'

'Yes, you did!'

'…ok, maybe I did. I'm glad I was wrong.'

'But this day definitely takes the cake. Might just be the best day ever.'

'Not so fast! Leroy did say he wanted to continue that conversation you had.'

'Oh, shit. I forgot about that.'

'So much for the best day ever.'

'It can't be that bad, right?'

'…'

'Right?'

'…'

'I'm screwed.'


AN. Review please? I need to know what you think of this one. Once again, not sure when I'll be able to update again.

EDIT: Thank you for the helpful suggestion. I went and edited the thoughts. :)