A/N: Quicker than expected here I am. Got a good chunk of the next chapter drafted too, so should be done by Saturday...maybe. Love your reviews, keep them coming.

The next morning Quinn woke to find Rachel watching her.

"Do you do that a lot?" she asked sleepily. She stretched and saw how Rachel watched her intently.

"I wake early yes. Today I got lost watching you sleep, you looked so peaceful. It was nice seeing your face without all the stress or worry it's been carrying lately.

"I thought I'd been smiling a lot?" she said defensively.

Rachel reached out her hand and caressed Quinn's cheek "behind the smiles, when they weren't there. I saw it, how it was hurting" Quinn leant into the touch.

"I wasn't hurting Rachel. I have never felt happier. I may have been confused and I may have been a bit stressed as it was a lot to deal with, but not hurting. I felt hurt when you walked out last night, when I realised that me not speaking up had hurt you. I'm sorry for that"

"Well we are here now"

"Yes we are and I have to say that nothing beats waking up to your face Ms Berry" Quinn leant over and kissed Rachel.

"Nothing beats the way you kiss me"

"good to know" Quinn began to explore Rachel's body, she gently traced her hands around all her curves stopping at her ass and pulling her close, Rachel's breathing quickly became ragged

"We can't, not now. My Dads" Rachel protested

"Just be quiet"

"I can't promise that. You make me noisy"

"Oh shit now I can't help but think of yesterday. I want you Rachel" she attacked her neck with kisses and bites, slipping her vest over her head as she did. Her mouth soon met Rachel's breasts and her hand delved between her legs, she could feel how wet she was and it only drove her on. Suddenly she felt Rachel's hands on her and when one slipped beneath her shorts she bucked forward. Their thighs slammed together. "Fuck Quinn" she groaned and Quinn quickly pressed their lips together and attempted to kiss away the moans escaping from Rachel. With a final push she felt Rachel come and she soon fell over the edge herself.

"Wow Rachel Berry you are so fucking hot"

"Quinn Fabray that was so good, I can't believe how long we waited! If someone had told me it'd be that good!"

"It's not always that good Rachel, believe me. Being in love and being sure really makes a difference to me I can promise you that"

"I love you"

"I love you too baby" the term of endearment fell easily from her mouth now as she hugged her girlfriend and a small part of her prayed that Rachel's Dads hadn't heard them, because she may not get to do all this again for a while.

Her mind was put at ease when they showered and went to join her Dads only to find a note saying they'd gone out to work early. Both had forgotten it was Monday and people worked during the week while they got to lounge about in the hot sun.

Rachel lazily made Quinn vegan pancakes, she kept getting distracted and stopping to kiss her, so it ended up taking an hour or more.

"Wow these are delicious"

"You sound surprised?"

"I am, but I shouldn't be. I should have known anything Rachel Berry focusses on is going to be all kinds of awesome"

"You better believe"

"Now come here, I want dessert"

"Really Quinn we have to be at your Moms in an hour"

"exactly and that gives me 45 minutes more with you alone in this empty house with all these rooms that we have to…."

Rachel grabbed her by the collar and pulled her in for a kiss that would most definitely lead to more.

An hour later and they finally set off to see Judy.

Xxx

"Girls I said 12pm!"

"Sorry Mom"

"Sorry Judy" Rachel couldn't help but blush.

"It's ok, now come on, lunch is all ready, Michael and Jean are here, don't worry Fran has gone out, says she has to visit some old friends, then this afternoon it's just the three of us and we can have a nice little chat"

Rachel groaned inwardly. She didn't want a chat with Judy about her and Quinn.

"Really Mom? You were serious about talking it out?"

"Too right I am Quinn, now let's eat and enjoy"

Xxx

As Quinn sat down to lunch, Fran walked into a coffee shop across town. She hated what happened yesterday. She knew she was right and that Quinn would eventually see sense and ditch this fantasy with Rachel. Last night she had tried to convince her Mom but it had been difficult, she had never met so much resistance from Judy before. She saw him as soon as she entered. It had been six months since their last encounter and she had been angry with him, she couldn't believe he'd walk out on them like that, but now she needed Russell Fabray, she needed her Dad to sort out the mess Quinn had caused. Fran knew her Mom was still under his spell, that a few choice words from him and promises would help sway things to her way and what she knew most of all was that Quinn would have no choice but to do as he said if she ever wanted a chance of college in New York. The thought alone made her feel joyous as she crossed the room and joined him with a brief kiss to the cheek.

"Daddy" she exclaimed

"Francis" he kissed her back "and to what do I owe the pleasure? Last I remember you hated my guts for leaving your Mom"

"Well I have grown up a little Daddy and I know its Quinn, I know she ruined you and Mommy and I also know that she is about to destroy our family name once again"

Russell narrowed his eyes and straightened his back.

"You had better start from the beginning"

xxx

Across the room Santana scowled, she didn't like the look of her two least favourite people looking so deep in conversation. She knew she was a bitch, but nothing compared to Fran and adding Russell to the mix just led to pure evil.

"Hey Santana" Brittany broke her from her reverie.

"Hey" Santana jumped up "come on sit down and help me spy on the evil duo over there"

"Who?" Brittany shot her head round and Santana grabbed her arm pulling her down into the seat

"Over there, the Fabray's"

"Quinn? I didn't see her"

"No Fran and their Dad"

"Oh"

"I know. Trouble is coming. I have like this really bad feeling about seeing them together"

"Have you told Quinn?"

"She's got a few things going on at the moment so I don't think she needs to know about this"

"Has she told Rachel she loves her yet?"

Santana blinked, she knew Britt knew but they hadn't talked about it

"I hope so. she doesn't want to lose her that much I know"

"I'm still here Santana, I never left."

"So maybe we could…"

"Maybe but not now. Things feel too raw and I don't want to hurt Artie"

"There you go talking about Artie again" Santana couldn't hide her frustration.

"He is a friend and he deserves the same respect I would give to you, so please understand" Brittany begged.

"I am trying. I will keep trying" Santana took Brittany's hand and squeezed it gently. Her gaze was broken when she heard laughter across the room. She turned to see Russell chuckling away, his face suddenly became serious as he leant in towards Fran. She wished she could lip read but whatever he said it didn't look nice. A sickly smile spread across his face and Santana felt her skin crawl.

Xxx

Quinn watched as her Mom fussed around the table, making sure everybody was happy. She was amused at the special attention Rachel was receiving. It made her feel content that her Mom was trying even if it was making Rachel squirm a little. Michael kept the conversation going, she was so glad to have become friends with him, he had turned into a total rock. He still blushed a little when he looked at Rachel, Quinn had realised at the party that he had a little crush on her girlfriend and that when he caught them yesterday he had pretty much drooled but she knew he'd never be trouble.

"So we are in New York tonight, I can't wait" Michael said

"Yes a few days and I will hopefully find the right place for my new premises, I just love New York" Jean added

"I am so jealous" Rachel looked wistful, like her heart belonged in that city and she needed to find it, but then she turned to Quinn and she came back to Ohio and her love with a huge smile and warm heart. "But we'll be there soon enough"

"We will" Quinn noticed the slight twitch in her Moms smile and knew that New York was still a long way off, but she didn't want to stop dreaming, not now. She would find a way to New York somehow.

A little later and Jean and Michael headed on their way out of Lima, Quinn and Rachel stood with Judy and waved them off. All three of them had things on their mind, too many things.

xxx

Judy made them all a drink and they sat outside by the pool.

"I'm glad you know? That the two of you worked it out and chose to be together. It's not easy falling for someone because there is that point when you have to let go so that you can fall and love and trust. I don't think everyone gets to that point, but to get to it and get it right well that is special" she had a faraway look in her eyes and Quinn thought it looked like tears were forming.

"Is that what happened with you and Dad?"

Judy shook her head "I was like a love sick teenager with Russell. I followed him for years. I never earned my own self-respect. I don't think that's true love, but it was enough at the time. Well until it went too far and I will never forgive myself for standing by that night, I played denial then too. I knew you were pregnant, I wish I had been stronger."

"We all made mistakes when it came to the pregnancy" Rachel hung her head she'd never really dealt with what she did to Quinn. Her intentions then were not pure because she had wanted Finn at the time.

"And we have all moved on. Beth is happy with your Mom….actually that is kind of weird. It makes us what?"

"Well I guess your daughter is my sister so…"

"Oh god that is complicated" Judy sighed from across the table.

"You wanted to talk though Mom, that's why we are here"

"I did, I just wanted you to know I love you"

"I love you too"

Judy sat up a little straighter.

"When did you first know? I mean that you were a lesbian?…you are a lesbian?" Judy questioned

"I am a lesbian yes. Looking back I always knew, but I hid by being a bitch, a bitch to the person I couldn't control myself around" Quinn looked to Rachel with sorrow in her eyes.

"But its ok now" Rachel tried to reassure her

"I don't know if it will ever be ok, because the way I acted was wrong. I made mistakes. When I slept with Puck I…well Fran wound me up and she was being funny about Santana and Brittany that day"

"She what? Oh my" Rachel shook her head

"Well I reacted and not in the right way."

"You shouldn't let your sister get to you, either of you. Look at yesterday for a start. Fran thinks she knows it all that life is black and white, she'll learn about the shades of grey sometime and hopefully soon." Judy tried to reassure Quinn.

"She hates me though Mom, I know it" Quinn couldn't help the tears, she always felt emotional about her sisters contempt.

"She doesn't Quinnie. She gets jealous and is controlling but I don't think she realises that what she is doing is so hurtful."

"Well I can't be here with her, I hope you understand that"

"I do. Just so long as you know you are welcome here and it will always be your home and you can bring your girlfriend home for dinner anytime you want" Judy smiled at Rachel

The mood lightened and they chatted a while longer. When they heard the front door the three of them froze. Judy eventually stood up and moved into the house. Rachel and Quinn heard muffled voices before Judy returned.

"We should go" Quinn stood

"She leaves on Thursday. It's not long. Perhaps I could take you both out to dinner tomorrow night. Rachel do you think your Dads would like to join us?"

"Um let me ask" Rachel fired off a text and moments later got a joint response "they'd love to"

"Lovely. I'll book a table. Vegan options a must"

"Thanks Judy, it's nice to know someone remembers"

"I'm good at things like that, attention to detail is always key for me"

"Me too"

"I think you two will get on well" Quinn huffed, Rachel laughed at her.

"Don't get jealous Quinnie, it isn't attractive"

"Whatever Mom. We are off. See you tomorrow night, send me the reservation details" she kissed her Mom and grabbed Rachel's hand and she didn't look up as she walked to the door but she knew Fran was stood at the top of the stairs watching them.

xxx

Quinn didn't say a word as she drove them back to Rachel's house. Her head was still a mess, she just wanted to get back to Rachel's room and hold her. Her Mom had been amazing, she was glad that things had improved, but she knew doubts hung in the air, doubts about her future about college and New York and she didn't want Rachel to worry. It was Quinn's problem and she would sort it, she didn't see the point in Rachel worrying too, she had her own dream to follow.

"You Ok Quinn?"

"Yep fine" she answered a little roughly, she felt Rachel shift in her seat uncomfortably "sorry" she turned to look at her briefly at the stop sign.

"Been a hectic 24 hours I know" Rachel reached across the console and placed her hand on Quinn's thigh.

"Manic but it's done. The important people know. I think I'd like to go back to focussing on us. Starting with a date tonight"

"But you are staying at my house?"

"I can still work out a romantic date. Just you wait and see"

Rachel squeezed Quinn's thigh and settled into her seat.

xxx

Quinn managed to avoid Fran for the next few days. It wasn't until Thursday that their paths crossed. Rachel had plans so Quinn decided to go take her things back home early. The house was empty and she headed straight to her room. Part of her wanted to stay with Rachel, but that would never have been allowed. Rachel's Dads had, as promised, made it very clear about the house rules. The days had been good and they had made the most of empty houses, but at night they played by the rules well almost always.

Being together all day and night had been amazing, Quinn's head had been full of Rachel and it had helped her forget about the troubles she faced with Fran.

Once she had sorted her clothes she headed downstairs and ran slap bang into her sister.

"Oomph, watch it baby sis"

"Whatever" she tried to push past but Fran side stepped to block her way

"Not so fast. I haven't seen you since your embarrassing revelations the other night"

"Mom has warned you"

"Mom is not here. So you still playing lipstick Lesbos with the Berry girl? Like those man hands all over you do you?"

"Drop it Fran"

"No Quinn, you are making a mistake. You need to get over it and fast if you ever expect a future in the Fabray family, experimenting is fine, but don't make it a life choice or you will regret it."

"What the hell Fran, just go and get on the plane and don't hurry back"

"Oh I'll be back and sooner than you think. I have to keep an eye on you after all"

"What is that supposed to mean? You have a job, you can't take indefinite vacation and it doesn't matter anyway, you being here isn't going to stop me seeing Rachel"

"We'll see Quinn" Fran stepped aside and Quinn quickly got out of there. She grabbed a snack and headed back to her room. She heard her Mom return and a little later she heard some heated words before the front door slammed and she watched Fran head off in a taxi.

xxx

Fran was gone and the weeks that followed were blissful. Before they knew it summer was almost over. Senior year was about to start and they were both excited. Their relationship had developed and they were glad they could be open and honest with those closest to them.

Judy had been amusing, she had really tried her best at being supportive and occasionally it spilled into hilarity, but they knew she meant well and the acceptance they were given meant everything. Quinn knew she was madly in love with Rachel and that a future together was all that mattered, Rachel loved Quinn more than she ever thought it was possible to love another.

Back to school meant back to reality and their friends. They had kept in touch with a few of the glee club and everyone knew they were friends since New York. So no one questioned if when they ran into Quinn, Rachel was nearby or vice versa.

Santana knew as did Brittany, but they had been busy trying to work themselves out over the summer and their paths barely crossed over those remaining days.

A week before the start of school and Rachel's doorbell rang. She rushed to the door to find her Mom standing on the other side.

"Rachel"

"Shelby" Rachel froze and Shelby took the opportunity to step inside.

"So how are you?"

"I am good. I am. Why are you here?"

"I needed to talk to you about something. Actually I needed to tell you something"

"What? Is it Beth, where is she? Oh my god is she ok?"

"She's fine Rachel, just lovely. She's with my neighbour"

"You went out of town and left her with your neighbour?"

"I didn't. I didn't go out of town. I moved to Lima. I start teaching next week at McKinley"

Rachel just stood there, the shock from seeing her Mom at her door hadn't faded and now it was being added to. She imagined she was doing a very good impression of a fish in that moment, but the words wouldn't form. I need to sit down, I need to sit down. Sitting will help. Help what? I don't know.

"I need to sit down" Rachel finally said aloud as she sat down on the floor. She didn't even notice the empty chair right next to her. Shelby watched on, bemused.

"Rachel, I really didn't think I'd shock you this much, I thought you'd like having me around"

"It's just, well a lot has happened and why? I mean you left, you said you didn't want me" Rachel still hurt. Knowing her Mom couldn't be a Mom to her but she could to a new born baby made no sense to her at all, no matter how hard she tried to reason with it.

"I shouldn't have said that, but you are this grown up strong woman and I didn't see that you needed me"

"You really believe that? Girls don't outgrow the need for their mother, trust me on that it may come in handy one day with Beth"

"I was a selfish woman Rachel. I am learning not to be. Beth has helped with that. I gave you away though and I spent years telling myself that was ok. So please understand that it is hard for me to twist my thoughts into thinking you need me, when I spent so long convincing myself that you didn't, haven't and never would"

Rachel just stared at her Mom and was glad she had sat down.

"Nothing is simple I guess"

"So me being at McKinley?"

"I guess I'll have to get used to it, I mean it's a bit late for me to transfer out now in my senior year and I couldn't leave Quinn….oh Quinn" Rachel put her head in her hands, it was all becoming too much to deal with.

"I realise things may be awkward for her and Noah" Shelby sat down on the floor with Rachel "but they will be able to have as much or as little contact with Beth as they like and it's not like I will bring her in to school or anything"

"But you will live in Lima and you will take her to the grocery store or to the playground and Quinn might see you. Did you even think how it would feel for her to see that?" Rachel felt the anger spill into her words.

"That bit I said about being selfish well I kind of was when I took the job. I thought of me and Beth and being able to see you. I didn't really think it would be any concern to anyone else"

"Wow" Rachel shook her head "you really are selfish"

"I am trying Rachel" Shelby snapped, she took a deep breath to calm herself "Sorry it's just that I want you to know I am here and be ok with it"

"Fine you have told me. Now I think you had better leave" Rachel stood up and Shelby followed

"Rachel please" she begged

"I need time to think, I need to process and I need to talk to Quinn"

"Why would you talk to Quinn? I didn't think you were friends"

"We are um we are close now, so I think it's probably best if she hears this from me"

"Fine. I'll leave it to you" Shelby opened the door and made her way out "this is my number, if you need me. Ok?" she handed Rachel the note.

"Ok"

Rachel watched as her Mom drove away, she had no idea how she was going to fix this mess.

Xxx