A/N - Wow. 1,000 followers. Pretty awesome. Thanks so much for all the readership and support. A lot of you had some great feedback/critiques from the last chapter. Lots of feelings were shared. Please know that I appreciate all the reviews and I read and consider every single one of them.

A/N 2: Regarding passage of time in the story, I try not to have too much filler where the girls are apart. After all, this is a Faberry story and it doesn't really work if the girls aren't together, so I try to just mention how long time has passed and hopefully it doesn't seem too choppy or disjointed.

A/N 3 - I know this is random, but if anyone out there is decent with the ol' Photoshop or similar programs, I'd love to have a Faberry poster/photo type thing that I can upload specifically for this story. I'm not so great with creating that kind of stuff, so if you're interested, PM me and I will pay you one million invisible internet points. And of course give you a shout out for your hard work.

If speed equals distance over time, then there was definitely a reason that the last three months had dragged so slowly for Rachel. She hated being so far apart from Quinn for so long and her spring break couldn't get here fast enough. Of course they did the usual phone conversations and emails, but it was growing increasingly difficult for Rachel to be stuck in Lima while Quinn was pursuing her passion. It made her all the more restless and wanting so badly to move to New York and rid herself of this town that never really appreciated her talent.

What made being apart from Quinn even more difficult was the constant onslaught of celebrity gossip about her and a certain strapping co-star of hers. It made Rachel want to vomit every time she read their two names in the same sentence. She and Quinn had both agreed that, instead of pretending to date Brandon, she and Brandon would simply not confirm nor deny a relationship and just let the press think what they wanted. And boy, did they take that gossip and run with it because, who are we kidding? "No comment" almost always means "yes," doesn't it?

She tried to keep her jealousy from showing when Quinn informed her that Brandon would be in New York while she and Quinn were there, too. The co-stars had to record some commentary together for a behind-the-scenes documentary about the Ten Stories Down sequel. That, coupled with Quinn's shooting schedule in New York for Chaos Theory led Rachel to wonder exactly how much time they would have together. But Quinn assured her that every moment not spent working will be spent with Rachel.

Still, Rachel tried to keep a level head about things. She was mature and patient and understanding. Yet, on the inside, her diva behavior was screaming to get out. She wanted to call Quinn and yell at her every time someone mentioned the blonde dating Brandon. But Rachel knew she was just projecting her insecurity and probably wanted to pick a fight because they were so far apart and it would be easier to miss Quinn if she were mad at her. And she knew that wouldn't be good for anyone, so she channeled her frustration through her singing. It certainly made for a very passionate and first-place winning performance for the glee club at Regionals. She called Quinn with the exciting news right after they were declared the winners and by the time Rachel got home that night, a congratulatory bouquet of flowers was waiting for her from Quinn, who knew that there was no doubt Rachel would bring the glee club their victory.

In the months leading up to her impending spring break, Rachel also learned that she had gotten accepted to NYU, Julliard, and NYADA, which made her upcoming New York trip even more exciting.

Surprisingly, school had been a safe haven for her. It kept her focused and driven instead of being at home and missing Quinn so much she could barely stand it. And when Quinn would text her during class, it always brightened her day. It made her feel special being able to laugh at their inside jokes during a boring lecture. She also found that life at McKinley was getting to be just a little bit easier for her on the social side of things. Being friends with the most popular cheerios certainly helped. Plus, her romantic relationship with Quinn may have been top secret, but it was no secret that she was at least friends with her. Really, she and Brittany were the only ones from McKinley who could say that they have Quinn Fabray's number in their phones. That kind of knowledge helped her to keep her head up high, whereas two years ago, she tried to stay unnoticed in the halls and only made a spectacle of herself when she was performing. As difficult as it has been being apart from Quinn, Rachel could at least say that she hasn't been slushied once during this entire school year. That was definitely a feat and a personal victory for herself.

Still, she wished she could share this victory with Quinn. And the victory of Regionals. And basically every moment, both significant and trivial.

One thing she really hated was the fact that Kurt kept getting on Rachel about the fact that she wasn't dating anyone. He kept telling her she has so much to offer, that any guy would be lucky to date her and that she desperately needed to get laid. There were so many things wrong with all of those statements, but as much as she wanted to, she couldn't correct him. Not yet, anyway. She did appease him by at least considering finding a date to the prom. It was something she dreaded thinking about, but since it's a rite of passage for most teenagers, she didn't want to miss out on dancing and having fun with her friends. So Kurt made it his mission to find her a date.

Rachel bobbed her head along with the music coming from her iPod as she stared at the "fasten seatbelt" sign, waiting for it to light up. Once it lit up, that meant they were starting their descent. And when they started their descent, that meant she would be touching ground in New York and would soon be greeted by the two loves of her life: Quinn Fabray and Broadway. Rachel knew it was no accident that her two loves just happened to rhyme. She may or may not have sung a few made up songs rhyming those words in her lyrics. She looked out the window at the earth below and couldn't contain her excitement for the week that lay ahead of her. In just a few moments, she would be seeing the city that would eventually become her home and she'd be the girl who always made her feel like home. She couldn't wait to feel so safe and comforted. It was a long time coming.

She looked back at the "fasten seatbelt" sign, waiting for it to light up as a Jenny Lewis song came on her iPod. She smiled remembering the moment when Quinn made her listen to every song ever recorded by her and how excited she was to share it with Rachel. Rachel found something really soothing and sweet about her voice and was glad Quinn was opening her eyes to new musical genres and artists, even though showtunes would always be at the top of her list.

She tapped her foot anxiously and all her patience finally paid off when the "fasten seatbelt" sign flashed on. It was time. The plane would be landing very shortly. And Rachel was about to get a glimpse of her future.

"Rachel!"

Gripping the handle of her suitcase in one hand and her purse in the other, Rachel turned to see where the voice was coming from. She knew it was Quinn calling her, but she couldn't see her anywhere. She did a complete three-sixty, but still couldn't find her.

"Rach! Over here!"

The airport terminal was overwhelmingly crowded and she was getting increasingly perturbed at the prospect of not being able to locate her girlfriend.

"Rachel! Hello? Right here!"

The girl walking toward her had Quinn's height, build and face, but the bright red hair was a stark contrast to her normal blonde locks. Rachel's breath caught in her throat when she realized the redhead walking towards her was actually Quinn.

"Hey!" The taller girl gave a very shocked Rachel a hug. "How are you?"

Rachel looked her up and down, very confused at her appearance.

"Quinn?"

Quinn ran a hand through her hair and looked at Rachel sheepishly.

"Oh yeah. I forgot. What do you think?"

Rachel's eyes went wide as she studied her girlfriend more closely.

"You forgot you dyed your hair? Or you forgot to tell me?"

"I guess both. I just did it yesterday. It's for the movie. Halfway though, my character dyes her hair." Quinn's face fell. "You hate it, don't you?"

Rachel emphatically shook her head no.

"Not even a little bit. I mean, obviously I love you as a blonde, but this...I definitely don't hate this." She tucked a few strands of hair behind Quinn's ear. "It's like I have a whole new girlfriend."

Quinn giggled. "You can have a torrid affair with a hot redhead while you're in New York."

"Should I go blonde? Mix things up a bit?"

Quinn grabbed Rachel's suitcase. "Don't you even dare. That would be like messing with the natural order of things. You were born to be a brunette." She began rolling the suitcase toward the exit. "Come on. Let's get you set up at the hotel."

Rachel watched as Quinn hailed a taxi. Her hair shone in the sun as her dress flowed in the wind. She couldn't believe Quinn was wearing a dress when it was still rather cold out. She always did have a tendency to rebel against any weather that was under 75 degrees. Rachel certainly didn't mind. Yeah...she definitely didn't hate this look on her. Even if it was only temporary.

Rachel didn't know what to be more excited about: the fact that she had finally made it to New York City or the fact that she was finally in the same city as Quinn once more. Either way, she was ready to see what the week had in store for her.

Quinn had a prior engagement Rachel's first night there, so she was left in the hotel room to relax, shower and get a good night's sleep. It was hard for them to part after only an hour together, but with how exhausted Rachel was from her flight, they agreed it was best that she got some sleep anyway. Quinn had promised her that the following day would be just for them. She had a special night planned that she refused to give Rachel a hint about no matter how much she kept begging for one.

Late that night, she felt Quinn crawl in to bed next to her. Not a word was spoken between them as Rachel quickly fell back to sleep feeling Quinn's breath on her neck. It was the most natural feeling in the world.

The next morning, after enjoying breakfast provided by room service and a walk in central park, the girls headed back to the hotel to get ready for their big night.

"I don't want you to get your hopes up," said Quinn, as she applied lip gloss in the mirror.

"You could take me to a back alley arm-wrestling match and it would still be the best date ever," assured Rachel as she zipped up her navy blue dress.

"Somehow I doubt that, but I appreciate the sentiment," quipped Quinn. She walked over to help Rachel with her zipper.

Rachel closed her eyes and sighed as Quinn kissed her neck and whispered, "You look beautiful, by the way."

"So do you. I could definitely get used to this look. I love the red." She gently tugged on her hair and pulled her in for a kiss. The moment their tongues met, Rachel was immediately turned on. She had almost forgotten how the slightest touch from Quinn could so easily make her insides coil and melt.

Quinn pulled away far too soon for Rachel's liking. She pulled the taller girl back, refusing to let their lips part again, but Quinn was adamant this time.

"Rachel, if we don't leave now, we're gonna be late."

"So you don't want to kiss me?"

"Sweetie? Do you think there's a chance you might be twisting my words?"

Rachel pursed her lips and thought for a moment. "Maybe..."

"If it were up to me, I would kiss you nonstop for the entire time you're here. But something tells me you want to actually experience some of what New York has to offer. And I want to show you some of that tonight." She kissed her once more. "But trust me, that dress will definitely be coming off later tonight. In a very fun and naughty way. But in the meantime, let's keep it on and hit the town."

Rachel felt her stomach flip at everything her girlfriend just said. New York City, Quinn Fabray and Rachel Berry. It was the perfect combination.

"All right. I'm ready to be wowed and wooed."

"You want me to woo you?"

"I'm a lady. I deserve to be wooed."

Quinn grabbed Rachel's coat from the closet and put it on her.

"Well in that case, m'lady, let's head downstairs where your chariot awaits."

"Ohh, a chariot?"

"Yes. A yellow chariot with four wheels and some surly driver who works on tips."

Rachel threw her arms around her girlfriend. "Okay. Let's go see if you deserve me putting out for you tonight."

Quinn's eyes went wide as Rachel winked at her. She certainly loved the fact that she was always able to find a way to make Quinn Fabray blush.

Rachel was quite impressed with Quinn's planned date. After dining at one of the most popular restaurants in town, complete with many vegan options, Quinn whisked Rachel off to their next destination: The Al Hirschfield Theatre. Rachel stood in awe at the sign above them.

"Kinky Boots! You're taking me to see Kinky Boots?!" She jumped up and down with anticipation and had to stop herself from attacking Quinn's lips with her own.

Quinn chuckled at Rachel's reaction. "Your dads had a hand in it. They told me you were dying to see it live."

"Well, they were one hundred percent correct! Come on, let's go grab a Playbill and see what kind of merchandise they have!" She pulled Quinn by the hand and dragged her through the crowd of people lined up at the entrance. Apparently, time waits for no diva.

After the show, Quinn informed Rachel that she wanted to cap the night by walking back to the hotel so Rachel could get a feel for the nightlife of the city at that never sleeps. They had walked about ten city blocks before Rachel stopped raving about the show and explaining to Quinn the history of The Great White Way. She had referenced her book on the history of Broadway theatres several times during their conversation. Actually, it was more of a monologue than a conversation, but she appreciated that Quinn at least pretended to hang on to her every word.

"Anyway, what did you think of the show," asked Rachel, as she stopped to adjust the button on her coat.

"I liked it. It was a lot of fun. I might have to buy the soundtrack."

"I'll just make you a copy of mine! Actually, now that I think about it, I have two copies. I didn't have the heart to tell Kurt I already had it when he surprised me with it last year." They continued walking side by side, neither girl quite touching, but both wanting to desperately. "I think he'd be a perfect fit for that show."

"Kurt?"

"Yeah. Can't you see him starring in it?"

Quinn thought for a moment. "Actually, yes. I can definitely see that."

They were quiet for a moment as the sound of their footsteps echoed off the building next to them. Rachel was nervous. She knew what she was about to say next might elicit a negative reaction from Quinn. But she had put it off long enough.

"Quinn?"

"Hmm?"

"I was thinking of telling him."

"Telling who what?"

Rachel swallowed hard. "Telling Kurt...about us."

Quinn slowed her movements, but didn't stop completely. Her power-walking turned more into a contemplative stroll as Rachel waited for a response.

"Why do you want to tell him?" Her voice was even-keeled - a notion that scared Rachel because she had no idea which end of the spectrum Quinn would fall on when it came to telling one more person about them.

"I think it would be beneficial for me to have someone to talk about it with. Who better than my best gay?"

"I thought Santana was your best gay."

Rachel laughed. "You know what? You're right. I guess she is. But I know she's getting tired of me constantly talking about you. And I know that Kurt would be a little more pleasant to discuss this with."

"I didn't realize you two were so close."

"Well, we didn't used to be. We were always sort of frenemies, but this past year we kind of bonded and grew closer. He's even talking about coming out to New York with me after graduation."

"Really? Did he get into NYADA?"

"No, but he wants to take classes out here. There's a lot of opportunity for him. And with him here and you...I don't know where, it'll be nice to have someone who knows what I'm thinking and how I'm feeling."

This is where Quinn finally stopped and turned to face the brunette. Rachel braced herself for the worst as Quinn shook her head.

"Rach, you have been nothing but supportive and understanding about everything. And absolutely none of it is fair to you. The distance, the time we're apart, the secrecy. You didn't ask for any of it and yet, you're still here. With me. After all this waiting and sneaking around. And even after I suggested pretending I was dating someone else. I'm lucky you didn't gouge my eyes out at the idea of it."

"I would never resort to violence."

"True, but you took it like a champ. You know how paranoid I am. You know that our relationship has to stay hidden. At least for now."

Rachel's shoulders fell as she turned away from Quinn. "Yeah...I know. You constantly make that clear."

"Hey," Quinn's hand rested on her shoulder as she spun Rachel around to face her. "After all you've done to make this work, I can't possibly deny you such a simple request. If you feel you can trust Kurt and you know he won't tell anyone, then of course. I need you to feel okay about us and if that means having just one more person to talk to about it, then I'm all for it."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Oh thank God. It has seriously been killing me that I've been keeping this from him. Trust me, you're gonna want me to tell him."

"And why's that?"

"Because he's constantly telling me he's worried about me and that I need to start dating someone before my lady parts are shriveled up."

Quinn grimaced.

"His words. Not mine. You have no idea how many times I wanted to tell him that my lady parts were fully functional and constantly enjoying the company of Quinn Fabray."

"So he's worried that you're lonely?"

"He's been threatening to set me up with someone for prom."

Quinn nodded and pursed her lips. "Prom, huh?"

"Yeah. That's another thing I wanted to talk to you about."

"Rach, I can't-"

"I know. I wasn't going to ask that of you. Even though you know I'd love to go with you. I know it would be too much to ask. So in order to silence Kurt, I decided to go with Sam."

"Sam?"

Rachel couldn't tell if Quinn's response was one of surprise or disgust. Perhaps it was both. She didn't feel like being dormant while having this conversation, so she started walking again with Quinn a few steps behind her. They turned a corner as a cop car drove by with a loud siren.

"You're going with Sam?"

"Yeah. We agreed to go as friends. I told him that I'm kind of seeing someone who is unable to attend prom and he said he's trying to get over someone and merely wants a friendly face there with him. It's just two friends doing each other a favor. Obviously he's not my first choice and I'm not his."

"Is this a test?"

"What?"

"Are you testing me? Are you trying to see if I'd give in and offer to take you to your prom?" Quinn's voice dripped with anger.

Rachel stopped and turned around. She couldn't believe what Quinn was suggesting. "No. Do you really think I would do something like that?"

"I recall hearing stories about the infamous Rachel Berry doing anything she could to get what she wanted."

Rachel had to lean on the street lamp next to her for support. Quinn's word cut deeply and she needed a minute for her heart to recover. She looked at Quinn, tears forming behind her eyes. Apparently Quinn's new look also came with some low blows. She watched as her girlfriend's hardened face slowly softened.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm so sorry. You know I didn't mean that."

"Then why did you say it," asked Rachel.

Quinn looked past her girlfriend, then looked around. She took Rachel's hand and led her into an alley between apartment buildings. Rachel was backed up against the wall with Quinn still holding her hand, leaning into her.

"Because I'm jealous, okay? I admit it. I'm jealous. Because Sam gets to take you to the prom and show you off and dance with you in front of everyone. And people will think you're together. And I hate it. And I know that's really hypocritical of me given the Brandon situation, but I don't care. Call me a hypocrite."

Rachel lowered her eyes as Quinn leaned in closer and brought her chin back up to lock eyes once more.

"I'm sorry, Rachel. I want you to have fun. Go to your senior prom. Go dress shopping with Kurt. Dance with Sam. Get a limo with Brittany and Santana. Be with your friends. I hate that I can't do those things with you. Just please think of me at least once that night, okay?"

Rachel could see the desperation in her girlfriend's hazel eyes.

"Quinn, do you honestly think I could even go one minute without thinking about you?"

"Yes."

"Okay, maybe I can. But definitely not two minutes."

Quinn smiled and leaned down to capture Rachel's lips. The kiss was soft and sweet and not rushed like some of their other public kisses, which Rachel appreciated.

"Come on. Let's get you back to the hotel. You've got a big day tomorrow."

"So do you," replied Rachel.

They walked back along the main road and passed by a very crowded bar with several people crammed into the patio.

"Hey, Quinn! Quinn!"

The girls turned around to see who was calling her name. They watched as two young men made their way through the crowded patio and jumped over the metal gate, landing in front of them.

"Quinn Fabray."

"Yes. Hi."

"We loooove you." The taller of the guys put his arm around his friend. "Don't we, Dan? We were just talking about how awesome your last movie was."

"Hell yeah. And that lame ass show. My girlfriend made me watch it, but I didn't mind because you were seriously so hot."

They were both very drunk. Rachel could smell the stale beer on their breaths as they leered at Quinn.

"Can we get a picture with you?"

"Not tonight boys. Sorry."

Rachel could tell Quinn was feeling uncomfortable as she dodged Dan's hand.

"What about an autograph?"

Quinn nodded, still looking a little uncomfortable. "Yeah. Yes, that I can do. Do you have a pen?"

"Here," the taller guy reached out his arm. "Sign my arm. I'll get it tattooed."

"Please don't do that," implored Quinn. "Or at least wait until your sober. Then think about it again.

"Here, mine too," said Dan as he thrust his arm out at her. His ogling was very apparent as Quinn signed his arm. "You're so hot."

"You're so drunk," replied Quinn.

"Your friend is hot, too. What's your name?" The taller friend made his way over to Rachel as she tried to avoid his advances.

"Okay boys, that's enough. This is my friend's first time in New York City. We don't want to scare her off, do we," asked Quinn.

"But you're both really hot. Hey, are you really dating that Brandon guy from that movie?"

Before Quinn could even answer, Dan looked down at his arm.

"Dude, she signed my arm. We're twins!" As they high-fived each other and dropped a lot of words like "dude," "bro," and "man," Quinn and Rachel took that opportunity to distance themselves from the boys.

By the time they were a few blocks away from the bar, they felt comfortable enough to walk at a normal pace again, assuming Dan and his friend were too drunk to even remember who they were talking to.

"Sorry about that," said Quinn.

"I'm sure it was completely your fault that those two guys got drunk and acted like asses."

"Yup. I paid them to do it."

When they reached their hotel, Quinn stopped before they entered.

"Rachel?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad you're going to tell Kurt about us."

"You are?"

Quinn nodded. "I think it's good for you to be honest. You're lucky you can be."

The next day had Quinn shooting scenes while Rachel was touring campuses. They had planned to meet for a late dinner once Quinn wrapped for the day. In the meantime, Rachel spent the day exploring NYADA, meeting with fellow potential students, and observing a few classes. The more she discovered, the more excited she got about the fact that she was accepted. She even participated in a musical theatre workshop where the potential students were asked to perform a song on the spot and the instructors would give notes. Rachel was the fourth to perform and after her rendition of "Someone Like You" from Jekyll and Hyde, the room was speechless. The instructors were whispering to each other and after what felt like an eternity of waiting, they simply said "very good." That was more than Rachel could ever hope for because the rest of the people who performed received copious notes on how to improve and what to do differently the next time. Rachel decided she would mark that moment in the "pro" column for NYADA.

Once she got out of the workshop and the tour was over, she couldn't wait to call Quinn and tell her all about it. Her excitement was short-lived, however, when she turned her phone off silent and noticed twenty-three missed calls and fifteen missed text messages. That couldn't be a good sign.

She scrolled through the texts. They were mostly from Santana, a few from Brittany and one from her dads. She read the last text Santana sent.

Why aren't you answering your phone, Berry?!

She scrolled down to the very first text the Latina sent.

Is everything okay? Just saw the TMZ article.

TMZ article? What was Santana talking about? Rachel's stomach started to churn uncomfortably as she scrolled to Santana's next message.

Berry, how's Quinn? What's going on? Can you please respond? For Brittany's sake. She's worried...

Rachel's heart sank. What was TMZ reporting? Did someone find out about them? Was Quinn outted?

She typed in TMZ on her phone and the very first image on the website was a photo of Quinn with the headline "Quinn Fabray Hospitalized After Serious Injury on Set." Rachel felt as though her lungs collapsed. Her throat tightened and her heart raced as she skimmed the article for all the pertinent information. Before she could read anything, beyond the first sentence, her phone started ringing. She jumped at the sound of her ringtone.

"Hello?"

"Berry! Jesus, you are impossible to get a hold of!"

"Santana? I just got out of my NYADA tour. I literally just got your messages."

"Well Brittany was making me call you every three minutes to see if you would answer."

Rachel could feel herself starting to panic. "Santana? What's going on? I didn't get a chance to read the article before you called. Quinn's hurt?"

Rachel was close to hyperventilating.

"Rachel, it's okay. Just keep calm. You need to keep calm, okay?"

Rachel tried to swallow the lump in her throat, but it was too big for her to keep down. She immediately started crying.

"Does it say if she's okay?"

"The most recent update says she's in ICU, but nothing else."

"If she's in ICU, that can't be a good thing," shrieked Rachel, who was having a full-blown panic attack right there on the sidewalk.

"Rachel, please calm down. Here, let me read it to you. 'Quinn Fabray was taken away by ambulance after sustaining injuries while shooting a scene for her upcoming film, Chaos Theory. Fabray reportedly was filming a scene when a piece of scaffolding from the sound stage collapsed on top of her. No word yet on her condition, but sources say her arm was badly injured and she was unconscious when the ambulance arrived. Sources tell us she was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan where she's currently in ICU. Story developing...'"

Rachel hung onto her every word before running over to the curb.

"Santana, I have to go. TAXI!"

"Okay. Just please stay calm and text me or Britt when you know her condition."

"I will. TAXI!" She waved her arm out as a taxi came around the corner.

"And Rachel?"

"Yeah?"

"She'll be okay. Just go be with her."

Rachel jumped in the taxi. "Lenox Hill Hospital as fast as you can, please."

When Rachel found her way to the of the hospital, she saw several photographers lined up outside, no doubt trying to catch a glimpse of Quinn or anyone involved in the film. They were all too preoccupied talking to each other and drinking coffee to even pay any attention to Rachel as she made her way past them and walked through the doors.

She frantically walked the halls looking for signs until she finally found the intensive care unit and was immediate met by a nurse behind a desk.

"Can I help you?"

Rachel steadied herself as much as she could. This was not the time to freak out. "Yes, I'm here to see someone. She's in ICU."

"Patient's name?" The woman didn't even look up from the desk.

"Quinn Fabray."

That got the nurse's attention. She looked Rachel up and down and cocked her head skeptically.

"Are you a relative?"

"I'm her g...I'm her friend."

The nurse shook her head. "Family and authorized visitors only."

"But I need to see her. I mean...I know she'll be okay with me seeing her."

The nurse stared at her blankly. "Family and authorized visitors only."

"Ma'am, I promise you, I really do know her. She will want to see me."

"Family and authorized visitors only."

Apparently the nurse was suffering from broken record syndrome. Frustrated, Rachel took out her phone and called Quinn's number. Just like it had in the cab, it went straight to voicemail. She couldn't even leave a message for her because by now, her voicemail was completely full.

She paced back and forth while looking pleadingly at the nurse.

"Miss, you can either leave or take a seat."

Rachel opted for the latter. She hated this. She hated feeling so helpless and out of control. She hated knowing that Quinn was somewhere behind that door and probably in a lot of pain. For all Rachel knew, she could still be unconscious.

"Ma'am, could you at least tell me if she's okay? Is she awake?"

The nurse glared at her. "I'm not at liberty to discuss our patients."

"Just tell me if she's awake. Just nod or shake your head," pleaded Rachel.

"You are really trying my last nerve. I am not going to tell you again. I'm not at liberty to discuss our patients."

Rachel buried her head in her hands and felt the tears coming once more. She shot up and charged at the desk.

"Ma'am, you don't understand. I need to see her. Now!" It came out much more forcefully than she had intended it to, but she didn't care. Or at least she didn't until the nurse began to wave the security guard over.

Rachel slinked back as the guard started to approach her. She was just about to leave when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"There you are. We've been looking for you everywhere."

Rachel looked to her left to see who was speaking to her.

"Joan, she's with me," he informed the nurse as he took Rachel's hand and led her through the door. The nurse didn't even flinch. She just waved them on.

They took a few steps down the corridor and then stopped as he turned to face her.

"You must be Rachel." He looked her up and down. "You are definitely just as hot as you are in pictures." He stuck his hand out. "I'm Brandon."

Rachel tentatively shook his hand, but didn't say anything. She was a little confused by everything that was happening.

"I had a feeling you would be here. And something tells me Quinn is gonna want you there when she wakes up."

"So she's still unconscious?"

"No. Just napping. She's been in and out of sleep because of the pain meds they have her on."

Rachel pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. "So she's okay?"

"Well, as okay as you can be being crushed by scaffolding."

"Oh God."

"Look, she's alive and conscious. She's going to be okay. She's just pretty banged up. Her arm is broken, she has some bruised ribs and basically her entire left side is pretty bruised. They set her arm and they're keeping her on pain medication and monitoring her. She's going to be just fine."

Rachel heaved a sigh of relief. At that moment, she wanted to hug Brandon. She was so grateful he came to get her, but at the same time, she resented him for being able to be there for Quinn when Rachel was stuck on the other side of the door. She couldn't help but wonder if there would ever be a time when other people would see her as someone who actually mattered in Quinn's life.

"Do you want to see her?"

Rachel nodded.

"Don't freak out when you see her. It looks worse than it really is. She's got some cuts and welts, but it will all heal just fine. Or at least that's what the doctors are telling us."

"I...is anyone else in there with her?"

He shook his head. "I told everyone that I'd look after her and keep everyone in the loop about her condition. The cast and crew all agreed that she needed rest, not visitors. Her parents were called, though. I think they're flying out here tomorrow."

'Oh great,' thought Rachel. But she pushed that thought aside. Quinn was the only thing that mattered at the moment.

"It's a good thing it was only me in the room when she first woke up. She kept saying your name and asking for you over and over."

He led her over to Quinn's room. "She's in here. I'll hang around out here for a bit and make sure you guys have your privacy. But they tend to come and check on her every half hour or so."

Rachel nodded. "Thank you." It was all she could offer him at this point. She was a wreck and just wanted to get to Quinn.

She cracked open the door and peeked in. She opened it a little wider and found Quinn laying on her back in the bed, her red hair cascading down her shoulders. Brandon was right. The left side of her face was pretty banged up and her eye was swollen. It looked painful, but at the same time, she still looked so beautiful. Her arm was wrapped in a cast and resting on the bed to her side.

Rachel closed the door and Quinn immediately began to stir.

"Rach?" Her voice was hoarse.

"Hi."

"You're here."

"Yeah. It wasn't easy, but I'm here. Brandon snuck me in."

"Remind me to thank him." She tried to adjust her position by sitting up, but winced in pain and immediately gave up.

"Don't try to move."

"I want to hug you," implored Quinn.

"I don't think you can do that with a broken arm."

Rachel stayed close to the door. She was still trying to get her head around what was happening.

"Come here."

Rachel shook her head.

"Why not?"

"I don't want to hurt you."

"Well that would be impossible. That's what I have this fun little thingy for." She held up a controller. "I just hit this button and I instantly feel better. All the pain goes away." She hit the button and her eyes slowly relaxed until they were only half open. "See? No pain. Right as rain."

"Something tells me you're going to have too much fun with that thing."

"You want some?" She held out the controller to Rachel.

"That's okay. Maybe later."

"I'm so glad you're here. I got hurt."

"I know."

"It was scary. And painful."

"Do you remember what happened?"

"I was in the middle of a short monologue and then I was on the ground and I couldn't move. And then I woke up here." Her speech was starting to slur. "Come here, Rachel."

"Not yet. First I need to know: are you okay?"

Quinn nodded. "Yeah. I'll be fine."

"You're sure?"

"Positive. Nothing a little time can't heal."

"Good." Rachel dropped her purse on the floor and charged at the bed. "You scared the shit out of me! How dare you? I was having a perfectly nice day and then I find out that your job nearly killed you!"

"Why are you yelling?"

"Because I'm terrified!"

"It was an accident. No one knew it would fall."

"I know that! I'm still mad at you! You can't do this to me ever again! Promise me. Promise me I never have to get another call like that!"

"Rach..."

"I was sick to my stomach, Quinn!" Rachel came closer to the bed. "I still am! I hate the thought of you being here while I was out there. I hate not being able to get to you! I hate that no one knows that I should be here next to you!"

"Rachel..."

"I hate-" She couldn't finish whatever she was going to say because the moment she was in arm's length of Quinn, her girlfriend grabbed her and pulled her down. It obviously hurt like hell, but no more so than Rachel was hurting emotionally. The moment her head hit Quinn's shoulder, she lost it. She began sobbing as she crawled into the bed next to her and carefully positioned herself so Quinn could feel as little pain as possible. She was on Quinn's less-injured side, which helped as she sobbed into her shoulder, her tears soaking Quinn's hospital gown. Quinn stroked her hair with her good hand and comforted her as much as she good.

"It's okay, Rachel. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I swear I won't let this happen again. I'll be more careful. I'll make sure the crew is more careful." She continued stroking the brown locks and kissing her forehead every few minutes as Rachel's sobs started to fade away.

Rachel tangled a lock of red hair between her fingers as her sniffling slowly dissipated.

"I love you, Quinn."

"I love you, too."

Rachel continued resting on Quinn's shoulder, watching her girlfriend's chest rise and fall. She closed her eyes and felt herself caught in that moment of being asleep and awake. She was in a state of twilight and it seemed to keep her calm, which was a welcomed change. She sighed heavily and let herself fully relax. She must have been like that for at least twenty minutes before she faintly heard voices talking. She didn't have enough strength to acknowledge them.

"How are you feeling?"

Rachel recognized Brandon's voice.

"I've got a rockin' headache, but my clicky thingy will help that."

"How's she holding up?"

Rachel could feel Quinn's hold on her tighten a bit. "She's okay. She was just worried. And scared."

"You gave all of us a scare."

Some other words were exchanged, but Rachel fell in and out of sleep during that time. She was back in her half asleep state when Quinn kissed her forehead once more.

"Brandon," she whispered. "I don't want to do this anymore. This arrangement we have between you and me, I want it to stop. I know we agreed to let people think what they want, but I'd feel more comfortable if we tell the truth and deny we're together."

"Are you sure?"

"I have to do it. For her." She held Rachel even tighter. "She deserves better than what I'm giving her. And I know it's nothing compared to what I should really be giving her, but at least it's a start. She shouldn't have to see lies like that everywhere. And I should never have been the one to think that was okay."

"Whatever you want, Quinn. I have your back." There was a small pause as Rachel drifted further into sleep, but was still able to faintly hear their conversation. "You two look adorable together, by the way. She obviously really cares about you."

She felt Quinn nod in response. "I'm pretty damn lucky."

"Look, I'm gonna take off. I talked to your nurse and told her you were sleeping, so you have a while before they come to check on you. Call me if you need anything at all, okay? And get some rest."

"I will. Thanks, Brandon."

Rachel heard the door close followed by an audible sigh from Quinn. She could tell the other girl was also starting to succumb to slumber. Rachel couldn't help but appreciate the dramatics of this entire situation and it was rather cute to see Quinn all loopy from the medication. But that didn't change the fact that Rachel knew she never wanted to experience something like this for the rest of her life. She didn't think she her heart could take it. She nuzzled Quinn's shoulder and placed a soft kiss on her neck before falling asleep. Their week in New York took a bit of a detour, but at least they were together.