A month had passed since Santana and Brittany's wedding. The two were settling in to their honeymoon phase just fine. In fact, it was a little too fine. Rachel had to start listening to her iPod at night just to drown out the sounds from their room. She had no idea why she agreed to let them keep living with her after they were married, but she understood they wanted to save up money to get their own place. They were even still saving up for their honeymoon. Rachel couldn't wait to welcome that peace and quiet whenever it would come. It wasn't exactly fair that she was the only one in the apartment who wasn't getting laid. She was just thankful she had somewhere to go and something to occupy her time far away from the very loud sex for most hours of the day.

Rachel was deep into rehearsals for Sweet Charity. As the lead, she was always the first one there and the last one to leave. She was completely immersed in the music, the dancing, the character and was already obsessed and in love with the feeling of working on and starring in a Broadway musical. It really was everything she dreamed it would be. She just couldn't wait until they opened and she could perform in front of thousands of people every single night. Her fellow cast mates were so much fun to be around and that made the long, grueling days completely worth it. Everything seemed to be looking up and going her way.

She even kept a line of communication open with Quinn after the wedding. They texted daily and talked on the phone a few times a week. They emailed and Facebooked and kept each other in the know of what each of them was doing. They kept it light, the way friends would do. As much as she missed Quinn as her girlfriend, she was happy to have her back in her life in some capacity. And she decided it was better this way. On opposite coasts. Quinn lived her life the way she wanted in Los Angeles and Rachel lived her life in New York. She was proud of Quinn, who was now being more open and honest about who she truly was. She already had a new team of people working for her who really didn't seem to care about Quinn's attraction to women. And no, Quinn wasn't out to the whole world, but she really didn't need to be. Rachel just didn't want her to be afraid to be herself and she was so glad that Quinn was slowly working on that.

She found herself feeling sad sometimes, wishing that all this had happened while they were still together. And as hard as she tried to avoid thinking about it, there were times she regretted breaking up with Quinn. Especially now since Quinn was obviously trying so hard. But Rachel hated living in regret. She simply had to live in the present and look to the future. She had a friendship with Quinn and her career was just beginning. Things were really starting to look up.

Santana had asked her a few times why she wasn't dating anyone. Rachel always answered with "I'm married to the stage." But deep down Rachel was pretty sure Santana could see through her bullshit and that her reason should be "Because I found the one I'm supposed to be with and I let her go." But Rachel could never admit that out loud. That was just too real.

So she settled for 16-hour rehearsal days at the theater and feeling the jolt of joy she got whenever her phone buzzed and she knew it was Quinn messaging. It felt like it did in the beginning of their relationship. When she was always nervous and unsure of how Quinn really felt until she would get a sweet text or a little note from her. It excited her. And it scared her.

So she just kept working, singing, dancing, memorizing lines and blocking, taking notes from her director. Whatever it took to keep her mind clear and focused.

She was just wrapping up another rehearsal when she felt her phone vibrating in her bag. She knew it was Quinn and wanted to answer it, but her director was still talking.

"Great job, you guys. Eric, you need to hit your mark. You were off twice. Where's McKenna?"

One of the dancers cautiously raised her hand.

"You need to see wardrobe about that skirt in "Big Spender" that keeps inching down. We know you're a taxi dancer, but we can't have you bottomless in front of the audience. You don't get paid enough for that."

Everyone chuckled.

"So remember, you all have the next three days off as they finish up the sets and lighting design. I'll see you all back here on Wednesday."

Everyone dispersed and started to head out. Rachel grabbed the phone from her bag and answered it just before it went to voice mail.

"Are you nervous?"

"Me? Nervous? Yes...yes I am," replied Quinn on the other end.

"It's going to be great and you are going to win."

"And how do you know that?"

"I made some calls, greased the wheels and paid off a lot of important people. Quinn, come on. Because I actually saw the entire miniseries. It was beyond incredible and you were the best thing about it."

"It was good, wasn't it?"

Rachel nodded, as if assuming Quinn could see it. "And who will you be wearing?"

"Monique Lhuillier. It's deep crimson, long, and very satiny."

"Sounds adorable."

"More sexy than adorable. It's very low cut."

"Yeah, I'm sure," replied Rachel. "Honestly, I was just trying to avoid the word sexy."

Quinn laughed. "Why?"

"I didn't want you to think I was flirting." Rachel could feel herself blushing as she walked out the stage door of the theater and down the street to head back to her apartment.

"Well then I probably shouldn't have mentioned it was low cut. I guess that was sort of my way of flirting. I'll stop now."

Rachel was quiet for a moment. "I'm really happy for you. I'm so proud. I can't wait to watch you tomorrow."

"You still have a chance to come, you know. You should really be there. If I win, I want to see a friendly face sitting next to me."

"I'm sorry. You know I would. I just...I told you I have rehearsal all week. That's my life now." She hated hearing the lie come out of her mouth, but it was too late to take it back. And she knew it was for the best.

"Well, you promise you'll watch? You'll be home in time to watch it, right?"

"I promise. Santana and Brittany and I have a plan to stuff our faces with goodies and wine and watch you dominate the Emmys."

After a brief silence, Quinn's voice quietly asked, "Is it okay if I tell you I really miss you?"

Rachel smiled as she slowed her pace around the corner. "Is it okay for me to ask you for a photo of you in that dress?"

"Yes."

"Then it's okay for you to tell me you miss me." Rachel couldn't help but be at least a little flirtatious. It was almost impossible not to be that way around Quinn. Besides, they were on opposite ends of the country, so it was harmless.

The silence on the other end was starting to make her nervous. Maybe it wasn't so harmless. Part of her really did want to be with Quinn tomorrow, but she refused to admit it to herself. They were both exactly where they needed to be and Rachel didn't want to complicate that.

"Quinn? Where did you go?"

"I'm here. Sorry. I'll send you a picture when I'm all dressed up tomorrow. You'll be the first to see it."

Rachel's slow paced halted altogether. Why did this conversation feel so different than the other ones they've had since the wedding? Why did it feel awkward? Why did it feel like it was the end of something and the beginning of something at the same time?

"Are you okay, Quinn?"

"Yeah. I just..."

"What?"

"Nothing. So you promise you'll watch?"

"Promise."

"Rach?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you miss me?"

Rachel rubbed her forehead and pinched the bridge of her nose. How was it possible that Quinn Fabray still had this hold over her?

"I miss you every day, Quinn."

"Okay. Just checking."

Quinn hung up and Rachel stood outside her apartment, trying to compose herself. She had gone over it repeatedly with Santana. This was for the best. This was for the best. That was her mantra. Even her dads agreed. This was for the best. Quinn was thriving on her own and becoming the woman Rachel always knew she was. Rachel was just glad to have her back in her life as a friend so she could witness all the great things Quinn had coming. Brittany was the only one who disagree with her mantra.

"This is for the best," she would tell Brittany.

"No, it's not, Rachel Berry. This is for the worst and I'm getting really tired of being the smartest person in this apartment," she would reply. She said it so much, it pretty much became Brittany's own mantra.

She snuck in the door and tiptoed past the newlyweds who were asleep together on the couch with Saturday Night Live on the tv in the background. What she needed was a nice long bath and a good night's sleep.

Santana, Brittany and Rachel were all dressed in their pajamas with a plethora of junk food spread all over the coffee table. Santana started opening the second bottle of wine as the Emmy Awards played on their tv screen. They spent most of the first hour offering commentary on the clothes, the speeches, the winners, and the celebrities. The only time they didn't offer their opinion was when they interviewed Quinn on the red carpet and whenever they showed her face in the crowd during a reaction shot.

Brittany was curled up with Santana in their comfy chair as Rachel was draped over the sofa, laying on her back and trying not to choke on the popcorn she was scarfing down. She was nursing her third glass of wine.

"Quinn looks so hot tonight," remarked Brittany.

"Yeah," replied Rachel. "She looks really hot." Rachel wasn't even paying attention to the screen. She was off in her own world, playing with her hair and very obviously thinking about something...or someone.

Brittany and Santana looked at each other and smirked.

"That's a pretty sexy dress she almost has on," offered Santana.

"Yeah," said Rachel as she took another sip of wine and began braiding her own hair. "It clings to her in all the right places. And shows off just the right amount of skin."

Brittany nudged Santana.

"And her hair..."

"Looks like the hair of a goddess. Free flowing and blonde and really, really...soft," replied Rachel, who opted for pigtail braids.

Santana grinned. "And her makeup looks so great. I love her lipstick. They make her lips look so..."

"Kissable," offered Rachel.

At that, the two girls burst out in laughter as Rachel snapped out of the daze she was in.

"What? What's so funny?"

Before they could answer, the show came back from commercial and the next presenter stated that he would be announcing the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

"Shhhhhh! Shut up, both of you!" snapped Rachel. "Turn it up!"

She jolted up to a sitting position and kept her eyes glued to the TV as he read off the list of nominees.

"For Falling in Place, Quinn Fabray..."

Rachel beamed just watching Quinn's face. She knew the actor on stage was reading off other names, but she couldn't hear a single word he said. She only heard Quinn's name and she could only see Quinn's face. She leaned forward and her fists tightened. Even Brittany and Santana were dead silent as he finished reading the nominees and started opening the envelope.

"And the Emmy goes to..."

Rachel's throat was completely parched. She couldn't even swallow. She was pretty sure even her heart stopped beating so as not to make any unnecessary noise at this moment. Rachel bit her lip and focused only on the shot of Quinn as he read the name.

"Quinn Fabray for Falling in Place!"

All three roommates jumped up and cheered and hugged each other. Brittany grabbed the bottle of champagne they were saving and popped the cork, spilling champagne everywhere. They didn't even bother with glasses. They swigged from the bottle as Quinn made her way up to the stage. Not once did Rachel take her eyes away from the screen.

Quinn looked perfect and she was certainly in her element, right where she belonged: on tv with millions of people hanging on to her every word. Rachel was more proud now than she was when she got the lead in Sweet Charity.

As Quinn reached the podium, Rachel knew in that instant. Actually, she had always known, but this time she was able to admit it to herself. She was and always has been in love with Quinn Fabray. And she didn't care if no one knew about them, ten people knew about them, or the whole world knew about them. All she knew was she wanted to be with her. Unconditionally. Nothing else mattered. She smiled with tears in her eyes as Quinn began to speak.

"Thank you. Wow. Thank you so much." She looked around the audience. "It's unbelievable up here. Wow! Hi!" Quinn waved to someone she recognized. "This is incredible. This has certainly been quite a year for me. And I'm beyond lucky. I'm especially lucky to have been a part of such an amazing cast and an incredible show. I'm so grateful." She paused for a moment and took a noticeable breath. "But this moment isn't complete. Because I'm not complete. I worked so hard on this show and put so much of my heart and soul into it. And there was someone who was by my side the entire time. Someone who made me want to be better. Someone who pushed me when I was tired and someone who encouraged me when this role was so emotionally draining. Someone I could always be myself around at the end of the day. No matter what role I play, she's the one who always sees me for who I am." She paused once more, looked down at her award, and then looked up again with a shrug and a smile. "And I'm in love with her. This grueling role challenged me for months when I was filming. But Rachel Berry challenges me every day of my life. And I want her to be a part of it forever. So if I'm ever lucky enough to win another prestigious award like this, I can run off stage into her arms and know that we won together. Rachel, you are where I belong. You are my home. So here's to one more grand gesture." She held up the award in victory. "Thank you all."

While Quinn's speech was followed by a stunned silence and dropped jaws in Rachel's living room, the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton erupted with wild applause and as the camera panned back, it showed each person in attendance giving Quinn a standing ovation.

Rachel, herself, stood up with her mouth still open. Santana and Brittany watched with bated breath to see what Rachel would do or say.

Rachel looked from the tv to the girls, then to the tv again and to the girls again.

"Did she just..."

Santana nodded. "Yeah."

Rachel was in shock. Quinn's words kept echoing in her head. She looked over at Santana and blurted out the words she had been wanting to say for months.

"I have to get to Los Angeles."

Brittany stood up and clapped. "Yay! We'll drive you to the airport!"

Santana joined in and jumped up excitedly. "Screw the airport. We're going with you to L.A."

"We are?" Brittany looked at her eagerly.

"You really don't have to," offered Rachel.

"Yes we do, Berry. Knowing you, you'll find a way to screw this up. You need us there. You need our help. Besides, it'll a nice little honeymoon for me and Brit Brit."

"So, we're going to LA," asked Rachel.

"We're going to LA," the newlyweds yelled in unison.

After a pricey last-minute purchase for a red eye to Los Angeles and five hours in the air with Brittany and Santana by her side, Rachel's nerves started bubbling up the moment they landed at LAX Airport.

Brittany tried to keep Rachel calm as Santana stood in line to rent a car.

"It's gonna be okay, Rachel. She'll be so happy to see you."

"What if she's not?"

"Quinn loves you. You two were meant for each other. Anyone who's ever been around you two knows that."

Rachel took a deep breath, trying to psych herself up.

"What if she thinks I'm only here because of her speech?"

"Are you?"

"No. I've been thinking about this for a while. I've missed her so much. I was just too stupid to realize it and too stubborn to admit it."

"As Quinn's best friend, I can tell you she was equally as stupid and stubborn. Come on. Let's go get a Cinnabon while we wait for Santana."

After a half hour drive in Los Angeles traffic, they pulled up to their destination. It was a rather large house in the Hollywood Hills. Quinn told Rachel she finally got tired of living out of hotels, so she rented out a place on a month to month lease. Thankfully, Brittany had the address.

Santana put the car in park and looked back at Rachel.

"Go get her, tiger. Brit and I are going to hit the beach. Call us if and when you need us. We'll wait a few minutes before we leave."

Rachel was beyond nervous at this point, but she knew there was no going back. She took one final deep breath to calm herself down before getting out of the car and heading up the stairs to the front door. She turned to look behind her when she heard the car door slam.

"Berry, wait!" Santana came charging up behind her.

"What is it?"

Santana took her hand and gave Rachel a reassuring look.

"Whatever happens, I want you to know that you are the most remarkable woman I've ever known. My little girl is all grown up now. I used to be so annoyed with you. I really thought I hated you. But this journey we went on? Me and Britt and you and Quinn and New York and weddings and trying to survive and navigate through our lives? It's been epic. And I can't wait to see what happens next. You surprised the hell out of me, Berry. No matter what happens, know that I love you and I'll always be here for you. And I can't wait to see what epic adventures we'll have next."

Rachel couldn't believe what she just heard. She knew Santana was a sap at heart and she knew the Latina truly did care about her, but she never thought she'd see the day Santana would say the words out loud.

"Santana, you really are a softie."

"And if you tell anyone, I'll deny it to the end. Now go get that blonde bitch so she can come back to New York with us and we can all live happily ever after."

Santana walked back to the car and Rachel made her way up the stairs to the front door.

She stood there for a moment, trying to force herself to knock on the door. This is it. Everything Rachel ever needed or wanted was behind this door. All she had to do was knock.