What I Couldn't See Before

by shattershard

It all started with a wrong number.

1. Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or any of it's characters, just some of the plot below. Mostly canon, a few events were rearranged chronologically. Also, should go without saying but the phone number I inserted below is fake (i hope... please don't try it)

A/N: I've always been a fan of this trope, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
P.S. I gotta say, inserting all those time stamps was hella tedious lol

---

Quinn Fabray sat on her bed, staring pensively at her phone with her thumb hovering over the send button.

[Quinn] 9:49pm:
"Hey Ryan. I had a good time tonight. Here's my number as promised."

[Ryan] 9:55pm:
"Are you sure you had a good time?"

She read it again. ...What? Was she that transparent?

[Ryan] 9:55pm:
"Because my name's not Ryan but it does start with an R."

What the-

[Quinn] 9:56pm:
"Shoot! Oh my gosh, I'm soo sorry about that. Wrong number."

[Ryan] 9:57pm:
"No worries. Just makes me wonder what kind of guy you were hanging out with that they'd give you a wrong number."

An eyebrow rose.

[Ryan] 9:57pm:
"Hopefully nothing to do with you being a bad date."

The other brow joined it.

[Quinn] 9:57pm:
"I'll have you know that I am an amazing date."

[Ryan] 9:58pm:
"Mmhmm"

[Quinn] 9:58pm:
"I am!"

[Ryan] 9:58pm:
"I'm sure you are."

[Quinn] 10:02pm:
"Are you mocking me?"

[567-824-3594] 10:02pm:
"Of course not.
";)"

[Quinn] 10:03pm:
"Leave it to a stranger to kick me while I'm down."

[567-824-3594] 10:03pm:
"Aw poor baby.
"Maybe I just need a little proof of how amazing you actually are."

Quinn paused. Was he... flirting?

[Quinn] 10:04pm:
"So your name starts with an R hm?"

[567-824-3594] 10:05pm:
"You're not getting a name out of me that easily. For all I know, you could be a serial killer faking some first date drama to get me to lower my defenses."

Quinn stared at her phone incredulously, You're the one coming onto me!

[Quinn] 10:05pm:
"The same could be said of you."

[567-824-3594] 10:06pm:
"True. I won't ask for your name either then. I might be inclined to ask if your date was really a disaster though."

[Quinn] 10:06pm:
"Still on that are you?"

[567-824-3594] 10:06pm:
"Yep."

[Quinn] 10:06pm:
"I want you to know I'm rolling my eyes at you.
"But, I guess it wasn't a disaster. It just, wasn't...great? Idk. It was a blind date my sister set up and my expectations were really low. So, I mean he wasn't the worst case scenario."

Why am I even telling you this?

[567-824-3594] 10:08pm:
"What is your worst case scenario?"

[Quinn] 10:09pm:
"Getting kind of personal here, aren't you?"

[567-824-3594] 10:09pm:
"You don't have to share if you don't want to. I've just been having a perfectly boring Friday night until I got your text."

[Quinn] 10:09pm:
"Wow, I'm the highlight of your night? I don't know if I should be appalled or flattered.

[567-824-3594] 10:09pm:
"Flattered. Definitely flattered."

[Quinn] 10:09pm:
"I'm blushing.
"So why aren't you out partying or on a date or something?"

[567-824-3594] 10:10pm:
"That's just not my scene."

[Quinn] 10:11pm:
"Are you actually a crotchety old man who yells at people to get off his lawn?"

[567-824-3594] 10:11pm:
"..."

[Quinn] 10:11pm:
"Young at heart tho right?"

[567-824-3594] 10:12pm:
"I am highly offended and will have you know that you just lost a potential friend.
"Goodbye."

[Quinn] 10:12pm:
"Haha! No, don't go!
"But seriously, how can you stand to stay in on the weekends? I'd hate sitting around doing nothing."

[567-824-3594] 10:13pm:
"I said it was a boring night, not that I wasn't doing anything."

[Quinn] 10:13pm:
"Sooo, what are you doing?"

[567-824-3594] 10:14pm:
"Homework."

[Quinn] 10:14pm:
"Homework?
"It's a Friday night and you're choosing to stay in and do homework?"

Quinn waited and waited. Was she being too judgy? She was about to put the phone down and move on with her night when it buzzed.

[R] 10:20pm:
"To be honest, full disclosure at the risk of sounding like a loser, I don't exactly have any friends. Acquaintances sure. But no one that I really hang out with on a regular basis or spend hours or weekends with. And my dating life is trash. Well, nonexistent, really. Which probably stems from my lack of friends."

Quinn bit her lip. She kinda felt bad, but she also kind of related in a sense too. She spent so much time in school making sure she was on top, making sure everyone knew she ruled the school that most of her friendships - maybe all of them - were very superficial. Here she was, after a date, in an empty house, no family, no friends. How could she judge her new phone pal for the same thing? At least he was being productive with his night in.

[R] 10:22pm:
"Anyways, perfectly understandable if my pariah status has scared you off for good."

[Quinn] 10:23pm:
"Sorry, I was just thinking.
"Kinda find it hard to believe you don't have friends, cuz I'm really enjoying talking to you right now.
"But I kinda actually get what you mean.
"I've been in similar situations. Surrounded by people trying to get my attention. Trying to win my favor. It's all very superficial. No one really tries to get me. No real friends."

[R] 10:25pm:
"Oh, so you're one of those popular kids."

Is that a bad thing?

[Quinn] 10:26pm:
"Maybe."

[R] 10:26pm:
"I wouldn't necessarily call our situations 'similar'. But they do have the same endpoint, I suppose.
"I will say my track record isn't the best with popular people but I'm willing to put those differences aside if it'll help. I can lend an ear and be your friend if you ever feel the need to vent about the pressures that come with popularity.
"Anonymity carries some perks. Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone you don't know. Like my therapist.
"Not that I'm offering to be your therapist.
"Cuz that'd be weird.
"Um I'm talking too much. Maybe let's just ignore these last few messages..."

Quinn giggled.

[Quinn] 10:29pm:
"So, you see a therapist?"

[R] 10:30pm:
"Ugh, of course that's what you got out of my rambling.
"But I do. I've had a not so great childhood. But I'd rather not get into that right now if that's okay with you."

[Quinn] 10:30pm:
"Yeah, sure of course. And I'll offer you the same courtesy. If you ever need to talk I'm here."

[R] 10:31pm:
"Thanks."

Quinn tossed her phone to the side and flopped back on her bed. What a turn the night had taken.

She had very low expectations going into her blind date. Frannie's taste in men was abysmal. Besides, Quinn didn't even think she was ready to start dating yet. Not after everything that happened last year. The summer had been great, offering her a break from everyone at school. Except, all it served her to do was think about B-. Her.

Quinn's hand absentmindedly drifted to her abdomen and rubbed it. It was strange, it took her forever to get used to the bump that wouldn't stop growing. But now that it was gone, she almost missed it. After her last two relationships - if she could even call what she had with Puck that - she wasn't sure she was ready to be jumping into a new one.

But Frannie insisted it was the best way to move on and her mother looked so excited, as if they were searching for a potential husband. Quinn rolled her eyes. Her mom had some really messed up prospects. And she hated that she still wanted to make her mom happy. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Quinn refused to ever let herself end up like her. Stuck in a loveless marriage driven to become an alcoholic and bound to become penniless when the divorce finalized. Her mom was every bit a coward, not even standing up for her own daughter when Quinn needed her most. It took the man cheating to get her to file. Not his disowning his own daughter. No, that wasn't worth the paperwork.

Her thoughts drifted back to Ryan. He wasn't... terrible. He was a pretty sweet guy who did occasionally remind her of Finn, what with an eerily similar dopey smile.

But Ryan was capable of holding his own in a conversation about classic literature as well as modern fiction. They had more in common than she was expecting. And those circular glasses of his were pretty cute on him. He didn't play any sports, but he was surprisingly very into music. He claimed to not be able to sing a lick, but Quinn had suspicions he was being modest.

Except. Now what? Had she had an okay time and he had a terrible time? Did she type in the wrong number or did he give her a fake one on purpose? She supposed she could ask Frannie for his number but then again she didn't want to deal with that humiliation. Frannie would lord it over her for who knows how long.

It was only one date. She wasn't missing anything by not seeing him again. Besides, now she had the number to a potential friend. Though there was still a chance she'd messaged a pervert or something. He had totally been flirting with her. She didn't even know how old he was. But he did admit to doing homework tonight. So at most it'd be a college guy and at worst it was some middle schooler. But the lack of typos and the way he typed made high school or college more likely. They had the same area code so he had to live locally.

He was a loner though. She tried to imagine what he looked like. Was he dorky with glasses, dark brown hair with side swept bangs. Was it bad she was kind of picturing Ryan? Ryan was nowhere near as forward as mystery R though. Quinn racked her brain for dorky McKinley guys. Would he be more of an Artie or a Sam? Well now she couldn't get the image of Artie out of her head.

Quinn shuddered and rolled over. She wouldn't mind if he looked like Sam. He seemed kind of shy but sweet. Definitely a dork. But he had the looks. She could see herself dating him. What if he was the one on the other side of the phone! But no. Darn it, his name didn't start with an R. Besides, none of their personalities matched. Unless hiding behind a screen really had that effect on how people appeared. To be fair, she didn't even know he attended McKinley. He could be a Dalton boy. Or from Carmel.

Anyways, it's not like she was going to message him again. But she did kind of want to, to be honest. What did that even say about her?

Quinn huffed at herself and rolled over again, trying to get comfortable. She refused to let these insane thoughts fill her head any longer.

---

[R] 3:24pm:
"Do you ever feel like you don't belong?"

Quinn checked her phone as she headed home from Cheerios practice and was surprised to see a message from her mysterious wrong number. A week had passed and neither of them had taken the initiative to message the other until now. She frowned at the message, unsure how to respond, typing a few words out before erasing them and starting over a few times.

[Quinn] 4:07pm:
"Definitely. Especially when I was younger and even more recently too." Her thoughts drifted to the past year when news of her pregnancy spread like wildfire and she was socially shunned.

[Quinn] 4:08pm:
"Can I ask what's going on?" She added on after a moment.

[R] 4:16pm:
"I just feel like I'm surrounded by people who don't care. About others, about themselves, about their future. They're all so short sighted. And I try and I try to hold on to the future I see for myself, but with each hit I take I feel it slipping away."

Quinn's breath caught. She could hear and feel the anger and frustration rolling off the words. The melancholy tones of resignation. He must really be having a bad day. His words carried a heaviness that she wasn't ready for.

[Quinn] 4:17pm:
"Are these...physical hits?"

[R] 4:20pm:
"No. Unless you count the slushees thrown in my face."

Fuck. He was being bullied at McKinley. He had to be. How many other schools threw slushies at people? Quinn could very well have tormented him in the past. Thrown a slushie in his face. Fuck. A ball of lead settled in her stomach.

[Quinn] 4:21pm:
"Shit. I'm sorry."

[R] 4:22pm:
"That's not actually what's bothering me the most, if you can believe it. I'm pretty used to them. I always have a change of clothes just in case.
"It's my so-called friends. We have this monumental event coming up and I'm trying to rally everyone together but despite my best efforts, they just don't listen.
"All they hear is this loud, bossy know-it-all who can't take a hint and shut up."

[Quinn] 4:24pm:
"I'm sorry."

[R] 4:24pm:
"It's not your fault."

[Quinn] 4:25pm:
"But I've been in their shoes. I've been the self-absorbed bratty teenager who didn't care if anyone got trampled on as long as I got what I wanted."

[R] 4:27pm:
"Oh.
"Right. Popular kid."

Quinn's thumbs hovered over the keyboard of her phone.

[Quinn] 4:30pm:
"And I'm sorry if I've ever thrown a slushee in your face."

She didn't know if she was self-sabotaging, or what. But there was something about anonymity through that phone that appealed to her. There was no fear of not being perfect. No need to second guess everything she said. No fear of judgement. She was just a faceless stranger with something to say. But she wanted her words to carry some weight and not just be empty reassurances.

[Quinn] 4:32pm:
"And if you don't want to talk to me anymore, I totally understand. Just know that you're already better than the rest of us. Better than me."

She didn't get another response that day.

---

[R] 7:20pm:
"Hi."

Quinn's eyes lit up at the text. She didn't think she'd ever get another one, let alone only two days later.

[Quinn] 7:20pm:
"Hey.
"I have to say I'm a little surprised you're still talking to me.
"Good surprised*. :)"

[R] 7:22pm:
"Is this a game?"

[Quinn] 7:22pm:
"Um, sorry. Is what a game?"

[R] 7:23pm:
"This. Us texting.
"Did you really type in the wrong number and accidentally text me?"

[Quinn] 7:23pm:
"...Yes?"

[R] 7:24pm:
"This isn't some elaborate plot to ply me for my inner dark secrets only to expose them in front of the entire school body?"

Quinn's eyes widened. She could literally see herself doing exactly that.

[Quinn] 7:24pm:
"No!"

[R] 7:24pm:
"I mean it's not like you'd admit to that anyways."

Quinn quickly erased what she'd been typing in lieu of something else.

[Quinn] 7:25pm:
"I'll be honest, that is something the old me would've done. But I've changed a lot over the past year and I'd like to think I'm not the same person anymore.
"I've really enjoyed talking to you these past few days. You were right. It helps that we don't actually know each other. Anonymity has its benefits.
"I'm willing to trade some secrets of my own if you are. I won't hang you out to dry.
"But we can also just talk about nothing."

There was something about the person on the other side of the screen that just screamed at her to be honest. Something that seemed so pure and innocent that Quinn almost wanted to reach out and hold him. So different from all the other guys in her life. R strengthened her resolve to be a better person.

She knew it was dangerous. But they were just talking. And it was so nice to talk to someone that didn't see her as Quinn Fabray. Besides, friendships were about give and take. And that's what she kind of wanted from this. A friend.

[R] 7:33pm:
"So... you've thrown slushees before.
"Is it safe to assume you attend McKinley as well? Or are other schools upholding this tradition as well?"

She could've lied. She had the opening. But Quinn found herself not wanting to. Besides, now she knew R was a student at McKinley too. It was only fair to offer the same information.

[Quinn] 7:34pm:
"Yeah, I go to McKinley too."

[R] 7:34pm:
"I see."

And now Quinn was starting to run through a mental registry of McKinley students. Had she seen this guy before? Even talked to him? She wanted to know more. Had to know more.

[Quinn] 7:37pm:
"So uh what's your favorite color?"

[R] 7:38pm:
"Yellow.
"And you?"

[Quinn] 7:38pm:
"Yellow? Who likes yellow? Lol.
"Mine changes a lot, but right now I'm really digging this shade of hot pink."

[R] 7:39pm:
"That's...interesting. Much more interesting that my yellow.
"And I'll have you know that yellow is a noble color. It's joy and happiness. Light. Warmth. It embraces without overwhelming."

[Quinn] 7:40pm:
"It's not a good reflection of what you're felling right now though is it?"

Wow. Even when typing, Quinn couldn't think before speaking.

[Quinn] 7:40pm:
"Sorry if I overstepped."

[R] 7:41pm:
"No, no. You're right. But I also see yellow as a symbol of hope. That things will be better. Like even though the sun disappears at the end of the day, it offers new beginnings when it rises the next day."

[Quinn] 7:41pm:
"Wow. You're very eloquent. It almost makes me want to consider making yellow my next favorite color.
"Almost. :P"

[R] 7:42pm:
"Haha. I'm glad you think so. Most people tend to tune my voice out when I talk, especially when I'm passionate because I tend to go on and on and on without realizing I've lost my audience.
"So does hot pink hold any significance for you?"

[Quinn] 7:43pm:
"Well they're missing out. I enjoy getting a peek into your mind.
"Not really. I've thought about dying my hair a hot pink tho. Not fully but like highlights or something. I'm blonde, so I thought it'd be a cool look. If I ever got the courage to actually do it."

[R] 7:43pm:
"Well that would definitely be a look.
"I'm sure you'd pull it off."

[Quinn] 7:44pm:
"Yeah, I'm not so sure. Besides, you don't even know what I look like. You can't make that claim."

[R] 7:44pm:
"It's all about confidence. If you believe it to be true, then no one can dispute it.
"Well, they can. But who cares what others think. The only approval you need is your own. So you can ignore my assumption if you really don't think it'll suit you."

[Quinn] 7:45pm:
"I think you could learn a few things from yourself."

[R] 7:45pm:
"Yes, well I admit it's much easier to say than actually do. The older I've gotten, the more self-conscious and self-deprecating I've become, especially under the barrage of very vocal insults and disdainful looks from my peers."

[Quinn] 7:46pm:
"That's a shame.
"Guess it's up to me to boost your ego. :)
"Do you have any hobbies?"

[R] 7:55pm:
"I like to cook."

[Quinn] 7:57pm:
"Oh that's cool. What do you like to cook? Are you good at it? I can just barely boil water lol."

[R] 7:57pm:
"I'm a vegetarian bordering on vegan so I try to experiment with different dishes."

Quinn wrinkled her nose.

[Quinn] 7:58pm:
"I can't imagine giving up meat or animal byproducts. I love bacon and eggs and pancakes for breakfast. I think I have some kind of chicken in just about every meal. But if I could replace it with bacon I totally would."

The second she hit send, Quinn wanted to bang her head against a wall.

[Quinn] 7:58pm:
"Shoot!
"Sorry! That was really insensitive wasn't it? :x"

[R] 7:59pm:
"Lol it's okay. It's nothing I haven't heard before."

[Quinn] 7:59pm:
"Sorry anyways.
"Not a lot of people are vegetarians let alone vegans. What made you choose that lifestyle?"

[R] 8:00pm:
"I watched this documentary when I was in fifth grade and I cried for a week straight when I saw the animals slaughtered before my eyes. And the conditions the farm animals are raised in aren't good either.
"My parents are meat eaters themselves, despite my best efforts to convert them, but they've mostly supported my dietary choices.
"The few exceptions I have are generally dairy. My parents insisted I had to keep drinking milk as I'm still growing. And I have a weakness for cheese.
"Sorry, you probably don't really care about the details."

[Quinn] 8:05pm:
"No, I asked. I think that's really noble of you."

[R] 8:05pm:
"Not many people think so."

[Quinn] 8:06pm:
"I try not to think about the how of my food ending up in front of me. I just enjoy it lol.
"So I have to commend you for sticking to it for what? 5 yrs? 6?"

[R] 8:06pm:
"Trying to get my age out of me are you?"

Quinn grinned at her phone. Was she being that obvious?

[Quinn] 8:06pm:
"Guilty as charged."

[R] 8:07pm:
"What happened to 'anonymity has its benefits'?"

[Quinn] 8:07pm:
"Eh anonymity's overrated."

[R] 8:07pm:
"Why don't you go first then?"

Damn.

[Quinn] 8:08pm:
"Fine.
"You win. No ages."

[R] 8:08pm:
":("

This was such a lose lose situation. Quinn wanted to know more about this person. Know who he was. But she didn't want to reveal herself in the process. It was a very frustrating dilemma.

[Quinn] 8:12pm:
"So do you have any favorite tv shows?"

They went back and forth, well into the night, talking about nothing and everything. Quinn didn't even remember finally dozing off, only to find a Goodnight, you big baby. Sleep well on her phone in the morning that made her heart swell.

---

They texted every day, almost all day. The topics they talked about ranged from trivial debates about which teacher was the worst to deep philosophical talks about life. They greeted each other good morning and goodnight and everything in between. Whenever something happened in school or at home, Quinn's first thought was to let R know. She just felt the need to share. To include him. And she appreciated whatever thoughts he offered - which was a lot. He wrote a lot.

And Quinn was happy to offer the same. She really liked seeing into this stranger's life. Seeing what made him tick and what made him happy. Sometimes, she couldn't imagine him as a victim of bullying. He was so insightful and thoughtful and real.

But she doubted they would've ever become friends (let alone anything more) had she not accidentally typed his number into her phone instead of Ryan's. Because with her status, she probably never would've given him the time of day in person.

As much as her pregnancy changed her, she still craved the attention and approval of others. Despite what R advised. Quinn had fought her way back to the top of the social ladder and intended to stay there. But having B- Beth changed her. Crushing the people around her just didn't hold the same appeal anymore. She'd do what it took to keep her position, but nothing more. Unless they deserved it, of course.

Quinn waited until the teacher turned to write something on the board before slipping her phone in between the pages of her textbook, eyes lighting up at the notification of a new text.

---

[Romeo] 10:12am:
"Happy Birthday!"

[Quinn] 10:15am:
"...it's not my birthday..."

[Romeo] 10:15am:
"Oh darn I must've mixed it up with Katy Perry's. Sorry, when is your birthday again?"

Quinn squinted at the screen.

[Quinn] 10:17am:
"You're very strange, you know that?"

[Romeo] 10:17am:
"People have told me that, yes.
"So, not October then?"

[Quinn] 10:18am:
"No."

[Romeo] 10:18am:
"November?"

[Quinn] 10:18am:
"No."

[Romeo] 10:19am:
"December."

[Quinn] 10:26am:
"No."

[Romeo] 10:27am:
"Are you really going to make me go through the entire calendar?"

[Quinn] 10:27am:
"Sure."

[Romeo] 10:27am:
"-_-"

[Quinn] 10:28am:
"Didn't peg you for the type to give up."

[Romeo] 10:28am:
"September?"

[Quinn] 10:30am:
"Ooh, just when you were getting warmer.
"No."

[Romeo] 10:30am:
"January?"

[Quinn] 10:30am:
"Nope!"

[Romeo] 10:30am:
"Ugh."

[Quinn] 10:31am:
"I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."

[Romeo] 10:32am:
"No fair, I asked first!"

[Quinn] 10:37am:
"How badly do you want to know?"

[Romeo] 10:38am:
"...Fine. It seems you're getting to know me a bit too well."

[Quinn] 10:38am:
"Or you're just predictable."

[Romeo] 10:40am:
"Never! I go where the wind takes me."

[Quinn] 10:40am:
"You're so dramatic."

[Romeo] 10:40am:
"Thank you!
"And my birthday is in December."

[Quinn] 10:41am:
"February."

[Romeo] 10:41am:
"Darn! It would've only taken me one more guess!"

[Quinn] 10:43am:
"Guess you gave up a little too early."

[Romeo] 10:43am:
"I didn't give up! I cut a deal."

[Quinn] 10:43am:
"Whatever you say :P"

---

[Romeo] 6:02pm:
"February 1st?"

Quinn burst out laughing.

---

[Quinn] 2:57pm:
"So your name starts with an r?"

[Romeo] 3:21pm:
"I believe it's only fair that you tell me the first letter of your name as well."

[Quinn] 4:25pm:
"Raymond?"

[Romeo] 4:27pm:
"Um."

[Quinn] 4:28pm:
"Robert?"

[Romeo] 4:28pm:
"You're really cold right now."

[Quinn] 4:28pm:
"Raj."

[Romeo] 4:28pm:
"Freezing."

[Quinn] 4:29pm:
"Can I get a hint?"

[Romeo] 4:29pm:
"You haven't even told me what your name starts with!"

[Quinn] 4:29pm:
"Richard?"

[Romeo] 4:29pm:
":("

[Quinn] 4:31pm:
"Rupert. Roger. Ross."

[Romeo] 4:31pm:
"Nope, nope, nope!
"Are you just going to keep ignoring me?"

Quinn hesitated. And decided yes, she would.

[Quinn] 4:33pm:
"Rover?"

[Romeo] 3:33pm:
"LOL woof!
"Where are you getting these names?
"I can't even tell you how far off you are."

[Quinn] 4:34pm:
"Damn.
"Google obviously. Top 100 names that start with an r.
"Can't I get a hint?"

[Romeo] 4:35pm:
"Oh boy. It's going to be a long night. I can't believe Rover is in the top hundred.
"And no! You already have more than I do!"

[Quinn] 4:35pm:
"Rye?"

[Romeo] 4:35pm:
"What am I? A piece of bread?"

Quinn smirked.

[Quinn] 4:36pm:
"Romeo."

[Romeo] 4:36pm:
"LOL. Only if you're Juliet ;)"

Quinn's eyes widened and she bit back the smile, feeling the warmth run through her. Flirt.

[Romeo] 4:40pm:
":( no more guesses?
"Is it my turn? Do I get a letter to work with yet?"

Damn. Her mind was suddenly blank. She looked to her computer and scrolled through. What else could it be? She returned to the google search engine and scrolled through the hits. And her blood ran cold at the realization.

She wracked her brain for all the conversations they've had. Not once did R ever say they were a guy. She'd just... assumed. Fuck. Quinn looked back to her phone, which displayed a new message as it shook in her hand. She'd even called them an old man, if she recalled correctly. They never bothered to correct her! They'd been talking for weeks and the issue of gender never came up!

[Romeo] 4:48pm:
"A?"

A girl. Could it be a girl? Had she been occasionally...flirting? With a girl? She didn't have anything against gay people. She was friends with them. Santana and Brittany. And Kurt and Blaine... kinda. But. She wasn't one herself...

Quinn felt uncomfortable and she didn't know if it was because she knew R could be a girl... or because she might be okay with that. Oh, she was so screwed.

[Romeo] 4:50pm:
"How about B? Does your name start with a B?"

[Quinn] 4:51pm:
"Rebecca"

Quinn quickly typed her next guess and dropped her phone on her desk like a hot potato. She pushed herself away and drew her knees to her chest on the rolling computer chair. She watched as the screen went black and after a few moments, it lit up with a new notification.

She should look, shouldn't she? Best to get it over with. She'd have a whole new list of names and people to comb through if it were the case. Quinn watched as the screen went black before lighting up again a minute later.

I have to know. She wriggled the chair closer and snatched the phone.

[Romeo] 4:52pm:
"Well, then. I'm glad you've come to your senses about my gender. But no, I'm not a Rebecca either :P"

[Romeo] 4:55pm:
"C? C'mon. You've gotta give me something."

Quinn swallowed hard. Damn. Should she apologize? For what? For flirting? I don't know! Did R think she was a guy too? She was the one who started the flirting! But no... Quinn's first text was about being on a date with a guy. Even if this girl thought she was a dude, she'd be assumed to be a gay guy. But if she knew she was a girl then why was she flirting with her?

Her phone pinged with a new message.

[Romeo] 5:00pm:
":( did I scare you off?
"I'll stop guessing if it'll make you feel better."

Quinn didn't know what to do. What to say. Did she just keep guessing? Did it really matter that her new friend was a girl? She had plenty of girl friends. But you like her as more than a friend, a voice whispered in the back of her head. She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head free of the thought. Friends. She wanted a friend. She could use a friend. I can do this. But she can't know who I am.

[Quinn] 5:42pm:
"L."

---

Quinn tried to ignore him. Her. She really tried. She needed to. To clear her head. After the first few pings in the morning, she switched her phone to vibrate. But then she found it hard to ignore the constant buzzing against her leg. Can't h-she take a hint? she thought, annoyed. It was quickly erased by a curious, Do we really text this much?

But she continued to resist the urge to look. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to put her phone on mute. It almost...comforted her to feel the short bzzts, even though she was ignoring them. What a walking contradiction. She rolled her eyes at herself.

Quinn made it to her last period study hall before she broke.

She probably could've just left, citing Cheerios practice or something and Ms. Lo wouldn't have batted an eye at her. But instead, Quinn sat lost in thought about R. She was supposed to be taking a break from talking to her and using that time to think about how to move forward. She was supposed to be thinking of ways to distance herself from R.

Because friends didn't text each other every minute of every day... did they? She certainly didn't do that with Santana and Brittney. But then again, she didn't exactly do that with Finn either. So maybe it was a friends thing. A best friends thing.

And with each buzz she felt, she couldn't help but wonder what was going on in R's life. She wanted to know. And she wanted to share what her day was like too. That her history class was so boring she almost fell asleep. Or that Puck was being insufferable with all his lewd comments - and they could share a laugh over some that she'd send. Or that Rachel was being obnoxious about getting Glee club together for an emergency meeting during lunch. Quinn had to actively fight herself to not reach for her phone.

Except... she hadn't received a notification since the beginning of this period. Hadn't needed to fight the urge to check.

So she finally caved and took out her phone to catch up on all the messages she'd missed. She actually had two from Santana, but they'd already talked during lunch, so she disregarded them.

[Not Romeo] 5:58am:
"Good morning L!"

Why hasn't she tried to guess my name yet?

[Not Romeo] 5:58am:
"You'd really love breakfast at my house. Tuesday's and Saturday's are big breakfast days cuz my dad goes into work later and has time to cook.
"Bacon included.
"You're welcome anytime ;)"

Quinn didn't know what it was about R that always made her mind go straight to the gutter! Her cheeks grew warm at the thought of having a sleepover with R. Staying the night.

[Not Romeo] 9:27am:
"Omg Mr. Sheehan is the worst!
"I forgot my textbook in my locker and ran back to get it.
"Got to class a minute late and he locked the door!
"I'm missing class! My perfect attendance record!
"He's the worst!"

Aw.

[Not Romeo] 10:54am:
"Update: I spoke to Figgins.
"I wore him down and was able to get marked as present :)
"Awesome."

Quinn smiled. Yay!

[Not Romeo] 11:31am:
"My ex is being so annoying.
"He keeps giving me these backhanded compliments and I can't tell if it's on purpose or not.
"He definitely wants me to do something for him.
"Sometimes I don't know what I ever saw in him.

[Not Romeo] 11:48am:
"Ugh, I called it.
"He wants my 'notes' from class. Meaning the answers to the worksheet we had the entire period to do.
"AND we were allowed to work in groups. Not that he wanted to work with me then.
"You can't see it, but I'm rolling my eyes."

Quinn was rolling her eyes too. She could relate. Finn was always doing that with her. Idiot boys.

[Female Romeo] 12:06pm:
"Have I mentioned school lunches suck?
"Of course I have.
"Sorry, I'm being obnoxious."

She actually thought it was cute. R was probably pouting when she sent that text.

[Female Romeo] 12:52pm:
"Hey, are you in any extracurriculars?
"Or would that be giving away too much about each other?
"Let me revise my question: do you have any hobbies?"

Quinn bit her lip. Glee would definitely be a giveaway with how small it was. Though the 'L' would probably throw her off. Quinn giggled on the inside at the thought of R imagining her as Lauren Zizes.

She didn't want to do that though. But she could probably say she was in Cheerios. There were 28 of them plus the alternates. R already knew she was popular anyways.

[Female Romeo] 1:10pm:
"Hey L?"

[Female Romeo] 1:56pm:
"Are you okay?"

[Female Romeo] 2:22pm:
"Did something happen?"

That was the last text. A warm feeling settled in her stomach at the concern R displayed.

[Quinn] 2:30pm:
"Hey Rapunzel."

But the bell rang just then and Quinn did have Cheerios practice to get to. Coach would kill her if she were just on time. No, as Captain, Quinn had to be early. She shoved her phone in her pocket and quickly made her way to the football field.

She didn't have to worry about missing R's text though, because when she got to practice - too early it seemed - there was still no response. Quinn walked up the bleachers and sat down, just staring at her phone and willing it to buzz.

[Rapunzel] 2:47pm:
"Hey."

Quinn paused, waiting, expecting more. After the slew of texts she'd gotten all day, it felt strange to just get this one worded response. The warm feeling she'd felt was slowly morphing into a sinking feeling and she couldn't help but feel like she'd somehow hurt the girl's feelings. And she knew she couldn't let her know she had been actively ignoring her all day.

[Quinn] 2:50pm:
"Sorry for not replying!
"I forgot to charge my phone last night and it died overnight.
"I overslept and was in such a rush I didn't realize it was dead so I didn't grab a charger.
"I'm just about to start practice and managed to snag someone else's charger to use."

But as she sat in the bleachers waiting for Cheerios practice to start, she felt even worse for lying. Until she got R's next messages and knew she'd made the right decision.

[Rapunzel] 2:52pm:
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that!
"What kind of practice are you participating in? :)
"I couldn't imagine going a whole school day without my phone.
"I mean clearly you can see how much I enjoy torturing, I mean texting, you. :P
"And I have to say it's kind of a relief to hear that. Or hear from you at all.
"I admit, I'd started running worst case scenarios in my head about what might've happened to you.
"I was one step away from actually calling the police and trying to have someone trace your phone number to make sure you weren't killed and stuffed in a ditch somewhere."

A bark of laughter escaped Quinn. She was so dramatic! But she appreciated the concern.

[Rapunzel] 2:57pm:
"I stopped myself of course.
"Because then I started to wonder if maybe I'd said the wrong thing.
"And I scrolled through all the messages I'd sent to search for it so I could apologize. But then it occurred to me that maybe I'd driven you away with my incessant texting and rambling.
"Cuz it wouldn't be the first time to happen.
"Darn. Sorry, it seems I'm doing it again, aren't I?
"God, I'm pathetic."

Quinn stopped mid-typing, her heart breaking at R's beaten words. Was it always going to be like this? Would she never change?

She had the propensity to hurt everyone in her path because she was just. So. Damn. Selfish. She punctuated each word with a fist to her leg. Ow. But she deserved it. How could she do this to her?

[Quinn] 3:01pm:
"No!
"Don't say that. You are NOT pathetic.
"If anything, I'm the bitch for making you even consider that.
"And I'll even let you in on a little secret.
"Your texts are the highlight of my day."

They really were. Just seeing R's contact flash on the screen of her phone lifted her out of a bad mood, whether it was from an argument with Santana or Coach or her mother.

[Quinn] 3:03pm:
"I'm glad I got the wrong number and texted you instead of Ryan."

She didn't know what else she could add. What else she could she say to convey her sincerity? Quinn didn't know what kind of friendship - what kind of relationship - they had, but she now knew she wasn't ready to let it go. Did it really matter that R was in fact a girl? R was a person, just like her and she had feelings, fragile ones at that, and Quinn was overcome with a need to protect R. To comfort her and hope she never had these disparaging thoughts about herself again. R had somehow wormed her way into Quinn's life and she didn't want to lose her.

[Rapunzel] 3:04pm:
"So you admit you were a bad date which led him to give you the wrong number?"

[Quinn] 3:04pm:
"Ha. Ha. Very funny.
"But seriously, are you okay?"

[Rapunzel] 3:06pm:
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry you had to experience one of my stupid meltdowns."

[Quinn] 3:07pm:
"Don't be. Honestly, I'm honored that I get to see this side of you. And they're not stupid.
"And before you think anything, you're not stupid either.
"I don't know how much stock you take in my words, but in the weeks I've come to know you, I can wholeheartedly say you are a pretty amazing person and I am lucky to be your friend."

[Rapunzel] 3:08pm:
"I feel like I should warn you that I'm about to have another meltdown."

[Quinn] 3:08pm:
"What! Why?" Shit, what did I do?

[Rapunzel] 3:08pm:
"No one's ever said something as nice as that to me before. And my face is burning with embarrassment and happiness right now.
"I don't know what it is about you that makes me want to tell you everything. And if it ever becomes too much information, please tell me. I won't take any offense to it. It'd just be a little reminder to reign it in."

Quinn was slightly blushing too, taking just a little pride in having that affect on R. And she bit her lip in amusement. H-She was just so darn adorable.

[Quinn] 3:09pm:
"You're gonna be waiting a while.
"I don't think I'll ever tell you to reign it in.
"I told you before, I really like getting a glimpse into your brain.
"And I really like what I've been seeing."

[Rapunzel] 3:10pm:
"Gah."

With all the rambling R did, it kind of made Quinn giddy inside to be able to render her speechless.

---

[Rapunzel] 5:34pm:
"Hey Lucy!"

Quinn blinked stupidly at her phone.

Are you kidding me? Did this girl seriously guess her name on the first try? She was going to be the death of her.

[Rapunzel] 5:37pm:
"Linda?
"Lauren."

She rolled her eyes.

[Quinn] 5:38pm:
"I cannot believe you guessed my name on your first try and I haven't even gotten yours yet."

[Rapunzel] 5:39pm:
"Lucy?!
"It's cuz I'm awesome!
"I've got a sixth sense ;)"

Quinn really wondered what the other girl looked like. What shade of hair she had. Was it short or long? Were her eyebrows thick or thin? What color were her eyes? What did it look like when she winked? Was she cute? Was she... se- Quinn's face, especially her ears, burned at the mere thought.

[Quinn] 5:40pm:
"Are you really a social pariah?"

[Rapunzel] 5:40pm:
"That's a bit of a random segue...
"Are you regretting our blooming friendship?"

[Quinn] 5:41pm:
"No!
"I'm just having trouble wrapping my head around the idea.
"I find it so easy to talk to you. To give pieces of myself away to you."

Quinn bit her lip. She really hoped that last sentence didn't come off the way it sounded in her head. She just meant personal information about herself! Secrets, thoughts really, she'd never told anyone else.

[Rapunzel] 5:41pm:
"Well I know I make a great friend. And I'm glad you think so too :)
"It's really a shame no one wants to reap the benefits of my friendship.
"But I'm inclined to say maybe you find it easier to open up because we don't really know each other."

[Quinn] 5:42pm:
"But it feels like we do."

[Rapunzel] 5:42pm:
"I don't know what the chances are that you'll find out who I am, but I'm betting you won't like what you find."

Quinn frowned at the screen. She tried to imagine who could be on the other side of the screen that would completely repulse her. And the only face her mind conjured up was Jacob Ben Israel. She shuddered. Thank goodness none of his three names started with an R. And there was fact he was male. She'd never been so relieved to recount the fact that she was talking to a girl.

[Quinn] 5:44pm:
"I can't wait to prove you wrong."

[Rapunzel] 5:44pm:
"A bit presumptuous of you, no? ;)"

Quinn smiled. Oh, she'd show her. It'd only been a week since Quinn found out R was a girl and barring that first day she spent ignoring her, she felt like they'd only grown closer together. It was a bit hard to believe they've only known each other a month. She felt like they've been friends for forever. She wasn't about to let her slip away.

She was so lost in thought about finding out R's identity and how exactly she'd prove her friend wrong, her fingers worked on autopilot and when she glanced down at what she'd just sent, she flung her phone across the room in mortification and winced as it thunked against the wall. She'd been talking about being friends! Not anything more!

Oh bacon, I'm totally coming onto her. Why was she doing this to herself? She buried her head between her knees and let out a muffled scream.

Friends! she reminded herself. You wanted to be friends! She's a girl!

But she knew the argument grew weaker by the day. She'd never taken stock in stories about people falling for personalities and not looks. Quinn had been raised to judge people based on their looks and social statuses, to only associate herself with those on top. The best of the best.

Everything this girl told her about herself was the opposite of what Quinn was supposed to want. And yet, she felt more alive texting her than she's ever felt spending time with Finn, Puck, or Sam. She couldn't imagine not liking whoever Rapunzel turned out to be.

Quinn felt that no matter what she looked like, she'd be beautiful. It wasn't very realistic thinking. But she couldn't help it. And she was afraid of what that could mean.

She finally crawled over to where her phone lay, quickly inspecting it for damage before rereading what she'd sent.

[Quinn] 5:44pm:
"You say you'd make a great friend, would you make a great girlfriend too?"

[Rapunzel] 5:45pm:
"Why? Are you offering? ;)"

Yes. Heat blossomed in Quinn. That wretched winky face. Thankfully, R had sent another message before Quinn could reply and she released the breath she'd been holding.

[Rapunzel] 5:49pm:
"You'd think so, but it seems my worst qualities are simply amplified when I'm dating someone."

[Quinn] 5:49pm:
"So you have dated. I wouldn't call your dating life nonexistent then.
"And I'm sure that won't always be the case. Maybe it was just that relationship."

[Rapunzel] 5:50pm:
"Well it's non-existent at the moment.
"And I'm not so sure about that."

[Quinn] 5:50pm:
"How many relationships have you been in?"

She really expected R to say just the one.

[Rapunzel] 5:51pm:
"One serious relationship. But I suppose if you want to be technical, three."

Quinn's eyebrows shot up. Three? That's how many guys I've dated! And I'm the popular one! Rapunzel couldn't be that much of a social outcast then. There's hope after all. Although, if two were technical, maybe R was the sleeping around type. That didn't sit well with her.

[Quinn] 5:52pm:
"I'm seriously questioning this pariah status you've labeled yourself with."

[Rapunzel] 5:52pm:
"Well, one lasted less than 24 hours. He couldn't stand the social status degradation that comes with associating with me. He actually got slushied when we were walking down the hall arm in arm."

Quinn's eyes widened.

[Rapunzel] 5:53pm:
"And the other technical one broke up with me in front of his friends by crushing poor little unborn baby chicks on my head."

What the actual f-

[Quinn] 5:53pm:
"Eggs? He smashed eggs on your head?"

[Rapunzel] 5:54pm:
"I did tell him to. After his friends barraged me with their own eggs. He was their fearless leader and he'd already broken my heart. What was one more thing to break?"

[Quinn] 5:55pm:
"Omg!
"I think you've been dating the wrong people! And you're like blaming yourself for these relationship fails?
"I totally would've egged his house or something in retaliation! TP'd his house! Tell me you did something to him."

[Rapunzel] 5:56pm:
"No, I didn't. I don't see what that would achieved."

[Quinn] 5:56pm:
"Humiliation! Revenge! You can't just let them get away with that!
"You're basically saying it's okay for them to do that. For anyone to humiliate you like that!"

[Rapunzel] 5:57pm:
"I don't believe violence is the answer to anything. And maybe he would've retaliated back and then we'd be stuck in this viscious cycle of hurting each other. No one wins."

[Quinn] 5:57pm:
"But he's the only one winning in your situation! What about you?"

Quinn was beyond outraged. What was wrong with this girl? Did she believe she deserved this kind of humiliation?

[Quinn] 5:57pm:
"Who is this guy? I'll avenge you."

[Rapunzel] 5:58pm:
"Lol. You're going to be my knight in shining armor hm?"

Quinn blushed.

[Quinn] 6:00pm:
"If I have to be."

[Rapunzel] 6:00pm:
"Sorry, but I don't condone violence."

[Quinn] 6:00pm:
"Who said anything about violence?
"I'm gonna psychologically scar him so badly that he'll think twice before looking at another girl."

[Rapunzel] 6:01pm:
"o.o I don't think I approve of that either..."

[Quinn] 6:01pm:
"I don't need your approval!"

[Rapunzel] 6:01pm:
"I thought you were doing this for me."

[Quinn] 6:02pm:
"...you're right. But maybe it's a little bit for me too. I just can't believe you just took it and didn't retaliate tho.
"I'm sorry it happened to you."

[Rapunzel] 6:02pm:
"It's okay. I was really broken up over it at the time. He really was the perfect leading man."

The phrase rang familiar to her, but Quinn couldn't place it and didn't really bother to.

[Rapunzel] 6:02pm:
"But I'm over him now. A bit over dating boys right now. ;)"

What was it with the winky faces? Was she flirting? Or was she just mispressing the semicolon instead of the colon?

[Quinn] 6:04pm:
"So what about your one actual relationship?"

[Rapunzel] 6:04pm:
"Oh.
"He broke up with me too."

Another he. R knew Quinn was a girl. She'd guessed her name on the first try! R's dating history consisted of all boys. So she couldn't be flirting with her.

[Rapunzel] 6:04pm:
"We had a very rocky on-off relationship but ultimately he was in love with someone else.

But... 'a bit over dating boys right now.' Did that mean she was looking to date... girls? Quinn shook her head clear of that thought. It wouldn't do to speculate like that. Right?

[Rapunzel] 6:04pm:
"Besides, he never failed to tell me I was too talkative and annoying and he also cared a little too much about popularity when we were dating. "

[Quinn] 6:05pm:
"Maybe you should stay away from these popularity crazed people."

[Rapunzel] 6:05pm:
"Like you? :("

No!

Damn. She couldn't believe her knee jerk response to that innocent question. That sad face emoticon.

[Quinn] 6:06pm:
"We're friends. That's different."

[Rapunzel] 6:07pm:
"Just friends? :("

Flirting. R was definitely flirting! And Quinn couldn't resist any longer.

[Quinn] 6:08pm:
"For now ;)"

Quinn didn't know what possessed her to send that. It was like her fingers had a mind of their own and they definitely knew how to use that winky face. And when Rapunzel's response came in, Quinn bit her lip just barely containing the smile that threatened to stretch across her face.

[Rapunzel] 6:09pm:
"Looking forward to the later ;)"

---

[Quinn] 10:21am:
"Raquel?"

[Rapunzel] 10:24am:
"Does it bother you I got your name on the first try?"

[Quinn] 10:25am:
"Yes!"

[Rapunzel] 10:25am:
"I'm scared for you to know my name. Who I am."

Quinn felt a little guilty. She could hide behind her real name, a name no one knew her by. R didn't have that luxury. She understood how she was feeling. Still, it didn't seem to deter her.

[Quinn] 10:26am:
"Nothing will change except for the contact in my phone.
"Rhonda?"

[Rapunzel] 10:26am:
"Nope.
"And you don't know that."

[Quinn] 10:27am:
"Well, you don't not know that."

[Rapunzel] 10:30am:
"It's one of my biggest fears."

[Quinn] 10:31am:
"What? You think you can scare me away?"

[Rapunzel] 10:31am:
"My track record seems to think so."

[Quinn] 10:32am:
"You're right. I can't promise that nothing will change. Because things will change. Things are always changing. But I'll promise to take a chance on getting to know the real you if you'll do the same with me."

[Rapunzel] 10:32am:
"Of course I will."

[Quinn] 10:33am:
"Because I have this sinking feeling you won't like who I am either when you find out."

[Rapunzel] 10:33am:
"Maybe our fears will cancel each other out."

[Quinn] 10:33am:
"If only."

[Quinn] 12:01pm:
"Ruby?"

[Rapunzel] 12:20pm:
":) no."

[Quinn] 12:25pm:
"Rose?
"You'd tell me if it close right? Like if it was in fact Rosa and not Rose?"

[Rapunzel] 12:27pm:
"Nope, no way, and nope! :P"

[Quinn] 12:27pm:
"What! Why not!"

[Rapunzel] 12:28pm:
"You know, each guess you make has me on the edge of my seat. Because you're bound to get it soon."

[Quinn] 12:28pm:
"So I am close then?"

[Rapunzel] 12:30pm:
"I mean, you're definitely closer than you were when you were guessing male names."

[Quinn] 12:34pm:
"Gosh, I'm so embarrassed about that. I honestly have no idea how it got into my head you were a guy. I just assumed."

[Rapunzel] 12:35pm:
"It's okay that I'm not, right?"

[Quinn] 12:42pm:
"Yeah." I think so.

[Rapunzel] 12:43pm:
"Okay cool.

[Rumplestiltskin] 12:57pm:
"Any more guesses, Lucy? ;)"

[Quinn] 12:59am:
"Ruth?"

[Rumplestiltskin] 1:00pm:
":( no. You really are a bad guesser."

[Quinn] 1:00pm:
"Riley."

[Rumplestiltskin] 1:00pm:
"Nope!
"What else can I guess about you while you try to guess my name?"

[Quinn] 1:02pm:
"Nothing!
"You don't get to guess anything until I get your name!"

[Rumplestiltskin] 1:05pm:
"A bit one sided, don't you think?"

[Quinn] 1:06pm:
"Don't care.
"Rihanna."

[Rumplestiltskin] 1:06pm:
"Haha! I wish!
"But honestly, I have to say I'm quite surprised you haven't come across my name yet. It's actually quite common."

[Quinn] 1:06pm:
"Argh!
"Robin!"

[Rumplestiltskin] 1:07pm:
"Lol."

---

She was on a date with a cute boy and the only thing on her mind was how she could inconspicuously take her phone out to check for messages.

It's not like she really wanted to be here anyways. How did Rachel even convince her to sing a duet with Sam after she'd just rejected him? It's like now that the dwarf was single she was channeling all her energy into everyone else's love lives.

Sam had spoken to her for like the first time that day and he was already trying to kiss her! He did have a nice voice though. The duet was pretty nice. But she just felt a lot of annoyance directed at him instead of affection.

Right now, he was talking animatedly about Avatar and Quinn took the chance to glance at her phone when it buzzed.

[Rumplestiltskin] 8:24pm:
"What am I saved as on your phone?"

Sam moved on to talking about video games and she mentally rolled her eyes. Did all boys have nothing better to do than play and talk about video games? But she forced herself to drag her attention away from her phone and back to the boy anyways. She couldn't be rude.

As she nibbled on a breadstick, she couldn't help imagining R -just a silhouette really- across from her, sharing a meal. Not at Breadstix obviously. Somewhere else, far from Lima. Or maybe at one of their houses. Maybe R would cook for her. Make her try some vegetarian or vegan food. A small smile escaped her lips.

"Exactly! You agree right?" Sam exclaimed. Quinn's eye brow flicked up ever so slightly and she nodded, no clue what he was talking about.

A few minutes later, the waitress stopped by to collect their empty plates and dropped off the dessert menu. Quinn took a sip of her soda and used this opportunity to hide behind the menu and check her phone again.

[Rumplestiltskin] 8:28pm:
"I was just wondering because you used to be saved as 'mystery lover *' but now you're obviously saved as Lucy."

She choked on her drink and sputtered as it dribbled down her mouth. Ohmygosh. How was she even supposed to respond to that?

"Are you okay?!" Sam reached over with a tissue to wipe her face and Quinn was still a little too shell shocked to stop him.

"Uh-" Her voice cracked, "You know what, I don't think I'm feeling so good. I'm not in the mood for dessert." Unless it's R. "Oh- Wow, it's hot in here isn't it?"

Sam looked at her with concerned eyes, "Yeah... let me take you home. You don't look so good."

The cool outside air provided some relief and the pair made their way to the car. The drive home was relatively silent, though Sam had turned the radio on to play softly in the background. Quinn snuck a peek at her phone.

[Rumplestiltskin] 8:33pm:
"Okay, fine. It was actually just 'mystery number' very boring. But your lack of response is pulling the truth out of me."

Seriously? It's not even true? I almost died back there!

[Rumplestiltskin] 8:42pm:
"Lucy?"

[Quinn] 8:44pm:
"Hmm."

[Rumplestiltskin] 8:45pm:
"Oh hey, there you are!"

[Quinn] 8:45pm:
"I've changed your name a few times."

[Rumplestiltskin] 8:45pm:
"Well now I'm burning with curiosity!
"You should know I'm bouncing in my seat with anticipation to hear all the names you've given me."

[Quinn] 8:46pm:
"Oh.
"I dunno. Some of them are kind of embarrassing."

[Rumplestiltskin] 8:46pm:
"More embarrassing than mystery lover?"

Quinn flushed again at the reminder. This girl was going to be the death of her. She was going to die from heat stroke!

[Quinn] 8:47pm:
"You didn't even use that! You were joking!"

[Rumplestiltskin] 8:48pm:
"...okay fine. I lied. It was your name for a hot second. Maybe a hot day. Or week."

Oh my. She lied about lying! Unbidden thoughts and images flashed through her mind. Again. It terrified her how much R affected her and she didn't even know what she looked like, let alone her name. Did R think about her like that too? Not too. I don't think about her like that! Yes you do. Shush!

"Hey." Quinn's mind was still a little hazy she hadn't realized they'd pulled into her driveway. She looked over at Sam to say goodbye, eyes glazed and dilated.

She never saw the kiss coming.

"Sam!" She shoved him away, barely resisting the urge to wipe the remnants of his kiss off her mouth.

"What! Sorry! You- you were looking at me, with, with your eyes like- I thought you wanted me to! Sorry!" He pulled back with his hands raised in defense.

"Well, I didn't. See you at school." Quinn briskly brushed him off and headed inside, running to her room where she could have a little privacy. Any thoughts about Sam were wiped away as she read the last message from R and grinned.

[Red Riding Hood] 8:50pm:
"You should know I'm pouting right now."

[Quinn] 8:58pm:
"It's too bad I can't imagine what that looks like on you."

[Red Riding Hood] 8:59pm:
"It is a real shame. I think it'd make you a little weak in your knees."

[Quinn] 9:00pm:
"Cocky aren't you?"

[Red Riding Hood] 9:00pm:
"Nope. No cocks here!"

Quinn's eyes bulged and a strangled laugh escaped her.

[Red Riding Hood] 9:00pm:
"Omg I'm soooo sorry. My cousin grabbed my phone and typed that!"

[Quinn] 9:01pm:
"Why don't I believe you?"

[Red Riding Hood] 9:01pm:
"Okay okay I'm totally lying. But I'm still sorry my fingers have a mind of their own and they happen to be so vulgar!
"Please know I am mortified and completely chastised."

[Quinn] 9:01pm:
"I wonder what else you're fingers can do."

Something about R made her so brazen in her words. Especially since she didn't have to worry about her identity. R thought she was Lucy. And maybe this is who she'd be if she'd let Lucy grow instead of burying her under the layers of shame and disappointment she built as Quinn.

[Red Riding Hood] 9:02pm:
"Damn."

Quinn giggled.

[Quinn] 9:03pm:
"Did I render you speechless?"

[Red Riding Hood] 9:03pm:
"Gah."

[Quinn] 9:04pm:
"You're cute when you're speechless."

[Red Riding Hood] 9:04pm:
"Am I not cute when I'm verbose? :("

[Quinn] 9:04pm:
"Nah, you're hot when you're passionate and talk a lot."

Where were these words coming from? It was exhilarating and terrifying but so freeing to just speak her mind, uncensored.

[Red Riding Hood] 9:04pm:
"Oh my."

It was definitely her new favorite thing to do, making R speechless.

---

[Quinn] 5:08pm:
"I went on a date the other day." Another one.

[Red Riding Hood] 5:10pm:
"Oh."

Quinn didn't know why she was telling her this. Especially after their recent confessions. She didn't know what she was doing.

[Quinn] 5:10pm:
"With a boy."

[Red Riding Hood] 5:11pm:
"Oh."

She felt like she was digging her own grave.

[Red Riding Hood] 5:12pm:
"I don't know what you want me to say, Lucy."

[Quinn] 5:13pm:
"Sorry.
"I don't really know either.
"It wasn't our first date."

[Red Riding Hood] 5:14pm:
"I don't think that makes me feel any better..."

[Quinn] 5:14pm:
"I'm sorry. This isn't coming out right. I just don't know how to say what I'm feeling."

[Red Riding Hood] 5:14pm:
"Feeling about the boy? Or feeling about me?"

[Quinn] 5:14pm:
"You. Both. I dunno."

[Red Riding Hood] 5:15pm:
"Then let's start with the boy. Do you know how you feel about him?"

[Quinn] 5:15pm:
"I don't feel the things I'm supposed to feel when I'm with him."

[Red Riding Hood] 5:16pm:
"What are you supposed to feel?"

[Quinn] 5:16pm:
"I dunno. Butterflies? Fireworks? Obsession?"

[Red Riding Hood] 5:16pm:
"Where did you get that idea from?"

[Quinn] 5:16pm:
"My friends. Classmates. Books, movies."

[Red Riding Hood] 5:16pm:
"Have you ever felt that way?"

Yes. With you. She inhaled sharply at the uncensored thought. But she couldn't bring herself to type it.

[Red Riding Hood] 5:18pm:
"Maybe you just don't like him that way."

[Quinn] 5:18pm:
"But I should!
"He's like the perfect sweetheart. He's cute and sweet and dorky."

[Red Riding Hood] 5:19pm:
"Maybe...
"Maybe you like somebody else."

Quinn's heart stopped. Those words just...rang true.

[Quinn] 5:20pm:
"Maybe I do..."

[Red Riding Hood] 5:20pm:
"Have you ever felt those butterflies and fireworks before?"

She was scared. She didn't even know her. How could she be feeling this way? Right now? Through a screen that only held words. But she managed to type her response this time. And her thumb hovered over the send button for a split second as if she could change her mind.

[Quinn] 5:22pm:
"Yes.

[Quinn] 5:25pm:
"With you."

---

[Roo] 8:54am:
"Hey beautiful."

Quinn blushed, grinning.

[Quinn] 8:54am:
"Hey Romeo :)"

[Roo] 8:54am:
"Lol is that what I'm saved-"

Before she could finish reading, her phone was snatched out of her hand.

"Hey Q, who you texting?"

Quinn's eyes widened, "Hey! Give that back!"

"Ooh, Quinn's got a side piece?"

Her face burned as she shoved Santana against the lockers, knocking the phone out of her hand. Quinn leaned down to grab her phone and walked away, tossing a "Bitch," over her shoulder.

She rolled her eyes at the text Santana had managed to send and then bit her lip to prevent the outburst of laughter at R's flustered response.

[Quinn] 8:55am:
"Want 2 fuk?"

[Roo] 8:55am:
"Oh!
"Um.
"What?
"Uh.
"Maybe a little further in the future?
"Not that I imagine things going that way.
"I mean not that I don't see you that way.
"Um gah?"

[Quinn] 9:02am:
"Sorry! My friend stole my phone and sent that.
"But um, so you've been thinking about that?"

[Roo] 9:02am:
"Um. I plead the fifth?"

Quinn was kind of flattered that this was the kind of response she was getting from R. It was weird. She usually felt annoyed when her previous boyfriends kept pushing to 'round the bases.' But the idea that R was thinking of her that way didn't annoy her. It kind of made her... wet. Quinn quickly looked around the hallway for witnesses, as if they might've heard her thoughts.

---

"You're seeing someone else?"

Great. Thanks, Santana. Quinn turned to face Sam and fixed him with a disinterested look. "Just because we went on a few dates doesn't mean we're boyfriend-girlfriend. But no, I'm not seeing someone else." Not yet, anyways. She turned back to her food. Bacon!

"Oh. But cool. So uh, wanna go out tonight?" he asked.

"No, it's a school night."

"Oh. What about this weekend?"

"I'm busy," Quinn said, barely stopping herself from rolling her eyes.

"Oh. Well, when are you free?"

Quinn sighed softly. Sam was a pretty decent guy. Sweet. And maybe if they'd met and gone out before she started talking to R-. Actually, scratch that. If she'd never started talking to R, maybe she'd have something with Sam. Because the truth was, getting to know Roo, whether it was before or after she got to know Sam, had changed her. And she wasn't sure there was any going back.

So she let him down as gently as she could.

---

[Roo] 10:05pm:
"I really like you."

Quinn's breath caught.

[Quinn] 10:06pm:
"I really like you too."

[Roo] 10:06pm:
"Does it bother you we've never met?"

[Quinn] 10:06pm:
"No."
"Does it bother you?"

[Roo] 10:07pm:
"A little."

[Quinn] 10:07pm:
"Oh."

[Roo] 10:07pm:
"It's just. I think you're the best thing that's ever happened to me in a long time. Maybe forever.
"Is that too heavy?"

[Quinn] 10:08pm:
"A little. But that's okay.
"Can I ask something too?"

[Roo] 10:08pm:
"Of course."

Does it bother you that we- Quinn incessantly tapped the backspace button until it was all gone and tried again. Do you ever thi- Nope. That wasn't it either.

[Quinn] 10:10pm:
"Are you gay?"

[Roo] 10:010pm:
"I'm bisexual.
"How about you?"

She didn't expect R to be so swift and blunt, so sure about herself and what she identified as.

I- Quinn watched the curser blink as her thumbs hovered over the keyboard. I don't know, she thought to herself.

[Roo] 10:12pm:
"It's okay if you don't know.
"But, does it bother you that we're both girls?"

How did she always know what to say?

[Quinn] 10:13pm:
"A little."

[Quinn] 10:14pm:
"You're the first girl I've ever liked."

[Roo] 10:14pm:
"I'm honored.
"Actually, you're the first girl I've ever liked as well."

[Quinn] 10:15pm:
"Really?"

[Roo] 10:15pm:
"Really.
"I've had small crushes before, but they've never felt like what we have right now."

[Quinn] 10:16pm:
"What do we have?"

She was treading dangerous waters, but she didn't know how to stop. She wanted- no. She needed to know how this other girl felt. Quinn needed to know she wasn't alone in this.

[Roo] 10:16pm:
"Something more than a friendship?"

[Quinn] 10:17pm:
"A relationship?"

[Roo] 10:17pm:
"Is that what you want?"

Yes. But Quinn couldn't bring herself to send it. She was scared.

[Roo] 10:18pm:
"We don't have to put a label on it yet. I'm happy with what we have right now."

[Quinn] 10:18pm:
"Thank you."

She bit her lip.

[Quinn] 10:19pm:
"I'm sorry."

[Roo] 10:19pm:
"Don't be. Coming to terms with yourself is something that takes time. Never apologize for that."

[Quinn] 10:19pm:
"Did I mention I really like you?"

[Roo] 10:20pm:
":) I really like you too. x"

[Quinn] 10:20pm:
"X"

[Roo] 10:20pm:
"XX"

[Quinn] 10:20pm:
"Lol you're such a dork. x"

[Roo] 10:21pm:
"I know :) X"

---

[Roo] 8:07pm:
"Have you ever had sex?"

[Quinn] 8:07pm:
"OMG"

[Roo] 8:07pm:
"Sorry, not sorry.
"Do you ever feel horny?"

[Quinn] 8:07pm:
"OMG" She squeezed her eyes shut.
"What's with all the sex questions?"

[Roo] 8:08pm:
"Some kids in one of my classes were talking about it earlier today and I just wondered what your thoughts were on it."

[Quinn] 8:08pm:
"Um.
"Have you ever had sex?"

[Roo] 8:09pm:
"No. I've always thought I'd save myself for marriage. But I think realistically I'd do it when I'm in love."

[Quinn] 8:09pm:
"I wish I did." Then maybe when I got pregnant, I'd have been able to keep her. But she couldn't reveal that. Teen pregnancies were not as common at McKinley as one would think.

[Roo] 8:10pm:
"You've had sex?"

[Quinn] 8:10pm:
"Yeah. Once. And it was a mistake." Puck was. Not- not Beth.

[Roo] 8:11pm:
"You weren't forced were you?"

[Quinn] 8:11pm:
"No, nothing like that. But we were both drunk at his party and one thing just led to another."

[Roo] 8:11pm:
"Did you love them?"

[Quinn] 8:12pm:
"No. We weren't even dating." In fact, I was dating his best friend.
"Suffice to say I've stayed away from copious amounts of alcohol and sex since then."

[Roo] 8:12pm:
"How was it though? Did it feel good?"

She didn't even know how to respond.

"It wasn't worth the consequences," Quinn replied, quickly following it up with, "It was okay," because she didn't want to answer the inevitable question of 'what consequences?'

[Quinn] 8:14pm:
"It didn't really live up to all the hype. The stories people told. The fireworks.
"Not that I remember much.
"I was drunk."

[Roo] 8:14pm:
"Maybe because it wasn't with the right person."

[Quinn] 8:15pm:
"Or maybe sex just isn't all that."

[Roo] 8:15pm:
"Did you orgasm?"

[Quinn] 8:15pm:
"Omg." This girl.

[Roo] 8:16pm:
"Sorry, I'm just trying to live vicariously through you."

[Quinn] 8:16pm:
"Well, I don't know."

[Roo] 8:16pm:
"I think that's a no then. You'd know if you orgasmed."

Why was she still letting this conversation happen? Why was she still participating in this conversation?

[Quinn] 8:17pm:
"You've orgasmed?"

[Roo] 8:17pm:
"Oh.
"Yes. I've um masturbated."

R had to be as beet red as she was. She couldn't not be when talking about... this! Quinn wondered what Roo's complexion was like. Was it light, like hers? Was it obvious when she blushed? Or did she have darker skin that concealed her blushes?

[Quinn] 8:17pm:
"Omg."

[Roo] 8:18pm:
"I'm guessing you haven't?"

[Quinn] 8:18pm:
"No!" She was scandalized at the mere thought of... touching... herself. Down there... But Quinn couldn't help asking.

[Quinn] 8:19pm:
"What do you think about when you, you know?"

When the response finally came, Quinn didn't know if she felt uncomfortable or flattered. Maybe a little bit of both. But... the uncomfortableness wasn't necessarily... bad. She felt a lurch in her stomach that went straight down... there! She shifted in her seat and reread the words on the screen.

[Roo] 8:19pm:
"Is it too much to say I've fantasized about you? Even though we've never met? Even though I'm not even sure what you look like?"

Her brain went haywire. Short circuited. Fried. Everything and anything.

[Quinn] 8:19pm:
"Uh."

[Roo] 8:20pm:
"I'm so sorry. That was too forward of me.
"Sometimes I don't think enough before I speak.
"Or type.
"Sorry. We can just ignore the last like ten minutes."

[Quinn] 8:20pm:
"Geez.
"It just got really hot here didn't it?"

[Roo] 8:20pm:
"Sorry!
"And I think that's just you! ;)"

Quinn let out a breathy chuckle.

[Quinn] 8:21pm:
"You sure know how to make a girl blush.
"And it's okay. I was curious."

[Roo] 8:21pm:
"Well,
"Wanna know what else I think about?"

Yes she thought and found her thumbs typing her response on autopilot. She swallowed thickly, unsure what to expect.

[Roo] 8:22pm:
"You don't know how much I think about running my fingers through your hair as I lean in to kiss you.
"How much I want to kiss you."

Quinn's breath caught and she typed back with shaky fingers.

[Quinn] 8:22pm:
"I think about that too."

[Roo] 8:23pm:
"I think about dragging my fingers down your scalp, down the nape of your neck."

Oh my. Her scalp tingled.

[Quinn] 8:23pm:
"Tell me more."

[Roo] 8:23pm:
"I think about your lips on mine, on my skin, kissing my neck, peppering my collarbone with your kisses."

Her breath quickened. Her heart raced.

[Roo] 8:24pm:
"I imagine your hands tugging at the hem of my shirt, reaching underneath to touch my skin."

She could almost feel it under her fingers.

[Roo] 8:24pm:
"I pull you back up to kiss you again, letting my own hands wander under your shirt, to your back, roaming against the taut muscles there, scratching."

Quinn arched her back at the thought. What is she doing to me?

[Roo] 8:25pm:
"And we break away long enough to pull our shirts off. Pausing just long enough to take each other in."

[Quinn] 8:26pm:
"I wish I could see you."

[Roo] 8:26pm:
"Me too.
"And you can tell me to stop whenever okay?"

Never.

[Quinn] 8:27pm:
"What happens next?"

---

Quinn had her first orgasm that night. R was right. There was no mistaking that for anything else.

She lay awake, hours after they finally said their good nights. The rush she felt was fading, but the memory would forever be etched in her mind. Except now, the seeds of guilt and shame started to rain down on her.

Was what just happened okay? Her eyes drifted to the cross that hung on the wall above her desk. Her father was out of her life. And with him left the rigidity of their pure and Christian lifestyle. But it didn't erase the fact that she was raised a certain way. She still had most of the same morals, just... without the fear of repercussion anymore. Her mom would probably let her get away with anything to win her forgiveness. Frannie didn't really care.

But if other people, if Roo was doing it, then was it so wrong? She rolled her eyes at herself. Obviously that was a stupid argument. She wasn't about to fall victim to peer pressure, blindly following the blind. But. It had felt good. Was it so wrong to feel good? It wasn't sex. Not yet. She shook her head. She really liked R. She felt like they had a connection. Even though they didn't really know each other - by name and other identifying factors - she felt like they knew the important things about each other. Who they were as people. What mattered to them. She really thought she could fall in love with her. Would that make it less wrong?

It was a scary thought, being in love. Really scary. She wasn't sure if she was in love yet. But she'd never felt this way before. Never done half the things she was doing with R. Quinn related it to riding a rollercoaster. The adrenaline, the rush, the fear. The pure joy she felt when talking to her. And they'd never even talked! She wondered what her voice sounded like. Smooth, even. Rough in all the right ways, when she was being sultry and teasing. Quinn shuddered. The feelings were coming back.

She didn't think she would get any sleep anytime soon.

---

Thud k'duh. Thud k'duh. Thud k'duh.

Everything filtered out, leaving only the rhythmic pounding of her feet against the track in her ears. Her breath came out in short, even puffs. Loose strands of hair flew in and out of her vision.

Quinn loved Mondays. It was a strange inclination, compared to most people. But she had a free period every Monday morning. She slept in almost every week, but on the days she couldn't stand being in bed any longer, she found herself on the track. Being back on the Cheerios meant she didn't really need the extra exercise. But she loved the freedom of running. It was just her and the track. Her worries slipped away and her mind cleared.

Today though, she also seemed to have this extra energy about her that she needed to expend. She didn't know if it had anything to do with last night or what, but she blocked it out of her mind for now.

After her post-workout shower, she stepped back into the locker room to change, steps faltering when she noticed another figure in there.

Rachel looked up from where she was standing at the sink. "Oh, hello Quinn."

"Hi."

Quinn stopped in front of her locker and began towel drying her hair, unable to stop from sneaking occasional peeks at the other girl.

"Who got you?" she asked.

"Oh, it was Scott," Rachel replied without glancing over.

"What'd you do?"

Rachel rounded on Quinn, "Excuse me, but I'm not sure I've ever done anything to warrant slushees thrown on my face."

Quinn gave her a look and retorted with, "You sure about that?"

But the moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them. A crestfallen look befell Rachel's face for a split second before she schooled her features and wordlessly turned away, continuing to clean herself up.

Quinn slowly changed into her cheerios uniform, trying to work up the courage to approach the other girl until there was nothing left to do to stall any longer.

She heaved a soft sigh and walked over to Rachel, shoving a red and white striped towel in her face.

Rachel startled. "Wh-uh, what?"

"Here, this'll clean you up better than paper towels. You can even take a shower if you want. No one else is gonna be here for another period and a half."

The blue stained girl squinted at Quinn, studying her for a few minutes, before turning back to look at herself in the mirror. "No thanks."

Quinn looked at her like she was crazy. Here she was, apologizing and offering an olive branch, and Rachel was just blowing her off? When it became obvious Rachel was just going to continue to ignore her, Quinn released a low growl of frustration and wet the towel under some hot water.

She not so gently turned Rachel by the shoulder and shoved the towel in her face. Rachel let out a squeak and stumbled back. Quinn ignored her resistance and continue to wipe, more gently now.

Rachel's eyes slipped close as the towel was brushed along the side of her nose down to her cheek. Quinn took the opportunity to study Rachel's innocent features as she repeated the motion on the other side and was hit by an unexpected wave of remorse.

Why had she tortured her so much these past few years? It occurred to Quinn that Rachel was just a girl. Young, stupid, insecure... just like me, underneath all that big talk and obnoxious voice and personality. Except Rachel had reason for acting the way she did. She had that something that was going to get her out of here, out of Lima, to bigger and better places. What did Quinn have?

It was Rachel's confidence that irked her the most. Maybe that was why she targeted her, why she thought Rachel needed to be knocked down a peg or two. Or really, pushed off the ladder completely.

Quinn lacked any kind of confidence or self identity. Everything she did, she had done to please her parents. To be better than Frannie. To be just good enough, really.

It wasn't until she fell from the pyramid herself last year that she understood what it felt like to be beaten and battered and left so alone that she had nothing to do but find out who she really was. Quinn wasn't entirely sure she was at that point yet, but she was definitely on the way. And her friendship with R played a significant role in that.

Quinn wet the towel again and faltered when she returned to face Rachel. Her eyes were open. Wide, coffee brown pools that shone with uncertainty.

Their gazes held as she brushed away Rachel's bangs with the towel and her breath caught. Quinn honestly couldn't remember where the nicknames they'd given Rachel came from - maybe she came up with them, maybe Santana did. But suddenly they didn't even come close to describing the girl standing before her. Even with streaks of blue on her skin and in her hair, she was... Quinn swallowed hard, breaking eye contact, choosing to focus instead on rubbing the crushed ice out of Rachel's hair.

Maybe she was more gay than she realized. She'd thought it was just Roo, but...

And the other girl stood there, open and vulnerable, allowing Quinn to erase any remaining traces of slush and humiliation.

Finally, Quinn stepped away, dropping the towel to her side, still unable to look Rachel in the eye. She returned to her locker and stuffed the towel inside. Coach would kill her if she knew it touched residual slushie. She had to remember to take it home to wash before she left for the day.

"Thanks," Rachel said softly, and Quinn managed to respond through her haze with a nod and a hum.

Looking at her... Maybe it was just residual hypersensitivity from, from the other night, with R.

R...

...No.

No way...

R... Rachel... is a girl's name that starts with an R... But it couldn't be. It just- No. Right?

Ohmygosh. Quinn's breathing quickened and she was starting to feel a little lightheaded. She slammed her locker door close and dropped against it, her forehead against her arm. Ohgosh, ohgosh, oh my gosh.

A hand fell on her shoulder and she jerked away in surprise, "Don't touch me manhands!" And she ran out of the locker room leaving a startled and very confused Rachel Berry behind.

---

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck. Fuck.

The day passed in a haze.

[R] 10:08am:
"Soo, I just had this weird moment with someone who used to bully me
"I mean barring our strenuous history, I really think we could be friends
"I'm not sure what that means for my judge of character
"But I've always thought people have more to them than meets the eye"

[R] 1:47pm:
"I wonder if your phone died again :(
"I think you should invest in a battery pack.
"Although maybe you'd end up forgetting that at home too...

[R] 2:02pm:
"Anyways, just wanted to update you
"What's been the highlight of your day so far?"

Quinn wanted so badly to shut off her phone, to erase the number and throw it away. It couldn't be. But memories of the last time she ignored R- R. Just R. Despite everything, she couldn't bear to consciously inflict that kind of pain. But it was still too much.

[Quinn] 2:14pm:
"I need some time. Sorry."

R would be understanding, right? She was always understanding.

Quinn walked into Glee, numb. Thoughts raced. The words of R's texts were burned into her mind. It lined up with what happened in the locker room. R was a vegetarian bordering on vegan. Rachel was a vegan, or so Quinn thought. It's not like she ever paid much attention to her before. Gosh. Could it all just really be one big coincidence? R never spoke about music. How could Rachel not talk about music? Music was her life.

Her phone buzzed. "Take as long as you need."

A breath of relief escaped her. Understanding as always. She didn't even ask what was wrong. Didn't push.

Again, Quinn couldn't seem to parallel her actions with Rachel's. Wouldn't Rachel have been pushy? Wanting to be in the know on everything? Acting like a know-it-all, unnecessarily offering a solution for everything?

She took her seat next to Brittany and let the chatter of the room wash over her, ignoring the questioning look from Santana. Rachel stood at the front of the classroom, trying to corral everyone into organizing a setlist before Mr. Schuester showed up.

But Mercedes and Kurt were rolling their eyes at her, focusing more on their conversation about fashion. Mike and Tina were holding hands and making googly eyes at each other. Similarly, Santana and Brittany were wrapped up in each other, hands wandering, while they whispered in each other's ears. And Artie was glaring at Brittany and Santana for some reason. Puck and Finn weren't here yet.

Red called herself a social pariah, which wasn't a far cry from where Rachel stood. A small frown crossed her features. I did this, didn't I? She'd ostracized Rachel and everyone else just followed suit. Or maybe Rachel did that herself, with her personality.

No, she couldn't think like that. Whether or not Quinn caused Rachel's social isolation, she definitely made sure it stuck. She had to own her mistakes and learn from them. Do better in the future. And she could start now.

Mr. Schuester finally showed up and gave them their assignment, giving them the option of staying to discuss or practice, or head home early. Everyone but Rachel immediately packed up and headed out. Quinn took her time and hung back, telling Santana and Brittney she had to talk to Mr. Schue about something. Santana gave her another strange look, but let Brittany tug her out the room.

Rachel stood by the piano with Brad, her back to Quinn. Just do it! she yelled at herself. She was such a wuss.

"Hey." Her voice was too soft, and it cracked too. Ugh. Why?

But it was enough. Rachel turned around. "Oh, Quinn. Hello, how are you?" Even after how they left things, Rachel was still pleasant as ever. It really only served to intensify her guilt.

"Look, I just wanted to apologize for yelling at you before. I just have a lot going on and I took it out on you. So... sorry."

There it was again. Those wide, dark brown eyes, beautiful, just staring at her in surprise. Quinn shifted. It was just too much right now. She spun on her heels and left the room, ignoring Rachel's calls after her.

---

That night, Quinn lay in bed, scrolling through her message history with R. Roo, Red Riding Hood, Rumplestiltskin, Romeo, Rapunzel. With Rachel.

There was a lot.

She was so different through the screen. But was that because no one really tried to get to know her in person? From their first words exchanged, Rachel had been so forward. Flirting even. So Rachel is bisexual?

And her dating history must have been Finn, Jesse, and... Right, she dated Puck for a day. So that meant Jesse - and the rest of Vocal Adrenaline - egged her? She hadn't known that. Damn. And she really did just take it. She took so much of the abuse and humiliation thrown her way.

[R] 10:05pm:
"Good night, sweet dreams. x"

Quinn blushed at the thought of being R's first real girl crush. And she's mine. She shuddered.

Was she repulsed though? No...

As she read through old messages, she started to imagine them coming from Rachel. Imagining it was Rachel saying those words on the screen.

Quinn had spent so many hours out of her day just wondering what R looked like. What her skin looked like, what her hair felt like. What color her eyes were and how sexy or cute she'd appear when she winked. She'd never seen Rachel wink though. Quinn could imagine Rachel pulling off a sexy, sultry look.

Oh bacon! She rolled over and buried her face in her pillow. What was she doing?! Fantasizing about Rachel... Oh my gosh. She'd... she'd... oh man, she'd sexted with her. Quinn orgasmed to Rachel's words.

Fuck she could feel the wetness starting to pool in her underwear. Nonononono. But it was too late. She could hear Rachel's voice now, whispering those words in her ear, feel her soft touch against her skin. She could see herself running her hands through that thick, dark hair, brushing those bangs back like she did this afternoon.

A groan escaped her lips and she couldn't help her hands from wandering across her body, imagining they were Rachel's. Her phone slipped off the bed with a soft thud, but Quinn was too far gone to care. Oh g- Fuck. R-Rachel.

Rachel.

---

It'd been four days since she texted R. Four days since she realized R was Rachel. Four days since she...

Whenever she saw Rachel at school, she immediately grew hot and turned a different direction. She couldn't even look at her knowing what she'd just imagined and done the other day.

She was in Calculus when she got the first text from R in four days.

[R] 2:00pm:
"Hey, I haven't heard from you and I just wanted to let you know I'm here if you want to talk or just want me to listen. No pressure though, if you don't want to do either. Take your time to work through whatever you're going through. I just hope you're okay. x"

Why did she care so much? Why did she make this so much harder than it had to be? How could Quinn not want more?

[Quinn] 2:07pm:
"Do you like music?"

[R] 2:11pm:
"I do.
"May I ask what prompted that question?"

[Quinn] 2:11pm:
"Do you love music?"

She had to know. Quinn picked at her lip as she waited for the response. Would she say yes? Was it really Rachel? Or would she say no? If she said no, did that mean it wasn't Rachel or did it mean she was lying? But what reason would R have for lying? They were under the pretense of not knowing each other. She should have nothing to hide. And Quinn had to admit, if it was Rachel, and she lied, it would hurt. She hadn't even lied to Rachel. Except for her name, she supposed. But that wasn't even a lie! My name is Lucy. Lucy Quinn Fabray.

Quinn hated Lucy for the longest time. And now she was jealous of Lucy. Because that was the name R knew her as and called her. After years of repression and trying to erase that identity, the name felt foreign. A part of her wanted Rachel - R - to know who she really was, to call her Quinn, not Lucy. But the frightened part of her won over, knowing it wouldn't end well if Rachel found out. For all the fears R had about Quinn finding out her identity, Quinn's were multiplied. Rachel would hate her.

She clung to the sliver of hope that R would be understanding and forgive her for all her past transgressions, because that's the type of person R was, but the fact that it was Quinn and Rachel... Quinn was scared that their history was too much to overcome.

[R] 2:12pm:
"I do...
"But I must admit it's a little strange that you've somehow discovered one of my passions despite my best efforts to hide it."

Gosh, even the way she typed sometimes. How could she have been so blind to it? She could literally hear Rachel saying those words.

It was comforting to know she hadn't lied.

[Quinn] 2:12pm:
"Why were you trying to hide one of your passions?"

[R] 2:13pm:
"I know you said you like it when I ramble when I'm passionate.
"But I'm afraid I have a thick skull and you're just going to have to keep repeating yourself if you really mean it.
"Quite frankly, I was afraid I'd go off on too many tangents and scare you away. And I wasn't sure if I'd be giving too much of myself away.
"How do you feel about music?
"Because now that you've broached the topic, I'm free to admit that music is an enormous part of my life and if you don't like it in the slightest, I'm afraid our relationship will not go very far."

Relationship. There was so much to unpack in those messages. Honestly, Quinn didn't know if she would've picked up on R being Rachel even if they had talked about music. Quinn had been oblivious about a lot of things. And she wasn't quite sure if maybe subconsciously, she knew who she was talking to and just shoved it down and away, not wanting to address it.

[Quinn] 2:15pm:
"I didn't use to like music very much.
"But the past year and a half, my eyes have been opened to how much I really love listening to and feeling it. And I do occasionally enjoy singing too. "

[R] 2:15pm:
"Oh!
"I'm making heart eyes at my screen right now. You've given me amazing news!
"I wasn't kidding about our relationship going kaput if you didn't like music ;)"

Quinn smiled softly at her phone. She had to know. She wanted the confirmation.

But she was scared.

Scared of what it meant, once she played her hand. Showed that she knew who the other girl was. Would Rachel insist on knowing her full name as well? If she gave it up, would they talk at school? Would they be friends in real life? Would they be more? She...

Quinn's throat ran dry. She wanted more...

Do you have two dads? No. That was stupid. She'd scare her off. It was a sensitive topic. She should just be direct and to the point. Right?

[Quinn] 2:17pm:
"W"

Fuck, why'd she send that? Her thumb slipped! Stupid buttons. Stupid fingers! Ugh.

[R] 2:17pm:
"? Sorry what?"

[Quinn] 2:18pm:
"Sorry."

She wanted to bang her head against the wall.

But she had the perfect opening now.

[Quinn] 2:20pm:
"Sorry, I just.
"I know who you are."

[R] 2:21pm:
"Oh.

[R] 2:23pm:
"Are you sure? I mean you haven't even guessed my first name yet.
"If anything, I'm one step closer to finding out who you are :P"

Who even expected Rachel to know how to use emojis and emoticons? With her proper grammar and tendency to use big, formal words, they were a stark contrast to her personality. But she liked it. And she loved the winks she always sent.

Well, here goes.

[Quinn] 2:24pm:
"Rachel Berry"

Should she have tacked on a question mark? Just in case she was wrong and so far off base?

[R] 2:25pm:
"Oh."

Not a denial.

Quinn waited and waited. She wondered what was going through Rachel's head. Was she shocked? Scared? In denial? Quinn didn't know if she should say anything more but the suspense was killing her. What if her knowing who Rachel was killed whatever they had going on. Made it too real. She'd want to know who Quinn was. Maybe she'd want to meet in person. Quinn wasn't sure if she was ready for that. If she'd ever be ready for that.

[Rachel] 2:29pm:
"I understand now.
"I'd like to imagine you were trying to come up with a way to let me down gently today.
"I can only hope you'll keep the contents of our messages to each other private.
"I'm sorry."

What was she even apologizing for? She did nothing wrong!

Quinn's heart broke. She was doing this all wrong. So wrong. She was never going to get it right. But that didn't mean she was going to stop trying.

[Quinn] 2:29pm:
"Rachel, I would never leak any of our conversations. I wouldn't do that to you.
"And I'd be just as exposed as you."

It was definitely strange, typing her name out. Rachel. It still felt strange to think.

[Quinn] 2:30pm:
"And you have nothing to apologize for! If anything, I should be the one apologizing. For freezing you out when I realized who you were. I don't deal well with surprises. And finding out your identity was definitely a shock.
"I just needed some time to come to terms with it. Because I think I have.
"Honestly, it's kind of crazy that I never guessed your name. And everything in retrospect just seems so much clearer now.
"I'm so blind to not have seen who you are."

[Rachel] 2:31pm:
"I'm sure you'd have ways of hiding your identity while exposing mine."

[Quinn] 2:31pm:
"I wouldn't do that!"

But there was no response.

Did Rachel really think that lowly of her? Or was this just a testament to how low her own self-esteem was?

That the idea of anyone finding out they'd been talking to Rachel Berry would either scare them off or push them to humiliate her until she broke. Did she really think she would do that? That Lucy would do that? She'd revealed just as much about herself as Rachel had.

But she knew Rachel would never retaliate. Even if Quinn did send screenshots to the entire school body or something.

[Quinn] 2:44pm:
"I'm sorry."

---

It hurt like hell to be rejected.

Quinn never really thought about the guys' feelings when she turned them down, how they might feel. Then again, they were guys. They probably shifted their eyes to the next pretty girl that caught their attention and forgot about the fact she just rejected them. Maybe she wasn't being fair to them, but they sure acted that way. Even Finn- he moved on so easily, to Rachel.

Rachel.

But the other girl hadn't responded. And if Rachel didn't want this with her, then what more could she do?

You could tell her who you are.

Quinn scoffed, Yeah like that'll go over well. I'll drive her away even further. If she can't even trust a faceless stranger, there was no way she would ever trust Quinn Fabray.

No, maybe if she befriended Rachel first. Paved the way for acceptance when she told finally told her who she really was. Because there was no way she wouldn't think this was all some elaborate prank to humiliate her in front of everybody.

Quinn has never wanted something, or someone so badly before. She'd finally come to terms that she liked girls. Well, a girl, and a faceless one at that. But then she'd found the face for said girl and she had to come to terms with the fact that it was Rachel Berry of all people. God couldn't even make it someone she'd never met. It had to be someone she knew, someone she had hurt time and time again. Someone that hated her.

And that was the thing. She did come to terms with everything. With liking girls. Liking Rachel.

And damn it if she didn't fall hard for her.