First of all, oh my god! I have 190 followers. You guys have no idea how happy that makes me! So thank you, to all you followers/reviewers, who have brought me so much joy with a simple click of the button. It encourages me to keep making you happy.

To everyone that has written me feedback or dropped me a PM, thank you. I'll be replying to you all shortly. But can I just say, I'm glad that most of you are enjoying the slow burn, and the pace. To be honest, I don't really think of it as a slow-building Faberry story. To me it's a story about a young woman's life, about what she does, her likes, dislikes, and how she falls in love with someone. All the aspects of my protagonist's life as just as important to me as her relationship with Quinn. So if you're looking for a story where two women fall passionately in love and lose focus on every other aspect of their lives, I suggest you walk away before it's too late.

And with that, let's move on to the update :) I think Faberry fans will call this one a step in a promising direction!

The taxi pulled up and Rachel stepped out, fondly glancing up at the familiar house. Opening the little gate, she stepped up to the teal-coloured door and gave it three hard raps. Moments later she heard the distinct sound of footsteps coming her way, and the door opened to reveal the smiling face of her friend's mother.

"Rachel!"

"Hi Whitney", the brunette smiled, before she was pulled into a bone-crushing hug. She managed to choke out a "Can't…breath", and took a deep breath when she was immediately released.

"Sorry sweetheart" the older lady apologized while beckoning Rachel to come inside. "It's just been so long since I've seen you. In person, I mean. Pierce and I have been watching all your matches on the tele. We're so proud of you!"

"Thanks Whitney. It means a lot coming from you" Rachel smiled.

And she meant it. The American had lived with Brittany's family when she'd come to train in the UK at the age of thirteen, as part of a deal between the United States Tennis Association and the UK's Lawn Tennis Association. Rachel had spent six months under Whitney and Pierce's care, and had formed a close relationship with the entire family, which was still as strong to this day. In fact, Rachel had also lived with the family when she had traveled to London to compete in the Girls' Singles tournaments at Wimbledon in 2010 and 2011, and it actually felt weird not to be living in the quaint Earl's Court home on this trip too.

"Where's Pierce?" Rachel asked, as the two women stepped into the living room.

"In the shower. He better hurry though. I'd rather avoid keeping your father's waiting" Whitney answered, looking at the clock on the wall as she answered.

Like Rachel had lived with the Pierce's, Brittany had lived with the Berry's when she came to New York to train on the hard courts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for half a year. The young Englishwoman also crashed with Rachel's family when she played the Girls' Singles tournaments at the US Open the last two years, and both sets of parents had finally met when Whitney and Pierce had accompanied her to the Big Apple in 2011. It wasn't a surprise when the Pierce and Berry parents had gotten along like a house on fire.

"Well, they hadn't even showered when I left, so I hope they don't keep you waiting" the American said, trying to alleviate her former host's stress levels.

Whitney rolled her eyes, "And they say us women take forever to leave the house. I'm going to go drag his cute butt out of the shower. I trust you remember the way to Brittany's room?"

"Do you really need to ask?" Rachel laughed, receiving a pat on her shoulder as she turned to walk down the hall.

"Oh Rachel?", Whitney called out, stopping the brunette in her tracks. She turned around to look at the tall blonde, "In case we don't get to see you before the match tomorrow, good luck. We'll be in the box with your dad's."

"Thank you" Rachel said, before taking a deep breath. "I still can't believe I'm in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. It hasn't quite sunk in yet, and then when I do think about it, I start stressing."

"Yeah, Brit's the same, so I'll tell you the same thing I've been telling her all day; Go out there, play your best tennis, and try your bloody hardest to win. But don't forget to savour the occasion, and enjoy yourself while you're out there on Center Court" Whitney said, looking Rachel dead in the eye.

"I'll try" the brunette responded honestly, nodding her head. "I'm guessing today was your idea then?"

"Of course. I am the brains in the family" Whitney winked. "Now, go have a fun evening" and with that, she sauntered off.

"Yes ma'am" Rachel called out, once again taking off in the direction of her friend's room. The brunette came upon the closed door, and was about to pull it open when she stopped at the sound of voices she couldn't quite place. 'I thought I was going to be the only one here' she thought, knocking on the door.

The young American heard Brittany's voice excitedly squeal "Rach's here!", followed by the sound of padded footsteps heading her way. The door opened, and Rachel briefly thought that her blonde friend looked decidedly too excited to see her, especially when you took into account the fact that they'd trained together mere hours earlier. And then the brunette looked past her British friend to see a familiar pair of hazel eyes smiling at her. She was so stunned by the unexpected sight that she almost missed the Latina, who looked almost feline as she lounged around on Brittany's bed.

"Quinn?" Rachel asked, checking to make sure she wasn't imagining things, and feeling a sense of relief washing over her when said blonde nodded. The brunette continued to gaze at the tennis star, who she was glad to see looked better rested than she had the last time she'd caught a glimpse of her at the Wimbledon club house. No, she wasn't her usual fresh-faced self, but Rachel was appeased to see that she also didn't look like she hadn't slept for the last week.

"And Santana. But yeah, glad to see you too Berry", the Latina stated, interrupting the short-lived stare fest. The amusement in the Spaniard's features didn't match the annoyance in her voice so Rachel didn't think she'd actually offended the other woman, who received a quick wave from the shorter brunette.

Brittany closed the door behind her, "Sanny texted after we spoke Rach, and I asked her over. And then she said Quinn was with her, so I asked her over too. I hope you don't mind?"

Rachel took a moment to respond, but not because she was mad. 'Sanny?' she thought. Santana didn't seem the kind of person to let someone give her such a saccharine nickname, which might explain why the Latina was now studiously inspecting her nails.

"Of course not, Brit. The more the merrier, right?" Rachel said, which caused her old friend's face to break into an impossibly wide smile before she skipped over to the bed and settled down next to Santana.

Rachel approached the bed too and settled down on the edge, facing Quinn, who was seated in an armchair against one of the walls, "I thought you'd left London?"

"Never seen a human hologram before Berry?" Santana asked, receiving a glare from Rachel.

"Shut up, Sanny" Quinn said, her emphasis on the nickname not enough to alert Brittany's attention, but sufficient enough to end any sardonic comebacks from the Latina. Quinn looked back at Rachel, "And no, I didn't leave London, despite anything the press might believe."

Rachel was confused since she clearly recalled watching the evening news on Sunday night where visuals of a parked private jet accompanied a piece reporting that Quinn Fabray had left London on Sunday night after her shock defeat in the second round of Wimbledon. The brunette remembered feeling the slight pang of something she couldn't quite place as she wondered why Quinn hadn't told her she was leaving in the few texts that they had exchanged over the previous days. The two women had continued to text after that as well, and Rachel had resisted the urge to ask the blonde where she was.

Her expression must have been a dead giveaway, because Quinn further explained, "My PR team set it up so it looked like I had left London. It was actually my team that caught the plane, and they're currently enjoying a few days of sun in Ibiza. The way I see it, the paparazzi won't be looking for me here, so I should get a few days of peace."

"You're welcome" Santana piped up, which made Quinn roll her eyes.

"The idea came from the ever-modest Santana", she added.

"I think it was a brilliant idea!" Brittany said, and Rachel could have sworn that the Latina's features softened as she looked at the tall blonde. She chanced a look at Quinn, who also seemed to be observing the interaction between the two women with interest.

"So, do you ladies actually have a plan for today?" Santana asked.

"We usually just hang out, maybe watch a movie or two" Brittany answered.

"I was thinking of maybe doing some opposition research for my next match, but that's probably a no-go now" Rachel added, before smirking, "Unless, of course, you want to help."

She felt very proud of herself when the sound of Quinn's melodious laugh reached her ears, even as Santana replied, "Nice try Berry. But it ain't gonna happen."

Brittany laughed too, "You two are silly. But hey! Since there's four of us, how about we play a board game?"

"Works for me" Santana said. Quinn shrugged and Rachel nodded, so the Latina asked, "What have you got?"

Brittany stood up and walked to a shelf in the corner of the room, "Monopoly, Ticket To Ride, Cluedo, Taboo, Scrabble-"

"S can't spell, so no Scrabble" Quinn quipped.

"I don't need to be able to spell for you to understand this" the Spaniard bit back, giving Quinn the finger. The blonde laughed out loud, clearly pleased that she'd managed to irritate her friend.

"What else, Brit?" Rachel asked.

The Englishwoman moved a few boxes around, "Um, Kranium, Balderdash, Othello… and Articulate".

"Ooh! Articulate!" Rachel said excitedly.

"Fine by me" Quinn said, seconding Rachel's choice.

The Latina shrugged, indicating that she was ok with the game too, but threw in a "Figures that you'd like a game where you have to talk a lot", which earned another glare from Rachel.

"I can see why you'd think that would offend me Sanny, but I actually take pride in the fact that I'm more eloquent than most people" Rachel replied.

"I like it too, Rach" Brittany piped up as she set the board game down on the bed, unwittingly ending the counter argument Santana was about to propose. "I always learn something new from you. It's kinda cool."

"Thanks Brit" Rachel said, smiling affectionately at her friend. The quartet's attention was diverted to the door as it was pulled open, and a man walked in.

"Rachel!" he said, hugging the brunette when she rose to meet him.

"Hi Pierce", she smiled.

Brittany's father stepped back to take a good look at the American, "I swear you grow more beautiful every time I see you. I'll bet you have the boys lining up" he beamed.

Rachel blushed, and opened her mouth to say something when Whitney called out from a distance "Pierce! We're going to be late! Let's go!"

"I'd better leave before the old ball and chain gets mad" Pierce said, looking mock-scared. "We should be back in a couple of hours. We'll call on our way back, so you're ready to leave with your dad's, ok?" Rachel nodded as Pierce kissed his daughter on the cheek before rushing out the door.

Whitney's voice floated into the room again "There are plenty of snacks in the kitchen girls, so help yourselves. Bye!" The sound of a door opening and closing indicated that the Pierce's had indeed left the building.

"So" Quinn spoke up, her tone tentative, "your father's name is Pierce Pierce?"

Brittany nodded, "Yes. And mine is Brittany Susan Pierce. So, Brittany S. Pierce."

There was stunned silence in the room after her declaration, with Santana looking like she was trying to decide whether or not the blonde was kidding, and the corners of Quinn's mouth quivering. "You are allowed to laugh, you know" the young Brit deadpanned, and Rachel thought the unladylike snort Quinn let out as soon as she said the words was beyond adorable. It took minutes for the laughter to subside, and by the end of it Santana was actually lying down on the bed, clutching a stitch in her side.

"God, I really needed that laugh" Quinn finally said, wiping tears from her eyes.

"Yeah, real mature guys" Brittany said, although she didn't look mad. "So, does everyone know how to play Articulate?"

"Mmm, it's been a while. I could use a brush up on the rules" Quinn said, eyeing the board game.

"What about you, Sanny?" their blonde host asked.

"My sister made me play it a lot over the end of season break. Trust me, I know all the rules. And more than half the cards, so watch out ya'll" the Latina said, waggling her finger at the other three.

"Alright, Rach, how about you and Quinn set up, while I grab some snacks? You can explain the rules as you set up. And Sanny can help me in the kitchen" Brittany said, looking at Santana, who nodded and rose to follow her out the room. The door closed behind the pair, leaving Rachel alone with Quinn.

The two American's were silent for a couple of moments, until Rachel said, "So, I'm no expert on nickname's, but Santana is definitely not a Sanny".

Her statement caused Quinn to let out her second snort of the day, which made Rachel's own face break out into a shit-eating grin. "Her sister Alma actually calls her that too. But I always figured she only got away with it because Ally's nine years younger than S. So yeah, I'm as surprised as you that Santana's actually letting Brittany call her that. Which leads me to believe that I should do my duty as a best friend, and ask you if Brittany is a. seeing anyone, and b. even interested in the ladies."

'As I suspected' Rachel thought, lifting the lid off the box containing the board game. Instead of answering Quinn's question, she countered with one of her own, "Well, as Brittany's best friend, shouldn't I be checking if Santana is available first? I thought she was dating that Disney protégé-turned-pop star?"

Quinn shook her head, opening the clear plastic zip lock bag that contained Articulate's four playing pieces, spinner and timer, "That ended in January. The press hasn't really caught on yet, since it was more-or-less just a long distance relationship. I actually think they only spent two weeks together together in the nine months they "dated"".

"Oh wow, ok" Rachel said, laying the circular playing board in the center of the bed, and reaching for the small box of playing cards, "In that case, the answer to your questions is no, and yes. And just between you and me, Brit seems to be pretty enamoured by Santana too. But you didn't hear that from me."

"Hear what?" Quinn asked, her expression innocent.

"I like the way you think, Fabray" Rachel grinned, shuffling the cards in her hand. "Ok, so the rules…" she began, quickly reminding her fellow tennis player of how to play the fast-talking game. It all came back to Quinn pretty fast.

They sat in silence for a few seconds, and this time it was Quinn that spoke first, "I'm sorry for disappearing on you a little bit this past week-"

Rachel stopped her right there, "Oh, don't be silly Quinn! You have nothing to apologize for!"

The blonde shrugged, "No, let me. I saw all the text's you sent, and I want you to know that I appreciated each and every one of them. I just… didn't really know what to say a lot of the time."

"I'm just glad that you're ok" Rachel said, then paused, "Are you? I mean, ok?"

Quinn took a deep breath, and looked to be really considering the question, "I'm not not ok. It hasn't been easy, but I'm dealing. And I think crashing with Santana for a few days is exactly what I need. You know, time away from this mess and the people involved in it."

Rachel refrained from reaching out to place a consoling arm on her friend's shoulder. She took in the resolved look on Quinn's face, and quietly marveled at the inner strength the World No. 1 already possessed at the age of twenty-one. "If you don't mind me asking, what is going on? Are you in trouble?"

"Me, personally?" Quinn asked, looking for clarification that Rachel provided with a nod, "No. As you might have heard, Dad's been charged, but he's under house arrest at home in Miami. Well, at least till the trial's over. I met some IRS officials on the morning of my match against Brittany, and to be honest, they've been really nice to me. From what I understand, they're going to press for a jail sentence for Dad. In which case, he'll be transferred to a state prison."

"And you believe the charges are true?" Rachel asked.

"Unfortunately, yes" Quinn answered, a look of distaste on her features. "I'm so, so mad at my father. But it still kills me to picture him behind bars."

"Is there another alternative? Besides jail, I mean?" the brunette pressed, her curiosity not satisfied.

"The men from the IRS told me that they could ask for a fine instead of a jail sentence, but they aren't going to. They know that the money for the fine would come from me, not Dad. So instead, they're going to use him to set an example, I suppose" Quinn answered.

Rachel stayed silent, any questions she had now answered. So she was surprised when Quinn continued after a few moments pause, "The press doesn't have the actual figure yet. It's $4.3 million. Ironically enough, Dad got his way, and I don't have to pay it. So I'm going to donate it to charity. But I don't want the world to know. This is for me."

This time Rachel wasn't going to stop herself from physically comforting the blonde, and she was just about to raise her hand to rest it on her arm when the door swung open. "You better not have been telling Berry how to beat me tomorrow" Santana declared as she marched in carrying a steaming bowl of popcorn.

Quinn looked at Rachel, "Attack her backhand. And keep her pinned at least a meter behind the baseline."

"My best friend, ladies and gentlemen" Santana said dramatically, placing the bowl down next to the playing board.

"Stop being such a drama queen" Quinn laughed, "Half the tour has the same plan to beat you when they come on court. There are no secrets in the age of YouTube and video replays."

"Touché" Santana conceded.

Quinn stage whispered to Rachel, "Plus I'm actually rooting for you. Santana will take over as the World No.1 if she wins the tournament. And then she'll never stop bragging about it, lord help us all."

Rachel burst out laughing when Santana let out an indignant huff, "It's only a matter of time Q, only a matter of time" the Latina said.

The trio looked up when Brittany walked in carrying a tray bearing two teapots and four cups. "I made green tea and jasmine tea. I hope that's ok with everyone?", the tall blonde asked.

"Thanks Brit" Rachel said, and Quinn 'hmm-ed' beside her.

"Yeah, thanks B. Right, so, teams. I refuse to play with these two" the Latina said, pointing at Rachel and Quinn.

"Ok" Brittany agreed, placing the tray down on a small table. "Sanny and I, versus you two?"

Rachel looked at Quinn, who nodded. "You're on! Team America is going to take you down" the brunette proclaimed. She heard a giggle beside her, and turned to meet Quinn's gaze.

"Dork" the blonde said, her tone affectionate. Rachel smiled back at her.

Santana cleared her throat loudly, and Rachel looked up to see Brittany staring at her intently. The Englishwoman opened her mouth to say something, but then seemed to think better of it. Rachel looked at her curiously, wondering what her friend was going to say.

"Ready to put your money where your mouth is, Berry?", Santana asked, her tone challenging.

Rachel pretended to look around, "Wait, where are the tissues? Sanny's going to need them to dry her tears later on". Her overacting made Quinn laugh again, and Rachel's heart leapt as the soft sound met her ears.

She turned to wink at Quinn, her worries about the quarterfinals far from her mind.