"Hey Lady, were here."

Sighing Quinn couldn't have been more thankful the journey was finally over and she was now home. Putting her hand in her handbag she dug around for her purse, finding it she grabbed the fist note her hand came in contact with, eager to get home she told him to keep the change, and climbed out of the taxi. Wrapping her arms around herself in a vain attempt to protect herself from the cold winter's wind she descended the stairs towards the large red wooden door, a door which she hated however her wife was persistent on painting claiming that without it their house was ordinary and bland, just like every other persons on the street.

Entering the foyer she realised how much, up until this point her and Rachel had took their life for granted. Looking around their house, as stupid as the thought was, Quinn couldn't help but wonder if maybe somewhere along the line they had become too focused, Rachel on Broadway or movies or albums and her on her projects and deadlines that they had become too focus on success and the material aspects in life that they ended up sacrificed too much of their time together. Just a cancelled dinner here, or a layover there, she could have lost Rachel, her soul mate and what then, she would be alone in her big, empty, cold house, just like she was now.

Stop being so miserable, she thought to herself, you're focusing on the negatives. Okay, maybe she had been being melodramatic. They did lead busy lives but never for a second had either of them doubted their love for one another, not in the whole ten years they had been together. And yes, maybe she had cancelled last minute on dinner on more than one occasion but that just meant Rachel would suprise her with lunch at her office the next day. And yes, on more than one occasion Rachel had been forced to stay in a different city for much longer than promised but that just meant Quinn would surprise her, do the ultimate romantic gesture and fly across the country and arrive outside her lovers hotel room armed with flowers and alcohol just so they wouldn't have to spend another night a part from one another. And although not entirely important, the sex they had was amazing. Yes, they were sappy and cheesy and lived up to every cliché but what could she say, she had married Rachel Berry, it was what she had signed up for.

Walking over to the telephone she noticed they had thirty missed messages. Playing the messages out she made her way towards the kitchen and began to cook some dinner knowing full well her wife would be furious with her for letting her health slip. Whilst chopping vegetables she couldn't help but feel touched with the messages her friends had left, from Brittany offering to lend Rachel her stuffed duck until she was better, to Kurt claiming he had already gone out and brought Rachel some more pyjamas worried about what the synthetic fibres the clothes at the hospital would do to her skin, to Beth eager to know when she could fly out and be with her mama just to check she was okay, to Jessie informing Quinn he had created a mix tape guaranteed to cheer their small starlet, to Kim Rachel's manager guaranteeing her an injunction was still out against the photographers making sure they couldn't come any were near the hospital or house just in case they may hinder her recovery. On and on the messages went, all from family and friends eager to help in any way possible, nothing being too much. And of course all of them worried about Quinn, how she was coping and how they would love to hear from her and know she was okay.

Guilt struck Quinn, she had been so overjoyed to hear of Rachel's development that she had raced to the hospital, not once considering there were other people who also cared a great deal for Rachel and would have appreciated hearing the news from her, not through the TV or internet where they wouldn't be able to believe it, not knowing if it was the truth or not. Plating her food Quinn made her way to the dinner room, snatching the cordless receiver off the side as she went, and sat down at the table ready to eat. Picking up her fork with her right hand she began to dial with her left. She had a long night ahead of her if she wanted to call everyone.

/

"Yeah Santana...will do...goodbye...good night to you to." Ending the call Quinn glanced down at the phone and tried to read the numbers on the small digital screen. 00:14. She better had get to bed, visiting hours started again at eight tomorrow so she didn't plan on getting there any later than twenty to.

Getting out of her chair Quinn headed down the hallway switching the lights off as she went, and began climbing the stairs. She had almost reached the top when something on the wall caught her eyes. Turing she began to admire it, it was a frame, in it were pictures, all of them of her and Rachel. The first picture was them on their first date, it had taken her months to buck up the courage to ask Rachel out, once she had Rachel agreed immediately, on the condition however that Quinn treated her like the true lady she was and insisted on Quinn picking her up. She remembers being so nervous walking up to Rachel's house, more nervous than on any previous first date, that nervousness soon turned into embarrassment when Rachel's father Leroy insisted on hundred of pictures, they only being allowed to leave when Rachel's other father Hiram warned his husband the girls would miss their reservation if he didn't let them leave. Rachel of course loved the attention, Quinn however was mortified, which is why whilst Rachel is standing there in the most dramatic pose, broad smile and arms wrapped around Quinn, the blonde is merely hiding behind Rachel, with her face hidden somewhere within the mass of her dates brunette curls.

The second of the pair was of them at senior prom, they had come out to their friends not long before and although things were slightly awkward the majority were happy for them, the others settled for remaining quiet, as although they didn't approve of the arrangement the love between the pair was so strong they knew they had no chance. The picture of the pair was not quite as formal as the picture previous, of course they had pictures from when Quinn went to collect Rachel from her house, and pictures of the pair posing together at the prom and of the pair dancing together under the spot light just after Quinn had been announced prom Queen. The picture they chose to frame however was of them at the end of the night, hair messy, make up smudged, corsages missing, cuddling on stage in the auditorium, snapped by Mike without them realising. Of course it was then followed by them both at graduation. Standing together and arms wrapped around one another both facing the camera, both with their matching red caps and cloaks, both smiling joyously into Rachel's father's camera. Appropriately followed by a picture of them both graduating from college, Rachel from NYADA and Quinn from Columbia. The pictures represented the evolution of their relationship; it started with their first date and with them on their marriage day. Every time Quinn sees the picture she can't help but allow her mind to drift off to the day, quite possibly the best day of her life. Her and Rachel huddled together, Quinn's hand on Rachel's wrist keeping her close, manoeuvring their way down the aisle towards a car, surrounded by their loved ones throwing confetti, shouting their congratulations and cheering them on.

Looking at the frame gave her an idea. Lifting it off the wall she began making her way around the house, on the hunt for photos, videos, letters, anything with memories behind it, that would make Rachel remember her life, remember her.

/

Calling out Quinn was grateful she had chosen to wear a short skirt today, when two taxis came to a sudden halt in front of her. Her clothing choice wasn't a complete accident it was all a part of her plan, if she couldn't get Rachel to remember her she would just have to make her fall in love with her all over again. She wasn't a complete idiot however, it was winter outside, but her thick tights and woollen cardigan kept her warm. Glancing down at her phone she willed the car to hurry up, she was running late. Her morning routine had been sidelined by an unexpected call from the hospital; fearful that Rachel's condition had worsened she raced to answer it before the ringing stopped. Fortunately it was just Dr Knight calling to inform Quinn Rachel's MRI had been pushed back half an hour due to an emergency involving another patient. Appreciative of how far out of the way hospital staff had gone to reassure her and keep her informed Quinn felt indebted to inform them of her plan, although he was wary at first he allowed her to go ahead under the condition she would stop if she saw any indication of Rachel becoming distressed or in pain. Quinn was looking at the window when a sign caught her attention, directing the driver to pull over and wait Quinn entered the florist she had spotted.

/

Opening the door to her wife's room she realised she was not the only one who deciding on giving Rachel a gift. Every surface of Rachel's room was covered in some gift or another, looking around all she could see was presents, from large fluffy cuddly teddy bears, to shiny balloons, to neatly wrapped parcels tied with colourful ribbons, to large exotic bouquets with flowers. Looking down her bare bunch of carnations seemed rather insignificant.

She wasn't fazed though, looking around although the gifts were lovely, their loved ones had obviously took time and care in picking them out, the presents on display proved that no one in the room knew her wife better than her. Because although carnations were seen as cheap and ordinary, Rachel loved them, they were her favourite. Not roses or some rare tropical flower you probably needed a degree to pronounce and care for, no, her favourite were carnations. She loved the flowers design, complex and simple at the same time and was fascinated at how even a wilt on one petal would ruin the whole aesthetic. But of course that wasn't the only reason, this was Rachel after all. When Quinn first met Rachel she couldn't understand why carnations were Rachel's favourite either, no matter how many times she asked Rachel refused to tell her until one day she caved. She explained to her that carnations real name were dianthus, which roughly translating to flower of love. It also happened to be one of the world's oldest and most revered flowers, for centuries it has stood as a symbol for love and beauty. If a flower, Rachel explained, could last for centuries, she could only wish that one day she experience love that would last just as long.

Quinn's brow furrowed when she didn't immediately see Rachel, she was about to go and alert the nurses when movement in the corner of the room caught her eyes. Sitting facing the windows, snuggled down into the giant cotton couch, cocooned in blankets was Rachel. Following Rachel's gaze, Quinn noticed it had started snowing outside and being ten floors up they had ideal viewing to see the havoc it was creating for the poor pedestrians out in the street. In an attempt to make her presence know Quinn cleared her throat, it worked as Rachel's head whipped round to see who the intruder was. Upon spotting Quinn and seeing the bouquet in her wife's hand a timid smile appeared on Rachel's face.

/

"So, anything?"The shaking of Rachel's head made Quinn feel deflated. They had tried almost everything, the photos, videos, letters; they even phoned Kurt in hope that maybe hearing another familiar voice would possibly trigger a memory. So far however they had made no progress; it was becoming increasingly hard for Quinn to remain upbeat and positive. But she did, she had to, for Rachel. Each photo, each attempt, each one that failed Quinn reassured Rachel, the phrases 'Don't worry' and 'It just takes time' left her mouth so often she feared they would become they would become the only words she knew. Just because Rachel didn't remember did not mean today was a complete failure. Although she hadn't remembered the events she had demanded Quinn explain every detail about them, and the smiles, the laughs, the blushes she received in response from Rachel made it all worthwhile. They had bonded and even if it was just for a few minutes Quinn had allowed herself to forget that they were in a hospital, that this wasn't her Rachel and imagine it as if they were home, cuddled on the sofa on a lazy Sunday sharing memories and munching on chocolate.

Her favourite reaction however must have been once she had passed Rachel a handful of Playbills, some were classics which Rachel from any time would have known but some were new, originals that she was aware this Rachel had never heard of. Curious Rachel began to read them; Quinn held her breath in anticipation, the high pitch squeal coming from Rachel informed her she had noticed. On every Bill in big black bold letters, indicting the plays lead was two letters, 'Rachel Fabray'. Quinn didn't think she had ever seen Rachel get this excited, she didn't know that that level of glee was even achievable. Quinn didn't know whether to continue telling Rachel of her success or stop unsure if like the doctors said too much information is bad, however aware that if Rachel were to ever find out this knowledge she realised she would be in serious trouble. Bracing herself Quinn proceeded to tell Rachel of the Tonys, and of the Emmys, and of the Grammys, and of the Oscars and of any other awards she could recall Rachel winning. She soon found herself jumping up and down with Rachel participating in a happy dance, only to be scolded by a miserable nurse warning them to remain silent and calm down or else.

Seeing the defeated look in her wife's eye decided for Quinn that it was time to stop with the memory game. Although Rachel wasn't completely supportive of the idea on the get go, after some subtle persuasion from Quinn and the guarantee they would start again later she agreed. Determined to uplift the mood and introduce fun back into their lives, and seeing as Rachel was no longer hooked up to any machines Quinn suggested they breakout, make a run for it, well, only to as far as the canteen. Putting their heads together Operation Free Rachel was soon masterminded. As soon as the corridor was clear they made a run for it and made it to the entrance door without anyone noticing.

/

"Were we happy?"

"Incredibly," Quinn's response was immediate. They were now cuddling together on the sofa back in Rachel's room. It seemed that the day's adventure had worn them out, yet it was totally worth it. Sneaking out had been easy, getting back unnoticed was the hard part, luck was on their side however as it was Holly who was on the nurse's desk and it appeared a playful scolding was the extent of their punishment.

"Were we in love?"

"Yes," Quinn answered just as fast as before and with just as much passion. Nodding Rachel accepted her answer. After spending the day with Quinn Rachel discovered how easily it was to fall for her, beautiful, smart, playful, considerate, she was the perfect woman. Lying there now, listening to the radio, humming along to a song she had never heard, caressing Quinn's hair, she felt content. Continuing to look out the window Rachel soon slipped off into a deep sleep, closely followed by Quinn.