Quinn turned the key in the door and walked into the place she now thought of as home. She'd had the best weekend and seeing Rachel was better than she'd expected. They obviously both wanted to find out more about each other, but Quinn was still a little nervous about it all. She wasn't the girl Rachel used to know, life had left her a mess at 18 and she'd spent the last five years trying to find herself all over again, which wasn't easy to do when she took on a career that involve playing so many different characters, but she was getting somewhere.

Going back to Lima was a strain, even if it did give her the chance to reconnect with Rachel. Her mind was haunted by the memories of her old life and visions of her Dad taking his last breath as she watched on in horror. She had done well to erase those images from her mind, but when she got back to Lima they reappeared. Rachel had turned out to be the perfect antidote, she couldn't believe they both felt the same way and they were both willing to find out what it could lead to. She had a second chance with the girl she crushed on at school and she was still smiling about it.

Five minutes after she got in the door and her cell rang, she sighed at the intrusion, but then saw Rachel's name on the screen.

"Hey, isn't it late in New York?"

"Very late and I have a very early start. I just wanted to wish you good night."

"Good night Rachel and good luck tomorrow, I'll try to watch it when I get home."

"45 days and counting."

"Thanksgiving really is too far away."

"Night." Rachel yawned, unable to keep her eyes open any longer.

"Night, Rach."

Quinn unpacked before looking over the gift bag Kurt had given her, she found a spare frame and put the picture of them winning nationals in it, before placing it on her coffee table. It stood out against her other personal items, it was then she realized she didn't have any other old photos out. She had been hiding her past for so long, but now Lima was creeping back into her life and she wasn't really sure how she felt about that just yet.

xxx

Rachel was up three hours later and heading to her breakfast interview, she had a firm grip on a large cup of coffee, but tiredness wasn't going to bring her down, she was still feeling light headed after the reunion weekend. Just a taste of what it was like to be with Quinn had her craving more, but they were over 2000 miles apart and it was nowhere near ideal.

For once she had got something right when it came to Lima, the day that envelope arrived she had tossed it to one side, returning to her old home wasn't high on her to do list. Then she thought of Quinn and the chance to see her again became her only focus. Yes, it had been nice to catch up with everyone else and to see her Dads, but Quinn had always been the driving force in her decision to return.

Her feelings for the blonde had always been confusing and Rachel had only come to the conclusion that they were something more than friendship when, Kerry, one of her cast mates, kissed her. She'd kissed a girl at college and it had just been fun, but Kerry was different and the kiss ignited something in Rachel that she hadn't felt since Quinn had been her antagonist. Kerry had been persistent, she really liked Rachel and Rachel had tried, but it didn't work, her thoughts kept drifting back to Quinn. It became an obvious problem when she missed dates just to watch Quinn on T.V. and Kerry ended it before Rachel broke her heart, or that was what she'd said at the time.

The return to Lima had been an excuse to find out if what she was feeling was real, because Rachel had an idea that the reason her love life had been such a disaster was directly related to Quinn and the moment the blonde walked into the restaurant she knew she'd been right.

When she left Lima she had vowed never to go back. It may have seemed extreme at the time, but she was Rachel Berry after all. Rachel needed to escape, to break free from the things and the people that, at the time, she felt had an unhealthy hold over her. Rachel had cried every night after Quinn stopped talking to her towards the end of their senior year, the friendship they had been building just suddenly seemed to stop. It had crossed her mind over the last few years, but she could never make sense of it. She had thought Quinn's coldness was related to the night Quinn walked in on her and Finn, she'd seen the look on Quinn's face and back then had come to the conclusion that Quinn still wanted Finn. At the same time she finally worked out that she didn't want him, it had been fun, but her feelings had changed. She broke up with him a week later and half expected Quinn to be dating him again before she left Lima, but that never happened and only now did she have an idea as to why.

When Rachel left she didn't look back, because she couldn't, it hurt too much to think about the questions she was too scared to ask, but now five years later she was finally getting the answers her heart needed.

xxx

The car pulled up at the T.V station and she was met by her publicist in the lobby.

"We need to get you into makeup ASAP." Kim ordered when she saw Rachel.

"I thought I looked good." Rachel said in all seriousness, but perhaps the lack of sleep and over indulgence at the weekend were a little noticeable.

"You look like shit."

Rachel grimaced. Kim had a habit of being blunt and she still wasn't quite used to it.

"What time am I on?"

"You have 30 minutes, this lady better be able to work miracles."

Rachel was soon in makeup and being brought back to life. "Did you hear from the director? Am I in?"

"Bad news baby girl, they have decided to go another route."

Rachel felt like the world was crumbling beneath her, the thought of being up for a movie, the chance to go to California and be near Quinn, and now suddenly it was being taken away.

"Why?" she pleaded.

"Just how it is, really don't dwell on it. There will be other films, better ones."

"I want to go to California."

"You do?" Kim stopped fussing with Rachel's outfit and studied her in the mirror. "What happened at this reunion?" her eyes bored into Rachel and it made her shiver.

"I just want to try it, I love Broadway, but I want more."

"Last week you weren't sure about the movie and couldn't think of anything worse than having to leave New York."

"Things change."

"Rachel, you are transparent, but if you don't want to tell me what, or rather who, has you changing your life plans then who am I to argue."

"Don't argue, just get me some scripts."

"I have this one thing, but I really don't think it's a good move for you."

"Did they ask for me?"

"Yes, they are very keen actually, but I said no. I mean its a supporting role and I think you'll find its a bit dull, not really a breakout..."

"Get me the script." Rachel met Kim's eyes in the mirror and Kim nodded.

The interview went well, she talked about her play, how honored she was to get a Tony at such a young age and with such little experience. The usual. As soon as she walked back to the dressing room she had the script in her hand.

3 hours later and she was on the phone to Kim. "I want it."

Rachel knew when she read the first page that it was something special, she ended up hugging the pages when she'd finished reading it.

Kim called her back an hour later. "They want to meet you, do a read through and screen test with the lead. You have to be there first thing Monday morning. I've cleared your schedule and booked you a hotel."

"Thank you, oh god can I do this?"

"You bloody bet you can. Go kick some ass!" Kim screamed down the phone and Rachel laughed loudly, remembering why she liked Kim even though the woman was painfully blunt, she was always honest.

xxx

"I'm coming to see you." Rachel told Quinn on the phone that night.

"You are? When?"

"How's Sunday sound?"

"Are you serious?" Quinn almost dropped her phone as she stood up suddenly.

"Completely. I have a screen test on Monday. I can't miss another weekend performance, otherwise I'd be there sooner."

"When does your run finish?"

"I wrap just before Thanksgiving, then I'm unemployed."

"I thought it was your choice to leave?"

"It is, but you know, now I'm a little worried. The movie I told you about is not going to happen, but I've read a new script today and it's just so amazing. It's just this is the first time I'm leaving something without having somewhere to go."

"You have somewhere to go." Quinn replied and Rachel felt like she was being hugged through the phone.

"I miss you already."

"I know, crazy right?"

"Sunday! God that sounds better than...what is it 44 days until thanksgiving?"

"Oh yes Sunday sounds so much better. So Rachel?"

"Yes, Quinn."

"Can I ask you out on a date Sunday night? I won't keep you out late, I know you'll want to get a lot of rest before your screen test and, well it'd just be nice and there are so many places I want to take you to..."

"Yes, a date would be all kinds of awesome."

"Good." Quinn exhaled, relieved that they could get past that hurdle sooner than she'd thought.

xxx

The next morning and Quinn felt elated. She hit every line perfectly and they ended up wrapping early for the day, she loved her job and it helped that she worked with such an amazing crew. Her agent called just as she was about to head to the market.

"Quinn we need to talk. Get over here when you get out." Rick hung up before she could respond. She knew better than to keep him waiting so drove straight to his office. She was shown in immediately putting her on edge immediately, this never happened.

"Rick, good to see you."

"Sit down." He commanded and she followed his instructions.

"Explain this." Rick threw an envelope at Quinn and she slowly opened it and began examining the contents.

"What? It's nothing, I went home and saw some old friends at a reunion." She threw the envelope back on his desk, not interested in the contents, or at least hoping that is the message she was sending.

"That's all this is? Because it was on some fan site with a description of how you looked all cosy."

"Why wouldn't we be? We are old friends."

"Don't bullshit me Quinn. I know about you and Kristen. I've had to fucking pay to keep that story quiet."

"You did not, Kristen was fine, a little stalkerish, but fine."

"I paid by making sure she is never on the same lot as you, that takes time and effort and I'd say full on stalker, but you remember it your way."

"Fine."

"So this girl, who is she?"

"A friend, we were at high school."

"That better be it Quinn. I know that these photos are blurred and that works in your favor, but I don't need any more appearing with it."

"It's not going to be a problem."

"Good, because I have some good news to accompany this mess. You have an audition."

"But I'm happy at The Empire"

"It's a bigger role. I really shouldn't be having to convince you. We need to be looking at options. The Empire is dropping in the ratings and is unlikely to be renewed."

"Shit." Quinn rested her head in her hands, she wasn't ready for this right now, she loved that show and if it was over, then so many good people would be out of work too.

"I've squeezed you in for Monday. I know you have a late call that day."

"Sure."

"Here's the script. Don't mess this up."

Quinn got up and headed towards the door. "Thanks."

"Oh and Quinn, don't go getting pictured with anymore hot Broadway stars again, because I know that photo is blurry but even I know Rachel Berry when I see her."

"Fuck." Quinn cursed under her breath as she walked out of the door, she really didn't want Rick knowing so much about her personal life. It would only lead to trouble.

xxx

Sunday soon arrived and after an intense week at work Rachel was so happy to be in California, New York was home, but the summer heat could be oppressive. Los Angeles was different and a nice change. She was just glad she didn't have to drive, it looked chaotic. Kim had booked her hotel and she was pleased it wasn't too far from Quinn or the studio. She took a shower before getting ready for her date, she was so excited that she had thought of little else all week. This proved a problem when she was supposed to be learning lines, but the plane ride had come to her rescue and as always she was thankful that she had been gifted with a good memory.

Quinn arrived in the lobby a little after 7pm and Rachel hurried down to meet her.

"Hey." She greeted Quinn with a kiss to the cheek, Quinn pulled away a little, it was only marginal but Rachel picked up on it straight away. "Everything okay?"

"Yes, sure, just there are a lot of people. Its lovely to see you, you look gorgeous." Quinn was quick to counter, but her eyes were scanning the lobby.

"Friends kiss."

"They do." Quinn nodded.

"So don't worry."

Quinn didn't respond, she just led Rachel out to her car. They headed to the restaurant that Quinn had booked and Rachel was a little confused at its location and what she could only describe as seediness. They had driven away from the bright lights and landed in a quiet eatery on the outskirts of everything. Rachel had tried to take Quinn's hand as they got out of the car, but Quinn had pulled away, rummaging for something in her purse. The lighting inside was low and the place was practically empty. Rachel couldn't hide her confusion as she looked around.

"The food is good." Quinn reassured as they took their seats and Rachel decided to trust her. There was indeed a good selection of vegan dishes and perhaps Quinn had done some research. They fell into easy conversation, Rachel talked about the role she was up for and Quinn paid attention but Rachel couldn't help but think something was off. Perhaps it was the way Quinn got jittery whenever the front door opened or the way she would scan the room at random intervals, but Rachel knew it was odd behavior, even for Quinn.

"I'm going to have to get an early night." She folded her napkin on the table and looked up at Quinn. She hoped that it would spark something in Quinn, but the blonde just copied her and called for the waiter.

"I'll drive you back, just let me get the check."

"Right." Rachel was totally perplexed, she let Quinn pay and they made their way to Quinn's car. Rachel was now fully aware of the distance between their bodies, in Lima it had been handholds or linked arms, but now she felt like she was struggling to keep pace with Quinn as they walked, which really wasn't easy in the killer heels she had worn to show off her legs, not that Quinn seemed to be paying much attention.

"When do you have to be up?" Quinn asked as they got into her car.

"Audition is at 7am, they want to see me early, something to do with the lead actors schedule."

"So you aren't lead?"

"No, it's a supporting role. I'd probably be filming for about three months though. Thats if I get it. It's really good Quinn, such an amazing script and I love the part I'm up for, I think the character is far more interesting than any of the others."

"I'm really pleased for you. What time is the flight home?"

"I'm not sure how long it'll be, but I'm provisionally on the 3pm flight out. I need to be back on stage tomorrow."

"I'll come over when mine is done. I should be out by lunch, so maybe we'll get to see each other before you go?"

"I'd like that." Rachel half smiled and Quinn leant across the centre console, capturing her lips in a surprisingly heated kiss. It was the total opposite of their date but Rachel wasn't complaining as Quinn's tongue entered her mouth, she reached out and tried to pull her closer, but the car really wasn't helping her fulfil her needs.

Quinn ended the kiss and rested her forehead on Rachel's as she attempted to steady her breathing. Then, without a word, she started the car and they drove back to the hotel in silence.

"Night."

"Did you want to come in for a coffee?" Rachel couldn't help herself.

"I can't" Quinn groaned, she wanted to but it would not lead to Rachel having an early night.

"Okay, maybe tomorrow then."

"They are going to love you."

"Same for you." Rachel climbed out of Quinn's car and turned to wave goodbye, but Quinn's tail lights were already off in the distance. "Still confusing me." Rachel sighed.

xxx

Rachel nailed the audition, she was sure of it. It was a welcome distraction, Quinn's behavior the night before had been so strange and she wasn't sure why. She was finished early and had nothing to do, Quinn's cell went straight to voicemail. Perhaps it was just too much too soon and coming to L.A. within a week of the reunion was a case of bad timing. She didn't want to wait around, so scribbled a note and took a taxi to the airport. She'd see Quinn at thanksgiving and that would give her time to think on a few things.

xxx

Quinn arrived at Rachel's hotel a little after 2pm. Only to be told Rachel had checked out, she had figured she'd miss her, but the creator of the show she was auditioning for had made her wait around and screen test with a couple of other actors, she cursed her luck and was walking away from the concierge desk when he called out to her.

"Excuse me Miss, are you Quinn Fabray?"

"Yes."

"This is for you." He handed her an envelope and she quickly tore it open.

Dear Quinn,

The audition and meetings went really well, I hope yours did too? I waited as long as I could but this is the last flight I can catch today. I tried to call you, but voicemail got annoying.

Thanks again for dinner.

Hope you still want to come for Thanksgiving?

It was lovely to catch up again.

Love

Rachel.

x

Quinn reread the letter, frustrated that she'd missed her and confused at the neutrality of the words. She had thought it was a lot more than lovely to catch up. It knocked her a bit that she'd had Rachel in the same city for less than 24 hours and somehow she'd let that time slip away so quickly. Thanksgiving was too far away, but her schedule was intense and she knew she wouldn't be able to get to New York sooner.

xxx

Rachel stood alone at the airport. Sad that she didn't even get a proper goodbye with Quinn, but even sadder that last night had been awkward. Maybe she'd got it all wrong in Lima, maybe that was the reunion curse? All those emotions suddenly rekindled and it turned out that the reality was too much for Quinn.

She checked her cell one last time before takeoff, but still nothing. Closing her eyes from the world around her didn't stop her heart from aching. She felt like she'd already lost something that was never hers to have and even though she'd sworn to never give up, right now she was just desperate to get home and forget that she'd almost let her heart go so easily.

xxx

A/N: Hopefully update by the weekend.