A/N: Interesting reviews, this is going to be a long fic, so there is time yet for certain things to happen.

Mistakes are mine.

No matter how Rachel tried, she couldn't forget, because she really didn't want to. It was a bad date, but it wasn't the end. She just needed time to figure Quinn out. She wasn't about to hit the reset button, that would be impossible, but she did know that things had changed. Around Quinn she had just regressed back to being an eighteen year old, but now she knew to be more careful. If Quinn had asked her to move in on Sunday night she probably would have and that fact frightened her. She liked Quinn, she always had, but protecting her heart was important too.

When she got back to her apartment she was exhausted, her bags could wait. Climbing under the covers she tried to sleep, but Quinn still filled her head. It had been one of the longest weeks of her life, she'd been so happy when she walked back in here a week ago and now she felt so confused and deflated. Quinn was cold on their date, but that kiss at the end of the night was something else.

Trying to focus on her audition she reran the whole thing in her mind and hoped she'd got the part, mini series were hot at the moment and she'd be working with a legend if she did get it. Even without the female lead she knew it was good, really good. A real chance to show she wasn't just a Broadway star, but that she had presence on the screen too. Moving into movies and trying out Hollywood wasn't all about Quinn, she'd had that other script on the table before the reunion after all. Just now the idea of being on the other side of the country wasn't as bad as she once thought and to be honest two live performances a day was hard, really hard. Playing the same part over and over had worn her down, she craved a change.

xxx

Turning on her laptop she saw a message from Santana and noticed that she was available for online chat.

"Hey Santana, you still online?"

"OMG, Rachel Berry just sent me a message. *imagine me fangirling*"

"Too funny!"

"I am! So how's NYC? Not ignoring us Lima Beans anymore?"

"Happy to be home. Just been in L.A."

"See Q?"

"Yes, she was odd."

"Odd? Come on, she was all googly eyes last week..."

"I know, I'm not sure, maybe it was just the mixed emotions of the reunion."

"Do you really think that?"

"No. She likes me. I like her. I don't know, it was just awkward."

"Quinn is awkward, she plays super cool and stuff, but she is such a mess, I don't know how you read her."

"It's confusing and I don't think I can read her."

"But she's pretty ;)"

"She's a whole lot more than that."

"Ah Berry, see you have your answer."

"Come again?"

"You think more of Quinn than anyone, she is that one for you, always has been and yes I have got all sappy in my old age."

"She's coming here for thanksgiving. I have some planning to do."

"Are you cooking her a turkey? Add bacon! She'll love you forever."

"She'll have to endure a Vegan meal."

"You want her heart, cook the meat!"

"So helpful."

"Just being honest and now I'm hungry."

"Speak soon?"

"I'll be sat here waiting for your call :)"

Returning to Lima really had been one of her better decisions. Just when she thought she had got it all, the Tony, the recognition, she found she didn't have love and she didn't have the girl.

Just as she was about to fall asleep Quinn called.

"Hi." She said sleepily.

"Sorry, did I wake you? I can go."

"No, its fine. It's only 10pm anyway."

"What happened?"

"It went really well."

"I meant you, you left and that note?"

"I'm sorry, I thought it was for the best."

"Why?"

"I don't know, I just got the impression you were uncomfortable and perhaps it was best to leave you to work out what you want."

"Rachel, I know what I want."

"Right." Rachel was curt.

"Please, don't. I thought last night was...well I was so happy to see you."

"Maybe I got the wrong message, I don't know."

"You did or I messed up. I probably messed up."

"I probably shouldn't have gone without talking to you."

"No, you really shouldn't."

"I said issues! One is going to be my need to storm out occasionally."

"Well, maybe you could just storm out of the room rather than the state next time." Quinn said and Rachel could tell it was through a smile.

"So you want a next time?"

"I'm counting down the days to thanksgiving."

"Me too." Rachel let out a deep breath, happy that they had made some kind of recovery. "I think it was just a bit too much too soon. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I kind of need to figure some things out."

"Just tell me next time."

"Why did you take me to that restaurant?"

"Um...well it's quiet."

"Are you ashamed?"

"No!" Quinn almost shouted. "Really, shit. I messed up. My agent got some photos of us and I was told to be quiet, I just wanted a chance to see if we could make it, without people finding out and putting pressure on us. I'm not ashamed and I'm not scared of being with you. Its just I know how ruthless these guys can be and I'm in the closet. It's not just me now, it's all the names I've been attached to and fuck it's just so complicated."

"What photos?"

"Turns out that girl was pretty good with a camera. It's nothing that can't be explained away, but Rick wasn't happy and I just didn't want him knowing anymore about us."

"You could have said."

"No, I should have said."

"You are right though. I think I need to be honest with you too. Lima was amazing, but it was our past and we had a lot of emotions and feelings going on. I don't know for certain if they were all real. It's been five years Quinn and I think that in that time I may have painted a different picture of you and maybe you did the same about me. We don't know each other now. I hope I've changed since high school anyway and I'm sure you have too and although I'm attracted to you, I think I may have confused my happiness over seeing you again with some other things, coming to L.A. made me realize I was going too fast."

"Oh." Quinn's voice was noticeably shaky, even over the phone.

"I don't mean it to sound bad. I like you, but I want to be sure. I don't want to rush into this. I'm not eighteen anymore. I've learned to be careful with my heart, but last weekend I let it..." Rachel paused, not sure how much more she should say.

"Rachel, I will promise to be careful with your heart."

"Quinn..." Rachel's voice cracked "Stop being so perfect."

"I really want to be there and hugging you right now. I'm sorry about last night, I'm sorry for being me."

"Never be sorry for being you."

"We'll go at whatever pace works for you. Is Thanksgiving still okay?"

"Yes, of course, but um, well do you mind not having turkey?"

"Uh, yeah that'll be different...what do I get instead?"

Rachel paused for a moment "I'll do a turkey." She said determinedly, even though she had no idea what to do with one.

"No, you don't have to."

"I know, I want to, for you."

"Rachel, you are amazing, but how about I cook it. You can do your thing, I'll do mine. I'll come in a day earlier if thats alright?"

"That would be perfect, My Dad is going to love you, he hasn't had Turkey in years." Rachel beamed, happy they had slipped back into a happy place.

xxx

A week later and Quinn drove into her spot in the parking lot, Rick was stood by his car, hands on his hips and she knew she was about to get another earful.

"Rick." She greeted him as she exited her vehicle.

"Ms Fabray."

"I'm in trouble again?"

"Not with me, but it may be an issue when I tell you that they loved you and I have a big fat contract ready for you to sign, like they really loved you." Rick shot Quinn his biggest grin, but she just shook her head. "It's the future, this is going to make you a household name, we'll be turning studios and producers away." He wrapped his arm around her.

"I need to talk to Bret, I don't want you doing it."

"Sure, but I think I should come, I know you think they are your buddies, but when you tell them you're leaving..."

"Fine, tag along."

"Let's get this signed and sealed first. Quinn this is the next big thing, you are going to be the next big thing."

xxx

Rick was right, Bret wasn't happy, but he wished her well and was happy that he had a chance to work on a good demise for her character.

Quinn let Rick take her to lunch as a celebration, it was a big contract and he was overjoyed to finally make some decent money out of her and she was happy to have some of that spent on her.

"The girl?" Rick asked over dessert.

"Do we have to do this again? I want a private life, I won't talk about it, people can speculate, whats the harm?"

"This is all about money Quinn, you have to fit the image. It's not just the writers, producers and studio execs, its the sponsors and then some, they have power. Don't ruin your career over some silly fling."

"Fuck you Rick."

"So it's serious?" he pushed, his tone cold and clipped.

"What do you need me to do?" Quinn asked dejectedly.

"Some of the promotion is going to involve you and Chase. They want your chemistry to help get fans intrigued."

"Is he gay?"

"He, um. There is a past. It's been covered up. Being linked to you will work for you both."

"Same deal as always?"

"I think they'd prefer if you alluded to a relationship in interviews."

"No."

Rick rolled his eyes, they'd had this conversation several times before. "Fine, same deal as always, but Chase is likely to make comments, his agent is the one pushing the hookup."

Quinn placed her hands flat on the table and looked back at Rick. "I do this and you back off Rachel."

"I haven't done anything to Rachel."

"You know exactly what I mean. I'll 'date' Chase, but I get to have a peaceful relationship with Rachel."

"I can't say I'm not concerned, but I will back off. Just don't get caught Quinn, because it's a mess even I'd struggle to get you out of. It's hard enough keeping Beth out of the public eye, if they see you with Rachel, well it didn't take me long to find the McKinley year books online and then they have a whole town that knows all about you both."

"But at least you can say we are old school friends or something?"

"I can spin that."

"We were in glee club together." Quinn added wistfully.

"I don't have time to waltz down memory lane, just make sure she knows to keep quiet, you don't need her ruining your career." Quinn just narrowed her eyes at him. "Good, now you have some interviews coming up, we need to prepare."

Quinn nodded. It was another hour before she got away and was able to go back to the studio. She was sad that it wouldn't be forever, she loved the show they'd made, but she was as aware as Rick that it wasn't going anywhere. She didn't make much money, certainly not enough for her to be out of work for a long time and this really was her golden ticket. Rick had shown her the paperwork and she was delighted at what she saw, she was going to be working with some of the best in the industry. The thing with Chase was a small price to pay and even though she wasn't sure where things stood with her and Rachel right now, she at least knew it wouldn't be a problem. She'd called her after her lunch and Rachel laughed it off, giving her full support which made Quinn feel a little easier, she hated the lies, but having Rachel be okay with it helped.

xxx

The next few weeks passed fast, she had to work around the clock as The Empire made sure they got the very best ending for her character, she loved how dark the story became and knew she was doing some amazing work, but it really was nonstop. Her name was already becoming more well-known and she barely had a chance to breathe before she began shooting scenes for A madness, her new show. It was already the most talked about fall premier and the hype was only just beginning. Her casting as the leading man's love interest was building steam in the gossip columns and the links between her and Chase were now in full spin mode. They got gas just yesterday and Quinn had laughed with Rachel as they flicked through the photos online. She was glad Rachel was not only understanding but also sympathetic to her situation.

Every night they'd spend about an hour on the phone together, but it wasn't nearly enough for Quinn, she still felt she had some making up to do after Rachel's visit to L.A. went so awry.

xxx

Rachel cursed the fact that she'd given Kim a key to her apartment. The fierce woman was now stood at the end of her bed, tossing clothes out of her wardrobe as she chastised Rachel for her poor taste and general laziness. Rachel hadn't known what it was like to have a mother as she grew up, but she imagined Kim was filling some of the more annoying parts of that role right now.

"So yeah, they kinda loved you."

"Huh?" Rachel really hadn't been paying attention, she was more concerned that her prized Laboutins were now being critically examined.

"They...loved...you." Kim spoke loud and clear.

"They did?" Rachel was still confused.

"Oh catch on, you got the part. They fucking loved you Ms Berry!"

"Fuck." Rachel gasped, she'd thought she'd done well, but knowing she got it and that she could close that distance between her and Quinn was something else.

"So get that hot ass of yours out of bed and we can celebrate. Mr Jordan is coming to see you. He's the money for the film, so be nice!"

"I can be nice." Rachel was now out of bed and jumping around the room with joy, she couldn't believe it.

"Here." Kim passed her an outfit that she had finally deemed suitable and ushered Rachel off to get ready.

Rachel was still in shock after her meeting. Now she had all the details and knew she'd have a little bit of time off before they began shooting in January, she decided to keep the news from Quinn until she could tell her in person, she knew she'd be happy, but really wanted to see her face, the fact that she would be going to California was a big deal for them both.

xxx

Quinn was nervous as she packed her bags. Seeing Rachel again had been her goal for so long and it had been the one thing to get her through her grueling schedule. The moment she'd been waiting for had arrived and she was concerned she'd put too much emphasis into how important it was, it was clear from the phone conversations that Rachel had doubts and that had her worried.

Her debut on A Madness had been well received. She walked the red carpet of some random film the other night with Chase for company and the tabloids had loved it. Money was to be made from her face and the paps at LAX were eagerly trying to get shots of her, she tried to avoid them, but it was near impossible. After a less than pleasant flight, she was relieved that JFK was a lot quieter. A fan nervously approached her as she waited on her bags and she happily signed her poster and posed for a photo. It didn't dawn on her that perhaps her trip to New York at Thanksgiving was something Rick would not want being common knowledge. She hadn't even got to Rachel's before he'd texted her.

New York? Broadway bound? Warn me in advance next time!

Quinn audibly growled and got a strange look from her driver. She tapped out a reply, this was her weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

She'd have turned her phone off then if she could, but she knew it'd only lead to trouble, plus Rachel may have needed to contact her. Rick wasn't all bad, he just saw dollar signs most of the time. She was relieved he didn't reply. She was happy to spend all weekend indoors with Rachel, so he really had nothing to worry about.

The journey to Rachel's was long, she'd hit the traffic, but suddenly didn't mind. Her nerves were taking hold as she stared out of the window wondering what the next few days would bring. The taxi stopped and she no longer had time to worry, she had arrived.

A/N: Thanksgiving is next.

So maybe there will be another chapter over the weekend as this one is early. I'm still really enjoying writing this, hope you are enjoying reading.