A/N: Over 100 reviews already! I am forever overwhelmed (and appreciative) of your support. Thank you so much!

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, any colleges mentioned or Jane Austen's book 'Pride and Prejudice.'

Chapter 11

By the time Rachel was dressed and ready for bed, Quinn was already waiting for her in her bedroom. The blonde was lying flirtatiously on Rachel's bed, but whatever sultry line was about to leave her lips died in her throat when she took in the appearance of the brunette. Rachel was wearing a black tank top and some pajama bottoms, but the girl without make-up with her hair in a messy ponytail somehow always took the blonde's breath away.

Quinn noticed that after their first sleepover, Rachel was dressing more conservatively for bed. This relieved the blonde who already had trouble controlling herself around the petite girl, but it also frustrated her because she wanted nothing more than to admire the girl's flawless body and it was a bit more difficult to do so when the girl covered those amazing legs.

As Quinn cleared her suddenly dry throat, she croaked out. "I noticed your dads still were gone? We could have stayed out a bit longer." She hated the squeak in her voice as it made her cringe.

The brunette grinned at Quinn's words, but more so in amusement at the way in which they came out. If Rachel wasn't mistaken, the blonde was nervous. She sauntered over to the bed, her eyebrow raised. "Or we should have come home earlier and enjoyed the empty house."

Quinn swallowed loudly, biting her bottom lip as she felt suddenly nervous. Rachel made her way to the bed and slowly crawled on it, toward the now cowering blonde. Quinn's eyes closed on their own accord. She sighed deeply, but her eyes shot open when she heard Rachel's bellowing laugh.

Narrowing her eyes at the brunette, she muttered. "What?"

"You don't have to be so nervous around me Quinn; neither of us are ready for that next step. We're just engaging in a little harmless flirting."

"Harmless, Rach, I'm about to have a heart attack over here."

Rachel's previously mirthful eyes morphed into brown orbs of concern. She rested her hand over Quinn's rapidly beating heart.

"Yeah, babe, that isn't exactly helping." Quinn breathed out; the feel of Rachel's hand over her heart was intoxicating.

The brunette smiled apologetically, before attempting to move her hand away from its resting place on the girl. Quinn was quick to act and held the girl's hand in place. They locked their eyes on each other. Their breathing became slower as they took their breaths in unison.

"Everything was perfect about tonight Quinn; I appreciate what you did for me. It was romantic and thoughtful and…perfect."

"You said that already." Quinn smirked. It was a known quirk of Rachel's that she talked more when she was nervous, and that her words often got jumbled up. Quinn found it utterly adorable, though she'd loathe to tell the girl that or she wouldn't let her live it down. Sure, leave it to Quinn to fall in love with the things she used to hate about Rachel. Love? Did she just use the word 'love' to describe her feelings concerning the girl? Isn't it a bit soon for that? It's got to be too soon to feel that way. Right?

Rachel was staring at Quinn skeptically. "Quinn?"

"Huh?" Quinn replied without thinking, because her mind was a million miles away. Well, not so much that far away but going a million miles a minute. She replayed every conversation or interaction she had ever had with the girl. Every time she needed someone, Rachel was there. Even when she thought she preferred to be alone (or with the Skanks) Rachel was there reminding her that there was a different option, a better option. They were enemies, rivals, friends, now girlfriends. Quinn knew without a doubt, in that moment, that it was so beyond true. "I love you."

She blurted it out so quickly that the words sort of mixed together and she hoped that Rachel understood them. But just as suddenly she wished she could take it back and do it right. More romantically. She let her eyes find Rachel's, shock evident in the brown depths. But there was some other emotion swimming in them that Quinn couldn't quite decipher.

"You don't have to say it back, Rachel. I wouldn't expect you to this soon. I just…I wanted you to know. I needed you to know how I felt. I love you."

Rachel blinked. When she opened her eyes, the once indecipherable emotion became clear. Rachel's eyes shinned with love. "I love you too Quinn, I just, I wasn't sure that was what you said. It was sort of a jumbled mess and I thought I was hoping for something that wasn't there..." Quinn's lips crashed into hers.

This kiss revealed a longing for the other, reveling in the shared love between them their kiss instantly deepened. Tongues waged a war of dominance that was fought aggressively if only half-heartedly. At this point in time, it didn't matter who won because they both did. The room was filled with the sound of moans as each girl explored the girl in front of her. They were already marked, claimed by the other, but it didn't mean they couldn't stake claim again.

Quinn pulled away from the kiss causing the brunette to growl, an action that the blonde found adorably sexy. She smirked as she attached her lips to the pressure point on the girl's neck and sucked hard. The groan turned into a sensual moan that caused a warmth to begin to pool deep inside Quinn's body working its way south and settling between her legs. After she had effectively marked the girl, she licked the darkened spot just to taste her.

The trail of Quinn's tongue caused goosebumps on the previously flawless and tan skin. The smaller girl shivered visibly. Quinn trailed open mouthed kisses down Rachel's neck to her collarbone and ended just above her breasts that were unfortunately covered by the tank top, though Quinn became increasingly aware that the girl beneath her was in fact braless. She covered her moan with more kisses, but it didn't stop the ache between her legs.

She kissed her way back up Rachel's neck, placing her lips on the girl's jaw before reattaching their lips. This kiss was hungrier than all the others had been. It was Rachel who finally broke away. She pushed Quinn on her back and attached her lips to the blonde's delicate and deliciously exposed neck. Claiming her several times, getting a bit more forceful with each mark when she heard Quinn's moans of pleasure increase. Her tongue shot out of her mouth as she licked her way up Quinn's neck.

When Rachel arrived at Quinn's earlobe, she took it in her teeth and tugged on it gently as the blonde's body shuddered in pleasure. Smirking, Rachel released Quinn's earlobe and touched her lips softly to the shell of Quinn's ear. The blonde couldn't hold back the guttural moan that escaped her lips at the sensation of Rachel's mouth on her. As the brunette spoke, her lips ghosted across Quinn's ear as the blonde bit her bottom lip. "My dads just pulled in, we have to cool down. Why don't you go change and get ready for bed."

Quinn swallowed with difficulty because her mouth was so dry; too bad the same couldn't be said for her panties. She simply nodded, since she didn't trust her voice. She slowly climbed out of Rachel's bed, not trusting her legs either. When she made it to the doorway, Rachel's husky voice stopped her dead in her tracks. "I'll keep the door open."

The blonde nodded curtly and left for the bathroom.

Waiting the appropriate time for Rachel's dads to settle in and hopefully fall asleep was agony for the blonde. Quinn knew they weren't going to go any further than they had already gone, and she knew they weren't doing anything remotely sexual tonight. But that knowledge didn't make her any less anxious to share her girlfriend's bed. It was something she looked forward to. It felt not only safe, but as if it was meant to be. She smiled at the thought as she made her way to Rachel's room. As soon as she neared the door, the light popped on. Quinn smiled even wider.

Rachel was already on the left side of the bed, so Quinn hurried in with a nervous smile as she took her spot on the right. Before she could reach to shut off the light, Rachel reached over and stopped her. "I was hoping we could read a little tonight." Rachel asked sounding so nervous as if Quinn could ever say no to her.

Quinn took Rachel's hand in hers, bringing them to her lips and kissing the petite hand. "I'd love to Rachel."

Rachel beamed. Then she quickly shifted on the bed, leaning over the edge to grab the book; giving Quinn a great view of her amazingly firm ass. Quinn's mouth dropped open as her eyes darkened dramatically. She licked her lips hungrily. If she were the kind of person to give in to desire, she'd take the girl right here. And she'd probably enjoy every minute of it. But knowing how badly both of their first times had been, Quinn was easily able to curb that desire though her body still reacted on its own volition as the ache between her legs returned tenfold. She clinched them together tightly.

It took all of 30 seconds for Rachel to recover the book she was searching for, but Quinn's mind was wandering at warp speed. She couldn't wait for the time to come when Rachel was completely hers. And yet, she wanted to take her time with the girl and develop their relationship into something meaningful that could stand the test of time. She made a silent vow to herself that night that Rachel was hers and she was going to get it right.

When Rachel was back on the bed, book in hand, a sigh of relief almost escaped the blonde's lips. Rachel handed the crisp, new book over to Quinn. Somehow 'Pride and Prejudice' fit them perfectly. Though who at which time was prideful and who had her prejudices was up for debate.

Quinn flipped to the first page as Rachel snuggled up beside her. As the brunette rested her head on Quinn's lap, the blonde's hand lay loosely on Rachel's hip. The position in which Rachel was laying caused the brunette's shirt to slightly ride up as Quinn's hand rested on bare skin. The blonde's soothing voice filled the room as she read from Jane Austen's masterpiece. As she read, her fingers traced patterns on Rachel's exposed skin. Slowly, expertly, she worked her way up Rachel's back. The patterns got larger, taking up more of Rachel's skin. Quinn could tell where a bra should have been, her voice wavering a bit as she read. She loved the feel of Rachel's soft skin underneath her fingertips.

This was their routine for the next several nights. Quinn reading to Rachel into the early hours of the morning. Sure that had school, but that barely seemed relevant. Besides they'd be off school for the holidays soon anyway. They spent the holidays together, naturally, since they spend every other waking hour together anyway. Their friends had completely warmed up at the thought of them, well most of them anyway. Finn was still standoffish, but never rude. And Santana was…Santana. She was never nice to begin with, so the jabs about them being out were expected.

The week after they returned to school from the holidays, Rachel asked Quinn to accompany her on a proper date that she had planned for the two of them. Like Rachel had to ask, really, was she not aware how completely and insanely Quinn was in love with her? If so, Quinn was determined to remedy that as quickly as possible.

That Saturday afternoon, Rachel actually made Quinn go home so that she could properly pick her up for the date. Carrying in her hands a bouquet of gardenias (citing that they were now their 'thing') and a box of vegan chocolates, Rachel greeted Quinn at her front door with a smile. Rachel was dressed in an elegant dark blue dress that fell just below her knees. Her hair was curled beautifully as it lay over her shoulder. The sight alone took Quinn's breath away.

Quinn was wearing a pale purple dress that flowed gracefully to the floor. She was wearing heels, so tonight she stood even taller than her petite girlfriend. Quinn's blonde locks were straight and chic. Separately they were gorgeous, as a pair they were stunning.

They kissed chastely at the front door before Quinn hurried inside to put her flowers in a vase and the chocolates on the kitchen counter. Then Rachel took her hand in hers and walked her to the car. Chivalrously opening the door for her and allowing her to climb inside the vehicle before she hurried around to the driver's side. They had no need for the radio today, they were chatting excitedly about their college acceptance letters.

Quinn had applied to every school imaginable at the beginning of the year in hopes of getting out of this godforsaken town. When her acceptance letters came, if they weren't on the east coast, she tossed them away. She was excited to know that she was accepted to both Columbia and NYU. Rachel had also gotten into her dream school, NYADA.

"It's so exciting that we'll be going to school together in New York next year!" Rachel said unable to hide the enthusiasm as she held the blonde's hand.

"I applied just hoping I'd get out of here, I never imagined that I'd have someone to get out of here with." Quinn smiled.

"Have you decided which one you'll choose?"

"I still wanted to look into who has the best literature department."

Rachel nodded in understanding. New York was a dream come true, but NYC with Quinn by her side. The brunette suddenly felt like she could take on the world.

The girls ate at the fanciest restaurant Rachel could find that was located near Lima, and near their next destination. The food was amazing but the ambiance of the place was breathtaking. Their table was lit with a candle that flickered as the light from the flame danced across their faces. Lighting up the world around them in a kind of wonder that only people in love seemed to appreciate. They held hands as they ate, and continued to just enjoy the other's presence. Having each other around completed them in a way they never thought possible.

After dinner, though they were completely overdressed and didn't care, Rachel surprised Quinn by taking her to a seminar for literary agents. It was basically a workshop for budding writers or just lovers of literature, of which Quinn was both. The blonde beamed at the announcement, when Rachel told her where they were going. And although they were the best dressed in the room by far, Quinn made a lot of good contacts for a future career in publishing. She never knew that was an option for her, and now it seemed reachable.

Rachel sat back, allowing Quinn to work her magic in the room. The blonde had impeccable manners and was quite adept at schmoozing. Rachel watched her with adoration and awe. When the blonde finally made her way back to Rachel, with an unnecessarily apologetic look on her face, she hugged her girlfriend and whispered. "Thank you."

They walked out hand in hand, Quinn talking excitedly about her dreams for her future. "I guess, it's NYU by consensus. I'm so excited, when I finish my first year of school; I have several offers for a summer internship at publishing houses. I'll get to live and breathe books, Rach."

Rachel understood the tone in Quinn's voice; it was assuredness at finding a passion and having a dream to pursue. She held Quinn's hand tightly in hers, their fingers lacing naturally.

"New York City won't know what hit it!" Quinn continued. "And when you're a famous Broadway star, writing a memoir. Guess who'll hopefully be your editor. In the very least your publisher. Have I told you today how much I love you, Rachel Barbara Berry?"

"Not in the last four hours." Rachel teased.

"In that case, I'm long overdue. You're it for me, Rachel. My everything." She smiled sincerely and Rachel could see the truth of Quinn's words shinning in her eyes.

"And you're my everything, Quinn. Forever."

Rachel pulled in Quinn's driveway and walked her to the door. She was about to kiss her goodbye when the blonde replied. "Not goodbye, Rach. Not yet. Come inside with me."

The smile on her face clued Rachel in on her intent, as she nodded wordlessly and followed the blonde through the front door. As they approached the stairs, heading to Quinn's room, they were startled by a voice that came from the dark.

"So, you're the slut she's been sneaking around with." Judy drunkenly slurred as she staggered toward them. "I wondered who the flowers and chocolates were from. And Quinn's been gone every night…with your kind." She spat out the last words with so much venom that the shock that kept Quinn quiet this long immediately evaporated.

"Do not talk to her that way!"

"Don't you dare raise your voice to me you…dyke!" The slap resounded in the large room, as Judy's hatred cut through the girls and shred them to pieces. Their eyes watered instantly. Quinn's hand cupped her sure to be swollen cheek.

"Mom." Quinn pleaded. She had long ago realized that she was basically without her parents, but she couldn't resist the need to be accepted by at least one of them.

"Pack up the rest of your things and get the hell out of my house." Judy replied without emotion as she walked out of the room without looking back.

Quinn stood in shock. Rachel snapped out of the daze first, leading the blonde to her bedroom and helping her grab some supplies she felt the girl may need. Pictures, mementoes and keepsakes mostly, since clothes could always be bought again.

The girls slowly made their way back to the living room, before they left however, Quinn ran into the kitchen to grab the gifts Rachel brought her earlier in the day. She couldn't bear to have them in this house with her mother's hatred. They were far too pure for that.

When they arrived at the Berry's house, the shock was still apparent on each of their faces.

"What happened?" Michael asked first.

"Quinn's mom kicked her out of the house."

"Oh, honey." Jeremiah leapt from the couch and embraced both girls in a hug.

As Quinn lie in her bed with ice on her cheek, Rachel cradled her in her arms. Humming a tune that Quinn could not recognize but appreciated nonetheless. The blonde sighed deeply. "This doesn't change anything, Rachel. My feelings for you. Please don't think I regret it."

"Oh, Quinn." Rachel kissed the top of the blonde's head. "I don't doubt your feelings for me, I wonder about the feeling you have about yourself."

The blonde stopped breathing.

"I love you Quinn and you are a beautiful, and amazing, and compassionately romantic girl. A great friend, a wonderful person. Please don't let anyone tear you down, even if it is your Mom."

Quinn wept loudly as sobs violently racked her body. "It's so hard to see myself the way you do Rachel and not the way everyone else does." Her voice was so broken that it was hard for Rachel to understand the words. But she knew the girl well enough, that she knew what she would say.

"I wish you could, for one day, see yourself through my eyes. Oh the sight you would see. No matter how much I tell you I love you, Quinn, it still doesn't do justice to the way I feel about you."

The blonde sniffled, that was the only indication that Rachel had that the blonde heard her. Because shortly after, she was asleep. Rachel held her all night, never letting go.

The next day, though Quinn's bruised cheek was clearly evident, the pain in her eyes was what worried the brunette. In a feeling of absolutely helplessness, she called Santana and Brittany.

When Quinn's friends arrived, they hurried up to the bedroom Quinn had now claimed as her own. Though last night was the first night she had ever actually slept in it, since she was usually in Rachel's room.

"Berry told us what happened." The Latina spoke softly as she slowly sat on the edge of the bed.

Brittany had no such reservations however, as she jumped on the bed and enveloped Quinn in a bear hug. Quinn returned it delicately.

"You're Mom's a bitch Q. And she's wrong. I know I haven't been the best friend to you recently, but that midget is good for you."

Santana smirked with she got a small rise out of the girl. When Santana called Rachel a midget she was hoping for the scowl she got. It was a good sign at least.

"I know Rachel is the best thing that happened to me, S. It doesn't help the fact that I've been kicked out of my house twice now and my parents hate me."

Santana grimaced. "I know. That's why I was scared to come out, with Brittany. Granted I was sort of forced out of the closet while you and Tinker Bell hopped merrily out of it…"

"Point please Santana; you really are worse than Rachel." She raised an eyebrow in challenge.

"I resent that remark!" Rachel protested with a huff, to which both Quinn and Santana smirked.

"Good to know the fire's not out of you." Santana replied.

"How about you? How'd your parents take it?"

"They choose to remain blissfully ignorant."

"It's a good thing we're all out of here in a few months."

"Yet, never soon enough, huh?"

Quinn nodded.

"So, Q?" Brittany asked hesitantly. "You're not broken are you? Because Rachel fixed you and I don't know if she'll know how to again."

Quinn smiled sadly. "I'm not broken, Brittany. But I have a feeling that even if I were, Rachel would find a way to fix me."

She locked eyes with the love of her life and they shared an intimate moment. No words were needed.

"Ay dios mio!" Santana blurted out as she stood from the bed. "Get a room, and please just do it already. This sexual tension is awkward even for me."

Quinn and Rachel laughed nervously. Brittany beamed excitedly as she clapped her hands together.

Santana smirked as she and Brittany walked toward the door. Santana turned toward Rachel with a sugary sweet smile. "Looks like my work here is done."

Quinn rolled her eyes; Rachel just watched the girls leave since she was speechless.

After several moments of silence, Rachel pointed to the open door and sputtered. "I…she…ah!"

Quinn laughed.

"She was helpful, Rach, in her own way. Come here." Rachel obeyed. When they were both on the bed. Quinn reached for the brunette's hand. "Thank you Rachel, I know how hard it was for you to call Santana."

"I would do anything for you. Always."

Quinn kissed Rachel's hand. "I know. Rach, baby, I know I haven't had a relationship with my Mom for awhile. But until now, I could pretend that she still loved me. Now it's hard to deny the truth."

Rachel claimed Quinn's lips. The kiss was not even sexual; it was honest and pure and meant to convey comfort. When she pulled away, she held the blonde's face in her hands. "The only truth you need to know is how much I love you. And how much my dads love you, and Santana and Brittany, and everyone in glee. You are surrounded by love Quinn. Please don't forget that, no matter how much what your Mom said threatens to get to you."

"I know Rachel, and thank you. It'll just take time. It took time to realize my Dad was never coming back, it'll take time for this too."

"Take all the time you need. I'm never leaving."

Quinn's breath hitched. She breathed out slowly "Promise?"

"I promise."

Quinn wrapped Rachel in a tight embrace. When she was kicked out the first time, she felt so alone. She was pregnant and living a lie and she felt that no one loved her. This time still hurts like hell, but it is so much different. She is not living a lie; it feels good to have the truth out so completely. She didn't feel alone, and she knew she was loved. Rachel loved her, and she loved the brunette more than she could even fathom. And because of that love, today was going to be a distant memory. It'd just take a little time.

A/N: So, a lot happened in this chapter and I know it was more serious than the rest of the story had been, but I hope you enjoyed it anyway. Quinn's got a dream and a reason to go to New York, and they still haven't made the leap….

The last chapter is next, and it'll be an epilogue. The girls finally go all the way.