A/N: I know! I know! I suck, I apologize dearly for the long wait for this update, but a roller coaster of things happened. I posted the last chapter on my birthday and spent that week celebrating with different groups of people. June came with a lot of family issues and July is a whole paragraph on it's own.

I had a trip to Italy in July that had been planned since April. In the meantime I had exams. A few days before I left I got my results back that said I hadn't passed math and needed to do a make up exam. The day before I left for Italy I got the tragic news of Cory's death (R.I.P. Angel 3 ) and ever since then my heads been reeling over what to do with this story.

There are a few things that require explaining:

First off I got a few reviews telling me about Quinn getting her letterman jacket when she joined the team, honestly we don't have Varsity sports in high schools where I'm from, so I don't know anything about that. I didn't know about it when I wrote it and I'm not going to change it now cause that will just confuse everyone. Just enjoy Quinn Fabray in a letter man, everyone's happy :P

Now, onto the tough stuff: People have commented telling me how happy they are that Finn is the nice guy in this story. Now ORIGINALLY I had planned for him to do a complete one-eighty. I already had a scene written out where a huge fight between him and Quinn ensued, however, due to unforeseeable tragic circumstances, I cannot in good conscience bash Finn. Finn Hudson himself was never a favourite character of mine, however Cory Monteith was a great man and he deserves to be honoured in any way possible, so I've decided to honour him in this way.

I will not bash Finn Hudson, but I cannot write him any more. It hurts too much to think about the fact that there is no more Finn now. so what I'm going to do is slowly work him out of the story. I won't kill him off. The fandom as a whole (No matter the ships) has suffered greatly through his tragic loss and now we have to ready ourselves for the undoubtedly heartbreaking third episode of the new season. Those of the fandom that take the time to read this story deserve a break from it all.

That being said, when he does get written out of the story, he will not disappear. He will have a valid reason and he will have some heartfelt words with a good number of the main characters. That chapter will be a dedication to Cory's memory as the great man we know him.

I hope I haven't disappointed any of you by not keeping him on in the story, but if I have please understand that I cannot keep him in the story without making him seem the slightest bit bad, and that is something I cannot do in good conscience.

Before I leave you to read this chapter I'd like to take a moment to thank Dclark for the Porsche idea, you'll understand what I mean when you read it. I'd also like to thank my friend Myra for making the new cover image for this story! You rock dude!

Now without further adieu, enjoy the chapter :)


The next day the four friends went through their usual Thursday routine. Meet up at Quinn's locker (Because she somehow always took too damn long at that thing.) and go through their morning playfulness. Inquire about cookies (A large container was in her bag, however it was agreed upon to save them for lunch.) and walk each other to class. Their routine was never really discussed, it's just something that generally happened, and the four of them wouldn't have it any other way.

They all walked in to the cafeteria together. By now most of the student body was used to seeing them hanging out. The cheerleaders were a bit of an annoyance at the beginning, wondering why on earth their beloved leader would hang out with the school player and the two known 'losers.' However word still got around about her date with Finn, which somehow balanced it all at, that coupled with the fact that Quinn was Charlie Fabray's sister and now a player on the basket ball team meant that all the talk died down just as fast as it started up. Rachel still maintained her HBIC attitude around her team, Sue Sylvester wouldn't allow anything less. The coach wasn't quite too happy about her head cheerio joining the glee club, thanks to her feud with Mr. Schuester, but as long as Rachel was never late for practice and kept up her grades as well as her intensity when it came to bossing the other cheerleaders around, she didn't care. In her own words, 'she had more important things to worry about then a bunch of mouth breathing losers singing and dancing around like they were in some big peppy gay pride parade.' And while her words pissed Rachel off, because the glee kids were her friends, she smiled at the fact that the cheer leading coach wasn't going to stop her from being in glee, which she still needed for her extra credit from Mr. Schue.

They sat at their usual table, laughing and eating their lunch (The pieces which weren't being chucked and flicked at each other all in the name of playful fun.) When suddenly they were surrounded by four Jocks, Santana and Brittany. All of which had a slushy in their hand. Quinn and Kurt gulped audibly, a knee jerk reaction to anyone holding one of those big quench cups, while Puck and Rachel gave death glares to the jocks in their sight, daring them to even spill a drop on them or their friends. Suddenly Santana's voice broke the silent tension.

"Drop them and walk." She ordered. The four jocks placed the slushy cups in front of each of the four friends, along with a straw, and walked away. One of them even patted Quinn on the shoulder and said a quick 'see you at practice Fabray.' Which she thought was a nice change to the usual treatment.

"Uhh…What's going on?" Kurt asked, confused as to why he was not covered in cold syrup but yet looking at the drink in front of him tentatively.

"Consider these a peace offering." Santana said. Brittany smiled at them as each of the four looked up at the two other cheer leaders.

"I'm sorry what?" Puck asked.

"Can we sit?" Brittany asked gently. Quinn shot Rachel a questioning glance and, when she saw her give her a quick node, shifted closer to Kurt to make room for the other blonde, who sat down with a small wave and a cheerful "Hi."

"Hi." Quinn smiled at her.

"You're Quinn, right? Charlie Fabray's sister? That is really cool, and you look hot in your letterman by the way." The blue eyed blonde said sweetly and innocently.

"Thanks." Quinn said with a blush and a shrug.

"So. As I was saying." Santana cut in. "We're here to make a truce. What I did to Rachel totally sucked and…I'm sorry…I guess."

Rachel smiled at the girl because she knew it was difficult for the Latina to admit her mistakes and apologize, which meant she wouldn't do so unless she meant every word.

"You each have a slushy in front of you. Like I said, it's a peace offering, I want to apologize to Rachel and to you guys too, I sucked and I'm sorry. I hope we can all be friends." Santana said again, looking at each person to gauge their reaction. Brittany was smiling at her proudly and Rachel gave her a small nod. The other three were looking at her warily for a minute, not sure whether or not what was happening was genuine.

"Look, I know I've been a total bitch to all of you. I slushied the daylights out of you two, and I totally bitch slapped Puck once, and I want to make it up to you. I know it's not going to be as easy as buying slushies for all of you, but I hope it can be a start…you don't have to say anything to me cause I know I probably don't deserve it. You don't even have to talk to me, just…drink your slushies and if you forgive me…and throw it in my face if you don't." The Latina finished quietly. Everyone was looking at her while she looked down at the table, silently preparing herself for a shower of cold, colorful syrup and ice. Brittany looked at them quietly while stirring the straw in her own drink. Rachel glanced over at Quinn who looked at her and took a deep breath.

"Santana." The blonde said, catching the Latina's attention. "The thing with this group of friends is, no matter how much you suck, we'll always give you a second chance."

"But yesterday you said-"

"That you had to apologize to Rachel, which I know you did because she told me. She also told me that you wanted to redeem yourself. You've been totally shitty to us for over a year now, so this by no means wraps all that up, you still have to prove yourself before we can trust you fully. But it's a start. Usually you start with baby steps. This is a big step. You came over here with a peace offering and you apologized. You gave us a chance at revenge, but we're not going to take it. Well…I'm not a mind reader, I don't know what these guys are thinking, but I'm not going to take it." Quinn said, and with that she grabbed the straw next to her cup, removed the paper wrapper and popped it into her drink before taking a long sip of her slushy. Santana smiled at her, it wasn't her mischievous smirk, or the hateful sneer she would give before laughing in someone's face. It was a genuine smile of thanks for the blonde accepting her apology. She looked over to Brittany who was still beaming with pride at her best friend.

"Me neither." Kurt piped up, grabbing his own straw. "You may be a bitch, but your comebacks are hilarious, you know, when they aren't being directed at me."

"We were too alike to date S, you're like a my female counterpart. And I've had worse things happen then a girl bitch slapping me." He said with a chuckle. He grabbed his cup and forgot about the straw all together, taking a huge gulp and swirling it around in his mouth before swallowing and waggling his now blue tongue out in front of everyone, causing them to burst out in laughter. Santana smiled at Rachel, who simply smiled back and held up her palm. Santana's smile widened and she high fived her as the shorter brunette put the straw into her own cup.

"So does that mean we're all friends now?" Brittany asked with a smile.

"Yeah Britt, we're all friends." Quinn nodded. The blue eyed girl clapped excitedly and hugged the other blonde tightly before sipping at her slushy. Kurt looked at Quinn.

"Cookies." He whispered loudly to her and Santana gave him a confused look before Quinn rolled her eyes and took out the large container. She opened the box and everyone took a huge whiff of the smell that wafted out of it.

"Holy shit, what are those?" Santana exclaimed at the smell.

"Quinn's mom makes the best cookies on earth!" Rachel explained with a smile.

"I can smell that!" Santana exclaimed before rubbing her hands hands together. "Step aside vegan Berry, I needs to get my cookie on!"

"Oh! That reminds me!" Quinn said and reached into her bag again, pulling out a smaller container and handing it to Rachel.

"Yo she gets her own cookies?" Santana asked as she picked one out of the container.

"My mom makes vegan ones for her." Quinn said with a shrug. Santana stared at her with her jaw wide open.

"That's so nice." Brittany said with a smile.

"Yeah, wow your mom actually does that for her?" Santana said, albeit with a full mouth.

"Oh her mother is wonderful! You two should meet her she's amazing!" Rachel said happily.

"You guys can come over this weekend if you want." Quinn said as she took a bite.

"That would be cool. Hey you're alright Fabray." Santana said with a smile.

"Told you, all you had to do was give them a chance." Rachel muttered quietly to Santana who smiled at her and nodded. "Oh by the way we're all going to my place after practice. You can join if you want."

"Yay!" Brittany clapped happily.

And just like that, their group of four became six.

After lunch they all had class which went off without a hitch. Between fifth and sixth period Quinn was at her locker, switching her books.

"Yo." She heard a voice behind her. She turned to find the Latina standing behind her and offered her a happy smile.

"Hey Santana, what's up? How was class?" she asked.

"Boring as fuck. What else is new? Anyway, so did you give any thought to our date yet?" Santana asked.

"Listen, San, you're a nice girl, you know when you're not scaring the shit out of everyone-"

"Aww, you sweet talker you." Santana said with a chuckle. Quinn rolled her eyes and couldn't help but chuckle too.

"The thing is I'm not really into dating." Quinn shrugged.

"You mean, you're not into dating anyone who isn't Rachel." Santana said. Quinn's eyes grew wide.

"What? N-no that not what I-" Quinn stammered.

"Cut the crap, Q! I see the way you look at her, it's so obvious just by the way you give her that love sick smile." Santana said. Quinn took a deep breath and rested her forehead against the lockers.

"Is it that obvious?" she asked.

"Only because I have a Mexican third eye. I can see things others can't." Santana shrugged.

"You can't tell her. Please." Quinn pleaded.

"Relax, your secret's safe with me…I…I know what it feels like to love someone you can't have." Santana said, looking away for a minute.

"Brittany?" Quinn asked without a second thought.

"How did you…You're not part Latina are you?" Santana asked.

"No. But I do have a brain. I saw the way you smile at her, the way you kiss her on the cheek when she says something a little…quirky." Quinn said, careful as to how to put her words to not piss off the girl in front of her.

"She's the smartest girl I've ever met. She just thinks differently." Santana said quickly. Quinn just nodded in agreement.

"Wait so if you're crushing on Brittany why did you ask me out?" Quinn asked.

"I'm not gonna lie, liking girls, it's not the easiest thing to admit to in a town like this. I thought maybe now since you're on the team it would balance things out and people would keep their mouths shut." Santana admitted.

"I get what you mean." Quinn nodded.

"Look it doesn't even have to be a date, let's just go out to dinner, as friends, what do you say?" Santana offered. Quinn nodded.

"Okay, dinner as friends." Quinn smiled at her and she smiled back.

"And if it makes you feel better, you're way hotter than Finnocence!" Santana said. Quinn chuckled.

"Yeah, that helps." Quinn said. She took a deep breath. "Listen I gotta get to class, see you in glee?"

"You know it."Santana said with a nod. Quinn smiled at her and walked off down the hall. Only to walk up to Kurt who is standing looking at her with his arms crossed.

"You're going out with her aren't you?" he asked.

"Just dinner between two friends." Quinn said, her hands up in surrender.

"Are you trying to make Rachel jealous?" He asked bluntly.

"What in the world would give you that idea?" she asked.

"Did you not see the reaction she had when you told her that she asked you out? She nearly had a heart attack!" Kurt said.

"What in the hell are you talking about? She felt sick, it was a brief bout of vertigo." Quinn said.

"Oh please. You believe that, and she believes that, and the frickin nurse believes that, but you and I both know that no girl just gets dizzy out of nowhere!" Kurt argued.

"Maybe she's on her-"

"Lalala don't say it!" Kurt ordered, his fingers in his ears.

"My point is, there could be a million and one reasons she felt dizzy and sick, me going out with Santana is none of them!" Quinn dismissed.

"So you agree that it is a date?" Kurt demanded.

"I never said that." Quinn protested.

"Why are you doing this?" he asked bluntly again.

"You know what, she's dating Finn, what in the world is stopping me from dating Santana?" Quinn demanded. Kurt stopped and sighed.

"Sweetie, she's dating Finn because of her image." He said. "You know, head cheerio dates quarterback. It's like…I don't know an un written rule."

"Yeah well Rachel's not the kind of girl that follows those stupid image demands." Quinn argued. "And besides, I'm on the team now, why the hell shouldn't I date a cheerleader?"

"You can date as many cheerleaders as you want, Quinn, we all know there's only one that you really want to be with." Kurt said with a shrug. "I'll see you in glee."

And with that he turned on his heel and walked away. Quinn took a deep breath and just stood there feeling like crap, until the bell rang and she ran to class.


Throughout the rest of the day, all Quinn could think about were Kurt and Santana's words. The only time she was able to clear her mind was during practice, and before she knew it that was over and she was gathering up her things and she suddenly felt someone climbing onto her back.

"What the-" She exclaimed. Suddenly two hands fell over her eyes, blocking her vision. "Help I'm being attacked!"

"Guess who!" Rachel's voice came into her ear.

"Oh my God! A munchkin escaped from Oz!" she exclaimed once again, this time laughing.

"Hey!" Rachel huffed, climbing off of Quinn's back. The blonde turned around to face her, still giggling at her own joke.

"You kind of asked for it Strawberry Shortcake!" Quinn said, playfully ruffling up Rachel's hair, or trying to while the brunette had it up in her high pony tail that Sue Sylvester required them to wear.

"Whatever." Rachel rolled her eyes. "Come on, let's go, I want to get out of this God awful uniform before it clings to my skin permanently!"

"Why do you have to wear those everyday again?" Quinn asked as she and Rachel made their way to the locker rooms.

"Because Sue Sylvester is the devil re-incarnated." Rachel stated non chalantly. Quinn chuckled and shook her head. They walked into the locker room and changed, Quinn making sure to be hidden away from Rachel, luckily their lockers were at other ends of the room. They found everyone outside waiting for them and made their way out of the school.

"We're all for Berry's place right?" Santana asked.

"Yeah." Quinn nodded.

"Then hop in." She said with a smile as she clicked her car key remote to unlock a black SUV. They all climbed into the car and Santana drove them to Rachel's house. The shorter brunette led them inside.

"My dads are still at work, so we've got the place to ourselves!" Rachel told them.

"Sweet, where's the booze?" Puck and Santana said in unison. Everyone turned to look at them with wide eyes. The two just looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"No booze you two." Rachel said with a giggle.

"Pssh." Puck scoffed.

"Sucks already." Santana muttered playfully.

"Good God you two could be twins. No wonder you didn't work out!" Kurt exclaimed, following Rachel to the kitchen where the brunette had brought out sodas for all of them.

"I told you we were to alike to date." Puck said.

"Good to have you as my bro though." Santana said, fist bumping the mo-hawked boy. Quinn smiled at the two and Brittan clapped happily.

"I love how we're all friends now!" she said cheerfully and Rachel wrapped an arm around the blonde with a smile in agreement. Kurt looked to Quinn and smiled knowingly at her.

A few weeks ago they had all hated each other. Now they were all sitting at Rachel's breakfast bar and talking about their day.

"Ugh, there are times I absolutely hate being head cheerleader." Rachel groaned.

"Whenever you're done with it, hit me up." Santana teased.

"Not on your life, Lopez!" Rachel snapped playfully, sending everyone into another burst of laughter.

"What happened Rach?" Quinn asked.

"Sue got pissed at two cheerleaders and kicked them off the squad, now we have to hold tryouts and as her 'second in command' I have to be there and watch her yell at every poor girl who even dares try out!" Rachel explained.

"Can boys join?" Kurt asked.

"Yes, why?" Rachel asked.

"I was thinking of joining, but I thought I had lost my chance." Kurt shrugged.

"That would be amazing Kurt!" Rachel said.

"You really want to put yourself under Sue's command?" Santana said. Kurt shrugged.

"Why not? I'm not sport material like basketball or football, but I can move! I think it'd be fun." He explained.

"With Sue, it's anything but fun, but if you can keep up with her then you'll be fine." Rachel shrugged.

"So you're okay with it?" Kurt asked.

"Of course! I would love to have you by our side!" Rachel beamed at the boy who smiled back.

"Dude, at this rate we're gonna rule McKinley!" Puck said happily.

"What are you talking about?" Quinn asked.

"Check it. You and me are on the team, the rest of the girls and my boy Kurt are or are gonna be on the squad. Plus, we've got Rachel and, let's face it Q, you're a shoe in for team captain!" Puck gushed. "We're gonna be a power team in our own right!"

"I don't think coach Beiste is going to make me captain Puck, though I am flattered." Quinn dismissed.

"No way dude, I totally saw her checking out your game during practice. Our current captain graduates later this year, after the championship game, should we go that far, which means she'll need a replacement!" Puck informed. Quinn nodded.

"I know, but I just joined, it would be kind of hard, besides isn't Finn looking to be captain?" Quinn asked.

"Whatever man. Listen Finn's my bro too, by he isn't half as good as you are. Besides, he has the football team to lead, he should leave basket ball to you! It's in your blood after all." Puck reasoned.

"Whatever, it's in coach's hands, I really don't want to over think it. If she is considering me, it's because of how I play, not who I am." Quinn responded. Puck nodded.

"Okay but you know my money will always be on you, right?" Puck asked.

"Yeah dude, thanks." Quinn said, giving him a light fist bump.

"Okay can you two stop making out so we can talk about something other than basketball?" Santana said. Quinn and Puck grimaced at her insinuation while the rest of the group giggled.

They sat around talking for about an hour before a car was heard parking outside and the door being unlocked.

"Baby girl?" a deep voice was heard calling from the door. "I'm home!"

"In the kitchen daddy!" Rachel called. A tall dark skinned man walked in a minute later.

"Oh hello." He said cheerfully as he saw the five other teenagers sitting around the bar. "I'm confused, I only remember adopting one kid."

The rest of the group giggled at Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Daddy! These are my friends, you know Santana and Brittany." She began.

"I do, nice to see you two again." He smiled at the taller blonde and the Latina who smiled back.

"These are my new friends, the ones I told you about? This is Noah, though everyone calls him Puck, this is Kurt!" she said, then placed a hand on Quinn's shoulder. "And this is Quinn, Russel Fabray's daughter."

Leroy's face lit up as he was reminded of his old college friend. He shook everyone's hand and gave a warm smile to all of them.

"Well it's nice to meet you all, I heard a lot about you three." He said to the three newest faces to ever be in his house.

"That can't be good for Puck." Santana jibed. All six teenagers snickered except for Puck who just pouted and crossed his arms.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.

"Chill dude, she's just messing with you." Quinn said with a chuckle. Leroy couldn't help but chuckle a little as well.

"So, Quinn, my daughter tells me you play basketball." The tall dark man commented. Quinn nodded, but Puck laid a hand on her shoulder and spoke before she had a chance to respond.

"She doesn't just play, sir, she's the best player's McKinley's ever seen! Even better than yours truly." He said with a thumb pointed to himself. Quinn rolled her eyes.

"I think Puck's exaggerating just a little bit, Mr. Berry." She dismissed.

"Please, Quinn, Mr. Berry was my father, I'm Leroy, that goes for everyone, got it?" he said with a smile. Everyone nodded happily.

"Rachel your dad is so cool…what the heck happened with you?" Puck joked. He got kicked under the table in response. "OW!"

"Dude, you kind of asked for that one." Quinn said through her giggling. Puck pouted again.

"Are you going to have that kicked puppy look every time someone owns you Puckerman?" Santana chuckled.

"Why would anyone kick a puppy?" Brittany asked seriously. "That's just mean."

Santana rubbed her shoulder a little and nodded in agreement. It didn't go unnoticed by Quinn how she always acted like such a hard ass but turned into a total sap for the taller blonde. Their eyes met in mutual understanding before Quinn turned to Rachel and smiled at her. The brunette smiled at her in thanks for defending her and Puck rolled his eyes.

"Kurt, buddy, help a brother out over here." Puck pleaded to the boy.

"Honorary girl over here Puckerman." Kurt shrugged.

"I am so freaking outnumbered it ain't even funny." He grumbled, taking a sip of his soda. Leroy chuckled and patted the boy on the shoulder sympathetically.

"You should see me try and win an argument against this one and her father, son." He said, gesturing to Rachel. At being called 'son' something lit up in Puck's eyes and he smiled at the taller man, who chuckled while glancing over at his daughter who glared at him. He patted Puck on the shoulder one more time with a smile and stood up, walking over to the fridge and grabbing a bottle of water.

"You're on the team too, right Puck?" he asked.

"Yes sir." Puck answered with a smile.

"So you two are team mates?" he said, gesturing to Quinn who nodded at him.

"Puck was the one who convinced me to try out." Quinn said with a smile towards the boy.

"After I saw that she was a kick ass basketball player!" Puck added matter of factly. Leroy chuckled and Quinn rolled her eyes.

"Honestly everyone on the team makes me out to be this goddess of basketball, if it weren't for their support I don't think I'd be half as good." Quinn shrugged.

"Dude, you kicked my ass on your own, and we all know I'm damn good!" Puck bragged.

"Psht, yeah, sure you are." Santana scoffed, shooting a playful wink at Quinn, who chuckled in response.

"Hey!" puck defended. "I am good!"

"Yeah you are dude, otherwise you wouldn't be on the team!" Quinn clapped him on the shoulder as she got up to trash her empty soda can.

"Well, why don't you kids head on to the living room, play some video games, and I'll make you all some sandwiches?" Leroy offered.

"Wait! Rachel plays video games?" Puck asked with a disbelieving, amused smile on his face. "Oh this I gotta see!"

He got up and stormed his way to the living room like an excited five year old and screamed happily when he saw the Play station set up next to the DVD player. Rachel rolled her eyes and followed him, the rest of the group trailing behind her.

"Don't wet yourself on my dads' carpet Puckerman!" the short brunette called as she walked into the living room to see Puck already going through the shelf where they kept all the video games.

"Rachel, dude, I had no idea you were a gamer!" he said, two cases in each hand with a huge grin on his face.

"I need something to do with my time besides cheerios, homework and singing and dance classes." The brunette shrugged. "Besides most of them are used for family game night."

"Sweet! She had GTA!" Puck announced raising the case in the air.

"You have any multiplayers?" Santana asked the shorter girl before going over to the shelf next to Puck.

"There's a racing one." Rachel pointed out, turning around and rolling her eyes at the other three teens that stood behind her, each of which chuckling at her.

"Yo Q! Wanna play?" Puck said, picking up the game. "It takes three players!"

"What about Rachel though? Rach, you wanna play?" the blonde asked.

"Not really, I've already beaten both my dads in that game, I know all the tips and tricks, it's way too easy for me now, child's play." Rachel waved off.

"Sweet, you wanna help a jewbro out?" Puck said as he came up to her with a grin on his face.

"Not helping anyone, it'll be a fair fight." Rachel said, plopping down on the couch, Brittany and Kurt following her. Puck pulled the disk out of the case and slipped it into the CD slot in the Play Station as Quinn and Santana grabbed two of the three controllers off the table and sat down in front of the couch on the floor. Rachel bit her lip and playfully messed Quinn's hair up from behind as she settled in. Quinn chuckled and swatted her away.

"Don't mess the do!" she protested.

"Oh please, did you even have the time to brush it this morning?" Kurt asked with a hitched eyebrow. Quinn looked down at her lap for a second.

"I slept in okay?" she said quietly and the rest of the group chuckled as Puck sat down between her and the Latina on the carpet.

"Okay, let's get our game on!" he said determinedly. He grabbed the controller off the table and started the game up.

"Player one. Choose your car." A deep male voice said from the speakers.

"Dude Samuel L. Jackson is in your TV." Santana chuckled.

"Oh no! Let him out!" Brittany said, genuinely concerned. Santana reached behind her and patted the taller blonde's knee gently as Quinn chose her car, a convertible Porsche, and chose black as the main color with dark blue stripes on the side.

"Nice car, Q!" Rachel said.

"Very nice color choice." Kurt nodded.

"Sweet stats, bro, nice choice!" Puck added, holding his fist up for her to bump hers with it, which she did.

"Thanks, it's kind of my dream car." She chuckled.

"Yeah, that'll take a lot of begging to daddy dearest, am I right?" Santana teased.

"Psht, tell me about it!" Quinn scoffed. She finished up the last few things on choosing her car and then it was Puck's turn. He chose a Ferrari, also convertible, and left it with the original colors.

"Those colors are classics!" he defended when he was accused of being cliche by both Kurt and Rachel. Then it was Santana's turn. She chose a sporty Hyundai and colored it a dark purple and black.

"Hot." Brittany stated as Santana reached behind her and held her palm out for the taller blonde to slap it.

"Okay. Cars are chosen, let the game begin! And may the best man win!" Puck said cockily.

"Or girl!" Santana and Quinn shot towards him simultaneously, high fiving each other over his head as the three spectators giggled. The game started, the three cars showing up side by side, the screen split into three, as the countdown started.

"Racers ready?" TV Samuel L. Jackson asked. They all pressed the A button to signal yes. "On your marks. Get set. Race!"

They all pushed the right joysticks up to accelerate their cars, Puck instantly using up his turbo to get a head start.

"Catch me if you can, bitches!" he teased.

"Oh no, rookie mistake number one." Leroy commented as he walked into the living room, placing a large plate of sandwiches on the table along with another six pack of soda before settling into the armchair to the right of the living room to watch the three teenagers play. "Ooh, who's Porsche is that?"

"Quinn's" Rachel answered.

"Nice choice." Leroy commented.

"Thank you." Quinn answered simply, her eyes never leaving the screen. Puck's Ferrari staggered behind the Porsche and the Hyundai as his turbo ran out.

"No. No. No!" he protested. "Come on baby go!"

"Told you it was rookie mistake number one." Leroy remarked as Puck gritted his teeth and pushed the right joystick up harder.

"Don't hurt yourself, Puck." Rachel commented with an amused giggle at how aggravated the boy seemed to be getting. Quinn reached a long stretch in the track and hit the turbo, gaining a good distance between her and the other two. Santana followed her lead but was not able to reach her as the Hyundai's full speed was less than the Porsche's.

"Go Quinn!" Rachel and Kurt cheered.

"Faster San!" Brittany cheered the Latina on.

"Eat my dust losers!" Quinn said as she drifted at a curve and hit the accelerate again, still in first place as she crossed the finish line for the first lap out of four. Puck hit the turbo as soon as it was full again and was about to reach her but hit the side on the road and was turned around.

"Dammit I'm stuck!" he said as he fiddled with the controls to try and turn himself back around.

"Loser!" Santana remarked.

"Oh come on dude, not cool!" Puck complained.

"Give it here, let me get you out!" Quinn offered.

"No Quinn, Santana will beat you!" Kurt protested. Quinn dropped her controlled in her lap and took Puck's. She fiddled around with the controls until she had the Ferrari turned the right way around. By now Santana's Hyundai had gotten past Quinn's Porsche and was almost halfway around the second lap. She handed Puck back the controller.

"Thanks Q!" he said, taking his controller back and hitting the accelerate again. Quinn grabbed her own and started up again. Santana's car had come into view just as the Latina used up her turbo again. They drove neck and neck, Pucks car coming up next to them as well, before Quinn hit the turbo and went past them again on the stretch, creating a good amount of distance between her and the two before letting go of the turbo button.

"What the hell Q! You only used half of it!" Puck said as he focused on his own driving, careful not to smash into the side of the road again.

"That's all I need. The less I use the quicker it reloads!" She said before drifting at the curve and accelerating again past the finish line. Two laps down, two laps to go and she was still in first place. Santana was gaining up on Puck but he kept driving ahead of her. She pushed the turbo until she came up beside him and them crashed into him before using the rest of the turbo to get some distance away from him. Quinn saw that she was gaining up on her and was trying to do the same so she used some of her own turbo to get away from her.

"Nice try Lopez!" she said with a proud chuckle.

"Oh it's on blondie!" the Latina challenged before burning out all her turbo to get to Quinn. Before she could crash into the blonde, however, Quinn anticipated her move and crashed into her, slamming her into the side of the road before she had the chance and then driving off.

The next two laps lasted ten minutes in total, Quinn driving past the finish line first and launching off the ground in celebration.

"Yes!" She shouted, controller still in hand as she jumped up and down. Rachel, Kurt and Puck laughed with her as Brittany rubbed Santana's shoulders while the Latina pouted.

"It's okay San, I know you'll win next time." She cooed.

"Yeah, I guess." Santana said, smiling over at the blonde cheerleader before standing up.

"Come on guys lets go up to my room." Rachel suggested as she lead the way to the stairs.

"Boys?! Up in your room?! I don't think so missy!" Leroy warned. Rachel rolled her eyes while Kurt raised his eyebrow and Puck stood there and tried to look innocent.

"It's cool daddy, dad isn't here, you don't have to act like a responsible parent." Rachel reminded him. The tall man smiled up at his daughter.

"Oh yeah, right. Well take the sandwiches, I didn't make them for nothing." He reminded them, pointing to the still full plate and the sodas on the coffee table.

"Sweet! Thanks Mr. B!" Puck said, grabbing the plate off the table and making his way upstairs. "Hey Rach which is your roo- Never mind! I found it!"

"Puck! I told you! Call me Leroy!" the tall man called up.

"Oh shi-shoot…right…" Puck muttered before calling back. "Thanks Leroy!"

"I like that boy." Leroy chuckled as he sat back in his chair and switched the TV from the Play station to the channels. Rachel rolled her eyes again with a smile and gestured for her friends to follow her up the stairs. Quinn grabbed the sodas off the table.

"Thanks again Leroy." She said with a smile. He held up his fist in response and she bumped her gently against it.

"Ain't no thing kiddo." He said as they followed Rachel upstairs. When they walked into her room they found Puck lounging on the bed with a half eaten sandwich in his mouth.

"Puckerman you get any crumbs on my bed I will unleash Santana on you!" Rachel threatened, before looking at the Latina who nodded at her and glared at Puck with an evil smirk. The mo-hawked boy gulped audibly and quickly scrambled off the bed, placing the plate of sandwiches on the desk before going back to the bed and thoroughly brushing off any crumbs, inspecting it after wards to be sure.

"All clean." He said with a innocent grin. Rachel giggled before taking the sodas from Quinn and placing them on the desk as well. She pulled out her desk chair and rolled it closer to the bed before sitting on it, Santana, being used to coming over to Rachel's house, lounged back on the bed, grabbing a magazine which was on the nightstand. Brittany climbed up next to her and rested her head on her shoulder Puck opted for a seat on the carpet while Kurt perched himself on the edge of the bed and Quinn, ever the sophisticated lady, jumped up on the desk and grabbed two cans of soda.

"Puckerman, think fast." She said to the mo hawked boy who turned towards her in time to catch a flying can of soda. She cracked hers open and took a few large gulps. The two belched simultaneously.

"Gross."

"Quinn!"

"Oh my Lord!"

"Nice bro!" Puck cheered.

"Ditto!" she replied to the boy, ignoring the three protests while Brittany just giggled.

"That was funny." She muttered to Santana who still cringed at the two.

"Seriously Q, you are such a guy!" she scoffed.

"Umm, excuse me, I'm a guy!" Kurt defended.

"Yeah but Kurt you said it yourself that you're an honorary girl." Rachel pointed out.

"True." Kurt shrugged.

"Gender roles suck." Puck blurted out bluntly. "You be whoever the fuck you want to be, whoever has a problem with it can suck my-"

"While that is incredibly noble of you, Noah, I do have to ask you to mind your language in my house." Rachel cut him off. Puck nodded once in understanding.

"Lollipop." He stated as if he was never cut off. Quinn chuckled while Brittany looked up like an excited puppy.

"Ooh, Rae, do you have any lollipops?" the tall blonde asked, knowing Rachel always kept a stash of lollipops since it was her method of concentration. Rachel smiled at the blonde and nodded as she got up and walked towards her desk. She grabbed Quinn's legs and opened them wide, opening the drawer which was behind them while Quinn just looked at her confused. Rachel pulled out a few lollipops before closing the drawer and shooting Quinn a playful wink. She crossed over to Brittany and let her choose a flavor. Brittany happily picked a grape one for herself while Santana picked a strawberry one and Rachel took a cherry one.

"You guys want one?" she asked Quinn and the boys who shook their heads.

"You do not want to see me on a candy rush." Kurt warned.

"It happened last Halloween. He was jumping off the walls, fucking hilarious." Quinn told them.

"That's something I gotta see!" Santana chuckled while Kurt rolled his eyes.

"Never again, I puked so much that night I thought I was going to die." He shuddered a little at the memory.

"You should see him drunk. He'll start spouting up this story how he's somehow related to the British royal family." Quinn said with a chuckle.

"Seventh in line to the throne, I don't need to be drunk for that one." He stated proudly. Quinn laughed out loud while Puck chuckled and Rachel stood in front of Kurt, curtsying dramatically.

"Your majesty." She said in a fake British accent before bursting out in a giggle and Santana threw herself back on the bed in laughter, Brittany giggling along as well.

"You people laugh now, but when I'm sitting on the throne with a crown on my head, you'll be sorry." He scoffed, crossing his arms and raising his nose dramatically.

"Aww come on Kurty, we're just messing." Puck said playfully before pouncing on the boy and tickling his sides. Kurt instantly started protesting in between giggles.

"No! No! Puck stop!" he gasped and laughed. "Stop stop!"

"Say uncle! Say it!" Puck challenged the boy, not stopping until his demands were met.

"Uncle! Uncle! Get off!" Kurt said, trying but failing to push the much stronger boy off. Puck climbed off of Kurt, raising his fist in the air in victory when Quinn's phone rang.

"Shit! It's my dad, be quiet guys." Quinn said quickly before answering her phone. "Hello? Hey dad."

"Hey sport, where are you?" Russel said.

"Yo Q! Pass the joint man!" Puck said teasingly, earning a glare from the blonde.

"Q! Pass the condoms!" Santana shouted along before laughing wildly.

"Uhh, Quinn, is everything alright?" Russel asked.

"Yeah dad, my friends are just being idiots." She chuckled nervously. Rachel stepped up towards Quinn, whispering in the ear where the phone was.

"Baby," she whispered huskily. "Get off the phone and come back to bed, mmm."

Quinn's eyes went wide as her appendage twitched in response.

"Uhumm…Is there something you wanted dad?" She asked, ignoring Rachel as the brunette giggled, covering her mouth to keep it quiet.

"Uuuuuhhhhh…" a very confused Russel responded. "Just to tell you to not take too long to get home, I have a surprise for you!"

"Really?!" Quinn said, forgetting her friends' jokes and jumping like an excited five year old. "What is it? Whattya get me?"

Russel laughed heartily at his daughter's reaction. "Now now, sport, if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?"

"No." Quinn huffed lightly. "Okay, I'll be home soon…what's for dinner?"

"Your mom's making your favorite." Russel stated.

"Sweet!" Quinn punched the air happily. "Okay, see you later dad!"

"See you later kiddo, love you!"

"Love you too daddy, bye." Quinn said before hanging up.

"Love you too daddy, bye." Santana mocked in a voice nothing like Quinn's.

"Shut your face Lopez!" Quinn said playfully, hopping off the desk. "I gotta go guys!"

"Aww, so soon?" Rachel said with a pout.

"Yeah sorry, dad got something for me and I wanna see what it is!" Quinn said happily. "Besides, mom's making my favorite, it's no good if it's cold."

"Okay." Rachel said, pout still in place. "Call me later?"

"Of course!" Quinn said. Rachel stepped up to the blonde and hugged her tightly, Quinn held her there for a minute, instinctively pressing a kiss to the top of her head before pulling away. Rachel smiled up at her shyly as she stepped over to Kurt and hugged him to. She bumped fists with Puck as Brittany shot up off the bed to give her a tight hug goodbye. Santana didn't move but she held up her fist for Quinn to bump against hers, much like Puck had done.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow." She said with one final wave as she walked out of the bedroom and jogged down the stairs.

"Bye Mr. B!" she said quickly.

"Off so soon Quinn?" Leroy asked.

"Yeah my dad wants me home." She said with a smile.

"Alright kiddo, I'll see you later. Say hi to Russel and Judy for me okay? " Leroy said with a kind smile.

"Sure thing, see you!" Quinn waved at him before walking out the front door and making her way home.

Puck, Kurt, Santana and Brittany stayed at Rachel's house for a while longer before Burt called his son asking him to come home, as did Brittany's mom. They were reminded that it was a school night and they had homework to do and, although reluctantly, they agreed it would be best to go home. Kurt said goodbye and left first, saying a quick goodbye to Leroy on his way out. Puck decided to head home soon after, stating that his mom got worried even though she never said anything. He fist bumped Santana and hugged the girls goodbye before walking home. When Brittany's mom called, Santana offered to give her a ride which she accepted happily. Brittany got off the bed and wrapped Rachel up in a tight hug before walking out of the bedroom. Santana stood in front of the shorter brunette for a moment, arms crossed, before she took a deep breath and said what was on her mind the whole day.

"Thanks for giving me another chance." She said quietly. Rachel smiled up at the Latina happily.

"Thanks for giving my friends the chance they deserved." She responded. Santana smiled at her, finally able to meet her eyes and dropping her arms, the only defense she felt she needed.

"You were right, they really aren't that bad. Puck's really cool, and so is Kurt and so is Quinn." She said with a nod.

"Yeah she is…" Rachel said whimsically before catching herself. "I…I mean they all are…"

"You okay tiny?" Santana asked with a smile and a quirked eyebrow. Rachel smiled up at the old nickname and nodded.

"I'm fine." She stated.

"If you're sure." Santana shrugged. "I should go, I don't want to keep Brittany waiting, her mom gets worried about her."

Rachel nodded in understanding.

"Say hi to mama Lopez for me okay?" she asked. Santana smiled at her and nodded."

"Sure thing, tiny." Santana said before hugging the brunette, a move Rachel did not expect, but definitely welcomed. She hugged her back tightly.

"Rachel?" Santana said, not pulling away from the hug.

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry I was such a bitch." Santana mumbled. Rachel rubbed her back soothingly.

"It's okay mi amiga. We all make mistakes." Rachel responded. "You made up for yours the minute you came over to that lunch table. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks. I'm really happy you forgave me." Santana mumbled again.

"I'm happy I did too. I kind of missed you." Rachel admitted.

"Yeah, me too." The Latina said. They held each other for a moment, enjoying the fact that they were friends again.

"San? Come on, I gotta get home before Lord Tubbington…" Brittany's voice was heard coming to the room. "Aww, you're hugging!"

Santana and Rachel pulled away a second later with smiles on their faces as they looked at the blonde.

"Yeah Britt. We're just really happy to be friends again." Santana explained to her.

"I am too. I missed Rachie." Brittany said with a sad pout but then smiled as she went over and hugged Rachel again before grabbing Santana's hand.

"Come on, mom said he's reading my diary again!" Brittany said in slight distress, pulling the Latina behind her. "Bye Rachel, see you tomorrow!"

"Bye tiny!" Santana called.

"Bye guys!" Rachel waved with a giggle. They were gone a minute later and Rachel disappeared back into her bedroom, laying back on her bed with a happy sigh. She had her two best friends back without losing Quinn or Kurt or Puck. She was incredibly happy and felt like nothing could get better. She started picturing all of them together in glee club, singing, dancing, playing music and laughing. Then at basketball games, her, Santana, Brittany and Kurt cheering Puck and Quinn on as they played their way to the championships. She closed her eyes and let her imaginations run wild. It was only until she heard her cell phone ringing that she was snapped back into reality. She looked over to her nightstand and reached for her phone, answering without even bothering to see who it was.

"Hello?" she said.

"Hey Strawberry Short Cake." Quinn's voice came through happily. She giggled at the nickname.

"Hey Q." She said through her giggling. "What's up? You sound happy."

"I am." Quinn stated, Rachel could see her huge grin from here.

"What'd your dad get you? I heard him mention a surprise when he called." Rachel asked.

"You'll see tomorrow when I pick you up." Quinn said.

"Pick me up?" Rachel repeated questioningly. "Quinn, your dad drives you to school, wouldn't it be a little out of the way for him to come pick me up and then turn all the way around and drive the other way across town."

"Oh, dad's not taking me to school tomorrow." Quinn corrected.

"So what, you're going to walk all the way to my house and then back to school? Wouldn't it be easier if I stopped by your house and picked you up?" Rachel said with a chuckle at Quinn's silliness.

"Rachie! Please just let me pick you up!" Quinn whined pathetically, pouting at the phone.

"Oh my God." Rachel chuckled. "I can hear you pouting from here!"

"You can't hear a pout Rachel, that's just ridiculous." Quinn mocked.

"I don't sound like that silly." Rachel defended.

"Whatever, just, let me pick you up, it's all part of my plan and you're messing it up." Quinn admitted petulantly.

"Plan? Plan for what? Wasting an unnecessary amount of time?" Rachel teased again.

"Rachel!" Quinn whined, back at the Fabray household, the youngest child threw herself down on her bed.

"Okay okay." Rachel giggled at Quinn's childishness. "You can pick me up tomorrow, I'm actually quite flattered."

"Yes!" Quinn cheered, punching the air. Rachel laughed at her antics.

"You are such a kid." Rachel giggled.

"Am not." Quinn said petulantly, on purpose.

"Yeah. Sure." Rachel deadpanned. Quinn giggled.

"So what's up?" Quinn asked.

"Not much, the rest of the gang left just a while ago actually, I've been laying in my bed to my own thoughts since then." Rachel responded. "What about you?"

"Came home, dad gave the most amazing surprise ever, hugged him for like half an hour, then mom made me my favorite dinner." Quinn giggled.

"So what was the surprise for anyway?" Rachel asked. "Or am I not allowed to find that one out until tomorrow either?"

"It was a gift for making the team." Quinn answered, Rachel could hear the smile on her face, it made her smile too.

"That's really sweet. He seems really happy." Rachel said.

"He is, I'm glad." Quinn said quietly. Rachel nodded even though she was aware that she was on the phone.

"I am too." She admitted quietly, barely even noticing that she said it. Back at the Fabray household, Quinn's smile grew to a full on grin when she heard Rachel's admission. It made her heart soar to hear it from the brunette who had once ordered so much torment on her. She had never understood her insane crush on the head cheerio, she had broke it down to teenage hormones and the fact that Rachel was really hot, but she had always wanted to form a friendship with the girl. The day she and Rachel were partnered on the English assignment, well, she swore she had never felt so conflicted until that day. On one hand she loved the fact that she got to work with Rachel and finally talk to her, on the other hand she was dreading the nicknames and teasing while they worked. She had a bout of anger flare up inside her towards the brunette when she had demanded she do the assignment on her own and get both of them a good grade, thanking God that Sue Sylvester would not allow any of her cheerios, especially her head cheerio, to get less than an A on any assignment or test. She hadn't wanted to hold that over the brunette's pretty little head, but she also hadn't wanted to let Rachel walk all over her. And now that she thought about it, she was glad she made the decision she did, because after they were assigned to the Glee duet, Rachel asked for her help in math. And now here they are, talking to each other on the phone like they had been friends all along. She had hated Santana for slushying Rachel like she had, but a small part of her knew that if she hadn't they wouldn't be as close as they were now. So in a way a small part of her would be forever grateful to the Latina she now could consider a friend, and a confidante since she had realized the blonde had a crush on Rachel.

"Quinn…Are you still there?" Rachel said softly, the sweet voice snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Huh? Yeah, yeah I'm here." Quinn said.

"You okay?" Rachel asked, slightly concerned.

"Uhh, fine, just thinking." Quinn admitted.

"What are you thinking about?" Rachel asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Just how everything spiraled out of control until we became friends." Quinn joked, chuckling lightly.

"Oh." Rachel giggled back. "Like one huge unexpected tornado of unlikely friendships huh?"

"You say unexpected, I say fate." Quinn answered matter of factly.

"Fate?" Rachel said in slight surprise. "You're saying us becoming friends was fate?"

"I am." Quinn nodded. "Face it Rachel, English assignment or not you were always going to be stuck with me."

"Is that so?" Rachel giggled. "No receipt to return fate's gift, is that it?"

"Nope. You gotta smile, say thanks and pretend you like it…Like that ugly sweater my aunt got me when I was nine." Quinn said with a giggle.

"Did you just call yourself an ugly sweater?" Rachel asked with a laugh.

"Maybe." Quinn deadpanned.

"Well I don't think you could consider yourself an ugly sweater…more like a really cool sweater that's really in fashion and that you genuinely like because it's all warm and comfy and it goes really well with your favorite bag." Rachel explained.

"Wow that is…yeah that's…I'm confused all I can think about it sweaters now." Quinn said. Rachel laughed loudly.

"Sorry Quinnie, didn't mean to fry your brain." Rachel said.

"It's cool." Quinn laughed back.

"But…did you get the gist of things?" Rachel asked, biting her lip nervously.

"Umm…I think so…you don't see yourself as stuck with me." Quinn chuckled. "That's a nice sentiment Rach."

"Yeah." Rachel smiled into the phone. "So how's-"

"Rachel!" her father's voice called up from the lower floor of the house. "Dinner's ready!"

"Crap." Rachel whispered. "I gotta go Quinn…See you tomorrow?"

"Don't forget. I'm picking you up!" Quinn reminded her.

"I won't forget. See you tomorrow, goodnight." Rachel said with a slight giggle.

"Good Strawberry Shortcake!" Quinn said cheerfully. Rachel rolled her eyes at the nickname, but it still put a smile on her face. She got up and disconnected the call, dropping her phone on her bed and quickly changing out of her cheerios uniform before going downstairs where both her fathers were seated at the table. She hadn't even realized Hiram had arrived home.

"Hey dad, how long have you been here?" Rachel asked with a smile.

"Not long." Hiram answered with a smile as Rachel came over and kissed his cheek before sitting down in her seat next to him. "Just long enough to have a before-dinner drink and help your daddy with dinner, I heard you brought friends over."

"Yeah." Rachel answered with a smile.

"How are Santana and Brittany?" Hiram asked, assuming that those were the friends she brought over.

"Oh, they're good, it wasn't just them though." Rachel responded as she picked a forkful of food and ate it.

"Oh?" Hiram asked expectantly.

"Yeah, I also brought over Puck, Kurt and Quinn." Rachel answered easily, not realizing that those names were new to her father, well, at least until she saw his hitched eyebrow. "New friends."

"Quinn is Russel's kid." Leroy answered as well with a smile.

"Russel?" Hiram asked his husband. "Russel Fabray? Your old college roommate?"

"The very one." Leroy answered with a smile on his face as he bit off a piece of his steak, gravy dripping down his chin. Rachel rolled her eyes and grabbed a napkin, wiping his chin off.

"Honestly daddy, you're such a child sometimes." She giggled as he took the napkin from her.

"Hey get used to it kiddo, when I'm old and frail and your dad's had enough of me, you gotta take care of me." He teased.

"I have three words for you." She said through the last of her giggling. "Old. People's. Home!"

"Aww." He gave a very big, very fake pout.

"I'll be far too busy on Broadway." She said flamboyantly. "I will send you guys tickets though, by that age you'll probably forget the time we went to see Wicked, who knows, maybe I'll be playing Elphaba this time instead of crowding around to get Idina Menzel's autograph."

"Which was very worth the trampling if I may add." Hiram said with a smile.

"I remember Rachel you were so shocked to see her not green." Leroy reminded the small brunette with a chuckle, then speaking in a very high pitched voice "Oh miss Elphy, what happened to your face?"

"I did not sound like that. And besides I was nine." Rachel defended. "Though, now that I think about it, I think I saw some green on her hairline."

"Well in her defense, you'd have green hair too if you had to paint your whole face green every night." Leroy said.

"Maybe I'll just dye it green to save myself the trouble of washing it out." Rachel said non chalantly.

"WHAT?!" both her fathers demanded simultaneously. Rachel threw her head back in laughter.

"Oh my God guys chill, I was kidding." She said through her giggles.

"You get one spot of dye on that gorgeous mane on your head and so help me God-" Hiram threatened.

"H, cool it, I got this!" Leroy said with a hand raised to stop his husband from going off on a tangent. The dark skinned man turned to his daughter with a serious expression. "Rachel. Barbra. Berry…At least make it something a bit more classy than green."

"WHAT?!" Hiram demanded. Rachel simply threw her head back in laughter.

"Daddy, stop before dad has an aneurysm." She giggled through. Leroy chuckled at his husband's antics while Hiram simply rubbed the bridge of his nose and shook his head lightly.

"This family will be the death of me." He muttered as he usually does when they play a joke like that on him.

After dinner Rachel was laying on her bed, notepad in hand and doing homework when her phone rang. This time she looked at the caller ID, a little surprised that it was Kurt. She hit accept.

"Hey Kurt, this is a lovely surprise." She said with a smile.

"Hew sweetie, listen, did you talk to Quinn since she left your house?" he asked.

"Yeah she called me, why?" she asked, biting her lip, a nervous tick, a sign to anyone that knew her well enough that she was on the verge of worrying.

"She's just acting weird. She's all happy about this surprise her dad got her. I just got off the phone with her now and she insisted on picking me up in the morning. She does see the impracticality of all this right? I live on the other side of the school." He explained.

"She did that to you too? She wouldn't stop whining like a five year old until I caved, and while I may admit it was insanely cute-" she cut herself off.

"What was that?" Kurt asked.

"Umm…nothing…" she waved off, hoping he would just let it go.

"O…kay…" Kurt said a little confused. "Anyway, there's no getting out of it now, once Quinn has her mind set on something, she does it, it's just the Fabray way."

"Apparently." Rachel said, rolling her eyes with a slight chuckle.

"Anyway, I won't bother you any further."

"Oh don't be silly, you know I love talking to you." Rachel scoffed lightly.

"True, but I do have homework that needs attending to." He admitted.

"Yeah me too, oh well, so I guess I'll be seeing you tomorrow morning then?" She said.

"Yes since we're letting that little nut job of a friend of ours kidnap us in the morning. This oughta be good!" he said with a giggle.

"We'll just have to wait and see." Rachel said with a sigh, her curiosity was killing her and the next day couldn't come fast enough. "Anyway, see you in the morning Kurt."

"Bye sweetie, have a good night." The boy said cheerfully.

"You too, goodnight!" she said before disconnecting the call.

She finished her homework before taking a shower and going to bed, wondering just what the hell Quinn was planning for the next morning.

She woke up and headed downstairs, messenger bag at her side as she went to the kitchen.

"Morning dad, morning daddy." She said as she walked in, taking a seat at the breakfast bar. A bowl of chopped fruit was placed in front of her while a kiss was planted on her head from Leroy.

"Morning baby girl, need a ride to school?" he asked, as he always does.

"No thanks daddy, actually Quinn is picking me up, which is strange because she doesn't have a car." She shrugged tiredly, piercing a strawberry with her fork and biting down on it.

"Hmm…well if you kids need a driver I'll be more than happy to help." He offered again.

"Thanks daddy." She said with a smile. Hiram took a seat next to his daughter with his coffee.

"So anything exciting going on at school?" he asked.

"Not much, we have cheerios try outs this week." She told them. "I have to be there for those since I'm Sue's right hand and all."

"Weren't try outs at the beginning of the year?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes but our coach is a demon from hell." Rachel stated bluntly around a mouthful of banana and kiwi slices, too tired to care.

"Meaning…?" Hiram lead in.

"Meaning she got angry at three cheerios and kicked them off the squad, now we have to hold try outs to fill in their spots." Rachel explained as Leroy placed a glass of apple juice next to her bowl. "Thanks."

"Didn't she kick two other girls off the team last month?" Hiram asked again.

"Yes, ironically two of these three were the two that replaced those two. Pretty soon she's going to run out of students." Rachel rolled her eyes.

"It's hard leading a champion team to their…how many consecutive win?" Hiram asked towards Leroy who shrugged.

"I lost count." Rachel shrugged. "But I'll be sure to tell you guys when she screams it at us for the fifth time at practice."

Hiram and Leroy chuckled lightly as their daughter finished her breakfast, feeling much more awake and refreshed now. There was a loud horn honking outside.

"What the-" Leroy cut himself off while peering out the kitchen window into the driveway. "Uhhh. Honey, is that Quinn and your other friends in a Porsche in our driveway?"

"I was not aware we had a Porsche in our driveway." Hiram said distractedly as he read the paper and sipped his coffee. Rachel just furrowed her brow in confusion and looked out the window Leroy was looking out of and gasped.

"Oh my-" she ran towards the door and pulled it open, running outside to see Quinn, Puck and Kurt sitting outside in a black convertible Porsche with metallic dark blue spinners. Quinn hopped out of the car, climbing over the door rather than opening it. She walked up to Rachel with a huge grin on her face.

"So what do you think?" she said. Rachel opened and closed her mouth several times before sputtering out an answer.

"Wha…I mean…who….HOW?!" she exclaimed. Quinn shrugged.

"My dad." She answered easily.

"Your dad bought you THIS?!" Rachel asked again. Quinn nodded.

"Yep."

"Why?"

"His gift for making the team, you ready to go?" she asked. Leroy stepped outside with his jaw hanging wide open.

"Morning Leroy." Quinn said with a smile.

"Quinn…what is that?" he asked, still in shock.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's a car." Quinn answered with a sure nod. Rachel giggled lightly.

"I can see that. And a very nice one at that." He said, eying the vehicle like it were a piece of art.

"Were the spinners really necessary?" Rachel asked, tilting her head. Quinn shrugged again.

"My dad thought they were a nice touch. I like the color so I'm keeping them." She said. Her smile still in place. Hiram walked out with his briefcase and Rachel's messenger bag in hand.

"Sweetie you forgot this inside." He said, handing Rachel the bag.

"Oh, I can take that." Quinn said, taking the bag from Hiram who smiled at her.

"You must be Quinn, oh, nice car, is it yours?" Hiram asked politely.

"Oh yeah, thanks. It was a gift from my dad. Oh and it's nice to meet you." She said with a smile.

"Likewise, I'd love to stay and chat but I've got to get to work, and uhh, you kids better be heading to school soon, don't wanna be late." He said, looking at his watch.

"Oh, well, have a good day Mr. Berry." Quinn said as she walked over towards the car to put Rachel's bag in the trunk with the rest.

"Oh please Quinn, call me Hiram." He said to her with a smile.

"Will do, bye Hiram!" she said with a wave.

"Bye dear." He said, kissing Rachel's head before walking towards his own car, getting in and driving off.

"Puck, get in the back seat." Quinn said softly. "Rachel's riding shot gun."

"What?! Come on dude! Bros before-" he began.

"Finish that sentence and you walk the rest of the way." Quinn threatened.

"But I wanna feel the wind in my hair!" he whined.

"Puckerman you have a mo hawk the only thing you can feel go through it is the lice in your head." Kurt said.

"Exactly now get in the back before you feel a razor go through it instead." Quinn said. Puck grumbled and jumped in the back as Rachel finished saying bye to Leroy and went up to the car. Quinn immediately opened the door for her with a smile.

"Oh Quinn I had no idea you were such a gentleman!" she teased with a giggle, joined by Kurt.

"I like being nice." She said with a shrug. She closed the passenger side door and got in on the driver's side, turning the key in the ignition to bring the car to life.

"Buckle up ladies and gents!" Quinn said with a smile as she pulled on her own seatbelt, as did the rest of her friends. She reversed out of the driveway and onto the road and drove at normal speed. Rachel didn't miss the way Puck was looking back at her house from the back.

"Three." He said to Quinn who's smirk grew.

"Two…" he drew out again.

"What's he counti-"

"One! GO!" Puck shouted. Quinn hit the accelerate and they shot off down the road at hell breaking speed.

"Quinn! Slow down!" Rachel squealed as she held on tightly to the dashboard for dear life.

"Faster Q!" Puck called.

"Oh for heaven's sake!" Kurt huffed.

They arrived at the McKinley parking lot half an hour later and Rachel jumped out of the car, her hair dis shelved thanks to the wind. Quinn jumped out just as she had back at the Berry residence and went over to the trunk to get their bags.

"Quinn Fabray. That was crazy. That was reckless. We could have been seriously injured! We could have been killed." Rachel ranted. Quinn nodded at her with her hands in her pockets.

"Yeah…" Quinn said solemnly, as if she felt guilty, then beamed back up at her. "But we weren't!" she got her and Rachel's bags out, handing it over to the diva while she lifted the strap of her own over her head. She handed Puck and Kurt's their's and closed the trunk just in time to hear someone wolf whistle as they approached.

"Yo who's car is that?" Santana's voice was heard from behind them. Quinn turned and smiled to her.

"Mine." She said with a proud grin. Brittan was just smiling at her in awe.

"Wow, looks like daddy dearest really did get you your dream car huh?" she said, honestly impressed.

"Yeah. It was a gift for making the team." Quinn said with a smile.

"If that's his gift for making the team I can't wait to see what he gets you when you make captain!" Puck said with a grin.

"Not gonna happen Puck." Quinn rolled her eyes. "Anyway I was thinking I might as well pick you guys up from now on."

"That sounds good." Kurt nodded.

"Sweet!" Puck said, high fiving the blonde.

"Only if you promise not to drive like a maniac on speed!" Rachel said, stopping and turning in front of Quinn with her arms crossed over her chest.

"I'm sorry Rach. I promise to keep it slow from now on okay?" Quinn said. Rachel narrowed her eyes in question to see if the blonde meant it. Quinn held up three fingers. "Scouts honor."

"You were a scout, Q?" Brittany asked.

"Yeah." Quinn said with a nod.

"Okay fine." Rachel agreed and Quinn smiled, wrapping her arm around the brunette's shoulders and letting it hang limply there as they walked into the school building. Suddenly they heard the sound of an all too familiar voice being magnified by a megaphone.

"Ray!" the voice called demandingly. They all turned around to face the direction of the voice and saw Sue Sylvester saunter over towards them. Megaphone in hand and whistle around her neck in her black and navy blue track suit.

"Morning coach!" Rachel said, stepping away from Quinn for a moment to take her stance in front of her coach. Hands on her hips, head held high as she stood at her full height, granted for Rachel that wasn't much, but you can't fault a girl for trying.

"Ray, I sincerely hope you are ready for the toughest try outs you have ever had to sit in on in all the time of your short career as head cheerio." She said, calmly but sternly in that Sue Sylvester way of hers. "This time, I will be taking no slackers, I will allow not one single mistake to go unnoticed. I am aiming for perfection and that is exactly what I will get or so help me God I will burn down this school."

At that last part, everyone except for the cheerios of the group, raised their eyebrows at the tall older woman.

"Isn't that just a little…excessive?" Kurt spoke up. Sue's head shot up towards him and stepped up to him, sizing him up. Kurt, always up to a challenge, crossed his arms subtly across his chest and stood to his full, ever developing, length, constantly making eye contact with the woman. Some would call it insane, but he knew that if he were to truly join and stay on the cheerios he had to stand up to this woman.

"It appears that I do not know your name, so I shall proceed to call you porcelain from now on because your pale skin and small frame give me the impression that you'd break the minute someone touches you." She said in her dangerously calm voice before rage filled her eyes. "Did you dare just question me, Porcelain!?"

"I was merely stating that it would be unnecessary and counter productive for you to burn down the school." He said calmly. "Think about it, if you burned down the school you'd lose your job, your national championship award winning cheerio squad plus, you'd be forever considered insane and unfit to teach and you'd never win another championship ever again."

Sue stopped for a moment and looked above and beyond the boy who watched as she shifted her eyes left to right in thought before shooting her gaze back down towards him.

"It appears that I underestimated you porcelain. Your kind of quick thinking and courage is the kind of spirit I look for in my cheerios. That and the fact that you're obviously gayer than Liberace and Boy George put together make me certain that you would be an excellent addition to our squad." She considered out loud in her yet again calm voice. Kurt's eyes widened slightly at that. And she nodded. "Be at cheerios try outs, Monday, three thirty sharp. That's an order."

Kurt raised his eyebrow with a smirk and then uncrossed his arms, stood as straight as humanely possible, shoulders back and chest out, and saluted the cheerios coach. Rachel, Santana and Brittany's eyes widened comically while Quinn and Puck held in their laughter. Sue however, her face hidden from the other teens, smirked at the boy as she reached into her pocket.

"I like you spunk, kid!" she said, slapping her hand on his shoulder before walking away towards her office. Kurt looked over at his shoulder where she slapped him and saw a sticker on his shoulder that matched the red, black and white WMHS logo on the cheerios uniforms.

"Umm, what does this mean?" he said to Rachel, pointing at the sticker.

"The sticker, she's just been using those around cause she got them free with the rest of the cheerios merchandise, repeat customer from the memorabilia company, they were a free gift." She shrugged, then walked up to him. "But the rest of it, you, my friend, have just impressed Sue Sylvester."

Kurt smiled brightly at that. "Well that's good isn't it?" he was taken aback when Rachel slowly shook her head and gave him a grave look like his death sentence had just been signed off.

"If you impressed Sue Sylvester before the try outs, that means that you have to impress her even further now at try outs!" she explained to him and saw as his smile dropped and his eyes widened.

"Oh God what have I done." He breathed out.


So what do you think? reviews are always appreciated :) Oh and I promise the next chapter won't take so long.