Here's the next chapter for everybody. It's a little bit shorter than normal, but I didn't want to drag out it past where I felt comfortable ending it.

Update on my spine: I do have three bulging discs in my spine, one of which is almost completely closing off my spinal canal where the nerves run through. On top of that, I also have a forward shifting of my spine at L5, just above my tail bone... I'm getting a cortisone injection in my spine tomorrow morning. I'm hoping that will help, if it doesn't, then I will be facing surgery. What I'm concerned about... is if the disc gets fixed, and the pain remains, I'll be facing an even more intensive surgery to fix the forward shifting of my spine. Fixing that would involve plates and possibly a fusion...

In all this time I've had, I have started recording gameplay videos to post on youtube, with commentary. Would you guys be able to help me out by spreading the word and helping me gain views and subscribers?

www. youtube user/ JDragon212

Just take out the spaces, and add in the dotcom/ after youtube

This website is so picky with posting web links it's ridiculous, it's not like I'm linking a porn site or something. sheesh... Anyway. Anything would be helpful. I'm starting to worry that I won't be able to go back to work, so this is my alternative.

Help Me Help You
Chapter 12

"I almost don't want this night to end." Rachel looked out the passenger window as Quinn made her way off of the interstate to head into Lima.

Quinn glanced at her date before smiling. "The Lima Bean is open late on Fridays. Would you like some coffee?"

Rachel caressed the side of the blonde's hand with her thumb as she spoke, "that sounds incredible actually."

Instead of heading toward Rachel's house, Quinn made her way across town to The Lima Bean. She was thankful when it came into view and there only appeared to be three cars in the parking lot from what she could see. They were probably staff member's vehicles. She parked in front of the building and cut the engine.

"Shall we?" Quinn looked at her brunette counterpart with a smile.

"Yes, we shall."

Quinn climbed out of the car and waited for Rachel when she stepped up onto the sidewalk. After an entire of evening of nobody looking at them oddly, Quinn felt more confident and comfortable with being with Rachel in public. She opened the front door to The Lima Bean and allowed her hand to graze across Rachel's lower back as she entered. "Do you know what you want?" She questioned as they approached the counter.

"I always order the same thing. So… yes, I do know what I want. And," she reached for her wallet in her pust, "let this be my treat."

Knowing better than to challenge Rachel, Quinn just nodded. She remembered last time Rachel told her about a date she'd had with Finn where he refused to let her pay for anything. Rachel had stated several times that she was an equal person and did not need to be taken care of. Quinn thought it better than to risk getting a lecture directed at her.

"Good evening ladies. Are you ready to order?" The man behind the counter spoke to them after he came out from the back.

Quinn nodded. "Two medium French vanilla caramel lattes, with soy milk, one of them with whipped cream please." She dared to glance at her date and smiled at the odd look she was receiving. "What?"

"You know my coffee order?"

She shrugged. "You get the same thing all the time."

Rachel stepped up to the counter to pay for their drinks. She was still in shock that Quinn actually paid attention enough to know her coffee order. Finn never paid that much attention to anything about her. He had even attempted to feed her meat once for dinner.

"Nobody's ever paid that much attention to that detail before."

Quinn waited until the employee was out of ear shot before she spoke. "I'm not like the others."

With a shy smile, Rachel stepped into Quinn's personal space. "I know you're not like the others Quinn. You're incredible." She glanced around for a brief moment before leaning up to place a soft kiss on Quinn's cheek.

Just as the diva pulled back, the young man came out carrying their order. "Here you are. You ladies have a wonderful evening."

"We will, thank you." Rachel handed Quinn her cup before sipping from her own. "Do you want to go back to my house? We can sit out on the porch for a bit, it's beautiful outside."

"I like that idea." Quinn drug her finger along the edge of her cup to gather some of the whipped cream to place into her mouth. Based on the look Rachel gave her, she knew her gesture drew the reaction she was looking for. "You ready to go?"

Rachel took a moment to regain her composure before nodding and following the blonde out of The Lima Bean. She'd wanted to kiss Quinn ever since their last kiss. As the night had progressed, the urge had only grown. For Rachel, seeing Quinn lick her finger as she had, sent a very welcomed chill down her spine. Being the hopeless romantic that she was, she was hoping that their date would end in a kiss.

The ten minute car ride to Rachel's was quiet. The only sound in the vehicle came from the radio and occasionally, Rachel opening her mouth to sing along.

Rachel looked up at her house once Quinn pulled into the driveway. Their date was almost over and in a way, it saddened her. She hoped that Quinn would ask her on a second date. To Rachel, the night was perfect – easily the best date she'd ever had.

Quinn shut off the engine before climbing out of the car. She hurried around to the passenger side to open Rachel's door before she had the opportunity to do it herself. "My lady…" she offered her hand, thankful that Rachel actually took it to stand.

"Why thank you." Rachel led the pair onto the porch and sat down on the swing. "I had fun tonight."

Quinn joined her on the swing, making no attempt to move when her leg rested against Rachel's. "So did I. I'm actually thankful that Santana stole my phone to ask you out on my behalf."

"Why didn't you ask me out?"

She looked down at her lap. "I was afraid of your reaction… that it might have changed things in our friendship."

"Quinn…" Rachel reached over to rest her hand on the blonde's cheek. "Remember when we kissed?" Quinn nodded. "Did I push you away?" She shook her head. "You have nothing to worry about then." Rachel's voice was soft and soothing. She looked into Quinn's eyes for a few seconds before leaning forward to press her lips gently against the blonde's. She felt her heart skip a beat when Quinn's head tilted to the side to deepen the kiss. The blonde's own hand came to rest on Rachel's hip.

Quinn was first to pull away from the kiss. With her eyes still closed, she rested her forehead against Rachel's "I've wanted that all night."

"So have I."

They met halfway in another kiss. Their lips fell into a perfect sync with one another, as if they'd been kissing for years. The pair melted into one another once they pulled apart. "Does this mean we can do it more?" Rachel's giggle gave Quinn the answer she was hoping for. "Now, question of the night… can I take you out again?"

"I think I'd be okay with that." Rachel smiled.

Just as Quinn leaned down for another kiss, the porch light began to flicker. Both girls cracked up laughing. "I'm assuming that your dads are still awake."

"They're probably waiting to see how our date went." Rachel stood up and offered her hand to the blonde.

"So, miss Berry, how did your date go?" Quinn took Rachel's hand to stand up with her.

They made the short trip to the front door. Rachel placed her coffee cup on the ledge before wrapping her arms around Quinn's neck. "Our date was perfect."

Quinn's own arms came to rest around Rachel's waist. "I'm glad." She leant down to press one more kiss to Rachel's lips. "I'll text you when I get home. Good luck with your dads."

Rachel laughed, "it should be me that wishes you luck with Santana."

"Don't remind me." Quinn slowly pulled away. "I'll talk to you in a little bit Rach."

Rachel stayed by the front door, watching as Quinn walked out to her car. She lifted her hand to wave at her when she began to back out of the driveway. Once Quinn was out of her sight, she opened the front door to go into her house. The moment she did, she could feel both her father's sets of eyes on her.

"Someone's happy."

The brunette blushed, but completely failed to hide her smile. "I am happy. But I am also tired. Can you two save your questions for the morning please?"

Both men laughed at their daughter. "Alright, but we want to hear all about your date with Quinn tomorrow."

Rachel nodded before heading upstairs. She was thankful to be able to get away from their questions. At least for that evening. Rachel felt like she was floating. The entire evening was perfect. Once she was in her room, she quickly got changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top before making herself comfortable in her bed. The only thing she felt was missing, was that she couldn't curl up with Quinn for the evening. Maybe next time.

"Bout time you came home." Santana looked up from the game she'd been playing in the living room. "I'd ask how it went… but…" she made a show of checking the time on her phone, "it is almost midnight after all."

"Hello to you too Santana." Quinn shut the door behind her before going to sit beside her friend. Before she spoke any more, she unlocked her phone to send Rachel a text message that she had gotten home safely. "It was perfect San. Absolutely perfect." She sipped some more of her coffee.

"So, will there be more dates in the future?" Quinn nodded. "About damn time." She nudged her friend, "I'm glad you're happy though Q. You deserve it." Santana handed her the other controller to join her. "So, tell me about it."

"You already know that we went over to Fort Wayne." Quinn turned on her controller, as she did, her phone chirped with a new message.

Rachel: I had a wonderful time this evening. I'd like to take you and Beth out for lunch tomorrow… if you don't already have plans that is

Quinn: I'd love that and I know Beth would too

"Didn't you just spend all evening with her? And here you go, texting her already." The Latina smirked at her friend. Honestly though, she was thrilled that Quinn was finding happiness. Even if it had been right in front of her for years.

Quinn rolled her eyes before shifting to get comfortable. "She was asking Beth and I to lunch tomorrow."

"Well goody goody. I'm still waiting for more details about tonight. Don't care about tomorrow."

"Not much to tell San. We talked a lot. Enjoyed our dinner. We stopped at The Lima Bean when we got back into town. Then we sat on her porch to talk some more."

"Well, Berry definitely likes to talk." She laughed when Quinn smacked her shoulder. "It's true and you know it."

"But, I can easily talk to her for house though, Santana… unlike you. You drive me crazy within minutes."

"All part of my charm Fabray."

Quinn glanced at her phone between matches, smiling when she read the text message she'd received.

Rachel: Great! I'll text you in the morning. I'm going to bed now, it was an exciting evening. Sweet dreams Quinn

Quinn: Sweet dreams Rachel

"Texting your girlfriend again?"

"See, this is why I hate you sometimes. Rachel is not my girlfriend."

"Yet."

Quinn just shook her head at her friend. True, she wanted to make Rachel her girlfriend, but she didn't want to ask her too soon. Sure, they already knew one another, they knew a lot about one another. But, the fact that they'd been on just one date, Quinn felt like they were getting to know each other on a completely different level. Just because they knew each other's secrets, didn't mean she should rush anything.

The blonde chose to ignore her friend's remark, and instead turned her focus on the TV, where she snuck up behind Santana and killed her. "That's what you get."

"Fuck you! You're going down!"

The talk of Rachel was forgotten as the two fell into a familiar competition on Call of Duty.

Let me know what you think. Spam that review button :D And check out my youtube channel, that would be amazing if you guys out there could help me out some.