Note from author: Hey readers! Omg I'm so sorry I've been MIA for so long! Here's the new chapter. I've been drafting this storyline since the early stage of my writings. I hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. *WARNING* It's a sad chapter! Oops! Reviews and feedback makes my day so don't forget to drop by a comment or two. Take note that this chapter is much longer than the previous ones. I hope you like it that way cause the words just kept flowing through my finger. Okay, I'm gonna stop my rambling. Happy reading! ;)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Chapter 8, Part 1

Quinn's POV:

"My parents are homophobic. I grew up believing that it is wrong to have feelings for a girl. One summer, I went to a Camp and got kissed by a girl. We were bunk mates and we couldn't sleep that night, so we were just chatting together. Then, she asked me to close my eyes. She kissed me and I was surprised. I wasn't surprised that she kissed me, I was surprised that I liked it. But whatever happened during camp, stayed there. As soon as camp ended, I was determined to stop the relationship. I convinced myself that it was just a fling, just the feeling of curiosity and the thrill of doing something that my parents forbid.

And then I met you at Cheerios audition. You were so mesmerising. I told myself, I can't get myself near you because it would be hard to resist the attraction. But we became close anyway. I blame Santana. Two weeks with you and she called us 'The Unholy Trinity'. She's our glue. We stick together because of her. When she's not around, we don't talk much and I always try to make myself distant from you because I do not want to have feelings for you. I realized that I am attracted to both girls and boys, but I choose to date boys because it's easier. Once in a while, I'd look at you and smile. I like to think that you're my guilty pleasure.

Kurt saw me staring at you and smiling to myself. I wanted to kill him that instant. But it felt good to be able to talk about it with someone. He told me about Finn. He could understand why I choose not to date girls. He said it will never be easy, so I'm lucky because at least I have feelings for boys. Kurt, he doesn't feel that way about girls. He's just not attracted to any girls and always attracted to a boy. No matter where he goes, or who he meets, it's always a boy. So he knew for sure that he's gay."

I look at Brittany, wondering if she could digest what I just explained to her. And then the lights were on again. "Wanna continue our movie?" I'm a bit disappointed that she didn't respond to anything that I've said. "I'm not in the mood now."

Brittany's POV:

My heart is beating so fast, I feel like Quinn could hear it at one point. But I made my poker face and she probably didn't know that I'm so shocked to hear what she just said. I'm hiding in the toilet because I need to breathe and figure out how to react. All this time, she was actually attracted to me? How twisted is that? Then suddenly I heard Quinn playing the piano and singing. I opened the door and looked at her as she sits playing the piano

Don't pretend you're sorry
I know you're not
You know you got the power
To make me weak inside
Girl you leave me breathless
But it's okay 'cause
You are my survival
Now hear me say
I can't imagine life
Without your love
Even forever don't seem
Like long enough

'Cause everytime I breathe
I take you in
And my heart beats again
Baby I can't help it
You keep me
Drowning in your love
Everytime I try to rise above
I'm swept away by love
Baby I can't help it
You keep me
Drowning in your love

Maybe I'm a drifter
Maybe not
'Cause I have known the safety
Of floating freely
In your arms
I don't need another lifeline
It's not for me
'Cause only you can save me
Oh can't you see
I can't imagine life
Without your love
And even forever don't seem
Like long enough

"When was the last time you played the piano?" "During summer camp three years ago" "And you still played well without the practice" "I know, I'm THAT good!" "You just sounded so cocky" "I wanted to sound cocky!" We both laughed. "There. Now we're both laughing and we're not going to go back to the awkward moment we just had. I said what I wanted to but you don't have to say anything back in return. It hurts my ego if you reject me before I asked anything serious, so… let's leave this at this". "Okay" "Let's sleep! I'm so sleepy"

We slept next to each other. When I was about to close my eyes, I felt Quinn leaning on my shoulder. She usually does that with Santana but since there's only two of us, she's cuddling with me. I kissed her forehead. "Good night Quinn" "Night Britt" and we slept, burying our feelings inside, hoping tomorrow would give us more courage to face what we're dealing with.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Chapter 8, Part 2

Artie's POV:

"Mom! Dad! You're back early" I did not expect them to at least be back till noon. Santana and I were having breakfast together and she was just about to pour herself a glass of milk. It almost spilled at the sight of my parents.

"Hi Mr and Mrs Abrams" "Oh Santana, I'm sorry if this came as a surprise but I can't help myself after hearing about you from Artie. He's been telling me over and over again about this amazing girl and when he said you'll sleepover here I couldn't resist coming back early. I had to see you for myself. Oh my, you're as beautiful as Artie described"

I felt like pulling my mom away right that instant. Don't freak her out already… I don't want her to stop coming here. My dad patted my shoulder and smiled at me. "She is gorgeous, son"

Santana's POV:

Oh my God, no, I'm not freaking out that I'm still in my pyjamas during my first meeting with Artie's parents. I didn't know where to run, it wasn't even an option considering they already saw me. Then she started hugging me like she was so happy to see me. I was taken aback for a few seconds. I forgot how it felt to be hugged by a mother. The last time my mom hugged me was seconds before she died. I didn't want to make things awkward but I felt really welcomed and I just cried because I miss my mom so much. Artie's mom wasn't surprised or anything. I guess Artie told her about my mom already. She probably knew why I'm crying.

"What did Artie prepare for breakfast? Let me see what we have. Have a seat, Santana. I'm gonna cook something new for you. Artie! You freshen yourself up."

"I should probably do the same." "Oh honey, don't worry about it. You can go once Artie comes down. I want to have a talk with you without Artie's eyes glaring at me, that's why I chased him away! Hahaha"

She is so bubbly. I can't imagine why Artie was depressed for so long before this. She was really nice. We talked about almost everything and I felt comfortable talking to her. She listens attentively and never showed a hint of judgment on her face. I feel like I could say anything and she would still twist it to sound positive. I'm starting to love being around Artie's family.

Artie's POV:

"This letter came this morning, Artie. I wonder what it's about. It's quite heavy"

The envelope says Tokyo Hospital in conjunction with Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo. They used to study my case before I gave up hope. I wonder what the letter is about. I can't believe my eyes! It's an offer to be experimented for their latest research. If it works, I'll be able to walk again!

"Dad, I have to go. This is a good opportunity for me" I showed him the offer letter and all the forms that I had to fill in. I would have to stay in Japan, but they will provide everything I need there. They just need me to say yes and everything will be arranged. Of course, I'm not the only one who's getting the offer. They need all the patients with the same case, from all around the world.

"I don't know..Artie. I don't have a good feeling about letting you stay alone in Japan, being a lab rat. You're almost graduating from high school; don't you want to finish your studies first?"

"I'll miss the opportunity! They won't postpone the research for me. I have to go now if I want to participate. Dad, if it works I will be able to walk and dance again. I can't say no to that"

"It's a no from me. Ask your mom, see what she has to say about it"

Santana's POV:

Artie's mom made spaghetti for us. I helped her and we talked a lot. She told me Artie has never brought home any girl so pardon her for being excited. I think it's really cute that she's excited. Some parents don't encourage their children to date while they're still young. After cooking she took out Artie's pictures when he was young. I looked at it while eating the spaghetti. I feel like a wife already but I couldn't care less because Artie looked so cute when he was young. He had always been so nerdy with his vest and glasses. He only looked different when he was dancing. He looked so happy and confident.

Artie interrupted our conversation while we were laughing while looking at his pictures.

"Mom, Santana… I have something to say. This letter just came in and I wanna go. Dad won't allow it so mom, please say yes cause I really wanna go"

"What letter is this?" Artie's mom took the letter and read it with me.

All that I see on the letter was Japan, several years, full commitment, experimented. Wait a second, he wants to go? He wants to join the research and leave Lima Heights? Leave me?

"Artie, you know we have stopped talking about this. The doctors said there's no hope. Why are you doing this to yourself?" I could only listen to their conversation. I was too shocked to interrupt.

"Mom, it worked on the rat. They want to try it on humans now. I have to try, mom! You know how much this means to me"

"They are not even allowing parents to come! How can I let you go to Japan alone? You're my only child!"

"They do that because parents always ask to withdraw their children when they see that their children are in pain. It's reasonable."

"No. No way am I letting you go. What if it doesn't work?"

"What if it works?"

"I'm sorry, I have to go." I couldn't listen. I thought I could. Artie didn't let me leave, he asked me to wait in his room so that he could talk to me.

*In Artie's room*

"You wanna go? You want to leave your family and friends to be a lab rat? Are you out of your mind?"

"Santana, I know no one will understand why I want to do this but I really want you to understand. I love you. I really do. I want to marry you someday, have kids, build a family with you…"

"And you think going there is the answer to what you want? You want to marry me someday but you want to leave me now?"

"Santana, you cannot imagine how life would be like with me. I can never drive a car. No matter where I want to go, you have to drive me around. I can never reach the top shelf. You would have to reach it on your own. Those are just basic daily things, Santana. I don't want to be a burden forever"

"You can handle things well so far. Why do you think you can't do the same in the future?"

"Because having a spouse is a whole different thing than being able to live on my own. I wanna be able to do things for you. I want to dance with you on our wedding day. I want to-"

"Artie… you do realise that we'll be miles apart for God knows how long?"

"I need to sacrifice one thing to get another. Without being experimented, how can I know whether it will work or not? If it works, I'd have to pay for the recovery process. If I'm part of the research, I can get it immediately"

"I'm sorry I really have to go."

I don't want to hurt him. Might as well leave while I still have the strength.

"Santana, wait!"

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Chapter 8, Part 3

Brittany's POV:

'Black'

*Flashback* "I think we need a code for emergency. You know, something like SOS but even worse than SOS. Like if we get that code, we have to rush cause we're at the edge." "We definitely need a code for that. Just one word, and we must use it only when it's really, really bad" "Black. How's that?" "Sounds good to me" "Black" *End Flashback*

"Quinn, I'm sorry I have to go". I ran to my car, worried that I suddenly got a code 'Black' from Santana. I dial her number and hoped that she'd answer immediately. "Where are you?!" Santana's voice sounds like she's crying, "In my room". "Okay, wait! I'm on my way"

I stormed into Santana's room, worried that something bad might happen. What if I was too late? What if she's lying there unconscious? I saw her lying on her bed, sobbing while hugging her pillow. I kneel beside her bed; she pushed her pillow away and hugged me. She broke down and cried. As if there's no energy left in her body, she just fell when I tried to stand. I pulled her up and hug her wholly. She didn't stop crying. She cried even harder.

"It's okay… everything's gonna be okay.." I don't sound convincing at all. She has never cried so hard. Even when she was jealous of Artie and Quinn at the hospital, she didn't cry this bad. What could be the reason? I started to freak out and it didn't get any better because suddenly she's hyperventilating. She told me that it happened once when she was at the hospital. It was because of Artie. Wait, what did Artie do now? "Santana calm down, it won't stop unless you calm down". It hurts me so much seeing her in pain. When she stopped hyperventilating I took out a bottle of water from my bag and asked her to drink. She finished the whole bottle and lied down.

I thought she calmed down a little but her tears are still falling. I couldn't take it and ended up crying with her. I know I'm supposed to make her stop crying but every teardrop that fell was like a knife stabbing my heart. I cannot bear seeing her in pain. I wanted to ask her what happened but I know she'll tell me on her own when she's ready, so I just spooned her from behind and let her cry. She hugged my hand as if she didn't want me to let go of her. "I'm not going anywhere, San. I'm here for you. Just let it all out" Eventually she fell asleep while crying.

Santana's POV:

I woke up feeling really tired. I know it's the depression that makes me tired. I used to feel this way all the time when I was jealous of Puck and Quinn. Then it stopped because of Artie. Loving him made me happy. I was finally able to sleep properly. My eyes really hurt; they must be swollen by now. My pillow is wet. I must have cried in my sleep. I was about to look for Brittany when she suddenly wiped my face with a wet towel. She gave me a bar of chocolate but I refused to eat. "You need the sugar for energy. If you have energy you can tell me what happened."

I ate the bar of chocolate. I still feel gloomy but at least I'm not that hungry after eating the chocolate. The moment I opened my eyes, I feel like someone is squeezing my heart. After I finished eating Brittany gave me my towel. "Take a long bath. We'll talk about it when you're done". I do whatever she asked me to do. I cried in the shower but at least I don't need to wash my face. After half an hour, Britt was ready with a cup of Caramel Latte in her hand. "When did you get that?" "I had to wait for you to be in the shower. I didn't want you to wake up and see that I was gone" I cried because I'm so touched that Brittany knew exactly what to do. Caramel Latte always cheers me up but I stopped drinking it after joining Cheerios. Once in a while she'd surprise me with a Caramel Latte and that always made my day.

I pulled Brittany towards me and hugged her. "I love you" "I love you too, now stop crying and tell me what happened" she said while wiping away my tears. I told her everything. We were fighting. She wasn't talking to me. But the moment I break down, she puts her ego aside and it's as if we were never in a fight. She listened to me and never interrupted.

"I've been protecting myself from being hurt. But I let Artie enter my heart because I was so sure that he wouldn't hurt me. I was too confident that he would only make me happy. For such a short time, he did make me happy. Now, suddenly he's leaving for Japan? That's the same as saying I'm not important in his life. He didn't even discuss it with me. He just decided on his own and expects me to support his decision. What kind of bullshit is that?"

Our conversation went on for hours. I didn't even realize it took that long. It felt good, being able to share it with someone. Britt is a very good listener and surprisingly, she asked me to give Artie a chance. I'd think she'd be on my side but no, she said I needed to talk with Artie and stop running away. She wants more than anything to say otherwise but she knows I need to hear the truth. So I guess I need to discuss things with Artie again. Make him know that I need him and not let him go.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Chapter 8, Part 4

Artie's POV:

Fighting with Santana makes me uneasy all the time. If we do not make up soon, I might get a migraine. My head's been hurting a lot since we fought. It literally feels like someone is banging my head with a hammer all the time. I tried to reason with Santana, tried to make her understand but she could not. I called Tina to share the news and she was surprised with my decision too. Our conversation kept hanging in my mind.

"Artie I know we've not been friends for long. When we met, you were really tangled with emotions. You felt small because you're on a wheelchair. I could sense that clearly from you. You are a kind person, but inside you are angry and messed up. Do you know when all that stopped? When you volunteered at the hospital. At first I thought it was because the kids cheered you up, but after hearing your story and analyzing everything, I realized that you changed because of Santana. She made you feel excited, alive and happy. She's the reason for your cheerfulness."

"Well I can't deny that. She does make me happy. How can she not? I fell in love with her before I even knew her. After knowing her, it just grew stronger. But my decision has nothing to do with that. I mean, loving someone does not mean I do not have needs. I want to be able to do things for myself and my future partner."

"What kind of things exactly? Do you think time will stay still while you are there in Japan, being a lab rat? She will move on, she will meet someone else and eventually you will only be nothing but a memory. Do you want that? Does she really not mean that much to you?"

"I don't think I can love anyone as much as I love her. I hate being apart from her but I need this to be a better person"

"Artie, I think you need to re-think about your decision. This is huge. You can't decide within a day. This will affect your life either it succeeds or fails. Write down the pros and cons of accepting this offer. Remember that accepting the offer also means you will lose Santana"

"Why does it have to be that way? Why can't she just be happy for me and support my decision?"

"Santana might seem like a strong girl, but you know deep down that she needs you by her side. Think of what she went through this year. You were one of the reasons she became strong after the incident. If you leave her, she's going to fall apart again. I never told anyone this, but she cried so many times in the toilet. I guess she thought she was alone. She's just pretending to be strong, Artie. You of all people should know that."

"Okay, I gotta end this call. My mom just called me for dinner. I'll see you in school tomorrow?"

"Yeah, okay. And Artie… please reconsider what I just said"
"I will. Thanks Tina. Bye"

Even Tina is on Santana's side. I must be the world's worst boyfriend that ever existed.

The next day, Mike intercepted me.

"Hey dude, Tina told me about the offer. Congratulations, are you going to accept it?"

"Yes, I need to reply today so there's no time to think. I need to give my answer to them"

"Okay dude, it's your life. I can't decide what's best for you but I need to tell you this because somehow you helped me win Tina's heart. I can't just sit down and let you ruin your life. Not if I can change that."

"Look, Mike. I have my own reason for deciding things the way they are. I know it's not the best decision but I really need this. If there's even a 1% chance of me being able to walk again, I need to take that chance."

"I know. I mean, we're both dancers. Dancing is what keeps my soul alive. I can't imagine not being able to do it for the rest of my life. I understand your decision, but I think you don't understand Santana's situation. You see dude, she's the school's second hottest girl after Quinn. Don't ask me why, it's just a football guys kinda thing; to label the cheerios. Anyway, my point is, no one gets to date her. She flirts around with so many people but never made any attachment. You're her first boyfriend. She didn't even hide that fact. She kissed you in front of everyone. You're a big deal in her life. You're not "just another guy". You can't expect her to be all joyous and celebrative to send you thousand miles away from her."

"I know… and she means the world to me too! I swear I still love her the same"

"I'm not saying that if you accept the offer, you don't love her. I just think that you should weigh in whether losing her is worth the chance to walk again. After coming back, will you be happy seeing her in another man's arm? Or if it didn't work and the experiment fails, will you be able to face her? She's surely not going to welcome you with open arms. At least, that's how I see it"

"Okay, I know this will make me a bad person, but I really need you to stop talking. I appreciate the talk but I need to deal with this on my own"

"Sure, just don't do something you'll regret. Or do it, if you can accept the consequences. Whatever you decide, I'll support you. Sometimes you don't need to think. You just need to listen to the voice in your heart."

I think his last sentence just helped me decide. Yes, if I have to think, if I have to weigh in everything, I mustn't go. I know that clearly. But my heart really wants to jump at this opportunity. What my friends said were true. Santana makes me happy and I'm the luckiest guy on earth to be in love and loved back by her. She deserves someone who would stay for her. Unfortunately, that guy is not me. Still, I hope if she could find it in her, I'd like to think that if we're meant to be, we'd still end up together. Despite all these drama or happenings, if we're meant to be, distance won't separate us. With that, I called the faculty and gave my answer,

"Tokyo University? I'm Artie from Lima Heights, calling about your offer to be part of the clinical trials. Yes, that one. I'd love to participate. Next week? Yes, I understand. Can you arrange a flight for me? All right, I'll wait to hear from you soon".

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Chapter 8, Part 5

Santana's POV:

I heard about Artie leaving for Japan next week from his mother. He's not even kidding about his decision, is he? He's asking for a death sentence and he will get it. I reached his house and was greeted by his mom. "Hi Mrs. Abrams" "Hi, dear. He's packing his clothes. We tried to put some sense into him but it won't work" "I'll see what I can do" I said with a grin and forced smile.

"Okay Mrs. Abrams, I'll make sure he listens" I laugh and quickly lock the door behind me.

"ARTHUR ABRAMS!" His body jerked from the surprise. He looks like he just saw a ghost appear.

"You're going to Japan next week?" "Y-yes. Santana calm down." I took out the clothes in his bag and threw it around his room. " . ! When were you planning to tell me? Huh?" I don't stop throwing his clothes even after his bag is empty. I start pulling clothes from his cupboard next. "I was going to tell you before I announced it in Glee club tomorrow. Santana, stop throwing my clothes around!" "Oh, so you did intend to tell me. I thought you forgot that I'm your girlfriend!" After his clothes were scattered, I pulled his bed sheet next. I know this will not change things. I just need to let out my anger to things instead of hurting him physically. "You mean after the 300 missed calls, 150 texts and silent treatment at school?" That stopped me.

"Or after everyone told me how awful I am that I'm doing this to you? Yes, Santana. I haven't forgotten that you're my girlfriend. In fact, I'm surprised you still consider yourself one after treating me this way"

"Ohh you did not just said that"

"Did I say something wrong? Where were you when I needed you the most? When did you actually consider seeing things from my side, instead of just from your side? The world doesn't revolve around you, Santana!"

"No, you're not making me the bad girlfriend here. You didn't even give me time to process the news. You just decided on your own without asking me. Did you even ask me why I did not answer your calls or texts? It's cause I broke my phone after throwing it to the wall. Why? Cause I remember what my therapist said to me. Don't vent out my anger on a person. You can buy a new thing if it breaks but you can't mend a person's heart. Your mom had the decency to call my house, Artie. She tried my cell phone but she couldn't reach me so she called my house. And you fussed about not being able to tell me the news? If you really wanted to tell me you would've come to me, just the way I'm standing right in front of you"

I tried to stop the tears from falling but I failed. I wasn't sad. I was really angry; I could feel the fire in my body trying to burn the things around me. He held his head as if it's hurting. I looked at the table and saw a bottle of pills. Just panadols. I was relieved it wasn't migraine. I took two pills and poured water into a glass. "Take this" He took it immediately and drank the pills. I sat on the floor with my legs in front of me and my head leaned on his bed. Then I broke down. I cried as if he's not in the same room with me. I just let it all out although I know his mother would have heard our fight through the walls. I cried, as if there's no tomorrow. I cried even when Artie tries to get down from his wheelchair. He forced his way to me and finally hugged me. I pushed him away, because I was still angry but he was stronger. He pulled me and I couldn't free myself from his hug. He whispered in my ears, "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry." He didn't stop saying that and I think he cried too. Eventually I felt comforted in his hug and I stopped crying.

"Please don't leave me. I need you. Bee, I can't imagine not being able to see you"

He let out a sigh. "I don't wanna leave you either." He stopped at that. I understood then that nothing could stop him from going to Japan. What I can do now is just say goodbye. But before that, I need to talk to his mom first.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Abrams. I did what I could but he still wants to go"

"It's okay dear; you've tried your best. I guess we'll just have to send him off and wish him good luck"

"I don't think I can send him off. I'm sorry; it's not that I don't care about him."

"It's okay dear, come here" She hugged me and I hugged her back.

"I'm gonna miss having you around this house"

"Would it be okay for me to come here again although Artie is not around? I mean, I really love coming here and-"

"Of course dear, you are welcomed here anytime. I've thought of you as my daughter already."

Later that night we cleared Artie's room together. Then I asked for her permission to crash the night there because it was getting late anyway. I wanted to sleep in the extra room but she said I could sleep with Artie. I was not ready to say goodbye, but since I decided not send him off, I might as well say goodbye tonight. Then I can pretend he doesn't exist and start practicing living without him.

While we were lying on bed, facing each other, I can't help but to reminisce the first time we did this - during my first sleepover here. The same room, same person in front of me, but it feels a whole lot different. I still love him the same, but the thought of not being able to see him again hurts me.

"I can't believe my mom let you sleep here"

"Well she knows we're not doing it"

"Did she ask-oh my God-"

"Don't freak out but we really bonded the first time we met and I told her it was nice, not having to refuse. You know..people just assume I'm a slut because I flirt with everyone in school."

"Well I'm glad you didn't tell her what happened the next morning"

I blushed hearing that. To avoid the conversation, I changed the subject. "I'm sorry I won't send you off. I'll just stay at home, listen to some sappy music, cry myself to sleep and dread waking up the next day"

"We don't have to end this. There's a thing called the Internet. We can totally keep in touch. We can skype everyday and I can send you emails when we can't skype. Let's not forget Facebook, Twitter and Instagram."

"Artie. I know we can keep in touch but that'll just make things harder. We should end this and try to move on with our lives. I don't wanna wait for you here like a soldier's wife waiting for her husband to return. I'm too young to be half-widowed."

"That's not even a word"

"Shut up, you know what I mean. Don't even ask me to sing right now cause I'm not in the mood"

"It's okay, I'll sing for you instead"

You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
You'd be like heaven to touch.
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived.
And I thank God I'm alive.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.

Pardon the way that I stare.
There's nothing else to compare.
The sight of you leaves me weak.
There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel.
Please let me know that it's real.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.

I close my eyes while tears came streaming down my cheek. I have no energy to hide it from him. That was the song he sang for me in his studio. We had a really good time. Now it's gonna haunt me. I'll remember him every time I hear this song. Not to mention, the other songs he sang for me. Before he confessed; shape of my heart, at the hospital; somewhere over the rainbow, when he teased me; lucky… will I be able to listen to these songs without crying? He kissed my forehead before switching off the lamp. In the silence and darkness, I told him one last time, "I love you Bee".

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Chapter 8, Part 6

Brittany's POV:

"Yes, Kurt Elizabeth Hummel? Why are you giving me that look?"

"How long are you planning on torturing her?"

"Is that what she said I've been doing?"

"No, it's what I think you're doing"

"I don't know how to react, Kurt. And I can't talk about it with Santana. At least Quinn can talk to you about it. You're like her gay best friend. The only person I can consult right now is my brain and it's not working well right now. Yesterday I put the dirty plates in my fridge and the milk in the dish washer. That's how unfocused I am lately"

"Why do you think I'm confronting you now? Talk to me!"

"Okay… Honestly? I really don't know what to do. Am I surprised? Yes, definitely. Do I like it? If we're not best friends, maybe yes but since we are, I guess no. Do I want to tell her? No, because it would hurt her"

"You need to tell her these things. Just be honest. She's dying while waiting for your answer."

"She told you that?"

"She doesn't have to. I saw her puppy eyes and your running away behavior. I asked her yesterday and she was contemplating whether to share the story or keep it to herself"

"Then how did she decide to share?"

"Because she's thinking of breaking-up with Puck. Not for you, though. She just thinks that it wouldn't work anymore. Not after knowing Puck had feelings for Santana and she was just a trophy for him"

"But I thought he really liked her? I mean, after Quinn's makeover and all?"

"Brittany, don't change the subject. I'm not leaving you until you promise me you will talk to her"

"Okay, I'll talk to her before Glee Club's meeting, if you promise you'll wait outside and make sure no one comes in until we've finished talking"

"Deal" Crap! Now comes the hardest part. Talking to her and explaining things.

*A few minutes after*

I know I shouldn't, but I couldn't help myself. I peeked into our meeting room and saw Quinn looking nervous. For the past few days, she managed to cover up her uneasiness. She looked normal, as if nothing happened. Now I saw the real her. Nervous, worried and scared. That's new!

"Hey Quinn!"

"Hey!" Mask on. She looks normal again. "What's up? Kurt told me you wanna talk?"

"Yeah… I need to tell you what I should have told you the night you confessed to me"

"Wait, I thought we agreed not to talk about this?"

"I know, but I think you deserve to know how I feel about all this. I'm sorry it took so long for me to find the right words to explain, but here I am now."

"I don't want to know. I'd rather not know and be calm than know and be sad."

"Stop freaking out and just listen! Quinn, you're my best friend. I know we're not as close as we are with Santana, but still… we're the unholy trinity. It means something to me. I love our friendship, I love you." Her eyes started to glow after I said that.

"But I can't be more than friends with you because I don't wanna lose my best friend. If we become more than friends, we'll fight and we might break up. I don't want that. I don't want to lose you. You're important to me, I can't lose you. If I do want to love you, I want to love you because I fell for you. Not because you're my rebound girl. Right now, I'm still heads over heels with Santana. I don't want to be with someone unless I've gotten over her"

"Okay, I understand. But can I just request one thing from you?"

"What is it?"

"A kiss. You can think of it as a goodbye kiss. Goodbye to my feelings and hello to being best friends again"

I pulled her closer to me and looked into her eyes. I've always known that she's beautiful but I've never looked at her this close. She looks hurt. It breaks my heart. I caressed her face with my hand, making sure I was gentle. She closed her eyes and leaned her cheek closer to my hand, as if wanting to melt in my touch. I closed my eyes and started kissing her. A slow, soft and tender first kiss. I pulled apart after a few seconds, thinking that was the best kiss I've ever had but Quinn pulled me back and we're kissing each other passionately again.