Okay... same question as last time. Which glee member would you like them to meet up with after the move to L.A.?

Current standings:

Puck - 3
Mercedes - 3
Mike - 2 (I'm a little shocked at that one to be honest, but I like Mike too :D)
Kurt - 1 (Comes from a non-review vote)

Please take into consideration guys, if you all vote in Puck (I've got nothing against Puck) BUT! it will make things that much harder for Quinn to handle.

Voting will continue throughout this chapter, and the next chapter. I'm planning on having one more survey throughout this story. That won't come until chapter 15 though. So you have time to prepare for that one :) Chapter 15 you'll also find out what my blind survey was, remember that one at the beginning of the story? Yea, Chapter 15 you'll find out what you all voted yes for :)

Oh yea... I DID have two more questions. How do you guys feel about me changing the summary? Do you like it better than the original? And last but not least... How would you feel about me changing the title of the story? I'm considering something along the lines of "Something To Remember Me By" Let me know in a review what you think.

Anyways, Thanks to Jennception for looking over this and helping me develop future ideas and pushing me to write faster.

The First 24
Chapter 9

December 28 – 6:10 AM

The television was so quiet that she could barely hear it. Last thing Quinn wanted was to wake up Rachel. The night prior, Santana and Brittany had decided to check into a local hotel. Quinn wasn't mad at them. She knew the pair needed some time alone. More time then the random trips for food could offer them. They also mentioned something about needed to sleep in a real bed.

Quinn had tried to get Rachel to go with them. Oh how she tried. But the tiny diva was adamant about not leaving Quinn's side. And she hadn't left. The entire night she held the blonde close to her as they both slept. Amazingly, Quinn was able to sleep through most of the night. Well, about four hours of it. At least when she woke up she didn't push Rachel away from her and off the bed like she had the day before.

She still couldn't believe she'd actually done that. Once Sam left with his family and Brittany and Santana left them alone, the apologizing started. Every other word out of Quinn's mouth was a 'sorry.'

"In other news…"

Quinn's attention became focused on the television when she saw a picture of herself appear in the top left hand corner.

"New York City's Assistant District Attorney, Quinn Berry-Fabray is said to be in stable condition in Plattsburgh General Hospital."

Quinn felt all the air in her lungs leave. If Jim watched the news, he now knew where to find her. Before she could get too lost in her thoughts, the picture on the television changed.

"Suspect Jim Fields is still at large. If you have any information on this man or know his whereabouts, please contact your local authorities. Do not attempt to approach him under circumstances. He is known to be a very volatile and violent man."

The rest of the woman's report fell on deaf ears. Quinn shut down. Again. This time from just seeing his picture on the screen. She'd been doing so well. Her eyes closed as tears began streaming down her cheeks. She didn't cry out loud though – Rachel was still asleep beside her. A ragged breath though, caused her body to shake and the woman beside her to shift.

"Quinn?"

The blonde tensed up. She hoped she wouldn't wake her wife. She apparently couldn't even do that right. "I'm sorry Rach." Her hand darted up to wipe away the tears from her eyes. "I-I didn't mean… to wake you."

Rachel sat up completely, her arms raising above her head to stretch her tired and sore muscles. "Sweetheart, it's fine. What's wrong?" She managed to spit out her words before a yawn overtook her.

Everything was wrong. Seeing his mug shot plastered on the television only brought everything back to her. Every single insult, every physical attack – all of it remained imbedded in her mind. "He was… I was…" She sighed and took another moment to regain her thoughts. At least she hadn't pushed Rachel off the bed again. "The news was talking about me… and him."

"What did they say?" Rachel dared to place her hand on her wife's cheek. When Quinn turned to look at her she saw a look in her eyes she hadn't seen in years. The lifeless hazel eyes were full of confusion and sadness.

"He's still on the loose…" It was all she said before looking away. The last thing she wanted right now was Rachel seeing the fear and pain that she couldn't mask. She was too emotionally drained to even attempt to hide her feelings. Rachel, though, always saw right through it anyway.

The brunette gently rested her cheek against Quinn's. Her eyes fell shut to simply savor their close proximity. Fear that speaking would ruin it ran through her mind. But, logically speaking, she couldn't remain silent forever. It wasn't even in her nature to go more than a few minutes without saying a word. Unless, of course, she was sleeping, or making love to her wife.

"He can't get you. Not here." Her words were gentle and soothing.

Their positions hadn't changed any. In fact, they'd actually gotten closer. Quinn's arm was wrapped around Rachel's waist and her head was turned so her face was in the brunette's neck. "What about at home?"

"I'll protect you."

"Really?" Quinn sat up to look into Rachel's eyes. The same exact pair of chestnut eyes she fell in love with over 20 years ago.

"Of course. We're moving in January anyway Quinn. To the other side of the country. Do you have any idea just how heavily populated Los Angeles truly is? And besides, with all of the locks we have at home and the top notch security system, there is no way he's getting anywhere near either-" She was cut short when I familiar set of lips pressed against her own.

The kiss only lasted a few short seconds but it conveyed every emotion that Quinn was feeling but couldn't find the words to express. There was no rush – no push for anything more. Quinn's hand lifted to rest on her wife's cheek as their lips danced perfectly against each others. Neither one was in a rush to open their eyes when the attorney broke the kiss and allowed her forehead to rest against Rachel's.

"I love you."

Rachel's heart fluttered at hearing the words fall effortlessly from Quinn's lips. "I love you too Quinn."

She felt the few tears slide down her cheeks, yet made no attempt to wipe them away. "Everything will be alright… right?" Quinn barely whispered.

"It will just take time. And I'll be there throughout everything." Rachel dared to place her lips against Quinn's briefly. She was thrilled when the blonde didn't flinch away from it.

"Promise?"

Rachel smiled softly before brushing her wife's tears from her eyes. "I promise."

December 28 – 10:30 AM

"I can't believe we slept so long!" Brittany exclaimed as she climbed out of the passenger side of Quinn's SUV. She hardly waited for her wife before practically running inside.

Santana was right behind her as they walked the familiar path to Quinn's room. "Not my fault the alarm clock wasn't working!" One of the things the Latina had always hated, was oversleeping.

Brittany froze in her spot when she came to their friend's door. "Quinn?" She was quickly joined by her wife and they both looked on as Quinn took slow, carefully steps around the room. It was the first time they'd seen her out of the bed since their arrival.

Each step showed a clear glimpse of pain in Quinn's face. It was obvious that her ribs were still badly damaged. The blonde winced with each labored breath she took from exerting herself. "Can I sit down…" It came out as more of a command rather than a question as she reached toward her bed for a little bit more stability.

Dr. Sanford smiled before closing the file in her hands. "How do you feel about heading home tomorrow morning?"

How did she feel? Quinn looked at her doctor before turning her eyes down to the floor. She felt safe in the hospital. Jim couldn't get to her while she was there. What about when they got home? What if he was already there waiting for her – waiting for them.

"Do you think she's ready?" Rachel sat down beside Quinn. Over their years together the brunette had developed an uncanny ability to know exactly what her wife was feeling. Given the right circumstance. And this conversation fell into that circumstance.

"I'm fine." Quinn spat out. She just wanted the conversation to stop. "I'll go home tomorrow." She kept her eyes downcast as she shifted back onto the bed. She didn't pay much attention to what was happening around her then. Her mind was too focused elsewhere. Mostly, it was stuck on Jim.

Jim was still on the loose. Not only in the world but also in her mind. He was always there. Everywhere she looked – him. Every sound she heard – him. Every time she closed her eyes – him. Yes, Quinn was well aware that it would take a while to get better. She just wished she knew how long. She would be fine for a few hours, then the slightest of noises, or phrasing would bring everything crashing back down. It was a struggle that she wasn't sure how much more of she could handle.

"Why don't we go out for a while Rachel?" Santana was just as good as Rachel was when it came to reading Quinn. "There's this little coffee shop down the road."

Rachel looked over her shoulder at Quinn before letting out a sigh. Her wife was gone – completely lost in her thoughts, again. The blonde just starred at her lap – her fingers fumbled with the sheets covering her legs. "I don't want to go."

"Please, just go Rach."

She found herself looking at the attorney. The volume of her voice was so soft that Rachel and the others barely caught it. There was no fighting with Quinn. There never was. Not even when they were younger, when the blonde had her mind set to something, she would do it. It was always her way or no way at all. After gently squeezing Quinn's hand, Rachel stood up from the bed, grabbed her purse from the floor near the wall, and followed Santana out of the hospital room.

The blonde glanced up to watch her best friend and wife leave the room. The only person left behind was Brittany. Which, honestly, Quinn didn't really mind. The dancer was never really one to speak unless spoken to first.

Several minutes passed by in silence. Quinn didn't know what to do. She honestly just wanted to be completely alone with her thoughts so she could cry. Yet, on the other hand, she needed the comfort of someone. Having finally made her decision she climbed out of her bed and walked slowly toward her fellow blonde. She barely made it before collapsing onto her lap and crying.

"Quinn, what's wrong?"

"Just… hold me please?" The broken woman barely chocked out between sobs. She had no idea what had come over her… well, she did, but was unsure whether or not she could vocalize it. The truth was, she was petrified to go home. She wanted to, oh how she wanted to. But with Jim still on the loose, he could strike at any moment. He could simply watch her or Rachel – waiting for a moment when they're completely alone, then strike. The mere thought alone sent her further into her crying fit.

"You ready to live in L.A.?" Brittany smiled softly. She hoped that a change of topic would help to soothe her friend.

Quinn sat up some to get a better look at the taller blonde. "I'm ready for a change… Even more so now you know?"

"Yup!" She bounced excitedly for a moment. Suddenly, she wasn't very sure if she should tell her what her and Santana had been talking about.

"We're gonna miss you guys you know." She rested her head down against Brittany's shoulder and relaxed.

"No you won't." She bounced again. She just couldn't take it anymore. Santana wouldn't be mad at her for telling… would she? Brittany didn't think so because she remembered her wife telling her she'd talk to Rachel first, and then Quinn. "I gotta tell you something Q."

December 28 – 11:25 AM

Rachel threw her friend a grateful smile and accepted the cup of hot tea. "Thanks…" Her fingers circled the top of the cup, her eyes never leaving it. "Why did you draw me away from my wife?"

"You needed to see something other than those four walls and the view from the third floor." She took a sip from her own cup. After gagging and coughing, she reached for two packets of sugar to take away some of the bitterness.

"20 years ago, if someone told you you'd be having coffee with me, you would have killed them."

The simple words made the darker woman chuckle. "20 years ago if someone even said mine and your names in the same sentence, I would have killed them… But, if you remember… when Q started to like you, I backed off. Big time."

"The slushies stopped, but not the names or insults." Rachel finally pulled her eyes away from the top of her cup to look at Santana. She'd always enjoyed moments like this with the fiery Latina. When it was just the two of them and Santana would let her walls down.

"How could I not? Come on now, you really did look like a bait girl on To Catch a Predator." She didn't hesitate in shooting right back. "Thankfully though, Quinn took you shopping Senior year and reworked your entire wardrobe."

Silence fell between the pair again. It was a comfortable silence though. They were both perfectly content with sipping their own drinks and just watching random people pass by on the sidewalk. But, something was still eating away at her. She knew there was some ulterior motive for this coffee trip. But she also knew that the attorney wouldn't start the conversation without some kind of motivation.

"Why are we getting coffee? Couldn't we simply have acquired some for everybody and taken it back to the hospital?"

"We will take some back for B and Quinn, don't worry. I just… I wanted to talk to you is all."

Rachel smiled softly at her friend. "Well, we are currently talking right now Santana."

"Not what I meant Berry."

"It's Berry-Fabraynow Santana. If I remember correctly, there was a wedding a few years back. I even recall you being there. Wait, you were, you were Quinn's maid of honor." Rachel's eyes lit up with laughter at the scowl on Santana's face. She'd almost forgotten how easy it was to irritate her friend.

"It's Berry when ya bug me." The cup in her hands came to rest on the table before she leaned a little closer to the diva. "Britt's and I have been talking." Those words caught the shorter woman's attention. "About you and Quinn moving to L.A… We're leaving on the 15th right?" Rachel nodded. Santana let out the breath in her lungs – emotional things were never easy for her. "Would you guys mind if we crashed with you for a few days? Maybe a week or so?"

"Of course. You two are welcome anytime. Quinn and I figured that you and Brittany would at least want to see the sights before flying back home. And opening our home to you guys is the least we can do to thank you for helping us drive both the vehicles across the country."

Santana let out another sigh. It was then that Rachel knew something else was on her mind. "Not exactly what I was hinting at Rachel." Her eyes glanced down at the cup that was cradled in her hands for a short moment before looking back up to meet Rachel's eyes. "We want to look for houses…"

"Wait… what?"

A hearty laugh escaped her lungs at Rachel's expression. If it hadn't been for the seriousness of what she was saying, she would have commented about Rachel's inability to respond in paragraph form. In other words, her statement left the diva speechless. "Didn't know you were deaf. I said we want to look for houses."

Rachel's eyes closed for a few seconds while she attempted to digest what Santana had just told her. "You two want to move too?"

Though she would never actually admit it to anybody other than Brittany… she'd be lost without Quinn in her life. Over the years Santana had even become more attached to Rachel. She even laughed softly as she recalled Rachel's earlier words. The diva had been right. Had anybody told her 20 years ago she'd be sitting in a coffee shop getting a drink with theRachel Berry, she would have killed them. Unless, they added in that she'd be throwing said drink in the annoying girl's face that is.

"Yea, guess we do." Santana found herself shrugging it off as if it was no big deal.

Rachel leaned back in her seat, a smirk on her face. "I knew you loved me."

"Don't push your luck Berry."

"Need I remind you… yet again… There was a wedding-"

"I know, I was there in that sexy red dress at Quinn's side eying Brittany while you and Q made out in front of 121 people. I remember." Santana rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. Over the years she'd matured a lot. Even Rachel's incisive, repetitive comments couldn't irritate her the way they did back in high school. Rachel had grown on her. Yet another thing she'd never admit to anybody. "Britt's and I just want a change. That's all."

"That's an awfully big change though Santana." Rachel stood from the booth, watching her friend just shrug her shoulders in response. "Can we get back to Quinn now? I really miss her."

Santana only nodded before going back to the counter to get fresh coffee for everybody to take back to the hospital. "Rach… she's gonna be okay ya know."

Don't forget to review! I love reviews :D They make me smile, always have.