Meet Me Halfway Chapter 5: Lucky to be Coming Home, a glee fanfic

A/N: In this chapter I'm bringing in some of the new characters from this season of Glee. They will only be around for a chapter here and there. I hope you enjoy what I do with these characters even in their limited time. If you hate the new characters, don't worry they'll only pop up a little.

In this chapter Rachel sings two songs. One with Puck and one with Marley; Rachel's parts are bold, Puck/Marley's parts are italics, and when they sing together it's both.

Also I wanted to say that I know you guys are waiting for some drama. There is a bit of drama coming up but they make it through their first year without too much trouble; the second year is when it starts to get a bit harder for them so please just be patient. I will be honest, much like SIB there won't be too much angst and drama in this so if that's what you're looking for I'm sorry but this isn't it.

Warning: Sexy times.

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, anything mentioned, any songs, quotes, or books used.

Chapter 5: Lucky to be Coming Home

"Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving."

-Terry Pratchett; A Heart Full of Sky

Things were going wonderfully for Rachel and Quinn. The distance was still a bitch but Rachel was coming into her own at NYADA and in New York; Kurt had tried to give her a makeover and she let him but when he tried to burn all of her animal sweaters she yelled at him and then told Quinn.

And Quinn yelled at him.

It had been over a month since she had become her dance teacher Cassie's assistant and things had gotten much better between them; not great but better. Cassie had asked her if the change in her confidence and appearance was due to taking her advice and breaking up with Quinn. Rachel smiled proudly and shook her head. Then she told her the change was because Quinn told her to stop worrying about the distance because she would always love her. Cassie smiled, winked and said good for you kid.

Quinn had made a comment to her that she thought Cassie might have a big gay crush on Rachel; who immediately said there was no way but then Quinn arched her eyebrow and said I don't know babe she picks on you at first and then she tells you to break up with me and then she makes you her assistant. The way I see it either she is hot for you or she's fucking nuts.

After that Rachel told Quinn that she was wrong and there was no way that her dance teacher liked her like that… but she couldn't help but go over everything that happened between them and thought Quinn might have been right. She ultimately decided to confront Cassie with Quinn's theory.

But as for Quinn and Rachel and the distance… it was still awful but they made a point to visit each other every other weekend and they talked every night. They had become masters at phone sex and sexting. And for the first time since way back during Whitney Houston week in glee; she felt at ease and completely confident that she and Quinn would make it.

Brittany and Santana, she wasn't so sure of. She knew that they still loved each other just as much as they always had but they weren't making it work… they were struggling. Rachel knew it was because Brittany was working so much. Her days were filled with dancing at her dance company and her nights were spent working at her job at a book store. She was burnt out and she barely talked to Santana anymore. It wasn't that they didn't want to talk to each other or that they were avoiding each other; they were just victims of circumstance. When Santana was available Brittany wasn't and vice versa.

Rachel could see how much this was affecting Brittany and she wanted to help so badly but there was nothing she could do. She hoped every day that the dance company would just offer Brittany a job so that she could stop killing herself and her relationship. She even offered to cover Brittany's part of the rent for a while so that Brittany could quit working at the book store.

But Brittany flat out refused.

Rachel had told her it wouldn't be a handout and that she could pay her back; but Brittany thanked her and still refused.

So instead she watched Brittany work her ass off.

And she watched as Brittany and Santana grew further and further apart… and it broke her heart.

Meanwhile Quinn saw the same thing from Santana. She knew Santana was so proud of Brittany for all that she was doing but the distance and not talking was destroying them and she couldn't do anything to help them. All she could do was comfort Santana and make sure Rachel was doing the same for Brittany.

But Quinn herself was doing wonderfully. She was excelling in her classes and working on the play with Professor Tate and so far she loved the story. She even told him that she was thinking of auditioning for the lead role when the play was performed the following year and he told her that he had sort of been writing the part in her likeness. She beamed at that and he told her he would love it if she won the role.

So far she loved Yale.

But she was missing Rachel.

She missed her every day but they were making it work. She was so grateful that it was finally time for Thanksgiving break and she was packing her carry-on bag when a loud banging on her door made her jump.

"Open the door Q!" Santana shouted and Quinn hurried to open it. Santana was sad, it was so obvious. But it was also obvious that she was trying to hide it. She threw herself onto Quinn's bed and cupped the back of her head with her hands.

"Where is Sawyer?"

"She left already… she isn't looking forward to being home though. She hates her dad."

"Sounds familiar," Santana said and Quinn nodded. "Why though… is her dad an asshole?"

"From what she told me yeah…he's an overbearing, rich, snob who thinks her dreams are unrealistic and wants her to smile and accept the choice her has made for her life."

"Damn, sounds really familiar," Santana told her and Quinn nodded again.

"I know right."

"Her dad and your dad should hang out," Quinn giggled at that. "You should've told her to ditch her dad and come back to Lima with us."

"I did offer but she said she would never hear the end of it if she did that," Quinn said before she put her Yale sweatshirt on and threw her backpack over her shoulder. "Okay… let's go," Santana nearly jumped off the bed and Quinn could see how excited she was about this. Quinn definitely knew the feeling.

Santana was thrilled as she grabbed her own luggage and pushed out of the door.

She would get to see Brittany soon.

And fix what has been broken between them… hopefully for good.

As they got into the cab with their luggage Quinn smiled. They were originally going to fly home separately but she decided to surprise Rachel in New York instead and fly back together. She literally couldn't wait to get there.

Rachel brought her carry-on bag out of her room and placed it near the door and sat on the couch waiting for Brittany and the guys to finish packing. She couldn't wait to get home and have her baby's arms around her again. There was a loud knock on the door startling her out of her thoughts. She arched her eyebrow wondering who it could be; she opened the door and gasped.

She gasped and was more than surprised by the sight of her beautiful girlfriend standing before her.

"Quinn!" She squealed.

"Hey baby," Quinn said grinning and then Rachel jumped into her arms and Quinn caught her with a laugh.

"What are you doing here?" Rachel squealed again. Santana, who was behind Quinn pushed passed them and walked toward Brittany and Rachel's room.

"I thought I'd surprise you," Quinn answered her.

"Mm, I love surprises," Rachel hummed as she stared at Quinn's delicious lips. Before Quinn could speak Rachel's lips were pressing on hers. When she moaned into the kiss her mouth was instantly filled with Rachel's tongue. She pushed Rachel inside; gripping her waist in the process. When air became a necessity she broke the kiss and looked at her.

"Since when?"

"Huh?" Rachel was confused.

"Since when do you love surprises?" Quinn asked and Rachel giggled.

"Well generally no… I don't like them but I like this one," she noticed that Quinn was staring at her as she spoke.

"God you're beautiful," she said with a heavy sigh and Rachel melted staring into those amazing eyes.

"Says the most beautiful girl in the world," Rachel told her before Quinn leant her head down and captured Rachel's lips in a sweet and sexy kissed filled with endless love. Quinn led her over to the couch and they sat down and continued their make out session.

They had time.

Everyone else was still packing.

Santana walked to Brittany's bedroom door and knocked.

"Come in," Brittany's voice rang out and then she gasped at the sight of Santana crossing the room and standing before her. "San what-" her words were cut off by Santana's lips on hers.

As soon as Santana closed the door and saw the love of her life she needed to feel her. Brittany fisted her hands into Santana's hair and poured everything she felt for the girl into that kiss and hoped Santana could feel it.

Santana could feel it.

"Mm," Santana moaned when Brittany's tongue pushed passed her lips. She ran her hands down Brittany's back and over her ass. She wanted to do nothing more than rip her clothes off and make love to her all night long but she couldn't.

They had a plane to catch.

She reluctantly pulled out of the kiss and moved her hands from Brittany's ass to her face and cupped her cheeks.

"I love you Brittany more than anything in this world," she said quietly and Brittany nodded as tears fell down her cheeks; Santana wiped them away.

"I know Santana… I feel the same way."

"No I know but," Santana held back her own tears. "I don't think you know what I'm trying to say here."

"Okay," Brittany covered her hands with her own, pulling them off of her cheeks and interlocking their fingers. "What are you saying?"

"We're not going to make it Britt… not with all the distance, I thought we could." Brittany nodded her agreement. "I thought we could be strong like Rachel and Quinn and I thought we could do it… but I'm not… we're not going to make it if we can't be together."

"I know and I'm sorry Santana, I'm sorry that I have to work so much right now but it'll change please don't give up on me," she was full on crying now. "Please don't break up with me.," she begged and Santana's mouth dropped.

"N-N-No that wasn't…" she trailed off and wiped Brittany's tears away again, "That's not what I was saying."

"You weren't," Brittany whined.

"No," Santana promised with that sad smile and she kissed Brittany sweetly. Then she kissed both cheeks right over the tracks of her tears. "Never."

"Then what were you saying?"

"I was saying… that you are the most important thing in this world to me. This distance is tearing us apart and there is nothing worth that to me, not music, not a recording career and not even my education."

"Santana-"

"No listen… I'm not going to drop out or anything," she cut Brittany's thought off because she knew what she was thinking and Brittany nodded. "I applied to NYU for the second semester this year but I didn't get it."

"Oh."

"I'm trying again for the fall," Brittany's smile overtook her face.

"But I thought UConn was your dream?"

"You're my dream Britt… and I thought I could do both but I can feel you slipping away from me and nothing… nothing is more important to me than you. It took me a lot to admit that and for us to get to where we are, and I'm not letting you go now I love you too much for that."

"I love you too," Brittany whispered before crashing her lips into Santana's for a bruising kiss that held hope for a future that a few hours ago Brittany didn't think they had. When the kiss broke Brittany stared into those eyes that were the key to her happiness. "Are you sure?" Santana nodded and smiled…she smiled her Brittany smile and Brittany felt butterflies.

"We just have to get through the rest of this year… do you think we'll make it?"

"I know it," Brittany answered. "We have a future together to look forward to whereas before all we could see was fear and doubt in front of us," Santana nodded which confirmed she felt the same way. And then they kissed again.

And it was perfect.

Several minutes later they walked out into the living room to see Rachel straddling Quinn as the two were making out like the hormonal teenagers they were.

"Fuck off you two," Santana yelled and their kiss broke. "If I can't get lucky you two aren't either." Both Rachel and Quinn noted that they were holding hands and smiling and that made them so happy for their friends. Brittany's eyes locked on Rachel's and Quinn's locked on Santana and they all knew everything would work out the way it was meant to.

"Let's go bitches before I go all Lima Heights on your asses," she snarled and Quinn laughed. "What? It seemed appropriate."

They all laughed like the old friends they were and they waited a few more minutes for Kurt to finish packing before they were off.

To go home.

And if they had to admit it, they really missed it.

They were excited to see everyone again.

Especially the glee club.

Quinn and Rachel were standing on the doorstep at Rachel's house. It seemed like it had been forever since they had been here even though it had only been a few months. They both were feeling really nostalgic as they stared at the front door. Memories of the last three years flooded their minds as they stood there. This place; and all that had happened within these walls would be memories they would cherish forever.

They were both snapped out of their memories by the door swinging open and a loud squeal of excitement coming out of Leroy's mouth.

"Rachel!" He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight before turning to Quinn and giving her a tight hug as well. "So were you two planning on staying on the front porch for the entire trip?"

"Daddy, stop picking on us."

"Sorry kid… it's what I do," he stepped aside so Rachel and Quinn could walk in and they were immediately hugged by Hiram and Judy.

"Mom," Quinn was surprised. "You're here," she pulled out of the hug and met her eyes.

"Yeah well I knew you guys would come here first and I couldn't wait." She released Quinn and hugged Rachel. "How are you sweetie? How is New York?"

"It is wonderful Judy… I mean, I miss Quinn all the time but we're making it work."

"Yeah we are," Quinn said pulling out of the hug with Hiram and then she looked at her mom again.

"Where is Richard?" She wondered.

"He's working… he has this big case that he is working on right now, so many late hours but he said he can't wait to see the both of you tomorrow," Quinn smiled. "We're still on for dinner at home tomorrow night, aren't we?"

"Of course mom."

"And I would like you to invite your friends from glee club… I mean if they're not busy with their own families. And even if they can't stay for dinner tell them to come by later so you can have a proper visit," Quinn smiled at her mom and the glow that was all over her face. It was wonderful to see her mom so very happy.

"Thanks mom," Quinn said and Rachel started clapping.

"Ooh a glee reunion and I'll bring over my karaoke machine and oh my god!" She took a deep breath having forgotten her breathing exercises due to her excitement. "I can't wait to see everyone!" Quinn kissed her forehead and hugged her tight.

"I can't either."

After having dinner with Leroy, Hiram and Judy and talking the night away, they went to bed. They were going to school the next day to visit the glee club and Rachel was thrumming with excitement. Quinn closed the door to Rachel's bedroom and leaned against it.

Her eyes peered over the room and she was filled with warmth that she was always filled with when she walked into Rachel's room. There was something about Rachel's house and her bedroom especially that made her feel so safe. This room was so special to her and she didn't think that would ever change.

"You miss it don't you?" Rachel's voice broke her out of her thoughts and she bit her lip and nodded shyly.

"So much… so much happened in this room."

"I know," Rachel told her with a naughty glint in her eyes.

"I didn't just mean that you perv," Rachel giggled. "This is the room where my life changed baby," Rachel furrowed her brow. "This is where we were when I told you I had real feelings for you, this is the room where I told you I was pregnant and thought I was going to lose you," Rachel nodded and stepped closer. "This is where you held me every night after my parents threw me out," Rachel circled her hands around her waist. "This is where we fell in love every night Rach, and where we woke up every day even more in love than ever. This room and this house will always be home to me."

"Me too," Rachel said and kissed her. They hugged for several minutes both girls reliving all the wonderful moments that happened here and how much had changed. Rachel pulled back and smiled at her girl. "I'm so lucky to be coming home with you Quinn."

"Me too," Quinn kissed her hard and deep but it wasn't leading anywhere. There was time for hot sex, and love making but right now all both girls wanted was to be together in the place where the lives became connected for the very first time, and every time since.

They changed into their pajamas in silence and as Quinn climbed into the bed she groaned loudly.

"Oh god babe, I missed your bed," Rachel giggled and climbed in next to her.

"Our bed Quinn… it's always been our bed," Quinn smiled at that and cuddled closer to her. Quinn spooned her from behind and held her tight.

"It's good to be home," Rachel whispered.

"It sure is," Quinn said with a grin and fell asleep breathing in the wonderful vanilla scent of Rachel.

It was perfect.

And they really were home.

The next morning Quinn woke up with a very amazing and very familiar feeling… Rachel wrapped around her. She loved their weekend mornings together whether it was in New York or New Haven but there was something so incredible about this feeling, in this particular bed, in this particular place.

Lima might not be a very good town and it may be filled with people who don't understand that love is love but this is the place where she met Rachel so in her heart there will always be a special place for Lima.

For home.

When Rachel moved beside her she smiled down at her and when those brown eyes peered up at her, a smile crossing those sexy lips she lost her breath… once again and for the millionth time because of Rachel.

"You're up before me… this is odd," Rachel said and Quinn smiled. "I haven't slept this good since," she thought on in for a moment. "Well since we were last in this bed."

"I know what you mean baby," Quinn replied with a heavy sigh followed by a yawn. "I love this bed, and this room and this house, and especially this girl," Rachel giggled as Quinn hugged her tight.

"You're so sweet with the words Quinn," she pressed a sweet kiss to her lips. "Come on I'll make you breakfast and then we can go to school," she stopped at those words and smiled at the thought that they would once again be in McKinley High.

"Mm, sounds wonderful."

An hour later, Rachel pulled up in front of McKinley High and she parked. Quinn and Rachel as well as Brittany and Santana who were in the backseat smiled lovingly at the building.

They missed it.

It was the place they couldn't wait to get out of and now it was one of the things they had been missing the most.

"Ready?" Quinn asked and Rachel nodded.

"Yeah might as well get this shit over with," Santana grumbled as they all got out. But they all knew better. They all knew that Santana was feeling just as sad as they were.

The moment they walked in they were all flooded with memories.

Quinn's first thought was of the very first day she walked into this building and the sight of Rachel Berry taking her breath away for the very first time.

Rachel's mind filled with the memory of the first time she connected with Quinn outside the auditorium.

Brittany and Santana smiled at each other knowing they were both having the same memory.

The locker room.

"Wow," Rachel breathed. "It's the same."

"But so… so different," Santana said and then they caught sight of Tina walking toward her locker; she was with a girl that was wearing a cute hat. Rachel beamed and couldn't contain herself.

"Tina!" She shouted and both Tina and the girl turned to see her running toward them; with Quinn, Brittany and Santana following her.

"Rachel oh my god," Tina was smiling as Rachel got to them and hugged her tight. Quinn noted that the girl that was with Tina was staring at Rachel with her eyes wide and her mouth opened. Rachel pulled away from Tina and Quinn hugged her.

"How are you guys?" Tina wondered.

"We're good," Rachel said finally noticing the girl that was with Tina. She smiled at her and the girl blinked a couple of times and finally closed her mouth returning the smile. Rachel looked back at Tina. "We miss you guys though… and who is your friend?" She looked back at the girl.

"Oh… guys this is Marley Rose, she's in glee club now and she is great. Marley this is-"

"Y-You're Rachel Berry," Marley stammered and Rachel smiled and nodded.

"You have a fan babe," Quinn said and Marley blushed.

"I-I'm sorry it's just you're sort of a legend around here and-"

"It's cool," Santana cut her off and she smiled shyly. "Berry's huge fucking ego is loving it."

"Shut it Satan!" Rachel yelled at her and then met Marley's eyes again. "It's a pleasure to meet you Marley," she held out her hand and Marley reached for it. But just as she was about to shake it, she was pushed from behind and almost fell into Rachel.

Rachel caught her by the arms and steadied her while all eyes turned toward the person that pushed her. Standing there in a Cheerios uniform was Sue's new head bitch.

"Watch out Goodwill," she said to Marley who hung her head in embarrassment and Santana crossed her arms and glared at the girl.

"Oh no this bitch didn't?" Santana shouted and the girl's eyes landed on hers.

"I did actually," she said with a head bitch tone and Tina spoke up.

"Just leave us alone Kitty," Santana barked laughter at Tina's words.

"Kitty," she arched her eyebrow. "Seriously that is your fucking name?" Santana turned to Quinn. "Oh she's a closet case," Quinn giggled.

"I'll have you know ghetto bitch that-"

"Wait… what the fuck?" Santana cut her off and then turned to Quinn. "What the fuck did she say?"

"I said-"

"Shut it bottle blonde bitch because you don't know who you're fucking with right now…" she nodded to Marley. "This girl here might be afraid of you for some reason which I don't understand but I'm Santana fucking Lopez and I will go all Lima heights on your sorry ass… just try me," she saw Kitty cower a bit under her stare and she giggled and turned to Quinn.

"We needs to talk to Coach Sylvester because this girl is a sorry excuse for a head bitch, she doesn't even have any good comebacks… I mean what was that you said to Marley?"

"I said-"

"No one cares what you said," it was Quinn that cut her off this time. "You got nothing girly and if I was you I'd be careful."

"And why is that?" Kitty sneered.

"Do you know who I am?" Kitty was about to shake her head but Quinn spoke again.

"Well ask Sue who I am… actually don't," she said and walked around Kitty. "Because from what I can see," she took in her appearance. "With this bleached blonde hair, and your sad attempt at being a head bitch in charge, I think you already know who I am… in fact I bet you Coach has told you on more than one occasion that you remind her of a young Quinn Fabray," Kitty gasped but Quinn continued. "That's right sweetie, I am the head bitch that you are trying so desperately to emulate and from what I can see you're failing miserably," she bowed her head. Quinn continued speaking quietly "Oh and I'd be careful if I were you because your gay is showing."

"I am not gay!" Kitty yelled and Santana laughed.

"Maybe… maybe not," Quinn continued. "But I'd be careful… because I fell hopelessly in love with the girl I teased when I was the head bitch around here," Kitty's mouth dropped. "I don't know Marley… but I'm pretty certain that she has done nothing to you for you to treat her this way… unless," she leaned closer to Kitty's ear. "It's what she does to you on the inside that is making you lash out at her, hm…" Kitty's face blushed and her eyes landed on the floor. "Is it maybe butterflies in your stomach, and a fast pounding heart… does her voice make your knees go weak? Does the mere sight of her give you tingles in places that you shouldn't feel tingles in because of a girl… does," Quinn stopped talking when Kitty ran down the hall and Santana started to laugh.

Quinn felt Rachel's hand sliding into hers at the mere fact that those words she just scared the shit out of Kitty with was how she had felt about her all those times that she teased her.

"Wow," Marley breathed out. "That was…"

"Epic," Tina finished for her and looked at Marley. "And that is how a real head bitch works," Tina grinned at Quinn.

"God we miss you guys around here so much," she said first looking at Quinn and then to Santana and Brittany… finally her eyes landed on Rachel. "Marley," she looked at her. "This is Quinn Fabray, Santana Lopez, and Brittany S. Pierce… otherwise known as the Unholy Trinity," Marley smiled having heard of them and then she shook all of their hands.

"Thank you guys so much for that… she is so awful to me," Marley told them finally looking at Quinn. "But you don't really think she likes me do you?" She whispered the word likes. Santana laughed again.

"In this town… probably," Santana told her.

"Maybe," Quinn told her. "I mean I really didn't think so I was just telling her what happened to me," she held up her and Rachel's interlocked fingers. "I wasn't lying I did fall in love with the girl I teased," Marley smiled at them. "But I didn't really think so until she reacted the way she did." Marley curled her lip in disgust.

"God I hope not," she said taking in all of their faces. "N-Not that I have anything against it," she waved her hands nervously in front of her. "But Kitty… I mean she is just so, so…" she trailed off trying to find the words and Santana smirked.

"Repressed," Santana finished for her and Marley blushed again.

"Well even if you're not into her… she just might be into you," Quinn told her. "So please don't take anything she says to heart," Marley nodded.

"And thank you again for that it was… it was just awesome," Quinn smiled at Santana and Tina spoke again.

"Yeah these two are the original head bitches around here but they always protected the glee club," Tina smiled warmly at her friends. Rachel stepped away from Quinn with a wink and dropped Quinn's hand. She wrapped one arm around Tina's back and the other around Marley's who was grinning like a star struck fool.

"So I have to ask… who is the new Rachel? And it better be you Tina," she said and Tina giggled.

"Well Mr. Schue said there is no new Rachel… he said we do it like always as a team," Santana scoffed at that. "But this girl," she pointed to Marley. "She can sing… and she reminds me a lot of you Rachel," Marley blushed again.

"Oh really," Rachel's eyes lit up with ideas.

"That's cool," Santana butted in. "I mean I can handle another Rachel, but if there is a new Finn I'mna cut Mr. Schue," they all laughed at that.

"Who is Finn?" Marley asked.

"Trust me," Rachel spoke. "You don't want to know," again everyone laughed. "So what do you say to you and me singing a duet?" Marley gasped.

"Oh my… really… you um," she swallowed audibly. "Y-Yeah um that would be great."

"Oh for fuck's sake Marley stop pumping her ego," Santana barked, Quinn looped her arm through Santana's, and they all walked away.

It was the last day of school before Thanksgiving break so the girls went off to do their own thing while they waited for the end of the day and glee rehearsal. They knew that they probably weren't allowed to roam the halls of school but they didn't give a damn.

Brittany and Santana went to the locker room to continue to re-connect the best way they know how. And Rachel led Quinn to the auditorium. They stood hand in hand on the stage and Rachel relived some of her favorite moments on this stage.

"Hey babe," Quinn's voice broke her out of her reverie and she smiled at her. "Is it cool if I go see Coach?"

"Of course Quinn," Rachel answered and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. "I'll be here until glee starts, Quinn smiled like a fool. "What?"

"Oh nothing it's just, I miss it… being here together hearing you talk about glee," Rachel smiled at those words and nodded.

"I miss it too," she said sadly but also proudly. And Quinn kissed her again before walking out. Rachel looked around the room and smiled.

Quinn walked up to Coach Sylvester's office and knocked.

"Whoever that is better have a damn good reason for bugging me when I'm with my daughter," Sue yelled but when Quinn poked her head inside her whole demeanor changed and a smile crossed her lips.

So what if Quinn Fabray made her smile?

"Sorry to bother you Coach but-"

"Nonsense Q," she waved her in. "Come in here and meet my daughter," Quinn smiled and closed the door behind her. She walked over and Sue handed her the baby. "Q… this is Robin," she said smiling at the vision before her.

"She's beautiful," Quinn said and looked from the smiling baby back up to the smiling and proud woman who was looking at the baby like she was perfect. Quinn smiled and the sight. "Motherhood suits you Coach." She saw a brief nod at the compliment before her familiar scowl was back in place.

"Oh don't get all sappy on me now Q, just because you've gone soft doesn't mean I have," Quinn laughed as Sue took the baby and put her down in the carriage near her desk; then she turned back to Quinn. "So how have you been? You look wonderful by the way. I guess Yale suits you."

"So much for sappy huh?" Quinn said to her and saw her scowl again. "But yeah Yale does suit me."

"Well you know what they say Q… Yale is the gay Ivy," Quinn laughed again.

"Yeah well then it is perfect for me isn't it?" This time it was Sue that chuckled. She really missed Coach Sylvester now that she was no longer screaming at her. And thinking of that brought Quinn's thoughts to Kitty.

"So what is the deal with your new head cheerleader? She's kind of…" Quinn trailed off trying to think of the perfect word. But Sue put her hand up instantly shushing her.

Okay maybe she was still a bit afraid of the woman.

"I don't want to hear it Q, she was the cream of the crop… and how sad is that? You should see some of the losers I got now," she was pissed. "They'll never be anyone as good as you Q… and sandbags and sweet, simple Brittany," Quinn smiled. "Are they here too?" Quinn nodded. "And I'm assuming your energized little hobbit is here too," Quinn nodded again. "Ooh did Porcelain make the trip as well?"

"Careful Coach or I'll start to think you might've missed us," Quinn said and Sue nodded.

"Yeah well… there will never be another group like you guys. The Unholy Trinity and the stupid little glee club, you guys are special and I don't think anyone will ever matter as much," Quinn smiled. Her favorite version of Coach Sylvester was this one.

The unguarded and sweet person she actually was.

"But don't let that go to your head Q… and if you ever tell any of those losers that I said that I'll make you pay. Don't think that just because you're not a student here anymore-"

"I miss you too Coach," she cut her off and saw Sue smile. "We're going to crash glee club rehearsal later… you should stop by," she walked toward the door. "You know if you're not too busy to hang out with some losers one more time," she saw Sue smiling as she ducked out of the room.

Rachel was sitting at the piano; she wasn't playing anything she was just smiling and thinking about all of the wonderful moments of her life that happened in this room and suddenly she wanted to sing on this stage again. She got to her feet, put a cd into the sound system, pressed play, and started to sing.

What she didn't know was that standing in the back of the auditorium, with his guitar around his neck and watching with pride as Rachel Berry belted out some old school Mellencamp was Noah Puckerman.

Well I was born in a small town
And I live in a small town
Probably die in a small town
Oh, those small - communities

All my friends are so small town
My parents live in a same small town
My job is so small town
Provides little opportunity, hey!

Puck smirked and started to strum his guitar as he stepped into the aisle so she could see him. When she heard his guitar she gasped and then a smiled over took her face at the sight of her Jew Bro. Just as she was about to sing the next line he did instead; she smiled and watched.

Educated in a small town
Taught to fear Jesus in a small town

They both smirked at the Jesus line.

Used to daydream in that small town
Another boring romantic that's me

But I've seen it all in a small town
Had myself a ball in a small town
Married an L.A. doll and brought her to this small town
Now she's small town just like me

Rachel joined him on this part.

No I cannot forget where it is that I come from
I cannot forget the people who love me
Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town
And people let me be just what I want to be

Puck played along with the solo as he finally made his way to the stage to join her. They both looked out at the seats and Rachel sang again smiling at the irony of the words she was singing and again Puck watched with pride.

Got nothing against a big town
Still hayseed enough to say
Look who's in the big town
But my bed is in a small town
Oh, that's good enough for me

And then Rachel watched as he finished the song.

Well I was born in a small town
And I can breathe in a small town
Gonna die in a small town
Ah, that's probably where they'll bury me.

When the song was over and he took his guitar off of his shoulder he was blindsided by Rachel crashing into him.

"Oh Noah it's so good to see you," she said and he picked her up and spun her around.

"You too babe," he lowered her to the ground she stared at his face for several minutes before remembering that he hadn't contacted her in three months and then she was slapping the hell out of him.

"Noah how dare you not contact me or visit me for three months," she was yelling and hitting and he was trying to stop her.

"Dude I didn't do it on purpose and the phone works both ways," she stopped hitting him.

"I've just been busy and-"

"And you think I haven't?" She smiled and bit her lip.

"I guess I didn't really think about the fact that you were doing your own thing," he grinned his stupid Puckerman grin and she melted. "I am kind of selfish you know?"

"No way," he said sarcastically and she smacked his arm again.

"Noah stop picking on me and hug me again," she demanded and being as whipped as he was by his Jew Babe be complied. He hugged her tight and smiled into her should.

God he missed her so much… Quinn too.

"So what has kept you so busy Noah," she wondered pulling out of the hug. "Let me guess working you way through fucking every woman in New Jersey," he laughed at that.

"I wish," he told her. "And no I've been… here for the last month actually," she furrowed her brow. "Yeah turns out I have a little brother that goes to McKinley now," she gasped. "And get this… he's in glee club."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he uh… he's a lot like me actually."

"Oh for fucks sake Noah… the McKinley High female population cannot handle another Puckerman," he giggled and tucked a loose piece of hair behind her ear.

"God I missed you Rach," he said grinning and she pulled him into another hug.

"Unhand my girlfriend Puckerman," Quinn's angry voice sounded behind them and Puck smiled into Rachel's shoulder before releasing her and pulling Quinn into a tight hug.

"What's up Fabray? Can't handle a little competition for your woman," she shot him an icy glare.

"Oh please assface," he laughed. "Like you ever had a chance with her… I'm all she'll ever need."

"Got that right," Rachel murmured staring at Quinn with fire in her eyes.

"So things haven't changed with you two huh… still as horny as ever I see," they both blushed.

"Come on let's go to glee club and I'll introduce you to my brother," Quinn was confused.

"Fucking hell, there are two of you?" Quinn yelled and both Puck and Rachel laughed.

"Yeah I'll explain later," wrapped one arm around each of his girls and for the first time in months he felt home.

The glee club was in the room getting ready to start rehearsal. Kurt, Mike, Puck, Quinn and Rachel were outside and they were waiting for Santana and Brittany. Several minutes later the two girls showed up.

"You think we can make Mr. Schue cry again?" Santana asked with a smirk but no one answered. Quinn knocked on the opened door and they all entered to see Mr. Schuester nearly fall off of his stool.

"Oh my god! What are you all doing here?"

"We thought we'd crash glee rehearsal," Quinn told him and he hugged her tight. After he hugged everyone and they all hugged their old friends. Sugar took an especially long time hugging Quinn; until Rachel literally yanked the girl off of her.

"Oh my god how," he stammered as tears threated to spill over. "How are you guys?" And the next twenty minutes were filled with everyone talking about what they had been up to. It was the last rehearsal before break and no one cared how long they were there. They were just having a blast with some new and old friends.

"Mr. Schue," Rachel got his attention. "Is it okay if I sing a song… w-with Marley?" She asked and Marley smiled.

Marley had told her mother that Rachel Berry was here and wanted to sing a song with her. She told her mom to come to the auditorium for glee rehearsal because she wanted her to hear it. Her mom tried to protest- saying that she didn't want to embarrass her but Marley insisted.

Mr. Schuester looked surprised. "Of course Rachel… what song?"

"You'll see," she said and walked over to Marley she held out her hand and the girl took it. "Give us a few minutes and then join us in the auditorium."

A few minutes later Marley and Rachel stood in the center of the stage looking out at their friends and Rachel smiled.

"This song is dedicated to the love of my life, I love you Quinn Fabray," she said, Marley smiled warmly, and Quinn blushed. "But it's also for my glee club… I miss you guys so much and I want you to never forget that you touched my life and you all made it better… even you Sugar," Sugar clapped loudly. She turned to Marley. "You ready?"

"Y-Yeah," she stammered. "I just wanted to say something if that's okay."

"Of course," Rachel told her.

"For me… this song is dedicated to my mother," she met her mother's eyes in the back of the room. Rachel followed her eyes and smiled at the woman. "I know she thinks that being my mother makes my life harder but it doesn't. I love you mom and I don't care what anyone says about us… it's you and me against the world," her mom smiled as tears fell from her eyes. "Well now I guess it's you, and me, and the glee club against the world," they all laughed.

"Got that right," Sam yelled and Rachel beamed. It was nice to see that nothing had changed with these kids and everyone was safe in the glee club.

"Hi Marley's mom," Rachel yelled and waved to the back of the room and saw the woman waving back. Rachel nodded to Brad and the music began; Rachel sang first.

When darkness falls upon your heart and soul.
I'll be the light that shines for you.
When you forget how beautiful you are
I'll be there to remind you.
When you can't find your way
I'll find my way to you.
When troubles come around,
I will come to you.

I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.

And when you're there with no one there to hold.
I'll be the arms that reach for you.
And when you feel your faith is running low.
I'll be there to believe in you.
When all you find are lies.
I'll be the truth you need.
When you need someone to run to.
You can run to me

When the song was over and the glee club was on their feet cheering, Marley waved to her mom again and Rachel could tell that the woman was crying. She waved back, ducked her head and left the auditorium.

Everyone joined Rachel and Marley on stage and Quinn kissed Rachel soundly. After breaking the kiss they stared at each other longingly until Mr. Schuester's voice broke them out of their love spell.

"Okay that was beautiful guys…. What do you guys say you join us on this week's group number," he asked and the loud cheer that erupted was enough to give him his answer.

"Mr. Schue," Quinn called and he looked over at her.

"Before we sing I would just like to invite everyone over to my house tonight to hang out, and catch up," she looked over at Unique, Marley and Jake. "You guys are invited too."

"Thank you," Marley and Unique said at the same time and Jake smirked and checked her out. She shook her and Rachel growled at him.

"Mine," she said to him and he was smart enough to avert his eyes. He caught sight of his brother laughing at him and he just shook his head.

"Welcome to my life bro," Puck told him.

When the music began Quinn was looking around the room. First she saw Coach Sylvester lurking in the back of the auditorium pretending that she wasn't there and that made her chuckle and then something caught her eye and she grinned.

Standing on the balcony and watching them was Kitty.

Huh? Quinn thought- Some things never change.

Then she caught sight of Rachel across the stage and forgot everything else. And though they didn't rehearse this song at all, they definitely knew it so they joined in and it was incredible and special and everything else that being in glee club always made them feel.

And it was so nice to be home.

And then Rachel's arms were around her and she felt even more at home.

After and amazing night spent with amazing people, friends old and new. Quinn and Rachel said goodnight to Judy and went back to Rachel's house. They would all be spending the next day at the Fabray house celebrating Thanksgiving but tonight.

Tonight was about Quinn and Rachel.

The walked up the stairs to Rachel's room and Quinn followed Rachel inside. She collapsed to the bed and squealed in surprised when she felt Rachel lay on top of her. She smiled into that beautiful face.

"Hey baby," Quinn cooed and Rachel's smiled widened.

"Today was a good day Quinn."

"Today was a great day my love," Quinn agreed.

"And now I'm in my bed with my girl and there is literally nothing better than this."

"I agree," she trailed off when she felt Rachel kissing her jaw. "Well except maybe that," Quinn hummed.

"Make love to me Quinn," Rachel said softly and Quinn moaned before nodding and then pressed her lips to Rachel's.

Brittany and Santana had left Quinn's house around the same time Quinn and Rachel did and now they were in Santana's bed. Santana was sitting on her knees with Brittany also on her knees facing each other.

"I miss you Santana," Brittany said and saw a frown start to form on Santana's perfect lips. "I didn't say that to make you feel bad or anything… it's just the truth," Santana nodded. "Being at school today and back in that choir room and auditorium made me realize how much I miss seeing you every day."

"Me too," Santana said.

"And kissing you every day," Brittany finished that line with a sweet kiss.

"I know babe and I promise I will be in New York next year, right beside you forever," Brittany smiled. "Do you think… I mean will you wait for me until then?"

"You don't know by now Santana that I will wait forever for you," Santana blushed.

"Yeah I know I guess…" she felt tears prickling her eyes at how lucky she was to have this girl and how lucky she was to be coming home to her. "I guess it's just nice to hear sometimes."

"Make love to me Santana," she husked and Santana crashed their lips together in a sweet and simple kiss full of love and desire.

Quinn was lying between Rachel's legs and leaving wet open mouth kisses across her heated flesh. She was currently kissing her abs and working her way up that chest, and over those amazing breasts. She stopped and wrapped her lips around Rachel's stiff nipple and sucked harshly.

"Mm," Rachel moaned and bucked her hips. She fisted Quinn's hair with one hand and the sheet with the other. Quinn switched to her other nipple and gave it the same treatment. And when Quinn knew she was on the edge of ecstasy she released the nipple with a loud pop and stared into those wanton, lust filled eyes. Then she gasped when she felt Rachel's hands cup her breasts and pinch her own rock hard nipples roughly.

"Fuck," Quinn moaned and Rachel lent her head down and sucked one of those perfect pink nipples into her mouth. Quinn arched into her touch and pressed her heated core against Rachel's own.

Santana was lying between Brittany's leg and they were kissing. It was perfect and sweet and simple just like true love should be. Santana knew in this moment that she would do anything… and follow this girl anywhere.

"Baby," Brittany moaned pulling out of the kiss and Santana's eyes locked on hers.

"What do you need?"

"Please Santana… I need you," she hummed and the vulnerability and trust the girl was showing her in that moment made her fall deeper and could've had her coming on the spot. Instead she slid her fingers through Brittany's soaked folds and bit her lip; showing her own vulnerability.

"Same time," Santana pleaded and Brittany nodded once. She nearly came when she felt those fingers slip through her own drenched center. And as they pushed in at the same time they let out matching moans. "Oh fuck I love you Brittany."

"I love you too San, so much," they kissed again as they fell into a rhythm and made love to each other.

It was incredible.

And as they reached climax at the same time Santana knew it was fate that she met this girl, and that they became best friends, and that she fell insanely in love with her.

Just like she knew moving to New York would be right for her.

Fate had laid a hand when she met Brittany S. Pierce.

And she thanked god every day for her love.

"Oh San!" Brittany screamed and Santana covered her mouth with a kiss. Her own screams muffled by the scorching kiss.

After calming down they cuddled close and Santana hugged Brittany from behind.

"I'd always wait for you too Britt… I always have been and I always will be yours," she said sweetly and Brittany smiled.

"I know," Santana smiled back and kissed her right behind her ear before both girls fell asleep.

Quinn and Rachel were pumping their fingers furiously into each other. Both girls were panting and both girls were close to the edge. Rachel's free hand was wrapped around Quinn's neck and tugging on the small hairs at the base of her neck. Quinn's free hand was on the bed holding herself upright and staring into those brown eyes.

"Oh baby… I'm," Rachel stared to say but ended in a moan.

"Me too Rach," Quinn said before lowering her mouth. Rachel met her halfway and pulled her closer. The kiss started out sweet but soon turned feverish as both girls came hard both moaning into the kiss. When they had both calmed down they were staring at each other again. Quinn pulled her fingers out and Rachel smiled slightly before pulling hers out as well.

"I love you so much," Rachel hummed.

"I love you just as much baby," Quinn said before flopping onto her side. They both laid there panting as their heated bodies cooled down. When it got a little cold Rachel reached down and pulled the blanket up over them and then she cuddled into Quinn's side.

"Perfect ending to a perfect day," Rachel said softly.

"Yeah," Quinn agreed. "With the perfect girl…in the perfect bed," Rachel giggled at that.

"And we still have three more days of this bed to sleep in and wake up in," Rachel told her and Quinn hummed her satisfied approval.

"And don't forget to fuck in," Quinn said in a teasing tone.

"Like I could ever forget that," Rachel teased right back. Quinn kissed her forehead and they stared into each other's eyes as a comfortable silence fell over then.

Rachel fell asleep first and Quinn listened to her breathing and felt so safe and warm in those arms that saved her, that always saved her.

In this girl's arms really was where she felt the most loved and protected… she really was home.

A/N 2: The song Rachel and Puck sang was Small Town by John Mellencamp. The song Rachel and Marley sang was I'll Be by Reba McIntyre. The title of the chapter comes from the song Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait/Glee cast.

Up next they're back in Lima for New Year's Eve.