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

Chapter 27: A Few More Hours

"The right thing and the easy thing are never the same."

-Kami Garcia; Beautiful Creatures

/

It was the longest three weeks in history.

Well okay maybe Rachel was being a bit over dramatic but that was her thing. She was just really, really missing Quinn.

She had so much going on and right now she just wanted her baby in her arms; and she was literally counting the minutes.

Okay maybe that was Rachel Berry's over dramatics talking again. But she was counting the days. She had just left Tibideaux class for the final class of the year and was heading to Cassie's room to turn in her keys and invite her to her final performance of The Glass Menagerie.

As she was heading toward the class she ran- literally ran- into Brody.

"Seriously Brody, do you try to run into girls, or am I just lucky?"

"Nice to see you too Rach," he said with his stupid sideways smirk and she let out an exasperated chuckle and she pushed him lightly.

"Sorry," she took a deep breath and met his eyes. "I'm just really stressed out right now."

"Clearly," he said pushing his hands into his pockets he took in her frazzled appearance. "But what's going on, can I help?"

"I just… it's been a rough few weeks with finals and Quinn had to push back her visit last week because her own finals are killing her right now… and it'll be a month… a fucking month since I have last seen her. Do you know how long that is?" He laughed and she hit him harder again and again. He covered himself as she wailed on him so that she wouldn't hit anything vital. But he was still laughing. "Why are you laughing at me you asshole?"

"Because sexually frustrated Rachel is my favorite of all the Rachels."

"Fuck you," she yelled but she finally stopped hitting him.

"Tried… you weren't interested and even if you were your girlfriend is scary," he smirked again and saw that she was finally smiling. "Come on, I'll buy you some coffee and then you can tell me all about your sexual frustration," she slapped him again. "I-I meant your frustration," she eyed him evilly. "Your regular boring plain old frustration nothing sexual at all," this time she laughed.

"Thanks Brody but I have to meet with Cassie right now?"

"Well is it going to be a long meeting because you can meet me there," he said and then stuck his lip out in a pout. "Unless you don't want to hang out with me."

"Don't be stupid," she smiled at him and then nodded. "Yeah I'll meet you there after this," he smiled.

"Cool," he started to leave and then he turned back. "Oh and Rachel we're talking about this girl you're trying to set me up with too," this time she pouted. "See you in a few." She watched him walk away and smiled fondly. She was so glad she had met Brody he was a wonderful substitute for Noah when he was unavailable. She turned on her heel and headed to the dance room already feeling better about her day.

Quinn was balancing a book in one hand and a coffee in the other as she struggled to get the keys into the lock of her apartment. Once she got the door unlocked she nearly fell into the apartment. She laughed at the absurdity of this situation and dropped her books and her bag onto the couch ready to spend another night with her head buried in her books.

She knew Rachel was upset.

Not upset with her; she understood that Quinn was swamped but she knew the girl was disappointed… she was too. She was able to get through her studying without having to take time away from Rachel the last two years but writing the play this year took a lot of study time away and now she was paying for it.

Not that she regretted it one bit.

She loved that she wrote a wonderful play that got her acclaim from the reviews in the college paper as well as the New Haven local paper. She was on top of the world when that happened and Rachel was sure to reward her over and over and over when she had shown it to her.

But all of that came at a price.

A price of which she was now paying.

She missed Rachel, holding her, touching her, kissing her.

"Ugh Quinn," she grumbled out loud into her empty apartment. "Getting yourself even more frustrated is not going to help at all." She pushed thoughts of Rachel out of her head.

Well as far back as her brain allowed Rachel to be pushed and she focused on her work.

One more week.

She would get to see her in one more week.

She was immersed in her studying when she was broken out of the land of nerd by the sound of the door slamming and Sawyer's voice bouncing off the walls.

"Son of a fucking bitch!"

"Sawyer are you-" she saw that she had startled her friend when she spoke which in turn made her jump too.

"What the fuck Quinn?" Sawyer yelled.

"Sorry I," she trailed off and looked her friend over. Sawyer was definitely a mess; something was very wrong with her and she knew the girl wouldn't tell her if she didn't ask so she spoke again. "I didn't mean to startle you but you seem upset what's wrong?"

"Oh it's nothing," Sawyer said and turned to the refrigerator. "I thought you were going to be in New York this weekend. Good thing Puck's out of town huh or you might've saw more of us than you'd ever want to see," she plopped down on the couch beside Quinn and flipped on the television.

Quinn knew what she was doing.

She was doing what Sawyer always does.

She was hiding.

Which was something Quinn was very familiar with; she would normally let it go and let Sawyer change the subject because she knew the girl would turn to her if things got too out of control.

Or would she?

Sawyer always blew off her problems and changed the subject. She had been doing it since the day she had met her and Quinn never really picked up on it… not until now.

"Hello," she heard Sawyer's voice say and when she focused her eyes again she saw the girl's hand waving in front of her face. "Where'd you go just now dude?"

"I um… uh… Sawyer?"

"Hmm," she hummed.

"What's wrong with you?"

"What?" She could tell the girl was slightly confused.

"You were upset when you walked in and-"

"Oh uh that… it was nothing really," she looked back at the television. "So you didn't tell me why you're not in New York."

"It's not nothing Sawyer and stop changing the subject on me, " she roughly grasped the remote control out of Sawyer's hand and shut the TV off. "What happened?"

"Quinn-"

"No something is wrong and I'm going to be the friend that you always seem to never let me be," Quinn was getting upset now. She wasn't even really sure why, but she was.

"Quinn relax dude… are you frustrated or something. You're not fighting with Rachel are you?"

"Fuck off! And stop changing the subject!" Quinn shouted and she seemed to have finally gotten through to her friend. "What happened?" And in that moment she saw Sawyer's mask slip.

She had only seen it slip one other time and that was at her family's beach house on the Cape when she finally stood up to her father. This was the real Sawyer before her and she really hated herself for never seeing it before.

Wow, I've been a shitty friend- she thought. But her eyes never left Sawyer's and what she saw before her was the façade crumbling around her.

"I'm… I'm…." she flexed her jaw trying to keep the tears at bay but it didn't work. "I'm failing Quinn," she finally said. And she cried.

She finally cried; and Quinn held her as she finally broke.

Rachel walked into Cassie's dance room and smiled when she saw the woman giving one of her freshman dancers a bunch of flack.

Oh how she knew how that girl was feeling.

"Get your sorry asses out of my class and um, for the love of god practice some more because if you're not better by next year please don't even bother showing up," she waved them away and as the kids filed out of the room, Rachel stopped in front of the girl Cassie had been yelling at when she got there.

"Don't give up… she treats you like that because you have what it takes, trust me," she saw the girl's face brighten and a smile appear.

"T-T-Thank you," the girl stammered. Once the room was empty Rachel walked over to Cassie who had her back to her and was stretching her arms behind her.

"Miss July," she said in her timid voice and Cassie turned and glared at her. When she saw who it was her glare faded and a smile appeared.

"What the hell Berry? I'm starting to think you like watching me work out," she said with her smug voice and Rachel crossed her arms over her chest.

"Maybe I do," she teased and Cassis stood up and faced her.

"What can I do for you Berry?" Rachel pulled the keys to the room out of her bag and held them up for Cassie to take. But instead of taking them she cocked her head to the side and raised her eyebrow.

"What's this?"

"The keys… I'm not going to be able to be your TA next year."

"And why the hell not," this time Cassie crossed her arms. "Did Broadway come a calling?" She teased and Rachel noted that even though she tried to sound bitter it only sounded hopeful.

"No," Rachel shook her head and pulled her arm back. It was clear that Cassie was not going to take the keys. "But I'm going to take next year off… kind of… to do more fun things."

"You," Cassie laughed. "Fun? Never," Rachel laughed with her.

"I think I'm going to take this final year of college to actually enjoy college… maybe take an extra course or two," she saw that Cassie was intrigued so she continued. "This past year with the play and the concert and the struggles Quinn and I were having at the beginning of the year it was just a really rough year for me and I-"

"You can't hack it," Cassie laughed again. "I knew it," she seemed please but Rachel knew better. Miss July was very much like Santana.

"I can… and rest assured I will, but I want to take it easy next year because once this… NYADA, once it's over… Broadway will be all I think about… all I do, besides Quinn of course," Cassie laughed at that. "I just want one year to discover what else… besides music makes Rachel Berry tick," she saw Cassie nodding and could tell that she was clearly impressed.

"Well keep the keys then Berry… you know in case you discover that cleaning and doing laundry is something that makes Rachel Berry tick."

"Ha," Rachel laughed and Cassie's smile widened.

"But seriously… you know maybe choreography is something you'd like to try your hand at… or photography, this room has amazing lighting."

"Yeah it does," Rachel grinned knowing that Cassie was supporting her.

In her own way.

"But seriously, I can make another set for my new TA."

"Well thank you Miss July."

"Fuck off with that shit Rachel," she said and Rachel laughed. "So is quitting on me, and leaving me high and dry your only reason for seeing me or is there something else?"

"There is actually, I wanted to give you this," she pulled a ticket out of her bag.

"What's this?"

"A ticket to my final show… I thought you'd like to be there. But I should warn you that my mom and her fiancé will be there also."

"Well thanks Rachel," she held the ticket up. "I'll think about it," Rachel nodded and turned to leave. "Hey Berry," Cassie called and she turned back.

"Any suggestions on a new TA," she wondered with a shrug and Rachel fought the urge to be smug and instead nodded.

"How about that girl you were torturing in class just now."

"Ugh her… no way she's a train wreck."

"You said the same about me."

"And I was right, you're still a train wreck," Rachel laughed again. "But seriously… her?"

"Yeah… or Tina," Rachel said with a grin and saw Cassie smile at that. "You'd only have her for one more year but Tina is wonderful."

"Hm, food for thought. Thanks Berry."

"You're welcome Miss July."

"Fuck off!" Rachel heard her yell as she left the room and headed to the coffee shop to meet Brody.

Once Sawyer had cried her eyes out she pulled out of Quinn's arms and wiped her face with her hands.

"I-I'm sorry Quinn… I know you're studying right now and I-"

"Hey I- It's fine come on Sawyer don't close yourself off again. Since I have met you, you have always seemed so together… so you know… fine. And because of this amazing act you put on I never pushed before, I have been a shitty friend Sawyer."

"Oh stop it… you have not. It's not just you Quinn, I shut everybody out. Puck doesn't even know that I'm failing."

"Oh," Quinn bit her lip thought for a few moments before she spoke again. "What um, what class are you failing?"

"Classes… plural Q," Sawyer said pathetically.

"Oh… um, how many?"

"Two," she said and another sob escaped her lips. And she broke again. "I'm so stupid Quinn. I should've just quit instead of letting my dad talk me into this shit. I'm not meant for school especially the Ivy League… and I can't fucking do this… I can't I-I-I ca-," Sawyer gasped and Quinn panicked because Sawyer seemed to be having trouble breathing.

"Sawyer," she said and hopped up off the couch as she watched her friend gasping for breath. "What do I… what do I… what do I do?"

"Panic…" Sawyer sucked in a breath. "Attack," she finally finished and Quinn racked her brain on what to do in this situation. She had never known anyone who had panic attacks so she did the only thing she could think of. She started to rub Sawyer's back.

"Just breath okay Sawyer, stop thinking and just breath." She was trying to use a soothing voice. "Take deep breaths in through your nose," Sawyer was listening to her instructions and it seemed to be working. After a few minutes Sawyer finally had her breathing under control and she looked up at Quinn.

"That was awesome Q… how'd you know what to do?"

"I didn't… I uh," she shrugged. "I just thought about what I would want someone to do for me."

"Well it worked…you're so smart Q… you're so fucking smart. I wish I was smart but I'm not. I'm stupid," Quinn could see that she was getting herself worked up again so she stopped her before she could freak out again.

"You're not stupid Sawyer, come on you've made it this far haven't you?" She saw the girl nod. "Just stop panicking okay… we'll figure this out. I promise."

"We?"

"Yeah we… we're friends dude and it's about time I acted like it."

"It's not your fault you didn't know Quinn, no one knows… not Noah, not my parents, no one… well no one but you."

"How is that possible?"

"I hide it; I hide everything about myself that isn't perfect Quinn."

"Why?" She shook her head in confusion.

"Because I don't want to be a disappointment."

"Well you've never disappointed me," Quinn said honestly and Sawyer nodded. "And as far as I know you've never disappointed Puck," Sawyer smiled and nodded again. "And who wants to be perfect anyway… so how about you tell me where things started to go wrong."

"Well," She took another deep breath to keep the panic at bay. "It started at the beginning of the semester. I was singing with Puck at one of our gigs and I lost my breath during a song and then I had a panic attack. I ran away so he wouldn't know and calmed myself down, later when he asked what happened I told him that I never learned proper breathing control because I never had any formal lessons."

"You lied?"

"Yeah," she nodded pathetically. "I mean I only had a few lessons because I had to hide it from my father; it wasn't a complete lie… but yeah I lied. And then after that I failed one of my exams and it just snowballed from there."

"Okay… so which classes are you failing?"

"English, and Calculus," she said and Quinn smirked. "What?"

"Well I'm an English major."

"I know asshole," Sawyer teased. "But I have seen you try to do math and um no."

"I graduated valedictorian asshole," Quinn retorted. "I took all this shit in high school."

"You did?"

"Yeah so maybe you should be nicer to the girl who is going to tutor you," Quinn saw her smile.

"The year is almost over Q."

"Tomorrow you're going to go your professors and ask if you can make up the work during the summer and if they say no ask if you can retake the courses next year. Either way you will pass those classes."

"How the fuck are you going to tutor me over the summer?"

"You're coming to Lima with me… and ooh," Sawyer laughed at the emergence of nerd Quinn. "Mike is amazing at Calulus, and he is wonderful tutor he tutored me and helped me keep up with classes after my accident senior year; he'll help too."

"Shouldn't you ask him?"

"Yeah, I mean I will. But he'll do it… he's wonderful he'll be glad to help."

"I don't deserve this Quinn."

"Of course you do… now go rest and try to relax… I need to study," Quinn said pushing her slightly.

"Well can I help… maybe quiz you or something?"

"Yeah I mean… that would be great," Quinn started to go through her bag for her flash cards.

"Thank you Quinn," Sawyer said with a heavy breath. "I feel so much better now."

"You're welcome and remember; you don't have to keep everything inside."

"I guess I'm just not used to having people around that I can turn to when things go bad," Sawyer said with a half smile.

"Well you do now, and not just me… you have Puck and Rachel… Ooh Rachel, she can help you with your breathing, she's outstanding at it," Sawyer laughed. "What?"

"I don't need to know about your sex life Q."

"I wasn't," she started and then she blushed when she caught on to what Sawyer was saying and she pushed her again. "You're an ass."

"I know," Sawyer got to her feet. "I'm going to go take a quick shower while you get your nerd notes together."

"Okay," she waited until Sawyer left before she pulled out her phone.

From Quinn: If you're not too busy now you need to come here, Sawyer needs you.

A moment later she got another text.

From Puck: I'll be there asap. She's safe though right?

From Quinn: Yeah she's safe. She just needs your arms. She has mine until you get here.

From Puck: Thanks Q.

From Quinn: Just repaying a debt.

She smiled as she hit send and she reflected back on the weeks that she and Rachel were apart and Puck held Rachel together for her. And thinking about Rachel made her ache again.

She really missed her. She sent out one more text before she put her notes together for her study session.

From Quinn: I'm so in love with you.

Rachel was just sitting down at the café; Brody had gotten up to order her coffee for her when her phone buzzed on the table. She opened it and saw a text from Quinn. A smiled formed on her lips before she even read it.

From Quinn: I'm so in love with you.

She bit her lip and tapped out a reply.

From Rachel: Oh babe me too. Is it next weekend yet?

From Quinn: Soon. What are you doing?

From Rachel: Coffee with Brody. You studying?

From Quinn: Yeah with Sawyer, I'll explain later… I just needed to talk to you. I miss you tons baby.

From Rachel: Me too my love, me too but I don't want to take you from your books my little nerd. Call me later and talk dirty to me ;)

From Quinn: Deal ;) and tell Brody to keep his hands to himself or I'll break his face.

Rachel laughed when she read that and showed it to Brody who had just returned with her coffee. He laughed and held his hands in the air.

From Rachel: Done. I love you angel, go get your nerd on because you're mine later xx

From Quinn: I'm always yours, talk to you soon xx

Rachel tucked her phone away and smiled up at Brody.

"Okay so… this girl," Brody began and Rachel laughed at his apprehension but after getting his heart ripped out by Sofia she could definitely understand his caution.

"Look Brody, she is in my show so you have seen her before and she's well… she's a lot like me and she seems sweet. And you think I'm sweet so…" she trailed off and he laughed.

"I think you're insane."

"And sweet?" She questioned with her lip out in a pout and she watched him melt under her gaze, he shook his head and grinned.

"Yeah and sweet… but Rachel I don't know if I'm ready, I really liked Sofia and she-"

"I know, I know Brody," she cut him off to spare him the heartache of telling her what happened. She knew what happened from Santana talking about how she bitched the girl out at working for breaking her boy's heart.

Santana always managed to surprise her sometimes.

"But listen… just meet her and see where it goes, I won't be mad if you don't like her or if you're not ready. I just want you happy… you are a wonderful guy Brody and you deserve to be happy."

"Okay Rach… you're laying on a little thick aren't you?"

"No," he could tell she was a bit offended by his words but he smiled when she did. "I meant every word of what I said," she crossed her arms and again he laughed.

"Okay fine… I'll meet her, what's her name?" He finished through her loud squealing.

"Her name is Jill and don't tell Quinn I said this but she is super hot," Brody laughed at how sometimes Rachel was just like any other bro… even though she had boobs, and an amazing ass, and legs…

He looked away from her and pushed those thoughts out of his head in favor of how his bro Rachel was really invested in his happiness and just like that he remembered she was one of his dear friends and not just another hot girl he was crushing on.

"Jill huh?"

"Yeah Jill," she said with a huge toothy grin and he just laughed and sipped his coffee.

"So what are your plans for the summer Rachel?"

"Home… I miss Lima," she looked around as if someone heard her say that. "I mean, I thought those words would never leave my mouth but I really do miss it… I miss the simplicity."

"Yeah me too… that's why I always find time to go to Montana," he agreed.

"Ooh you should find a way to come to Lima this summer for Noah's Fourth of July party… please Brody, please, please."

"I'll think about it," he said with a chuckle but he knew the moment she asked that he would find a way to get to Lima this summer.

For Puck's Fourth of July party.

Because even though he'd never date her he was still very whipped.

Another talent of one Rachel Berry.

"Wish me luck," Rachel said as she paced back and forth backstage before her final show. She was holding her phone to her ear and Quinn was on the other side. She hated that Quinn wasn't there for her last show but she was there for her first and as many as she could see in between but the following weekend was Santana's big show and they agreed that Quinn would have to miss one and since she had already seen Rachel she should miss the final one to be at Santana's; but right now in this moment Rachel hated that Quinn wasn't there.

"Break a leg my love and I am so sorry I am not there," she said sadly.

"Quinn," Rachel whined.

"No listen I know we agreed and I know we made the right decision but I promise you Rachel Berry with all of my heart and soul this is the one and only performance I will ever miss."

"You can't promise that Quinn… when I'm a big Broadway star I'll be performing every night and there is no way you can realistically attend them all."

"Well okay you got me there."

"I got you everywhere," Rachel teased with a bite of her lip. She didn't want Quinn to feel bad. She knew why they agreed to this and she wasn't mad she was just a bit selfish.

"Let me rephrase then," Quinn's husky voice purred into the phone and Rachel felt herself becoming aroused. Fuck- she thought- a month was too fucking long. "I will never agin miss the first or last show of every show you ever star in… is that better?"

"Yeah, I can agree to that."

"I love you Rachel and I want you to go out there an shine the way you always do and I'll be right there with you in spirit."

"And in my heart… I love you too angel," Rachel blew a kiss into the phone. "I have to go though… it's almost time."

"Okay… break a leg and I'll be the one clapping the loudest… of course you won't hear it from New Haven but I will be doing it."

"Uh god Quinn… you always make me feel like I'm worth a million bucks."

"You are… you're worth everything. Now go out there and shine."

"Yes ma'am," Rachel husked and this time Quinn became turned on.

A month was too fucking long- she thought as she hung up the phone and buried her face in a book.

/

After Rachel's show, she went into the dressing room and saw a bouquet of gardenias sitting on the table and she felt butterflies flutter throughout her body. She pulled the card out with shaking hands and read it.

To Rachel; I love you my beautiful star and I'm sorry I couldn't there in person today but I told you I'd be there in spirit. I know you did amazing as always but call me later with the details. I love you. Xo Quinn.

p.s. Thank Brody for the assist as he picked these up and snuck them into the dressing room for me.

Rachel turned the card over in her hand with a stupid grin on her face. She knew she had people waiting to talk to her so she pulled out her phone and sent Quinn a quick text.

From Rachel: I love you too and thank you so much for the flowers baby they're beautiful I will call later; can't wait to hear your voice.

From Quinn: You're beautiful, and I can't wait either. Have fun until then… but not too much.

From Rachel: I never have too much fun without you.

From Quinn: :) :) :)

Rachel tucked her phone away and went to find her friends and family when she got there she saw her mom and Paul talking to Cassie; she hurried over to try and spare her friend some torture.

But when she got there she was pleasantly surprised to see that they were talking fine. Cassie was smiling and looked genuinely happy for her mom and she knew her presence wasn't necessary as the old friends caught up.

"Hey Rach," she heard Brody's voice behind her and she turned to see his nervous but smiling face.

"Oh yeah right, come on," She waved for him to follow her and he did. She hugged his arm and looked into his eyes. "Thank you by the way."

"For what?" He was confused.

"For being all ninja like and sneaking Quinn's flowers into my dressing room," he smiled and shrugged.

"No big deal… what can I say I'm a hopeless romantic," he teased.

"I know, and that is why you're special." She grasped his hand and pulled him backstage. She heard him gasp when he saw the girl they were approaching.

"Wow."

"Told you," she said smugly. "Jill," she called and when she turned around Brody lost his breath again. The girl smiled upon seeing Rachel approaching.

"Hey Rachel… you were brilliant tonight."

"Thanks sweetie, so were you," She hugged the girl and then turned to Brody. "So this is Brody…the guy I was telling you about." She saw Jill's smile widen when she looked at him. He held out his hand.

"It's nice to meet you Jill," he said with his stupid and charming smirk and she watched her friend melt.

"It's damn nice to meet you too Brody," she said and shook his hand.

"So do you want to um… get out of here? Rachel's having a little get together with some friends at Callbacks?" She was nodding as he was talking and Rachel knew she did well with this match up.

"Cool I'll see you guys there," she said and walked away. She wanted to talk to Quinn before the party. So she hid in the dressing room and called her.

The conversation continued later that night when she called Quinn again.

"Hello," Quinn's tired voice called over the line.

"Oh shit babe… it's too late, I'm sorry, I woke you up," she heard Quinn laugh.

"It's okay love, I fell asleep on the couch anyway and I need to be in bed," she started to gather her books into her bag.

"Okay," Rachel paused a few moments and listened to the rustling of whatever Quinn was doing. "Quinn?"

"Yeah."

"You're pretty," she said with a slur to her voice and Quinn laughed again.

"Thanks baby but um… are you drunk?"

"A little," she said softly and then hiccupped. "Okay maybe a lot," she giggled and Quinn cherished the sound as she dropped her bag near her bed and climbed into bed. "A few more hours Quinn."

"I know," Quinn said with a lazy grin. "A few more hours until you're finally in my arms again."

"Finally… a month is too-"

"Fucking long," Quinn finished for her and Rachel laughed that they were sharing the same thought.

"Quinn?"

"Hmm."

"You're pretty," she said and when Quinn laughed she remembered what she really wanted to say.

"Thanks baby… so are you?"

"Quinn?"

"Yes Rach," Quinn loved drunk Rachel.

"Will you sing to me?"

"What do you want to hear?"

"Anything… I just miss you and your voice always soothes me," Rachel said softly and as soon as Quinn started to sing Chasing Cars Rachel's heart melted. Within moments Quinn heard Rachel snoring softly into the phone and it sent warmth spreading throughout her body. She listened to the soothing sound of a sleeping Rachel Berry until she fell asleep too.

They'd be together soon.

A few more hours.

And after those few hours had passed Quinn found herself being tackled by an excited Rachel Berry in the lobby of the train station and a few moments after that she found herself being dragged into the bathroom by a horny Rachel Berry.

But she had no complaints.

She didn't have any complaints a while after that when Rachel touched her inappropriately in the taxi on the way to her apartment, or when she nearly knocked Santana over in her haste to drag Quinn into the bedroom.

Quinn didn't have any complaints… not one.

Santana may have though but she didn't really care.

Not then anyway.

And as they made love all afternoon long she realized that she was right.

A month was definitely too long.

And it would- hopefully- never happen again.

/

The following night they watched as Santana wowed everyone in attendance as she sang the National Anthem; Rachel had chills and Santana's mouth dropped open when she heard the girl admit it.

The party that followed at their apartment was just as amazing. Rachel and Quinn both got drunk and may have touched each other on the couch without anyone even noticing… of course in their defense. Kurt and Blaine were both drunk off their asses, Tina and Mike were making out and oblivious to the world around them, Santana and Brittany were locked in their room and Brody and Jill were also making out in the corner.

They were all distracted.

It was perfect.

The next day Rachel and Quinn were battling hangovers, but so was everyone else. The difference was that they were all getting onto a plane to go home to Lima for the summer; for Brittany and Santana it was only a few weeks… and Rachel and Quinn were staying in New York for another couple of weeks.

They had an important party to attend first.

Rachel was thrilled that mostly everyone would be in Lima for Puck's party; including Brody and Sawyer.

She was bummed that she wouldn't see Sam, Mercedes, Artie, Finn, or even Sugar but someday she would get them all together again… even if it meant it would be her Broadway debut but she would get them together… dammit.

The night before Quinn and Rachel's party they were cuddled in the bed and Rachel could tell Quinn was nervous.

"A few more hours baby," she whispered and Rachel ran her fingers over Quinn's.

"I know."

"Do you think she'll like it?"

"Of course she will… she's a mini you Quinn," Rachel said and felt Quinn's arms tighten around her.

"Can you believe it's been five years? Beth will be five years old tomorrow?" Quinn said with a mixture of excitement and nerves battering her tone.

"I know it seems like forever ago… but at the same time it went by so fast," Rachel said honestly and felt Quinn nodding behind her and then she felt Quinn's lips against her shoulder.

"Do you think she'll like what I got her?"

"Of course she will Rach… she idolizes you."

"And I'm not even famous yet," Rachel said smugly.

"You don't need to be famous for Beth baby, she's loved you since she was in my belly," she loosened her hold so that Rachel could turn over to face her.

"I've loved her since then too," Rachel pecked Quinn's lips and felt her smile against them. "And I've loved every moment you were pregnant with her."

"Even the puking?"

"Yeah even then… it made me want to have a family with you."

"Me too, god Rach me too," she reached up and tucked a loose piece of hair behind Rachel's ear and cupped her cheek. "We will though."

"Of course we will," Rachel kissed her again and this time it became heated. "Let's start now," Quinn laughed against her lips.

"You do know you can't get me pregnant right?"

"I do… but that doesn't mean I shouldn't at least try," Quinn laughed at her silly girlfriend. "I am an overachiever Quinn."

"Mm, I know," Quinn said with a moan before she rolled onto her back and watched as Rachel slid down her naked body and settle between her legs. When Rachel's mouth made contact with her she was so thankful for her girlfriend being an over achiever. She tangled her fingers in Rachel's hair and let the feelings wash over her.

It was going to be a long night of loving.

But worth every minute of missed sleep.

/

After spending the day with Beth and all of her friends from day care at the 92nd Street Y for Beth's birthday party; which was a place that had jungle gyms and a ball pit, plus climbing, swinging and sliding things, and plenty of room for the kids to run around; Beth was tired.

They were all tired.

They went back to Shelby's apartment for dinner… Beth's favorite: Pizza. Shelby made sure to get vegan for Rachel and they sat around as a family and ate dinner. It was wonderful. After dinner was over Quinn pulled Beth onto her lap and handed her a gift.

"Mama Quinn… you already got me sooooo many presents," Beth said excited but that didn't stop the fact that her eyes lit up at the sight of it.

"I know baby but this one is special… you probably won't care about this gift until you get older but I wanted you to have it because it was very special to me when I was growing up." Beth smiled at Quinn and tore into the package. Her eyes lit up at the book she was holding in her hand.

"Alice in Wonderland," Shelby said with a smile crossing her lips. "It's perfect Quinn."

"Yeah I um… this book," she choked up a bit but fought through it. "Well it got me through some tough times and it's so special… I wanted her to have it," she saw Shelby nod. I wrote something on the back cover for her when she's old enough to understand it."

"Awesome Quinn," Shelby told her.

"Yeah awesome Mama Quinn, will you read it to me at bedtime?"

"Of course baby," Beth leaned up and kissed Quinn's cheek and Quinn's eyes filled with tears.

"Can we please use my kaokey machine now?"

"Karaoke," Rachel corrected and Beth nodded and hopped off of Quinn's lap.

"Can we mommy?" Shelby nodded.

"I'll set it up," Paul got to his feet and a squealing Beth trailed after him.

"I guess she likes your gift babe," Quinn said to her.

"She likes yours too," Rachel sat on her lap and kissed her nose.

"I know," Quinn said and pressed a kiss to her lips. "I love you."

"Ew gross," Beth said and they pulled apart to see her glaring at them- mini HBIC style- and they laughed. "Come on Rachel… sing with me," she pulled on Rachel's hand until she was standing. Rachel winked at Quinn before she let Beth pull her away.

As Shelby and Quinn were getting up to join them there was a knock on the door and when she opened it she saw Puck and Sawyer standing there.

"We're not too late are we?" He asked hopefully and Shelby shook her head.

"Beth look who's here," she said opening the door for Beth to see them.

"Dada Noah," She yelled and ran into his arms and he picked her up and kissed her forehead. "Daddy… Rachel bought me a kokey machine and she's going to sing with me… her voice is like magic."

"I know sweetie."

"Will you sing with us too?"

"That is an offer I cannot refuse," he said and carried her back into the living room followed closely by Shelby. Quinn looked at Sawyer.

"You good?"

"Getting there Q… thanks for texting him."

"That's what friends are for," She circled her arms through Sawyer's and led her into the living room to watch the show. "Don't forget that ever again okay."

"You're kind of bossy."

"I've been told, deal with it," Quinn said and Sawyer laughed. They slumped to the couch and watched as Rachel, Beth and Puck sang to them and it may have been the best song ever.

"Mama Quinn… sing with me next," Quinn was instantly on her feet and as she passed by Rachel she pulled her close and kissed her soundly.

"Gross Mama stop that," Beth chastised.

"Never baby girl… never," she winked at Rachel and looked at Beth. "What are we singing?"

"Whatever you want Mama," Beth told her and Quinn looked at the couch and saw her audience of Puck sandwiched between Sawyer and Rachel and she knew exactly what she wanted to sing.

"How about we sing a song that Rachel used to sing to you before you were even born?"

"Oooh yeah," Beth said excitedly. As soon as Rachel heard the music for Baby Mine she swooned. And while Beth tried to sing she didn't do very well since she didn't know any of the words … but she tried and that was enough for Rachel.

And plus her girlfriends smooth, sexy voice was all she ever needed.

She had really missed it.

After the concert, Shelby gave Beth a bath and then Quinn went in to read her a story. Rachel looked over at Sawyer.

"So vocal lessons huh?"

"How much did Quinn tell you?" Sawyer said annoyed but Rachel knew she wasn't really annoyed.

"Not much, she said it was your business to tell and I respect that… but she did tell me you could use some help with breath control," Sawyer nodded. "Consider it done," she said with a smug grin and Sawyer laughed too. Rachel got to her feet and went toward Beth's bedroom. Once there, she leaned against the door frame and listened while Quinn read to her baby.

And it was perfect.

"Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end! `I wonder how many miles I've fallen by this time?' she said aloud. `I must be getting somewhere near the centre of the earth. Let me see: that would be four thousand miles down, I think-' (for, you see, Alice had learnt several things of this sort in her lessons in the schoolroom, and though this was not a very good opportunity for showing off her knowledge, as there was no one to listen to her, still it was good practice to say it over) `-yes, that's about the right distance-but then I wonder what Latitude or Longitude I've got to?' (Alice had no idea what Latitude was, or Longitude either, but thought they were nice grand words to say.)" Quinn looked up to see that Beth had fallen asleep. She closed the book and put it down on a nearby table before looking back at the sleeping angel. She leaned down and kissed her cheek.

"Love you Mama Quinn," Beth muttered before turning over and falling back to sleep and Quinn's heart melted.

"I love you too baby girl," she turned around and saw Rachel standing behind her leaning against the door. She walked closer, took Rachel's hand, and flipped the light off. She closed the door behind them and pushed Rachel gently against the wall. "Did you hear that?" Quinn whispered in astonishment.

"Every word."

"She loves me," Quinn said and tears were swimming in her eyes.

"Of course she does… what's not to love?" Quinn smiled and reflected back to the rough time she went through five years ago when she gave Beth up. She never thought then that she would one day hear her baby say she loves her and she knew what she doubted back then.

That she had done the right thing.

"I love you Rachel."

"Mm, I love you too Quinn," then she felt Quinn's lips against hers and she knew she was home… just like every time she was in Quinn's arms.

"What do you say we get out of here?" Quinn husked against her ear. "We have a few more hours before Sawyer and Puck come home… they're going to some bar so-" she shut up when she felt Rachel's finger on her lips.

"You had me at get out of here… with that sexy fucking voice in my ear… I might make you sing to me while we do it," Rachel teased.

"Mm… I might tie you up and tease the hell out of you while I sing."

"Mm, fuck… home. Now, Quinn!" Rachel demanded and dragged Quinn away because why the fuck wouldn't she. Rachel said a quick goodbye to her mom and then was dragging Quinn out again.

"Bye," Quinn squeaked out as she got dragged out of the apartment. Once they were gone Shelby looked at Puck.

"They really are horn dogs huh?"

"You have no idea," he said with a chuckle and Sawyer nodded wildly.

Shelby laughed.

"Good for them," she said.

Good for them.

A/N 2: The title comes from the song Beth by Kiss/ Glee Cast.