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

Chapter 29: You Stood by Me, and I Stood Tall

"You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love

them in spite of the fact that they're not."

-Jodi Picoult; My Sister's Keeper

/

Rachel woke up alone and she didn't have to look at the note that Quinn left to know where she was. She knew what today was; and she knew Quinn better than anybody.

She read Quinn's note anyway which did in fact confirm what she knew to be true. Quinn was running; but this time it was different… because this time she wanted Rachel to find her. A small smile crept over Rachel's face as she read through Quinn's letter.

Hey beautiful,

I'm sorry if me not being there when you wake up disappoints you at all; it was not my intention. I just really needed some time alone inside my head before I face him again. I hope you understand. I'm not running to hide from my problems this time I swear. I am merely running to work through them. You are welcome to join me though; in fact I'd prefer it if you did. If you don't want to be a part of this Quinn Fabray pity party I truly understand. But if you do; you know where to find me, and if not I'll see you soon. I love you.

xx Quinn.

Rachel smiled at the sight of a small heart drawn after Quinn's name and she quickly got dressed. She did know where to find Quinn and it was a place both very familiar and very dear to her heart.

She parked her car in the McKinley High School parking lot, pulled a duffel bag out of the backseat, and jogged over to the football field where sure enough Quinn was running the track. She stood and watched for a few moments. Quinn was so beautiful when she was running.

Well, she was beautiful always.

But when she was running there was a sort of freedom that exuded from her. Rachel saw that look from Quinn only in few situations.

One was when she was running, one was when she was reading, and one was when she was looking at her.

She loved that fact that Quinn felt safe with her.

Quinn felt as safe with her as she did with a book or when she was running and that meant absolutely everything to Rachel.

But she knew Quinn was hurting right now and she knew that she would need a little bit of pushing before Rachel would be able to get her to open up about this; but as always she was up to the task.

/

Quinn didn't intend on needing an escape.

In fact when she went to bed the night before; wrapped up in the loving arms of her one and only she felt strong. She felt brave. And she felt as though she would be able to do this. She thought she would be able to go into that courtroom and face her father one more time.

And hopefully for the last time.

But when she woke up before dawn.

Before Rachel.

She was lying in Rachel's bed and thinking about all of the emotions her father has put her through since that fateful day that she came out to him; the day he literally threw her out of his life.

She was tired of him winning, she was tired of him getting the better of her, and she was tired of the fact that she was the one to let him win time and time again. She let him win because he knew the exact right thing to say to break her; and he said those things with that very intent and purpose. He took pleasure and pride in hurting her and she was angry with herself for letting him get to her.

All. The. Damn. Time.

And even though she hated herself for it; she was still letting him win. She was letting his words, and thoughts, and hate; cloud her vision and all of her old insecurities came rushing back with a vengeance and she needed to get out, she needed to run, she needed to hide.

She needed to do what Quinn Fabray does best when she can't handle something.

She needed an escape.

As she got dressed she thought about just leaving; she knew Rachel would find her regardless but she didn't want to hurt her, or scare her. Like she had inadvertently done in the past so she scribbled out a quick note- so that Rachel could find her.

Well Rachel would find her anyway, she always did.

But the note was to show Rachel that she wanted to be found. That she needed Rachel to lean on, and to hold her, and to tell her that together they would make it through this. She wanted Rachel to find her… but she still needed the freedom that running offered her. It was always one of the ways for her to get out of her own head.

And she really needed that right then; so she leaned over the bed and kissed Rachel on the forehead before leaving the note beside her and heading out of the house.

Quinn had circled the far end of the track and was approaching the bleachers when she saw her beautiful, incredible girlfriend step onto the track and wait. As she caught up, she saw those eyes glistening with tears and she instantly felt bad.

"Rach… what-"

"You're beautiful Quinn," she saw Quinn smile shyly. "I mean you are just so gorgeous when you're like this."

"Like what?" Quinn wondered between heavy pants as she struggled to control her breathing. Rachel reached into her duffle bag, pulled out a towel and wrapped it around Quinn's neck; but she didn't release it and she saw the corners of Quinn's mouth turn up into a small grin.

"Like this… when you're running. You are just so at ease. I mean except for when it's angry running." Quinn chuckled at that but Rachel continued. "I mean I used to think that your way of dealing with stuff was so unhealthy but what I realized is that as long as you're not keeping this stuff bottled up inside of you then there is nothing wrong with running as an escape."

"I love you Rachel," she said finally controlling her breath but her stomach was battered with butterflies at Rachel's pure sweetness when the girl pulled out a water bottle and handed it to her. "I love that you know me so well," Rachel nodded. "You know when I need to be forced to talk about things and when I need time to wrap my own head around it. But mostly I love that you just get it," Rachel's smile widened. ""You just get… me." Rachel brought her arms around Quinn's neck and felt Quinn's arms glided around her waist.

"You get me too… and I love you for all those same reasons," she shrugged. "Well that and your ass," she felt sheer happiness spread throughout her body when Quinn laughed. "But in all seriousness Quinn… I understand that sometimes you're going to need to get away and I will always give you that, so long as you promise to always give me a chance to help you through it."

"I promise," Quinn said before ducking her head and capturing Rachel's lips in a kiss that had Rachel sighing into her mouth and playing with the short hairs at the base of her neck. When Quinn pulled away from her lips and stepped back; Rachel looked up into those shining hazel eyes and saw everything she needed to see.

"So are you ready to tell me what happened this morning that brought you here," Quinn nodded but didn't say anything. Instead she toyed with the cap of the water bottle because she didn't quite know how to put it into words.

"I'm ready to tell you but I don't exactly know how to vocalize it," she admitted and felt Rachel's warm hand cover her own hands which were still playing with the bottle and the cap.

"Come on," Rachel tugged her hands and pulled her over to the bleachers. She watched as Rachel smoothed out her skirt and sat down and then she looked up at Quinn while patting the bench next to her. "Then we will sit here quietly until you figure out how to say it… and if you can't then we'll go home and find something else to do until you find the words," Quinn stared at Rachel in awe.

God she was just so in love with this girl.

It took several moments of staring in wonder before Quinn joined her on the bench and looked deep into her eyes.

"You'd do that for me?" She asked with a shock; which Rachel was actually surprised she'd still hear from Quinn, even after all these years. She let that go in favor of reassuring Quinn- which she obviously needed right now. Quinn watched as Rachel merely nodded.

"Of course Quinn," she said simply. "I am, and will always be the best listener you have, and I will always be on your side, stand in your corner, and fight for you. So whenever you think you're ready… I'll be ready," she bit her lip as Quinn stared at her with mixture of unbridled passion, unwavering loyalty, and unconditional love.

And that look alone is why Rachel would always be hers.

"Sometimes," Quinn's quiet voice rang out after quite some time of silence between them. She met Rachel's eyes before continuing. "Sometimes I feel like I am strong enough to take on anything and anyone; especially when you're looking at me like you are right now," she saw Rachel blush and look away briefly but just like always those eyes found a way back to hers and that look was there again.

"And other times I feel like I am still that lonely and lost girl that had to change everything about herself just to feel good enough. You know sometimes I feel like head bitch, valedictorian, Ivy league Quinn Fabray who managed to get a girl like you to fall in love with me… and other times I feel like fat, ugly, loser Lucy Fabray who couldn't even get her own father to love her," Rachel saw tears fall from Quinn's eyes and it broke her heart. She had known that Russell was what was bothering Quinn but it still hurt to see Quinn like this.

It always had.

And it always would.

"Baby," Rachel inched closer, shifting on the bench to face Quinn and then she cupped her cheek. Quinn's eyes locked on hers and she sucked in a breath at the beauty of the moment. "I know that to you Quinn and Lucy are really two different people but to me they are just two different sides of the same amazing woman," she saw a smile creep up Quinn's face- however briefly- before continuing. "I love Quinn… I love everything about you and your name… especially moaning it," she winked and Quinn let out a giggle. "It's who you are, and I never want you to be anything other than what makes you happy… but I also don't think you should hate that Lucy is a part of you, it's a wonderful and beautiful part of who you are… deep in your soul Quinn, and you shouldn't hate that part of yourself because Lucy… is some of the best of you."

"Like what… like the side of me that hates who I am and thinks I'll never be good enough?" Quinn wiped her face as she fought tears again.

"No… like your empathy Quinn," Rachel said and Quinn's eyes widened. "Because of how you were treated you understand people better, you relate to them better, you feel their pain when they're lonely, and lost, and maybe not as sexy as others," Quinn nodded because she knew what Rachel was saying was true. "Look… I know that facing that part of your past is and will always be a very sore topic for you but what I am saying is that it shouldn't be. You should know that all of those things that you hated about Lucy are things that I love about Quinn." She watched as Quinn's smile widened. "Don't forget who you are baby because you…" she put her hand over Quinn's rapidly beating heart. "All of you… is the best person I know," she was going to say more but Quinn's lips were on hers, and Quinn's tongue was sliding across her bottom lip, and that was all she needed to feel to know her message was received.

As Rachel welcomed Quinn's tongue into her mouth she felt Quinn's hand slide down her back and over her ass as she lifted her into her lap. Rachel wrapped her arms around Quinn's neck and kissed her deeply. It was so hot, but over way too soon.

Rachel wanted more.

"We have a few hours," Quinn husked. "Want to make out in the back seat of your car," Rachel smirked and Quinn knew she was considering it. "Or under the bleachers?" She waggled her eyebrows and Rachel couldn't help but laugh.

"Or how about we stay right here and make out… I mean it's not like we go here," Quinn nodded and then tilted her head to the side and picked up where they had left off. Rachel's arms tightened around her neck and she tightened her own arms around Rachel's waist.

As they kissed Quinn knew she would be okay and she would make it through this day just fine.

She knew because Rachel's arms were always safe.

And Rachel arms were always her shelter.

And she knew without a shadow of a doubt that Rachel's arms would be there for her today before- like right now. During- where she knew their hands would be clasped together. And after- where she knew those arms would be a soft place to fall if and when her father got out of jail.

In Rachel's arms she was home.

Just like always.

It wasn't a trial like Quinn had expected it to be; well she didn't really know what to expect she just knew that facing her father again would be one of the harder things she has ever done. Four years ago when she last saw him she thought that would be the very last time she would have to ever look this man in the eyes.

She could feel Rachel's hand tight in hers, and her mother's arm looped through her other arm, and she had never been more grateful to have them than she was right now… as they were the only reasons she was remaining upright. She didn't know what to expect when she walked into that courtroom but she was again very grateful that her father was nowhere in sight.

Yet.

"I got you baby," Rachel whispered and she looked over to see those perfect eyes staring into her soul. She smiled and nodded.

"I know Rachel, and you have no idea how happy I am to have you in my corner," she replied as they took their seats in the first row. Rachel leaned over and pressed a sweet kiss to her cheek and squeezed her hand tighter. Quinn smiled as Rachel's dads filed into the seats on Rachel's other side and her mom and Richard sat down on the seats beside her.

A few moments later she squeezed Rachel's hand so hard she knew that it hurt her; she'd apologize later. But she squeezed because after the judge and the attorneys walked in there was a guard that led her father into the room.

She squeezed Rachel's hand when his eyes landed on hers, causing her to immediately look to her lap.

She knew Rachel wasn't mad though because Rachel squeezed her hand right back. And she knew that was her way of telling that she was right there, like always.

Quinn felt stronger.

She wasn't about to let Russell Fabray get to her again; not after all she had done to overcome her fear of him. So she looked back up at him and what she saw was breathtaking.

He was so different.

Sure, the same hate was exuding from his eyes like it always had been; but he was different… physically. He was a different person. He didn't look strong, he didn't look distinguished.

He just looked old, unhealthy, and weak, and she realized again… maybe for the hundredth time that there was nothing to fear about of this man. He was literally nothing and she didn't know why she always let him get to her the way he did.

She sucked in a deep breath and locked her hazel eyes onto his, and then she felt the anger boiling inside of her stomach when he smiled.

He fucking smiled at her.

As he sat down and finally looked away from her she couldn't believe it; he still thought she was there to speak up on his behalf. Little did he know that she was there to do the exact opposite.

When the judge called her name and she had to get up on the stand she felt Rachel's hand loosen her grip but as she looked down into the amazing eyes of her equally amazing girlfriend she saw a cute little smirk before Rachel brought her hand to her lips and kissed it.

"You're the strongest person I know Quinn," Rachel said quietly and Quinn nodded.

She didn't feel strong.

But as she walked to the stand she pushed a tear out of her eye. She didn't want Russell to think that tear was in any way, shape, or form for him when it was actually a happy tear because Rachel just understood her.

Better than anyone… ever.

And when she sat down and faced the man that tried to ruin her time and again she realized she did feel strong. She felt stronger than him, because she was. She felt like she was better than him, because she was. And she felt more loved than him, because she definitely was. That was when her eyes landed on her family sitting there rooting for her.

She saw her mom with her unwavering loyalty. It took them a while to get to a point where they knew each other; but now they knew each other so well that they shared the same thought. And that thought was that he- Russell- was never good enough for either of them.

For any of them.

Then her eyes looked over at the three men that had each become more of a father to her than Russell had ever been. Richard, with the way he immediately stepped into her life as a man that could protect her… even before he was dating her mom. Hiram, with his quiet acceptance of everything that she is, and his equally quiet but unconditional love and support. And then Leroy…

Her relationship with Leroy was more true and real than that of her own dad.

At first she was afraid of him but she soon found out that he would be one of her best friends, and her biggest cheerleaders, and strongest advocates… everything a dad should be. She loved him, she loved them all.

And then she thought about Lucy; about the girl that would've done everything she could just to get her daddy to smile at her… hell to get anyone to smile at her. And now look at her; she has three dads, all of which were better men and certainly better fathers the man that actually created her; and they were smiling at her.

And then she looked back at her mom; there was a point in her life when she thought Judy was exactly the same as Russell, and she was happy to see that her mom was always… always in her corner she just wasn't vocal about it then, as she was fighting her own fears of Russell. And she was smiling at her.

And then her eyes landed on Rachel.

The girl she loved since she was fifteen and the girl she would love until the day she died. Rachel with her eyes, and her smile, and everything else about the girl that made her so grateful to be loved by her. Rachel loved her for all that she was; including Lucy.

Including her biggest fears, and the things she hated about herself; all the things that used to make her act out, and behave quite like her father… but Rachel loved her anyway; and she was smiling at her… rooting for her.

Rachel was always rooting for her.

And in that moment for the first time ever; Quinn realized that Lucy was loveable… because she was loved. She was loved by those five people sitting here today. She was loved by the people in New York and New Haven that couldn't be here. She was loved by all of her friends all over Lima right now.

She was loved.

And it had nothing to do with Russell fucking Fabray.

So she smile back at her family, she winked at her adorable girlfriend, and then her eyes locked on Russell and maybe- just maybe- she had a head bitch in charge grin on her face as she said the words that she knew would keep her father in jail… at least for a little while longer.

A fact which became even more evident when her father rose to his feet and started spouting more hate, and more threats right there for the lawyers, and for the judge… and for God to hear.

And as Quinn walked back toward her family with that same smile on her face while Russell was being- not so nicely- removed from the courtroom she had never felt so complete.

"I am loved," she whispered to Rachel as she was pulled into a fierce hug by the tiny girl.

"Hm," Rachel hummed as she pulled back to look into Quinn's eyes.

"When I was on that stand I knew you were right… I mean I always believed you but I never felt it until now," Rachel was still confused.

"Felt what?"

"I am loved, all of me… Lucy is loved and she is a beautiful part of me that even Russell can't hurt anymore," Rachel nodded. "And he can't hurt her because she found the love she was always so desperately searching for."

"She sure did baby," Rachel held her tighter. "You were wonderful up there."

"It's because of you Rach… I mean you stood by me and I stood tall," Rachel withheld a smirk at the song lyric Quinn just quoted.

"I will always stand by you, Quinn." After that Rachel couldn't say anything more because Quinn's mouth was on hers. The kiss only stopped when Leroy cleared his throat and then Quinn looked up at her dad- the only one she'd ever need; well one of three- and she blushed.

"Sorry dad," she whispered; but they all knew she wasn't really sorry.

"C'mon kiddo," he draped his arm across her shoulder. "Let's go get something to eat… I'll buy the bacon," he teased and the laugh that Rachel heard Quinn let out filled her with joy. She loved hearing Quinn laugh… but this might've been the most free she had ever seen her girlfriend and she was suddenly very thankful that Russell wrote her that letter.

Because Quinn was finally and completely free of him and the hold he had over her confidence, Quinn was happy. Completely and truly happy and that was all Rachel had ever wanted.

"Where are we going Quinn?" Rachel said and Quinn knew she was slightly annoyed but at this moment she didn't care.

"It's a surprise," she answered and then giggled when she heard her girlfriend grumble at her. It was a week after her dad's hearing and it had been an amazing week. They had celebrated that night in the way that they always did. Then they spent the rest of the week in coital bliss and it was wonderful, but Quinn knew that Rachel was getting anxious.

The next day, they would be saying goodbye for their final year apart. When they first parted three summers ago she knew they were strong enough to make it as a couple but she also knew it wouldn't be easy… and it certainly hadn't been.

But they had done it.

And they'd do it again… for one more year.

But she knew that Rachel hated the goodbyes; she hated them too. She wanted nothing more than to stay wrapped up in Rachel forever, and she couldn't wait until after graduation when she would move to New York and never leave Rachel's side again.

But right now they had one more night.

And Quinn planned on making it a perfect night for the perfect girl.

"Quinn," Rachel whined. "You know I hate surprises so why must you continue to torture me like this?"

"Because I can," she said with a wink; she heard Rachel huff again and saw out of the corner of her eye that the girl was now pouting with her arms crossed over her chest.

"I hate you."

"I know," Quinn replied knowing that wasn't true. It was quiet for several moments and then she giggled again when Rachel spoke.

"I don't really hate you."

"I know," Quinn repeated and Rachel saw her wink again. With that Rachel's stomach filled with butterflies and she cuddled closer to Quinn.

A few moments later when Quinn pulled up to the McKinley High football field Rachel's happiness was once again out the window.

"Quinn!" She shouted and her voice was full of that Rachel Berry disapproval. Quinn merely chuckled as she parked the car and pulled a bag out of the back. "Oh, no, no, no Quinn Fabray I do hope that you are not wishing to get lucky here…again. It was crazy the first time and I cannot even believe you would think to do this again. What has-"

"Rachel," she cut her off, but could only laugh when Rachel shook her had no and continued ranting again.

"No Quinn… I am not risking that again… I have my Broadway career to think about and stop smirking at me Quinn," she crossed her arms again. "And there had better not be a strap on in that bag."

"You're so sexy when you say strap on babe," Quinn laughed and Rachel huffed again.

"Quinn," she whined again and stomped her foot which was even more adorable since she was sitting down and stomping her foot.

"Relax Rachel," Quinn said. "Trust me… there is nothing dirty in this bag," Quinn got out of the car and walked around it. She opened Rachel's door and waited. "Trust me," she said again and Rachel couldn't help herself.

Quinn had never once given her a reason not to.

Rachel reluctantly gave Quinn her hand, and smiled as the girl helped her out of the car. She gasped when Quinn shut the door and then pushed her into it. Before she could protest however Quinn's lips were on hers and Quinn's tongue was in her mouth. She was always powerless against Quinn's kisses so instead of fighting she wrapped her arms around Quinn's neck and kissed her back.

After several heated moments Quinn pulled back, pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket, and handed it to Rachel.

"What's this?"

"Read it," she said and when Rachel still stared at her she continued. "It's literally a permission slip from the desk of Sue Sylvester giving us permission to be here right now," Rachel smiled and read through the note and saw that it was in fact a permission slip.

"Do you really think this is legit Quinn?"

"Well no," Quinn shrugged. "I don't think it'll hold up in court or anything but hopefully it'll scare any guards away that might try to stop us… Sue is pretty scary you know," Rachel giggled because um yeah she was. "So have no fear babe, I'm pretty sure your Broadway career is safe," Rachel giggled again and blushed. Quinn took Rachel by the hand and led her toward the football field carrying the bag in the other hand.

"So why'd you go through all this trouble, getting Sue involved when we could've gone anywhere?" As they neared the fifty yard line on the field Quinn stopped.

"Because this place is special Rach," she dropped the bag, opened it and pulled out a blanket. Rachel watched with a love struck expression on her face as Quinn laid out the blanket. She motioned for Rachel to sit; which she did.

"Right over there," Quinn pointed to the track near the bleachers. "That is where I told you that I was having a girl… and I said I love you for the first time," Rachel nodded. "She pointed to a different area of the track. "That is where you held me when I was running myself ragged after giving Beth up for adoption." Rachel's smiled widened at how far they had come since then. Then Quinn pointed to the field. "This is where you looked hot as fuck as McKinley High's sexiest football player," Rachel blushed. "And saved the football team's championship while also convincing the Unholy Trinity to choose glee," Rachel bit her lip as Quinn got down onto her knees and then sat down next to her. "And that," she pointed to the bleachers on the other side of the field. "That is where you saved me from the skanks and from getting lost inside myself again."

"I love you Quinn."

"This place is special babe," Rachel nodded.

"Oh and you forgot over there," Rachel pointed to where Quinn's car was parked. "That was where you fucked me on the hood of your car in the rain, and fulfilled some of our best fantasies," Quinn bit her lip.

"Mm hmm," and then Rachel attacked her with the sweetest of kisses. When Rachel pulled back Quinn reached for the bag and started to pull out some food containers. "I thought we could have a picnic and then I thought I'd sing to you and show you just how much these special places all over Lima mean to me… and how much all of our moments mean to me… and how much you- Rachel Berry- mean to me."

"Mm you singing… yes please," Rachel hummed and moved closer.

"But first we eat," Quinn said and saw the devilish glare flare in Rachel's eyes.

"Mm… first I eat," she reached for Quinn's shorts.

"Baby you said you didn't want-"

"I changed my mind," Rachel husked, pushed Quinn onto her back, and pulled her shorts and panties off at once; and Quinn let her head fall back against the blanket. She wasn't about to argue.

They'd get to the actual food eventually.

And they did get to the food.

After Rachel had a snack and then Quinn returned the favor; they ate and talked about the future and it was perfect.

As Quinn gathered up all the food containers Rachel stared at her with shining eyes so full of love, and she knew she would always be safe.

And home.

In those eyes.

When everything was cleaned up she pulled Rachel into her arms. Well she tried to pull Rachel into her arms but Rachel resisted.

"Mm, no Quinn… I believe I was promised a song, and you needs to get to that," Quinn smirked with her eyebrow arched and Rachel giggled. She knew she sounded a bit like Santana, and she also knew that often happened when she was trying to be intimidating.

"Well since you asked nicely," Quinn got to her feet and pulled her iPod out of her bag. Rachel leaned back on her hands and watched her girl work. Quinn took a deep breath and toyed with the iPod in her hand.

"Rachel… last week when I was on the stand at the hearing… I had a moment; it was one of those moments that you love so much. It was simple and not a huge deal but it was also one of those eye opening revelations that just changed everything." Rachel nodded because she knew what Quinn was getting at. She knew Quinn was referring to finally loving herself as much as she did. "And I also know that tomorrow is going to be one of those days that you hate so much," Rachel nodded. She hated the goodbyes.

"I hate them too… I know, you know I love you, and that there is nothing to fear by separating… with the exception of missing each other so very much," Rachel nodded again. "So consider this a thank you for always holding me up when I can't do it myself… and as a promise that nothing will ever come between us," she watched as Rachel's eyes shined with tears. She pressed the button on her iPod and an instrumental version of a song that Rachel wasn't familiar with started playing but once Quinn started singing it didn't matter that she didn't recognize it because Quinn was singing this beautiful love song to her; and that was all that mattered.

Love that's worth fighting for
That's what this is
And how, how I could I want more
Then the warmth of your kiss?
No matter how many miles and dreams
Come between us now
In each step I take, with each prayer I make
This love will live somehow

Quinn saw that Rachel was crying but she wasn't worried; she knew they were happy tears.

Let the mountains rise I will climb them all
When my body's weak I will not fall
Baby, come what may and I'll find a way to get through
There's nothing that I won't do to loved by you

There will be lonely nights when you'll whisper my name
Know on those lonely nights
I'll be doing the same
Should every star in the sky go out
Just keep your faith alive
We were meant to be this is destiny
It cannot be denied

Tears were pouring out of Rachel's eyes now as these words resonated so deeply with her fears and once again Quinn was putting those worries at ease.

Like she always does.

Let the mountain rise I will climb them all
When my body's weak I will not fall
Baby, come what may and I'll find a way to get through
There's nothing that I won't do to be loved by you

And even when we're worlds apart
Just keep this promise in your heart

Let the mountain rise I will climb them all
When my body 's weak I will not fall
Baby, come what may and I'll find a way to get through
There's nothing that I won't do
There's nothing that I won't do
There's nothing that I won't do to be loved by you

To be loved by you.

As the music faded on the song and Quinn's iPod started to play another she found herself being pulled down and into a kiss that not only proved how much she was loved by Rachel but also turned her the hell on.

"Mm," Quinn moaned when Rachel's lips moved from her mouth to her neck.

"Take me home Quinn," she said muffled as her tongue went back to work on marking what was hers… what would always be hers.

"Yes… yes home," Quinn tried to stand but Rachel pulled her back down and back into another kiss.

Fuck it- Quinn thought. They'd get home eventually.

And they did.

After making love on the McKinley High football field one more time.

And creating another one of Rachel's famous moments.

Rachel hated goodbyes… she fucking hated them.

And she was so thankful that this was the last time she'd have to do it; well they'd be saying goodbye all year long for two week intervals just like they had done for the last three years but this was the last fucking year she had to live like this.

And she was grateful for that.

This was going to be a good year; apart from the distance with Quinn. This was going to be a fun year, she was going to try new things and see what else besides music makes her tick.

It would be fun.

Especially the part where she'd share all that she'd learn with Quinn.

But the goodbye she had just shared with Quinn before getting onto her plane… that sucked.

They always had.

And they always would.

But as she got into her seat and was tucking her carry on away; her phone buzzed.

She smiled when she saw Quinn's name light up her phone screen and she opened the text.

From Quinn: I miss you already. Don't be sad though because in two weeks I promise I will do very dirty things to you all over your apartment.

She laughed and then typed out a reply.

From Rachel: I don't think Santana would like that.

From Quinn: She'd get over it.

From Rachel: Somehow I don't think it'll be that easy but thanks for always making me smile and I'm holding you to that promise xx

From Quinn: You can hold me to whatever you'd like Rachel Berry.

"Attention passengers," a voice came over the intercom. "The pilot has asked that you now turn off all electronic devices." Rachel pouted and tapped out a text.

From Rachel: I love you with everything inside of me my baby, but sadly I have to turn my phone off now.

She waited an extra few seconds because she knew she'd get one more.

From Quinn: Okay; I'll talk to you soon and don't be surprised if when you turn your phone back on you have a special text from me ;) I love you little star. Text me when you land xx

From Rachel: Will do, love you too angel.

And with that Rachel shut her phone off. She not only couldn't wait to be back in New York now… she also couldn't wait to see whatever naughty text Quinn was going to send her.

In the ladies room of the airport after reading Rachel's last text she proceeded to remove all of her clothes to take a picture of herself. She double checked that it was in fact Rachel's number before she it send with a naughty smirk on her face.

She knew that text would get her some good phone sex later and suddenly she couldn't wait to be in New Haven.

She got dressed, left the bathroom, and walked toward her gate.

By the time Rachel got off her plane and saw Quinn's hot naked body lighting up her phone screen she just wanted her. She was always so hot for Quinn, and seeing her naked never failed to get her going.

From Rachel: I know you haven't landed yet you naughty girl but when you get back to your apartment be prepared for some Skype sex.

It was about an hour later when that Skype session finally happened.

And about an hour after that when Rachel heard a loud banging in the apartment outside of her room as she and Quinn talked on the phone.

"What was that?" She asked more to herself than Quinn.

"What was what babe?" Quinn wondered.

"I don't know it was a loud bang," she got up and walked toward the door. She picked up the bat that Kurt bought her when they first moved there, when she was worried all the time… but her worries went out the window when Santana confirmed what the noise was.

"Get your hobbit ass out here Berry… I gots news," Rachel heaved a deep sigh at the realization that it was just Santana. She dropped the baseball bat, and heard Quinn giggling into the phone having heard Santana's voice yelling.

"You had your bat didn't you?

"Shut up Quinn," Rachel opened her door to see what Santana was yelling about. She wanted to reprimand her for scaring the shit out of her but when she saw Santana smiling wider than she had ever seen her smile- well other than when she is looking at Brittany- all of the anger seeped out of her, and she smiled in return. She could see Brittany leaning against the couch practically bouncing with excitement for her girlfriend.

"Is that Quinn on the phone?" Santana wondered and when Rachel nodded her smile widened. "Awesome… put her on speaker."

"Okay, hang on a sec Quinn… Santana wants you on speaker."

"Okay," Rachel pushed the button.

"Quinn?"

"Yeah Santana," Quinn's voice rang through the apartment and Santana's smiled got impossibly bigger. She was so grateful that she was able to share this news first with her favorite people.

And yes Rachel was definitely one of her favorite people.

"Okay so… something really huge happened to me today and I immediately found Brittany at work-"

"And she dragged me into the prop room and promptly fucked the daylights out of me," Brittany admitted with no shame. Santana, Rachel, and Quinn all blushed at her words but Brittany merely shrugged.

"Awesome Brittany," Rachel said. "But um… TMI okay," she saw Brittany staring at her with that innocent look in her eye; Rachel knew she was trying to figure out what she meant. Luckily Santana spoke and distracted Brittany.

"I will share this news with the rest of the nerds later but I wanted you two to be the first besides Britt to know," she said and watched Rachel put her hand to her heart.

"Aw, Santana I'm touched."

"Shut the fuck up Berry, you always ruin everything," Rachel laughed and so did Quinn… even Brittany did.

"So," Santana shouted bringing their attention back to her. "Today I got a call from a woman named Olivia; she was at the game last year and she heard me sing. She said that she was trying to get her bosses to sign off on allowing her to contact me, and they finally agreed. So as of this morning, I officially have a music manager who will be trying to get my name out there for gigs and hopefully one day a record deal," the loud squeal that came out of Rachel as she threw herself at Santana was nothing short of spectacular.

She used to think that Rachel was so selfish… she was glad she got to know the girl and found out just how wrong that thinking was.

"I am so, so, so, so proud of you Santana," she said and hugged her tight.

"Me too," Quinn's voice sounded from the phone. "And when I get there in two weeks I promise you a night on the town to celebrate."

"You sure you'll be able to keep your head out from between Berry's legs long enough?" Santana teased as both Brittany and Rachel swatted each of her arms. Quinn merely laughed.

Santana would never change.

And none of them really wanted her too.

"But how about until then," Quinn continued. "We enjoy some cuddle time together with our girls."

"That's a great idea Quinn," Santana pulled Brittany toward the couch.

"I have them sometimes," Rachel smiled at the phone before taking Quinn off speaker and holding the phone to her ear.

"You're off speaker baby and I love you so much," she whispered. "I love that even though you're not here you're still kind of here,'" she could practically hear Quinn's smile.

"I love you too and you're right I feel like I am there. And don't worry about my visit babe… I promise to spend more than an adequate amount of time with my head between your legs," Rachel giggled.

"Ooh Quinn it's so sexy when you use big words to describe how well you're going to fuck me," she heard Santana gagging in the background.

"Shut the fuck up Berry that shit is gross!"

"Oh please Santana it's basically the same thing you just said."

"It's not, because when I said it… it was just words… when you two say it; it's fucking nasty. Keep your dirty nasty sex talk to your own cuddle time… not during our group cuddles."

"That sounds like an orgy," Rachel said curling her lip.

"I always knew you wanted a piece of the Santana pie; shrimp."

"Ugh gross," Rachel curled her lip again. "You wish Santana… and I'll have you know that I am more than satisfied with Quinn's pie."

"Ugh fuck off… T.M.I. Rachel," she paused in between each letter. Rachel rolled her eyes and went back to her whispered sweet talk with Quinn as they got the movie started; she knew Quinn was watching the same movie in New Haven and it was wonderful.

Just as they all settled down to relax and enjoy each other's company Brittany's voice rang out and Rachel couldn't help but giggle.

"Oh I get it… too much information," she said and Santana patted her leg proudly. Rachel also beamed with pride.

Sometimes it took Brittany a while to catch up but she was every bit as smart as the rest of them.

"I love you Rachel," Quinn's voice said sweetly over the line and Rachel felt butterflies.

The same butterflies she felt the first time she saw Quinn, the first time she spoke to Quinn, the first time she touched Quinn, and every time since then.

And the same butterflies she hoped to have for years to come.

"I love you right back, angel."

A/N: The song that Quinn sang to Rachel was To Be Loved by You by Winona Judd. And the title of the chapter comes from the song Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion.

Up next for this year: Rachel embarks on some new adventures that she never thought she'd do and learn and Quinn gets an offer that she really can't refuse. Enjoy their final year of college as they finally get it right while being apart.