A/N: Sorry for the late posting; it's been a day. Hope you enjoy this one and the year leading up to Rachel's Broadway debut.

Warning: Sexy times

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

Chapter 37: The Last Few Days

"Time is priceless, but it's free. You can't own it, you can use it. You can spend it, but you can't keep it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back."

-Audrey Niffenegger; The Time Traveler's Wife

/

Rachel had requested one final trip together with her glee club for anyone that could make it. She made all the plans at the same cabin they stayed at the previous times that they all went camping and was pleased that almost all of them would be able to make it.

Almost all because Finn was still overseas and she hated that but it was his life and she couldn't think about it too much or she would be consumed with worrying. She had spoken with his mother at graduation and was told he was fine; that had to be enough for her.

She just hoped that he would finally be done soon.

She pushed those thoughts out of her mind and thought about the amazing week ahead of them as she got ready for the day. They were back home in Lima after a bit of a whirlwind summer so far.

After graduation; she and Quinn went to Provincetown for Quinn to take part in the Norman Mailer writing colony, which was part of her prize for winning the writing award. They spent a wonderful couple of weeks there and then they had to fly to Los Angeles because Quinn's film that she made with Kim and Eric was being awarded a student film award which she was so proud of; and they spend another couple of weeks there.

Rachel was so proud of Quinn for all that she was already accomplishing and she couldn't wait for Quinn to be just as proud of her. She knew that Quinn already was proud of her for the shows she has already starred in but she wanted to finally be making her star rise; the same way Quinn was and she couldn't wait to get back to New York and start making her dreams take flight.

But before that she wanted to have a week.

One more week with her friends; who at the point were so much more.

These were the last few days where they could relish in the fact that they could still all find a way to be together. These were literally the last few days of their youth.

Well not so much youth, as being young… as in not having to be responsible adults.

For one week; she wanted them all together to act like kids again… because she knew this was literally the last few days that they could ever do this.

It was early and the gang would be there soon to fill up the two cars and be on the road and she couldn't wait. She was in the bathroom fiddling with the shower handle when she felt Quinn's body press against hers. She let out a contented sigh followed by an aroused growl.

But that was not her fault; that was due to the fact that Quinn's hands were slipping torturously up her thighs.

"Can I join you?" Quinn husked in her ear sending chill bumps spreading throughout her body before she bit down gently on her ear lobe.

"Yes you may join me, Miss English grad," Rachel teased, but her giggled turned into a moan when Quinn's mouth attached to her neck and she reached back and tangled her hand in Quinn's hair. When Quinn bit down she couldn't take it anymore and turned in her arms. Quinn's mouth then covered her own and they kissed passionately.

"Quinn," Rachel breathed as the kiss broke but once again Quinn's mouth was on her neck. Well actually her collarbone this time and she tilted her head back.

"Mm."

"We should- Oh god," she cupped the back of Quinn's head as the girl made a mark on her collarbone. "We should um g-get in the shower because they'll be here soon and Santana will-" her words died as a moan fell out of her mouth when Quinn pressed her fingers against her stiff nipple while her mouth continued the assault on her neck. "B-Baby," Rachel pleaded and Quinn finally removed her lips and met her eyes.

Quinn didn't say anything; she didn't have to.

Just like always they were on the same page, so instead she watched as Rachel climbed into the shower and Quinn followed suit. Rachel leaned against the wall and lifted her foot; resting it against the edge of the shower. Quinn watched this action and it spurred her on. She settled her body in between Rachel's legs and pressed her hand against Rachel's wet center.

"You're all wet," Quinn's voice was gravelly and it drove Rachel wild.

"Well yeah Quinn… we are in a shower," she bit her lip and withheld her laugh. Quinn merely shook her head and pushed her fingers fast, and deep, but incredibly gently inside and Rachel rocked into her hand.

"Oh fuck me," she whispered as her arms circled Quinn's neck and brought their lips together.

And Quinn did.

There would be ten of them driving up to the campground together and the rest of the New Directions were meeting them there. Everyone was gathered around Rachel's driveway deciding who was going to go in whose car and as usual Santana was yelling and screaming.

"Why the fuck do I constantly let you assholes convince me to do this shit?"

"Because you love us," Tina said and Santana glared at her.

"I don't even like most of you!"

"Oh for fuck's sake Santana quit your bullshit, everyone knows it's an act," Rachel yelled right back and Santana tried to hide it but she was impressed. She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against Quinn's car.

"Well I ain't fucking riding with Puckerman," she pouted.

"One time Santana!" He yelled. "It was one FUCKING time, get over it already," Puck yelled.

"Oh this week sounds like fun already," Quinn grumbled and Rachel felt bad. She wanted them to have one final week of fun and it was already turning into a circus; as it often did when they were together as a group.

Finally after another three arguments they were on the road.

Quinn was driving and Rachel was in the passenger seat.

"Explain to me again how I got fucking stuck sitting here with Asian fusion while my girlfriend is with the gay brigade?" Santana was so grumpy when she was forced to be somewhere she didn't want to be and Quinn had finally had enough.

"Because you didn't want to ride with Puck and Kurt was driving his car so Brittany is with them and you are with us… just fucking move on Santana you're not twelve."

"Oh whatever Q! I don't even want to be here," she grumbled and Quinn pulled the car over so quickly that Rachel gasped in fear.

"Quinn," she said worried. Once the car was parked she turned in her seat and glared at Santana.

"Then get the fuck out. I'm tired of your shit Santana. I'm fucking tired of it!" And that was when she saw Santana's mask slip slightly and she instantly felt bad. "Hey, I-" her words were cut off by Santana getting out of the car and storming away. Quinn was about to follow when she felt Rachel's hand grasp her wrist.

"Quinn I- I don't like this."

"It's fine baby… you saw that right," Rachel nodded and Quinn leaned over and pecked her cheek. "I just need to find out what her real problem is."

"Okay but be careful okay we're not exactly at a rest stop here," Quinn smiled and nodded before getting out of the car. Rachel looked back at Tina and Mike.

"Do you guys have any idea what that was about?"

"No," Tina said and Mike's answer was a shake of his head. Rachel turned back in her seat and watched Quinn as she approached Santana; at first she was combative and angry but she saw that Quinn was soon breaking her down and she knew whatever was wrong with Santana, Quinn was helping her with it.

/

Quinn shut the door of the car and walked over to Santana.

"Santana," she said softly and she reached for her best friend's arm. Santana quickly shrugged her off and glared at her.

"Fuck off Q," she walked away and Quinn could see that she was crying. She followed.

"Is it Brittany… are you guys okay?"

"I said FUCK OFF!" She yelled those words in Quinn's face and now they were toe to toe, face to face, and as usual neither girl backed off.

"San," was all that Quinn said and the girl started to break down in tears and Quinn pulled her into a tight hug.

When the tears had subsided; Quinn pulled out of the hug and met her friends' eyes.

"What happened?"

"Nothing," she replied and Quinn rolled her eyes.

"Santana don't be stubborn, just tell me."

"I am! Nothing happened, that's just it… nothing happened. Nothing has happened, and nothing ever will happen… it's always going to be nothing, I'm always going to be nothing."

"That is so far from wrong I can't even tell you."

"Really because it's been four years Q… four fucking years and Brittany is owning the dance world right now. She is moving up so fast I won't be surprised if she is famous before Rachel is," Quinn could only nod because she knew Brittany's star was rising fast. "And Rachel," she let out an exasperated sigh. "We all know that fucking bitch will be blowing up Broadway in like a minute," Quinn swallowed her protective nature over Santana calling Rachel a bitch because she knew she wasn't trying to be hurtful. "And you… you fucking asshole. You have a damn movie already likes seriously, what is that?"

"Dumb luck," Quinn said honestly because really that was all it was.

"I always knew that you, and Rachel, and of course Brittany would be big, big stars someday but I really thought that it would be the four of us," and with that she broke down in tears again.

"Oh San," Quinn reached out for her and Santana pushed her hands away. She tried again with the same result but on the third attempt; Santana let her grasp her arms and force their eyes to meet. "You will be." She let out a humorless laugh.

"I work at fucking Starbucks Q!"

"For now."

"Forever Q… nothing is changing, nothing is happening. We are going on this trip because it's the last few days of fun before life takes over but guess what. While you're making fucking movies, and Rachel is singing fucking librettos, and Brittany is lighting up the goddamn world guess what I'm going to be doing… I'm going to be making fucking lattes."

"No you're not…and do you know how I know that?"

"How?" Santana wiped her face.

"Because you are not going to let that happen; you are going to continue to do what it takes to pay the bills but you are Santana fucking Lopez and you don't back down from any challenge. You got Brittany when you broke down your walls, you saved Rachel when she needed it the most, you have never fail to tell me like it is and stop me from letting my fears win, and you are going to make your dreams come true…because there simply is no other choice."

"I don't even have a manager."

"Then take business classes next year and be your own manager," Quinn said and she saw Santana's eyes light up at the idea. "Create your own happy ending San."

"You think?"

"I know… you got this. You always have been the hero of your own life," Quinn quoted one of her favorite novels and she saw Santana's demeanor change before her eyes.

"You're right."

"It happens," Quinn shrugged. "Now can we get this show on the road because I really want to get there and cuddle with my girl?

"You're fucking gross Q."

"I know," she said as they walked back toward the car.

"Thanks."

"Always."

"Can we push Puckerman in the lake?" Santana wondered and saw Quinn giggle.

"Sure," Quinn said and Santana giggled.

"I love you Q."

"And I love you… you pain in the ass." As Santana climbed into the backseat and Quinn drove off the silence was defeating.

"Sorry," Santana said and that was all that needed to be said because Mike draped his arm across her shoulder and Quinn's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror.

And for the first time in weeks Santana was looking forward to the next few days.

Tina was cutting up vegetables for dinner. They had all arrived a few hours prior and were waiting for the rest of the New Directions to trickle in and Tina decided to start making dinner; Santana approached.

"Hey," she said softly and Tina looked up to see her smiling.

"Hey."

"Do you need help?" Tina was surprised by Santana being nice. Not that she thought Santana was a bad person but being nice was not really her style.

"Y-Yeah that would be great Santana," she said and handed her some vegetables and knife."

"Yeah well I didn't want to eat chicken feet or whatever shit you people cook," Tina giggled because that was more like it. "I'm just kidding I-"

"Santana," Tina cut her off. "I've known you for a long time… I know."

"Okay." They were quiet as they cut the vegetables. "Congrats on the show by the way."

"Oh, thanks."

"You don't seem too excited."

"No I am… I mean it's off Broadway and it's perfect but…" she trailed off because she didn't want to seem ungrateful.

"You're pissed that you are doing the same role just on a higher level."

"Yeah I mean," she shrugged. "Wednesday in the Addam's Family is a great role and I love it; especially off Broadway but I don't know I guess I'm just afraid I'll always get these kinds of roles."

"What, stupid ones?" Tina laughed at that.

"No… background ones. I'm sort of tired of being in the background."

"Yeah I get that… I mean Mr. Schue and his hard on for Finn was so annoying especially since Finn fucking Hudson is the only one of us not in the arts in some way or another," Tina giggled at that because she was completely right. "But don't let it get you down… get your foot in the door Chang and once they realize what an exceptional talent they have then you can start making Rachel Berry type demands." Tina laughed again and when her eyes met Santana's they shared a knowing look.

It was nice to know that beneath her tough exterior Santana was an amazing friend; she had always known that she had just never been on the receiving end of it before.

"Thanks."

"No problem," Santana winked and went back to her cutting.

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

"I figured I'd try something new," she shrugged. "Confuse you… you know."

"It worked… but I appreciate it." They shared a smile. A few moments later the door opened and Marley, Kitty, and Sugar busted into the cabin.

"Sugar's here y'all!" She shouted and Rachel rolled her eyes and snuggled closer onto the couch that she was sitting on with Quinn; who looked over the top of her book and smiled at her still sometimes very adorably cute jealous streak.

"Oh good more gays," Kurt teased and Sugar glared at him.

"I am not GAY," she shouted but the look he was giving her was one of disbelief and she could do nothing but shrug. "Well mostly." Shortly after that Mercedes, Sam, Artie, and Jake all came into the cabin; within a few moments of each other.

"Where is everyone going to sleep?" Blaine wondered as he counted on his fingers. "We're three beds short."

"I'll sleep with Rachel and Quinn," Sugar offered and Rachel glared at her.

"Keep it up and we'll only be two beds short," she warned and Sugar winked at her.

"I sure missed you Rachel," she teased.

"The couch opens to a bed so that would be good for two people," Quinn said and smiled at Kitty. "You guys can have it since you're a couple."

"Thanks."

"Unless Mercedes and Sam want it," Santana called from the kitchen.

"We're not a couple," Mercedes said quickly and Rachel arched her eyebrow at Quinn over how fast she spoke up.

It made Rachel think that she had a secret.

She leaned closer to Quinn.

"We're getting to the bottom of that this week," she whispered and Quinn could only roll her eyes at her.

"Yes dear."

"That still leaves us one bed short," Blaine said and Sam waved his hand.

"It's cool; I'll take the floor in the camp room."

"Such a gentleman," Sugar said swooning.

"Yeah," Mercedes agreed and this time Quinn saw the hearts in her eyes. She leaned over Rachel.

"We're definitely finding out," and Rachel grinned like a fool.

And that was exactly what Quinn did the next day.

Quinn and Mercedes were taking a walk along the shore of the lake; Rachel couldn't join them because Puck had pulled her aside the night before and asked her to go hiking with him. Both girls could tell that something was up with him so Rachel agreed to go with him; after giving Quinn the strict orders to find out the dirt on Sam and Mercedes.

"So what is going on with you and Sam?"

"Nothing is going on? What do you mean?" Mercedes answered the question with a question sounding very, very defensive.

"That is exactly what I mean," she saw the confusing wash over Mercedes' features so she elaborated. "I just mean that someone mentioned you and Sam sleeping in a bed together and you immediately jumped on the offensive, and then Sam offered to sleep on the floor and you swooned, and just now right back on the defensive," she saw worry now on the girl's face. "Seriously what is wrong?"

"I'm in love with him," Mercedes blurted out and her eyes widened at her own admission. Quinn let out a surprised chuckle but otherwise kept her laughing inside because Mercedes was already clearly freaked out about it. "Like, I am in love with him Quinn… just as strongly as I was senior year."

"Okay… and is that a bad thing?"

"Yes!" She shouted.

"But why?"

"Because what if he doesn't feel the same. I thought it would go away; I mean we have been on and off for the past four years because of timing or distance or whatever… but it hasn't and it won't. It just keeps getting stronger; especially now that he is living with me."

"Wait… what?"

"Yeah he um," Mercedes ducked her head briefly before she met Quinn's eyes again. "It's been a few months. He needed a place to crash for a while and then a few weeks turned into months and now he is my full on roommate."

"Does he… I mean… is he a good roommate?"

"Of course he is Quinn, he's Sam," Quinn could only nod because Sam has almost always been a perfect gentleman- especially after she and Rachel came out- and he was always an amazing friend.

"So then what is it? Does he bring women home or something?"

"No he's," she smiled in spite of herself. "I don't think he's dating and if he is, he makes sure that I know nothing about it at all times. He's so sweet and wonderful and god!" She shouted with frustration and rubbed her hands over her face. Quinn could see that her friend was struggling so she stopped walked and faced Mercedes.

"Look, you like him… and from what I remember that boy has been into you for a very long time," Mercedes nodded. "You're not dating anyone right?" She shook her head no. "And he is not dating as far as you know," she shook her head no again. "So go for it?"

"Go for what… how… what-what do I do?"

"Jump him," Quinn said simply with a shrug.

"Oh god," Mercedes said dramatically and Quinn couldn't help but find her friend adorable in this moment.

"What's the problem with that?"

"The problem is," Mercedes trailed off and Quinn could see that this really was something that she was stressing about so she let the teasing go and waited for Mercedes to gather her thoughts. "What if- god what if I put myself out there and he rejects me? I have been able to handle all of these years apart because I knew it was time and distance and that it could never work like that," she saw Quinn arch her eyebrow. "I mean I know it can work but I knew it wouldn't for us."

"That's fair," Quinn agreed.

"But now he's here… he's always right there with his sexy body and his beautiful lips… and his ass, damn Quinn that boy has an amazing ass," she saw that Quinn was curling her lip in disgust and she laughed in spite of herself. "You are so, so gay."

"I know," Quinn said with a proud grin.

"Rachel is a lucky girl," Mercedes told her and saw Quinn's face light up with her stupid lit up by Rachel smile.

"How do you mean?"

"I just mean that she knows… she knows without a shadow of a doubt that you love her with everything in you… I mean, do you know how rare that is?"

"Yes… but you make it sound like it happened over night," Quinn reassured her. "I mean Rachel and I have been dating for almost six years now and that is a very long time," Mercedes nodded. "We do know a lot about each other and we know that what we have is beautiful and rare and so special," Mercedes was nodding again. "But that didn't happen overnight. We have had our rough times but let me tell you Mercedes; the reason why things are so good and are almost always good with us is because we talk. We talk about everything, our fears, our hopes, our dreams, our feelings… everything and only when we stop talking is when we have problems."

"So what you're saying is… I need to jump him?" Mercedes asked with a frustrated huff and this time Quinn couldn't hold her laughter.

"I was teasing when I said that Mercedes but I do think you should sit down with him and talk it out. That way you will both know where you stand and if he doesn't feel the same at least there is a chance to salvage your friendship," Mercedes nodded.

"You're right… but I don't think my heart could take it if he doesn't feel the same."

"I know sweetie and I don't want to make promises that Sam may not be able to keep but I am pretty sure he does feel the same way, or at least he still feels something for you."

"How do you know?"

"Because I saw him looking at you."

"And?"

"And it was the same way he has always looked at you Mercedes," she said and watched as her friend was lit up with a smile of her own. "Come on let's go back and maybe you and Sam could go for a walk of your own," Mercedes nodded and Quinn draped her arm over her shoulder.

"Thanks Quinn."

"You're welcome."

"I really miss you sometimes."

"Me too," Quinn leant her head against Mercedes head as they walked. "You could move to New York."

"I'd love that but L.A. is where my home is," Quinn nodded knowing she was right.

"I know… but hey maybe in a few years, after Rachel does her thing here maybe we could move to L.A. and makes movies together."

"You think Rachel Berry will ever leave Broadway?" Mercedes asked with a tone of disbelief; Quinn nodded.

"Yeah I think once she lives her dream she will discover her other passions. I mean she has always said she wanted to win an EGOT," this time Mercedes nodded. "Maybe New York and Broadway are just the first step in the whirlwind Rachel Berry tour of starlight dreams."

"Oh god Quinn… don't tell her that or that will be the title of her autobiography," Quinn laughed at that. "But seriously if you two do ever find yourselves in L.A. remember that you have family there." Quinn smiled wide.

"I'll never forget… just like you better never forget you have family in New York."

"I know," she said with a grin of her own and as they walked back to the cabin all both girls could think about was how much the glee club changed their lives and were so thankful for that stupid little band of losers.

Or family.

Or both.

Rachel and Puck were walking along the rocks as they went for their morning hike. She was at first surprised when he had pulled her aside the night before and asked if she would go for an early morning hike with him. She was- of course- more than happy about this but she had always known Noah to be a sleep until noon while on vacation kind of guy so she thought this might be serious.

"So tell me Noah… why are we up at the crack of dawn when you normally would rather sleep your life away?" She asked as they reached the peak of the hill that she and Quinn had watched the sunset the first time they camped at this place. "You're not pregnant are you?" She teased and he laughed.

"Yeah the baby is due in the spring," he rubbed his stomach as he said it and she laughed along with him.

"But seriously Noah, are you okay?"

"I'm fine Rach, really," he promised and looked out at the amazing view of the lake. "I just wanted a moment with you."

"Keep your hands to yourself," she warned and he smirked.

"Yeah like that would ever happen," he looked over at her. "Listen, it's not like I have some big news, or some incredible dream to share with you up here I just wanted to take a moment. Things are about to change Rachel." She stepped closer.

"Well that sounds ominous."

"It isn't," he shrugged. "It's just another fact of life. You're about to be swept into the world that you were meant to be a part of. You're going to be busy… so fucking busy with eight shows a week and Quinn… god she is going to be a fucking movie star," she giggled and nodded. "And hopefully my band will get a record deal or something; but the point is we're going to be busy. I mean we already are, we hardly ever see each other now and it's only going to get worse as our star's being to rise," she nodded with a dreamy look in her eyes. It was nice to see the positive side of Noah; even though what he was saying was breaking her heart a bit.

"And I just wanted to take a moment to drape my arm around your shoulder," he did it as he said it. "And hold you close," and she cuddled against his side. "And share a moment of nothing but time and beauty." She looked up at him and could see the poet that she always knew he was.

She could also see the man that she always knew he was.

"I wanted to take a moment during the last few days we have together Rachel… like really together; to tell you that loving you has made me a man."

"Oh Noah-"

"No listen, Sawyer is my soul mate I know that and I'm thankful for her every day but I wouldn't even know what having a soul mate means if it weren't for you and Quinn. You guys saved me Rachel, you raised me… and you loved me anyway. Loving you made me a man and there will always be a Rachel Berry sized part of my heart that no one can touch."

"Noah," she gushed and a tear slid down her cheek.

"And I wanted to tell you that… and have one more moment where I could hold you in my arms and know that I am completely safe."

"I love you," she told him and he nodded.

"And I also wanted to feel your boobs against me," he teased and she slapped his chest so hard that he gasped. They hugged for a few moments and no words were said.

Because no words were needed.

After a few minutes; he let her go and looked at her.

"Hey, you never told me… how did it go with the guitar serenade?" Rachel laughed. "What?"

"I don't think you want to know."

"No I do… tell me, was it bad? Did you forget the chords?"

"No I- I did fine, I remembered it all."

"Then what was wrong?"

"Nothing was wrong…it-it was all good."

"And?" He motioned with his hands for her to get on with the story.

"I may have um… sung the song in the nude and then Quinn kissed me afterward… also naked." She watched as his eyes fluttered closed. She knew he was picturing that and then his eyes popped open.

"Fuck Rachel… you mean to tell me that my guitar was pressed between the two of you while you were naked and before you fucked." She nodded.

"After… I sang the song after we had sex."

"Oh fuck," he growled and Rachel chuckled. "We need- we need to go."

"Why?"

"Reasons," he tugged her hand and they started to walk down the trail and then Rachel nearly had a heart attack when Puck screamed like a girl.

"What the-"

"Get it off… get it off me," he screeched and that was when Rachel saw that there was a spider crawling up his arm. As it got closer to his bicep; he let out another blood curdling scream and Rachel lost it with the giggles.

There was something so funny about the sound of Noah Puckerman screaming like a thirteen year old girl.

"Rachel fuck off. AHHHHHH! Get it off, get it off!" He shouted and Rachel reached out and pulled the spider off of him and gently placed it on the ground. "Kill it! Kill it!"

"I will most certainly not kill it!"

"Then I will," he lifted his foot and Rachel shoved him so hard that he stumbled back and almost fell on his ass. "What the-" he was going to yell at her for pushing him but his heart swelled when he saw that she was literally urging the spider to get away from them.

"Go little spider go… run for it." When she was sure that the spider was safe she turned back to him and could see adoration in his eyes.

"What?"

"Oh nothing just… it's cute you're like a spider advocate." She rolled her eyes.

"At least I'm not a scared little girl." She walked over and looped her arm through his.

"Not my fault… they're terrifying."

"Oh yeah, so terrifying."

"Oh whatever Rachel," he felt his face flush in embarrassment.

"You have a very girly scream Noah," she teased and he knew. He just knew that he would be teased endlessly if Rachel told everyone about this.

"You're going to keep your mouth shut about this when we get back to the cabin right?" She didn't answer she merely laughed.

And he knew this would be bad.

Brittany, Santana, Sawyer, Tina, Sugar, Kurt and Blaine were sitting around with Kitty and Marley and they were all talking.

"You two are so adorable," Brittany said. "What have you been up to?" Kitty smiled at Marley before talking.

"Well she wants to be a singer so her plan was always to come to L.A… once we started to date I applied to all of the Los Angeles based universities that have a cheering program," Kitty said. "So I got a scholarship to UCLA and she got an academic one… we moved to L.A. together and here we are." They cuddled close and Santana sneered at their sweetness.

"So how long have you two been fucking?" Santana asked and watched with amusement when Marley's face blushed bright red.

"That is none of your business," Kitty tried to defend and was thankful when Mike, Sam, and Jake came in from their fishing trip.

"What are you guys talking about?" Mike asked as he sat next to Tina and cuddled close.

"Finding out about how long Marley has been petting Kitty's-"

"Oh god," Marley cut her off and covered her now red face.

"Yeah can we um… not talk about that?" Jake asked meeting Santana's eyes. "It's kind of a sore subject."

"Oh get over it dude… it's not your fault; you didn't do anything wrong in fact it's not even about you. She just prefers to not ride the pony, if you know what I mean."

"Oh god Santana," Marley spoke up. "Must you be so crass?" Santana cringed at how much the girl sounded like Rachel Berry circa plaid skirts and fugly animal sweaters but shook it off and grinned at the mortified girl.

"Have you met me?" She watched as Marley's face darkened. "Oh fucking hell I am just teasing," she said and Marley was again thankful when Rachel and Puck came back from their hike.

"I did not?" Puck shouted.

"You did too," Rachel replied. "Stop lying I was there too Noah."

"Oh Rachel just shut up okay," he said and his face was blushing.

"What are you two whining about?" Santana asked and Marley was grateful that the attention was off of herself and Kitty. She also relaxed when her girlfriend slid her hand into her own and interlocked their fingers.

"Well when we were out on the trail Noah started to-"

"Okay fine," he cut her off. "I screamed like a girl because I am afraid of spiders… okay," he slumped down next to his girlfriend who patted his shoulder sympathetically and he crossed his arms over his chest pouting like a two year old. "I can't believe you did that Rachel," he glared at her.

"Actually all I was going to say was that you showed your sweet, wonderful, vulnerable side to me and I had no intention of telling them that you showed it to me by screaming like a bitch and making me take the spider off of you," she was laughing now as was almost everyone else in the room. "You outed yourself."

"Because you made me think you were going to," he whined and that was when Quinn and Mercedes walked in.

"What's going on?" Quinn asked sitting next to Rachel and kissing her cheek.

"Oh Noah is just pouting because I tricked him into admitting he is afraid of spiders." Quinn nodded and stared at her with a smitten grin.

"What?"

"I missed you that's all," Quinn said sweetly and Rachel leaned over and kissed her. Everyone was sitting comfortably, small conversations were starting up all over the room, and no one but Rachel noticed that Mercedes was having a moment in the kitchen.

"Quinn," she whispered and when Quinn looked at her she motioned her head to where Mercedes was. "Did you get any info?"

"Yeah… I'll tell you later," she said and Rachel nodded. But the story wouldn't matter because not even two seconds later Mercedes walked over to Sam who was leaning against the doorframe with his hands in his pockets. When he saw her; and the determined look in her eyes he pulled his hands out of his pockets.

"Hey Mercedes what's up hmmmf-" the words were knocked out of his mouth when she grasped him with both hands on his shirt and pulled him into a passionate kiss that quickly deepened when he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tight.

"Whoa."

"Hot."

"Um…" Mike, Puck and Rachel said respectively. Rachel's eyes landed on Quinn and they shared a smile.

"Yeah that pretty much sums up our conversation," Quinn told her and Rachel started to bounce with excitement. She had always rooted for Sam and Mercedes because she thought they were perfect for each other.

The way Quinn was perfect for her.

"What was…" Sam started to ask softly as Mercedes pulled out of the kiss. His eyes fluttered opened and he lost his breath at the look in her eyes.

"I want you Sam… I know it might ruin our friendship but I'm hoping we find something better. I want you… I always have."

"I want you right back babe," he said and pulled their lips together in another hot kiss that made everyone else in room feel a bit awkward.

Well almost everyone Puck was smirking and nodding his head.

Also Sam and Mercedes didn't care one bit.

They were too lost in each other.

"Fuck off!" Santana yelled and got to her feet. "You guys are so gross already… I'm going out to start a campfire. You can all join me if… and only if you can keep your hands and your lips to yourselves," Brittany got to her feet.

"I'll join you," she said pulling Santana by her hand. "We can make out," Santana giggled and let Brittany drag her out of the house not giving one single fuck that she was basically being a hypocrite.

About an hour later, the sun had set and everyone was cuddled around the fire. Rachel was relaxing in Quinn's arms and listening to the quiet chatter of their incredible friends.

"So I have been sleeping my way through the girls at Ohio State," Jake said proudly and missed the looks of disappointment that were all over everyone's faces.

"And you're proud of that?" Marley asked.

"Sure," he said with a shrug and she took that as the truth but it was Rachel that noticed the sadness in his eyes and it reminded her so much of Noah before he found Sawyer. She knew that being with Quinn broke his heart every day and she was so happy when he finally found the girl of his dreams and now her heart was aching for his little brother.

"Quinn we should find a girl for him," Rachel whispered and Quinn shook her head no.

"Um no way baby… you're on your own with this one," Rachel glared at her but in a teasing way.

"Please," she begged.

"Um… no. I am not going anywhere near that," Quinn promised and Rachel huffed.

"I guess I'm on my own."

"You certainly are," Quinn kissed her cheek when she huffed again. "At least on this." A moment later a really big guy carrying a baseball bat walked over to them.

"Which one of you is Jake?" He asked and with those words Jake took off running and the man chased after him. "Stay away from my wife," the guy shouted after him as he chased him down.

"Should we," Sam pointed in the direction they ran in as he looked at Puck.

"We should… but um, I'm not looking forward to getting my ass kicked. Besides my little bro can run."

"Noah!" Rachel shouted and he got to his feet.

"Fine," he grumbled and stalked after his brother; Sam and Mike followed him. When they returned about twenty minutes later. Puck had Jake by the scruff of the neck and both boys had what would soon be black eyes.

"How many times have I told you bro that you stay away from the married ones?"

"You didn't," Jake defended his actions.

"Yes but you should learn from the error of my ways," he pushed Jake away from him where the boy took his seat again. Puck sat down next to Sawyer and saw her glaring at him.

He knew he was in trouble and would make is brother pay later.

"So tell me Noah," She arched her eyebrow and reminded him creepily of Quinn. "How many married women have you fucked?"

"Don't answer that bro," Jake shouted and Puck glared at him.

"Shut it Jake… you got me into this."

"Actually it was the Puckasaurus that got you into this," Sawyer spat and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Look my past doesn't matter babe… the only thing that matters is I found what I have always been looking for," she melted at those words and knew she couldn't hold his past against him. Honestly she was happy about whatever it took to make him into a man.

Into her man.

"Ugh so fucking charming," Santana yelled. "I'm getting a toothache… you all are highly nauseating and I am not nearly drunk enough for this," with those words Brittany handed Santana a beer and kissed her cheek. Everyone watched as her annoyed mask slipped and her sappy side shone through.

"You're such a hypocrite Satan," Puck finally challenged only to have her drink thrown at him. He dodged the beer bottle as everyone laughed around him.

"I'm so happy to be here with you all," Rachel said and Santana rolled her eyes.

"Don't you start with the sap Berry or you'll get a beer chucked at your head too." Rachel rolled her eyes because despite all of Santana's snark, she knew the girl was just as happy as she was to be there.

So instead of talking about her feelings she settled into Quinn's embrace and let the warmth of love spread throughout her. She watched silently as her friends shared in a magical moment… a small moment.

And she knew that they didn't need words to be spoken; she knew that everyone was feeling it too, and sometimes the best moments in life are the ones that aren't talked about.

"Hey let's play spin the bottle."

"Fuck off Puckerman!" Santana shouted.

"Yeah, are you ever going to grow up Noah?" Rachel added.

"I say we do it," Sawyer told him and everyone looked at her like she was crazy. And also like she was the perfect girl for Puck.

"And that is why you're my favorite," he said with a smitten grin.

"Yeah that's why," Quinn teased but neither of them heard her because they were staring into each other's eyes. Quinn looked at Rachel and knew they were sharing the same thought. Which was; that Puck and Sawyer were so sweet together and completely perfect for each other just like they were. Which Santana confirmed a moment later.

In her Santana way of course.

"Oh for fuck's sake you two," she gagged and they finally pulled their eyes off of each other. "You are worse than FabGay and GayBerry," the group laughed and all eyes landed on the two girls in question.

But of course they didn't notice.

Because they were lost in each other.

They did her the vague sound of Santana gagging again, but that was nothing new.

Eventually the chatter started up again and Rachel cuddled close to her girl and enjoyed the last few days… of fun and childhood with her family.

A/N 2: The title of the chapter comes from the song Here's To Us by Halestorm/Glee Cast.