Ever since Quinn came out, it had been a whirlwind. At first, there was a lot of media attention. So many magazines wanted an interview. She really didn't want to use her sexuality as a ploy for more press but somehow her PR team had convinced her to do several rounds to promote the new season. She answered a few questions about her sexuality in each article, interview, TV but mostly promoted the show. She was happy to talk about the work that Artie was doing with the cast and the ways that the newest season was streamlined into a tighter show. They were producing great work and she really hoped people would get behind the new season rather than her personal life.

Between her promotion schedule and a couple of visits to Lima to spend time with her mother, Quinn had barely seen the cast unless they were filming. Her appearances in the first three episodes of the new season were limited. She missed being around that support system. She missed being around Rachel.

Quinn had been away doing a photo shoot in Paris for Vogue. She was also set to do an interview in New York upon her return, giving her a week away from SING! The press had been up in arms lately about a supposed feud between the two leading actresses since they hadn't been on set together since Quinn came out. Their characters had been carefully crafting a friendship for the past few seasons and naturally stories about two actresses getting along don't sell magazines so rumors had spread. With Quinn's abrupt departure from the country and reported absence from nearly three entire episodes, the rumors went rampant even more. Somehow people were convinced that Rachel and Quinn had a falling out over her sexuality.

Rachel's publicist had been having a field day for weeks trying to spin stories to keep Rachel portrayed in a good light. They'd been fighting rumors of diva behavior since day one. It seemed every time one story died down about one issue, another popped up about a different problem. Last year, Rachel had reportedly stormed off set when Courtney was less than prepared for a scene. The truth was Rachel had the flu and stormed off set during a shot to vomit. She hadn't stormed so much as fled actually. The press got wind that she'd stormed out of the room and then didn't return to set all day. Her publicist tried to spread word of the flu incident, but once "diva" was thrown out there every tabloid ran with it.

Now diva rumors were the least of her worries. She was personally offended that anyone could possibly assume she was homophobic. Her fathers were gay. Kurt, her known best friend was gay. But they were men. It was easy to support someone of the opposite sex. Quinn was a woman. Quinn could interested in her. Rachel could be frightened by that concept. None of it was true of course, just exceptionally hurtful. How could anyone think that Rachel would be anything less than supportive of her best friend coming out?

Right before Quinn left, she and Rachel had a spat on her last day of filming before her temporary hiatus. It was a slight quarrel really, just out of earshot of two extras. It wasn't a big deal. Rachel had borrowed Quinn's iPod during a break and dropped it. Naturally the blonde had been irate and some of the "Old Quinn" leaked out. The squabble had ended in tears on Rachel's part. Quinn immediately apologized and it was soon forgotten when Rachel promised to buy Quinn a new iPod. Quinn had assured her it wasn't necessary. An iPod was the least of their financial worries. It had been the principle that had bothered Quinn at the time. Rachel always "borrowed" Quinn's things and rarely returned them in perfect condition. Books were returned with creases from Rachel dog-earing pages instead of using a bookmark as Quinn preferred. Records returned with a scratch that Rachel swore was there when she borrowed it. Little things added up and after a night of little to no sleep, stress from her private life being the discussion on everyone's lips, and Rachel's slight blunder, Quinn had snapped. Though the two extras didn't hear what the fight entailed, all that was needed for a story was an exchange of heated words and Rachel crying before the rumor mill was stirring again. The rumor was that Rachel didn't support Quinn's decision to come out and they were no longer friends.

Quinn was in the airport, waiting for her flight from Paris to New York when her phone buzzed. Twitter alert. She opened the app and snorted to herself when she read the latest tweets from her cast mates and best friends.

"Wishing Q Fabray was here for this group number. Too bad somebody is a gorgeous model now in Paris...or is it NYC?"- Courtasado

Of course Courtney had to tweet. The Latina had been practically green with envy when Quinn had announced that her photo shoot had been relocated to Paris. Plus if anyone had recently embraced twitter, it was Courtney.

"Yo Bitch, come back to the states. Going to NYC for the show. We better do brunch"- BrittLovinLopez

Santana hated the twitter handle but Brittany had been the one to start the account. They shared the account and Brittany was usually the one to tweet on Santana's behalf to keep her fans involved. The real estate agent's television show about flipping houses had really taken off and while she wasn't SING! popular, she still had quite the fanbase. Brittany loved interacting with Santana's fans. The woman, herself, could rarely be bothered but enjoyed using the site to endlessly torment Quinn and occasionally poke fun at Rachel much to the joy of the gossip magazines.

"Missing my gorgeous co-star. Where in the world is QuinnFabray? Come back! We miss you!" - MsRachelBerry

Quinn chuckled and immediately closed the app. She pressed the first option on her speed dial and waited a few moments for the ring.

"Hello," Rachel's tired voice filtered through the cell phone.

"You could text or call like a regular person, Miss I-Don't-Care-What-They-Print-About-Me," Quinn smirked.

"Quinn? It's like 7am there," Rachel squeaked.

"7:26 to be exact. Are you already in bed?"

"No I was...well I drifted off on the couch during Celebrity Apprentice. I don't even know why I was watching it in the first place," Rachel admitted.

"Celebrity Apprentice? Rachel Berry, I am shocked. I thought you hated reality TV shows," Quinn chuckled.

"I do. I think they're undermining the value of scripted television and they are reducing the American people into mindless idiots who think it's socially acceptable to do nothing except argue, booze, gym, tan, and do laundry. It's deplorable television...but I do enjoy competition shows. The singing ones are usually atrocious in what they consider to be vocal prowess. However, the occasional episode of The Amazing Race won't kill anybody. Besides, I happen to know two of the contestants this season on Celebrity Apprentice. I'm merely showing my support to my friends' career endeavors. Plus they compete for charity and I am a huge supporter of people in positions of financial security giving back to those in need," Rachel defended.

"You're obviously exhausted when you revert to using your loquacious high school speak. It's second nature for you, isn't it? Long day on set?"

"It wasn't the longest but it was tiring. We shot two scenes and then spent the rest of the day on the group number. I was going to send the next person who messed up to an active crack house until Artie finally called it a day. We still have to pick up tomorrow but I think tensions were running a little high and Artie thought we could all use the night off," Rachel sighed.

"And Ann? Did she hound you all day?" Quinn questioned, her tone already oozing with sympathy.

Ann was Rachel's overbearing publicist. The woman certainly had her work cut out for her while representing the oft than not outspoken Rachel Berry. Still, some days she was too hard on Rachel about stories that were out of her control. The starlet had truly tried to lose as much diva behavior as possible the moment she stepped into the silver screen limelight. She'd managed to mature greatly on Broadway and had rarely been called a diva in New York. Yet, Ann was constantly on her case about the little moments and the bigger fabricated stories.

"I don't know how to please that woman. I have two gay fathers. I have multiple gay best friends. I would never abandon you like that. Most of our fans realize the stories in tabloids are crap but Ann feels the need to address everything," Rachel groaned.

"I'm guessing she was behind your tweet."

"I prefer actual phone conversations, Quinn. I need to hear your voice every now and then. At the very least, I will text. Twitter seems so impersonal...it's a wonderful tool for interacting with the fans, but ever since we all got our public accounts- it seems like it's only a way to pretend to interact simply for the fans. It's impersonal to tweet you for your birthday. I'd much rather make you dinner. Tweeting you about your trip seemed so fake. I've called you every other day and if I knew you weren't legitimately busy, I would've called every day. You're my best friend. Do I really need to tweet that so gossip magazine can retweet it?"

"I thought Ann released a statement?" Quinn asked softly.

"She did. Apparently I'm not homophobic anymore. Now our spat means we've broken up," Rachel scoffed.

"We've broken up? We- what?" Quinn squeaked.

"Ann said it's all over the internet. People are questioning a feud while hinting at a secret break up. At first I didn't support you enough and now apparently I'm heartbroken or something. I refuse to let my publicist run our friendship but honestly I don't know what has me more upset- the fact that I can't win with Ann, we're either too close and everyone assumes we're dating or we're not close enough and we obviously hate each other- or the fact that our fans have so little faith in us. I mean we've broken up before we've ever really even begun. I'd like to think that with all of our history we could work through little spats easily and not break up every time we have a disagreement," Rachel huffed.

"Um what?"

"It's just insulting. I'm either a homophobe- which is ridiculous- or I'm in love with you which is- well the point is that I'm so tired of doing this. I have no idea how you are coping with this. People always said I was dating Chase but they were never so cruel. Why do people want to believe I'm at odds with you? And the idea that I would be upset that you came out because I want to stay in the closet is absurd! If we were together, I would tell the whole world. It's disgusting that people think I would break up with you like that!"

"You're upset because random people on the internet think that you and I broke up when we weren't even a couple? Rach, sweetheart, have you slept at all this week?" Quinn tried to hide her amusement but failed miserably.

"I know you think this is funny but it hurts. Even outside of a romantic context, I can't believe that people would honestly think that you and I could just stop being friends over stupid squabbles. We argue all the time. We pick little fights and we quarrel but that doesn't mean I'd ever want you out of my life. I can't imagine my life without you and I never want that to happen. I hate that people think you'd go to France just to get away from me. I hate that people think that somehow our relationship has to change just because you came out. I've known you forever. Nothing can change my opinion of you or how much I need you in my life," Rachel pouted.

Quinn's heart squeezed at the admission. Sometimes being friends with someone who loved her friends so deeply was the most exquisite torture. Their relationship hadn't changed at all. Quinn had initially been worried that Rachel would shy away from being publicly affectionate with Quinn, especially when their cast began teasing her about a secret relationship. However, Rachel- being Rachel- trudged on as if nothing had changed. Everything had changed for Quinn. Still, the loud brunette came over to watch movies and snuggled close on the couch. She still called every day. The only difference had been the public tweet. Rachel had never felt the need to publicize their interactions. They were friends. People knew that and if they didn't, they would figure it out sooner or later through interviews or behind the scenes videos or even paparazzi shots.

"Have you slept? You sound tired," Quinn asked.

"Are you not bothered by this at all? I just wish sometimes we could go back to the beginning. Things were so much easier when we first started. Or maybe even before that. Sometimes, I just want to go back to high school and kick my own selfish, Finn-obsessed ass and make you my best friend back then so I wouldn't have to share you with the rest of the world now. How are you not affected by any of this? Have you read anything that people are saying?"

"Of course I'm affected. Sometimes it feels like the entire world is trying to butt into my business," Quinn sighed. "Of course I miss the days when you and I could go to dinner and nobody cared. Of course I miss being able to tweet my best friend without the world looking for a hidden meaning."

"You're very good at that by the way. Your hidden messages are ingenious. I wish I could be as cryptic."

"I was a pregnant teenager who got kicked out of her house but clawed her way back to the top. I learned how to hide what needs to be hidden. I hid my sexuality for two full seasons of this show. It all comes with practice. You're just too honest to deceive people the way that I was trained to do in my parents' home," Quinn explained sadly.

"Well it certainly would come in handy every now and then. I enjoyed your picture. You know I love the Eiffel Tower."

"That's why it said- I took this picture for you. It could've been for all of my fans but...well...it was for you," Quinn admitted with a blush, though Rachel couldn't see her through the phone. "I promise someday when we're both old and gray and nobody cares who we are anymore, we'll have brunch near the Eiffel Tower and sip tea together. It'll be perfect."

"Brunch in Paris with my best friend. We'll leave the husband and your gorgeous, future wife in the hotel," Rachel laughed.

Quinn hmmed her agreement though her heart squeezed painfully at the idea of Rachel's future husband. Some days it felt like a knife twisting in her gut. Other days the reminder that she would never have Rachel was only a slight sting. Husband comments always accompanied the knife. Though it seemed that Rachel only mentioned having a husband when talking about Quinn's future wife. As if the two were linked. She brought up the idea of this gorgeous, perfect woman that Quinn would have and then briefly mentioned some nameless, faceless, almost meaningless husband.

"Just make sure you prepare your little wifey. She will have to get used to sharing you with me because despite whatever rumors people are stirring, I'm not going anywhere," Rachel continued.

"You will never have to worry about that, Rachel," Quinn promised.

"So did you like my tweet?" Rachel changed the subject.

"I did. I like this phone call even more."

"Me too. I just wish everybody else could see us the way we see us," Rachel sighed again.

Quinn swallowed hard. Some of their fans saw her and Rachel exactly as she wished they would be- in love. Most accepted their friendship and argued relentlessly on twitter about the erroneous claims that Rachel and Quinn had a falling out of any sort. They had passionate fans no matter what side of the spectrum they lived on.

"Seriously, have you slept at all? If you don't want to be alone, you should really stay with Santana and Brittany for a night or two. I know you think the new place is haunted but you need to sleep, Rachel," Quinn's tone was loving but concerned.

"I don't like my house. It's too much work and it's too quiet. I wish you were here to watch Buffy with me. I miss my old house but it reminded me too much of Josh. This place is haunted. I just wish you were here."

"Me too, Rach. I'll be home in a few days though."

"What time is your flight?" Rachel asked.

Quinn shifted in her seat to check out the departure board. It was nice to sit in the airport without everyone knowing her. She had her floppy hat pulled down on her head and a simple sweater on. Nothing that screamed 'I'm a celebrity, look at me' so she had remained unnoticed during the early morning.

"We should be boarding in about ten minutes," Quinn replied.

"And you're only in New York for three days, right?"

"Three days then I'll be back in LA."

"Santana told you she'll be in New York while you're there?" Rachel questioned.

Sometimes, talking with Rachel was like talking to Quinn's own mother. A lot of questions and a lot of making sure Quinn was organized and had her life planned accordingly. She knew that in Rachel's brain there was a daily planner, color coordinated and carefully documented keeping Quinn's life on track in some way.

"Yeah. We're going to get brunch. I think she's staying at the Marriott and I'm at the Standard," Quinn answered.

"When you get back...I know you'll be exhausted, but would you mind it terribly if I stayed over?" Rachel asked, sheepishly.

"You have a key, Rach. If you want to stay there now, you're welcome. I'd love to have you as long as you want to stay."

"Thanks, Quinn. We've got a huge week once you're back and I'm going to need all the sleep I can get," Rachel sighed in relief.

"Maybe you should consider getting your house exorcised or something...or you know, move if you really hate it all the much," Quinn chuckled.

"I know. I should just move. But I've moved so much since I came to LA. Plus I don't want to be too far from set and it doesn't matter where I live, I get the best sleep at your place," Rachel admitted with an embarrassed chuckle.

"Then you should probably move back into the complex...it's just a thought. Or at least stay in the neighborhood. I mean you're welcome anytime but someday you're going to get a boyfriend, Rachel, and as much as I love you- I really don't think I can take group slumber parties in my one bedroom apartment just so you can get a good night's sleep," Quinn teased, her heart squeezing again.

Every time Rachel said something about needing Quinn too much or anything that Quinn's treacherous heart could twist into a hidden confession of love, Quinn needed to remind herself that the brunette was straight. It hurt every time but it was necessary for survival. The past few months had been too hard. She and Rachel had been become too attached. Quinn was in over her head. Now that she was out, she could feel unwanted eyes watching her every move- especially her moves with Rachel.

"If I have to choose between a guy and Quinn Fabray you know that the penis loses every time," Rachel giggled.

Quinn's heart constricted once more. She tried in vain to come up with an appropriate response that wasn't 'please just love me'. Luckily, God or karma or whatever force was in her corner.

"Now boarding first class for New York City" blasted over the intercom.

"Hey, we're boarding. I really should go," Quinn breathed deeply.

"Call me when you get to New York."

"You should be asleep when I get to New York," Quinn laughed.

"Then text me. I just want to know you got there."

"Alright I will."

"Have a safe flight, Quinn. I love you," Rachel wished the blonde.

Quinn swallowed thickly before replying, "Thanks. Love you too."

If anyone noticed the blonde in the large floppy hat cradling her phone to her chest with a pained expression, they didn't acknowledge that they had. Quinn fumbled for a moment with her purse and carry-on before strutting down the aisle toward the gate door. She took a few deep breaths while handing over her boarding pass.

"Enjoy your flight, Miss Fabray. Oh, and I love your show," the woman smiled handing back Quinn's pass after it scanned.

"Thank you," Quinn squeaked.

She couldn't stop her heart from racing and it wasn't because she was a nervous flyer. She was ready to burst. Something had to give and fast. She couldn't keep carrying on this way, loving someone so ardently but secretly.