A.N. So... The Season premiere made me sad... Sadness doesn't always help with writting. Just a warning. I'm plugging along. Bah.

Saturday December 6, 2009

9:22 A.M.

Kurt waited until Quinn was safely belted in the car and they had pulled away before he demanded, "Tell me everything!"

Quinn shrugged, "Not much to tell…"

Kurt glared and if he hadn't been driving he would have directed it at her, "Don't play with me Fabray."

Quinn closed her eyes and sighed, "She knows how I feel and she didn't reject me outright, she said she needs time to sort out her feelings, and we kissed. I've never been happier."

Kurt slowed for a stop sign, "She knows? How'd did she figure it out?"

Quinn snorted, "One of Rachel's dads is nuts? I told her I guess after telling her fathers who asked."

"Which one was nuts?" Kurt looked curious.

Quinn smiled, "Eli. He's where she got the diva storm out from."

Kurt nodded sagely, "He seemed the type. So… kiss?"

Quinn sucked in a breath, "It was amazing. I've never felt anything like it."

Kurt smirked, "Really? Hmmm. Well I'm happy for you."

Quinn replied, "Thanks Kurt." She hesitated, "Kurt… I… I'm sorry I got mad. You've done everything you can to change things for the better and you've given me my second chance, I shouldn't have gotten so angry."

Kurt pulled into his driveway and looked down, "When I found out what time she died… When I realized I could have saved her, I wanted to kill myself. I wanted to scream I was so sorry, so angry, with myself and with whoever had tied her up."

Quinn growled, "Every time I see Karofsky I want to finish what Puck started."

Kurt scowled, "I know the feeling. I… I had to take the chance to save her. I had to make things right."

Quinn reached out and squeezed his hand, "I was angry Kurt. I still am, but not so much at you. I should have thanked you, you made a mistake but you did what you could to make things right and I should have remembered that."

Kurt shrugged, "I understand, I would have punched me."

Quinn smiled, "I know how you are about your face."

Kurt scoffed, "I don't know what you mean."

Quinn opened her door, "Uh huh."

Friday December 25, 2009

10:05 A.M.

Quinn had spent Christmas with the Hummels and had a blast. The first time around that same holiday had been spent with Puck at his house and had been miserable. She smiled as Kurt played with the camera she had gotten him. It had been a thank you gift more than anything. He looked up and smiled at her.

Quinn smiled back and then squeaked when her phone vibrated. She flipped it open and read her text,

Merry Christmas Quinn! I hope you are enjoying your holiday, and I can't wait to see you when school starts 3 Rachel.

Quinn let out a happy sigh and typed her reply,

Happy Chanukah Rachel! I am havinga gr8t holiday; I hope u r as well? I never thought I'd be ready to go back to school. I miss u *Quinn*.

Quinn bit her lip, hoping she hadn't freaked Rachel out. Her phone buzzed again,

I miss you too Quinn. :D

Quinn fired off a quick reply and closed her phone before leaning back and breathing, "Best Christmas ever."

Monday January 11, 2010

7:55 A.M.

Quinn fidgeted and let out a sigh.

Kurt shifted into second gear, "God you're impatient."

Quinn snapped, "Can't you drive any faster?"

Kurt actually hit the brakes, "Nope. Learn to wait my dear."

Quinn folded her arms, "I've waited for years Kurt. I should get a medal for my patience."

Kurt chuckled, "You're really anxious to see her aren't you?"

Quinn shot back, "What gave you that idea Hummel?"

Kurt smiled as he whipped into the school parking lot. He hadn't even parked when Quinn threw open the door and stumbled out.

She called out, "See you later Kurt," And hurried off.

Kurt sighed, "Wow she's whipped."

8:05 A.M.

Quinn was like a diva seeking missile. She had rounded two corners and found Rachel standing beside her locker, with Finn.

The tall boy appeared to be begging, "Come on Rachel! I waited all of December. I want to date you."

Rachel looked exasperated, "If by waiting you mean calling me every day and texting me every hour then yes you've waited. I told you no Finn. I have moved on from my ill advised crush on you."

Finn replied stubbornly, "It wasn't ill advised."

Rachel raised her voice slightly, "You were with Quinn and at the time we both thought you were the father of her child, making my crush on you ill advised, my pursuing you was inappropriate and having become friends with Quinn I realize how wrong I was."

Finn scowled, "The baby isn't mine, and it would serve Quinn right if you couldn't be her friend because you were dating me!"

Rachel's eyebrows nearly vanished into her hair, "Couldn't! Are you saying that if we dated you would what? Forbid me from being Quinn's friend?"

Finn nodded, "Yes!"

Rachel snapped, "Go away Finn! For the last time the answer is no. Quinn is my friend and I'm not going to drop her because you are a giant man child!"

Finn shook a finger in her face, "I won't ask again Rachel."

Rachel snapped back, "Good!"

Finn turned and marched away.

Santana who was lounging against the wall across the hall yelled after him, "You need to improve your Diva storm out Finnocence!"

Quinn cracked her neck and started towards Rachel only to be beaten to the diva by Santana.

The Latina slammed Rachel's locker shut and snarled, "What's going on between you and Tubbers, RuPaul?"

Rachel flattened herself against the locker and stared up at Santana, "What do you mean Santana?"

Santana snarled, "Don't play dumb Treasure Trail. Quinn is different, being your friend, telling Finn that Puck is the father of her brat, and being friends with Glitter Boy."

Rachel tried to edge away, "I… I don't know what you want me to say."

Santana hissed, "I want you to stay away from her, Manhands. She's going to have that baby and she's going to give it up, and when she does she'll be back on top. Coach Sylvester will make her squirm a little and then she'll be back. You friendship has a time limit Stubbles."

Rachel's jaw clenched, "Quinn wouldn't do that. She cares about me."

Santana scoffed, "She slept with her boyfriend's best friend who I was dating. She won't choose you over popularity Berry."

Rachel's face smoothed out and she smiled, "You care about me Santana?"

Santana looked horrified as she back up, "What? No!"

Rachel shook her head, "Do not back pedal, you're concerned about me. Why else would you be warning me about Quinn?"

Santana snapped, "You're nuts Berry!"

Rachel shook her head, "I don't think so." She stepped towards Santana and looked up at her with a hard look, "I appreciate the concern Santana, but suffice to say I know things about Quinn that you do not. I will be careful I assure you, but I ask that you don't interfere with my friendship."

Santana stared down at the little Diva, "Whatever Berry." She turned and flounced away.

Quinn watched her go with a scowl; she was going to need to talk to Santana. She returned her attention to Rachel and watched as the diva pulled out her notebook for class.

The blonde set her shoulders and approached Rachel. She took the book that Rachel had pulled out of her locker right out of her hands, "I'll take that."

Rachel whirled to face her, "Wha… Quinn!" The little songbird was in Quinn's arms a second later.

Quinn shifted the book in her hand and wrapped her arms around Rachel. She pressed her head to Rachel's hair and breathed in the brunette's scent. Roses, oranges, and some sort of spice.

Rachel sighed, "Hello Quinn."

Quinn pulled away and grinned, "Hi Rachel."

Rachel rocked on her heels and asked, "How was your holiday?"

Quinn's eyes sparkled, "Better than I expected, though it would have been better if you had been around."

Rachel blushed, "I had to visit my grandparents."

Quinn nodded, "I know, I just… well I missed you."

Rachel looked up a Quinn for a moment before quietly replying, "I missed you too Quinn."

The two girls fell silent and simply gazed at each other. This was the first time they had seen each other since Quinn's confession and the resulting kiss. Quinn herself wrestled with the urge to ask if Rachel's feelings were sorted, while Rachel was slightly stunned at how happy she was to see Quinn. They had talked on the phone and shared texts but seeing each other was very different.

The bell rang and Quinn let out a breath before whispering, "Walk you to class?"

Rachel ducked her head shyly, "I'd like that."

Quinn smiled and fell into step next to Rachel as they headed to Spanish.

12:33 P.M.

Finn had decided to sit with the Gleeks that day. Puck had followed with Mike and Matt in tow. All four boys seemed happier with their glee friends than with the jocks and Cheerios. Quinn was miserable.

Finn was being rude to her and smothering Rachel, while Puck seemed ready to ask her out every five minutes despite the fact that Quinn had told him no multiple times.

The only bright spot was Rachel's reaction to Puck. No one but Kurt could quite figure out why Rachel was shooting Puck death glares. The shyness Rachel had exhibited by her locker that morning had vanished by the time the two girls had reached Spanish which lead to Rachel's apparent and visible displeasure with Puck. It would have amused Quinn if Puck wasn't so irritating.

4:22 P.M.

"Before you guys leave, your assignment for next week is themed, 'Hello' Ok guys, new beginnings, songs about hello." Mr. Schue smiled and began shuffling his papers.

As the kids gathered their things Santana muttered mutinously, "What the hell does that even mean?"

Mt Schue was already out of the room so he didn't respond.

Rachel did, "I agree. It was a bit vague."

Kurt shrugged, "What should we do?"

Rachel placed her music in her backpack, "I'm going to go to the music store tomorrow. You are all welcome to accompany me."

Finn replied eagerly, "I'm in!"

Mercedes' eyebrows arched up, "Which store?"

Rachel scoffed, "The Music Box, definitely, the other one is run by stoners."

Brittany wrinkled her nose, "It smells bad too."

Mercedes swung her back pack over her shoulder, "I'll come."

Kurt adjusted his hat and replied, "Me too."

Rachel flipped her hair and dazzled her fellow divas with bright smile.

Her manner changed and instant later as she turned and asked shyly, "Will you come, Quinn?"

Quinn smiled gently, "Sure."

Rachel smiled happily as the group headed out of the choir room.

Puck narrowed his eyes as his gazed shifted from Rachel to Quinn and back again.

Tuesday January 12, 2010

5:06 P.M.

Tuesday saw all of New Directions entering The Music Box and splitting up into little groups.

Rachel had made a case to Mercedes and Kurt that the three of them should do a song as they were the three strongest singers. The little diva was sure that they would murder any song they chose.

All three divas broke from the rest of the group and hurried off towards the sheet music. Puck had been almost immediately distracted by the guitars while Finn stood over a set of drums and salivated.

Artie had wheeled away from Tina so the girl had turned to Matt and Mike. The two boys took her with them as they followed the divas.

Quinn smiled at Brittany and offered her arm. Santana scowled and offered hers. Brittany looked between the two girls, smiled, and took both arms before dragging the girls towards the CDs.

She wasn't all that interested in the CDs so she watched the door. She watched the door as the overly coiffed future thorn in New Directions side known as Jesse St. James waltzed in like he owned the place.

Quinn ducked instinctively, knowing it was stupid because Jesse didn't know her yet. She hurried to the sheet music section and grabbed a hold of Kurt's arm and yanked him away from Rachel and Mercedes.

"Quinn what…" Kurt looked befuddled.

Quinn growled, "We have a problem." She spun Kurt around.

Kurt spotted Jesse immediately, "Crap," He whirled back around to face Quinn, "What do we do?"

Quinn smiled and smoothed down the wrinkles on his jacket before fluffing his hair, "Stall him." She bodily shoved him right into Jesse's path, nearly toppling both boys.

Jesse's hands shot out and steadied Kurt, "Sorry! I'm so sorry…"

Kurt waved him off, "It was my fault, my friend is a," He raised his voice so Quinn would hear, "Bitch!"

Jesse nodded and then seemed to get a good look at Kurt because he did a double take, "You're Kurt Hummel. You sang a duet at Sectionals with Rachel Berry." He smirked, "The performance was unexpected, though you definitely lack Idina's power and soul."

Kurt's smile was wiped from his face, "And you are Jesse St. James, lead male vocalist of Vocal Robotics…" He smiled a catty smile and took his time correcting himself, "I'm sorry, Vocal Adrenaline."

Jesse's eyebrow ticked up, "So… Kurt," He stepped in closer, "What are you doing here?" He looked Kurt up and down and Kurt fought the urge to pop him one.

"I'm here looking for music," Kurt stepped back "With my team."

Kurt felt the something solid behind him and realized that Puck and Finn had wandered over from the instruments.

Kurt turned slightly towards the two boys and watched as they both puffed themselves up like bullfrogs.

Puck growled, "Who is this guy, Glitter?"

Jesse stuck his hand out, "Jesse St. James, Vocal Adrenaline."

Finn, who had been in the process of offering his own hand, withdrew it abruptly.

Jesse shrugged, "Is Rachel Berry here?"

Kurt scowled, "Why?"

"I've wanted to sing with her since Sectionals, show her what a real male lead can do." Jesse looked sure of himself as he scanned past Puck, Finn, and Kurt for Rachel.

Puck opened his mouth to deliver a rude reply but was cut off, "Kurt is an excellent male lead! I will not tolerate you insulting my friend."

Jesse turned so fast he nearly gave himself whiplash, "Rachel Berry… It is a pleasure to meet you." Jesse looked Rachel up and down with a leer. That was fake. Kurt knew because he had just experienced the real thing.

Rachel didn't look charmed; she looked affronted "I wish I could say the same." Santana and Brittany moved to back up Puck and Finn, while Mercedes and Quinn flanked Rachel.

Jesse looked cornered, "I was… hoping that we could sing together Rachel. I think we'd sound amazing."

Rachel faltered for just a moment before she exchanged a loaded look with Quinn and replied, "No thank you." She turned, effectively dismissing him.

Jesse moved towards her, "But I…"

Puck snarled, "She said no dude. Step off."

Brittany cocked her head and blurted, "He looks like Mr. Schue."

Everyone paused and looked at Jesse. He really did look like Schue.

The Glee kids started to disperse and Jesse deflated like a sad clown balloon. Quinn's smile was huge as she gave Kurt a thumbs up before turning her attention to her diva.

Kurt shook his head and turned his attention back to Jesse, "You ok?"

Jesse scowled, "I had a pla…"

Kurt's eyes narrowed, "Listen here St. James, you are an amazing performer, but if you think for one second that you are going to come in here and play Rachel you've got another thing coming. Rachel's our captain, and our lead and we all care about her." Kurt flipped his hair and breezed back to the girls.

He missed the slightly lustful look Jesse pinned him with. Quinn didn't.

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