A.N. So... Updated sooner. Yay me.

A.N2: There are now two polls on my profile page. The one about RENT is the one that is important to this fic. Please vote on both if you can but if you have to choose... answer the RENT one because I need to decide something before I can go much further than what I have.

Wednesday February 10, 2010

7:02 P.M.

Quinn could have strangled Kurt for not warning her. She should have been expecting the beginning of Burt and Carole but for the love of God, Kurt should have warned her. She'd rather face Eli Berry the morning after she had actually defiled his daughter than continue on with dinner.

Carole was being ridiculously polite and so was Quinn but it was uncomfortable. What did one say to the mother of the boy you had convinced was the father of your child only to renege on the assertion?

Burt, bless him, was trying to keep the conversation going, "So Carole… how is your boy doing?"

Carole smiled tightly, "He's alright. He had his heart set on dating a girl at school but it didn't work out."

Quinn ducked her head and hid her smile.

Burt looked curious, "Finn is a good looking kid… why didn't it work out?"

Carole shot Quinn a look and replied, "She picked someone else over him."

Burt gave a conciliatory hum, "That's too bad… who is the girl?"

Carole almost sneered, "Rachel Berry."

Burt started, "Berry? Elijah and Philip Berry's girl?"

Carole shrugged, "I don't really know. I've only met her once when they had to work on a project for Glee. I know Sarah Puckerman thinks the world of her."

Kurt smiled, "That's just because she's Jewish though."

Quinn giggled, "Probably."

Carole scowled, "Please don't belittle her faith."

The smiles were wiped from Kurt and Quinn's faces immediately.

"We weren't." Kurt's reply was barely a whisper.

Carole huffed, "Just as well, she probably wasn't good enough for him anyway." She leveled a stare at Quinn as the words came out.

Quinn breathed, "May I be excused?"

Burt looked surprised, "Sure Quinn."

Quinn stood and left the room. She headed up to her room and began put her stuff in her bags. She needed to find a new place to stay and soon.

"Need a get-away driver?" Kurt leaned in the door way with a wan smile.

Quinn shrugged, "I guess. I'm not sure where to go."

Kurt looked down, "I… I should have anticipated this Quinn. I'm sorry. It's just that my dad was so happy with Carole…"

Quinn stopped him, "It's ok. He deserves to be happy and I can't really blame Mrs. Hudson for hating me. I just… I need to be out of here before they move in I guess."

Kurt asked, "Where will you stay? Mercedes'?"

Quinn sat heavily on the bed, "I don't really know. Mercedes and I are friends but we aren't where we were when she offered me a place to stay. I want to call Rachel but we're taking it slow so… I don't know." She sighed and pulled out her phone. Santana was really her only option if she didn't want to deal with Finn as well as Mrs. Hudson.

Thursday February 11, 2010

2:23 P.M.

The coffin was mahogany. Her fathers had spared no expense in burying their child, just as they had spared no expense in her life. It had glinted in the sun as it was placed in the contraption that would lower it into the earth.

Brittany had surprised everyone as the funeral home directors prepared to start the contraption, "Wait! I have something for Rachel!" She had stepped forward with a sheet of paper in her hands and held it up to show Eli and Philip Berry what she had.

Eli had started crying harder that he had been and had nodded.

The tall blonde spoke to the club, "Come on guys." The kids moved to crowd Brittany and Kurt finally caught a glimpse of the sheet in Brittany's hand. Gold star stickers. The kids sniffled and some sobbed, Finn, others had to be lead away after placing their stickers on the coffin, Quinn. One by one the kids of New Directions each placed a gold star sticker upon the sleek and shiny finished coffin and just for a moment they all supposed that Rachel would approve. Kurt went last, he hadn't planned it but as he pressed the sticker down he-

Kurt jerked awake and let out a pained gasp. His chest hurt from crying in his sleep. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and grimaced. His silk pajamas were soaked through with sweat. He stood and shakily made his way to his bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. The nightmare had been common place for about three weeks after Rachel's death, a little more than one in the future and two in the past until he finally assured himself that Rachel was alive again. He wasn't sure what had brought on the nightmare this time but he certainly hated it now just as he had then.

He splashed water on his face and wanted nothing but to go wake Quinn and seek comfort in her presence. He didn't want to deprive her of sleep though.

He turned the light out in the bathroom and made his way to his vanity and sat heavily. He dreaded J… The thought was derailed. It was a month wasn't it? That he dreaded, because his friend would die. Rachel would die and that would be awful. She was one of his best friends. She had horrible fashion sense but she was learning to be loyal and kind, and could be so funny when given the chance. But how did he know she would die? It was ridiculous. No one could know when someone would die. He didn't want Rachel to die of course, it would devastate Quinn. It had devastated Quinn…

Kurt grasped his head and sucked in air. January 17. That was the day. He glanced at the mirror and caught his terrified face. Tears leaked from the corner of his eyes. He had forgotten, if only for a moment, that Rachel would die. That he had played his part in her death. He forgot the date! How could he forget the date? He stood abruptly and strode to his dresser. He yanked open the bottom drawer and took out his journal. He snatched one of the pens on his dresser and flipped open the journal and wrote in big bold letters,

January 17, 2011- The day Rachel might die if I screw up again!

He underlined the words and shut the journal. He felt better. He set the leather bound book on his dresser and got a different pair of pajamas from the top drawer and changed quickly before slipping back into bed. He smiled as he recalled that Jesse had asked him to a movie. For the life of him he couldn't remember why he shouldn't accept. He let out a happy sigh closed his eyes. He didn't see the white glow from the journal on the dresser.

12:39 P.M.

Kurt leaned forward at the lunch table and whispered, "Jesse asked me out."

Quinn sprayed milk everywhere. Mercedes started choking.

Rachel nearly lunged forward, "Really? What did you say?"

Kurt patted Mercedes on the back and replied, "I haven't given him an answer. I mean… I'm still concerned that he is a spy."

Rachel nodded, "I understand. Although we can't know for certain that he's a spy."

Quinn snorted, "Yes we can."

Rachel turned to look at the blonde, "How?"

Quinn blinked, "We just can."

Rachel sighed and returned her attention Kurt, "You should say yes. You know to be cautious, so you won't be caught off guard." She smiled and then continued excitedly, "We could double!"

Quinn shushed her, "Rachel." She caught the little diva's hand under the table, "We aren't dating yet."

Rachel pouted, "I know that. We could double as friends. With my two gay dads I am very comfortable around two boys with romantic intentions towards each other."

Kurt blushed, "I don't even know if I'll say yes."

Rachel's eyes grew impossibly wide, "I thought we agreed you would?"

Kurt shook his head, "No. You just told me I should. With ulterior motives I believe." He tried not to look as Rachel's lip jutted out. She had the most dangerous puppy dog look on the face of the earth. He totally got why her fathers had spoiled her so much.

In a small voice Rachel spoke, "Of course it is your decision and I will refrain from offering my opinion on the matter."

Kurt's chest tightened even though he knew he was being manipulated, "Rach that isn't what I meant." He sighed, "I'll say yes. But if he breaks my heart…"

Rachel jumped in, "If he breaks your heart I'll beat him up! Or do something to his hair." She nodded decisively.

Quinn smirked at him, "You are so whipped and you are gay."

Kurt's scowl transformed into a grin when Rachel leaned in and whispered something into Quinn's ear. The blonde blushed bright red.

A throat cleared behind Kurt, "Can I sit with you guys?"

Jesse St. James stood behind Kurt and Mercedes looking just a tad bashful. Kurt fought the urge to find him charming.

Rachel answered for the group, "Sure. Mercedes scoot over so that he can sit next to Kurt."

Mercedes muttered under her breath but did as she was told.

Jesse sat down and smiled brightly, "Thank you!"

Rachel nodded, "You're quite welcome Jesse. How has your day been?"

Jesse shrugged, "I've had better. I was just 'slushied'. It's why I was late."

Rachel let out a squeak, "I apologize for the barbarism of my fellow classmates. I hope you had clothes to change into?"

Jesse nodded, "I always carry a change of clothes in case a scout sees me and wants to see a different facet of my talents or abilities."

Rachel eagerly replied, "That is such a good idea. I have always viewed the abuse I endure here as four to six chapters in my inevitable bestselling memoir about my rise to stardom."

Jesse cocked his head, "I hadn't considered that. It would make for a compelling anecdote."

Kurt breathed, "Wow…"

Rachel and Jesse turned to look at him, "What?" Their reply was synchronized.

Kurt shrugged, "I never realized how similar the two of you really are."

Mercedes chuckled, "Are you kidding, he is like the male Rachel."

Jesse looked put out, "Or perhaps she is the female Jesse. I am older after all."

Rachel glared at him, "My personality was present in the womb. Daddy says I inherited a lot from my mom."

Quinn caught the look in Jesse's eye as he replied, "Really. What's your mother like?"

Rachel was quiet for just a moment, "I suppose she must be an older more mature version of me. I have never met her."

Jesse quietly replied, "I'm sorry. Did she die?"

Quinn's eyes narrowed and she snapped, "Her mother was a surrogate."

Jesse looked surprised by Quinn short reply, "Oh… I can't imagine not knowing my mother. I think I'd do anything to find her."

Rachel shrugged, "I have considered asking over the years, when I needed my first bra or when I started my period. She would have supplied invaluable assistance during my transition into woman hood. I just… I didn't want to hurt my dads' feelings."

Jesse smiled, "You should look for her. I bet she misses you."

Quinn and Kurt both let out short gasps as they realized Jesse's angle. It wasn't really about show choir at all. It was about Rachel's mom.

Kurt blurted, "We should all go see a movie."

Jesse asked, "Like a date?" He seemed happy with the prospect.

Kurt shrugged, "Maybe a group thing so that we can get to know each other better?"

Jesse smiled, "That sounds great Kurt. Who would be going?"

Quinn grasped Rachel's hand over the table, "Rachel and I will go. Right Rach?"

Rachel nodded.

Mercedes didn't look up from her phone, "I'm in. So are Tina, Brittany, and Santana."

Jesse looked surprised, "How did you…?"

Mercedes waved her phone, "Please boy. I got mad texting skills. Santana wants to know if we can invite the rest of the boys?"

Kurt shrugged, "I guess. Finn is going to have to get used to spending time with me outside of glee. Maybe if he sees that I'm not crushing on him any more he'll be more accepting of my dad and Carole dating."

Mercedes was quiet for a beat and then, "I heard yes."

Kurt laughed, "Yes Mercedes. We can make it a Glee outing."

Rachel looked like she was vibrating with excitement, "We should see a musical."

Jesse agreed immediately, "'Nine' is still showing!"

Quinn held up a hand, "I'll will bet money you have both seen 'Nine'."

Jesse and Rachel didn't reply save to pout and avoid her gaze.

Quinn smirked, "That's what I thought."

Rachel smiled brightly, "What about 'Avatar'? You've been wanting to see it."

Quinn nodded and smiled.

Kurt interjected, "Oh me too! I just didn't want to go alone."

Mercedes glanced up, "I want to see it. So do all of the boys. Santana and Brittany don't care, neither does T."

Quinn drawled, "B and S will spend the whole movie making out, that's why they don't care."

Rachel spoke tentatively, "It's like a three hour movie…"

A second later everyone but Jesse was declaring that they would not be stuck sitting next to Santana and Brittany.

Saturday February 13, 2010

7:56 P.M.

It was possible that the Lima Movie Theater had never experienced Rachel Berry in all her Diva glory because the two boys manning the concession stand looked horrified. Rachel had arrived with a large bag, almost large enough that it looked comical when paired with the diminutive Songbird. The bag itself seemed to bulge which indicated that it was full of something and in a show of intelligence the two boys in charge assumed that Rachel had smuggled in some form of food.

"I bought things at the concession! I bought your ridiculous seven dollar popcorn and two of your outrageously priced carbonated beverages! Three types of candy, a pickle, and nachos and you want to search my bag! NO!" The little diva was puffed up and coiled all at the same time. She seemed ready to lash out physically if any of the theater staff attempted to remove her bag.

One of the boys stuttered, "M-miss outside food or drink is not allowed. You will have to s-surrender your bag before going into the m-movie." The guy looked ready to faint.

Rachel snarled back, "Go and find your manager!"

The other boy darted away, desperate to escape Rachel who stood with her arms folded and glared at the remaining boy for the minute and-a-half it took to get the manager.

The woman looked to be in her late teens and she appeared tired, "Miss I understand your frustration but outside-"

Rachel took a step towards her and motioned for the manger to lean in close so that Rachel could lower her voice. Kurt and Quinn watched as Rachel spoke quickly but in a low voice so that she could be heard by the club or the rest of the theater patrons. After a little under a minute of furious speaking on the little Diva's part the manager smiled softly and nodded.

She turned and snapped at the two boys, "Leave the girl alone. What's in her bag is her business." She nodded to Rachel, "Enjoy your movie sweetie." She hurried off to the ticket booth.

Rachel waved Quinn forward and handed her the Sprite she had purchased as well as two of the candies.

Quinn sighed, "Rachel you didn't have to pay for everything." She had tried to be annoyed that Rachel had insisted on paying for everything but couldn't help but feel taken care of instead. The brunette had given five sound reasons why she should be allowed to pay and Quinn had gone along with it because it seemed to make Rachel happy.

Rachel beamed at her, "I like treating you." She eyed Quinn and deflated a little, "Am I making you uncomfortable? I know I can be… excitable, but I thought that for our first non-date in a public place that I could spoil you seeing as you always take such good care of me."

Quinn melted, "I'm not uncomfortable. Thank you Rachel, for wanting to take care of me."

Rachel nodded, "You are quite welcome Quinn."

Quinn walked with the diva as they rejoined the group.

Puck smirked, "Done with your diva fit Berry?"

Rachel sniffed and nodded.

Quinn snapped, "Leave her alone."

Puck reared back and then pierced Rachel with a stare. The little Diva lifted her chin and stared back defiantly. Quinn caught the tension draining from Puck's shoulders and the twinkle in his eyes as he peered down at his fellow Jew.

He finally reached out and said, "Let me carry some of that for you." He took the popcorn from her and shuffled his own drink and candy.

Rachel smiled brightly at him, "Thank you Noah. You may sit next to me and Quinn if you'd like so that you can share the popcorn. Quinn will only eat it in the first ten minutes and then it will start to make her nauseated."

Puck shrugged, "Sounds good. How do you know about the popcorn thing?"

Rachel smiled, "One of the activities Quinn and I often engage in, sometimes with Kurt and Mercedes and more recently Santana and Brittany, is movie night. Though my suggestion to formalize and set aside a night for the activity was rejected by the group. Kurt says it is more fun if it is spontaneous. Santana says I am insane."

Puck snorted, "Santana called you insane?"

Rachel shook her head, "I am paraphrasing of course. The language Santana used should not be repeated in polite company."

Puck chuckled, "I figured. Can you get my ticket from my left back pocket?" The boy leered at Rachel who rolled her eyes.

"Really Noah? Fine." The little diva slid her hand into Noah's left back pocket and then frowned, "Noah there is no ticket in this pocket." She looked up and caught Puck's delighted smirk.

"Sorry Berry. Guess I forgot." He wiggled the fingers clutching his soda and indicated the ticket wedged between them.

Quinn drew back her fist and smashed it into Puck's shoulder, "Ass!"

Puck leapt out of the way, "OW! Quinn what the hell!"

Quinn growled and snatched the popcorn from his hands, "Offer to sit next to us rescinded, you jackass. Come on Rachel."

The little Diva didn't look offended in the slightest; rather she looked thrilled that Quinn had defended her honor.

The club had their tickets torn and made their way into the theater. The group had elected to see the film in 2D. Rachel had declared 3D a waste of money, Artie had complained that 3D gave him a headache, and Santana had been firm in her adamant refusal, stating that 3D freaked Brittany out beyond belief.

The group sat at the ground level in consideration of Artie and the seating took a little while to get ironed out. Finn ended up next to Santana and Brittany as punishment for trying to sit in between Rachel and Quinn. Kurt and Jesse sat next to each other with Mercedes on one side and Puck on the other. At the far end next to aisle were Quinn and Rachel, the pregnant girl citing her bladder as the reason for her seating choice. Tina and Artie rounded out the group on the other end, the Asian girl unfortunately seated next to Brittany.

The movie itself was amazing and Quinn had fought the urge to cry on more than one occasion, damning her hormones for turning her into a sentimental basket case. The blonde girl had retained a smirk for at least ten minutes after catching Jesse take Kurt's hand, the smirk had been wiped from her lips however when Rachel produced a peanut-butter and banana sandwich a third of the way through the movie just as Quinn had felt the first stirrings of a craving.

By the end of the movie she had fallen even more in love with Rachel whose bag had been filled with any and everything the pregnant teen might desire during the movie.

Quinn considered that she was stupid in love with Rachel Berry just as Kurt considered that he could stupidly fall for Jesse St. James.

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