A/N: The Christmas season is upon us! A slightly fluffy chapter in honor of the holiday season and the announcement that Dianna Agron and Heather Morris are back for the 100th episode!

Chapter 12

At Quinn's words, uttered so softly, Rachel just wanted to run away, but something held her in place. Maybe it was hazel eyes, so patient on hers or maybe it was the firm, gentle pressure of fingers laced with her own. Whatever it was, Rachel resolved to stay and see it through. "I don't know where to start. It's all so overwhelming. You love me an...and I care about you, but I'm...I don't know what to feel."

She gazed at Quinn resolutely before murmuring, "You've always been important to me." She ducked her head shyly and continued in a clearer voice. "I was always fascinated by you and I wanted nothing more than to be your friend. It's the reason I chased after you so many times to bring you back to glee. Now I know that sometimes the reason you left was because of me. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that you care so much."

"I do, Rach." Quinn stated quietly.

"Santana and I talked. She made me realize that I'm partly to blame for the rift between us. I got caught up with school and a new boyfriend and at the wedding all of my feelings for Finn came crashing down. I slept with him and avoided everyone else." Rachel looked up at Quinn through her lashes as she spoke. "I have a confession to make." She closed her eyes guiltily. "Earlier this year, I thought I was pregnant. It terrified me. All I could see were my dreams going down the drain. I wanted to call you so badly, but I was afraid that you would be angry at me and disappointed."

A shaft of pain lodged in Quinn's heart. "I would never be disappointed with you, Rachel. Even if you had been pregnant, I would have supported you."

"I would have gone crazy if not for Santana. She figured it out and helped me."

"I'm glad you have Santana and Kurt, Rach, but remember that you have me too. Running away from you is one of the dumbest things I've ever done and I want to stop. I want to be the one you call if you need someone to talk to. I was stupid to let you go on ignoring me without at least trying to find out why."

"So what do we do now?"

Quinn smiled at her sadly. "That has to be up to you. You're still suffering from a major loss and you aren't even sure of your feelings for me. All I want to know is if you're willing to give me a chance sometime in the future."

For what seemed like the hundredth time that day Rachel's breath caught in her throat. Quinn wanted a chance and despite her reservations, Rachel wanted to be able to give her one. "Can I show you something?" She asked Quinn.

"Of course you can." Rachel lifted her shirt and lowered her shorts. Written in delicate script was a small tattoo of Finn's name on her abdomen.

Without thinking Quinn lifted a hand to trace over the letters. The sensitive brushing of cool fingertips over her hip and belly made Rachel quiver. She bit her lip as she locked eyes with the blonde. "It's beautiful, sweetie. I understand why you wanted this," Quinn murmured.

"I do feel something for you, but I'm not sure that I'm ready for a new relationship."

"Why don't we try just talking for awhile. We make a pact to call each other a few times a week and email or text. I'll try to visit soon. If you want we can even go out as friends. We don't have to date or do anything you're not ready for, okay?"

"Thank you, Quinn."

"Any time, sweetie."

A few hours later Quinn and Rachel had discussed things at length and agreed to work together on their as yet undefined relationship. Now they were napping peacefully with Rachel wrapped securely in Quinn's arms. Their legs were tangled together and the blonde's body was draped around the shorter brunette.

It was almost dinnertime and hunger pangs finally woke the two girls. Rachel shifted within Quinn's arms and turned to face the blonde. Molten hazel-green eyes met hers and without thinking, the brunette pressed a quick kiss to plump lips.

Quinn gave her a soft smile as they got out of bed. "What was that?"

"I don't know. I just wanted to kiss you. Is that okay?" Rachel blushed.

"You can kiss me any time you want, Rach. Let's go get something to eat. There's a great little restaurant a few blocks from here that has some great vegan options."

They dressed quickly and made the short trek across campus. The restaurant was small and unassuming on the outside, but warm and welcoming inside. The hostess sat them in a corner booth and handed them menus before leaving.

Twenty minutes later had both girls sipping on water and chatting happily as they ate. Now that everything was out in the open conversation was easier. Rachel had ordered a large salad with spinach, kale, and chard mixed with blueberries and strawberries. It was topped with toasted almonds and walnuts and a raspberry vinaigrette. Quinn had baked chicken over a bed of spinach with roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was quiet and romantic.

"Have you been here before?" Rachel asked, curious about Quinn's life at Yale.

"I came here with my mom when she dropped me off in the fall, but that's it. I made a note to bring you here when you visited though, because the food was delicious and you have a lot of options."

"So what are we going to do the rest of the night?"

"I've been thinking about it. The end of year play starts this weekend and runs for a couple of weeks until right before finals. Would you like to see a play with me this evening?"

"Which play?"

"It's Rogers and Hammerstein's South Pacific. Are you interested?"

"I would love to see it with you, Quinn."

"Great, let's go back to the room and change. It starts at seven, so we have a couple of hours to get ready." Quinn paid the check over Rachel's protests and they walked back to the campus arm in arm, happy for the chance to be together.

A/N2: Some baby steps for Faberry! Rachel is trying to move on, but wants to take things slowly and Quinn will be patient.