The bell rang out as the students gathered in the choir room, everyone falling into the usual rhythm.

Quinn was one of the last to enter, green eyes scanning the room and observing the people who had, over time, become her family. Blaine chatting away with Sam, Brittany showing Mercedes something on her phone that caused the diva to raise an eyebrow, Satanna sitting nearby filing her nails. Kurt holding Tina's hand as they both sat with their eyes downcast. Artie showing Rory how to strum a rhythm on the guitar, while Rachel sat to the side, reading.

Noah was nowhere to be seen.

As Quinn made her way across the room to her usual spot, something caught her eye. In the trophy cabinet sat photo's of Finn and Mike with a plaque displayed proudly over the top.

"Your spirit will always be remembered here"

The familiar pit in her stomach deepened, guilt climbing over her once more. Turning away from the two smiling faces, Quinn sat in her usual seat just before Noah slipped in silently, determined not to make eye contact with anyone as he made his way quickly to the back row. Quinn didn't have time to turn around to look at her friend before Mr. Schue arrived in the room, heavy dark bags under his eyes.

"Alright, guys. So this is obviously the first session we've had together since, well, the last time. And I just want you all to know that I'm so sorry for letting you down. I wasn't there when you needed me the most and I will never, ever, let myself forget that"

Silence met his words, each student looking to their teacher as his heavy words fell over them. His was a familiar pain to Quinn, and when her teacher met her eyes, the blonde dipped her head in appreciation for his effort to convey his anguish into words.

"But moving forward, I want this place to regain the joy it once did. And in saying that, I think an assignment reflecting just that would be in order. I'll randomly assign a single person or pair a song, and you can perform it next week"

Something about the regularity of this meeting was comforting to Quinn. She didn't need a half an hour debriefing, didn't want everyone to sit in a circle and say their favorite memories of those they'd known. The small spark, however dulled, that shone in 's eyes as he talked about his idea. The chalkboard emblazoned "Moving Forward". The way the small murmur rose up and followed each word of their leader. The way-

"Rachel, you'll be paired up with Quinn. The song I've chosen is about how, despite your differences, your friendship has grown into a strong bond. Howie Day's, Collide"

Well then.

Brown eyes instantly fell upon her, and the blonde couldn't bring herself to meet them immediately. Forcing the surprise from her eyes, she met Rachel's gaze with a warm smile, finding something- for the first time in a while- resembling happiness shimmering in them. Quinn couldn't say she was exactly familiar with the song, and she wasn't sure it was something in Rachel's musical library. Either way, they were paired together, and at the very least Quinn was satisfied with not only having talent on her side, but also someone who really took the assignment to heart; not as a chance to further agonize over the loss, but to honor it and move on.

The minute Mr. Shue dismissed them, Rachel was standing up and making her way over. Straightening out her skirt as she stood in front of Quinn, she began in a tone that Quinn had long missed.

In charge.

"I'm glad we're paired together, I've been onto for months now to let us duet, ever since we sang in 'I feel pretty/Unpretty'. Our voices match very well. So, practice wise, I think our talent will speak for itself, but I think we'd best practice regardless. I'm available Tuesday's after 6, Wednesday right after school, well, until-"

"Rachel"

Quinn stood, finding herself face to face with the smaller girl. Something about seeing Rachel back in her old self- confident, rambling, full of ideas- had given Quinn the permission to not pander the girl as if she were the dazed, silent brunette of months ago, and allow her find her roots once more. This change was much appreciated by Quinn, having felt that she had been in far too vulnerable position as of late.

"How about tonight? I'm available, and I bet you are too. I'm not familiar with the song, and by you needing the time to practice, I'm guessing you aren't either. So, I'll see you tonight, say five?"

Up close, Quinn could have sworn Rachel's eyes flicker down to briefly glimpse at her lips. No, it must have been the proximity, because before the thought had a chance to register Rachel was nodding sheepishly.

The blonde turned around and gathered her things, her mind buzzing in a way that was only slightly off putting. She would soon be in Rachel's house, her room even, singing and hearing that voice and she was just so pretty and elegant and-

"Go team go!", Rachel cheered, performing some mix of a hop skip and jump over to Quinn, one hand raised and extended in the universal gesture.

Biting her lip to hold back the laugh that threatened to burst out, Quinn merely raised her hand and high fived Rachel.

Maybe this wasn't going to be as bad as she thought.