Guest: Thanks for pointing that out about Pippin. Should've done my homework better. I changed the name. I've read about it that some shows use interpreters, which I find absolutely great. Also, I read an article about a German young woman who interprets at concerts from a German band. This is really awesome, I think. It should be considered more often.

My beta reader is still a couple of chapers behind, so please excuse any errors or typos I overlooked. Even after reading this chapter so many times, these mistakes only jump at me when the chapter is online and I browse through it on this website...

I don't own Glee and I don't own its original characters.

Chapter 62

When the musical was finished the three women applauded and joined the ovations. Quinn tried to ignore the stares from their neighbors she had noticed before when she and Rachel were signing to each other. Luckily, no one addressed them and they waited until the majority of people had left until they also made their way out of the theater.

Quinn still felt uneasy, but was brave enough to suggest grabbing a light dinner somewhere nearby. With Santana and Rachel around she felt like she could manage if she left the earplugs in a while longer.

Would you two be ok to have some dinner? She then asked the other two women, signing.

Yes, fine with me – maybe we can choose a small location. Rachel suggested and Santana and Quinn nodded.

Neither of them was eager for sitting in another crowd, especially not Quinn. But the blonde told herself that this was not just difficult for herself, Rachel was also still adjusting to her circumstances.

They chose a small diner that wasn't fully occupied yet. They found an empty booth at the far end of the room and slid in.

Santana decided to end the experiment for herself and Rachel was kind of glad she did, because that made ordering a lot easier. The Latina took the earplugs out and put them into a little plastic case, which she then threw into her hand bag. Even though she tried not to admit it, but it had cost her some effort as well to sit through the whole show without hearing a sound. Her respect for Rachel at how she managed these situations had grown by the minute.

It took a moment until the waitress came and they discussed their experiences in the meantime. Quinn and Rachel were speaking out loud while signing so Santana could understand them.

"I think I got some of the story, but subtitles would have been nice," Quinn joked at some point.

"Oh, wouldn't that be nice? I have seen it once at the opera. They sang part of the songs in English and part in Italian. During the Italian parts they displayed the subtitles so people could understand what they were singing about. They should do that in all the theaters!" Rachel exclaimed.

Some of the musicals have interpreters for the show, Santana signed and then took out a paper and pen, continuing in writing: I deliberately chose one without. I wanted us to have the same basis of experience as Rachel. Besides, I wouldn't have understood much of it anyway. I noticed how you guys slow down your signing considerably when I'm around.

"Santana, I think you are doing a great job and you know how grateful I am that you are learning how to sign. I know you don't have much time for lessons, so don't berate yourself," Rachel tried to sooth her friend when she noticed the little frustration ringing in between the lines.

"Exactly. Ask Rachel how long it took me before I was able to sign a fluent and coherent sentence," Quinn chuckled.

Right, super brain. Bet you picked it up in a minute.

Rachel leaned into her girlfriend for a moment. "Yeah, she was pretty fast. But you definitely know more of the swear words."

Santana smiled at her friend's attempt to cheer her up. She was still caught in the aftermath of this experiment.

An older waitress approached their table and quickly gave out the menus.

"I'll be right back!" She turned and left again to tend to another table. Santana looked after her.

She seems a little overworked. Isn't there another waitress here?

The girls browsed the food choices and quickly decided on what to eat and drink.

After a few minutes the older woman came back, still looking a little out of sorts. She had watched the three young women from afar and figured that one of them must be deaf. Since she had heard two of them talking she turned to Rachel and Quinn asking them something.

The brunette watched the other woman's mouth move, only being able to guess half of the words she was saying while pointing at Santana twice.

Rachel quirked her eyebrow and Quinn just looked confused. Leaning back a little, the Latina quickly tried to relay with her hands what the waitress had asked. The woman did not notice Santana's moving hands as she was still turned towards Rachel.

"Thanks for the cue," the brunette said to her friend and then to the waiting waitress: "Yes, we are ready to order. And I think my friend can order for herself," Rachel then stated, adding her choice for the menu. She watched the waitress face Quinn, who took up the cue and gave her order. Then the lady turned to Santana with a confused look.

Rachel just couldn't believe that the woman did not get who were the deaf persons at the table. How could anyone think that it was the Latina who was deaf just because Rachel and Quinn talked normally. Wasn't it logical that the other person must be the one being able to hear then? Maybe their signing had confused her.

For the girl's benefit Santana kept signing while she told the waitress what she had chosen. The waitress's jaw dropped, her eyes dashing between the three women with confusion.

"I don't understand. Are you just pretending?"

Quinn exchanged an incredulous look with Rachel, after Santana had interpreted.

"Nooo,"Rachel then answered slowly. "My friend," and she pointed at Santana, "is able to hear and she is interpreting for us," she explained patiently.

"But you can talk." Confusion was etched across the waitress's face.

"Yes, we can. We…" and she flicked her finger back and for the between herself and Quinn. "… just can't hear."

"Oh." Was all the lady managed. "I'll get your drinks," she added, turning abruptly and heading back to the kitchen to place their orders, but not before Rachel noticed the crimson color creep up her cheeks.

After politely waiting until the other woman was out of ear shot, Santana remarked:

God, that was awkward. Can you believe that?

The poor woman, she is probably totally confused now. Leave her alone. Rachel stated.

Still, it was beyond her how anyone could not notice who was deaf. However, that little incident gave her confidence a little perk. Apparently it was not so obvious at a first glace what her handicap was. Well, at least as long as she had someone beside her who could interpret.

Despite the little incidence they enjoyed their dinner. When the waitress brought their food, she apologized for putting her foot in the mouth before and Quinn hastened to assure her that everything was fine.

With a sigh of relief – that Santana described as Niagara Falls deep - the woman left them to tackle their food.

In between bites Rachel was chatting with Santana while Quinn tried to absorb as much as possible from her surroundings. She was glad her two friends were occupied, because she needed a moment to gather herself again. Getting through the evening felt like climbing the Eiffel tower on foot. Every time she had covered a flight of stairs - adjusted to a new situation - she needed to stop, catch her breath and gather her wits to go on.

Granted, the scene with the waitress had been a little funny, but only because Santana had been there to help out while she could hear what the woman said. It became very clear how dependent they were. Well, they could have somehow managed on their own, but it was so much easier to have a hearing person around.

The realization hit her. It was easy to rely on someone else in these situations, but at the same time it showed you so much clearer that you had a physical limitation, because through the help of the other person it became clear what you were not capable of doing for yourself.

"Isn't it weird for you to sit here with us?" Quinn then asked the Latina.

What do you mean?

"With us not being able to hear, having to interpret."

Santana opted for the written form of answering.

Yes. It is exhausting; I have to admit, especially since I'm still not fluent. Glad you can at least talk for yourselves. She grinned while writing the next sentence. And I'm glad you both are such bright people to figure out what I'm trying to say with my hands.

For emphasis she lifted them and looked at them doubtfully. Quinn swatted at her friend's hands and Rachel laughed.

"And how was it for you at the theater?" The blonde alked.

Quinn watched her and also Rachel kept a close look on Santana's face. The Latina tried to play it cool, but there were certain signs that told them that it had not been as easy for her as she wanted it to appear.

Searching for words, Santana finally placed her hands flat on the table and narrowed her eyes.

Noticing how Rachel looked at her with a wistful smile, she decided to confess up.

Releasing a deep breath she took up the pen. Quinn and Rachel exchanged a short look. It wasn't often that the Latina showed that something got to her. They patiently waited until she finished writing.

I know I'm always acting tough and pretend that nothing ever shocks me. Well, that experience tonight – it was honestly something I wouldn't want to repeat.

Quinn raised an eyebrow at that and shot her friend a short look before she read on.

I know it sounds thoughtless to say such a thing, but it took all my strength to not take out these damn earplugs (who's idea was it anyway :-)). I felt so out of control and you know how I am the queen of control, I know everything from everyone.

"Ain't that true," Rachel sighed, but smiled.

Guess everyone feels something different in a different intensity, but for me, not knowing exactly what is going on around me drives me nuts. I know it sounds pathetic, Rachel. Even though I knew all that from our discussions and talk, today, I really felt it for myself for the first time. I know that there is much more to it than I can manage to describe here.

Rachel looked up from the paper and reached over. "Santana, I know what you mean. And nothing ever makes this experience less valuable, neither for you nor for me. I'm really impressed about what you did tonight. And I appreciate your honesty." She paused for a second. "I'm gonna hug you now." And then she got up, walked around the table and embraced her friend. "Thank you for everything," she spoke into her ear. "And I know that these four words not even nearly cover all I want to say."

Santana chuckled. I know, she signed. But I get it, too.

And in fact they both did. They all did.

This experience gave all of them a new and better understanding and respect for each other. It welded them closer together, the friends and the lovers.

… … …

When they reached their apartment, Santana plopped on the couch, exhausted.

"Well, that was interesting," she sighed. Getting two curious stares she took up signing.

I get a new appreciation for you, Quinn. Now I know how it feels to be an interpreter. No offense, Rachel, but this takes a lot of concentration. I'm wasted.

Rachel smiled. "Well, for what it's worth, you did a great job."

Quinn nodded. "Yes you did. Thank you. But then again, you maneuvered yourself into that situation. After all it was your idea."

About the musical, yes. Not about going out for dinner. Anyway, it was still a very interesting experience. I'm glad you both decided to go through with it. I half expected Rachel to scratch my eyes out and you, Quinn, to whack me in the chin. Santana chuckled. Glad I got out of this one alive.

She got up and waved. Girls, have a good night, I have an early start tomorrow.

"Night!" both answered in unison.

While Quinn watched the Latina disappear, she decided to keep the ear plugs in for the next days as long as she was still recovering and did not have to go back to work.

Of course this triggered another argument with Rachel.

Why do you do that? Wasn't the experience at the theater enough?

You said it yourself some weeks ago, Rachel. We cannot relate. And I want to know. I really want to know.

But it will still not be same and it is okay! I don't want you to understand at all costs. Use your hearing. Don't miss out on anything, please!

Quinn remembered that Rachel had said almost the exact same sentence before. She shook her head.

No. I know it will not be the same, not matter how long I will wear those things. But if I can get as close to knowing as possible, I want to try. I had no real idea how you felt in all the situations we made you go through. The club, the musical, the restaurant…Santana gave me a push in the right direction. Rachel, I always thought that if I adapted to your needs, learning sign language and imagining what it's like, it would be enough. Today I realized that this only helped me to a certain extent to understand your situation and that I was missing one important point. Experience.

And now you want to get that?

Yes, Quinn simply answered. As long as I don't have to work it is the perfect time. Will you help me out on this?

Rachel tilted her head slightly. How could she say no to this? It was one of the dearest concessions she had ever experienced a person make for her sake – besides learning sign language and all the other stuff Quinn had already done for her. This woman was really incredible.

Rachel shook her head and smiled slightly. "Fine. You win." And she lifted her hands in surrender.

Quinn read the words from Rachel's lips and when her girlfriend noticed, she started to repeat them in signs, apparently surprised at herself that she forgot to do it right away. Quinn held on to the petite hands to stop the motion.

I understood. It's ok.

"Oh." Again a situation they had both been through, just the other way around. But before Rachel could muse any longer on that thought, Quinn raised her hands again.

And now that I am victorious, I get to make a wish.

Rachel laughed. Is that so? Who made this rule?

I did.

Right. And why am I inclined to follow that rule, remind me? Rachel threw back good-naturedly.

Because you love me and because I'm still a little sick.

"Ha!" Now you're pulling the sick-card again? The brunette teased.

Yes I do, Quinn stated with a confident look.

I will follow under one condition. Rachel held up the indexfinger of her right hand.

Not sure if I'll make a concession, Ms. Berry. But let me hear it.

You are too gracious, milady. Rachel inclined her head in mock obedience. I'm sure you will like that one.

When Rachel finished explaining, Quinn blushed and nodded. Yes, that sound's lovely.

The blonde let herself be pulled into her bedroom.

Snuggling close under the blankets not wearing any clothes was definitely something that she would like. Feeling Rachel's skin again, pressed against her own – or well, as much as was possible with her little incapacitation - just sounded like heaven.

It would be another great step towards mending and healing their relationship.

Before finally falling asleep, Quinn took out the earplugs for the night. She figured that it would be better for hear ears and less complicated if she didn't wear them during the night.

… … …

When Quinn woke up around five to use the bathroom, she inserted them again and cuddled back up next to her girlfriend. Blissfully sighing she found the brunette's arm under the blanket and with a hand on hers, she fell asleep again.

A couple of hours later Quinn woke up. She had fallen deeply asleep again and was confused by the pressure in her ears. Then she realized that she didn't hear anything. For a short moment she was shocked. When she touched her ears she remembered why they felt so clogged. Recalling her vow from the evening before and her action from the early morning, she was relieved that it was just the earplugs that prevented her from hearing.

She looked around and found Rachel still asleep lying next to her. It was early, just past seven. Straining to hear if Santana was up, Quinn realized that this did not work. She had to get up if she wanted to know if her roommate was still around. Deciding that this wasn't really important, she turned her attention back to the sleeping form next to her.

The blonde turned a little sideways and let her finger trail across Rachel's soft skin on her cheeks. Then she swiped a strand of brown hair out of the lovely and peaceful face. She let her finger trail further along the brunette's jawline.

Rachel's lips moved while her eyes were still closed. Quinn watched and quickly placed a hand on her girlfriend's chest to feel for the vibrations. She wanted to know if Rachel was talking.

Apparently she had asked her a question, because when Quinn didn't give an answer, Rachel opened her eyes and looked at her with a frown. The brunette started to repeat what she had asked when she stopped half way and pulled her arms out from under the blanket.

Just remembered about your… she waved a finger at her ears to indicate Quinn's self-induced deafness. How long are you awake?

Five minutes, maybe.

Is Santana still here?

Quinn shrugged. Don't know she signed and pointed to her ears.

Right. Rachel looked at her again. This is weird.

What is?

You not being able to hear. I've gotten so used to talk to you and to rely on you for sound things.

Sound things? Quinn chuckled.

Yes, you know, listening for this and that, like if Santana is rummaging round in the kitchen or the bathroom. Not mentioning all the interpretations…

Talking about weird, ask me.

How long can you wear those things? Is it ok to wear them for such an extended period of time?

I asked the acoustician when I got them. He said up to two days is ok. Those are high quality ones that still allow some air to circulate without compromising the sound dampening. But I took them out for most of the night.

Rachel looked pensive.

How will you know if the phone's ringing or if someone is at the door? She pointed out logically.

Good question. I won't, I guess. If Santana is at home, she will have to answer.

And if she isn't?

Quinn shrugged. Then nobody is home, sort of. People can still send me a text if they don't reach me.

The blonde leaned forward and kissed Rachel.

Stop worrying, beautiful.

Rachel smiled. Fine, it's your choice.

Exactly. Quinn kissed her again. What are your plans for today?

I'll meet Kayla and Helena later today.

I know, you told me. Sorry, just didn't have it on my radar for today. When I'm not working I start getting confused about the weekdays. Didn't realize it was Monday already. Quinn studied Rachel for a moment. Are you excited? Nervous?

Rachel sighed.

Both. I'm not sure what to expect and if I am really strong enough to go through with it. But that's just my mind talking. In my heart I feel that this would be a good thing to do. Besides, it does not have to happen right away. We might have to plan things and get approvals so it could be that the visit to the musical with the kids is then taking place in March or April. That was all that Kayla had as information from her friend. Rachel shrugged. I'll just keep an open mind and see what the discussion will bring today.

That's a good attitude. Quinn leaned a bit forward and stole a kiss form Rachel's lips.

How are you this morning? Rachel asked with a slightly concerned look on her face.

Better. The exhaustion that I felt yesterday when waking up is gone. I had a deep early morning sleep, despite these, she pointed again at her ears.

Or maybe just because of them, Rachel joked and kissed Quinn back.

Quinn laughed. Could be.

So, what are your plans for today when you're home alone, hearing deprived? Rachel raised an eyebrow.

Quinn shrugged. No idea, probably read a bit. Maybe watch TV, go for a walk, don't know. Don't worry, I'll find an occupation.

I'm sure you'll do. Maybe you could rest for a change. Rachel challenged her.

Soooo boring…But yes, that was also on my list.

Good girl, Rachel signed grinning and bent closer again, capturing the blonde's lips with her own. She trailed a hand along Quinn's naked chest and felt a shower race along her spine. Quinn's breasts turned her so on, she had to fight hard to hold back and not devour the other woman right there on the spot.

… … …

After Rachel had left, Quinn wandered around the apartment, not quite sure what to do with herself. It was about time she got back to work and she was looking forward to the following week when her director had allowed her to come back. Quinn wanted to start working earlier, but John had been adamant of her getting few more days of rest.

She passed her stereo and let a lazy finger trail over the backs of the CD cases. Then she wandered towards the bookshelf but didn't feel like reading. The TV also didn't hold any appeal.

Quinn decided to stretch her legs a bit and threw on her coat. The sun was out and it looked like a nice cold winter morning. Just as a precaution, she put a piece of paper and a pen into her purse before she took off.

Reaching the building door, she paused a moment on the threshold. Just like the night before, it felt weird to watch the life swirl around her without sound. However, yesterday she had Santana with her who had kept her occupied, and then Rachel who had helped her through this difficult situation with her patience and insights. Being with both women had provided Quinn with a sense of security.

Now the blonde stood there all by herself about to venture into the world without her hearing. She knew it only needed one movement with her hand and the spook would be over. Instead she grit her teeth and stepped out, almost being run over by three young boys who quickly raced past her trying to catch the bus that approached the nearby bus stop.

The blonde took a step backwards and felt the surface of the door against her back. She let out a deep breath. How was that for a start, hardly out for a second and she could account for an almost accident already.

How on earth did Rachel orient herself? Before taking another step, Quinn looked left and right before heading towards the park. Maybe that was safer for a start than navigating through the traffic. God, when had she become so skittish? She wasn't blind, this would have made orientation a lot more difficult, Quinn thought. Still, she felt somehow disconnected from the world.

The blonde stayed close to the buildings and kept looking around to assess the situation. It was exhausting to be constantly on alert, she noticed, when she finally reached the border of the park. The young woman found a bench and sat down.

She felt the pressure in her chest ease as soon as she was away from the people milling around the streets. Quinn leaned back and closed her eyes for a moment, only to open them again right away. Not a good idea. It shut her off completely.

Taking deep, measured breaths she tried to calm her beating heart. She almost felt the same as the evening with Rachel when she had had a panic attack. For god's sake, she had to get used to this.

She imagined Rachel sitting next to her, placing a calming hand on her thigh. That helped a little. But she would still have to make her way back to the apartment. That wasn't a prospect she was looking forward to. Why was this freaking her out so much? She wasn't even interacting with other people, she was just walking around. What was so disconcerting about it?

She fished out her phone and typed a message.

Hi Rachel, I know you are busy, just wanted
to give you a status update. I'm still breathing.
Currently sitting at Central Park. Hope your meeting
goes well. Talk to you later. Love you!
Q.

Against her expectation, she received an answer back right away.

Rachel was quick to read between the lines.

Quinn, keep breathing. It helps against
the anxiousness :-). Maybe you can imagine
you're researching a new role. See it as method
acting :-) You can do it! Miss you and see you soon!
Rachel

Quinn smiled.

How do you always know what to say?
Good idea that might help. Have I told you
already that I love you? I'll cook something for
you tomorrow evening, what do
you feel like eating?

The moment she sent the message, Quinn bit her lip. Her fridge was empty. Cooking for Rachel meant she had to go to the store and buy the things she needed. That meant interacting with other people. Nothing she was looking forward to. It was one thing to wander around by herself, but when it came to talking to other people… well, she didn't have to, necessarily. Not at the supermarket. Taking another deep breath, she thought that it was worth a try.

Method acting.

Right.

Quinn still wondered why she had such reservations about the whole situation. She had dealt with the topic of deafness for a couple of months now. She had learned a lot from Rachel. Still, when it came to experiencing deafness for herself, it seemed she started back at square one.

Just like the night before, she realized that there was a big difference between imagining and actually experiencing the disability. On the one hand she wondered why it had taken her so long to do this experiment; on the other hand she knew the answer very well.

She was scared.

Scared to admit to other people that she could not understand, scared to be pitied, scared to be looked upon as retarded, scared to be judged by a disability, even if it was self-imposed and only for a couple of days.

When she stood on the stage, she always subjected herself to judgment. But this was different. When acting, yes, she always poured a part of her soul into the role and always displayed bits of herself in that role in a way, but it was still another person she portrayed. She was someone else on stage. But here and now, it was not a role she was playing. She was herself.

Quinn was distracted for a moment by a young man walking by with headphones over his ears, bobbing his head in a secret rhythm. She looked after him, wondering what he was listening to.

When her feet started to get cold, she got up and decided to make her way home. The blonde was not sure when she would be able to tackle the supermarket, for now she just wanted to reach her apartment.

When she left the park at Columbus circle, she saw a crowd forming in front of the USS Main Monument. A couple of people stood in the middle. She wondered what was going on and stepped a little closer, despite her fear of being spoken to. Curiosity just won over.

She noticed the people in the middle moving their mouths. When looking around, observing the crowd, she found more and more people mimicking the same movements with their lips. Apparently they were singing something.

She looked back to the actual singers. They seemed quite young; maybe they were students from NYADA or Columbia. She felt she crowd shifting and turned around. A few more singers weaved their way through the growing throng of people. Quinn stepped back to make room for a young woman who was passing her singing. The crowed closed behind her again and the attention turned back towards the other singers.

When Quinn noticed that no one was going to talk to her, because everyone was concentrating on what was going on in the front, she relaxed slightly.

She observed the crowd and the singers with growing curiosity. There was a certain something surrounding her and she wondered what it was. It was hard to find words to describe what she was experiencing. In her chest she felt a vibration and then a throbbing in her hands. She looked round. Almost everybody was singing around her. Her heart ached to pull out the earplugs and join them in whichever song they were singing. But she held on to her promise. Again the crowed parted, but on the other side of the circle the crowed had formed and five people with large drums entered the middle.

Quinn smiled. That was the throbbing she had felt. It was the vibration of the drumbeats. Fascinating! She looked at her hands. She had used them as her voice to talk to Rachel, to transmit words into signs, she had used them to write and paint, but she had no idea they could also conduct sounds.

Then she remembered the night before.

At the theater she had also felt the vibrations in her whole body. Depending on the instrument and how many were playing, the sensation had been more or less intense. When the whole orchestra was playing, there had been so many vibrations that her whole body seemed to pulsate with different frequences.

Now she felt the single beats of the drums and it made her heart beat faster.

She had goose bumps on her arms, when she noticed that all the voices around her could also be felt. Not as strong as the drums, but still, she felt the softer vibrations of the singing. She was standing next to a tall guy who was belting out notes with full force, or so it seemed, and when Quinn was pushed a little against him by the shifting crowd, she felt his whole body vibrate with his song.

The blonde let out a long breath. This must be what Rachel experienced every time they dragged her to a music event.

Quinn had forgotten to wonder about what song they were actually singing and how it sounded, she had been so distracted with her other discoveries.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw the guy bend down, asking her something. She watched his lips move, but couldn't figure out what he was saying. Quinn pointed to her ears and shook her head. The man frowned, then shrugged and turned his attention back to the crowed.

The blonde let out another deep breath. She closed her eyes again for a few seconds, just as long as she could stand turning off another sense. That's when she noticed the pulsations also in her feet and legs.

After a few more moments she slowly moved to the edge of the crowed with a smile. Then she stopped and scribbled a question on the paper from her purse, gently tapping a woman on her arm.

Not knowing how loud it was around her, but guessing that it was probably hard to have a normal conversation, she showed her the paper.

Can you tell me what song they are singing? Quinn had written down and then repeated the gesture she had applied with the man just moments ago.

The woman looked a bit skeptical, but when she understood, she took the pen and wrote down: Ode to Joy

Quinn took the writing utensils back. "Thank you," she said out loud with a smile and turned again towards the crowd. She watched the singers closely, trying to figure out the lyrics. She knew the song quite well and all of a sudden she caught on to the words. They were singing the refrain and she felt the melody and words bubble up inside her mind and chest. It was a strange feeling. She definitely didn't hear what the people were singing, but she felt the music inside her, she felt the continuous beat of the drums and it was as if she could feel the voices around her as well. She almost broke into song with the rest of them before she stopped herself.

With a start she stepped back and looked to the ground.

That was what Rachel must have felt when she sang with Kurt for the first time after her accident. When Rachel had seen Kurt's mouth form the words, when her mind had conjured up the music and her body had told her to just let it flow.

Quinn felt her chest constricting. Having caught on to the song, she still wanted to join the people, she wanted to raise her voice, she wanted to hear the other voices, and she wanted to be part of the whole experience.

It almost hurt when she realized what a physical reaction this longing caused in her body.

She turned and headed back into the park, where she sat for another moment on her solitary bench to get a grip on herself. She ignored the cold in her feet. Forcing herself to breath evenly, she finally managed to calm down.

Then she got an idea. She picked up her phone.

Hi Kurt

I'm currently conducting a little self-experiment.
And I need a friend. If you don't have
any plans right now, would you like to meet
for a coffee? Quinn

Kurt's answer took a moment and Quinn almost decided to go home when her phone finally buzzed.

Hi Quinn, just came home from the gym.
What kinda experiment? I have time, it's my day
off and Blaine has to rehears at the theater.
Just give me half an hour to shower and change.
Where do you want to meet?

Kurt

Quinn suggested a small coffee shop close to her home. There was also a supermarket nearby and maybe she could ask Kurt to come along – just in case.

… … …

Quinn was already waiting for Kurt when he entered the shop. She waved and after he waved back he quickly made his way over to the counter to get a coffee for himself. He pointed at the cup and then at Quinn's. She shook her head. Her cup was still full. He nodded and paid after receiving his order.

After hugging each other, Kurt asked her something, but Quinn stalled him by holding up her hand. Then she explained to him the situation and what had led her to wear the earplugs again.

I see, he signed and looked pensively at her. I was wondering what this experiment you mentioned was all about. You really want to understand, don't you?

Quinn nodded. "Yes. I do. And not just for a short moment. I noticed that there is a big difference between thinking you understand and really experiencing everything yourself. But even though it is "just pretend" for me, and I know I can end this experiment any moment, I was close to giving up twice today. I don't know how Rachel could do it all those days and weeks alone in the beginning, with no one to help her. Her dad's had not learned ASL then and she didn't have any of us with her. She was all by herself, not being able to communicate. Kurt, how did this not drive her crazy?"

Quinn, I honestly don't know. I guess if you don't have a choice, you just … manage somehow.

He paused for a moment and then asked: What happened to make you want to give up?

The blonde explained about the almost panic attack and then her experience at Columbus Circle. Kurt asked a lot of questions about the latter and Quinn had to tell him every detail, especially how she had felt when she recognized the song and wanted to sing with the crowd.

The way you describe it, I can sort of understand now how Rachel must have felt when we were at my apartment. Only that I kept teasing her and begging her to sing with me. Now in retrospective, maybe I was a little overzealous.

"What do you mean?" Quinn frowned and Kurt explained.

I still had the confidence that she could sing, but I wasn't aware what she must have had to overcome and how she must have felt seeing me sing her part, our song…I mean, you could have heard yourself sing, at least, but Rachel didn't even have that little advantage. I'm just beginning to understand how hard it really must be to sing if you cannot even hear yourself. The way you described it and what you experienced, I never really thought about that in such detail… Kurt dropped his hands and looked at his coffee.

A good friend I am, he then signed. Maybe I should have tried it as well. He pointed at her ears.

"Kurt, don't do that! You are a good friend. And she did sing with you, didn't she?"

He nodded with a small smile. Beautifully so.

"See. Rachel does not expect us to go through the same motion. Besides, we are all entitled to make mistakes."

Quinn placed a hand on Kurt's to get him to look up. Then she continued.

"She didn't want me to do this. She didn't ask me to do it. It was Santana's idea to experience the musical that way. But then I decided to accept the challenge a little longer. When Rachel found out, she wanted me to stop. I'm just glad I didn't. And you are a good friend, Kurt! Don't ever doubt yourself! You were the first one to learn ASL for her, even though she didn't want to see you in the beginning. This is something that only a really good friend would do!"

He gave her a crocked smile. Then he lifted his hands again after a moment.

So, have you two made up? I talked to Rachel twice over Skype, but it would be nice to hear your side of the story as well.

When Kurt saw the smile and the look in Quinn's eyes, he knew the answer to his question already and he was happy for both of them.

The blonde shortly filled him in on the past days. She told him what they had discussed and how Rachel had taken care of her, despite the icy silence that had reigned between them before her tumble down the stairs.

When she finished, Kurt bent over and hugged Quinn for a long moment.

I'm just glad you are working things out. It broke my heart seeing you both so down and depressed, knowing that the love between you two was still there.

"I know," Quinn sighed and smiled wistfully. "So, what are you up to? Anything exciting happening in your life, besides the drama your friends create around you?"

Kurt laughed. No, and I'm glad that my personal life is currently uneventful. As you have already stated, you and Rachel have created enough drama for a while now. I'll be happy to plan our wedding and not having to crack my head open about how to seat you two at separate tables.

"Boy, am I glad too that we took that burden off your shoulders," Quinn chuckled. "When will you send out the invitations? I need to save the date, you know!"

I know, we'll send them out in two weeks. The wedding date is May 6th.

"Oh, a spring wedding, how nice!"

Yes, and let's pray that the weather will play nice as well!

"I'm sure it will and in May it's usually a beautiful months and not too hot yet. Where will it be?"

Surprise. Not telling!

Quinn pouted. "Not fair!"

Yes fair. Now that you already know my favorite wedding song, I will keep the location a secret for as long as possible.

"Oh, well, then you have to come with me to the supermarket to make up for it."

Says who?

"Says I!" And Quinn tried to put on her best and fiercest HBIC glare.

It made only Kurt grin wider, but he played along. My, if the Queen herself says that then I have to obey. And he indicated a small bow. Looking into her cup and finding it empty, he stood, holding out his arm: Shall we, milady?

Quinn laughed and got up. "God Kurt, I really missed you. Don't know how I survived all those years after school without you. Glad to have you back in my life!"

Me too, and he squeezed her shoulders for emphasis.

I have experienced this thing with the subtitles in the theater in my hometown. Usually they sing the operas in German, but in this particular production, whenever there was a repetition in a song, they sang it in Italian. There was a display attached above the stage where the written translation would run through. That was very neat and thoughtful!