I am truly sorry for the long wait! I hope to upload the next chapter a bit quicker than this one. I didn't have much pre-written , and I needed to get some chapters done, this is why it took me so long.

Also, I want you to know that sloooooooooowly but surely I will round this story up. It'll probably find an ending around the time when Rachel's accident marks the one year milestone. I'm not saying I won't continue or write a sequel to that, I still have some ideas packed away…It's just that writing takes up so much time and next to a fulltime job, friends, my horse etc. I feel the need to take a breath.

I have neglected a couple of things – and people - over the past year and now that love also seems to be knocking on the door again (huge grin on my face) I want to spend some more time with that special person.

No need to panic though, if you are really interested, I promise I will continue with this a little further down the road. But for now, we still have some more chapters to go. So, sit back and relax!

Thank you all for your reviews and follows and favorites. They are a great reward for all the hard work!

I don't own Glee!

Chapter 63

A couple of blocks over from where Quinn and Kurt were meeting after the blonde's experience at Columbus Circle, Rachel entered a small café. She let her eyes roam the tables to check if the other two women she was meeting had already arrived.

Her heart was beating a little faster than normal. She was a bit nervous to meet Kayla and her friend, but she was also excited, because she still thought that taking the deaf kids to see a musical could be a great project.

Rachel spotted the blonde, pretty nurse at a table in the corner talking to another woman. At the same time Kayla lifted her eyes and noticed Rachel standing near the entrance. She smiled and stood up.

Rachel took a deep breath and walked up to the table.

"Hello Kayla," she greeted her.

"Hi Rachel," the blonde answered and surprised the petite woman with a light hug as a way of greeting her. When she released her again, Rachel turned to the brunette who she guessed to be Kayla's friend, the teacher.

"Hi, I'm Rachel, Rachel Berry." The two women shook hands. Then Rachel draped her coat over the back of a free chair and sat down.

"Hi, I'm Helena and I'm happy to meet you. Thanks for agreeing to come!" Kayla's friend greeted Rachel, signed in parallel. She spelled her name first and then showed Rachel her personal name sign.

Rachel repeated it and then introduced her own name sign.

"That's a nice one, who gave it to you?" Helena asked and Rachel explained how and when she had been given it from her friend Lauren. Just when she finished telling the story a waiter approached and they placed their orders.

When Kayla started to recapture for Helena how she had met Rachel, Helena naturally interpreted so the young woman could follow the conversation.

"As I've told you, I met Rachel at the hospital and when I learned that she was a singer on Broadway I thought, well, maybe she would be someone you could talk to about your project. She was kind enough not to be offended when I approached her with that rather personal request," Kayla smiled in Rachel's direction.

"No, it just took me by surprise. I was going through a rough time and it took me a little off guard, but in the end I felt that it was a great idea and that I could probably help you out."

Helena nodded. The teacher knew that it was undoubtedly not easy for the petite woman to come here and offer her help, so she appreciated the gesture a lot.

"When and how did you lose your hearing?" She then asked gently.

Rachel swallowed. "I was in a car accident in March last year. The cab I was in got hit by a truck when I was on my way home from a photo shoot for the musical I was working at."

"Working "at" is probably an understatement! She had the lead role in Funny Girl!" Kayla exclaimed and Rachel blushed slightly when she saw the interpretation of those words.

"Really?" Helena was truly impressed. She had talked to Kayla only shortly on the phone before when the blonde told her that she had gotten to know someone who might be perfect to support her with her Broadway idea. However, they had not had much time to discuss the details. Helena didn't know why, but she had expected that someone to be a stage hand or have a minor role. She definitely had not expected to have the former lead singer of one of the best performing musicals sitting in front of her.

Rachel's answer brought her back from her musings.

"Well, yes. It has always been my dream role since my childhood and … I'm just glad that I managed to at least get the chance to play Fanny for a short while," Rachel answered.

"I'm sorry that this accident forced you to end your career," the teacher commented gently, feeling for the young woman sitting in front of her.

Rachel inclined her head. Then, after a little pause, she asked: "Tell me a bit about yourself and this idea of yours."

"Ok. I'm a teacher at the Lexington School for the Deaf in Jackson Heights for the past five years. I teach History, Art and English at the middle school classes. Now, you might be wondering how someone could get this crazy idea of taking a whole school class of deaf children to see a musical," Helena stated laughing a little.

"Actually, yes!" Rachel chuckled and Helena continued signing and talking in parallel while she explained the birth of her idea.

"Growing up close to the city or at least visiting a school in the vicinity, of course most of the kids know what Broadway stands for and my ten year olds kept bugging me about it. They asked again and again if we couldn't go to a show one day. Some have hearing siblings and of course they know from them that some schools take classes to the theater on field trips occasionally. And kids being kids, most of them don't see their handicap as such a huge obstacle as adults do. Mainly, because most of them grow up with it, and also because mostly they don't set themselves the same boundaries adults do. They have a much more open mind to try things out. I want to keep that spirit alive in them. I want them to grow up and do stuff, not being hindered by thoughts like "oh, this is just for the hearing!" She took a sip of her coffee and looked at Rachel. "Do you understand what I mean?"

"Yes. Yes I do understand and I like that thought!" Rachel remembered her birthday at the Perfect Beat Club and how her friends had pulled her along – them having the same mindset as Helena, thinking that this Club was not just something for the hearing.

Kayla watched the interaction between the two women and thought that the chemistry between Helena and Rachel seemed to fit. She didn't know Rachel very well yet, but from what she had seen, she felt that the young woman was open enough as well to try new things and that she had the necessary spunk to connect with the kids. She hoped that this experience would be a positive one for the young woman as well.

Rachel quickly glanced at Kayla and smiled. She liked Helena and her way of thinking.

Helena's moving hands caught her attention again.

"This is how this whole idea started to take form. I have never been much of a musical goer myself, I have to admit. Not because I don't like them, it's mostly because of time. Anyway, as I don't have much experience with it, I thought it would be helpful to have someone come to our school; someone who knows something about the business who could explain a little bit about it. The kids are so curious, they probably have a million questions, so beware," she finished laughing.

Rachel laughed as well. "I can imagine. I recently met the ten year old daughter of a …ah… friend and oh boy, she was drilling holes into my brain!" Helena nodded with a knowing look and laughed again. "But she was great," Rachel continued, "because she asked me very directly about my deafness and what it was like not to be able to hear. I liked her being so direct and open about it."

"Well, you won't have to worry about that with my class. Believe me, those kids are not shy either," Helena stated and Rachel thought she detected a little pride in the teachers expression.

Rachel spooned some of the soy milk froth from her coffee into her mouth. Looking at Helena over the rim of her glass when taking a sip, she sensed that there was another question coming and had a pretty good idea what it would be about. She decided to take the initiative.

"You might wonder if I have ever been back at the theater since my accident." She watched Helena nod. "The answer is, yes, I have."

Kayla smiled at her encouragingly. She remembered what Rachel had told her in the hospital.

The petite brunette told the teacher about how she had visited Bohemiens and Quinn's concert at the Avery Fisher Hall. She told her as well about her most recent experience with her friends at the Golden musical.

"Jesus, you didn't take it exactly slow, did you?" Helena exclaimed.

"No, I guess not, now that you're saying it." Rachel slowly shook her head.

Kayla tapped her on her arm and asked: "Wasn't that difficult for you to go there after all what happened?"

Rachel's eyes wandered between the blonde's lips and Helena's hands back and forth.

"Yes, it was. But I'm glad I did it anyway and I'm glad my friend – Santana…"

"The friend you were looking for at the hospital?" Kayla interrupted for clarification.

"Uhu, yes, the same. She took me to the musicals." Remembering, Rachel tried to find an adequate description. "It felt like being thrown into ice cold water, the first time I went back. You know, when the water is so cold that you don't seem to be able to breathe properly in the beginning, but slowly you get used to the temperature?"

Both women nodded.

"But you seemed to learn quickly how to swim," Helena commented with a knowing glance.

Rachel wagged her head from left to right. "Sort of. There's a little more to it, as you can imagine."

"Does that have something to do with the rough times you mentioned?"

"Yes, partly," Rachel admitted, but did not want to give more details, thinking of the reason why she went to see Golden with Santana and Quinn and all that happened to lead to that special visit. She focused back on the actual topic.

"Anyway, however hard it was, all these experiences helped me now to see how I could support you and your class. I already told Kayla that I have the experience of both worlds. I know from scratch how a musical is produced, what goes on on stage and off. And..." she hesitated for a moment. "I know how a deaf person would experience watching a musical."

Rachel looked up into the green eyes of the teacher. Suddenly she felt a little like being at an audition. Only that she was auditioning for them most uncommon role of her life.

Deaf Broadway Expert.

She almost had to laugh at the irony of it all.

Kayla watched her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just that when looking back the past ten months, it's just incredible what has happened in that short time. I thought my life had ended when I woke up in the hospital. I thought I never wanted to have anything to do with music and here I am now, talking to you about helping deaf kids experience a Broadway musical."

"Well, life can be full of surprises." Helena looked at her smiling.

She liked the courageous young woman who sat in front of her. There was something about her that made Helena believe that she could be the perfect person for her project. She evidently had had her shares of struggles and set-backs, that was obvious, but the way she presented herself, the experiences she had shared and the sincerity she displayed intrigued the teacher.

"I think you would be a wonderful help." She said after a moment.

"Really?" Rachel exclaimed, excited, looking from Helena to Kayla and back again.

Helena nodded. "How about we sit together Thursday, if you have time, to discuss some more details. Maybe you can think in the meantime about what would be interesting for the kids to know. We could also think about creating the session with them a little interactive. We don't necessarily have to go to visit the show at the same time; we can do that also on two different days. It would probably be easier if they knew the story beforehand to follow it along. Just think about what would work best. Maybe you also have an idea of a musical you might want to take them to."

"This sounds great, Helena!" Rachel was really excited and happy that Helena seemed to think she could be a great help in supporting her class with her idea.

The first time since the accident Rachel had the feeling of being needed – besides in her relationship – of having a special expertise only she could provide. It was a great project and she hoped that in the end it would be a positive experience for all of them. It finally gave her a sense of purpose again, especially knowing that her rare combination of experiences turned her into such a valuable support.

They ordered another round of coffee and Helena asked Rachel if she had found it weird that Kayla had approached her with that private and personal topic.

"Let's say, I didn't expect it. It seemed like she recognized me when I was first trying to find out what happened to Quinn – my girlfriend. She was admitted to the hospital New Year's Eve. Kayla was on duty in the emergency room," Rachel explained not sure about how much Helena knew about their first encounter. "Kayla didn't say anything then and there during that night. She just helped me get information on Quinn and laid in a good word with the station nurse so we could visit her once she was finished with all her examinations. Only the next day, when I came back to her to thank her for her help, Kayla asked me if I was interested in helping a friend of hers. All in all I'm glad she did."

"I told Kayla about my idea since she likes going to the musicals so much."

"Well, whenever my schedule permits it," Kayla added.

Helena nodded and continued. "I thought that she might have an idea how to find someone who I could talk to. That she'd hit the jackpot right away, I would have never dared to dream." Helena laughed.

She pushed her long, brown curls over her shoulder and her green eyes gleamed. She really had the feeling that with Rachel she might have the perfect person for her class and to convince the director of the school to give her the permission to take the kids to a musical.

"Do you already have an idea about which musical you'd like to take them?" Kayla asked, again drawing Rachel's attention to her by touching her elbow.

"No, not sure yet. I have a few ideas, but I need to think them through. Guess love stories would be out of the question for ten year olds." That would eliminate Quinn's musical from the list. It would have been great, because obviously she knew the lead actress so well and it would have been very convenient that this particular actress was also almost fluent in sign language. But for kids she would have to find a more interesting one.

"Well, love stories don't necessarily have to be discarded. It depends on the overall story and how – let's say 'deeply involved' – the characters are with each other." Rachel and Kayla had to laugh.

"Well, the one I was thinking of does not contain anything else besides kissing."

Helena laughed. "Well, I guess that is what all of them have seen already. Though I remember when I was younger, I always laughed at adults in movies – or my parents - whenever they were kissing."

Kayla and Rachel looked at each other, made a face and said at the same time: "Ugh, kissing!" And then started laughing as well.

The conversation turned to their childhood memories they had when being around the same age Helena's pupils where and what they liked and disliked then.

In the end, Rachel was relatively relaxed in the two women's presence.

Helena's signing made it easy to be a full part of the conversation and not once did she have the feeling to be left out. With Helena's profession this should not come as a surprise, but Kayla was also very considerate and tried to get Rachel's attention every time before she spoke or made a comment, even though she knew the other woman would have to look back to Helena for the interpretation.

The petite woman was grateful for the positive experience and was even more grateful that she had found the courage to open herself up to it.

When they said good-bye after two hours, Rachel was reassured that it had been a good decision to offer her support. It might actually benefit all of them.

Kayla had helped her friend finding someone to talk to. Rachel could help Helena – and herself in a way – to plan this project and Helena might help her pupils. So all in all there were a lot of "win-wins" in that whole situation. This thought made Rachel smile and it carried her all the way home back to her apartment.

… … …

Rachel felt like she needed an evening in her own bed, but she missed Quinn at the same time. After the past days, being with her during the whole day, discussing, sharing things and getting closer again, she now felt strangely alone. Not like before, when her heart had felt like it could never heal and no other person in the whole world could mend it. Tonight it felt different.

It felt… quiet. It was strange to use that word. It was literally always quiet around her. And she remembered she had felt like that once before.

Rachel noticed at that moment that whenever she was around Quinn and Santana with their successful attempts of signing or writing, it seemed like there was no real silence that stood between them.

To think she almost would have thrown this precious gift away out of false pride and prejudice made her almost duck her head again in shame. Instead, she lifted her chin and told herself that even though she had made a mistake, she was proud of herself to have learned from it and that she had managed to find a way back to where she belonged.

And in a way it was funny. When looking back over the past months, she had not only found her way back, she had also found new friends, had made new acquaintances, found the love of her life and had been to the theater again. And she had sung two songs.

All in all, it almost sounded like a normal life, looking at it that way. She laughed when she remembered Quinn saying You were never normal, Rachel, just a few days ago.

Rachel's phone buzzed in her coat pocket when she entered her apartment.

Hey busy woman! How did it go?
Don't let me wait; I want to hear all the details!
Quinn

Rachel smiled. Perfect timing.

It went well, Kayla's friend is really
nice and it sounds like a great project.
She would like me to help! We'll meet
again next week to discuss more details.
It really seems like a wonderful chance!
How was your day?
R.

I'm really happy for you, Rachel! And I'm
so proud of you that you're going to do this.
My day was good. Tell you about it some other time.

Rachel smiled at the praise when her phone vibrated again.

If you happen to be fee tomorrow morning,
would you like some company for breakfast?
I could bring some Bagels.

Rachel did not have to think twice. They had agreed to spend the night each at their own apartment to give themselves some time to digest the past days. But that didn't mean that they had set a time limit of how long that "digestive" break would be.

Hm, tough question, lemme think… Rachel teased and the texts went back and forth in rapid succession.

Think quicker Ms Berry!

Ok, I have reached a decision.

Soooooo?

Rachel had to laugh and typed just one word in response.

Impatient!

Quinn's answer came right away.

Yes. That's me. So come on, say it!

I mean, if you want to say no, it's ok. I
can understand, Rachel.

The brunette was surprised about the sincere tone their exchange had taken on. It was a clear sign that they were still treading carefully around each other.

Was she stalling? Was she hesitating to give Quinn an answer because she was afraid to say the truth?

Rachel definitely wanted to spend more time with Quinn and she definitely wanted to see her. But she was a little apprehensive about having more discussions. They had been important and she knew they had not covered all issues yet, but the two of them also needed some fun time together in between. The dinner with Lauren and Max had been such a nice way of getting closer together and sharing something important again.

Rachel thought about a way to have breakfast and combine it with something fun and enjoyable. It had to be something that accommodated Quinn with her still limited ability to move.

… … …

Quinn realized that she held the phone really tight in her hand; so tight that her knuckles were showing white. She forced herself to loosen her grip. Why was Rachel taking so long to answer such a simple question?

Well, in fact in hadn't been that long, just four minutes, but they seemed like an eternity for the blonde. While waiting for Rachel's answer, Quinn thought back to her experience in the afternoon. Part of her wanted to share what she had realized that afternoon, but another part still had to process the whole event and it would not have been easy to find words to explain it to anyone. She would tell Rachel, but she need this evening to analyze it first on her own before sharing it with anyone else.

Finally a little jingle alerted her of a new incoming message and pulled her out of her thoughts.

Sorry, for letting you wait. Wasn't on purpose,
but I thought we might want to spend some quality
time together without the 'heavy analysis' for a change.

Let's have breakfast, but a bit differently.

On the other side of the line, unbeknown to Quinn, a small smile spread across Rachel's lips when thinking about her plan.

How different? Quinn wanted to know.

You'll see! Trust me?

It took a moment for Quinn to answer back. Then she sent a simple word.

Yes.

That was all Rachel needed.

Quinn wondered what she had planned. Did she trust her? It wasn't just a question in regards to the breakfast. This question had more weight and the blonde knew that Rachel had not posted it lightheartedly.

She trusted Rachel. While her mind was still a bit weary, her heart shouted yes.

… … …

Quinn appreciated the thoughtfully executed breakfast plan from Rachel very much.

She was surprised when the brunette picked her up with a rental car.

You rented a car? She asked astonished, not having thought their breakfast would take place further away.

Yes. If it were warmer we could have walked, maybe, but now this just seems to be more comfortable, Rachel explained.

The former singer had registered with a car share company. It could all be done online, so there was not language barrier for her. Rachel had figured that it could be quite useful in case she needed a car. And why not use the service for some fun stuff.

Puck had told her about the company and after a little research and reassurance from her friend, she had signed up to become a user. This way she could reserve a car from the pool for a certain time and the fee would be booked on her credit card. With a phone app she was able to open the special locks and the keys to start the car were in the glove compartment. There were several spots where to pick up and drop off the car and they were convenient to find.

The car had to be brought back to one of the parking garages with a full tank of gas. Insurance and other organizational costs (like cleaning, check-ups etc.) where covered in the fee.

Rachel had bought some croissants for the breakfast and had prepared a fruit salad as well as coffee in a thermos. Quinn decided to add some muffins into the basked.

The brunette packed up her girlfriend and drove with her across Brooklyn Bridge to park on the other side of the river. This way they had a great view over the city that was slowly bathed in the golden light of the sun that fought its way through the clouds.

Rachel had figured that Quinn might be glad to get out of her apartment, but without having to move too much. This way they could also stay in the relative warmth of the car and still enjoy a great view. And they had the necessary privacy without any other people around.

Quinn's eyes gleamed when she took in the skyline of the city in front of her. They had parked at Joralmont Street in Brooklyn, right at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5. Through the empty Volleyball courts they could see the skyline of the city. Parking with a view of the skyline was difficult to find and this spot would hopefully give them some time without being hassled by traffic patrol.

Quinn placed her coffee in the cup holder between the seats.

Thank you Rachel, this is a wonderful surprise!

You're welcome, Rachel answered with her hands around a piece of croissant she had just wanted to pop into her mouth. She sensed that Quinn wanted to tell her something, but gave the blonde her own time to come up with the words. Every time Quinn got that certain look on her face, when she got that little frown between her eyebrows and that pensive expression, Rachel knew that she was working up something to discuss.

Sure enough, a couple of moments later, Quinn slowly started to tell Rachel about her experience from the day before. The way she had felt when first venturing out of the apartment, sitting in the park when she had sent her the message. And the she told her about her experience during the flash mob at Columbus circle. Rachel put her coffee down and gave Quinn her full attention, feeling that it had been a very important experience for the blonde.

When the other woman came to the point to where she had realized just how Rachel had come to sing with Kurt, the blonde had tears in her eyes. Talking about her experience evoked the whole range of feelings from the day before again and when Quinn felt Rachel's hand on her arm she saw that the brunette also had to fight back the tears.

Rachel, I think I understand now how you must have felt and how it … must have happened that you sang with Kurt. When I was standing there in the crowd, it was the most amazing thing to have all these sensations, but when I realized what song they were singing and when I latched on to the words, with the melody just popping into my head, I felt like I could hardly hold back my voice. I was so torn between longing and fear and excitement and disappointment. It was just all a big… she moved her hands in circles around her chest … I don't know, like a big melting pot of feelings. It was so hard to bear.

Rachel didn't answer. Finally she signed two simple words: I know.

Then she held out her arms and Quinn fell into her embrace, letting the tears flow freely. Quinn didn't know why she was still so upset by what she had experienced, but it felt to her like a very deep revelation, something important, a truth she had discovered that brought her a step closer to Rachel. Rachel's comforting arms told her that she understood completely.

The brunette knew how Quinn had felt. But she didn't pry on it, she just let it stand, she didn't diminish her experience by comparing it to her own situation. She just gave Quinn the room and time and hold she needed to process this whole experience. With that she acknowledged the intensity of what the blonde was going through, never questioning it despite the temporary nature of her deafness.

Quinn was indefinitely grateful for that gesture.

When she pulled back after a moment, Rachel handed her a tissue.

Better now? She brunette asked then gently.

Quinn nodded. Both knew that she would still need to work this out a little longer.

I know why you couldn't tell me. I wasn't able to tell you either last night. It was so intense that I needed some time to work it out, to let it sink in. Quinn sniffed and wiped her nose again. It was very brave that you tried to tell me while I was falling asleep, unfortunately. But I can really understand now why you didn't find the courage in the morning. Especially with me having no clue how you really must have felt.

Rachel smiled. I could have tried to explain.

Quinn shook her head. It's ok. I understand better now why you didn't.

The two women looked at each other for a long moment, before Rachel bent forward and kissed Quinn.

Thank you for doing this. For you and for me. She simply said.

Instead of an answer, Quinn bent forward, wincing slightly and then ignoring the slight pain in her side.

She reached out and pulled Rachel closer capturing those full lips with her own to share another passionate kiss.

When they pulled apart, both a little breathless, Quinn thanked all heavens for having had the chance to make up with Rachel. She couldn't imagine her life with anyone else. For the first time in a relationship she felt like she could really let go, she could be herself.

The blonde looked at Rachel from the side. It felt really nice to be cared for, she thought. She had always been independent, trying to get through things on her own. Even after her accident in high school she had tried to learn to do as much as possible for herself as quickly as possible to get back to school. But in this situation now, knowing that there was someone who truly cared about her, who tried to make her as comfortable as possible, someone who put her own problems aside to help her, Quinn felt like she could let herself fall for the first time in her life.

Rachel had pushed her away and it had hurt like hell, but now, when she really needed her, both on a physical and emotional level, Rachel came back, overcame her own troubles and was there for her.

And Quinn knew she would do the same for her.

All of a sudden a wave of calmness and peace settled over her. It was a moment of perfect bliss.

The patches of blue sky, the few remaining white clouds, the city of their dreams in front of them and the person she loved at her side, what more could she wish for? Quinn was just enjoying that moment; she forgot thoughts about the past and about the future.

She closed her eyes. "This is so perfect," she whispered.

Rachel had leaned against the car door with her back to watch Quinn. She saw her mouth move, but couldn't make out the words. Her eyes moved a little upwards to take in the blonde's peaceful express and she didn't need to hear the words. Carefully she placed her cup next to Quinn's, slowly leaned forward and stroke her fingers lightly across the other woman's cheek. Then she raked them through the blonde locks and started massaging her scalp.

Quinn kept her eyes closed, enjoying the caresses. She started to smile.

That feels good, she signed, still with her eyes closed and she started purring.

Rachel felt the vibrations in her hand when she placed it at the back of Quinn's neck and started laughing.

If I wouldn't know any better, I'd say you sound like a cat, the brunette signed after tapping Quinn on the arm to get her to open her eyes.

M-E-O-W, Quinn finger-spelled and Rachel laughed even more.

This is what she wanted. Some laughter, being relaxed around each other, enjoying the moment without any worries. Even if it was just for a moment, but this was much needed.

Come here, Quinn signed after a moment and pulled Rachel down into her lap. The Brunette quickly placed the cups on the dashboard and did as she was told.

Quinn repeated Rachel's massage and the brunette sighed.

Hope no one walks by, they might think I'm giving you a blow job, she joked and Quinn started laughing, quickly holding her ribs that were still hurting.

The blonde pulled at Rachel's hair. Stop making me laugh. Not good, she signed smiling.

"Sorry," Rachel murmured with a not so sorry looking grin plastered on her face.

Quinn poked her in the cheek.

Liar!

The comment caused Rachel's grin to grow wider and Quinn thought she would drown in those eyes that looked at her with such mischief.

In between teasing and touching and some kissing they finished their breakfast undisturbed. Rachel then drove them back into town.

Quinn admitted that the idea of having some quality time just enjoying the moments with each other had been much needed.

… … ...

When having finished the last crumb of their breakfast, they drove back to Rachel's apartment. Quinn decided that the walk from the parking garage was short enough, so she went with Rachel to drop off the car. Quinn plopped on the comfortable couch in the living room. She watched Rachel busy herself in the kitchen making some tea. After a moment the blonde got up and walked up to her girlfriend. She placed a light hand on her shoulder to get her attention.

Rachel jumped a little at the unexpected touch. She was lost in thoughts, thinking about how nice the morning had been. With a questioning look she turned to Quinn.

The blonde started signing: I talked to Shelby last night. She and Beth are coming to New York for my birthday in February.

Rachel smiled smugly. I know! They told me when we skyped the other day. Beth must be really excited about it.

Yes, apparently she keeps bugging her mom to buy like a million musical tickets and she wants to go to every single one of them, Quinn described smiling fondly, but kept a close eye on Rachel's reaction. She didn't want to say it at first, but as the brunette had pointed out before; they needed to address those things.

Rachel smiled at her. Not a big smile, but a smile at least.

I can imagine. If she is half of a Broadway aficionado like I am - was - she better use the short visit here well. What does she want to see?

Pippin, Wicked and Spring Awakening. Though I'm not sure if she has the appropriate age for that one. She'll have to choose one of them, I guess, otherwise we won't see much of her.

True, Rachel chuckled.

Quinn noticed that Rachel had started to smile and laugh a lot more again. She herself felt much lighter in her heart and that made it so much easier to smile for her, too.

Do you have any plans for your birthday yet? The brunette's hands interrupted her thoughts.

Rachel better found out sooner than later because she herself had some ideas already. And for that she needed some time during that weekend, best if on the same day of Quinn's birthday. And she was quite sure, that Beth would like Quinn's birthday surprise as well. So she needed to take the arrangements into her hand, if Quinn hadn't organized something yet.

No, I haven't had time to think about it yet. There is still enough time. Why? She looked suspiciously at Rachel.

The brunette shrugged. Ok, just wanted to know.

Quinn kept looking at her. When Rachel wanted to turn to get some cups, the blond held her by the arm. Wait a minute here. I know that look. What is going on?

"Nothing, really!"

Miss Rachel Berry, stop right here. You are planning something and I want to know what!

"Not telling you-houuuu," Rachel teased in a sing-sang voice without singing and turned away to escape Quinn's questions.

Rachel had already a plan in her head for Quinn's birthday. Now that she knew they would have guests, she either could include them in her plans or would have to plan around them. But it would be much more fun to make Shelby and Beth part of her surprise.

Grinning she reached for the mugs and dodged Quinn's hand that tried to grab her to get her attention. Shaking her head, she signed: No matter how much you are trying, I won't say anything, so save your breath Quinn Fabray!

Quinn pouted and crossed her arms in front of her chest. When Rachel finally decided to meet her eyes again, the blonde spelled only one word with her fingers.

M-E-A-N.

The brunette quirked an eyebrow and lifted one corner of the mouth in a half grin.

I K-N-O-W. She answered the same way, planting little kisses on Quinn's lips, until this coaxed a smile from her.

You know, you were also very elusive about your plans for my birthday. Let's just say I pay you the same respect. Rachel then signed.

Quinn poked Rachel lightly in the stomach and mouthed "Funny," without signing, because they were still sitting so close and she didn't want to pull away.

The brunette chuckled. She was excited about her own idea and she knew her friends would help her with the planning. She would do everything to make this birthday very special for Quinn, to show her again how much she really loved her.

Ok, I know that parking close to the Brooklyn Bridge Park is probably nearly impossible and parking in general is a nightmare in NYC or around it. That was the only place I could find and think of with a view on the skyline.

Oh, and I have no idea if you can create foam with soy milk. I just took some artistic license here, if it shouldn't be possible.