Don't own… yadda yadda yadda….

helly1bradleywyatt: I'll try to hold the message up, don't worry, but more details on that will follow in the sequel.

gllover22: Don't we all know how important friends are…

Chapter 67

Rachel had asked Shelby during one of their weekly chats, if she would like to come to Quinn's birthday party. It was obviously a rhetorical question, since they had already decided to come that weekend to celebrate. But Rachel wanted to make it official and also needed someone to help her set up the surprise. Shelby, Beth and Santana could distract Quinn, while Rachel, Kurt, Blaine and Jenna would do the last minute organizations that planned evening.

Beth was also happy to be part of a secret plan and promised to keep it a secret from Quinn. After Rachel finished teaching the girl some new signs and helped her to practice them, she usually also spoke to Shelby.

This way they kept each other updated on their lives and Rachel as well as the older woman had come to like the weekly routine. Slowly but surely a certain familiarity settled in through the regular contact, even though it was just through a computer. But given the distance and Rachel's circumstances, it was a great way of staying in touch and of getting to know each other better.

Through Rachel's regular schedule of calling Beth – or vice versa, Quinn had also started to talk more with her daughter. Whenever she was with Rachel during her calls, she always took the chance to talk to the blonde little girl as well. It felt good and right that the four of them had started to bond more.

Shelby sounded excited after Rachel told her more about the details of her plan and readily agreed to help.

Rachel, I think it's a wonderful idea and surprise you are planning. I'm sure Quinn will love it!

"Yes, I hope she does. Thank you for agreeing to help! There is still so much to do!" Rachel half sighed and half laughed. She was excited for Quinn's birthday and also a little nervous if everything would work out.

She doesn't know anything yet? Shelby asked.

Rachel shook her head. "It's going to be a surprise."

As with so many others, she signed along while speaking. Shelby looked closely at her hands, trying to relate the signs to the spoken words. When she wasn't familiar with a certain sign, she often asked Rachel to repeat it so she could store it in her memory. That turned their talks sometimes into another lesson, but neither Rachel nor Shelby did mind.

There was a small pause in their conversation and the older woman sensed that something else seemed to be on her daughter's mind.

Right so, after a little hesitation Rachel decided to tell Shelby about Tom's idea. Shelby was truly surprised and wondered how serious Rachel's former colleague was about that. After she learned that he had already secured the funds and had finished the script, wanting Rachel to come on board as a full partner, she was positively surprised.

He seems to have done his homework, if he already secured the funds. And the storyline sounds intriguing. She smiled. Have you made a decision yet?

"Officially not. But I my heart already said yes. Guess I'm just a little afraid of what it will entail."

What do you mean exactly? The work, showing part of your life, the interaction with other people?

"The latter worries me most. I don't mind the work, I'm actually looking forward to being busy again with something that fulfills me. Regarding the story, it will not be exactly my story, it will be changed a little and I have veto rights. But working on set with the staff, the actors etc. when I do not have much experience in the film business and then having the disadvantage of not being able to hear… that scares me a bit."

Shelby nodded. I can understand that. But you said that Tom has some knowledge about filming; let him teach you some stuff beforehand. So you don't have to learn everything on set. And you'll probably work with an interpreter - Rachel nodded at that. - and if you inform everyone from the beginning very openly about how to address you, you might avoid a lot of misunderstandings. She looked at her daughter who still had an insecure expression on her face.

Rachel, I understand that it might be scary. That you might miss out on many things being discussed. But find a good interpreter you can work with very well, who you can trust and he or she might be able to keep you informed very well. But don't give up before you haven't tried it. You'll only learn through experience. This is a chance to come closer to your still existing dream, Rachel! We have to work for our dreams to come true. The opportunities might be a present or a gift, but turning those opportunities or chances into a reality means we have to be present! We have to take action and start living our dreams.

The brunette woman smiled gently at Rachel.

Chin up, Rachel! Shoulders square, chest out, smile on and off you go! YOU CAN DO IT!

She typed the last four words for emphasis.

This finally made her daughter smile.

"Thank you." She said almost shyly.

Shelby wondered if Rachel would be able to find back to her former self-confidence and open nature. If she wanted to succeed in this kind of business, especially with such a handicap, she needed a good portion of it, if not more than before.

Shelby straightened her own spine, threw her shoulders back and playfully thrust her chin out.

Rachel laughed and got the message. She mimicked the pose, plastered a dazzling smile on her face in addition and said: "Yes, you're right. I can do it."

Say it louder! Shelby challenged. More convinced, come on!

The young woman took a deep breath. "I can do it!"

Louder!

"I CAN DO IT!" Rachel shouted out and then both women burst out laughing.

GOOD! Shelby typed. That sounded convincing! Then she lifted her hands again to sign.

Learn as much as possible from that experience. You have the luxury of starting out with a friend, with a story you are familiar with. Use this to your advantage. The way you described Tom, he seems very considerate and kind. You're not alone in this!

"True, Santana offered to be my manager," Rachel guffawed. "If I let her, I'm sure she'll kick some behinds should something go wrong."

Yes, I can imagine. Shelby laughed with Rachel.

The former singer was surprised at how much the older woman's signing had improved. Shelby did not have as much time as Beth to practice, but she had taken up her promise to look for sign language courses and had started to take lessons. Rachel was secretly pleased that her mother took it so seriously and tried to sign as much as possible. Shelby's sense of perfection let her finger-spell words when she didn't remember or know the correct sign. She forbade herself most of the time to use the chat window, wanting to show to Rachel that she truly cared.

When Rachel felt that the other woman was exhausting herself, she insisted on Shelby typing things down. She had to reassure her more than once that it was absolutely ok.

It made Rachel really happy to see that so many people cared about her and tried to learn to communicate with her. Especially Beth's persistence surprised her. Even though she was Quinn's daughter with the same almost alarmingly strive for perfection, Rachel was amazed that the interest in her and in ASL did not diminish. The girl was just ten years old, after all, and surely had enough interesting things to do in life. Nevertheless, the former singer enjoyed the interaction immensely. The girl continued to ask a million questions regarding Rachel's disability and how she dealt with it each time they chatted and never seemed insecure or shy. Still, they also found enough other topics to discuss, like which musicals Beth wanted to see when she came to New York next time and which boys she found cute in her class.

She was looking forward to their next chat and what Quinn's daughter would tell her then about her school and the people she was involved with. Their talks had become one of her highlights of the week and she counted on them to stay a fixed part of their lives.

What she didn't count with was the news that Quinn spilled that evening after she came home from her show.

… … …

Quinn closed Rachel's apartment door and hung her coat in the hall closet. Rachel had started to heat a light vegetable soup, as Quinn had not eaten much before the show and always liked to have a light evening meal afterwards.

Rachel turned down the heat and put the ladle next to the pot. Turning around she greeted her girlfriend. The blonde wore a strange expression and Rachel had a hard time interpreting it, despite having become something like an expert when it came to reading people.

"Hi honey! How was it?" Before jumping right in, she decided to give Quinn the chance to spill the news herself – or whatever it was that caused that funny look on her face.

Good. The show was good. Quinn signed and walked around the counter and dropped a kiss on Rachel's lips.

Rachel waited. When nothing else came, she prompted: "Aaaaand….? That's it?"

Quinn nodded. Pretty much. She had to bit her cheeks in order not to grin, but Rachel caught on nevertheless.

"Spill, what's up?" the brunette stepped closer and threateningly lifted her hands in a gesture that left no doubts that she would tickle the news out of her girlfriend if she must.

Quinn stepped back, thrusting her hands out defensively. All right, all right.

A smile lit up her face that could have illuminated all of New York during an electricity shortage.

Rachel bounced from one foot to the other; Quinn's excitement was so contagious. The blonde laughed at her girlfriend's wiggling and decided to not let her wait any longer. Otherwise she was sure she'd have to pay for it later by being tickled until she couldn't breathe anymore.

Maybe we should sit down, she suggested, but Rachel shook her head.

"Nooooo! Now, what!?"

Quinn took a deep breath.

"My show and I are nominated for a Tony award as best musical and best leading actress!" She finally blurted out exhilarated, she had to hear the words for herself coming out of her mouth. She almost couldn't finish signing when Rachel squealed and tackled Quinn in a bear hug.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! I can't believe it! Quinn, this is incredible! Congratulations!" And Rachel planted a very passionate kiss on her girlfriend's lips that took the blonde's breath away.

Quinn had been a bit torn about telling the news; she didn't know how Rachel would react. It had been the petite woman's dream ever since her childhood to receive one of those beautifully designed brass medallions mounted on a that shiny black base. And now Quinn was in the position Rachel had always dreamed of, but all the she could do was stand on the sideline and watch.

She had not counted on Rachel displaying such pure joy and genuine happiness for her sake. It moved Quinn beyond words.

The blonde pulled back after a moment and looked at Rachel. There was one more thing she had to say. Actually two, but the other one could wait. She'd love for Rachel to accompany her to the award show, because there was no other person on earth she was more proud of and wanted to be seen with in public then her absolutely wonderful generous and courageous girlfriend. And she needed her support in this, because she knew she'd be nervous as hell and Rachel had that talent to calm her down with her presence and love. But this she would ask her girlfriend later. The other bit of news was more important for now, before Rachel heard it from someone else.

And you know what? She then asked with a gentle expression on her face.

The brunette studied her for a second and then shook her head "What?"

Funny Girl has been nominated as best revival musical!

"But – " Rachel frowned. Usually shows were only eligible for awards in the first year they went live. How could it be that it was only nominated now? As well as Quinn's show?

"But how can Bohemiens and Funny Girl be nominated? Both are on stage for more than a year now. Have they changed the rules?"

Quinn smiled. I was as surprised as you are and I though it must have been a mistake. For the revival category there is a rule that states if there are no other musicals in the same category listed, the musical becomes eligible also in the next year and the next, until there are at least three shows competing in the same category. Now there is Sound of Music, Tommy and Funny Girl.

"Oh, right. I forgot about that. That is great to hear." Rachel felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. She was happy that the show she had helped to give birth to had come so far. On the other hand it was a sign that no one was irreplaceable. Apparently her successor was fitting into the role as Fannie Brice just as well.

Quinn felt the downward pull on Rachel's mood and lifted her head gently.

It has only become so successful because you had the lead role for two years, Rachel. And even though I think you personally should have received the award for best leading actress in the first year, don't be disappointed. You had a big part in making this show the riving success it has become!

Quinn knew that this was not easy for Rachel.

Rachel smiled. "And what about your show?"

That one is easy; we didn't make it into last year's eligibility date. We were actually scheduled to open two months later, but the construction in the theater was finished earlier, that is why we also opened earlier than planned. Which in itself is worth an award. Have you ever heard of getting ready earlier rather than later? Quinn shook her head. Technically we should have been included in last year's awards, but I guess it was all too short notice.

"Oh I remember I read about the eight weeks advance. I felt so sorry for all of you, because two months is a hell of a lot of a cut on rehearsals. Your director must have had a lot of faith in all of you," Rachel smiled wistfully. "But a good thing that was. This way I got to hear you sing at least as they published the CD two months earlier as well. With your regular opening schedule… I wouldn't have been able to hear you sing anymore."

With her soft hand Rachel took one of Quinn's and kissed it lightly. Pushing her own feelings aside, she focused back on Quinn and beamed:

"You are nominated for a Tony! My god, Quinn! We need to celebrate that! Get the champagne, let's call people and tell them! My dads will freak out if they're going to hear that! What about your mother? Have you called your mother? Does Kurt know? What about Santana? And Jen…" She was interrupted by soft lips that covered hers.

She felt Quinn chuckle against her mouth.

Rachel, do you think I would tell anyone else about this before you? Come here, you little rambler. Quinn grinned and pulled the other woman close again to share another passionate kiss.

"Mmmmm," Rachel purred with her eyes closed. "I'm kissing a Tony award nominee. Feels good. Mooooore." She then demanded and pursed her lips. Quinn followed the request with pure delight.

Thank you for being so happy for me.

"Why wouldn't I be?" A small frown appeared on Rachel's forehead.

Quinn fiddled with the collar of the petite woman's shirt before she answered.

Because I know that this has always been your dream!

Rachel gave her a quick smile, as if saying that yes, it had been her dream, but that there was absolutely nothing she could do about it now.

The blonde took one of the long brown tresses and twirled it round her finger.

Quinn watched the brown, warm eyes shift from her hand to her face. What she saw in them was acceptance and pride. The trace of pain from earlier when mentioning Rachel's former musical, was gone. Instead a mischievous glimmer appeared in them.

"I agree with you Quinn that I should have received a Tony for my absolute stunning portrayal of Fanny Brice. But – as I obviously can't compete in that category anymore," Rachel answered with a grin, "I'll just be gunning for an Oscar now." She shrugged.

Quinn laughed out loud at that presentation of absolute self-confidence that reminded her so much of the old Rachel.

Well, you have never been modest with your aspirations. Why start now?

"Exactly."

Both women had to laugh again and Quinn was so happy about Rachel's reaction, her nomination and just everything in that moment that she lifted Rachel and swung her around in a circle.

The smaller woman let out a surprised yelp but continued to laugh. Finally they landed in a heap on the floor, legs and arms sprawled sideways, trying to catch some air.

When they recovered, Rachel rolled on her side, propped her head up on her hand and took Quinn's hand. "I'm really proud of you and I'm so glad that I watched your show. I know you deserve this nomination! And if I can say that without even having heard you sing that night, then you definitely earn this award!"

Quinn hugged her and held her for a long moment. When she released the smaller form, Rachel's enthusiasm was right back.

"Come on, let's call people!" She jumped up and pulled the blonde up with her towards her laptop. Quinn stumbled a bit, tugged forward by Rachel's momentum, which made her laugh again.

Since Rachel wanted to participate in spreading the good news, they called most people on Skype and Quinn was more than willing to interpret most of the conversations.

Rachel watched how their friends and family reacted and felt pure bliss in that moment. Somehow, her own drama and loss seemed so small at that moment in comparison to Quinn's achievement. She was so happy to be part of it all, to actually know about Quinn's work. And she was glad to have realized that even though she could push her own drama always to the front and dim all joy in her life, she rather started to accept it and not let it hold her back any longer. Neither in her further career dreams nor Quinn's or her own happiness.

Feeling sorry for herself for not being in the same position as Quinn would not change the facts. But celebrating and feeling happy about positive things would definitely change the quality of her – their lives. And that is what she chose to do.

Quinn's mother, her sister, Rachel's fathers and Kurt could not contain their happiness either. Kurt even performed a little happy dance in front of the screen. When he sat back down, he suggested:

"You have to tell Will Schuester about this! He'll freak out if he hears that!"

Since he signed along his words, it was easy for Rachel to follow. "He's right, Quinn! He'll be so proud to hear that one of his pupils is nominated for the big one! Can you imagine? He'll probably make it a theme of the week – no months: 'Tony Awards'."

Rachel laughed and made an arching motion with her hands, mimicking their former teacher writing the topic on the white board.

"My god, he totally will," Kurt agreed grinning. "Oh, I would have five songs immediately on the top of my mind which I would perform. One with my best friend!" He pointed at Rachel and both said in unison:

"Defying Gravity!"

Then Rachel laughed, somehow surprised about her own good mood. "Maybe we could change the title a little to "Deaf Defying Gravity."

Quinn gave her a happy bump with her elbow, but Kurt took up the thread. "Yeah, and we could sign along while singing. Perfect. That would earn us a special Tony award!"

"I'm totally sure it would. I'd even give my nomination up to see you do that!" Quinn threw in, grinning.

"Ohhh, who knows…. Maybe with a little alcohol you might get to see it," he grinned and winked at Rachel, who duck her head, smiling self-consciously.

How was it that when Kurt was around they would always come to the topic of singing? Rachel was not sad or angry, just found it interesting that Kurt had this special charm to touch upon this matter without her feeling the familiar pain. And the funny thing was that even though it seemed totally absurd, for a split part of a second she could see herself do it with him.

Kurt and Quinn were not quite sure if Rachel had been offended by Kurt's last comment.

"Don't get your hopes up high, Mr. Hummel, I might want to sing that song all by myself!" The brunette boldly retorted and dissolved the small tension that had built between the friends.

Quinn leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Go for it, I would totally root for you!"

Kurt pulled a face in mocking offence. "Traitor!" Then he added. "Anyway, I'm really happy for you, Quinn! We'll keep our fingers crossed that you'll win!" Then he pointed his finger again at Rachel "And you and I will have to talk! There'll be no such thing as you singing that one ever alone, Ms. Berry!"

Rachel just stuck her tongue out at her friend.

"If you receive that thing, I want to have a picture with you and the award, so I can prove to the world that I befriend a famous star." Kurt then said to Quinn.

"Sure, Kurt. I'll also sign your arm with my autograph," the blonde answered generously.

Laughing, the two women finally ended their calling session and leaned back on the sofa where they had retired to after the first call. It was just so much more comfortable sitting on the soft cushions instead of the hard chairs at the counter.

After playing gently with Rachel's fingers while both women were lost in their own thoughts, Quinn asked out of the blue with an innocent look on her face: So, what's my birthday surprise?

Rachel just snorted. "Nice try, lady. I'm not going to tell you."

Not fair. So not fair! Quinn crossed her arms in front of her chest.

The smug grin that covered Rachel's face made Quinn only pout more, but the brunette did not budge. With a little coaxing and nipping and kissing and gentle touching she managed to charm the blonde into bed though, after having emptied their champagne glasses. The gentle love making made up for Rachel's lack of forthcoming regarding her surprise, Quinn conceded.

… … …

Later that evening, Rachel sneaked out and sent a note from her phone to Santana, in case she hadn't heard the news yet. They couldn't reach her before as she was probably still with a client, but Rachel wanted her to know the good news.

Captain on the bridge!
Salute to our new Tony award nominee for best leading actress in a musical!

When Santana later came home and read the message, she first had to laugh out loud and then shook her head. 'Captain on the bridge' had been a sort of code whenever Quinn was seen nearing a group of people in high school. She had not been Captain and been addressed as such without a reason. Whenever she appeared, she dominated the room. She commandeered her team mates with a strict hand under Sue Silvester's guidance, but they were all rewarded with lots of successes. Despite her sometimes harsh treatment of her team colleagues, most of the Cheerios had looked up to her, especially the younger ones.

Santana was sure that Quinn had been aware of people using that code word, but the blonde had never commented on it. Santana couldn't remember who had come up with it first, but it had spread rather quickly through the Cheerios ranks.

The message on her phone reminded the Latina of the good old times.

She was surprised though that Rachel remembered the saying, since she had never been part of the Cheerios, but it was well applied nevertheless, Santana thought. Quinn had a way of making people listen. And Santana loved it even more, that it wasn't necessarily in combination with bullying as in high school, but rather with talent and grace. The leadership qualities in her friend had not diminished, but had been polished and rounded.

Santana understood that it was a tribute from the petite former singer to the formidable performance of her girlfriend. Quinn had truly achieved something great. She was again on top and leading in her field.

It was incredible how far her best friend had come. She had never been the best singer in high school, nor had she had the best voice. But something about Quinn's drive and determination as well as the unique combination of her charms, talent and looks had modeled her into this great singer and actress.

Santana knew that Quinn was aware of the fact that with her voice alone she would never have succeeded as much. But with all that training and the unique acting talent combined, she was an absolute powerhouse.

Santana was immensely proud of Quinn. She was glad that the brunette also seemed to acknowledge this achievement without rancor. That made the Latina so very happy and she silently saluted also to Rachel for her apparent joy and pride, despite her own situation.

… … …

The following week Wednesday, Quinn's manager visited the blonde at her apartment in the afternoon on short notice to discuss her outfit and other organizational details. Quinn did not have a show scheduled for that day and knew she had to plan her attendance of the award show.

Rachel wanted to come by later that day so they could go out to dinner with Kurt, Blaine, Lauren and Max.

Quinn's manager had brought a stack of pictures and suggestions for the dresses with her.

"They just arrived today, so I thought we might look through and eliminate those you don't like right away – if you have time that is. Sorry to drop by unannounced. I was just running an errand and I thought we could to this right away instead of scheduling an extra meeting at my office."

Quinn was surprised about the visit, but happy to go along. This saved her a trip downtown.

She sent a short message to Rachel to inform her about the meeting.

Hi Rach, Barbara just dropped by with some
dress suggestions. It should not take longer
than six 'till we're though the folders. But don't
let that stop you, whenever you're ready,
drop by.
Love you! Quinn

Don't worry, I have to run some errands
and then I will probably run back home any-
ways to change. Take your time. I'll be back
at your place at around six like we agreed on, ok?

Rachel
PS: Rachel added a picture of her hand with her fingers stretched out, except the middle and ring finger. The gesture displayed the three letters I, L and Y, short for I love you. Then she typed a 2 behind it.

Quinn and Barbara went through the different dress styles, colors and designers and quickly eliminated the ones that Quinn absolutely didn't like. Most of the choices were in concordance with her managers, so there were little discussions. The blonde was confident that the decisions on the dressed they would order for a fitting would also be done quickly.

Rachel had finished running her errands a little earlier and decided to drop by Quinn's apartment directly before going home first. They were going to meet Lauren and Max as well as their other two friends at a cozy little restaurant and the clothes she was wearing were just fine for the occasion. No need to go back and change.

"Hi darling! Sorry, I'm a bit early…" Rachel walked into the apartment and noticed Quinn's visitor. The two women were sitting at the dining table with a folder between them.

"Oh, you're not finished. I'm sorry, I didn't not want to disturb you."

Quinn got up and went to hug her girlfriend. Then she placed a tender kiss on her lips and graced her with a smile. Signing, she introduced the two women.

"Barbara, this is Rachel Berry, my girlfriend. Rachel, this is Barbara Durgon, my manager. Barbara just dropped by with some designer prints. We were just looking at some dress proposals for the award show. And you're not disturbing; in fact you can help us pick the right dress for me!"

Barbara, a mid-sized woman in her early forties with blond, short hair, got up and held her hand out in greeting.

"Rachel, I am glad to meet you. I have heard so much about you already," she smiled and watched Quinn interpret her words.

"Oh, really?" Rachel asked with a raised eyebrow directed at Quinn.

"Don't worry, she only told me good things." Barbara smiled. She didn't know if it was appropriate to mentioned Rachel's performance in Funny Girl and she felt a little unsecure of how to deal with the whole situation.

Quinn had mentioned her relationship with Rachel to her some weeks ago, just in case the media picked it up. She had mentioned as well that Rachel had been in an accident and therefore could not perform anymore. Only after Barbara had read the interview, Quinn had also openly talked about the extent of the young woman's disability.

Needless to say that even though Barbara had not known Rachel on a personal level before, she had been shocked and saddened that the very talented singer had to give up her career.

She was glad to meet Rachel now in person and was curious about how both women dealt with the situation. Still, she was unsure about how the petite woman would react to the whole Tony Award topic.

Rachel extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, Barbara." Then she looked back at Quinn, lifting her hands as well in what had become a habit now, signing along her own words. "Are you sure I'm not disturbing?"

Quinn shook her head. "No. Come, take a look," and she pulled her girlfriend to the table. Barbara followed, still intrigued.

Quickly the blonde actress showed Rachel the dresses that had made it into their final selection.

"So, what are your favorites?" Rachel then asked them, looking from Barbara to Quinn. Rachel had taken the seat at the head of the table. Quinn was sitting to her right, around the corner and next to Quinn sat Barbara. It was a good spot to have both woman in her view and still share the folder between them.

"Well, my two personal favorites are this midnight blue, strapless, long silk dress. I think it would look lovely with Quinn's blonde hair. It's very classic and simple, but still very elegant." Barbara watched Rachel nod after having absorbed Quinn's signs. Barbara had pushed to folder across to Rachel and pointed at the respective dress.

"Yes, that is a beautiful dress," the petite woman smiled. "And the other one?"

The manager turned the paged in the folder. "This one looks a bit more modern, is shorter and the color is obviously more eye catching." She pointed at a shorter, dark red dress that had a strap that went around the neck in an elegant bow. It was made of satin, and the skirt fell loosely around the model's knees. It reminded Rachel a bit of the dresses they had worn once during Nationals in Chicago."

She grinned and raised an eyebrow, looking at Quinn, who immediately picked up the unspoken words. "It looks a little bit like our dresses, doesn't it?"

"Yeeees," Rachel breathed, the corners of her mouth tugging upwards at the memory. Then she noticed the quizzical expression on the manager's face and hastened to explain.

"We wore similar dresses at the Show Choir National Championship once. We won that one!" Her eyes gleamed and Quinn nodded, also caught up a bit in nostalgia.

"Ok, and what are your two picks?" Rachel bumped her elbow slightly into Quinn's side to pull her out of her reverie.

"I also like the blue dress, but my other favorite is this one here." The blonde turned the page and turned the folder a bit so Rachel could see the picture better.

The dress she was pointing to was of a dark violet color and had a corsage covered with satin, just like the other dress, but the skirt fell loosely and long to the floor with a little trail. In the texture of the skirt where interwoven very, very thin gold threads, which gave the gown a beautiful warm shimmer.

"Hm, yeah, that one is very beautiful as well." she imagined Quinn wearing it and her heart accelerated a bit. "Hard to choose, I guess," Rachel mused, picturing Quinn in all the dresses, not being sure which one would look best.

Quinn nodded. "What do you think of the three?"

The brunette tilted her head and thumbed through the pages again to have another look at the choices.

"For me it is also either the blue or the purple one. Hard to say which one I like better. Guess you'd have to try them on to make a final choice."

Barbara nodded. "Yes, let's get the final three, the blue, the purple and the shorter one. Then we can check which one looks best on you."

Quinn grinned, happy with the choices.

"So, now we only have to find a dress for you to wear," Quinn concluded with a grin, looking at Rachel.

Rachel frowned. "Wh… what do you mean?"

Quinn turned towards Barbara. "I would like Rachel to be my 'plus one' at the ceremony."

Turning back to her girlfriend she added gently: "If you would like to accompany me, that is."

Rachel gulped. She had purposefully not thought about this before. Under other circumstances she might not have had any doubts, but now?

It had not been long enough for people to forget her. If she stepped into the limelight, even if she was just accompanying Quinn, the press and colleagues would still recognize her. Was she ready for that? Was she ready to answer all the questions that would be thrown at her without being able to hear them? Besides, this was Quinn's evening; she didn't want to pull any attention on herself.

She looked into the gentle hazel eyes in front of her. Will you do me the honors of accompanying me to the Tony awards?

Quinn did not say anything else, just repeated her original question. She knew how hard it would probably be for her. And Rachel could see the understanding in her girlfriend's eyes. Nevertheless, she asked her to come with her, just as any nominee would probably ask his or her partner.

Rachel did not see it as neglect from Quinn's side that she did not hint towards Rachel's difficult situation at being seen at the award show. It warmed her heart that Quinn wanted her there by her side as if it were the most natural thing.

This would be the last step for her to fully appear in the public eye again.

Did she truly want that? Especially going to a ceremony where under normal circumstances she might have been invited due to a nomination herself, but now never would have that chance again?

Again she studied the beautiful face in front of her. Both women had totally forgotten that there was another person still present. Finally, Rachel lifted her hands and signed without talking:

You… you want me to come with you?

Quinn smiled and nodded. Only…only if it is not too much to ask.

Rachel opened and closed her mouth again without uttering a word.

So many people asking her so to do so many exciting things, never once doubting that she could do it. Rachel remembered her conversation with Shelby. She could do it. Yes, she could do this!

Just watched the 100th episode and I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVED it! That was GLEE! I loved the music, the singers, the story (ok, there was not that much of a back story, lol), seeing them all together, fighting, making up, standing up for each other…. Sigh. Want mooooore!

Just some random background information: Rachel's joke about changing the song title to "Deaf defying gravity" – that was actually my original title for this story. 'A door in the wall' was just the working title. In the end I left the latter, because I didn't want to give too much away.

By the way, I know that I bent the rules a little regarding the eligibility of musical for the Tony awards...sorry about that.