Thank you.

Jaely Agreed. I think that unless someone went through what those three did together they wouldn't get it. And yeah, Britt's a unique personality. Thanks for reading and for continually taking the time to leave me a few words. It means a lot. :)

LaurenKnight13 It's not such a big deal it's just one of those things that annoys me because it's a detail I got wrong and once it's uploaded here it's a hassel to go back and change. So now it will forever be wrong in my story. I imagine that they'll give her a hard time about it on occasion but mostly they're just happy to have her back.

Thanks for, as always, taking the say a few words about what you thought of the chapter. And I hope that the date chapter is everything you hoped it would be. :)

Fabraygron I'm glad it worked out. And that you don't mind. It's a Faberry story but at the same time, it's about Rachel and Quinn as individuals as well so there's going to be bits about them outside of the relationship as well. There's a hint of what Rachel's feeling in this chapter but I'll explore it more in the chapters to come.

Thank you for taking the time out to review.

FaberryOTP I'm glad you enjoyed it. And I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

gllover22 I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm having some fun with the "backwards" element of it too. It's a little variation off of the usual. &, I know it's my story and I shouldn't say it but I am too. So you'll definitely be seeing more of "gentleman" Quinn.

Quinn's friends were fun to write. And I'm looking forward to developing them more. As well as exploring more of the Unholy Trinity and their dynamic this many years later.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, or well 2 reviews this time around actually. :)

desirousread Well, better late than never I suppose. Welcome. I'm glad you're enjoying the story and I hope that you continue to enjoy it as it unfolds.

Guest: I'm sorry you feel that way. I won't apologize for writing the story the way I feel it needs to be written but I am sorry that you're no longer enjoying it and that it's not the story you would like it to be.

SuperGleek18 I do to. I think they're personalities are so much fun as a couple. Of course I also ship Quintanna and Faberry so... I'm not going to cross any friendship lines in this story but I do plan on expanding on their individual friendships. I like that they still no her so well and yet both handle her in entirely different ways. She shouldn't be nervous but I think Quinn is prone to over-analyzing.

I'll see if I can work Tina in. I've actually got an idea for that. We'll see if it pans out. Anyone else you'd like to see?

Thanks for taking the time out to leave a few words. It means a lot. :)

And, yes. I did hear about Cory. It's so sad. And tragic. It's so hard to wrap my head around. My heart goes out to his family and his friends and Lea Michele. I can't even imagine the pain they must be feeling right now.

southernranger1 Thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Author's Note: This chapter is exceedingly long and took forever to write but I loved every moment of writing it and I hope that you all enjoy their first date.

I'm sure by now we've all heard the news about Cory Monteith and I don't know about you guys but I'm still kinda reeling. It feels strange for me to grieve for a man I've never met but who has touched my life anyway.

And I'm not even sure what I'm trying to say here but I just felt like I should say something in rememberance of him. RIP Cory Monteith.

Chapter 13

Seven fifty-five that evening found Quinn standing in the hallway outside Rachel's apartment door clutching the bouquet of flowers she'd picked up on the way over in one hand as she took deep, calming breaths in an attempt to steady her jittery nerves. It's not that she was anxious about this date, no she was eager. She wanted it so desperately to go well of course but even more so she wanted it to begin, to transpire.

Santana's attempt at a pep-talk and Brittany's calm reassurance had done wonders to ease the tension she'd been feeling. Although it was hard she was trying to give herself over to Britt's faith that she and Rachel were simply meant to be. It was certainly a tempting concept, one that she wanted to believe in. And the serendipidous way they had found themselves back in each other's lives lent itself to supporting the idea. Of all the bars in all of New York City they had found themselves in the same place at the same time at a point in their lives when they were ready for each other. It all pointed to, as Brittany had said, God having laid a hand.

She didn't want to jinxx things though. She didn't want to make the mistake of assuming that she had this all wrapped up and take anything for granted. Quinn was determined that, if this relationship developed, if things worked out between her and Rachel it would be because she strived for it.

Starting with sweeping Rachel off her feet tonight. After one last deep breath and a slow, even exhale she brought her hand up and knocked twice, firmly, assuredly. Her pulse pounded loudly in her ears and only increased in tempo when she heard the slide of the deadbolt and the click of the lock on the other side of the door.

Her breath caught in her throat as she door swung inward and Rachel stepped into view. The inside of her mouth grew arid. She licked her suddenly dry lips and worked her throat but couldn't seem to make words form.

Rachel stared at her, lips quirked in amusement at Quinn's apparent speechlessness. Until her eyes took a quick sweep of Quinn's body and she let out a soft, raspy breath and said nothing more.

It was Quinn who recovered first. "You look amazing," she husked, letting her eyes traverse Rachel's body once more. The things the brunette could do to a little black dress was simply stunning. It was an off the shoulder, a-symetrical dress with a jagged skirt, the shortest edges falling to the tops of her thighs accentuating the firm, smooth muscles and the deceptively long length of her legs. The longer spikes swirled around her calves in a soft swish of fabric. Her make-up was minimal shades of chocolate and cocoa around her eyes, a hint of blush and a clear, shimmery lip-gloss that drew Quinn's eyes time and time again to her lips. Her hair was long and loose, falling in gentle waves down around her shoulders in a slightly mussed fashion that brought to mind wrinkled sheets and the warm afterglow of orgasm. It was all Quinn could do not to run her fingers through it right now.

"These are for you," she added, remembering the boquet in her hands and presenting it to the other woman. It was a stunning array of yellows and reds and oranges. She had no idea what any of the flowers were or what they meant but the florist had assured her that it was an appropriate bouquet for a date and that none of them had untoward meanings.

"Quinn they're lovely," Rachel breathed softly as she accepted the bouquet and breathed it in deeply. "And they smell amazing," She added. "And you." She raised her gaze back up to meet Quinn's. "You...you look..." She trailed off with a light laugh. "You're beautiful and stunning and," she growled lightly in the back of her throat, "so fucking sexy. I'm not going to be able to keep my eyes or my hands off you all night."

The dark intensity shimmering her eyes and the low rumble in her voice hit Quinn right in the groin, a simmering heat that quickly radiated throughout her entire body. It had her itching to knock the boquet out of Rachel's hands and push the other woman back into her apartment and take her against the first flat surface they came across.

Quinn swallowed hard and forced such thoughts from her mind. It was going to be a long, long night. And yet, she welcomed the hours that stretched out before them.

Rachel shook her head lightly, as if banishing unwelcome thoughts and then smiled warmly up at Quinn. "Let me just put these in water and we can be on our way." She stepped back into the depths of the apartment, leaving the door open behind her. Quinn stepped through but remained in the doorway, afraid that if she actually entered the apartment and let the door fall shut behind her, they wouldn't leave it again tonight and she refused to let this be that type of relationship.

She was very much looking forward to making love to Rachel at the end of the night but she was also equally, if not as intensely, looking forward to sharing an evening of conversation and romance with her as well.

She watched from the doorjamb as Rachel rummaged through the cupboards beneath the sink before coming up with a chrystal vase. She quickly filled it with water from the tap and then set the bouqet gently into it, taking a moment to arrange the flowers and leaves so they fell artfully. Once she was satisfied with her handiwork she placed it on the island and turned to face Quinn.

"They look nice there, don't you think?" she asked, eyes darting back to the new centerpiece.

Quinn nodded. "They do." The flowers actually looked good there against the dark wood and shiny black of her cupboards and appliances. A splash of color amongst the warm, earthy tones of the apartment.

"Thank you, Quinn. They really are lovely," she said as she crossed the room and picked up her purse from the table beside the door.

"Not nearly as lovely as you."

"Did you really just say that to me?" Rachel asked with a laugh.

Quinn shrugged, she had no problem with cheese when it made Rachel's face light up like that.

Rachel beamed at her and raised up on her toes to brush a light kiss against Quinn's cheek. "Come on, Romeo, let's go." She nudged Quinn's shoulder, turning her around and ushering her out into the hallway. Quinn laughed lightly and allowed herself to be prodded.

Rachel took Quinn's hand as they stepped into the elevator, lacing their fingers together giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Quinn returned the pressure and cast a sideways glance over at her date, only to find that Rachel was gazing back at her, smiling softly.

"You really do look stunning tonight," Rachel said as they quickly descended.

"You really don't have to sound quite so surprised," Quinn teased lightly, enjoying the faint flush that colored Rachel's cheeks and the indignant squeak that issued from her throat as she spun to face her.

She opened her mouth to, to protest or defend herself but Quinn cut her off with a quick peck to her lips. "Easy, Rach. I'm just teasing," she murmured as she pulled back.

Rachel huffed. "The appropriate thing to do when someone pays you a compliment is to thank them." The doors swished open and she stalked out into the lobby.

"I know, I'm sorry." Quinn used their still joined hands to pull Rachel to a stop and spin her around. "I've never been comfortable accepting compliemnts about my looks. People tell me I'm pretty, like it's an accomplishment of mine when really all it is is just good genes. And-"

"And you take very good care of yourself," Rachel interrupted. "I remember the workout routines you did as a Cheerio and you're in every bit as good a shape now as you were then. So, yes, Quinn, how you look is an accomplishment of yours."

Quinn smiled at her softly. "Thank you, Rachel. And what I was going to say before someone so...kindly stepped in to defend me..is that it's not something I've ever entirely been capable of dealing with and I know I shouldn't feel that way with you. Not when you were just being sweet and sincere. But I'm a little nervous and I-"

"Why are you nervous?" Rachel reached out and took her other hand as well.

Quinn swallowed thickly and let her eyes drop.

"Hey, look at me," Rachel commanded softly.

Quinn forced her eyes back up and met Rachel's soft, concerned gaze and couldn't help smile.

"It's not a bad nervous," she said. "I just really want tonight to go well. I know it's crazy because it's been two days but you're already so imporant to me. And I just want to impress you and sweep you off your feet." She stumbled over her words, trying to explain to Rachel how much this meant to her and how much she wanted this and most importantly how much she just wanted tonight to go well. She just wanted them to a have a wonderful, romantic evening.

Rachel's entire face lit up with the light of her smile. "It's not crazy at all," she said. "Or maybe it is but I'm right there with you. I'm already so invested in this, in us. You have no idea. And you don't have to worry about impressing me. Just take me out, let me get to spend time with you. That's all I need."

Quinn smiled at her words and let out a soft sigh of relief. "All right then." She pressed another quick kiss to Rachel's lips. "Let's get going then."

Rachel released one of her hands and turned to fall into step beside Quinn as they headed out of her building.

"The restaurant is pretty close," Quinn said as they reached the sidewalk. "I hope you don't mind walking."

"Walking hand in hand through the streets of New York City, past the lights and the sounds and all the activity...no I don't mind walking at all."

Quinn nodded, happy that her decision had been so easily accepted. Quinn had only been here a handful of times and she was still a little in awe of the energy and hustle and bustle of the city but Rachel was a New Yorker now, she might have grown tired of all that.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, past shops that were closing up for the night and other establishments that were just getting underway. Restaurants with lines down the block and patio's that were just filling up, the sounds of music and conversation floating out into the street to mix with the cacaphony of breaks squealing, horns honking and cars rushing by.

"I'm afraid I have to admit that I don't really know all that many restaurants here in the city," Quinn informed Rachel as they neared their destination. "I've only been here a few times, mostly just to clubs and bars with friends. So, I had too google this place," she said as a preface to the building they were only a few feet away. "Reviews said it was the best vegan place in the city."

Rachel drew to a stop a few feet away from the restaurant's entrance, her eyes flicked up to the sign before returning to Quinn. "A vegan restaurant? Quinn you really didn't have to-"

"Yes. I did. It's our first date, Rach. I wanted to offer you more to eat for dinner than a salad and maybe some pasta. Okay?

Rachel nodded. "Okay. But just know that we can go to other restaurants as well. All right? I know you eat meat and while I can't fathom how you can in good conscious-"

"Rach. Your point?" Quinn interrupted lightly.

Rachel rolled her eyes but was grinning as she said, "my point is that I'm perfectly okay with getting a salad. And maybe some pasta So you can have a meal that you enjoy as well. I'm more than used to it."

"Although you shouldn't have to be used to it," Quinn said. "It's duly noted. Can we go eat now?"

"Let's."

Rachel guided them the last few steps towards the restaurant. Quinn dropped her hand long enough to step past her and pull the door open, gesturing her through.

"Thank you." Rachel smiled demurely and squeezed her arm lightly as she passed.

They were greeted just inside the door by the maitre'd, a dour looking man dressed all in black. He stood behind his station and stared at them, eyebrow raised and pen poised above the reservation book, not saying a word. Quinn gave her name and he wordlessly turned and headed into the depths of the restaurant. She and Rachel exchanged a glance, both of them trying to hold in giggles as they followed him through the maze of tables to where he had stopped along the far wall. He put two menus on the table, indicating Quinn supposed, that his was where they were being seated then turned on his heel and stalked away.

"Playing into the stereotype about New York charm?" she queried with a laugh as she pulled one of the chairs out for Rachel.

"What stereotype?" Rachel asked as she dropped gracefully into the chair. "We really are that rude."

Quinn didn't quite know what to say to that as she stepped fully behind Rachel's chair and gave it a light push. Rachel let out a soft grunt as instead of the chair sliding forward it went up on its front two legs and she fell forward slightly into the table. Quinn immediately let go and the chair fell down onto all fours with a thump.

"Oh, my God Rachel. I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" Her cheeks flamed in embarrasment as she kneeled at Rachel's side. "I'm sorry. Rach. I-"

"Relax. It's okay." Rachel reached out and stroked a hand down the side of Quinn's face, her fingers dancing lightly against her cheek before she patted her gently. "I'm fine." She pressed a light kiss to Quinn's forehead and then offered a reassuring smile. "Why don't you take a seat."

Quinn nodded and slunk into her chair. "I'm sorry, Rachel," she said, eyes trained on the white tablecloth in front of her. "I've never...I'm sorry." She raised her gaze up to meet the other woman's and forced a faint smile. "So much for smooth huh?"

The smile Rachel offered in return was warm and genuine. "I'm fine, Quinn," she repeated. "And nobody's ever pulled me chair out for me before so you get full points for the effort. Despite the mishap," she added with a laugh.

Her smile was so infectious and her laugh was so light and easy that Quinn couldn't help but return both and just like that she felt her embarrasment slip away.

Their jovial moment was interrupted by the appearance of their waitress, who appeared silently at their side with a warm smile.

"Good evening, ladies," she said softly. "My name is Haley and I'll be your waitress for the evening. Would you like to start you off with something to drink?"

Quinn looked at Rachel, who tipped her head, signalling it was Quinn's call.

"A bottle of your house wine," she said, hoping that the stuff would be good. She didn't know if vegan wine was different than regular wine or what.

"Do you need a few more minutes to order?"

They both nodded and Haley slipped silently away. Once she had gone Quinn picked up a menu and handed it across the table to Rachel, who shook her head and pushed it away gently.

"I want you to order for me."

"What?"

"Order for me," Rachel repeated. "I know that it's old fashioned and smacks of sexism but I've always thought it was romantic."

"Really?"

"Yeah. The idea that someone would put so much effort into planning a date, right down to selecting a meal that they thought you'd enjoy the most, it's sweet. It's romantic."

"Okay," Quinn drew the word out slowly as she pulled the menu back and opened it on the table in front of her. She'd seen a ton of movies where the guy ordered for his date and as a kid she'd thought it was romantic too, until society had informed her that it was actually sexist and that no independent woman should ever accept such behaviour.

She'd never had it happen on a date before, nor had she ever had anyone ask her to be the one to choose either. It was a little strange. But as she scanned the menu under Rachel's watchful, eager eye though she felt a little thrill, much like what she'd experienced when she'd held the door open for Rachel or pulled out her chair (well, attempted to at least.) It wasn't that she didn't think Rachel was capable of doing those things for herself, Quinn just wanted to do them for her. It was just a way of taking care of her, of showing her that she respected her.

When their waitress returned a moment later Quinn was ready with their order. After a glass had been poured for each of them and the bottle left in the middle of the table she requested the seafood risoto for herself and the portebello mushroom ravioli for Rachel. She saw the other woman nod slightly and her lips curved up in a grin, so she guessed that she'd chosen well.

"Tell me a little more about your play," Rachel requested once they were alone again.

"Okay. Umm, Lara, you met her last night. She and I wrote it about two years ago. It's a love story...but not neccessarily a romance if that makes sense. There are two couples and their stories sort of parallel each other but in reverse, one is getting together while the other is breaking up."

And she was off, laying out the characters and the various plot points and the tragic and the sweet moments and how they played off of each other while Rachel listened with rapt attention. It wasn't until their waitress returned with their food that Quinn realized that she'd been monopolizing the conversation and for quite some time.

She reached for her wine, sipping it slowly to prevent herself from saying any more. "Sorry," she murmured around the edge of her glass. "I tend to kind of...go off and ramble about my work and you really, really should just cut in and tell me to knock it off."

"Why?" Rachel asked as she reached for her own wine. "It's something you're very clearly passionate about and that makes me want to know more about it. Not to mention how beautiful you look when you're engaged like that."

Quinn didn't know what to say to that. "Thank you," she said, smiling softly .

"I'm so proud of you," Rachel said, reaching out and laying a hand over Quinn's. "It's great that you found something that you love and that you're making a name for yourself, doing it. Workshopping your play in New York, that's huge Quinn."

She inclined her head slightly and squeezed the hand covering hers. "I'm proud of you too, Rachel. I mean, Broadway? We all knew you'd get there but damn, Rach you're an actual Broadway star."

"I'm not a star. Not yet."

"But you will be. You're in your second Broadway play. That's bigger than huge. That's-"

"I get it," Rachel cut her off with a light laugh. "And yeah, it feels that way to me too. I literally have to pinch myself sometimes to realize it's not just a dream, that I'm actually stepping out onto a Broadway stage each night."

"So, tell me more about your play." Quinn turned Rachel's request around on her and then listened with the same rapt attention that Rachel had while the other girl gave her an overview of first the play and then the character that she was playing.

"It's been an amazing run. It's too bad that we only had a few months with it. It'll be sad to see it end," she finished with.

"It's ending? When?"

"We close at the end of the month."

"That's too bad. It sounds like a great play though. I'll definitely have to come see you in it before you guys close."

"Really?" Rachel perked up in her chair, her smile beaming and bright.

"Of course, really. Did you honestly think that I wouldn't come see you perform while I was here in the city?"

"I guess not. I just didn't want to assume..."

"Assume away, Rachel. Assume I want to hear about every audition, see every play."

Rachel nodded. "Well, in that case, I have an audition in a couple weeks for the lead in a new play opening in the spring."

"You're kidding?"

"Nope. Not kidding."

"What play?"

"Funny Girl."

"Holy fu...Rachel you're auditioning for the role of Fanny Brice?"

Rachel just nodded. "I haven't told anybody else yet. I really, really want this part. You have no idea how badly I want this."

Quinn smirked and cocked an eyebrow at her and Rachel let out a soft laugh.

"Okay, so maybe the entire world knows much I want this part."

"And you're perfect for it."

"I know, right?" Rachel said. The smile on her lips faded quickly though. "I'm so nervous about it though. Like, terrified. This is one of the roles I've always wanted. I feel like I'm destined to play Fanny Brice but..." she trailed off and just looked at Quinn with wide, scared eyes.

"I get it," Quinn said. "And it's a big deal so some degree of nervousness is expected. It's good even. But you got this, Rachel. Like you said, you're destined to play Fanny Brice."

"Thank you, Quinn."

"Anytime."

"Now, eat your food before it gets cold." Rachel nodded in the direction of Quinn's plate and dutifully she pulled her hand from Rachel's grasp and reached for her fork. Under the other woman's watchful eye she took a careful bite. Though their meal at the diner last night had been good she wasn't really expecting too much from this dinner. How good could imitation crab meat and sea vegetables really taste?

"Oh, my God, Rachel that is really good," Quinn moaned at the delicious flavours on her tongue. It was not what she had expected at all. She eagerly forked in another bite.

"You sound surprised."

"I am surprised. I always thought that vegan food would be bland and gross but this is actually amazing."

Rachel laughed lightly and shook her head "I don't understand why people always assume that. There are so many alternatives to meat and animal products."

"Well if you can find me a vegan steak that tastes as good as a real one, consider me a convert."

"I don't know what a real steak tastes like." The emphasis she put on the word real made Quinn laugh. "But there's a restaurant a few blocks away from here that makes an amazing Philly cheesesteak."

"Awesome. You're going to have to take me there."

"Would you really be willing to convert?"

Quinn thought about that for a moment. "Hmm, probably not. I think that no matter how good your vegan stuff is, I'd miss the real stuff too much." It wasn't just the meat. Because really she wasn't all that much of a meat eater. She craved the occasional burger and she liked pepperoni and bacon on her pizza but being on the Cheerios and barely eating and her broke student days had goten her accustomed to a diet full of salads and rice and noodles. It was all the other stuff she wouldn't be able to do without. She actually loved milk, real milk. The soy or almond stuff was okay but it didn't cut it when she craved the real thing. She liked cheese and eggs and honey and she had a feeling that the subsitutes for those, like the subsitutes for milk just wouldn't be the same.

"But, whenever we got out, dinner, lunch or whatever we can go somewhere vegan." She shifted under Rachel's unwavering, wide-eyed stare. "What?"

The sound of her voice made the other woman jump. "Huh? Sorry. It's just nobody has ever made an offer like that before. Like I said, I've gotten used to going to a regular restaurant and getting a salad or pasta or sometimes one of a handful of vegan dishes they might have on the menu. Not to mention the number of times I've had to explain that vegetarian and vegan are two different things. I've had a few dates take me to a vegetarian restaurant, assuming that just because there's no meat in the dishes, I can eat them."

Quinn shook her head, feeling a little sad that none of Rachel's dates had even attempted to make what seemed to Quinn a minor effort to make sure that she had a meal that she could enjoy.

"I'm sorry about that, Rach."

"Don't worry about it. For one thing, it doesn't matter anymore, does it?" she asked, giving Quinn a wide, easy smile.

"No," Quinn said, returning it with a smile of her own. "I guess it doesn't."

She couldn't help but enjoy that thought. It pleased her that Rachel didn't have to worry about inconsiderate or just plain incompetent dates anymore because they were seeing each other now. And she would make sure that every time she took Rachel out the other woman had a wonderful time.

"Now, eat your food before it gets cold."

Rachel laughed softly and complied.

Conversation flowed easily between them as they ate, from movies they'd seen to music they were listening to, books they had read and loved as well as books they had read and loathed. It was an easy give and take as they compared tastes and interests and debated lightly about politics and briefly even religion.

Quinn couldn't remember a date where she'd laughed so often, smiled so many times or felt so comfortable. As far as first dates went, it was the best she'd ever been on. It didn't even feel like a first date.

She was actually dissapointed when they'd both finished their meals and emptied the bottle of wine between them. They had lingered over their last glass for awhile, so long in fact that their waitress had been hovering around their table for the past few minutes, politely inquiring if they needed anything else or if everything was okay.

"I think that's our cue to leave," Quinn said wryly as Haley retreated once again, this time after offerring coffee or a dessert menu, both of which they declined.

"I think you might be right," Rachel agreed as she played with the stem of her wine glass. "I had an amazing time tonight, Quinn. Thank you."

Quinn smiled at the praise and felt a surge of satisfaction at a job well done. She wasn't ready for the night to end however.

"I know we're both too full for dessert now but what do you say for a little walk, then maybe we could stop for something before heading back?"

"That sounds like a good idea, with maybe one minor alteration."

"Okay."

"Maybe we could stop for something and take it back to my place? Because I've kept my hands off of you for far too long."

Quinn bit back a moan at the heat in Rachel's words and the intensity shimmering in her eyes.

"Now that's an idea I can get behind," she said and turned her head, catching Hayley's eye where she hovered near the hostess station across the room. A moment later the woman appeared at her side.

"If we could just get the check please," she said and handed the other woman her credit card so she could just run it and they wouldn't have to wait for her to return with the slip. Hayley nodded before slipping silently away.

"I think it's possible she's even more eager for us to get out of here than we are."

"Yes, " Quinn agreed. "But her reasons are not nearly as much fun as ours."

Rachel grinned at that. Then snickered softly when the woman they were speaking about returned to the table with Quinn's card and the slip for her to sign. She quickly penned in her name and a generous tip, slid her card back into her purse and turned to Rachel.

"Shall we get going?" she asked, holding her hand out for her to take.

Rachel's fingers closed around hers and she allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. "Take me home Quinn."