After Santana and Brittany had gone back to California, the days were coming and going in a blur for Quinn once again. The finally semester ended and she was relieved to have aced all of her classes. Now all she had to worry about was work, so she spent most of her days focused on her writing.

She hasn't heard from Marley since that night they had a falling out. She really does feel guilty with everything that happened, but things were getting too out of control with her. And she's sure the girl will be fine in the end.

Santana was right. She needed time to herself.

She was now in the middle of reading another Jane Austen book alone in her room on another night off from work. She stops every now and then to push her hair out of her face, slightly annoyed.

One thing that Santana decided to do before she left was take Quinn out to get a new hairstyle. And while it was a lot shorter than the blonde was used to, she was glad to have a change for once. But she was still having to deal with it falling in her face...

There's a knock at her door and she pauses to put her book down. "Come in."

Judy opens the door and steps into the room. "Hey Quinn, you don't work tomorrow do you?"

"No, I'm off. Why?"

"I invited Rachel over tomorrow night. For sort of a birthday dinner."

Quinn frowns. "But her birthday's not until the fourteenth," she points out.

Judy blinks at her daughter, "I'm surprised you even remember it."

The girl panics for a moment. "I'm just good at remembering dates! You know?"

Her mother simply shrugs. "Well your father and I are working that night. So I thought I'd invite Rachel tomorrow instead."

"Did she say she was coming?" Quinn asks hopefully. She remembers the disappointment she felt when she heard that Rachel had turned down joining then for Thanksgiving.

"She said she would. We agreed on seven o'clock, so make sure you're home."

Quinn nods, "I'll be here."

Judy smiles, "Alright then. I'll see you in the morning!"

Her mother shuts the door, leaving her alone to her thoughts. Rachel would be here. Tomorrow. She was going to see Rachel tomorrow!

Quinn doesn't know if she should be excited or anxious. But she's both. Excited to be able to see and hopefully talk to the woman again. Anxious because she doesn't know if things would be tense between them.

But mostly, she can't wait.

Rachel takes a deep breath as she walks up the Fabray driveway.

When she reaches the front door, she stares at it for a moment. This was it. This was the night that she would see Quinn again. And she didn't know what to expect.

Deciding there's no use in waiting any longer, she quickly wraps on the door. She was already fifteen minutes late as it is since she took too long getting ready. She must've changed her outfit at least five times, but decided on a simple black dress in the end.

Judy opens the door and her eyes instantly lights up. "Rachel!"

"Hey Judy," Rachel replies as she steps inside. "Sorry I'm late." She takes her coat off and Judy promptly takes it from her.

"Don't worry about it."

"Hi Rachel," Russell pops his head out from the kitchen. "I'm still working on dinner, so it'll be a few minutes. Oh, and happy birthday!"

"Thank you," she smiles.

She follows her sister into the living room, where the older blonde goes to the base of the stairs and yells out, "Quinn! Get down here!"

Rachel bites her lip and starts fidgeting her hands behind her back.

"Sorry. She's probably taking her time getting ready," Judy says.

She quickly shakes her head. "It's okay. No need to rush her."

Judy ignores her. "Quinn!"

"Really, it's okay."

A door can be heard opening before a serene voice calls out, "Okay mom! I'm coming."

Rachel holds her breath as she watches Quinn walk down the stairs. Almost in slow-motion. Like something out of a movie. Cut it out, Rachel tells herself.

When the blonde reaches the bottom, their eyes instantly lock.

"Hi Quinn."

"Hi."

"Nice of you to join us," Judy remarks.

Quinn rolls her eyes, "I was getting ready."

"Did you wish your aunt a happy birthday yet?"

It was Rachel's turn to roll her eyes now.

"I told you it's not her birthday yet."

"Quinn!"

Rachel purses her lips to keep from smiling.

Quinn sighs, "Happy birthday, Rachel."

"Thank you."

She doesn't expect it when Quinn suddenly pulls her in close for a hug, but doesn't hesitate to reciprocate it.

"I think something's burning. I'll be right back!" Judy calls out as she runs to the kitchen, leaving them alone.

Rachel clutches at the girl even tighter and nuzzles into her shoulder. Quinn exhales in relief as they hold each other for a little longer.

"I wasn't trying to be an ass," Quinn says as she pulls away. "I know that your birthday is technically tomorrow."

"I know," Rachel chuckles. "It's okay." She reaches up to run her fingers through blonde locks. "Your hair is different."

"Yeah, I cut it."

"I can see that."

"I just needed a change."

"Well, it looks more...you," Rachel smiles. "You look great."

"So do you. You always look great."

This was unexpected. She doesn't feel any awkwardness at all being around the younger girl.

Rachel decides to get a little bolder. "I've missed you," she whispers.

Quinn's breath hitches. "I've missed you too. You have no idea."

"I'm sure I do."

They jump apart when Judy comes back into the living room. "Crisis averted. There's a reason Russell isn't allowed to be alone in the kitchen," she jokes before frowning at the two girls. "Is everything okay?"

"Of course!" Rachel chimes a little too enthusiastically. "Are we ready to eat? I'm starving."

Judy nods, "Yes, let's eat!"

This situation was incredibly familiar to Rachel. Where she has to sit across from Russell and Judy while she was forced to hide her feelings about their daughter, all while the girl was right next to her.

Only this time, she and Quinn had nothing to hide anymore. But that doesn't mean the feelings weren't still there.

"So how do you like working at Kurt's store?" Judy asks.

"I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Definitely more than Breadstix."

"I've always thought you were better than that place anyway," Judy says as Quinn nods in agreement.

"That's what everyone says," she murmurs.

"Because it's true," Quinn says pointedly. They stare at each other again very briefly before looking away.

"What else have you been up to?" Russell asks. "How's the glee club?"

Rachel beams, "They were able to pull off first place at Sectionals. Blaine is an amazing instructor."

"You know you're just as talented," Quinn adds in.

"Yes!" Judy exclaims. "And I have the tapes from your high school performances to prove it."

"What?" Rachel's eyes widen. "You seriously still have those?"

"I have to see this," Quinn grins at her.

She narrows her eyes. "Yeah...how about no."

Quinn covers her heart, feigning being upset. "You mean you don't want me to see how great of a singer you were in high school?"

"Quinn! Seriously?"

"Why can't I see them?"

As they continue to bicker back and forth, Judy looks to Russell with a frown. The man just shrugs and sips more of his wine.

"Okay, you know what, how about this!" Rachel huffs. "I have some news to share with you all anyway."

Judy leans forward in anticipation. "What's going on, Rachel?"

She clears her throat, "Kurt and I just happened to be cast as leads in the White Christmas musical at the Lima Theatre. Opening night is this Friday, and I would love it if you all could make it."

"What!"

"That's amazing!"

"Congratulations!"

Everyone chimes in at once and Rachel can't help but smile proudly. "It's at seven thirty. They still have a few tickets available."

"Oh, damn!" Judy curses. "Russell and I have work that night."

"Oh! It's no worries! We have shows all the way up until Christmas."

"Yes, but I still feel horrible for missing opening night."

"It's okay," Rachel smiles. "What about you, Quinn?"

Quinn nods, "I have work, but I'll switch shifts or something. Don't worry, I'll be there."

The woman regards her, before smiling softly, "Thank you."

She quickly looks away when she remembers that they have an audience.

The rest of dinner went off without a hitch. And before Rachel knew it, it was time to go.

"Thank you so much for doing this," she says to Judy as she puts her coat on. "I really appreciate it."

"It's no worries. And again, happy birthday," her sister smiles.

Rachel hugs the three of them, saving Quinn for last and trying not to linger for too long.

"Actually," Quinn suddenly grabs her own coat. "I'll walk Rachel home. So I can find out more about how to get those tickets."

Her parents nod as the two girls step outside.

"You be careful, Quinn," Russell says before he and Judy go back inside.

She waves him off and walks alongside Rachel out of the driveway and down the street, snow falling lightly all around them.

Neither say a word until they're around the corner, and it's Rachel who speaks.

"You don't have to worry about buying a ticket. Blaine got two in the front row for him and whoever else. I'll just tell him that you're going."

"If you're sure that's okay."

Rachel lightly bumps their shoulders. "Absolutely." She lightly takes hold of Quinn's elbow as they walk, and smiles to herself when the girl doesn't pull away.

They finally reach the front door, but she doesn't go in right away.

"I'm really happy I got to see you again," she says.

"So am I. Maybe this can be a regular occurrence?" Quinn asks hopefully.

"You know I couldn't stay away from you even if I wanted to," Rachel husks and watches as hazel eyes begin to darken.

Quinn tears her gaze away and looks down at the ground. "Santana said that she ran in you at the mall," she changes the subject.

Rachel nods, "Yes, she did. I was surprisingly happy to see her," she wrinkles her nose at the thought. She then remembers something else. "Marley actually came by too."

"Marley?" Quinn's head snaps back up. "When did she go by?"

"The day after Santana did," Rachel answers, still annoyed at the incident.

Quinn frowns, "Rachel...what did she say?"

She sighs, "She said that you're too good for me and that I need to stay away from you."

The blonde's expression hardens. "She had no right to do that."

Rachel nods in agreement. "She also told me that you slept together."

"Jesus Christ..." Quinn mumbles as she runs a hand through her hair. She looks back up at Rachel. "Look, that isn't true. I need you to know that I would never -"

"I know you wouldn't, Quinn," she smiles sadly. "I believe I even told her as much."

The blonde swallows. "She kissed me. But that's it. I made her stop as soon as it started."

Rachel turns away with a scowl. She just knew it. She knew that bitch would try something.

"And then I ended my friendship with her," Quinn continues. "Maybe for good."

"Can't say that I'll miss her," Rachel chuckles dryly. "But I'm glad that you stood up for yourself."

"I guess it was too little too late," the blonde mumbles.

"Quinn," the older woman says to get her attention. "Don't worry about what happened with me. All I want is for you to be happy. And maybe you do things at your own pace, but as long as you do them for yourself."

Quinn nods, more to herself than anything. "Being around you makes me happy."

"Then I guess this means I have to stick around," Rachel jokes, making Quinn smile.

"Seems that way," she says before clearing her throat. "Anyway, I should probably get going before my mom starts to worry."

Rachel nods, "Yeah. But I'll see you Friday, right?"

"Of course. I can't wait." She lightly grazes her hand with her fingertips. "Bye Rachel."

"Bye Quinn," Rachel says softly as she watches the girl walk away.

Rachel rolls onto her back, unable to sleep. She's still on a high from tonight. High from seeing Quinn.

Everything went better than she expected. And she's thankful more than anything that she and the girl can still be playful and honest with each other.

She's going to do whatever she can to not royally fuck this up.

Her phone begins to go off on the night stand and it startles her. She frowns before grabbing it, only to smile at the screen.

Quinn: It's after midnight...so happy birthday old lady :)

She rolls her eyes and types out her reply.

Rachel: I resent that. But I'll let it slide just this once.

Quinn: I hope you have an amazing day.

Rachel blows out a puff of air. She did have work in the morning. But Kurt promised to take her out for drinks afterwards. So nothing too extravagant.

Rachel: It already is...

Quinn: 3

She bites her lip at the simple text. It's not really much but it gives her so much hope.

Rachel: Thank you for letting me into your life. While I'm sure I can survive, it just doesn't feel right without you around.

She wonders if that statement was too heavy.

Quinn: I know what you mean. It's not. I promise that no matter what happens, I'll still be here for you.

Rachel smiles.

Rachel: I promise too.

Opening night was already here, and Rachel was feeling some pre-show jitters. But that was probably normal, considering she hasn't performed in years.

She was cramped with all of the other actors in the tiny dressing room, attempting to get her hair and makeup done perfectly.

While she's doing the finishing touches, Kurt plops down on the seat next to her with a bouquet of flowers.

"Guess what just got sent for you," he smiles before holding them out to her.

She furrows her brow and takes the bouquet. She notices a note attached and reads it.

You're going to be amazing out there. I'll see you when it's over. Break a leg! Or at least try not to break a hip...you old lady :)

Rachel snorts loudly and shakes her head with a smile.

"Quinn?" Kurt asks.

"Mhmm," she nods. "She got her ticket, right?"

"Yes!" he smiles. "Blaine text me saying they met up outside. They should be in their seats by now."

"I'm so nervous," she says. "But in a good way!"

"I know! It's so exciting. Don't worry, we're going to be great."

A production assistant appears at the dressing room door and calls out Kurt's name, along with a few other cast members to the stage.

"See you out there!" he squeezes her shoulder before hurrying to the stage.

She looks back into the mirror and takes a deep breath.

"You can do this," she tells herself. "You're going to be amazing."

As soon as she steps onto the stage for her first scene, Quinn is the first person she sees when she looks at the audience. The girl look so beautiful. However, she knows that she can't linger for too long and immediately gets into character.

The first song is performed perfectly. She was glad that her cast mate was competent enough to keep up. So their performance of Sisters was nearly flawless and got a huge round of applause.

When Kurt and the other actor went on to perform the same song right after Rachel did, the audience was roaring with laughter as they had their movements and gestures down to a tee.

The rest of the show went on with a couple minor hiccups here and there. But given that it was a community theatre production, these things were expected.

Rachel was relieved to get through a particularly complicated dance number towards the end without falling on her face. Her dance partner stumbled for a moment, but nobody seemed to notice. They'll have to work on that, she thinks.

She was having so much fun. She forgot how exhilarating this rush felt. It was just incredible. And to see the audience so into their performances made it all the more worthwhile. Kurt was right.

Before she knows it, they've reached their final number for the evening. And as the whole cast sings their hearts out, she casts her gaze on Quinn, whose eyes shine the brightest of everyone around her.

She knows that Rachel is singing to her.

"What do I care how much it may storm?

I've got my love to keep me warm."

As they belt out the final notes, the entire audience gets on their feet for a deafening round of applause.

Of course Quinn and Blaine are both jumping up and down in the very front. And Rachel giggles at them as she and the rest of the cast take their bows. It was so worth it.

After they're changed back into their regular clothes, Rachel and Kurt meet the other two at the entrance of the theater. Kurt immediately embraces his boyfriend while Quinn does the same to Rachel.

"You were so amazing!" the girl gushes as she lifts her up in a hug. "Wow! I loved it! Can I come to the next show?"

Rachel laughs, "You can come to as many shows as you'd like."

"Hey Rachel," Kurt gets her attention. "We're gonna head out, so I'll catch you later. And as always, it's a pleasure seeing you Quinn," he winks.

They all say their goodbyes before Kurt and Blaine take off. Quinn turns to Rachel with an unsure expression.

"Do you maybe want to go eat somewhere?" she asks hesitantly.

Rachel grins and takes her hand. "Yes, I'm starving. Let's get out of here."

Quinn had managed to attend every single performance, much to Rachel's surprise. Not that she was complaining, of course. And every night it was the same. After Rachel brought the house down (as Quinn put it), they would go out to eat together after each show.

Rachel can admit to herself that she's mainly sad the production is ending because it means Quinn won't have to spend as much time with her anymore. But unbeknownst to her, that was the last thing the blonde wanted.

Since Kurt and Blaine were going to be an hour away spending Christmas with Blaine's family, she didn't have any plans for the holiday. Russell and Judy were working both Christmas Eve and Day, but decided that they would all celebrate the day after instead.

So she decided to try her luck and invite Quinn over so that they wouldn't have to be alone. The girl could've already had plans for all she knew. But she thought she might as well try.

She was pleasantly surprised when Quinn agreed to come over. And Rachel felt content as they spent the whole day together watching Christmas films on tv while the fireplace was going. She loves this because it reminds her of when she was Quinn's girlfriend.

Later in the evening, as It's a Wonderful Life was ending, Quinn takes a moment to stretch out her arms.

"I always love watching this movie," she says.

"Me too," Rachel yawns.

"So, what's on next?"

"Actually," Rachel throws a smirk at Quinn before suddenly getting up from the couch and bounding off to her room.

"Rachel?" Quinn calls out, confused.

"I'll be right back," she says as she rushes to her closet to retrieve her Christmas gift.

When she returns, Quinn takes one quick glance at the wrapped gift and quickly says, "Rachel, you didn't have to get me anything."

She drops down next to Quinn on the couch and shrugs. "I know. But I did anyway. Merry Christmas."

The girl takes the gift and carefully unwraps it. She smiles when she sees that it's a very elegant leather-bound journal.