Chapter 12:

Six months passed and they'd tried. Quinn went back to Lima after the weekend of Rachel's opening night, she had commitments that she couldn't just break and she didn't want to change her whole world over night and Rachel was accepting of that at first.

Within weeks Quinn watched her students graduate and after a summer where she spent as much time as she could in New York she returned to McKinley and watched a new group arrive. She was contented to teach them, it was what she loved most. Quinn filled her spare time helping out with the Glee club and was happy that it was still going strong.

As the new term began she flew to New York once a month but most of the time Rachel was working and they had to cram as much as they could into every spare minute they could find.

Rachel visited Lima whenever she could, but that wasn't as often as either would have liked. Rachel's name was becoming more well known with each performance. She was on talk shows and doing promo work at every given opportunity. Everyone said she was a shoe in for a Tony, but Rachel wouldn't talk about it. Her success was making it harder for them to be together and they both knew it.

They'd fought, they'd fucked and they'd laughed but they weren't much good at talking because it always came down to the argument of being closer together. Each time Rachel swore she'd leave Broadway and Quinn swore she'd not be with her if she did.

xoxo

Quinn closed her eyes and took a sip from her coffee, wincing as it burnt her tongue. She knew it was hot, but she was too impatient. She hadn't seen Rachel in six weeks and it was getting to her. It had been the hardest separation yet. They'd driven to the airport in silence and Quinn had carried Rachel's bags towards security. She tried to wave goodbye, but then Rachel ran back at her and crashed into her arms, the tears fell and she felt like they'd never stop. Rachel wasn't happy and neither was Quinn. They'd spoken every night since, but it had been hard and now a new chapter in their lives was about to begin.

Rachel had found her dream, but now it was Quinn's turn to take an adventure, a new turn. She had the keys wrapped in her hand and was gripping them tight. The realtor was telling her something, but she'd stopped listening.
Finally she was alone, slowly she opened the door. Stepping inside, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"So this is going to be home," her words bounced off the walls. Empty and bare. It wouldn't do. Tomorrow she'd find something to hang there. So much she could plan, but she knew most of those plans would fall away the second she turned back to the door and saw it being slowly pushed open.

"So this is home." Quinn watched as she walked into the apartment, her eyes scanning the walls just as Quinn had done moments before. "Needs something," then her eyes rested on Quinn. "Needs us." Rachel grinned and Quinn quickly scooped her up in her arms and span her around in circles.

"I love you, Rachel Berry."

Rachel giggled and covered Quinn's face in kisses. "This is going to be amazing Q." Quinn put her feet back on the ground, but didn't let her out of her arms. Rachel's eyes were wide and her face lit up with the excitement of what was happening, Quinn couldn't imagine her looking more beautiful than in that moment. She captured her lips in a tender kiss and didn't think it was possible to be happier than she was right now.

Rachel grabbed her hand and ran with her to the lonely couch that sat in the middle of the room still wrapped in dust sheets. "I love you too. Now lets make this house a home."

Quinn fell onto the couch with Rachel and knew then that she'd never get half the things done that she planned, they'd spent too much time apart and had a lot to make up for. She started her new job in a week and Rachel would easily fill her time until then, but being here and being with Rachel was all she really wanted.

It had been a simple choice in the end, she'd spent too long hiding and she wouldn't do that anymore and she couldn't keep hurting Rachel. She'd spoken to her Mom the morning she got into Lima. Told her everything. It had been hard to see her Mom's face flicker with confusion, but eventually Judy hugged her and as they talked some more she'd helped Quinn see that the distance was too much. Judy didn't need her in Lima to look after her anymore and Quinn's last excuse was gone.

Quinn looked for work and there was plenty, but she wanted to wait until a replacement could be found at McKinley and for her house to be sold. It was a big step and she wanted to make sure it was done properly. No loose ends and no more excuses. It took longer than either wanted but now they were starting this new life with a new home and they were both in New York. Finally together.

"Get a room!" Kurt made his way inside, a box of Rachel's things in his arms.

"We got a whole apartment!" Rachel didn't stop what she was doing, but Quinn pushed her hands away when Kurt just glared at them.

"I still can't believe the two of you got it together."

"Rachel told me you thought I was crazy about her back in High school." Quinn pursed her lips as she watched his eyes light up.

"Were you?" Kurt was eager to know.

"Maybe just a little." Quinn grinned knowingly and grabbed the box from Kurt before putting it in their new kitchen.

"Stop doing whatever you're doing." A voice called from outside the door. Clem had walked in on Rachel and Quinn one time too many over the last few months. She didn't need to see that again.

"Don't worry Clem, its safe. Kurt cooled the romance." Rachel pulled the door open and ushered her inside.

"Oh, you won't do." Clem shook her head as she took in Rachel's appearance. "Why you had to move today of all days!"

"It's what matters." Rachel moved next to Quinn and joined their hands.

"Tonight matters." Clem corrected. "I picked this one for you Quinn." She handed Quinn a dress, much to Quinn's surprise. "What? You've got to look right. I can't have Rachel showing up with her date wearing something ugly."

"I don't do ugly." Quinn retorted.

"It's beautiful." Rachel stepped in, Clem and Quinn had formed a frosty union, but occasionally they bickered a little too much for Rachel's liking.

"And you both need to be getting ready now! The awards start in three hours." Clem began pushing them in various directions as Kurt watched the chaos begin.

"I'm so excited!" Kurt clapped his hands together and Quinn laughed.

No box would get unpacked today. They had more important things to do.

xoxo

As Rachel took hold of the Tony she shook it triumphantly. It had been a long road. She'd almost given up on her dream, and in the process of trying to find herself she'd found her true love back in the town where she grew up. Things weren't perfect, but they were all she could ever ask for. She came to the end of her speech and sought out those hazel eyes in the audience, waving her tony in the direction of her girlfriend and friends. "And one last thank you to Quinn. She has always believed in me and sent me on my way just so that one day she could come and find me and make me the happiest woman in the world." She stepped away form the microphone before quickly rushing back. "Oh and to the kids at McKinley High, well done for taking Nationals this year. Dreams really do come true!" she couldn't hide her pride at what they'd achieved.

It was that Glee club and that High school that had helped shape the person she was today and as she walked back to her seat she couldn't stop smiling at the woman she knew she would spend the rest of her life with. Quinn stood up as she got closer and Rachel flung herself into her arms. She felt Kurt and Clem join in the hug as they all smothered her.

"I'm so proud of you." Quinn whispered into her ear.

Rachel looked into her eyes and smiled. She was exactly where she was meant to be.

THE END

A/N: Thanks to those that have followed this story to the end. I can't believe it's the end of glee and that Faberry never happened in the many ways I, and others, imagined it could have. I have spent the last few years enjoying reading and writing about this pair. They had something special on screen and it's sad to see that end.

I will always be proud of being part of this fandom and grateful that it inspired me to write a few stories along the way.

Goodbye and good luck in all you do x