An authors note...Hi there lovely readers:D The Megans have been discussing collaborating together for months, possibly even over a year now...and at long last, it is finally here. This first chapter was written my myself, with, of course, the blessing and beta of the amazing Dryadspeaks!

Disclaimer-Glee is the property of FOX, the creators and the writers.

Every Step of the Way

"Artie please, it's been almost two weeks…..are you never going to talk to me again?" Quinn pleaded, trying her best to catch up. He slowed to give her that chance, but didn't stop. "I said I was sorry, what more do you want me to do?"

Without turning to face her, Artie motioned for her to follow him to a more secluded area, where they wouldn't be in danger of being tripped over. "Nothing," he replied, shaking his head dismissively as he turned his chair around. "And you don't need to be sorry, Quinn. I'm the one who should be apologizing…"

He looked as though there were words left on the tip of his tongue. Quinn wasn't sure what to do, so she waited patiently for him to continue. When he didn't, she whispered his name, "Artie?"

"You were right, you're not like me," he finally conceded, but hearing it didn't feel much like the victory she thought it would be. Ashamed of her previous outburst and poorly chosen choice of words days before, Quinn lowered her gaze to her lap. "My injury is complete…there was never any hope….no percentages….not even a maybe…," he went on to explain.

Artie could see her expression change immediately. He knew that look, and hated it. He didn't want her, or anyone, to feel sorry for him….he just wanted her to understand why he said what he said. "I was only eight at the time, I didn't really understand what it all meant. It wasn't 'til I was older that it finally hit….," trailing off, his gaze fell while she was lifting her head.

Quinn stared at the way he twisted his hands in his lap, and something inside her began churning in the same way. "And then there was that thing with Tina, freshman year….the stem cell research. I got my hopes up, only to have them crushed once again."

Blue eyes slowly rose to meet soft hazel. "I didn't want that for you." Quinn nodded. "I just wanted you to know that you can still do all of the things you want to do...even if the outcome isn't exactly what you've envisioned..."

"I know," she cut him off, smiling softly. "And I thank you for that. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did, and stormed off like that."

It was Artie's turn to nod.

Surprisingly, the air seemed to thicken after the apologies. Artie shifted uncomfortably in his chair, then cleared his throat. "So I overheard Rachel earlier, " he said the first thing that came to mind, hoping to lighten the mood with a happier subject, "...lemme see it."

Quinn blushed slightly and shook her head dismissively. "It's not that big of a deal, Artie," she tried being evasive, "Really."

"Are you kidding, Woman?" he scoffed incredulously, "It's huge!"

She couldn't stop her grin from widening with excitement as she nodded, then leaned forward past her knees, and flexed her right foot up, about two inches.

"That's so awesome," Artie remarked, without hesitation and completely genuine, though his features softened just a little. "I'm really happy for you Quinn."

She nodded, slowly at first, but then her chin trembled, and her expression began to crumble. She tried to turn away, but her hands covered her face instead of moving the chair. "I'm so scared, Artie," she mumbled through her fingers. "What if this is all I ever get back?"

A pang of guilt hit him. His intention was never to place doubt in her mind, or make her lose hope…just to make her realize that life could be good no matter what the outcome.

He wasn't about to lie to her now. Wrapping his strong arms around her, as awkward as it may have been, Artie held her tight. "Then you push through it and move forward," he whispered into her ear sincerely, "and I'll be with you…every step of the way."

Sobs immediately turned into chuckles, and soon Quinn was playfully pushing him away, smiling at the way he emphasized those particular words. She shot him that 'you're such a big goofy dork' look, that made him smirk innocently.

"Promise?" she asked a beat later, knowing he would, but needing to hear that confirmation. The nod he gave was good enough for her. Taking his gloved hand in hers, Quinn squeezed, and smiled. "Thank You."