Rachel is settling comfortably on the couch when the doorbell rings, startling her. She makes her way to the door, confused because she wasn't expecting anyone tonight. When she looks through the peephole, she's even more confused when she sees who's standing there. She opens the door.

"Quinn? What are you doing here?" she questions.

Quinn is caught off guard by the bluntness of the older woman. And it seems to show on her face because Rachel looks panicked for a moment before back tracking.

"Not that I don't want you here! I just wasn't expecting anyone tonight and I'm surprised to have company is all," she explains.

Quinn rolls her eyes and holds out the tupperware she brought along with her.

"My mom made dinner and said to bring this to you. She's working the night shift with my dad at the hospital so she wasn't able to come by. She just asked me to drop it off. That's all."

"Oh," Rachel says while taking the food. "I already ate. But thank you," she smiles.

Quinn just shrugs. "Well okay. See you later," she says before turning around to walk back home.

She's just at the edge of the driveway when she hears Rachel call out, "Quinn?" She groans quietly and turns to look at her aunt. "Do you think you could stay and...just hang out for a bit?"

Quinn's eyes widen. She quickly lifts a finger and points in the direction of her house. "I was just gonna go -"

"I know, I know. It's Saturday night and you probably have a life. At least more of a life than I do. I just feel like I've been going crazy these past few days. Of course I have Judy. But she's been treating me like glass and I don't like it. I don't really have anyone else to talk to. Not even a cat!" Quinn can't help but smile at that.

Rachel knows that she's probably coming off as desperate. But she really does feel like she's been going crazy. "I have nowhere to be. I've been lounging around in this all day," she gestures to her sweat pants and tank top. "And my New York friends are always too busy to talk now. Who knows if I'll ever even see them again. And also..."

Quinn listens to her ramble on and on even longer. She sighs and walks back towards her. Whatever it takes to get this woman to shut up. "Rachel stop."

The older girls snaps her mouth shut right away, embarrassed. "Sorry. I know I tend to talk in circles a lot. But I understand if -"

"No, it's fine," Quinn cuts her off. "I'll stay here with you for a little while. Okay?"

She swears that Rachel does a little jump in excitement just then.

Quinn is sitting on one end of Rachel's couch as they watch their second episode of I Love Lucy when Rachel abruptly turns the volume down.

"Am I boring you?" she asks.

Quinn looks up and shakes her head, "No, not at all." She knows that they haven't really said a word to each other since they came in. But she became too immersed in the show that she kind of forgot where she was. "This is actually one of my favorite shows."

Rachel gives a lopsided smile. "Really? That's weird. I'm surprised anyone your age has even heard of it."

"Well maybe I'm not like most people my age," Quinn answers back.

"No?"

"Maybe I'm just an old soul trapped in this body," she jokes.

"Trust me, when you're older you'll wish you could be this age again and redo everything."

"Is that what happened to you?" As soon as the words are out of her mouth, Quinn wishes she could take them back. "I'm sorry. That was a cheap shot," she says feeling guilty.

Rachel gives a sad smile and shrugs, "It's okay. I deserve it."

The two sit there for a moment. An awkward silence lingers over them. It's Rachel that finally speaks up.

"I know that I've already sorted out any issues I've had with Russell and Judy. But I owe you a personal apology," she says.

"Rachel, you don't have to do that. I don't hate you or anything." Quinn could face palm at her word choices right now.

"That may be true. But I know I'm definitely nowhere close to being your favorite person. It was probably confusing for you to have to watch me come in and out of your life like that."

Quinn doesn't say anything. She just nods the affirmative.

Rachel continues, "But I promise that I'll never do that to you and my sister again. I hate how selfish I've been in the past. And I guess it finally caught up to me with Finn and the divorce. I want to be a better person. And I hope that you'll at least give me the chance to show you that I'm changing for the better. Judy already forgave me. But your opinion of me means a lot too."

Quinn doesn't say anything at first, which doesn't surprise Rachel. She watches the blonde bite her lip, probably thinking to herself. She then stops and finally makes eye contact with the older woman.

"I forgive you. You've been through a lot and we all deserve a second chance, right?"

Rachel smiles, "That's true. And thank you, Quinn."

Quinn returns the smile and turns her attention back to the tv. Rachel turns the volume back up and the pair continue watching their show. Quinn feels a lot more relaxed now after their talk. At least they got it out there.

More time passes and both girls are howling with laughter while watching the show.

"How have I never seen this episode before?" Rachel asks.

"What? It's a classic!"

Quinn's phone goes off with a new text message. She looks at the screen to see that it's from Santana.

Santana: Hey Q. Me and Puckerman were able to score a 12 pck. Chill at your place since your parents are gone?

Quinn pauses to think about it. She looks over at Rachel on the couch next to her, who's eyes are glued to the tv while she lets out a quick laugh here and there.

Quinn smiles and takes the time to study her face. She has no idea why she's never acknowledged just how pretty Rachel was before tonight. Even without makeup, the woman was gorgeous. Her smooth, tanned skin was completely flawless. And while her eyes were a common shade of brown, they were probably the most expressive eyes that Quinn had ever seen.

Her phone going off again snaps her out of her thoughts.

Santana: Hello? Q-tip are you there?

Quinn laughs before typing out a reply that tonight's no good.

Rachel hears the phone go off and peeks over curiously to see Quinn texting that Santana girl.

She can't help herself when she asks, "Santana is your girlfriend, right?"

Quinn gives her a questioning look, "No. We're just friends." She quickly fumbles to put her phone away.

Rachel smirks, "Just friends? Or what is it called nowadays...fuck buddies?"

Quinn starts sputtering in shock. "Oh my god, Rachel! What the hell?"

The older can't help but laugh at how flustered her niece is. "I'm sorry!" she says in between breaths. "Sometimes I don't have a filter."

"You think?" Quinn yells in disbelief at the laughing woman.

Rachel finally starts calming down and wipes the tears from her eyes, still grinning. "Sorry. But that look you gave was just priceless."

Quinn feels her face heating up and brings up her hands to cover it.

"Hey," Rachel says, pulling on one of Quinn's arms. "There's no need to be ashamed of your sex life. We're both adults here. I don't want you to be uncomfortable around me."

"Whatever, I know. It's just weird. I don't even like talking to my mom about this stuff."

"Don't worry. I'm not gonna go telling Judy about everything we talk about. Think of me as your cool aunt, or at the very least a friend, that you can talk about anything to. No judgement."

Quinn lifts an eyebrow, "No judgement?"

Rachel brings up a finger to draw a cross over her heart. "No judgment," she repeats. "On anything, I promise. However, I will have a few harsh words with you if you ever knock some girl up."

Quinn feels anxiety creeping over her again. But this time for a different reason.

"So, you know about..." she can't bring herself to finish the sentence and instead vaguely gestures to the lower half of her body.

Rachel can tell the girl is nervous and does her best to give a calming smile. "Of course I do, Quinn. I was there when you were born after all."

Quinn wasn't aware of that fact until now.

"Are you upset with me?" Rachel asks.

"No. It's strange knowing now that you're also one of the few people that knows about this."

"And we all still love you just the same."

Quinn looks at the sincerity in Rachel's eyes and says, "Thank you."

Rachel nods before pushing the conversation in a different direction. "So if this 'Santana' isn't your girlfriend, then she's just a friends with benefits or something like that?"

Quinn shrugs, "Something like that. It's a deeper connection because she's one of my best friends. I just don't feel anything more than that for her. Romantically at least."

"You don't think sleeping together is a bad idea for your friendship at all?" Rachel asks.

Quinn is relieved that her tone is more curious than demeaning,

"No, I don't think so. I mean, she's in love with this other girl that she can't have. And I haven't really found anybody yet. So it's really just to pass time, as bad as that sounds."

"Don't you want a chance to find the right person?"

"Well, yeah of course. Eventually. But right now I'm young."

"That's true. But trust me, you'll find the right person one day. And she'll give you all the happiness that you deserve. But if what you have with Santana is good enough for you, then who am I to say anything?"

Quinn nods in understanding, thinking over Rachel's words. She knows this thing with Santana won't last forever.

"And what about you?" she asks. "No one new in your life since...what's his name? Finn?"

Rachel sighs and shakes her head. "No, I haven't dated anyone since we separated. And it's probably not a good idea right now since I'm still trying to get myself together. I mean, who would wanna date a divorced, unemployed, thirty year-old, college drop out?" she jokes lightly, but Quinn can make out a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Hey, you don't know that. I'm sure there's plenty of guys that would wanna date you. Like, um..." she trails off.

"Like losers with low standards," Rachel finishes for her. Quinn opens her mouth to protest before Rachel stops her. "It's okay. I told you I was trying to better myself. And if that means putting my dating life on hold, then so be it. It's not a priority right now.

Quinn nods, gaining more respect for the woman. "Well when you do find someone, he'll need my approval first."

Rachel agrees with a firm nod, "Of course."

Quinn leans back into the couch and lets out a yawn. She glances at her phone again to see that it's already past two in the morning.

"It's late. I should probably head home," she says while standing up.

"You know you're always welcome to stay here in the guest bedroom," Rachel offers. "Not like anyone ever goes in there anyway."

Quinn smiles. "Maybe next time when I actually have something to wear besides jeans."

"Deal," Rachel nods.

They make it to the front door when Rachel speaks again. "I'll walk with you to make sure you get home safely."

"It's just five minutes away. Don't worry about it."

"Quinn, a young girl like you shouldn't be out alone this late at night. There are murderers, rapists, and thieves out there."

Quinn scoffs. "Rachel, this is Lima, the most boring place on earth where nothing ever happens. I'm pretty sure that I'll be okay."

"Fine," Rachel huffs. She holds a hand out. "Give me your phone."

Quinn wordlessly does as she's told and watches as the older woman types something quickly before handing the device back.

"You have my number. Text me when you get home," she demands.

"Will do." Quinn steps out of the doorway but is stopped when she feels a tug on her arm.

She turns around gasps when Rachel forcefully pulls her into a tight hug. Quinn feels her heart rate quicken and swears she can actually hear it pounding in her head. She carefully brings her arms up to wrap around the shorter woman's shoulders and return the embrace. Quinn finds that she actually doesn't mind this at all. Rachel shifts slightly and Quinn can't help herself when she subtly inhales the sweet scent of the other girl's hair and notes how soft it feels against her cheek. Yeah, Quinn definitely doesn't mind this.

The moment is over almost as soon as it began as Rachel steps back to smile at her niece. "Thanks for keeping me company tonight. I'll see you later?"

Quinn nods, still somewhat in a daze. "Yeah. Good night."

Rachel closes the door and when Quinn hears it lock, she begins her trek back to her house.

While walking, she can't help but think about how weird that hug was. Not the hug itself. It was innocent enough. But rather how she felt during it. It was something indescribable and definitely new. She had never felt that way while holding anyone before.

Quinn decides to try and shrug it off and believe it was probably just because it was with someone that she truly believed cared about her. Not to say that her parents and friends didn't care. But maybe it had to do with Rachel being this new person in her life. That would make sense, right?

She doesn't know. She tries to forget about the hug. She tries to forget about the fact that it felt like she spent the whole evening with a best friend that she sees all the time. It's probably just an off day. Quinn thinks that getting some sleep will help put her mind at ease.

Rachel decided to go over and say hello to Judy and Russell since they both had the afternoon off. She hasn't really gotten a chance to see her sister since the day she moved, but Judy did constantly call her whenever she had time to check up. The couple looked tired, but still excited to see her. They were all sitting in the living room and talking. Rachel had told them she was finished unpacking and that everything was in order. They promised they would go by sometime soon to see the house.

She was also happy to tell them about how their daughter had visited the previous night. They seemed to be pleasantly surprised.

"I'm really glad that you and Quinn are bonding," Judy smiles. "She doesn't really open herself up to anyone right away."

Rachel grins with the statement. Of course she didn't tell them the specifics of what her and Quinn had talked about, just that they had a good heart to heart.

"Lord knows she needs some better role models in her life," Russell adds.

"And we're not good role models for our daughter?" Judy asks teasingly.

"I meant role model friends that aren't Santana and Mohawk boy," he answers back.

"Role models or not, you know you love those kids." Russell smiles at his wife's statement.

Just then, they hear the front door open and loud voices going into the kitchen.

"Speak of the devil. Looks like they're back from the movies already. I'm gonna go help Puckerman raid the fridge." Russell quickly gets up and heads to the kitchen to join the others.

Rachel stands. "I should probably get going. But I'll say hi to Quinn and her friends on my way out."

Judy gives her younger sister a hug. "Take care. I'm sorry I haven't been there these past few days. But I'll see if I can switch some shifts around to be home more."

"Judy, please. Don't worry about me. I'm fine."

Rachel smiles gratefully before heading in the direction of the kitchen. She bumps into Russell on his way out with a sandwich in hand.

"I told Quinn that you stopped by," he informs her with a smile.

"Thanks Russell. I'll see you later." He nods and walks back to the living room.

As Rachel steps towards the kitchen, she hears a male voice say, "I didn't know had an aunt. What gives, Fabray?"

She turns the corner to see who she assumes to be Puck digging around in the fridge, along with Quinn and a young, dark haired girl sitting at the table. The girl who she guesses is Santana has her back towards Rachel and is concentrated on filing her nails. Quinn sees her come in and smiles, but the other two seem to be oblivious to her presence.

Rachel is about to open her mouth to say hello before Santana's words stop her dead in her tracks.

"Yeah, her evil, narcissistic, crazy bitch aunt Rachel," Santana says to Puck.

"What? Really?" the boy asks with his head still deep in the fridge.

Rachel locks eyes with Quinn for a moment, both too stunned to say or do anything.

"That's about as much as Quinn's told me," Santana shrugs. "And that she's a selfish shrew who walks around like she's got a stick lodged up her ass."

Rachel suddenly feels incredibly humiliated and silently turns on her heel without a word.

Quinn watches her go and wants to run after her, but knows that it'll probably seem odd to her friends, especially since they weren't aware Rachel was even in the room. So she decides to wait for now. She feels herself growing irrationally angry with Santana. She remembers saying those things, but that was the first day Rachel moved back. Before she really even knew her.

Puck finally emerges from the fridge with some leftovers. "That true, Quinn?" he asks.

"No," she says with a scowl.

"That's what you were saying the other day," Santana reminds her nonchalantly.

"Well it's not true. So just lay off of Rachel."

Santana puts her nail file down and finally looks up at Quinn. "What's your problem?"

"Nothing!" she snaps. "I was wrong about Rachel and I don't like you saying those things about her."

"You're the one that said them in the first place."

"I don't care!"

Santana holds her hands up in surrender. "Whoa jeez, calm down. I'm sorry, okay?"

Puck watches as the two go back and forth. "I wanna meet her and see what the big deal is," he says with his mouth full.

Rachel leans back against the counter as she nurses her second glass of wine that night. She has her eyes closed and has been trying to relax by listening to the light music playing, but it hasn't been working. She's feels upset and embarrassed.

She knows that she shouldn't be this upset. She's been called worse things before, even to her face. She knows that she shouldn't be fazed by what some kids say about her.

With a bit of alcohol in her system, she's able to admit to herself that she's only bothered this much because of the fact that it was Quinn. She has no idea why, but knowing Quinn said those things about her makes her heart ache. But who is she kidding? Of course her niece can't stand her. How could she?

Rachel thinks back to the night before. Quinn had seemed so genuine when they talked. That was probably just her being polite. Rachel did practically beg her to stay after all. She probably thought Rachel was just so sad and pathetic, but she didn't have the heart to be rude and only hung around out of pity.

Of course that's why, Rachel thinks. But why does it even bother her this much? Why does it hurt so much this time?

Rachel jumps when the doorbell rings. Once again, she wasn't expecting company. She frowns and puts her wine glass down. The doorbell rings again as she makes her way to the front of the house.

"Coming!" she calls out.

She swings open the door only to see Quinn standing on her doorstep. Rachel quickly decides that she can't know how upset she is to preserve her pride. So she plasters on a fake smile.

"Hey Quinn! It's nice to see you!"

The younger girl shifts nervously from one foot to the other. "Can I come in?"