'Dani, do you mind me talking to you for a second?' Rachel Berry stopped the girl in her tracks, preventing her from escaping the restaurant after an eight hour shift by physically planting herself in front of the door.

'Um…is it urgent? Because I kind of need to go.'

'To Santana's party? I know. She told me she'd invited you and that's great, you two make such a cute couple.'

'Thanks. So…can you move out of the way? So I can go meet my girlfriend?'

'I will, I will, but Dani…you and I have been friends for a little while now-'

'Three days,' Dani interrupted.

Rachel nodded. 'Three days, and I think…I think that going to the party so early in yours and Santana's relationship would be a…a bad idea.'

Dani's smile evaporated.

'Not to say that you wouldn't have an amazing time, but there's a sight issue…'

'Rachel, get out of my way,' Dani said coolly.

'Just let me explain,' Rachel said desperately. 'It would be a really bad idea, Dani-'

'I don't need relationship advice from you, Rachel, okay? I can handle this on my own.' She pushed past her and started stalking down the road, Rachel at her heels.

'I don't want to have to explain…'

'There's nothing to explain. I'm going to a party with my girlfriend. Santana's cool. I thought you were cool too.'

At the crossing Rachel took the opportunity to jump in front of her, hands on hips. 'DANI.' She took a deep breath while Dani folded her arms. 'Santana is not pleasant to be around when she's drunk, okay?'

There was a beat of silence.

'What do you mean?' Dani demanded.

'She gets angry and more of a bitch than she is usually,' Rachel blurted. 'Look, I want this to work out between you and Santana. I have never seen her this happy. Ever. Partly because she was struggling with issues at school, but partly, I think, because she didn't have you. You could be her soul mate. I could see you two together. But I don't want you to blow it by turning up in a situation with a new girlfriend, where said girlfriend is very drunk, and feeling like Santana isn't worth it.'

'This is what you're worried about?' Dani asked calmly. 'Me thinking Santana isn't worth it?'

'I'm trying to protect you. And Santana. I want this to work as much as you both do – you have chemistry. You guys could be great, but seeing a drunk Santana is not a great way to start your relationship. You might not be ready for that.'

'You don't think I can handle it?' Dani was back on the defensive.

'No, I just…I just want the two of you to be happy. Santana is worth her faults, but you shouldn't be exposed to them all at once.' Rachel's eyes were filled with concern. 'Santana is one of my closest friends and I really like you too. You guys should get to know the good parts first, that's all. Take it slow.'

'I don't need to take it slow.' Dani laughed and shook her head. 'I like Santana for who she is, Rachel. Seeing her drunk isn't going to change the fact that I really, really like this girl.'

'You sure?' Rachel asked softly.

Dani grinned. 'I'm sure. Don't worry. Come on. Let's go to this party.'

Rachel bowed her head. 'Okay. If you're sure.'

'I told you I'm sure!' Dani exclaimed. She smiled affectionately at Rachel and bumped her shoulder. 'Thanks for looking out for me anyway.'

'Don't say anything to Santana about this,' Rachel said quickly. 'She would kill me.'

Dani laughed.

They walked on down the street together in silence.

'So what kind of drunk are you?' Dani teased.

Rachel smiled and rolled her eyes. 'Oh, you know…you'll find out. You?'

Dani smiled back, but didn't say anything.