Something New, Something Different

Rachel Berry wasn't expecting to find Santana Lopez crying in the washroom early in the morning on the third week of the sophomore year. She never heard anyone cry so much, or so harshly. She didn't even know that the seemingly heartless girl could cry. Everyone at McKinley thought she was incapable of emotion, except when it came to a certain blonde.

The Latina was hovering over the sink, her head straight down. Rachel assumed that something big must've happened for Santana to break down like this. She knew she had to approach this with caution. She wanted Santana to feel safe and okay, even though Rachel had no clue what was going on in the taller girl's life at the moment. Santana was her teammate now. Plus, no one should feel the pain that Rachel heard from Santana's sobbing.

"Santana?" Rachel found herself whispering to her surprise. She was shocked that she found a voice, even if it was a weak one.

The Latina's head shot up. Her face reflected in a mirror where she stared at the Jewish girl, her red eyes gleaming. Santana gave her a weak glare before she opened her mouth to speak in a raspier voice than usual (Rachel assumed it was from the loud sobbing). "Look, Manhands. You found me crying in the washroom, whoop-dee-fucking-doo. Don't expect a life story from me or a fucking explanation. If I hear anything about you finding me in the washroom like this, I will go all Lima Heights on you, entiendes?"

Rachel nodded calmly. She wasn't surprised at the outburst. She expected it, it was Santana Lopez after all. She carefully walked to get a piece of tissue and proceeded to run it under the water of the sink. She could feel Santana watching her with curiosity, much like a cat. It was as if Santana thought Rachel was about to pounce on her, to devour her whole. She handed Santana the semi-wet piece of tissue, slightly smiling as she saw the shocked face in front of her.

"What's your angle, Berry?" Santana yanked the tissue from Rachel's fingers. She began to dab her eyes.

"I assure you, Santana, I have no intention to harm or confuse you," Rachel gripped her bag strap in aggravation. She was just trying to reach out. "Is it so hard to believe that I'm merely concerned for your mental stability and health at the moment?"

Santana scoffed at her, wiping her cheeks way more aggressively than she needed to. "Hell yes. 'Specially since you're always so self-centered."

Rachel was silent. She shifted silently on her spot, afraid to mention how she had to do that if she wanted to avoid certain things at home. Rachel didn't want to accidentally spill so many things to Santana of all the people. Just because Rachel saw her crying, doesn't mean there was an emotional connection there now. That's not how it worked, but gosh, that's how Rachel wish it did. Then maybe she would have a friend.

Santana felt awkward and guilty. It wasn't usual for her to feel guilty, of course not, but Rachel did help her. The least she could do was stop the unnecessary name calling and stop treating too much like crap. She could maybe keep quiet once in a while, instead of being the first to insult the vertically challenged girl in front of her. Of course, she'll put Rachel into place every now and then.

Before Santana could apologize, Rachel beat her to it. "I am truly sorry for intruding. I know that something big must've occurred in your personal life. Although I cannot be certain what it is, although my instincts point towards Brittany–" Rachel noticed Santana flinched slightly, "–or your family, I am willing to listen and be the literal and metaphorical shoulder you can lean on if you'd so let. No ulterior motives, nothing in return. I am just here to offer my services for when you are in need."

"Why the hell would I do that, Berry?"

Rachel paused and pursed her lips tightly, looking down at the floor. Her voice lowered significantly. "You sounded like you were in much distress. It was very painful to hear you cry, so I can only imagine how painful it is to feel the pain you currently feel. I am just here as an option for you." The shorter girl looked up. "I am not stupid, Santana Lopez. I know you are in pain. You're my teammate now. It is my duty as your captain, and your friend to be here for you in times like these."

The first bell rang, shocking both the girls' systems and snapping them out of the current situation.

"Now," Rachel put her chin up high and turned, "I must get to homeroom. See you in glee, Santana."

Santana smiled slightly. Berry wasn't so bad after all. "Yeah, whatever, Berry."