This is my first attempt at a planned out fan fiction, so honestly I don't know how this is going to do. I'm mostly curious to see the potential in it, although I also admit that this is starting to become a little hobby of mine where I think out the plot and whatnot. It's been a lot of fun, to tell the truth. We'll have to see where this goes together, and how far it will go. Thank you so much for taking you time to read this, and I look forward to writing this story for you guys.

Anyway… I guess I should have a spoilers warning around here, just so everyone knows right from the start. This fan fiction is taking place at the start of senior year, and I will likely be pulling bits and pieces of the actual show into here. True, I will deviate, since I am adding different characters into the mix, but for now the first episode of season three is going to be mentioned, and perhaps even later things that will happen. We'll see.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. That about sums it up.

CHAPTER ONE

Santana had been dreading going back to school since the day she had walked out the door for summer vacation.

Her heart had been in shambles back when the final bell had rung in her ears, trying to work out the problems that had formed since she had come to the life changing realization that most people in the school would harass her over. Throughout the entire summer, she stuck herself in her bedroom, leaving for mini events so she could seem social with her so called friends and for food, and she thought. Feelings weren't necessarily the best thing she had ever come to terms with, and she wasn't going to be the type of girl who, upon figuring it out, would bring in all her friends around her and tell them that she was a rug-munching dyke and that they should come support her at the next gay pride event three towns over. She wasn't the type to scream from the top of the rooftops that she liked women, especially if the said rooftops could cause her to end up getting knocked of for that very same fact. She was the type to play it safe, to come to terms with it on her own without having to rely on anyone- because, after all this time, the only person she'd ever truly relied upon was herself. It was easy to push the world away, to isolate herself and her thoughts until she worked the knowledge of possibilities in her head like a salt-water taffy machine, churning to the point where she thought her mind would explode. As much as it had hurt to leave the school like she had- a hug goodbye, a whisper of friendship, an eye's worth of wanting so much more- she was starting to understand that it was probably better this way. After all, in the months she had taken to thinking about her least favorite subject- emotions- she knew that she still wasn't ready to take that step, to walk out of the closer and into her waiting arms.

But she missed her, the woman she adored, Brittany, whom she loved so completely and truly that thinking about loving someone else felt like a sin. She missed waking up to the sun glinting off of her blond hair in the morning, missed the first glance of crystal blue eyes staring into her soul with a smile on the girl's lips. She missed kissing the girl, holding her in the middle of the night, and her arms often ached to reach out for the beautiful young woman after a horrible dream caused her to wake up crying in her empty bedroom. Yet, no matter how she looked at it, her lover, the one she cared for so deeply that the distance physically hurt, she couldn't just ease her way out into the open, couldn't allow anyone to know of the fact that she was in love with her best friend. And the girl didn't deserve to be stuck into hiding, even if just to sedate her own needs in the process.

Standing before the front entrance of the school, the short Latina cursed to herself as her lips ached for a cigarette to calm her jumbled nerves. Every year, she subjected herself to this, to walking back into the hallways of a school where she was both hated and feared, where few actually thought of her as a friend versus the reincarnation of Satan himself. In the start, it was a thrill, stuck in a life where no one looked twice at her because she owned the school. She was royalty and they were just mere peasants who meant nothing more to her than little underlings whom she could step on. But everything had changed, feelings became involved, and, despite it all, she found something that she enjoyed more than causing terror in the hearts of freshmen and seniors alike. She found people who accepted her (mostly), who called her- out of all people- out whenever she was doing something truly wrong. She lost her status, her cheer coach, her life more or less- but she didn't lose them, even as she continued to rip and tear at their self confidence, to say the truth because no one else would. Every year since sophomore year, she'd have to work up the status that she had lost… but a part of her didn't even want to try this time. Why bother when all she was going to do was lose it in the end? Besides, wasn't she graduating this year? Still… when one has status, one controls the playing field, and considering her position of late… She needed something to hold her up in a minefield of sexuality issues.

With a grumble, the young woman chewed lightly on her bottom lip, wishing still for a hint of nicotine to lighten up her mind, although deciding in the end to take a look at her schedule for the first time since she had gotten it the week prior during the usual orientation time frame the school had. Taking note of the classroom number, she turned her gaze back up to the school entrance again, bravely putting on a front that she could only hope would scare the life out of some unknowing student. With a firm step, she moved into the building, mentally cursing the throngs of teenagers that seemed to spiral around like like a never ending loop of irritating noises. The memories of the prior year came back like a slow gas leek as she moved, her heart breaking ever so slightly as she found herself nearing her locker, where far too many things had happened for one person to handle. Yanking open the small metal door, the short and hot headed young woman stared at the darkness in the recesses of her tiny storage space. How she was going to survive this mess of a year was beyond her, although God knew that she was going to give it a try, even if that meant hiding such a crucial part of herself just to get by.

"Hey."

The word had been soft, weak and unsure, almost overshadowed by the hurry-scurry of their peers around them- but to her it sounded like a gunshot in an echo chamber. Her body stiffened, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end as she debated her choices. She could turn around, pretend like the distance she had forced between them over the summer hadn't existed, or she could run, blame school for her quick departure, and worry over what was going to happen upon their following run in. A part of her felt ill at ease at the idea of booking it like so had so many times before, remembering with a stomach churning ease the look of utter hurt that had crossed those beautiful crystal blue eyes she could easily drown in, and she recalled swearing never wanting to see that look for as long as she could. Hand gripping the metal door of her locker, the seventeen year old Latina took in a deep breath, afraid of what she'd see if she turned to look at the girl who remained standing there, staring at her expectantly. In her mind's eye, she could see that doe-like gaze, hesitant and fearful, biting lightly on her bottom lip as she waited for a reaction of some kind. Exhaling slowly so to attempt to calm her already jumbling nerves, Santana carefully turned her chocolate stare at the girl she still desperately cared for, gently snapping shut the locker she was holding onto with white knuckles. There was no handle to grip, nothing to hold onto so to keep herself from leaving her spot- just her will, and she prayed that it'd be enough. "Hey." A smile tugged at her darker lips, spying the girl's teeth grabbing hold of her lip, although it was that alone that sent her heart racing.

"You didn't come over much." It was a statement, one that both reminded her of her decision to figure things out on her own and of all the aching her heart and body had felt yearning for things she just couldn't allow herself to have. At least, not yet. If they were out in New York, Los Angeles, any big city where loving someone of the same sex would be as relevant as the color of one's hair or skin… Only then would she be able to move beyond this wall of insecurities.

Leaning back against the metal, a lock digging lightly into her side as she watched with a masked anxiety the beautiful Dutch girl she loved. "I was busy." Her eyes quickly downcasted in guilt, knowing that the reason was weak, and probably anyone would be able to read through it- especially the blond before her.

"With?" She could hear the concern laced in her voice, and the young Latina felt a little bit relieved that the taller young woman had chosen to ignore the lie. Once more raising her brown eyes, the caramel skinned teen shrunk slightly within herself at the knowing sparkle in the sapphire pools, knowing all too well that she wouldn't be able to escape this conversation without that stare delving deeper into her soul with an ease no one else could manage.

Quietly, Santana gave a shrug in response to the girl's question, not all that confident that she could be honest with everything. Still, those bright cerulean orbs watched her with silent adoration, and the hope the shorter girl had to keep her private thoughts at bay seemed wasted. Somehow, she mused, this girl always knew the right buttons to push to get her to talk. Unable to meet the blond's gaze once again, the Latina found herself looking around at the throngs of students walking down the halls, ignoring the two of them with a practiced effortlessness. Nonetheless, she couldn't stop herself from the thought that raced through her mind- that if she were "out", everyone would be staring, glaring, throwing slurs and whatever else at her like the abnormality she was. She just couldn't put herself, let alone sweet and lovable Brittany, into a position like that. It would be selfish and cruel. She just… couldn't. "… thinking." The curious and concerned gaze wouldn't leave her, and the young Latina simply crossed her arms before her, attempting to protect herself from those probing blue eyes that simply knew and saw too much. "Britt… Don't look at me like that. I just need time."

The taller girl's body moved, crossing her arms as well, and the caramel skinned seventeen year old could feel the weight of the other's stare life off from her. "More time, you know." Santana could easily hear the sadness traced within her words, and they struck her heart like knives, both vicious and hurtful. Her hands curled into fists beneath the armor of her arms, every inch of her wishing that there was something, anything, other than what her beloved was asking out of her, a way to take the girl's pain away without putting them both into harm's way. But, in the end, she remained rooted in place, cursing both her inability and their backwards homophobic hometown. "I just don't…" The blond trailed off, hands clutching at either side of herself, a hug that couldn't fill the holes of truth that burned within her. "I can't keep…" The Latina braced herself, knowing just what she was about to say, her stomach churning in depression and apprehension.

She couldn't keep waiting.

Inhaling, pushing the tears that were close to breaching the stronghold she held on her emotions, Santana swallowed hard against the lump forming in her throat. So many times, she feared this moment, prayed that it wouldn't come, but she knew that she couldn't keep running away. After all, it wasn't fair for Brittany to wait for her to accept the things in herself that she could barely bare to stand on her own. She had come to terms slightly over this fact before ever coming to terms with herself, as ironic as it seemed. "It's…" Again, she inhaled, blinking back the tears that were now threatening to fall, forcing on a smile that couldn't quite make her dark orbs. "I understand, Bee." She cleared her throat, hoping to scare away the sobs that she knew would come soon enough if she weren't careful, finally raising her hand from her arms to brush away the building liquids.

Gently, lovingly, she felt a soft, pale hand brush against her cheek, thumb rubbing away a stray tear that had fallen without her permission. The blond before her offered a grim smile, and the young Latina could easily read the adoring apprehension in the blue pools that sparkled longingly toward her. Soon though, Santana had come to realize just who intimate their position had to look, similar to the way the towering freakazoid of a quarterback carefully wiped away the worries within the shortest hobbit in Middle Earth. Turning her head slightly, flinching at the girl's touch, the shorter seventeen year old watched as that hurt she despised returned to the blue eyes she absolutely treasured, dimming the sapphires that usually shown brightly no matter how dark a place was. Her heart ached, but it was better this way. At least, that was what she kept telling herself. Watching quietly as the girl pulled her hands back to her sides, she heard the whisper of words that escaped the girl's lips. "I still want to be friends, San…" Her voice saying that felt very much like a punch in the gut, likening the feeling to being told you could still keep your dog right after it'd keeled over. Tucking her hands firmly back into a crossed position, she strained to keep herself at ease, to not let her emotions that screamed to be allowed a rampage get the better of her. Even if she kicked and screamed, demanded tat they keep a relationship on the down low rather than be out and proud with things she was never proud of, she knew it would be futile. Attempting to change Brittany's mind was like changing your gender- it would take a lot of time, a lot of acceptance, and a shit load of patience.

"Britt… I-"

"You filthy dyke!"

Immediately, Santana froze, her body trembling as her fears took complete hold. Someone had found out. Someone might have overheard them talking. Someone was out there, screaming her truth from the rooftops, more than likely ready to treat her the way Kurt had been. She cursed herself for not being more careful, for allowing some random nut-ball who would make her life a living Hell on Earth to find out the one thing that she had wanted to keep under wraps. Last but not least, she cursed herself for being exactly what they were calling her- a filthy, vagina loving, flannel wearing (why did she have to wear flannel today?) dyke. Closing her eyes tightly, she awaited the freezing chill of an iceburg's worth of slushies slam into her face. She waited for all of her fears to become a reality, to be slammed into the lockers she was leaning against and called again that word she had once thrown about in a slew of curses toward everyone who dared cross her pain. She waited for Hell to begin.

And she kept waiting.

She could hear some of the jocks move ever closer to her, although they were already laughing amongst themselves, congratulating one another for putting the trash into it's place. Peeking out warily from her squinted eyes, she found herself looking directly at a young woman, standing still in shock, red gooey liquid dripping from her arms, her clothes, and even her face. Slowly but surely, fingers drenched in the sticky substance, she did her best to brush away the stinging sensation. The Latina felt her heart ache, imagining herself in the same position as this stranger, gasping for a much needed breath while peers either scoffed in amusement or completely ignored the situation by moving around her. She felt herself make a step forward, only to stop, chocolate eyes cemented on the figure who was trying to stand tall and proud despite the icy beverage that was weighing her down. A part of her wanted to help, to show her that there was someone here that didn't care, who was actually in awe of her strength and convictions, but the Latina's lack in both kept her place, too afraid of what helping might do. Even if she never said the words, simply assisting someone of that nature would cause everyone in the school to whisper, to talk behind her back and out her from her closet faster than toast being made at the lowest setting in a toaster. As Brittany made a motion forward, the Latina quickly grabbed her hand carefully, lovingly, catching the sapphire gaze with a sorrowful one of her own. Silently, she told her not to go, not to mix herself up with those sorts of things, and even though her blond seemed to protest in silence, she didn't continue on.

At the sound of a tsk-ing sound in the background, Santana dropped Brittany's hand as if it were on fire, turning around to look at the woman who was simply staring on at the scene in disgust and her usual disgruntled anger. It was a look that the girls had long gotten used to, realizing back in freshmen year that there were few things in life that would ever caused the frustrating older woman's mask of hatred to most living things crack. The only thing that had ever seemed to make her smile was a person that was gone from this world, and a shame it was. "Christ, another senseless crime of bullying. It would make me sick to my stomach if the lining hadn't already been destroyed by my protein shakes." Finally, the educator's eyes had fallen from the scene to the duo that was standing nearby, watching her cautiously and uneasily, something the Latina thought more or less called for it after the dirt incident that had occurred. Her favorite new top hadn't recovered, and neither had her instincts. "Zeppelin, fun-bags." Both girls nodded in response, acknowledging that they were being talked to rather than speaking since it was just easier not to when in the presence of their former cheer coach. "Once you're done laughing at how the gay kid's been doused with an extra helping of life sucks, get used to it, I want to see you in my office." Santana's gaze turned slightly toward the blond beside her, their eyes meeting once again, although this time they seemed filled with a fear that only one person alive could bring out of them. Neither moved, fearful of the wraith that might take place if they did, only to receive of loud, "Now!", which the teenagers took to heart, quickly moving in response to their command.

Silently, quickly, they entered, scurrying to their seats as they did in the past when they wore their red and white cheer uniforms of power. The young Latina stuck close to the one closest to the door, feeling as though it was the safest one in the entire room, having been in such a situation before where she felt the need to run while staring down the burning eyes of their cheer coach. While she never ran, too afraid what it might do to her reputation as the biggest badass in school, too unsure what might happen to the blond who took her seat beside her, the feeling that she should remained. Santana felt herself swallow hard on the building lump in her throat as the older woman lazily made her way over to the comfy looking chair behind her desk, a smug look upon her face as she moved. It unnerved the girl to no end, her heart pounding as she tried to think of the reason as to why they had been summoned to appear before her. Had she found out about all the times she and Brittany had stayed behind in the showers, 'helping' each other get clean? Or about the affections that they held for one another (even though one wasn't willing to wait for her to be open about it- a memory that stung to her core)? What if they were brought into the lair of doom and terror to be told that she knew, and that she was going to make sure their lives were made into a living hell because of what they were? What if-

"Now," Sue began, seating herself down easily within her seat, only to cross her legs by throwing her foot onto her knee and to gather her fingers together to weave them in the usual cycle that happened. Either they were to be in trouble, or they were going to be a part of a new found plan that the woman had to get rid of glee. Either or, the situation wasn't good. "I don't want your heads to swell to the size of Lopez's breasts, but I need you both back on the squad starting today." She gestured a hand toward a wall they had dismissed, where two uniforms hung quietly against the wall. Both teenagers quickly turned to look at the woman with a mixture of shock and surprise, throwing in a hint of uncertainty after all of the events throughout the years prior. "Don't look at me like that. I just need people who know what the Hell they're doing while I'm off winning a seat in the senate, and I can't count on little newbies that think that cheerleading is the only way to get the guy or whatever fantasies you're deluded with. I need the ethics that I've instilled in you as a team, even if you do choose go off to gallivant with the losers in that god forsaken glee club."

The two remained silent, Santana watching the woman carefully, hoping to find the hidden agenda within the words that had just been said. The Latina could feel the heavy gaze of sapphires watching her, the anxiousness within them both filling the room. Deciding to rejoin could help them since their descent into the throngs of mediocrity and loserdom, and after losing the one thing she was willing to forget popularity for (with more time permitted, of course), the caramel skinned girl couldn't help but feel like it was her only chance to regain a part of the world she was losing. Friendship with the woman she loved was something she still wasn't sure she could do, but popularity was something that she craved, needed almost as much as she needed oxygen to breathe- and if it meant being respected and adored by random strangers and peers, then she was willing to trade in that too. Still, something within her, whether it be acknowledging the past or even what the future held for them, stirred distastefully at the idea of rejoining the Cheerios like she had done twice before already. Both times, she had strutted into the school with the confidence of the reigning bitch in charge, shoving people into lockers with the mere force of how awesome she was, but she always ended up leaving the squad for one reason or another. Last time, it was over the fact that the same person who was asking, almost pleading even, for their return insisting that the blond beside her now to shoot herself from a cannon- one that had a high chance of killing her. Who was there to say that something similar wouldn't happen again? After all, if it was for a championship title, this woman was known to pull out any and all stunts possible. It was just the type of person she was, and while the girl respected her for that determination, it was the lack of ethics to safety that red flagged within her mind.

Still… popularity reigned in this school, and being popular meant that no one looked twice at you or cared what you did or who you did it with. It was something like that which made the situation before her now hard to ignore, and even harder to deny.

The look of decision within her chocolate orbs seemed to be enough for the overbearing coach, who stood from her seat to grab the hanging uniforms from the walls and push them into the arms of the teenagers before her. "Get changed into those immediately, unless you want me to revoke my decision and take you and that damned Glee club down as I see fit." Unceremoniously, she threw herself back into her cushioned seat and into paperwork that she wasn't even reading as she signed away the lives of her students with a stroke of her pen.

The girls gingerly held the uniforms, brown eyes meeting with blues for the first time since they had entered the office. There were so many emotions in those sapphires, some which caused the Latina's stomach to churn at the mere sight of them. Fear and uncertainty filled them, and Santana did her best to offer as much compassion and understanding in the silence that followed their reinstatement, a small smile that had yet to reach her shamed gaze. A soft sigh escaped her as she lowered her head like a beaten child, cradling the outfit softly against herself as a comfort to the voice inside that was screaming at her in revulsion. She needed this. Beside her, the beautiful golden haired splendor stood, although didn't move for a moment. Looking back up toward the girl, she realized that there was a pinkie held out to her- a promise that she understood why she had done this. Lacing her smallest finger with the girl's, she stood quietly beside her, raising her head so not to leave the office looking like she felt. No one besides Brittany really needed to know what went underneath the surface, and she would be damned rather than to allow anyone to find out. Instilling the air with a confidence she lacked, the duo made their way to the door- only to stop as she heard a voice call out to her from behind.

"Oh, and Boobs McGee- I want to see you bright and early before school tomorrow at six thirty. If you're late, you'll learn to regret misplacing my trust. Got it?" The woman hadn't taken her eyes from her paperwork, although she seemed to have some sort of sixth sense to recognize that they had remained, long enough for her to recall her secondary demand from her.

"Yes, coach," the Latina replied with a nod, filling a thrill fill her as she tried to think of what it was that the woman had to say to her, although she assumed that it was from the fact that she would once again be standing atop the ladder of superiority within their middle of nowhere nothing school. It was a wondrous feeling that no one would ever understand, and she was alright with that. To be the alpha wolf in a pack of mere mangy dogs was enough, and she hoped it would remain to be that way. Biting her lower lip, she nodded toward the curious and cautious blue eyes that watched her, telling her that it was alright, and she would be alright.

Once again making their way out of the office, they had nearly run into a slightly older looking young woman, her curled ebony hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, strands having fallen to the sides of her striking well kept up features. Her pale skin contrasted greatly with the darkness of her mane, and her hazel orbs sparkled with a fervor that few of the adults had any more. Brittany perked up at the sight of her, a smile gracing the lips that Santana had to remind herself that she would never be able to kiss again. While a shock of agonizing emotions coursed through her, the Latina took to watching the scene before her with a mask upon her features. The last thing the taller girl needed was knowing just how broken she felt in the wake of their prior locker conversation. "Miss Maloni," the blond greeted warmly, holding her uniform stiffly against herself. "Hey, you subbed in my biology class last year."

The woman paused in her pace, recognizing her name and also that she was being talked to, and Santana smiled briefly at her before busing herself with looking at her nails. She could recall now the class that her secret lover was mentioning, although she would never truly admit to it. Even if the woman, who was only a handful of years older than them, was kind of cute, and many of the jocks had spent their time trying to get to know the girl better throughout their class period (which meant that it had to have occurred for each class she had with students), the subject had been far from her concentration. What had been was the fact that Brittany had chosen to wear those tight jeans that always made the Latina want to rip them from her hips and have her way with the girl. The restraint that she had to show that day was all that she really remembered.

"Yes, yes," the woman nodded with a smile. "One of Missus Gillin's classes, right?" The blond gave a grateful nod, obviously happy that she'd been remembered enough by this person who was more a stranger than most of their peers. Still, it brought a smile onto the Latina's full lips, glad to see the sight beside her more than she could ever know. After all, it had already been far too many months that she had spent grasping to memories and their few interactions over the summer- every smile she noted was like the sun shining into her self made darkness. "I would love to keep talking, but I have to get ready."

"You're subbing on the first day?" the blond asked, obviously perplexed at the idea that an educator would step out on the initial start of the year.

With a soft chuckle, the teacher shook her head, shifting the various contents she held within her arms- a stack of papers that seemed to have an itinerary for the entire English semester, the caramel skinned girl observed silently, realizing a moment later that she had torn her eyes away from her fingers long enough to look elsewhere. "I got a job here. You'll probably see me for one of your classes." The woman gave a toothy smile, once again shifting the items in her arms. "Sorry, but I really have to go. It was good seeing you both again." With that, the teacher was off, turning down the hall quickly with her destination in mind.

It only took a moment's walk to finally make it to the closest restroom without interruption, something that Santana was ever so grateful for as she slipped into the stalls and out of her clothes. Taking with people had never been a high point in her life, having always been tempted to make a comment on a person's attire or the way they held themselves or whatever else might cross her mind, and she could only assume that that was the reason why she really only had Brittany to call her friend. Cheer top in hand, she paused to glare at the scratched paint before her, already despising that word. She had to get used to it, had to force herself to understand that sexy times with the woman she loved were never going to happen again, and that the last time she had kissed those luscious lips were going to be just that- the last time. Her body mourned the touch she would never get to feel again, the reality of the decision that had been made growing heavier upon her as she felt the sting of regret and self hatred. If only she had 'outted' herself, allowed her heart the space to be true with itself rather than stifling it with a beard and forever climbing the ladder to a society she kind of didn't want if it meant losing everything else… But 'if only's' where just wishes that could never come true, her chances lost in her own fears.

Once zipped into the uniform, glad to see that no adjustments needed to be made (because she would kill herself rather than to exit the stall looking like she was a repeat baby-gate), she ran her hands idly against the red pleats of her skirt. The year was going to have to get better than it started. After all, she had already fallen so much already, so she had to have hit the floor by now. Once she felt happy enough with her look, the young Latina unlocked the doorway… only to find herself face to face with the girl who had her head in the sink trying to get out the red dye that was already staining her white t-shirt. Guilt moved through her, stronger than ever, as she stared at the one person who signified whom she could be, beaten down by the peers who would usually trip on themselves over her good looks and striking emerald eyes- Santana lowered her gaze as she realized that the stranger had looked up and locked eyes with her. "What the Hell are you looking at?" the Latina spit icily, her brown eyes watching the stalls quietly just to make sure she didn't miss Brittany bouncing out with that sexy cheerleading uniform. Even if the girl wouldn't leave her by her lonesome whether she wanted her to or not, the caramel skinned Cheerio couldn't help but feel awkward under the weight of the stranger's stare.

It weighed much more than any of her other peers.

"Nothing, I guess." The young blond simply shrugged, seemingly uncaring, rubbing another coat of water over her burning eyes that had been dyed by the slushy she'd been hit with.

The Latina crossed her arms, wondering why in the world Brittany was taking so long just to get into her cheer outfit. Still, as the alien before her hissed in obvious pain, she turned her head slightly to look at the girl once again. Her gaze was indignant, hopeful to keep her status as the head bitch of them all in place, but there was an underlying kindness that rarely showed itself. Biting her bottom lip, she found herself weighing the choices that she had before her, looking both ways before making her way over to the sink. If anyone saw this, she was going to regret it, but she hoped that it was close enough to the start of class that no one would bother entering. Especially since the 'dyke' was occupying it. Most girls in their school would likely turn tail rather than share a small space with someone who probably couldn't even hurt a fly- at least, that was how she looked from the distance that had been between them. Although now that she was closer, there were definitely muscles beneath that skin of her's.

Roughly grabbing a paper towel from the dispenser, she placed a hint of soap on it, rubbing it so to make suds and bubbles on the material. Pulling the girl's chin, her fingernails digging into the stranger's face lightly so to keep her in place, she gently began to rise away the stains the best knew how after her one run in with the freezing beverage. The emerald eyed girl seemed panicked when she had begun, although quickly calmed as she realized that no harm was likely to come to her. Heaving a sigh of relief, the unknown student closed her eyes and allowed the girl to help her. "If you tell anyone that I did this," the Latina started, her tone light yet tinged with the usual underlying threat that she threw around, "I will ends you. Got that?" The dirty blond before her nodded quietly in response, although stopped as the grip upon her chin intensified. Still, she didn't complain. "Name?" Santana demanded lightly from the young woman, rubbing a little harder at a spot that seemed to be too stubborn to leave the new arrival's pale skin.

"Amanda." The answer was light and thankful, although the small crooked smile that crossed her full pink lips was enough to give the caramel skinned girl a warm feeling within her chest. Why? She wasn't sure, but she simply ignored it for the time being. "You?"

A smirk moved it's way onto the Latina's features, unable to feel anything but amused at the playful tone that she heard in that simple one word question. Plus, that red patch had finally lifted and everything else that was troublesome was likely going to come off after this. Grabbing the dark flaxen haired girl's hand, she shoved the paper towel into it, pursing her ruby lips as she stared at her, jade orbs fixating themselves on the cheerleader who had just assisted her. "Santana." Once again, the Latina crossed her arms, brown eyes turning to look around for the first time since she'd stepped up to help.

There, standing off to the side with a loving smile upon her lips, was the blond who was currently taking her breath away just by standing there.

Still, a subtle panic overtook her, wondering how much of the situation she had seen, fearful that maybe the beauty whom she adored was thinking that maybe she was moving on already. Nonetheless, the tall and lithe dancer simply stepped forward, taking the Latina's pinky into her own for the first time in months. In that moment, everything just felt right, and she wished that perhaps she had as much strength to be herself. Turning back toward the unknown girl- Amanda, she reminded herself- she offered a caring smile that she would die rather than to admit to have done to anyone that wasn't Brittany. "Hey, good luck." She wasn't sure what made her say it, but once it was out, she felt within the deepest regions of her heart that she was saying the same to herself. After all, if the girl really was gay- which, considering the fact that there was truth in every rumor, she could only assume- then they had something in common. It was an unsaid trust, and an even more unspoken understanding. The girl shook her head in agreement and thanks, then offered her a smile that seemed to reflect the words in return.

Moving the leave, Brittany turned to wave happily back at the girl, although there seemed to hold a strange feeling within them that probably even she didn't understand. "See you later." Amanda grinned brightly at the other cheerleader's gesture, returning it lightly before returning to trying to remove the remaining stains upon her face and neck. As the duo disappeared out the door, a silence hung over the dirty blond haired girl, who had paused to stare mournfully at her ruined white t-shirt. Sighing, the girl simply tossed the crimson dyed paper towel in the trash- although stopped completely as anger and hurt laced through her, as well as many other emotions, at the sound of a small uncertain voice coming from the door.

"Hey."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Holy… Eleven pages. It's been a super long time since I've ever written something this long- and trust me, I'm happy about it. Oh my Gawd… Anyway, this is the first chapter of my new fanfic, and I'm looking forward to writing more for it. After watching the first episode of the new season, I was able to figure out how to form the start- which is and will likely always be my biggest problem.

But… where should I begin explaining where this came from? Mostly from a lack of Glee over the summer, and also from reading a lot of good fan fiction in the meantime. My favorites, I admit, are some that have definitely influenced what I was going to do. One being "Come Out and Fine Me" by lovebugxstories, which was where my need to write this fanfic came to mind.

So yeah… What do you think? I'm ever curious about it. Mostly since this is the first story I have more or less planned. Please click the blue letters that say "Review", tell me what you think, and I will love you forever. For. Ev. Er. Thank you for reading! See you next chapter!