AN: hey so this was on my mind. I think it'll just be a one shot. But maybe I'll add more, I'm not sure yet. It's definitely not my best work, but I liked the idea of them being track captains for a change.


Against All Odds

Chapter 1

Quinn's POV

Another day, another track practice. I was by far the fastest runner on the team, which was why I was the running captain. Since track is mostly about running, and that's not just my opinion, it only makes sense that I should be overall captain. But no, coach Jen decided there would be a different captain for each event.

I am the running captain, Sam is the throwing captain, and Santana is the jumping captain. Yes, we're probably the most attractive group of captains this school's had in a while but we're not really friends.

I used to date Sam, and when we broke up we never really decided to go to that friend place. Santana's best friends with Puck, who I never really liked so I try to stay away from her whole group.

But oh how hard it is. I mean if you've ever seen Santana at track… wow. It's usually around 70 degrees this time of year and so she opts for only wearing a sports bra and spandex. Everybody stares at her until Puck catches them. He's like her big brother, and very protective of her.

I used to think they were dating, but I saw them at a party last week hooking up with separate people, so I know that can't be the case. I admit that I was happy to find out she was single. Although I know she's straight and I don't stand a chance, that didn't stop me from liking her.

She's just another pretty face that I'll probably never get to know. And I'm just going to have to accept that.

People started to pour onto the field from the locker rooms and Sam, Santana, and I took our place and began to lead them in stretching.

Santana's POV

I fucking hate track. If I had the decision I wouldn't even do it, much less be captain. But I want a scholarship to college because I need to prove to my parents that I can handle my own life.

Plus I guess it's not all bad. Quinn Fabray does track. I'm not out yet, so really the only person that knows is about my girl crush on Quinn Puck, and he fully supports it.

As we were stretching everyone out on this particularly hot afternoon, I looked at my co-captains and realized this would be a good year for us to do track poster or something. We were all just so attractive.

Not that I would tell them or anything. I'm not known for complimenting people. Especially people like Quinn and Sam. I know they dated last year during track season. That was awkward for me because they were all chummy and I was the odd one out.

I guess they must have broken up, because now we're all equally awkward with each other. Maybe they got mistaken for brother and sister one too many times for comfort.

As we finally finished stretching I saw Puck running across the field towards us.

"Finally, what took your lazy ass so long?" I asked. "You do realize this is why trouty mouth is throwing captain and not you – you barely show up."

"Pipe down, I have no desire to run this bitch ship like you do, San."

"Right, I forgot, you're going to be a pool cleaner for the rest of your life." I smirked at him.

"Hey I don't diss your dreams, you don't diss mine!" He whined.

Jen called for us to split off into our respective groups and start training. The vaulting area was next to the throwing field, so me and Puck walked together.

Once we were a fair distance away from everyone else, Puck turned to me, "Did you see Fabray today? Smokin'!"

"I told you I cant talk about this in public!" I whispered to him. "But yeah – Damn." I added quietly.

"That's my girl!" he ruffled my hair, successfully fucking it up and ran over to the throwing field.


Usually after practice I go for a quick three mile run because jumping doesn't get a whole load of endurance in, plus that way when I get back the showers are open.

When I arrived in the locker room however, I saw a track bag still there and a shower running. Who else stayed 30 minutes after practice? I shrugged it off and got my things put for my shower.

Midway through my shower I noticed the person in the other shower was singing, they sounded sad.

How can I just let you walk away

Just let you leave with out a trace

When I stand here taking every breath, with you

Ohh

You're the only one who really knew me at all

As she continued to sing, I recognized the voice. It was Quinn. She sounded so broken. I wanted to know what was wrong but there were a couple things holding me back from asking;

I was naked 2) She was naked 3)I didn't want people to think I'd gone soft

She hit the chorus and I could literally feel the emotion in her voice.

So take a look at me now

Now there's just an empty space

And there's nothing left here to remind me

Just the memory of your face

Oh take a look at me now

Well there's just an empty space

And you coming back to me is against the odds

And it's what I've to face

I wish I could just make you turn around

Turn around and see me cry

Theres so much I need to say to you

So many reasons why

You're the only one

Who really knew me at all

I was surprised at how much she had memorized. I was even more surprised at how much I liked her voice. That song had always been a favorite of mine and she really did do it justice.

She shut her shower off and I heard her continue to hum the song as she left the shower room.

I was hoping to catch her before she left, so I quickly finished washing my hair and stepped out too.

After hearing her pour her heart into the song, I at least had to ask her about it. I mean, I could drop my bitch act for a second to see what was up with her, and not just because I kindof had a crush on her.

Ok yes because of that.

When I got into the locker area, I saw her about to leave. "Quinn!"

She turned around, looking surprised that I had called her, "yeah..?"

"Hey, uhm…. I heard you singing and uhhh…" I hadn't really though through what I was going to say. Looking down at myself I realized I hadn't realized how awkward it would be because I was in just a towel. "Wait. One second."

I ran behind a row of lockers and threw on a bra, underwear, sweats, and a t-shirt. When I ran back out I out I saw Quinn sitting on the bench, waiting for me.

"Hey so, I guess first of all. You're a great singer," I began.

A blush creeped onto her cheeks, "thanks Santana."

"I guess second, are you alright? That's, you know, kind of a sad song and it sounded pretty sincere."

Quinn looked down and sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, not saying anything. What - who – was she singing about?

Quinn's POV

I was embarrassed enough that Santana had heard me singing in the shower. Now I was pretty much wishing I was dead because she could tell that I actually meant what I was singing. At least she didn't know it was definitely about her (at least I hope). I guess I let us stand in silence for too long, because she spoke up again.

"I mean you don't have to tell me. It's just we're like co-captains or whatever and I mean, we could talk…" she said very un-Santana like.

"Really? You want to talk? Doesn't seem like you," I said, smiling to make sure she didn't think I was being defensive.

"I make exceptions."

"I didn't know that."

"Well, Fabray, there's a lot you don't know about me," she said as she walked over and sat next to me on the bench. "But I'll tell you whatever you want to know – you know, as long as we're talking."

"Because we're 'like co-captains or whatever', right?" I said quoting her.

"Shut up, don't push it."

"Push what?"

"Being my exception…" She mumbled.

For some reason I felt butterflies in my stomach. This was probably the longest conversation I'd ever had with her, and she was telling me I was the exception to her badassery, and non-caring attitude.

"Well, if you must know. It was about someone," I decided to talk to her, at least while I had the chance. "Someone I like, but I know will never like me back."

She raised her eyebrow at me, "What's wrong with him? Is he blind, or just not into super pretty athletic girls?" suddenly her face drained of color, then turned bright pink. I'm guessing mine did too, because she just called me pretty.

"Actually, he's a she," I informed her when my face started returning to normal.

She cocked her head slightly and looked genuinely surprised. "I didn't know you were… like…"

"Bi," I cleared up. "How would you? It's not like you asked," I laughed at the though of her asking.

"Well no, but I mean… are you like in the closet or whatever?" She looked so curious.

I never understood the whole in the closet thing, I mean I do, but I don't see why people did it. "Nope."

"Then how come you've never told anyone you're bi?"

"The better question is why everyone assumes I'm straight," I decided to give her my whole rant. I mean I had no chance with the super straight Santana Lopez anyway, so I don't care if I weird her out. "See, I never said I was straight, but I guess people assumed because people assume everyone is straight. Which is why there's this whole problem with gay people. It's just a social norm to assume everyone's the same, which I don't get because that leaves no room for acceptance…"

She nodded, her eyebrows pulled together in concentrations, as if seriously trying to grasp everything I was saying.

I continued, "see, with you, I know you're straight. You've actually made your sexuality clear by using words like 'fag' and slushying Kurt."

Her face changed from concentration to shock. "Wait, I'm so sorry, I mean I have nothing against gay people! I just used that word because… I mean I have no excuse but I know I shouldn't use it."

"Hey, don't worry. I don't care."

"Also, I slushied Kurt because his outfit was disgusting, not because he was gay."

"That's still really mean Santana." I told her, trying not to laugh at what she though was a valid reason to thrown ice chunks in people's face.

"Whatever. So back to you, who's this girl that's got you singing sad songs? I can't have you off your game for track. Does someone need to be slushied?" She asked with something resembling excitement in her eyes.

"Absolutely not." I said sternly.

"Fine, but who is it?" she continued to press. I was worried that I would slip up and tell her that is was in fact her. I decided to try and change the subject to anything else.

"So… how's jumping?" being subtle was never my strong suit…

"Yeah right, don't try and change the subject. Fine, don't tell me. At least tell me what she did?"

"Nothing. It's just that I really like her, and she's straight. So it wouldn't happen." I confessed, sighing. "You know, I'd better go. I have a lot of homework due tomorrow." I stood up to leave.

Santana's POV

Mother of god, the girl I liked wasn't straight! I had a chance. But upon realizing this, I also realized that she liked – really liked – someone else. She just told me so much about herself, I couldn't just let her leave without saying anything.

"Wait, just…" I tried to put my words together. "I think you should tell her. I mean you'll never know… unless you ask." My advice came out more as a question than a compliment, because I really didn't like the fact that she was into someone else.

"Thanks, Santana," she smiled. "Maybe I will." And with that, she walked out.


Santana's POV

The day after my talk with Quinn in the locker room, we had our first meet. As captain of the runners (the largest group of the three) Quinn was in charge of sending out a group text with the details about the meet that day. I was in 3rd period when I got her text.

Quinn F.

Hey everyone, meet's today at 2:30 so get out of your 5th periods at 1:45 for warm up. Varsity please wear your uniforms, JV you'll be given temp jerseys for this meet.

Yes, we got to leave early. Which is great because my fifth period science is a joke. I aced that class and have all the science credits I need anyway.

Another text from Quinn came through. She probably forgot to include something.

Quinn F.

Santana, meet me in the parking lot now. I got you excused for the rest of the day.

Santana L.

Why?

Quinn F.

Official captains business, of course.

I laughed and gathered my things to meet up with Quinn.

When I got to the lot I looked around for Quinn, but didn't see her. I was about to shoot her a text when a car horn went off. I looked up to see Quinn pulling up next to me in her giant silver Land Rover.

"Hey there!" I said as I hopped in. "What are we doing?" I asked, but I actually didn't really care because I was interacting with Quinn more today than I had in out entire four years together.

"We have to pick up uniforms for the JV squad. Jen gave me $300 and there's ten people on JV."

"How are we supposed to get ten track uniforms with $300? That's $30 a person!" I asked.

"We'll have to budget I guess. Let's go to sports authority."


Lucky for us, Sports Authority was having a clearance, so we got the shirts ( which thank god, were red, out school color) for $10 each and the shorts for $15 each. That left us with $50 left over.

Quinn sent Jen a text saying that we had extra money. As we were driving back Jen answered.

"Could you read that to me Santana?" Quinn asked, because she was driving.

I picked up her phone and opened the text, "she said, 'that's great! You guys go to coffee or something with it. I'm surprised you saved so much!"

"Wait she's letting us keep it?" Quinn asked.

I nodded. We turned into the nearest coffee shop and decided to sit in for a while because we still had 45 minutes until warm up.

I got a caramel frappucino and Quinn got an Iced White Mocha. We took found seats ad sat down. Things with Quinn had somehow become so easy, just since yesterday. We were just talking about the positives and difficulties of our different events when she suddenly changed the subject .

"So you know how you told me I should tell that girl about how I feel?"

"Yeah, and?" I asked.

"What do you think she'll do?" she took a long sip from her mocha and set it down.

"Well depends, this would be a lot easier if you'd tell me who she was."

Quinn pondered over this for a second before answering, "I wont tell you who it is, but I'll tell you about her. She's gorgeous," I rolled my eyes that this. "What?" She asked questioning my eye roll.

"Nothing, continue," I just wish she wasn't fawning over some other girl.

"Ok… she's athletic and has a lot of the same personality traits as me I guess."

"And those would be…"

She smirked, "well strong-headed, mean at points but sweet at others, controlling, manipulative when she needs to be."

"I already like the sound of her!" I tried to sound enthusiastic, but it was hard. However this girl does sound pretty cool. "You said she's athletic, does she do track?"

"Why yes she does," Quinn confirmed with a grin.

"When are you going to tell her?" I asked.

"When should I?"

"Today! At the meet…" the sooner I find out who this girl is, the sooner I can figure out what Quinn likes in a girl.


Quinn's POV

After my talk with Santana I decided that I would tell her today after the meet. I know it seems so soon, I mean we really only started talking like two days ago but I have known her for four years.

Plus, she seemed so accepting and understanding about everything, I don't see how it could go too wrong. I would just tell her to get it off my chest and she'd tell me she was straight and we'd move on.

I'm currently watching Santana do the pole vault. She's amazing, she'll probably set the school record this year. As I was getting lost in my admiration for the beautiful Latina, someone tapped my shoulder. I turned around, but turned back around when I saw who it was.

"Woah, hey to you too," Puck said from behind me. He walked up and stood on the fence next to me.

"What do you want?" like I said before, I never really liked Puck.

"Well first of all, what's your problem with me?"

"Uhm, in sophomore year you tried to take my virginity using wine coolers and my low self esteem…"

He grimaced, obviously remember that night, "sorry about that. Really."

"Alright, accepted. But seriously, what do you want?"

"Well Santana's been talking about you lately – "

"She has?" I cut in, surprised to find out she'd been talking about me.

"Well yeah, she said you guys have been talking and stuff. Anyway, she told me to tell you good luck in case she's still vaulting when you do it."

"She told you what I was doing today?" I didn't have anything to hide, I just don't see why Santana would want to tell Puck about my personal life.

"No, she wouldn't tell me. She told me to say exactly that. But if I may asked, what are you doing that's so important that she has to send a message through me?"

I hesitated, but thinking I'd probably talk to Santana before he could spill the beans I decided to tell him. "I'm telling you girl I like how I feel today. Although I think Santana will be done with pole vault by then…"

"Why's that?" he asked.

"Unless I shout it at her mid-jump, I think I'll have to wait until she's done."

Puck gave me a confused look. Then his face began to change with understanding. "You like Santana?!"

"Yeah. Don't bother telling me she's straight. I already know. I just feel like I should tell her sooner rather than later."

Puck looked absolutely giddy. "No, no, I agree tell her. NO. I have a better idea. Walk up to her and just grab her face and start making out with her…" he was getting lost in his own thoughts. "OH, but make sure I'm there to watch."

I slapped the back of his head, "shut up! You realize if I do that she'll never talk to me again."

"Why? Because your mouths will be too busy?" he laughed at his own joke. Same old Puck. "No but seriously, I totally agree you should tell her."

"Thanks… for the support, Puck."

"Yeah, I got you. Santana's like a sister you know, so since you'll be my sister in-law I've got your back from now on."

"Puck, really thanks for the encouragement. But I know Santana is straight as they come."

"Yeahhhhhh…." He trailed off. "anyway, I have to go. Good luck!" he said and walked away.


When Santana finished her event I went into the throwing shed, where they kept the javelins and stuff. No one was in there, so I figured it would be a good spot. I waved her over and she came running in.

"How'd it go? What'd she say?" was the first thing she asked.

Santana's POV

I ran into the shed, knowing she'd probably told her girl by now. I tried not to act too downcast about it all.

"How'd it go? What'd she say?" I asked as soon as I got there.

She nervously smiled at me. " I haven't told her yet…"

"Oh comeon Quinn! Grow some lady balls!" I told her. I mean seriously she's had like three hours and she's made no progress.

"I'm about to I swear. I don't know why I'm nervous. I know what's going to happen." She said and looked at the ground.

"And what's going to happen?" I asked.

"She'll just tell me she's straight. Hopefully it wont freak her out, and we could still be friends."

"Who knows though, right?" I put my hand on her shoulder. I wonder if it was too soon in our friendship to give her a comforting hug. Nah, when someone needs a hug, they need a hug.

I leaned in and hugged her. "It'll be fine, Q." Part of me genuinely did hope this girl wasn't as straight as Quinn thought. I really liked her, which is why I wanted her to be happy.

"Santana…" she whispered. I pulled back slightly to look at her.

"What?"

She looked at me, deep in my eyes. Then her eyes quickly flicked down to my lips, then back up. Suddenly she just leaned in and kissed me, right next to my lips, but not quite.

"It's… you. I like you." She said and stepped back. She looked shy and almost guilty for some reason. Then I realized I hadn't responded.

I didn't know what to say - how exactly to describe how happy I was in that one moment. So instead of using words I grabbed her waist and pushed her about a foot back into the wall.

She looked at me in surprised and I just started into her eyes, then hand brought our lips together for real this time.


AN: So should I continue or just leave it at this? Feedback is much appreciated. Thank you for reading!

much love! ~Lexi~