Summary: A lot had happened the moment Santana and Quinn left the halls of McKinley High and face a bigger world. Santana became a very successful lawyer while Quinn took a turn in her life and became a restaurateur/chef. But what happened through the years before they become who they are now?
oSo
Summer 2029 - The Yeux, Queens, New York
1… 2… 3… 4… 5… 6… 7… 8… 9… 10
She counted at that very moment she saw the blonde by the restaurant window. She didn't expect to see her there. She thought she'd never see her again in the city. But who is she kidding? Her friend already took the world, and New York is not an exemption. However, what she never really expected is another chance to be near her other best friend again. "The prodigal" one. That's what she secretly calls her. She might have had longed to see her but not at this instance. Not after five years of nonexistence. Not after she left without personally saying goodbye. And at that very moment, form where she is standing, there was an inner battle going on aside from the already noisy and busy kitchen she is in.
"Ma'am, the lady by the window" the manager called again.
"What did she want again?" She replied pretending that she didn't hear it the first time or the second time.
"She requested to talk with the head chef". She repeated for the third time. Noticing that her boss might be busy to really pay attention, "She know that you'll say you're busy to entertain diehard customers but she said she's also famous enough to gain your attention" she instantly and added.
She chuckled at the confidence her long lost friend have. From what she could see from the kitchen, she thinks that her friend had grown to be a proper lady and with class. Things have changed, she thought. She turned around and continued observing the people in the kitchen and shouting even at the very minute mistake the helper has done. "Those salmon are not cut in perfection. You might just want take that knife and use it to cut those hairs sticking out from your hair net instead! With that, it may be more useful. Go fix your hair first! I don't want the customers complaining! This not some cheap café you people." She snapped and turned to the manager.
"She also knows that you will keep on pretending doing something just to dodge the request" the manager interrupted. Nope. Things never changed after all.
"So she insisted that I should tell you that there is one Brittany S. Pierce waiting for you outside. She said that knowing her name might make you consider it". The manager persisted and left not wanting to face the wrath of the chef.
She already knew it before the name was even mentioned. She could see her from the small glass window of the kitchen door. She knows that she should never let this chance pass. But then again, there was this inner battle. "Am I betraying her? Am I betraying myself? Am I betraying them?" She thought "Forget it you bastard! She's inside your fucking restaurant and it's obvious that she purposely made this visit! Now is the chance. Scratch that. Now might be the only chance!" And then there was the winner! Thankfully, for that evening, she was just there to supervise the kitchen hence she most probably still looked presentable. She took off the apron and opened the kitchen door.
And there she was, sitting by the window. She looked stunning as ever but she became an elegant woman. Gone was the ditzy blonde. Gone was the bubbly girl. Gone was the innocent look. Gone was the perkiness in her aura. Sitting by the window was a different person. She was at a private and secluded part of the restaurant. With a little light illuminating the corner, the site before the chef looked very tranquil especially with her friend alone sitting looking out the window and playing with the rim of her wine glass.
"The manager said that one Brittany S. Pierce requested for my presence and that really made me think twice before dodging the request for the gazillion times." She said with her arms crossed in front of her chest purposely interrupting the blonde in her trance.
The blonde looked surprise but immediately rose from her sit once she saw who it was. She didn't mind that her napkin fell as she moved and wrapped her friend in a very tight embrace almost making them tumble down.
"QUINN!" the taller blonde exclaimed as she sloppily put her hands around the chef's neck and trying to keep her balance.
Gone was the inner battle. Gone was the thought of betrayals. Gone was her sulking. But definitely, gone was the five years of longing for her other best friend. "I guess things never changed" the chef said as she wrapped her arms around the other blonde's waist.
They stayed like that for a minute or two as if the long embrace would make up for the lost time. "Oh a lot would be very envy; look at those customers, they're looking at me and perhaps cursing me in their minds!" Quinn said as she pulled out from the hug to look at her best friend. "You look…" She was more astounded by her friend's appearance now that she's just inches away. "…Just breath taking." She continued not able to look for a perfect word. And gone was her vocabulary. Brittany just rolled her eyes and hugged her best friend again. "They can kiss your ass! Damn those other people. Right now I am having the time of my life" And gone was her sweet words.
Quinn again pulled out from the hug and said "I might just take my words back".
"What?" Brittany asked with confused look.
"Some things might have had changed after all." Quinn teased and they both laughed.
Brittany reached for her abandoned sit and motioned for Quinn to take the sit across her. "I might not agree with that". Brittany said as she settled back and took a sip from her glass.
"So, a chef huh" Brittany said as she finish her wine.
"Yup, chef it is": Quinn replied throwing her arms sideways with a raised chin jokingly bragging about her recent accomplishment. Brittany was held back by the gesture, not that she took it seriously but because it reminded her of whose mannerism it really was. She tried to laugh but this was not left unnoticed by Quinn but she just laughed with Brittany and chose not to touch that subject at that moment.
"The last time I checked you were using stilettos as daggers inside the courtroom" Brittany continued also thinking that she might not dive into that topic as well. "I might as well take my words back" They both laughed realizing what the once perky blonde implied.
"Told you, some things have indeed changed" Quinn said sighing "It's five years after all". Quinn felt the atmosphere changing and realized what she has just said.
"I'm sorry" That's all Brittany managed to say at that instance knowing or believing that she knew what the other blonde was implying even though there was no bitterness in her voice.
"Sorry, it's not what I meant" the hazel-eyed tried to correct. "I mean, things really change in the span of five years you know" She continued. The taller blonde just nodded. "I think we need more drinks seeing that you already finished yours". Quinn said with a smile and immediately asked the waiter for another bottle of wine.
"You're planning to get me drank huh" Brittany said.
"Nope. But that's the part of the plan. The real plan is to get you drunk and make you strip. I guess Brittany Pierce stripping in my restaurant would be a real attraction. Alas, more cash and publicity for me!" Quinn joked and both were thrown in hysteric.
"As if you still need it, this place is already pack Q!" Brittany complimented and Quinn smiled.
"Oh please. It wouldn't hurt to have more." Quinn tried to counter and they were left in comfortable silence.
"But really Q, what made you leave your dream job?" Brittany asked with a serious tone. "I thought you loved it. I was surprised when I heard you own the place but I was even more surprised when I learned you're the head chef."
"Let's just say that within those five years that you're…" she paused and avoided making the other blond uncomfortable by her choice of words. "I mean in those five years I have had my issues resolved; Issues that I avoided for a long time." She tried to explain.
"Look Q. I know that my visit is announced, surprising even" Brittany tried to finally address the elephant in the room knowing that it cannot be avoided and it's the purpose of her visit after all. "It's been five years Q. and I know one night cannot make up for that and me barging in is not even helpful."
"B, it's okay. I have all night and now you're here. It doesn't matter how much time we've got. All that matters is that you're here. You reached out and I have now I am open my arms. I would not let this pass. Not again B. I have ignored my longing for you once and it went on for a very long time. So hell if we only got one night. You're here, and that's the most important thing of them all." Quinn countered.
"I'm sorry," she said meekly and tears started to flow on her cheeks. "I am sorry I just left without saying goodbye Q. I'm sorry that I cut all the connections I have with you. I am sorry I have involved you in the mess we were in." She sobbed.
"B," Quinn stood up and sat beside her best friend wrapping her arms around the taller blonde's neck. "It's not your fault. I have my own share with happened. I chose to stay and not reach out." Quinn still tried to avoid mentioning anything about the other elephant in the room. For now, it is between the best friends. For now it is about rekindling the friendship she once had lost. This is her chance to make things right. One thing she learnt in those five years is to never lose any contact with the people you considered important no matter what the situation is and no matter how things have changed.
Brittany knew what Quinn was avoiding. She wasn't stupid. She never was. People before think she might be one but they didn't know better. Believe it or not this is the real reason she had this surprise visit in the restaurant. It was to save the friendship that she once had. She might have many plans for her visit in New York but at this very moment, it is to have her best friend back in her life. This was long overdue. She must have done it a long time ago, not even her busy schedule could pass as an excuse. She always know that she's scared. True she had lost a lot when she made a choice. But she couldn't accept that one of those are lifelong friendships that dated back to God knows when. That's what she couldn't afford. That's what she's trying to save. And that's what's important at this very moment.
"You never lose me. And I know I never lose you." With that said, Brittany reached for the hand encircling her neck and tighten the hug. Those words assured Brittany that she got what she came for. She got her friend back. "Enough with this nonsense and let's now make the most of our night" Quinn said as she pulled out and wiped the tears on her friend's cheeks. "And the people might say something about your affair with a young budding chef" she whispered and with that they were back to laughing. "Sorry but I guess you're just not my type" Brittany opposed. Just in time, the waiter arrived with two bottles of wine in hand. "I think you should have more people in your kitchen after tonight," Brittany said. "Why B?" Quinn asked with raised eyebrow. "Because you're plan might just work after all. This might even be a tourist destination". Brittany answered and again they both laugh. "Have you eaten by the way," Quinn asked and Brittany shook her head. "Robert," she called the nearest waiter. "Give us the house specials."
After one bottle of wine, and the entrees and an hour of laughter and catching up, Quinn could already feel lightheaded. "Oh no," Brittany uttered "It think you're employees should start looking for another job. An angry Quinn would be out any minute from now."
"Hahaha. I think they don't have to, they just have to deal with an angrier Quinn" She half-joked and Brittany seemed to be confused.
"It's just how I handle a man's job. I guess that's the similarity between being a lawyer and chef, you're in a man's world. Cooking may be women's job at home but not in the big world. I realized that cooking in the kitchen home is far more different inside a restaurant. A lot more energy is needed. Yes passion is one thing but being strong is a different thing. I have to be stern. You're coworkers should see you as a captain who could lead the ship no matter how strong the waves are. You must be able to stir the wheel when a sudden wave comes, and hell when an iceberg is right in front of you or even if it is not in your vision. You must always be prepared for anything! Who needs Titanic when you have a whole kitchen to handle." And they both laugh. "It is the same as being a lawyer but as I have said, you need to have passion and strength for both jobs. What I lack when I was throwing daggers at those criminals is the passion. I never had felt the fire inside the court room. They say I'm a fiery lawyer but that doesn't mean I've got passion." She finished and took a sip from her glass of wine.
"Wow Quinn, just wow. I am just so proud of you" The taller blond was flabbergasted and received a timid smile from her friend. "What happened?" Brittany aked.
"Huh?" Quinn seemed to asked.
"You never elaborated what you said awhile ago. Within those five years, what made you take the leap of change?" Brittany clarified.
"Oh." Quinn uttered. She really didn't know how to answer the question without mentioning her other best friend, the other elephant in the room. Brittany sensed this and decided that it is really inevitable for them to mention her, she has been important in both of their lives after all.
"It's Santana isn't it?" the taller blonde finally addressed it and Quinn just nodded. Quinn didn't expect that from the other blond. She didn't expect that it would be coming from her first. She sigh in relief now that the elephant was out. Who knew that her restaurant could really be a zoo sometimes?
"Q, it's okay. Mentioning her would not cause harm. I know you've been avoiding it the whole night and I am telling you, its okay. She's was once my best friend too. I know she's still very much a part of your life and mentioning her is inevitable." The blonde tried to ease the situation. She looked at her friend's eye and held her hand to assure that it is really okay.
"You and your wisdom," Quinn also tried to ease it up. "When did you get so smart?"
Brittany remembered the same words spoken to her years ago. This made her nostalgic but she tried to concentrate on Quinn right now. "Says the Captain of Titanic" Brittany joked and tried to prevent other emotions from resurfacing. "Come on, tell me" She continued not wanting to deflect the topic.
"Well, you know me B. I'm always the perfectionist. And you know that after the baby drama I have to prove myself and gain my mother's trust again. The hell I care with my father but oh well that's another story. I have everything a girl could wish for. Harvard Business and Law school, perfect preppy boyfriend and most prestigious law firm in New York. You know all these things B. The old Quinn Fabray. She paused and finished everything left in her wine glass.
"Well, I am still the perfectionist that I was known for. Never changed and not planning to. But Santana knew me too well."She again paused and Brittany nodded as if telling her to continue. "She never pries on other personal life, you know that. She may be making other's life miserable back when we were in school but we both know that she does not meddle with other people's life. But one night when everything seemed to take its toll on me, she laid it down one by one. I was not happy. I never was and she made me realized it." She stopped and sigh trying to remember that turning point in her life.
"Though it is an argument that I never wanted to happen again, she was able let me see things that I should have seen by myself but refused to. She was the only one brave enough, and may I mention, bitch enough, to bring it all out. She knew that I was afraid to face it and she knew that the only way to make me do it is for her to be there with me. Hell she was the only one brave enough to let it all out. Little did I know that the things I bottled up all those years were out in the open. I never felt more relieved, until that argument. I never felt happier, until that day. Hell I never felt more alive, until that very moment I dreaded happened. She saved me B. Darn. Only Santana can turn an argument into a life changing situation" She ended with teary eyes. She looked at Brittany and saw that there are also tears beginning to flow on the taller blonde's cheek.
"B?" She asked. "Who knew that my life could be very moving?" She tried to joke but she knew better.
Brittany tried to laugh and said "I am just proud of her. She is still the good person that she was though she really has a nice way of showing it. Argument huh? Things really never changed" and they both laughed. "I am proud of how you two grew, both of you." She said sincerely.
She didn't want to push the other blonde. She wanted this to be just between their friendship and she knew that the other blonde is on the same page. Both of them respected anything that is left from their friendship and want to focus on rekindling and both knew that it would be too much to start touching subjects that are not supposed to be touched without the other one knowing. For Brittany, she genuinely had this visit to have her friend back and nothing else. She may have many other reasons for her visit in the city but this is one of the most important ones. Top of her list even. It's the same for Quinn. She doesn't want to ruin her chance to fix things though she knew that a lot of things have really changed. She was trying hard to leave any relationship that Brittany and Santana have, or the lack of it, between the two of them. Did Brittany only come to revive their friendship? Or did she come to have her ex-lover back? Those are the questions she wanted to avoid. She respected this friendship too much that she just wanted to focus the night's conversation on that one.
"B, I am sorry that I chose to remain loyal to her and cut any communications with you. I am really sorry Quinn said.
"We all know that she needs you more than I do. Yes, she is the strongest person I know but she also has her weaknesses"
Again, the battle inside her head started. Would not mentioning things right now about her other best friend's life really save their friendship? Would leaving it between the two of her best friends to discuss the right thing to do?
"You're her ultimate weakness" Quinn added and both smiled because they both know that it is the truth.
"But sometimes you are the antidote to that weakness" Brittany said. "You're always there everytime we have our fallouts"
"B," She continued but Brittany's phone started ringing. Brittany picked up and talked with the person on the other line.
"Q, I guess I should head back in my hotel. My PR is already looking for me. I am sorry to cut this visit short." Brittany explained.
"Oh. It's okay." Quinn stood up and motioned for the way out. She guided Brittany out of the restaurant. Paparazzi are waiting outside so she offered the back door for her friends escape. "Text me when you get to your hotel." Quinn said. She asked for Brittany's phone and punched her number. "But I'm sure those big guys will do their job and bring you there safe and sound" she said as she saw Brittany's bodyguards. "Happy to have you back in New York B" She said and hugged the taller blonde. Knowing the meaning behind those words Brittany tighten the hug. "Yeah, glad to be back". She uttered and she let go of her best friend. "I'll visit you again tomorrow. If you aren't busy enough I would love to have some company in feeding the ducks in the park" She said. "Yup some things really never change." Quinn answered and with that Brittany went inside her car and called it a night.
oQo
Summer 2029 - Streets of Queens, New York
After a long day at the restaurant and an ambush visit from her long lost friend, it seemed that all her energy was drained out from her. "Let's go James" Quinn said as she gets inside her car. Being the girlfriend of one of the most powerful lawyer in the city and let alone in the country she has the perks of being driven around the city. "You seemed exhausted Miss Fabray" the young driver said. "Then it would be safe to say that a surprise is waiting for you at home" He continued knowing that it will somehow make her madam's mood better. Quinn smiled and blushed. She knew what was coming. She knew the secret behind the message though her driver seemed to still be oblivious about it after all this time and this made her laugh inside. She then sat comfortably and closed her eyes. "Take the longest way home James" She commanded. She knew that taking a nap was a good idea knowing what was coming and teasing a little would not do any harm, it would just fuel the surprise.
Quinn arrived at their apartment building and was greeted by the old doorman.
"Good Evening Miss Fabray".
"Good Evening Frank, enjoying the summer night?" She asked while the doorman nodded and smiled. "Here, I have something for you, it's from the restaurant and I made it myself. I heard that there is a surprise waiting for me so I guess I should let you have this." She offered and handed the box of food.
"Oh Miss Fabray. Thank You, by the way, there's a package for you , I guess it's part of the surprise. It's with the receptionist inside." Frank said and winked as he opened the door. She entered and was greeted by a bunch of perfectly arranged flowers. "Well this is indeed a surprise." She thought.
They've been officially together for almost six months and she had been "surprised" for countless of times even before they became a couple but this is the first time she was given a bunch of flowers. Yes, she have had received roses but those seemed to be picked at the very last minute from God knows where. She carried the flowers and headed to the elevator.
"Let me carry it for you Ma'am" the receptionist offered but she just asked for the receptionist to push the elevator button for her. She really loved the idea of receiving the perfectly arranged flowers and carrying it is the only way she could truly solely appreciate it. And this made her giddy.
"Penthouse, please". She said and mouthed thank you. As the elevator opened at the penthouse, she was greeted with silence. The lavish apartment seemed to be empty but she knew better. She placed the flowers on the table in the receiving area and instead of going directly to the dining room, she headed upstairs to add her own twist to the surprise.
It was good that the dining room is confined hence she was gone unnoticed. She quickly freshened up and changed in a black bandage dress that perfectly hugged her body and show more than enough cleavage. She then fixed her make up and put on her black stilettos. She took her time not wanting to ruin her own twist for the surprise. Again, teasing would do no harm it will just fuel it some more. When she was convinced that she was well prepared for her surprise, she went down and headed to the dining room. The usually open door of the dining room was closed for this special occasion.
"As expected," she thought. She opened the door but to her surprise, no one was there.
"In the kitchen," she heard.
She slowly walked towards the kitchen and was surprised by the scene in front of her. Usually, the kitchen is empty since she always cooks their dinner in the restaurant before she leaves. She would usually use it to try some dishes but usually she does it in ungodly hours since it is the only time she have. They would have breakfast in the dining room, not in the kitchen, since Dora, their house maid, would already prepare it even before they wake up. The only time that they would be seen there is at breakfast during weekends. Since the weekend is Dora's day off, Quinn would prepare their breakfast and this is only the intimate time they share in the said area of the house. They would usually have lunch outside, even if it's both their day off, to enjoy different restaurants in the city and both of them knew that it would be good for Quinn's profession. For the surprise dinner that the lawyer would prepare, it is usually a take out from one of Quinn's favorite restaurants in the city, but tonight is different. Tonight proved to be full of surprises.
"And now you just outdone yourself," Quinn said as she leaned on the doorframe, still enjoying the sight. "I thought it was I who has passion for cooking".
"I thought you knew me better" the young lawyer countered and continued cooking with her back at Quinn. "And I thought I was the judgmental bitch"
"Oh please, do you have a favor? You can just ask me nicely. You don't have to prepare sumptuous dinner, not to mention, by yourself" she continued to tease. "By the way you look hot cooking with that power suite and my stilettos on". Quinn said with full of lust in her voice.
"Than-", the lawyer uttered turning to face Quinn.
"Saw something you like?" Quinn raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"Wow, just wow Quinn. And I thought this was my surprise". The lawyer turned off the electric stove, put down the spatula she was holding and motioned towards Quinn. "You look wonderful tonight babe, no. You look perfect. Always perfect" She said before closing their gap. She initially planned for a chaste kiss but her girlfriend seemed to plan otherwise. The kiss became heated and before she knew it the buttons of her blouse is being opened. "Babe, we still have dinner," She managed to say in between hungry kisses.
"Ugh" Quinn uttered in disappointment. Not wanting to skip the dinner her girlfriend prepared for hours, she stopped her assault but didn't release her girlfriend from the tight embrace. She leaned forward and placed her forehead on her girlfriend's.
The lawyer was surprised by her girlfriend's 'eagerness'. Usually it was her who would assault Quinn senseless but tonight seemed to be those rare occasions. Not wanting to disappoint her girlfriend she tilted her head and gave her another long and passionate kiss. She placed another on her cheek before she started kissing her jawline and neck. She lifted her girlfriend on the countertop nearest the door and she began sucking and nipping her girlfriend's semi exposed chest. "Babe, I am so turned on right now" She uttered and elicited a moan from her girlfriend.
Quinn tightly wrapped one arm around her girlfriend's neck and then the other hand grasp the lawyer's hair. She then wrapped her legs around her girlfriend's torso and they started to grind their hips. "I want you inside me right now," Quinn said and the hand grasping the hair reached for her girlfriend's left hand. "Please, I want you now," she again requested and placed the other girl's hand underneath the hem of her dress. Without thinking twice, the lawyer raised the blonde's dress to gain more access as she tried push down the sleeves of Quinn's dress to fully expose her chest. She then reached for her girlfriend's underwear and was surprised by what she discovered or the lack of it. "Surprise…babe" Quinn tried to from her words but was cut short by a very hungry kiss given by her girlfriend. "Please. Fuck. Me. Now". She said in between kisses. Without hesitation and warning, the lawyer inserted her two fingers inside Quinn. "Uhm, babe fuck me senseless" She ordered. This only fueled her girlfriend and she start pumping her fingers in and out. Quinn placed her hand on her girlfriends cheek and kissed her hard enough. Tongues started to dance inside each other's mouth, fingers continued pumping in and out and thumb constantly brushing Quinn's clit. They pulled apart to catch some air but Quinn became more breathless as her girlfriend added another finger and started to pump harder and faster. "So close. Fuck I am so close." Quinn said and started to grind harder. "Say my name Quiinn. Come on." She pause and felt that she's beginning to lose all the energy. "Say my name, Babe." She continued. Sensing that Quinn's nearing her climax, the lawyer pushed her fingers inside with all her strength.
"Santannnnnna". Quinn finally exclaimed and for the second time in one night, she felt all her energy drained from her.