There were voices, sometimes near enough for me to almost decipher but mostly a jumbled mess flitting around the far reaches of my mind. At times they were almost near enough for me to figure the words out but most of the time they stayed around the edges of my subconscious. Who was talking? What were they talking about? Where am I? I try to focus in on the noises around me but they elude me every time, slipping through my fingers like fine sand and leaving only traces of sound. After what seemed like a never ending cycle of dreamless sleep, I finally pinpoint a familiar voice and I pull my mind from the recesses of my brain to lock onto it.

Quinn. That voice definitely belonged to her. What is she saying? I try to open my eyes and see her but they feel too heavy for me to lift so I opted to try another movement instead. I focus in on my body and try to see if I could move any limbs first. Maybe I could make enough noise so that Quinn would notice me and come help me out of this fuzzy stupor. I will my fingers to move first and let out a mental sigh when I feel them wiggle around and touch soft fabric and cool metal. I try to shift my body and am relieved that nothing seems to be amiss, my body is working perfectly and I have nothing to worry about. My movements must've alerted somebody because next thing I know I feel myself slowly moved into an upright position.

I hear someone quickly walking over to my side and am almost shocked into pulling away when I feel two hands grasp mine in a tight grip. I turn my blind eyes in the direction of this intruder and I try to figure out who it is when I relax and smell the familiar perfume of my best friend. The muddle and stuffiness of my mind is starting to clear up a little as I focus in on the smooth hands stroking mine until I feel one of Quinn's hands on my face instead and I try to voice my distress out to her. The moment I try to speak is when pain shoots up through my throat and I let out a cry very much like a dying animal. Oh fucking god that hurts!

"Oh my god! Nurse, what the fuck is going on? Britt? You okay? Oh Christ, help her goddammit!"

The pain is so intense that I shoot open my eyes and am blinded by the bright lights and various circles of colors blotting out my vision. Great to know my vision still works even if it's super hazy, if only my throat would be so kind as to stop killing me too. I cringe and groan from the pain only to realize I've made it worse by making any kind of noise. The pain is so intense it brings tears to my eyes and I pull myself into a fetal position, clawing at my neck, trying to ease it somehow. It felt like tiny little demons singeing the insides of my trachea and ripping it apart layer by layer. I try not to whimper in pain so to avoid any further torture from my own throat.

"What's wrong with her? Oh god, Britt, it's okay honey. The doctor is coming, don't worry. Don't just stand there like an idiot, go get someone now!"

I hear another pair of feet jog over to a door and the distinctive noise of someone running away. My hands continue to cover my neck, protecting it from any and all dangers. I try to keep my breathing down because the quick intake of air from my near panic attack still sears through me like fire. I wait patiently and calm my body down, breathing only through my nose, stroking my neck and adjusting to the myriad of lights splashing across my vision. I also take comfort from Quinn's soft hands brushing my hair back and whispering soothing words into my ears.

"Shh it's okay. Don't worry, the doctor is coming. You're okay, just relax. I'm sure you're really confused Britt but you need to calm down right now, okay? Don't speak; it probably hurts like hell doesn't it? Oh god I'm glad you're finally awake Brittany, you gave me a real scare there."

I pull one of my hands from my neck and reach over to one of Quinn's and pat it affectionately, hoping to quell any worries she probably has about my condition. Since speaking is a no go and my eyes are still playing tricks of light with me, I opt for trying to let my friend know I was okay by letting her continue to fuss over me. I finally hear footsteps walk in and move over to my other side, slowly pulling my hand away from my neck and turning my face in their direction. A soft spoken voice calls my name and I try to pinpoint the fuzzy looking woman next to me.

"Hello Ms. Pierce, my name is Dr. Chang and I know everything seems a bit confusing and difficult now but I promise you I will do everything to help you. I just need to check some things to make sure nothing else is wrong. Now what I want you to do is listen to me carefully and follow my directions. Can you do that? If for any reason you're in pain, just squeeze my hand, okay?"

I feel Dr. Chang's hand slide into mine and I grip it in understanding and let her continue, hoping I could stay calm enough to let the good doctor work her magic and relieve some of my pain. I feel her tilt my head side to side before moving on to my eyes and opening them up as much as possible without straining my eyelids or my throat. I hear her hum something non-committal and move her hands slowly towards my neck. Even as her fingers lightly roamed the area, I could feel the telltale signs of pricking in my throat, forcing me to squeeze her hands tightly and shuffle slightly away from the doctor.

"Ah I'm sorry about that Ms. Pierce. I tried to be as soft as possible but you suffered injuries to your neck so that is why it's probably hurting you right now. Your vision seems to be a bit distorted, also due to a small injury you received from trauma to the head but that should fade soon enough so no need to worry. As for your throat, because of the severe pressure applied to it, you won't be able to talk or do any strenuous activity for the time being. So speaking and eating will be difficult for a few weeks but I assure you it will all pass."

"Are you sure Doc? I mean Britt was in so much pain before and she was just making noises. Is there anything you can give her to ease the pain at all?"

"I'm sorry, Miss?"

"Quinn, Quinn Fabray. I'm a close friend and I'll be taking care of her so if there is anything I should need to know, please tell me."

"Right Ms. Fabray, you're Rachel's girlfriend right? Well we will keep Ms. Pierce here for the night to see if there any other problems but most likely she can be discharged tomorrow. I will be prescribing some ointment for her neck and liquid painkillers along with medication for the inflammation of her throat. It will hurt to swallow at first but the pain will pass after a week or so. I'm also suggesting a neck brace to avoid any external mishaps that could affect Ms. Pierce after her discharge. If there is anything else, you can contact me at any time."

"Thank you, Doctor."

"Not a problem. Now Ms. Pierce, I need you to relax for today, okay? Your injuries are still impairing your vision and speech so I want you to just lay back and really try not to speak or use your throat. The nurse will be by later to give you your medicine and then you have to rest. Then we can discharge you tomorrow and you can go home."

I nod my head slightly in the general direction of the doctor and try to smile a little before feeling Quinn's reassuring hand on my shoulder. I can tell my vision is slowly becoming more defined so I turn my head towards a wavy looking Quinn and try to convey my thanks to her. I'm becoming more and more aware of my surroundings as I take in the telltale smell of peroxide and anesthetic. The wide range of white in my room is easily distinguishable and the uncomfortable reclining bed with its metal guard rails point out to me that I'm currently residing in a hospital bed somewhere.

I feel the bed begin to recline and I shift backwards knowing Quinn is probably pushing the buttons and making sure I'm resting as per doctor's orders. I close and open my eyes a few times, trying to adjust to the ever changing lights in the room and am glad to see that my sight is slowly coming back to me. The ceiling lines are sharpening and I can mostly see all of Quinn, now all I need is for my eyes to focus again. I reach for Quinn's hand and close my eyes for a bit, trying to take in all that has happened and remembering the who, what, when, where and hows.

"I know its hard Britt but you should really rest now. Dr. Chang knows what she is doing so there's no need to worry. I got Rachel to call in a favor when we landed so they took you directly here instead of some random hospital."

I squeeze Quinn's hand letting her know to continue on and to reassure her that I would be awake for a while instead of resting. I feel that I had already slept too much and I needed to know what happened and how I got here.

"Alright then, if you're going to be stubborn. You're going to regret this later on B.; considering you're not in the best of conditions you really should at least take a nap. But fine, since I know you're just dying to know, I'm going to tell you."

I can see Quinn clearly now and am sorry to see the worry lines marring my friend's face. I must've been in quite a state for her to be so worried but I smile back at her warmly and point two fingers at my eyes and then back to her face letting her know I was watching her. I see her chuckle and feel infinitely better in easing her tension and what I could now tell as exhaustion.

"You always are quite the goofball aren't you B? I'm glad you seem to be seeing okay now though. Scared me a bit when you woke up like a crazy person, which by the way you totally resemble especially in that hospital gown. Anyway so we're in New York City if you didn't already know. I don't know how much you remember but once they got you off the plane I told them to take you here. I was so scared Britt, you didn't wake up no matter how much I tried to shake you and it just…"

Quinn's hand in mine squeezed so tight and I felt compelled to offer some sort of solace for worrying my closest friend. How long was I even unconscious? I feel a bit of wetness hit my arm and I look up to see a few tear drops spill over from green eyes.

"They told me in the ambulance that you must've hit your head on something and that's why you weren't waking up right away. I thought I almost lost you Britt. Please don't scare me like that again…"

I shake my head vehemently and immediately force back the slight ping of pain in my brain, probably where I hit my head and I try to convey my sincerity to Quinn as much as possible. Not like I really wanted to end up in the hospital in the first place of course.

"I know I know, its not your fault you're here. It's that crazy bastards fault. I don't really know what the deal is because the cops won't tell me but the word is that he didn't take his meds before flying so when you spilled the water on him he just went berserk and tried to kill you. Thank god for your knight in shining armor, right?

I tilt my head in confusion and scrunch my face trying to remember exactly what happened before I blacked out. I rewind and remember the fear, lack of air, blacking out, the distinct feeling of the man asphyxiating me and I automatically touch my throat, feeling the raw skin and bruised areas. There was something else or actually someone else. Wait, San was there wasn't she? So then where is she now? Did she save me? Is she hurt?

"Yeah, did you almost forget the hottie with the body? Apparently she tried to talk the guy into letting you go but he just kept saying no so she somehow pulled his arm away from you, punched him in the throat and then drop kicked him. You know for someone her size you wouldn't think that she had the power to take down a 200 something pound guy. She looked like something out of a cage fight, it was crazy. Beat the bejesus out of that guy before he passed out. "

I shake Quinn's hand to get her attention and make it a point to look around the room, searching for San or in this case my savior also. I watch as Quinn adopted a wry grin and I back up a little, wary of her face and what it could mean to me.

"Ohh, are you looking for someone, Britt? Let me guess. Average height, dark luscious hair, tanned skin, seems to have a perpetual scowl and apparently punches like a MMA boxer?"

I take Quinn's hand and move it up and down, pressing my need to know what happened to San after her heroic act of saving me. I see her chuckle at my earnest expression and I pout at my friend for teasing me about it. It was only natural to thank your savior and besides, I was totally going to ask her out before I got attacked; now I really need to find her to show my appreciation.

"Well princess, sorry to say but your knight has gone missing."

What? How is that even possible? I think back to the incident on the plane and the subsequent actions that happened afterwards. How could it be possible for San to go missing? Police from both the airport and definitely the locals would have taken her in for some kind of statement. Right?

"Well, when the chaos of it all died down and the crazy guy was finally subdued by your girl with nothing but her fists, the plane landed and the cops and security swarmed the place. I was kind of focusing on you at the time and getting you help so the last I saw of her was when she helped lift you onto the stretcher, girl is strong, I'll give her that. Cause really B, you're dead weight is crazy heavy, and I mean you're not as light as-"

I cut Quinn off by slapping her arm and waving my hand in passing, trying to get her back to the topic of the woman who I really wanted to know about. I feel a little blush creep into my cheeks though, knowing that San not only saved me but picked up my body, I shake my head from it's delusional fantasies of being in San's arms and focused my attention back to Quinn.

"Alright, alright, stop looking at me like that. Honestly, right after that I haven't seen her since. I tried to ask the cops who came by for a statement before, but they either didn't know or weren't going to tell me so I can't really help you there B. Aww don't be sad Britt. I'm sure you'll meet your hero again soon. I'm pretty sure this woman wouldn't save just anyone. Besides I know a guy who might just help us out, but only if you promise to take good care of yourself, okay?"

I smile widely and nod my agreement to Quinn's suggestion. Technically I would've agreed to almost anything to know more about San. Now more than ever I want to find her and thank her for saving my life. It would also be a great reason to ask her out on a date and maybe get to know her better.

"Alright then, I'll ask Puck later if he could check inside the passenger list for the names of our flight. But don't tell anyone, that stuff is totally illegal and Rachel really doesn't like it when I talk to Puck about stuff. She thinks he's a bad influence."

I make the motion of a whip and grin back up at Quinn before holding my hands up in surrender when she slaps me on the hand like a bad kid. I shake my head and smile thankfully back at my friend. I can't forget the other person that must've been worried and witnessed everything that happened. I scoot over on the bed and pat the space next to me, motioning for Quinn to get on. She looks at me undecided before I give her hand a good pull towards the bed instead. She stumbles and quickly gets the hint, sliding over and shifting as close as possible next to me.

We didn't have a lot of these times together anymore, what with being professional at work and Quinn being with Rachel at home. It was almost nostalgic to our younger years when it was only us. I heave a silent sigh and weave our arms together before placing my head onto her shoulder enjoying this one moment of peace with my best friend. I feel a small kiss placed atop my head and I squeeze our hands together trying to convey all my emotions into that one movement, letting what I couldn't say reach out to her.

"You're okay now. Everything is okay."

I nod my head in agreement.

"And don't you worry; we'll find your hero. Mysterious hottie with a body can't just go suddenly missing during such a major event. Besides there is totally no way that the knight can slay the dragon and leave without kissing the princess first. This fairy tale ain't over until I say it's over."

I certainly hope so.

The next day came quickly after being administered my medicine at night and before I knew it I woke up with Quinn still by my side and an animated Rachel on the phone. I must've been more tired than I realized when I woke up feeling like I've slept through hibernation season. I groggily rub my eyes, thankful that I didn't have the same blinding spell as yesterday. My head definitely felt a lot better and my vision had come back to me during the night, the only problem still persisting is the horrible feel of my throat burning from the inside out.

Having noticed another person in the room, I look over to see Dr. Chang smiling down at me. She must've been here to give me a final check before releasing me. I cringe and smile back, thankful for her help and kindness. Now that I was fully awake and alert, the couple in the room finally turned from their musings to come over to my side.

"Hey B. How's your head? You still feeling a little loopy compared to normal? How's your throat by the way?"

"Brittany thank God you're alright! When Quinn called and told me what happened I almost had a heart attack. I'm sorry I wasn't here yesterday but I had an urgent rehearsal and wasn't able to get away until last minute. Sweetie, what's wrong? Are you okay? Tina, what's wrong with her?"

"Rach, like I was saying before, Ms. Pierce here has suffered injuries to her throat so she will be having trouble talking right now. If you turned off your phone for half a second you would've heard me when I was explaining it to Ms. Fabray here."

"I resent that. I may have been preoccupied by my phone call, which is absolutely not as important as Brittany's health, but I am perfectly capable of multitasking."

"Honey, leave the doctor alone, Britt's awake now and we can all finally go home after she gets checked out."

"But Quinn, I'm just trying to-"

"No butts, just please sit down. The faster Dr. Chang releases Brittany the quicker we can all go."

"Fine but I'm just letting you know, I definitely would've been here for Britt if I could."

"Yes dear, we know. Anyway how is she, Doctor?"

"So far so good. As long as she follows these instructions and remembers not to do anything strenuous Ms. Pierce will be back to normal in a couple of months."

I heave a silent sigh of relief at the time for recovery and am glad to hear that I should be back to my normal self in a month or so. The pain in my throat is a constant reminder of the danger I was in if not for my savior, who seems to have vanished after her good deed. I make a mental note to try and find her once I get out of the hospital. Figuring that Quinn and Rachel would take care of any loose ends at the hospital, I pull the covers back and walk over to the connected washroom nearby.

"Oh hey Britt, there is a bag in there with all your clothes and personal things so go ahead and use them. I took them from your apartment since I plan for you to stay with us for the first few weeks. I don't want you to be by yourself in case something happens or you need us."

"Yes, I helped pack all your essential needs so you don't have to worry. Quinn and I have already set up the guest room for you."

I look over at the couple and smile softly at them, trying to convey my thanks and gratitude. I quickly rummage through my bag and would've screamed out in joy if my throat wasn't already killing me at the assortment of clothes in the bag. Wearing the hospital gown was convenient and all but they were ugly and definitely were a bit too breezy for my standards. I quickly rip off the offending hospital wear and pulled on some loose jeans and a t-shirt. After changing I quickly grabbed the spare toothbrush and face wash in my bag and tried to scrub and brush off the residual smell and taste of anything clinical.

By the time I was freshly done and finished I walked back to the room with a new disposition and a happier outlook on life. I didn't die; I was finally leaving the hospital and will embark on my search for my knight. I quickly drop my smile when I chance a glance at Quinn and Rachel's face and am confused at why their faces look so apologetic. I see movement near the side of my head and suddenly I feel something enclose around my neck.

"Like I said before, we want to avoid any other injuries to your neck, Ms. Pierce, so this brace will be necessary for the time being. Unfortunately you will need to have it on for at least two weeks before it is safe enough for you to take off. If for any reason you feel any pain or discomfort, contact me and we will meet to see what is wrong. But for now you are free to leave, just be sure to sign your release forms at the desk. Remember to rest and take your medication. I'm sure Rachel and Ms. Fabray here will be helping you with anything else."

I feel the protest about to surge up from my mouth but wisely kept it shut and agreed to the doctor's orders. I needed to get better and find San, if this is what it takes then so be it. Regardless of the hideous white neck brace I'm currently sporting, I smile sadly at my two friends and can't help but feel bad for intruding into their place and having them take care of me. I quickly motion to someone with a pen and paper and grab the ones Rachel hands me from her purse. I write a quick thank you note to Dr. Chang and politely asked her to sign my neck brace just for fun.

I walk out of the hospital finally with both Quinn and Rachel flanking my sides like bodyguards and me carrying my release papers in hand. I take a subtle breath of air, easing my lungs and throat with the smell of the city and everything that surrounds it. It is so nice to finally take a breath of fresh air. The sterile scent of the hospital has been driving me nuts for the past couple of days and I can't help but be glad to finally be out of there.

I become a little concerned when I sit in the back of Rachel's car and no one had said a word yet. I mean I'm currently unable to but Rachel should always be talking, the woman is a nonstop chatter box sometimes. This awkward silence really has me confused and I can see that the atmosphere in the car is a little stifled. I tap Quinn's shoulder lightly from the backseat to avoid distracting Rachel and motion for the pad of paper and pen again. I quickly jot down my question and pass it back upfront, hoping for some kind of answer to my question. I hear a huge sigh being let out and I watch as Quinn passes the note along to Rachel.

"Britt, its not that I'm not glad you're out of the hospital, I'm totally ecstatic, its just these past few days have been a strain on me and I'm just trying to process everything now. After everything that has happened, I'm just concerned for your wellbeing. The company is giving you time off from work and I get a month to just stay home."

"Yes, this is the first time in a while since you and Quinn has been home for an extended stay. While I am overjoyed that my girlfriend and her best friend get to stay longer, I am saddened by the turn of events that made it happen."

"Exactly, Rach and I already set up the guest room for you so you don't have to worry and we can totally just have a girl's slumber party like old times. Oh I also contacted Puck and he is looking into the flyer information for our flight now so when he gets back to me I'll let you know. And before you get it into your head to go running off and looking for your hero, just remember the doctor said to take it easy."

I smile and nod my head, wincing a little when I feel the brace hindering my movements. I close my eyes instead and sit back, listening softly to Rachel humming a tune from her latest show and watching the soft interactions between her and Quinn. The loving looks they send to each other and the small tapping of Quinn's fingers on Rachel's thighs make me yearn for a little of what they share. I want someone to look at me like Quinn looks at Rachel. I want someone to sing me amazing ballads on my birthday underneath the stars, but most of all I want that special kind of love.

I'm jolted awake when I feel tapping on my shoulder and I look over to see a smiling Quinn beckoning me from outside the car. A nice condo on the outskirts of the city allow for a bit of peace and quiet amidst all the hustle and bustle for an aspiring actress and her flight attendant girlfriend. I check out the place having only been here a few times when Quinn and I had our vacation time coincide. Rachel is one thing if not immaculate; everything seemed to have a place and order to it, right down to the coffee machine on the side. No wonder they get along so well, their neurotic sense mixes enough to produce a home right out of a furniture catalogue.

I pick up my bags and walk towards the guest room silently; departing from the couple once they graciously point out everything I need in case of emergencies. I roll my eyes and shake my head at them, slightly annoyed by their over protective nature and flattered by their generosity. I walk into my temporary bedroom and am glad that Rachel kept the room as minimal as possible. I quickly unpack and sit down on the bed wondering what I could do in my time off. I hear the soft sounds of Rachel and Quinn discussing something beyond the door and I smile, their voices soothing me into lying down. The events of the day are beginning to wear on me so I close my eyes and hope for sweet dreams with my lady knight instead.

I'm currently walking down the streets looking for any convenience stores still open late at night. I guess everyone forgot to buy more toiletries and now the condo is lacking a certain necessity. I figured it wouldn't be too much trouble to just pop out to buy a few things at a store and come back quickly. Besides Quinn and Rachel took tonight off for a date night and I wasn't about to text either of them to buy toilet paper on their way home. They deserved the night off, what with me already there with them and most likely killing any sorts of sexy time. They needed to go out and have some fun.

I've repeatedly tried to persuade them to let me go back home but they were adamant about making me stay at their place instead, at least until my brace comes off. I love them both dearly but their over protective nature is beginning to smother me and I'm not inconsiderate so I know how much Quinn cherishes her time with her girlfriend when she gets time off from work. That would be the same for anyone with a significant other they hardly see due to constant traveling. The best I could do is just to stay out of their way and let them enjoy a little of their time together without worrying more about me.

I whistle a little tune as I round the block and I spot bright lights confirming my love for the city that never sleeps and supplies toilet paper in the middle of the night. I cross the near empty street towards the store until I catch a glimpse of brown wavy hair and am immediately stunned. Was that San just now? True, I've been imagining seeing her everywhere in the city but I always come up short when the stranger turns around and I'm disappointed again. But this time I was sure that I didn't get it wrong. The woman's shorter stature, strong gait, and nondescript clothes seemed every bit like the San I remembered from our meeting. Before I could even process anything else, my feet decide to move for me and I trail behind the smaller woman, hoping to chance a glance at her face and confirm my guesses.

She is still walking about half a block a head of me so I speed up hoping to catch her considering I couldn't yell to get her attention. I see her walking further away and turn a corner so I pick up speed and jog down the street as fast as I can so that I wouldn't lose sight of her. When I reach the cross streets I stop and let my eyes roam the empty roads, puzzled at the sudden disappearance of the woman I've been dreaming of for days. I lift my arms up and scratch my head in confusion while twisting my head around just to see where she could've gone.

I let out a huge sigh instead and shuffle my feet. Of course it wouldn't be San. I'm seeing things again. Quinn was right, the knock on the head must've jolted me more than I realized. I begin to trace my steps back to the store down the block when I'm immediately pulled into a small dark alcove. I feel someone's hands grip the lapels of my jacket and slam me into the side wall, knocking the air from my lungs and making me wheeze painfully. I try to yell out for help but that only induces more hacking and I would've keeled over if not for the strong grip pushing me up against the wall.

"Why are you following me?"

I stiffen in surprise at the familiar voice and I quickly grab hold of the wrists attached to the hands still holding me up. The streets lights cast a faint but eerie glow and I can see her face more clearly now. I watch as her eyes widen in surprise as they focus on me and her grip loosens, slowly reaching back and softly taking hold of my hands instead. Her demeanor slowly changes from aggressive to relaxed and I feel her hold my hands firmly as her thumbs slowly begin to trace over my knuckles.

"It's you."

A/N: So sorry for the wait I guess...theres been a bit of trouble with ffnet and tumblr being pricks about the number of things you can send and post, in the words of my wonderful beta they are all a bunch of twats! Hope you enjoyed the newest chapter of Sky High, its a bit slow going compared to Novela but all I ask is for you to wait, theres definitely more to come. Considering this chapter is so late in coming, I will be posting Novela tonight so be sure to check back for that. Yes double posting in one day, its a miracle I know. Thank you anons for reminding and rushing me to write them, I take all comments equally so be sure to read and review, I always make it a point to respond to them. :) Leave them here or on tumblr, I don't mind and for those who are thanking me for writing, I refuse to take your thanks! I should be thanking you guys for reading my work, killing me softly with your kind words I swear lmao.