I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of the Story alerts, favourites and reviews already.
I wasn't expecting anyone to even notice the story, never mind alert it and stuff so thanks a lot.
Hope you enjoy your next chapter! Also, just a note to say I'm actually British so i'm sorry if any British words creep in, i'm trying my best to keep it all-american :)
Slowly unwinding her arms from the Latina's waste, Quinn pulled Santana onto the sofa and sat next to her; keeping the brunette's hands firmly held in her own. The blonde knew that her best friend didn't ask for help often; she'd rather suffer in silence than show any weakness so Quinn didn't pry – she could tell it had taken a lot for the Latina to call her. She just stroked her thumbs over the back of Santana's hands in comforting, circular motions until she was ready to talk.
After the brunette caught her breath she attempted to explain hers and Brittany's situation, unbeknown to Santana however; Quinn knew more than she'd let on.
''So you know Brittany and I are close…''
''Close? Joined at the hip more like, San''
''Uh well yeah, we're best friends but not like you and I are best friends. It's… different''
The blonde couldn't withhold the low chuckle that slipped from her throat as she half-smiled knowingly, while still holding Santana's hands.
''I know-''
''No Q, I don't think you do''
''Really Santana, I know''
''Wait. What? You know what exactly?''
''That you and Britt aren't just best friends''
Instinctively, Santana's walls shot up as she recoiled and suddenly tugged her hands from her friend's grasp; securely folding her arms across her chest.
''Listen Quinnie, I don't know what you've heard-'' She spluttered bitterly.
''Cut the shit San, don't try and push me away. Talk to me''
''Sure thing! What would you like to talk about Lucy-Q?'' Santana snickered harshly; immediately regretting it afterwards.
Quinn fought back the urge to walk straight out the door and teach the fiery Latina a lesson. However she knew that Santana was just scared; trying to push people away before they had even the slightest of chance to do it to her first – the blonde knew that same fear of rejection all too well.
''That's fine. I know you don't want to say it out loud, I get it Santana. Really, I do but it needs to be said and you know that too. I know you think if you tell people that they'll leave you but I'm here. I'm telling you I'm here and I'm not going anywhere, San. You can call me Lucy-Q all you like and act like I don't know you inside-out, but we both know I do and I'm not leaving''
''Damn Q, I could have sworn you took on the shape of Rachel Berry halfway through that essay''
''Santana-'' she sighed; cringing at the sound of Rachel's name but the brunette presumed she was just squinting at her use of sarcasm.
''I know, I know...'' Santana trailed off ''Fine, it- it's true. I likes to get my mack on with the chicas, Ok?'' While still defensively trying to joke around, it was obvious that the walls, surrounding the Latina, were slowly starting to crumble and for that; Quinn was thankful.
''What about Brittany?''
Santana noticed the calm, soothing tone exuding from the blonde's voice and she couldn't help but wonder if Quinn had misheard her when she just admitted she played for the other team. Surely no one can take it that well? No weird questions or awkward silences? No running out the door? the brunette wondered.
''W- Wait, did you just hear me?''
''Yes Santana, I heard you. I've always known you had a thing for girls anyway; checking out all of the cheerio's asses during every practice, not so secretly either, was a bit of a clue you know, Lopez'' Quinn winked as she reached for Santana's knee as she gave her a reassuring squeeze.
For once the Latina was speechless. Mainly because she thought she'd perfected her leering; making sure nobody knew when she was getting an eye-full, apparently it needed some more work. Santana couldn't help but feel a little disheartened that Quinn could see right through her, however on the other hand she couldn't be more grateful that Quinn could see right through her.
A tear slipped down Santana's flushed cheek – a tear displaying her relief – it was the first time she had admitted to someone, who wasn't Brittany, that she was gay; making it seem so much more real. The blonde's comforting, supportive and slightly witty reaction only added to Santana's tears, since Quinn always knew what to say; she was like Santana in that way.
Pulling her best friend in for a tight embrace, the Latina buried her head into the crook of her neck and sighed heavily; which sent shivers down Quinn's spine as the blonde soon realised this was Santana's childlike way of silently thanking her.
How freaking adorable Quinn thought.
With Santana's barriers firmly broken down and no signs of construction around, she continued to explain the complicated situation between herself and Brittany. Starting with their performance of 'Landslide'; she explained the reasoning behind the song and why they sang it, then going on to tell of how she professed her love for the blonde dancer; to only be rejected for Artie. Santana carried on gently, holding back the tears, guiding Quinn step by step through her problematic past few months; bringing her completely up to speed before handing her cell phone over to the blonde; revealing the original reason for calling Quinn – the texts.
xXxXx
Quinn's heavily-lashed, emerald eyes widened when she scrolled past the words 'baby boy' and 'Artie'; rosy lips parted as her mouth fell agape, revealing her disbelief after she'd finished reading.
''Seriously? I didn't even know they were speaking, Let alone exchanging cute texts'' the blonde began.
''You and me both. I just don't get why? Like come on, as if cadet cripple comes anywhere close to me. If you had the choice, who would you-''
''San, I'm not gay''
''You don't need to be, you just need to have a set of eyes and a fully functional downstairs; I know you'd pick me. You don't have to say it, Q''
The blonde just rolled her eyes ''so you know you need to call her, right?''
''Uh, right…'' Santana mumbled whilst dropping her gaze, she fumbled with her fingers nervously.
Quinn grabbed the Latina's cell, dialled Brittany's number and quickly passed the phone over to her; much to Santana's dismay but before she could refuse, the blonde declared ''Just get it over with, you need to know what's going on, San'' and she began for the door.
Santana mirrored Quinn's movements and stood up with her, ''Wait, what. You're not going to stay?'', unable to hide the disappointment emitting from her voice.
''I'll go and make us some drinks while you ring; this is between you and Britt''
The Latina nodded and gave Quinn a thankful smile as she slowly sat back down; quickly hitting the 'call' button before she could talk herself out of it.
xXxXx
''Oh san! I'm so glad you called'' Brittany exclaimed with excitement running through her voice to Santana's ear; her stomach began to swim but she couldn't prevent the small smile that separated her lips as she heard her best friend's voice, however the smile didn't reach her eyes.
The Latina drew in a drag of air and breathed ''Hey Britts'' as she exhaled, unable to keep the sadness from seeping through her words.
''How are you?'' the dancer asked a little too cheery; she was clearly nervous.
''Come on Britt, you said you wanted to explain…''
''Right. I wish I didn't have to do this over the phone-''
''Then you should probably check the number before you text your baby boy next time''
''Please don't be mad, San'
Santana heard Brittany's voice softly break as she said her name; forcing the Latina's throat to tighten – she couldn't stand hearing the blonde cry.
''I'm not mad Britt. You just need to tell me what's going on''
The dancer sniffed and began, ''Ok. I've been talking to Artie since prom; he kept texting and calling me. He was apologising over and over again until I agreed we could start speaking again. I made him promise to let me ride in his chair though as part of the agreement-''
''What a super deal Britt-Britt!'' sarcasm dripped from Santana's words but flew straight over Brittany's head.
''I know right, he even said I could decorate his chair with stickers when I get back in Lima''
''Er, that's great'' the Latina said through gritted teeth, ''planning on spending a whole lot of time with four-eyes when you get back then?''
''Yeah, we're going to see how it goes''
''Hold up, what? I was joking. See how what goes?''
''Well, us. I really didn't want to do this over the phone, San-''
''You've got to be fucking kidding me, Britt. You're getting back with Stephen Hawking, seriously?''
''Who? No. Artie''
Quinn was busying herself in the kitchen; not wanting to walk in while Santana was still on the phone, but the blonde couldn't help but overhear the Latina shouting something about Brittany starting a relationship with Stephen Hawking.
No way, she thought, I hate admitting when Santana's right but this time she actually is; there's no competition between her and Artie.
Picking up on the way the conversation seemed to be going, Quinn thought the juice she'd prepared wasn't going to cut it; she headed for the Lopez's legendary liquor cabinet.
Vodka or tequila? Definitely tequila.
The blonde would admit this was a little out of character for her but she wasn't doing it for her, she was doing it for Santana; and tequila couldn't be more in Santana's character. She snatched the bottle from the cabinet with a couple of shot glasses before sitting on top of the kitchen counter; patiently waiting for the all-clear.
''What about us?'' Santana tried to cover the sound of desperation that leaked from her voice. If it was anyone else, she would have slashed them with her vicious, Spanish words before cutting the line… but it wasn't anyone else; it was Brittany, her Brittany.
''You're my best frie-''
''Best friend, really? You told me you loved me, Brittany''
''I do, San, but I'm just confused''
''Do you feel like we should be standing next to our lockers right now, or is that just me?''
''I'm sorry, Santana''
''I've never hurt you once. Why does he get his second chance before I've had my first?''
''I'm really confused right now, San. It's easy with him, it's simple, it's mild''
''Mild? You really want to be able to describe your relationship as mild, Britt?''
''It's straightforward with us, that's what I need right now''
''No pun intended, right?'' Santana said bitterly, picking up on Brittany's, ingenious yet innocent, choice of words.
''What?''
''Nothing, it doesn't matter. You've clearly made up your mind already''
''I'm sorr-''
''Stop apologising. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and tell Grandma Pierce holá from me'' the Latina tried to sound happier but she couldn't remove the flat tone that underlined her words.
''I will do, San. She's asked about you''
''She's adorable. Have a great summer-''
''We'll still see each other, right? You're still my best friend''
''Uh… sure, Britt. Don't forget to call Artie tonight; you told him you would. Check the number before you do though, yeah? See you soon''
The line went dead.
xXxXx
It was already five o'clock by the time Santana had finished her call with Brittany; it was only fair that she got to end the phone call since the blonde done the finishing on the phone. Quinn noticed the silence that filled the house; gathering the Latina must be off the phone by now; she picked up the bottle and crystalline shot glasses and made her way into the living room.
Santana didn't know what she was happier to see: Quinn or the tequila. The brunette's dark eyes lit up as she seen both, the blonde and the bottle. Two shots poured. Two shots drank.
With only one shot down, Quinn thought it best to ask about Brittany before Santana had her lips securely around the bottle, never mind her glass.
''So, what did Britt have to say?''
''Basically, she wants an easy life right now. Being with Artie is simple, being with me is complicated''
''They're back together?''
''In the process''
Two shots poured. Two shots drank.
''That's bullshit''
''Easy tiger. I guess she's right; I don't want her to have to deal with me and all my complicated shit. If she wants specs-in-a-seat and he makes her happy… Well, I just want her to be happy''
''But you love her-''
''I'm crazy in love with her, yeah. It's a hot mess though; when she wanted me, I couldn't do it. Then I wanted her, she couldn't do it. Back and forth, back and forth''
Two shots poured. Two shots drank.
With three shots in her system, a system that's not used to shots of tequila after each sentence, Quinn said the first thing that came to mind. ''It's like a fucked up game of Cat and Mouse, except you both keep swapping a- animals''
Santana burst into a fit of laughter at the weirdly random yet completely accurate metaphor used by the blonde, ''that's like, spot on, Fabray. Someone gets this girl a drink!''
Two shots poured. Two shots drank.
''Movie?''
The Latina was way ahead of her. She shot up; a little too quickly as she noticed the room began to spin; and headed for the DVD player. Fumbling with the buttons and attempting to read the titles of the films; Santana finally managed, after many failed attempts – much to Quinn's amusement, to put The Notebook on and press play.
Quinn had made herself comfortable on the sofa; lying down into the cushions with her head positioned perfectly in front of the television, waiting patiently for the movie to start. Even though she couldn't keep her focus on the screen; the alcohol had definitely taken its toll as she began to feel sleep slowly creep over her.
The Latina dived onto the sofa next to the blonde; moulding herself into Quinn as the film began. Grabbing the tequila for a quick swig before settling down, Santana passed the bottle to the blonde lying next to her, signalling her to do the same. She obliged; taking a gulp and wincing as the burning liquid smoothly slipped down her throat; before shakily placing the bottle down and wrapping her arms around the brunette in front of her.
xXxXx
The girls were still tightly intertwined on the couch, engorged in the romantically apt film on the screen. Feeling the effects of the tequila; Quinn was the first to start crying half way through the film, ''but they need to be together; Noah and Allie couldn't be more perfect'' she protested.
''Well we don't all get what we want, Q''
''And don't I fucking know it…'' the blonde hissed as heavy lids became heavier as she settled her head onto Santana's shoulder, feeling herself slowly starting to give in to her subconscious.
''Oh please, what can't you have Fabray'' the Latina replied, unaware of Quinn's more than drowsy state.
Santana noticed the blonde was drifting in and out of sleep as she breathed, ''Finn and Rachel are back together, San''
''Hold up. You're still hung up on Finnocence, Seriously?'' the Latina couldn't help but snigger; she'd been there, took off the t-shirt and couldn't wait to put it back on as soon as they'd finished.
Quinn didn't know whether she was dreaming or it was just alcohol talking when she gently whispered ''Not quite… n- not Finn…'' before the blonde stopped fighting her eyelids completely and gave herself over to her dreams.
Thanks for continuing to read, hope you enjoyed it?
Please keep reviewing, it means a lot and I love to hear your opinions and ideas :)