Disclaimer: Please chapter 1
A/N: Still heavy on the Faberry friendship, but hopefully it will make more sense as the story progresses...
A/N: Still self-edited, so all mistakes are mine and mine alone.
Chapter 2
Quinn's bad mood is excused as a result of hormones, but they all throw Rachel dirty looks for getting Santana and sweet Brittany to join the other two in their bad moods. At least they aren't stupid enough to retaliate against the diva. Everyone speculates that Rachel and Quinn have had their first lover's quarrel. The rumours only serve to darken Rachel's mood even more because they're starting to bother Quinn, which in turn gets Santana in a near murderous spree. No one is safe. Brittany is still cranky so the ditzy blonde isn't there to calm the Latina. Quinn is rivalling Jekyll and Hyde, her mood swings are so violent. After a few more days, the rest finally begin to see a pattern. They need to stop antagonising Quinn because that sets the diva off and vice versa, which results in Santana losing what little patience she has and it causes Brittany to frown and be cranky, thus taking away the only person they know that can keep the Latina's temper somewhat reined in.
While the entire school recovers from a very long week, Will decides to work on artistic expression and stage presence before they decide on a new set list. The girls choose to do a Lady Gaga song because it fits their assignment to a T. Mercedes, still unsure of what that entails, jokingly proposes spying on what Vocal Adrenaline is doing and to her surprise, the other girls agree readily. Mercedes and Tina chicken out when plans are finalised.
They settle on one of the balconies in Carmel's auditorium. They're surprised to see Shelby Corcoran lecturing her kids about theatricality and stage presence. Maybe teachers do share a brain. They're in awe at how easily the woman manages to keep everyone's attention solely on her without constant threats or dramatics. When she asks the kids a question and receives a blank stare as her only answer, Shelby sighs in frustration and decides to show them through example. She tells the pianist there (who happens to be Jesse for the time being) to play the accompaniment for 'funny girl'.
Rachel's eyes widen slightly at the sound of Shelby's voice. She chalks the feeling of déjà vu to the coincidence of both choir directors giving a lecture on the same topic. The familiarity of that voice gnaws at her, but she shakes her head to clear it. They're too far from the stage, so clearly her mind is playing tricks on her. Quinn looks at her strangely.
When Shelby starts to sing, time stands still. Rachel's face shows recognition and shock. Santana can see the diva tense and get up from their hiding place. She sees and hears Brittany trying to stop Rachel from walking out and doing who knows what. She's about to join Brittany when Quinn puts a restraining hand on her arm and motions for the taller blonde to stop as realisation dawns on her as well.
"Don't." Quinn says and it's then that Santana realises how pale Quinn has gotten. Brittany immediately puts one of her arms around Quinn's waist and pulls the girl into a sitting position.
"What the fuck Quinn. Rachel's gonna get us in trouble." Santana hisses.
"You don't understand. She has to do this." Quinn says, eyes never leaving the stage.
"Then explain it to us." Brittany says softly.
Quinn sighs. She looks between the two confused girls and Rachel, who is now approaching the stage.
"Do you girls remember the tape Rachel found with her baby things?" Quinn asks. "Well, we listened to it shortly after you guys left. Inside was a message…" Quinn continues once she sees the nod from both girls.
Quinn explains what she thinks is going on by letting them know the contents of that tape. The other girls stare at her slack-jawed when they find out that Shelby Corcoran, music director of one of their biggest rivals is none other than Rachel's biological mother. Santana has to bite down the familiar surge of jealousy whenever she's faced with Quinn and Rachel's close friendship. It hurts when Rachel chooses Quinn instead of her. The three girls watch helplessly as Rachel speaks the moment Shelby is done singing, and blurts out that she thinks Shelby is her biological mother. Shelby immediately dismisses her kids and the two brunettes sit down tentatively by each other and begin to talk.
One day later, out of the blue, Judy Fabray shows up at the Berry residence in an attempt to repair her dying relationship with Quinn. Although both girls are slightly suspicious, they accept Judy's apology at face value. Quinn wants nothing more than to have at least one of her parents accept her so she gives her mom a chance to make amends. Rachel is wary, but she can't begrudge Quinn's desire to reconnect with her mother. She clamps down on her desire to tell Judy off because really, what kind of woman can just allow her husband to kick her sixteen-year-old pregnant daughter to the streets with nothing more than a small duffle bag worth of possessions? She only fights that urge because she knows it will hurt Quinn. Instead, Rachel settles by letting Judy know in no uncertain terms that she better not blow this chance. The older blonde promises that her feelings are genuine and she has Quinn's best interests at heart this time.
As happy as Quinn is with the turn of events with her mom, she's surprised at her reluctance to move back with the woman. A few months ago, she would have jumped at the chance to return 'home', but after living with Rachel and her fathers for the past couple of months, she feels as if she's leaving behind her home. They eventually agree on time split between the two households until Quinn can feel comfortable again in the Fabray residence. Eventually, they decide to sell the old house because Quinn feels like an outsider. Russell tries to fight it, but can't, since the house was Judy's before they were married. Thank God for prenups.
Rachel now more than ever needs a friend in her life because she has never been so confused. She loves her fathers, but the allure of having her mother in her life is too strong to resist. She wishes more than ever to be able to talk to the girl who has now become her best friend, but keeps it all in because said girl is now dealing with her own issues and needs Rachel's support. Those closest to her can see the diva slowly retreating to herself. It doesn't help that the rest of the Glee is sure it's only a matter of time before Rachel transfers to Carmel. It doesn't matter how much Rachel denies it. They still give her grief. Santana loses it when Will does nothing. She threatens them to within an inch of their lives. They all know it's a promise and for the time being, they back off.
Surprisingly, it's Santana who offers Rachel a shoulder to cry on. Brittany ends up being the support system for Quinn so that Rachel can focus on her issues better. The Latina spends all of her free time with the diva. She makes sure to drive her to and from voice, ballet, and piano classes. "You've only had your license since your birthday and with all the snow, ice and lunatics out there I'm not taking chances." Santana says when Rachel asks why. If Rachel feels sad, Santana is there with a box of Kleenex and an endless supply of movies (all of Rachel's favourites). If anyone at school gives the diva grief, Santana puts the fear of God in them. Soon, hugs, hand holding, and the likes become more and more common. It's sheer torture for Santana. It's everything she has ever wanted. Rachel is as affectionate with her as she is with Quinn and Brittany but it backfires. Every time she feels Rachel's hand, it sets her entire body on fire, no matter how innocent the touch.
Santana still has conflicting feelings towards Quinn. She loves the girl, but she still feels jealousy consume her completely every time she witnesses the familiarity between Quinn and Rachel. It continues to affect their relationship in a negative manner, and once again, the poor schmucks at McKinley end up paying the price. When things start to get really out of hand, Quinn and Brittany confront Santana.
"What gives S? Why are you being a royal bitch again?" Quinn asks frustrated.
"Nothing. What makes you think something is up? And for the record, I haven't been behaving any differently." Santana says.
"You've been walking around the same way you do when Rachel is sad or being picked on. Rachel is happy and no one is brave enough to pick on her now. What's going on San?" Brittany says, seeing past the Latina's indifferent façade.
Santana looks at her childhood friends and at their expectant faces. She feels as if she'll explode if she doesn't say anything. The stress and the feeling that she's completely out of control might start to spill into her Cheerios performances and that is just not acceptable.
"I… I'm not sure how to say this and not have you hate me, Q." Santana says softly.
"Why would I hate you?" Quinn asks confused.
"I… I think I'm in love with Rachel. Actually, scratch that. I know I'm head over heels in love with her." Santana finally admits out loud.
Quinn and Brittany fight the urge to laugh because it's been so obvious. It takes a bit of convincing, but finally Santana believes that there is nothing romantic going on between Rachel and Quinn.
"Why don't you just ask her out?" Quinn asks.
"It's not that simple. I don't know if I can do the relationship bit with her." Santana says, remembering Brittany's words. "I'm afraid it'll ruin our friendship if she says no." Santana admits.
Quinn thinks about her next words carefully. She remembers the conversation where Rachel admits to be harbouring an attraction to the Latina for quite some time. Rachel had admitted that was the real reason why her break up with Jesse didn't really affect her. Quinn wonders how much longer of this silly dance between the two brunettes she can take because they're driving each other miserable and the schmucks the school are paying the price. Not that she really cares about the last part. She just wants her friends to be happy.
What if she's not into girls?" Santana asks.
"You did not just ask that." Quinn says in disbelief.
"What! She was mooning over Frankenteen, had her flings with Puck, and St. Jerkwad. All boys." Santana says, now that she believes Quinn and Rachel were never romantically involved she's convinced Rachel is straighter than the proverbial arrow.
"I can tell you for a fact gender is a non issue with Rachel." Quinn answers cryptically.
"How can you be so sure?" Santana asks.
"Just a feeling. Besides, have you noticed that Rachel hasn't been all that broken up about her failed relationships with them?" Quinn points out; not willing to betray Rachel's confidence, just like she'll never say a thing to Rachel about Santana's feelings unless the Latina says it's ok first. But, there is no rule that says she can't play cupid.
"She's shown no interest in girls before." Santana fires back.
Quinn looks at Santana with disbelief. She reaches over and whacks Santana upside the head.
"What the fuck Q. Just because you're pregnant and I won't hit you doesn't mean you can abuse me like that." Santana grumbles.
"You deserved it." Quinn says rolling her eyes. "That statement makes absolutely no sense. Weren't you just now accusing Rachel and me of being secret lovers?" Quinn adds.
"I'm sure Rachel likes you back. I've seen the way she looks at you, but she won't do anything about it. Rachel's not the kind of girl to do that." Brittany jumps back in the conversation before Santana can say anything. She's tired of her two friends acting like idiots.
"What do you mean?" Santana asks, as she fights the urge to bang her head against a wall. Would it be too much to ask for people to speak without going in circles?
"She's too used to being a girl. She might throw ginormous hints that she likes someone, but in the end, she always waits for them to do something to show her they're worthy. Did you notice that Finn was the only who didn't do anything romantic for Rachel and he's the only one she hasn't dated? Puck and Jesse both sang to her and Jesse even transferred to our school for her." Brittany says with a shrug.
"Rachel never dated Finn because of Quinn." Santana says.
"Not because she likes Quinn like that. She keeps telling him to get lost because he's being mean to Quinn. Rachel doesn't like it when people are mean to her friends. You saw how she was when Jesse called me dumb." Brittany counters.
"She's got you there. When have you ever seen Rachel hit anyone? God knows that the majority of the jocks and Cheerios, ourselves included, deserve a few well placed slaps and kicks, but she's always refrained." Quinn replies, hand on her unborn child. "We know that had Finn not been such a dick, it would have only been a matter of time before they dated. Before he got a chance to do his grand romantic gesture Jesse came into the picture." Quinn adds.
"I know. It's frustrating because you seem to know her so well and I can barely remember that she hates raw tomatoes but will eat them just to be polite. You know what to say to her, and what music to play for her when she's sad or upset. You know her deepest secrets and I don't." Santana says with her eyes closed in the hopes of stopping her tears from falling.
"I've lived under the same roof with her for three months. It was either talk and get to know each other or kill each other. I'm glad we did because I found the best friend anyone can ask for. I can see how most could misconstrue our closeness, but you need to know that neither one of us would lie to you like this." Quinn says seriously.
"Wow. You guys are beginning to sound like one another." Santana mumbles.
"Are you ready to just be with Rachel and only Rachel?" Brittany asks, jumping back in the conversation.
"Rachel is the most high maintenance girl I've ever known, but when she gives her heart, she gives it completely. She'll want to be the centre of your universe. If you're not ready for the type of commitment Rachel wants and needs, then don't start anything." Quinn adds, unknowingly echoing Brittany's warning words.
Santana looks at her childhood friends and thinks long and hard. These are the girls that have always been there for her, no matter what. If she can't trust them, then who can she really? She takes a deep, calming breath and decides to open up.
"I might have thought I was attracted to St. Jerkward and it might have taken me a while to realise I was extremely jealous of St. Jerkwad being with Rachel and not the other way around, but I've been celibate since Thanksgiving." Santana admits. The two blondes look at her surprised.
"Is that when you realised you're in love with Rachel?" Quinn asks, thinking that in retrospect it explains so much of Santana's odd behaviour.
"No. I didn't realise it until the day she asked us about sex. I only realised why I was so jealous because the thought of Rachel being with anyone made me sick to my stomach." Santana admits.
"And you still thought you were attracted to him?" Quinn asks in total shock.
"What? I just thought I was hostile because my subconscious was insulted he wasn't attracted to me." Santana says. "Okay, so I was reaching. I never thought about Rachel in a nice way until after she stood up for B and me during Sectionals." Santana adds once she sees Quinn quirk her eyebrow. "What changed for you? Why did you and Rachel start to work things out?" Santana asks, hoping to deflect some of the attention away from her and at the same time gain some insight on Quinn and Rachel's friendship.
"Rachel never gave up on me. No matter what I did, or how cruel I was, she always found a way to justify it. She was there when no one else was. When she came to me to apologise I couldn't take my own guilt. It was killing me to see her beating herself up over doing something I wouldn't have even hesitated in doing to her. I just had to make amends. I know it seems like there is more between us, but I promise you that I'm not attracted to her, but most importantly, she's not attracted to me. Our relationship is truly platonic. I hate to use the term 'only friends' because there is nothing 'only' about our friendship. I know it sounds cliché, but she really is like a sister to me. We love each other, but we're not in love with each other. Just like I love you, but I'm not in love with you." Quinn says as she looks directly in Santana's eyes, hoping that the Latina can see how sincere she is.
"It feels like no matter what I do; I'll always come in second to you. She trusts you in a way she doesn't trust me." Santana says defeated.
"That trust is mutual and it came from necessity. Believe me when I say that you don't want Rachel to see you the way she sees me. Don't blow it because you're jealous. I know I've lied and cheated a lot so trusting me blindly is hard, but Rachel hasn't given you any reasons to doubt her word. You never lied to me about you and Britt. Don't insult our friendship by thinking we would lie to you about something so important. You know how much Rachel values honesty." Quinn says, hoping that this time her words will get through the Latina's thick head.
"Say I believe you, now what?" Santana says. Quinn knows that this is as close as Santana will ever be to admitting she has been wrong and as close to an apology as she'll ever get.
"You're going to have to pull your head out of your ass and court her. Let her know you're interested romantically and sweep her off her feet before Finn gets a chance to. We know that as dumb and clueless as he is, it's only a matter of time before he figures out that he needs to apologise to me in order for Rachel to give him the time of day again." Quinn adds.
Santana goes out of her way to be even nicer to Rachel. Whenever it is humanly possible, Santana escorts Rachel to and from her classes. She carries Rachel's books. She makes sure to bring her little treats. She takes the diva to lunch off-campus on the days Rachel doesn't bring her own. Santana starts to leave little gifts. Randomly, flowers, treats, and little notes appear in Rachel's locker. There are flash drives filled with Rachel's favourite songs or ones that Santana thinks the diva will like.
Rachel soaks up the attention like bone dry sponge suddenly thrown in a swimming pool. Her heart fills with hope that maybe her attraction is returned. She is flattered by the attention and the fact that Santana doesn't shy away from giving her compliments in front of not only the Glee Club, but also the entire school. Santana finally gets the courage to ask Rachel to go on a date the Friday after Valentine's Day. Santana takes Rachel to Columbus to see Rent's taped final performance on Broadway in a movie theatre, and then takes her to dinner to a cozy Italian restaurant.
"How did you know about Rent?" Rachel asks with a shy smile as they eat their dinner.
"My cousin Yolanda works for the company that was in charge of promoting it. She mentioned it in passing once she found out I'm in Glee." Santana replies blushing crimson.
Rachel thinks the Latina looks adorable like that and it takes a lot of self-restrain to not press her lips to the other girl's. Instead, Rachel settles for a light peck on the cheek. It causes both of them to blush and smile shyly at each other.
They talk about their respective families and their dreams. Rachel goes on to explain her relationship with Quinn because she needs to make sure the Latina knows that there is nothing romantic between them. It's all very similar to what Quinn has already said, but it's nice to hear the confirmation from Rachel. Santana comes clean about her relationship with Brittany and assures Rachel that they haven't been intimate with each other since Thanksgiving. Santana goes as far as telling Rachel she hasn't really hooked up with anyone since then. They share the best tiramisu under the planet, and then make their way back to Lima. The drive back is spent playfully arguing about music, mostly what they should listen. It still throws Santana for a loop that Rachel listens to more than just show tunes. When she mentions that, Rachel reminds her yet again that they are after all a show choir, so of course she'll push for as many show tunes as possible for performances. No matter what they can do with more contemporary songs, Rachel is convinced that there are some songs from musical theatre that truly requires more than just a pretty voice.
When they pull up to the Berrys' driveway, Santana is unusually nervous. The times she's gone out with Puck had always been formalities that led to sex right away. She knows that with Rachel, sex is the farthest thing that will happen, and oddly enough, she's all right with that. She quickly gets out of the car, runs to open the passenger side door for Rachel offering the tiny diva her hand, and helps her out of the car. They walk hand in hand to Rachel's front door and are happy to see that they have a whole twenty minutes before Rachel's curfew of midnight.
Rachel stops by the door and looks up at Santana with the sweetest smile the Latina has ever seen.
"You look absolutely stunning. The moonlight makes you look like a goddess." Santana says softly.
"Thank you Santana. You look amazing as well. Thank you for a lovely evening. This has been the best first date I've ever been to." Rachel says shyly.
Santana hesitates slightly, but the sight of plump lips upturned into a small smile is too tempting and she prays that she's not moving too fast. She cradles Rachel's face and leans in and slightly down to brush her lips tentatively over Rachel's. She nearly lets out a whoop of joy when she feels small hands encircling her neck. Santana immediately lowers her hand, and her arms immediately wrap around Rachel's waist as they deepen the kiss ever so slightly. She pulls away before things get out of hand. This is, after all, their first official date. She doesn't want to seem too pushy. She nearly melts into a puddle of goo at the slight pout she sees on Rachel. She quickly leans in and pecks the diva's lips.
"I think you better go in before your dads come out looking for you." Santana says softly, trying to slow her heart.
"Okay. I'm surprised they're not hovering by the door." Rachel replies with a silly grin plastered on her face. She places one final kiss on Santana's lips before she opens and steps in after she waves lightly.
Santana waves back, a silly grin plastered on her face as well.
The following day, Santana shows up to drive Rachel to all her different classes because the Latina has a really hard time being away from the tiny diva. The remainder of the day is spent hang out with Quinn and Brittany. They talk and do homework. It seems that no matter what, their teachers are too sadistic to give them a weekend with no homework.
Santana has her first dinner at the Berrys as Rachel's girlfriend on Sunday. Michael and Daniel do the standard 'you break my little girl's heart and I'll hunt you down with an axe' bit much to Rachel's mortification. Santana smiles reassuringly at Rachel before she promises that she would do her best to not break Rachel's heart on purpose. They smile approvingly because the girl is realistic enough to make sure her promise is one she can keep. Rachel smiles adoringly at Santana.
When they arrive to school on Monday, Santana does her customary opening of the car door for Rachel. She goes as far as to grab the smaller girl's messenger bag before she takes the diva's hand and laces their fingers together.
"I told you I'm not ashamed of you. The lemmings can jump in front of a moving truck for all I care. I will never deny us." Santana says when she notices the slight look of apprehension on Rachel's face.
Everyone's eyes bulge out of their sockets when they see the obvious change in Rachel and Santana's relationship. They all speculate that the diva didn't want to deal with a pregnant teen and traded up. Rachel goes on a rampage when the rumours reach Quinn's ears and she sees the stricken look on the blonde's face. Rachel knows it's not the rumours, but the fact that they imply Quinn is not good enough to hold on to that upsets the blonde. Her mood sours at that and once again, the general population of McKinley is reminded that an upset diva means an upset Santana. It doesn't help that Santana herself is fed up of all the rumours involving her girlfriend and one of her best friends. She manages to cause enough damage that the rumours stop. At the very least, they're not repeated anywhere in the vicinity of them. They wonder what changed for Rachel to care about those rumours now. Unfortunately, no one is brave enough to ask. By the end of the day, it's official. Rachel and Santana are dating.
The rest of the Gleeks stare open mouthed when Rachel and Santana walk in the music room hand in hand trailed by a pair of laughing blondes. They make the mistake of speaking loud enough for Rachel to hear when they're speculating that Rachel must have broken things off with Quinn because the former Head Cheerio is probably too frigid and too ashamed to be in an open romantic relationship with the diva. Santana sees the reaction on both her friends and the rest of the gleeks know just how lucky they are that Rachel manages to calm Santana enough that all they receive is a thorough verbal evisceration.
No one is really surprised when the ones who took place in that little gossip fest suffer a deluge of slushies the follow day.
Everyone is surprised at how protective Santana is of Rachel. It was common knowledge that no one picked on Brittany because they would suffer Santana's wrath, but compared to her protective streak with the diva, Santana's behaviour when defending Brittany seems almost laid back.
Santana is a nervous wreck when Rachel has her first dinner at the López-Aragón household as her official girlfriend the following weekend. The diva has been there countless of times since they have become friends, but it's always been with the buffer of the two blondes and the knowledge that it was 'only' friendship. Santana finally understands Quinn disdain for the term 'only friends' because even before they were romantically involved, Rachel was more than 'just' a friend. Santana also understands why Rachel was nervous when it was her turn to have dinner with the Berrys as Rachel's girlfriend. Of course, she keeps saying that her nervousness is justified because unlike Rachel's parents, Santana's parents are insane and have no filter (well, mostly her mom and grandmother). She keeps repeating to herself that they like Rachel and things shouldn't really change now that they're officially dating.
Rachel nearly chokes on a cherry tomato when Sara (Santana's grandmother) asks her if they're being safe about sex and if Santana is being a 'gentleman' about it. When Santana says something about her girlfriend almost choking to death, she's reminded that her dad is a doctor and should have had no problem performing the Heimlich before anything happened. Rachel finally manages to recover her breath, and after receiving encouraging smiles from Sara and Victoria (Santana's mom) assures them she's still a virgin and has no plans of engaging in anything like that until she feels ready. She's forever grateful her younger brother begged to be not present, and is at a friend's house.
Santana can't believe her girlfriend is that blunt with her family. Then again, it really shouldn't surprise this much, since they had a similar talk with Michael and Daniel. The big difference of course being that they didn't spring this on her during dinner. They saved the talk until after dessert. She nearly drops to her knees to thank God because her dad finally manages to steer the conversation to safer and tamer topics.
Eventually, Finn makes an effort to apologise to Quinn and goes as far as to be cloyingly sweet to the blonde. Even a blind person can see that he's doing this in the hopes of gaining Rachel's forgiveness. Unfortunately for him, the diva only has eyes for Santana. She pretty much ignores him after letting him know in no uncertain terms that even though she's happy he has seen the error of his way in regards to Quinn, there will be no future for them romantically because she is in love with Santana. It doesn't go well. He says a few things that results in a black eye, a broken nose, two bruised ribs, and a busted lip for Finn, and Santana nearly getting suspended for fighting. Only Sue's interference stops it, but as a result, Santana has to stay after school for detention on days she has no extracurricular activities for two weeks. She gladly takes the punishment and Rachel, who usually disapproves of violence, can't help but stare adoringly at Santana as if she hung the moon on the night time sky. No one has defended her like that in the past.
The constant stress of dealing with rumours involving Rachel and Quinn starts putting a strain in their relationship again. No matter how close Quinn and Brittany are getting, when the chips are down and Quinn needs someone, she goes to Rachel first. It doesn't help that the second Rachel notices there is something wrong with the shorter blonde; she drops everything in order to offer her support. It starts innocent enough. Santana and Brittany are busy with a last minute after school Cheerio practice. Quinn has an encounter with Karofsky that leaves her in tears. Rachel finds her sitting alone in choir room crying silently only because she forgot a copy of her sheet music and she didn't feel like printing a new one.
"Quinnie, what happened? Who do I need to sic Santana on?" Rachel asks, a small smile appearing to match the one on Quinn's face once the last sentence is uttered.
"I'm just being hormonal." Quinn mumbles.
"No you're not. You being hormonal is snapping Noah's head off because he took the last BLT chicken Caesar in the cafeteria just before you could grab it. It could be you telling Mercedes or Kurt to stuff it because they're discussing the latest fashion trends while taking shots at my wardrobe and you're sick of that, or even you telling Mike to shove it because he makes a comment about your dancing skills and wishes you have the ability to turn and spin without getting nauseous. You crying here when you should be meeting me in the gym to watch Santana and Brittany's practice is you being upset about something or someone. My guess is the latter. Please tell me what happened." Rachel says gently as she grabs one of Quinn's hands and laces them together. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up and then you can fill me and then we can have Santana put the fear of God in whoever did this." Rachel adds as she pulls the girl to a standing position.
Quinn nods and gives Rachel a watery smile as they make their way to the nearest washroom. They walk in companionable silence to the gym, still holding hands.
Once they get settle on the bleachers, Quinn tells Rachel of her encounter with Karofsky.
Rachel listens and does her best to give Quinn nothing but support and kind words. It helps when she compares his childish behaviour with Finn's, making Quinn giggle. She promises Quinn some much needed 'best friends' time and the two makes plans for a movie marathon.
"Thanks Rachie. You always know just what to do and say to make me feel better." Quinn says sincerely as she brings their joined hands and places a kiss on Rachel's fingers before she lays her head on the diva's shoulder, looking happy and relaxed.
Santana can't help but stare as Rachel holds Quinn's hand and listens intently to whatever the blonde is telling her Rachel. She can't help but wonder what is going on when she sees the look of pure loathing that appears on her girlfriend's face. She then sees Quinn face shift from sad to happy and she nearly knocks down the Cheerio closest to her when she sees Quinn kiss Rachel's fingers. The first twinges of her jealousy make their reappearance, but she manages to push them down. It's only Sue's yelling through the megaphone that draws everyone's attention back to their practice.
Santana's blood starts to boil once she hears some of the stupider Cheerios begin to gossip about Rachel and Quinn. The only reason those girls remain healthy enough to stay on the squad is because they're close to competition and Sue would kill Santana if she maimed anyone on the squad.
"If it bothers you seeing Rachel and Quinn like that, talk to them." Brittany says in a soft voice once they're alone.
"I'm fine. It just took me by surprise. I know she loves me." Santana manages to reply in what she hopes is an even and sincere voice.
Brittany doesn't look very convinced, but lets it go for now. She will say something if Santana starts to act like a dumb bunny again.
Santana knows she needs to talk to Rachel, but she doesn't want to start a fight and ruin things because of her jealousy. She remembers only too well how the jealous boyfriend bit worked for Jesse. She decides to clamp down on her jealousy and hope for the best.
Rachel gives her a happy smile and leaps to her feet to greet the Latina. Santana for her part, wraps her arms around the diva's waist and gives her a soul scorching kiss that's passionate, loving, but above all, possessive.
Rachel doesn't notice the very slight change in the Latina's demeanour. She melts in Santana's embrace and returns the kiss with everything that is in her.
Brittany thinks everything is ok, and hopes that the kiss must mean that Santana really is okay with Rachel's friendship with Quinn.
Quinn, for once is oblivious to everything else. She is still reeling from her encounter with Karofsky. She is eternally grateful she still can count on Rachel when the chips are down.
The four girls make it to the Berry household to hang out. If anyone notices how much more possessive Santana is acting towards Rachel, no one says a thing. They chalk it up to the fact that Wednesdays are usually rough on the couple because they don't have a single shared class.
Soon after, things start to go downhill. Rumours of Rachel's infidelity, and how Santana is whipped start circulating the hallways. It doesn't help that Finn is always trying to play the concerned friend. This time, it's Quinn that nearly rips his head off and he reluctantly backs down. Santana of course, feels slighted because she feels it should have been her duty as Rachel's girlfriend to tell Finn to back off. Her jealousy and anger only fester more when she is reminded that if she gets caught fighting again, not even Sue will be able to keep her from getting suspended.
As Quinn's pregnancy progresses, the blonde's demeanour gets increasingly darker. Rachel of course knows that it is from the stress and sadness of having to pick out a family that will adopt the little girl she's falling in love with more and more with each passing day. It's only Rachel's insight and understanding that makes things more bearable for Quinn. The diva has shared her own experiences with Shelby. They vow not to make the same mistakes Rachel's dads and Shelby made when they signed the contract that forbade contact between Rachel and Shelby until Rachel's eighteenth birthday.
Santana grudgingly accepts that Rachel is the only one who can understand what Quinn is going through. She does her best to bury her jealousy when Quinn and Rachel go to visit Shelby to talk. It doesn't help that both girls are the go to choices to the other when it comes to talking about their respective relationships with their mothers. Rachel says that it's something else she and Quinn have in common. Rachel slowly notices how things are changing with Santana as the Latina is having more trouble hiding her jealous fits. Every time Rachel wishes to address the situation, Santana dismisses it and claims that Rachel is just being paranoid. Calling the diva a drama queen doesn't help at all.
A few days later, a beautiful white, red, and purple orchid appears inside Rachel's locker with a note stating 'I'm an idiot. I'm sorry.' Rachel smiles and goes to find her girlfriend. The kiss they share could be attributed as a cause for global warming. When they part, a happy and dazed Rachel skips to class.
Rachel's phone chirps with a text message as she tries to make it to the music room. She smiles thinking Santana somehow found a way to send her something in the middle of this emergency meeting with Sue. The smile in her face turns into a frown of confusion once she sees it's from Jesse.
Meet me in the parking lot by your car please. Wish to apologise for being a dick. – J
Frowning, she considers telling him to get lost. Then she thinks about how hypocritical it is of her when she has given others a chance to make amends. She is slightly suspicious and gets this odd feeling of foreboding, but she pushes them aside, telling herself it's nothing more than her paranoia and pulls out her phone to send a reply.
Sure, but why don't you come to the music room instead? I'm on my way there. – R
Rachel shoves the phone back in her messenger bag and continues to walk when the phone chirps again. 'Now what?' She thinks as she pulls it out.
Rather not. Everyone hates me 'cause I just upped and left. Rather meet in neutral ground. – J
She supposes it makes sense, considering how no one really liked or trusted Jesse when they were together or when he was a student at McKinley.
You have a point. Be there in 5. – R
With a sigh, she turns and heads the opposite direction.
"Hello Jesse." Rachel says to Jesse's back, making him turn around.
"Rachel. I hear through the grapevine that you dumped the beached whale and you're now moved down to the school tramp." Jesse says in a way of greeting.
Rachel immediately sees red and launches to attack him, but instead of slapping him, which Jesse is expecting, she knees him in the groin, hard.
"I really misjudged you. You're lucky I dislike violence." Rachel says angry. "You're pathetic." She adds as she starts to turn around.
"You made a fool out of me by lying and cheating. I even switched schools for you." Jesse manages to wheeze out through the pain.
"I never cheated. It's not my fault you're paranoid and plagued by delusions." Rachel says turning around once again.
"Now." Jesse says as he finally manages to prop himself to a sitting position against Rachel's Mini.
Rachel's brows furrow in confusion, which then turns to fear when a group of Jesse's teammates surround her.
"Only you'd be stupid and naïve enough to think I'd ever lower my standards again and apologise to a freak like you." Jesse sneers once he's helped to his feet by one of his teammates. "You made a fool out of me. We were the perfect couple. We're both talented, and even though you have a tendency to be overly dramatic, we would have been Broadway royalty. Without me, you'll be nothing more than a wannabe like the rest." He adds as he finally manages to ignore the pain still radiating through him and the urge to vomit by doing so.
"You really didn't think we'd just let you make a fool of our leader and let you get away with it, did you?" A black girl sneers in Rachel's direction. "Come on Jesse. You got first dibs." The girl adds with a nasty glint in her eyes.
Next thing Rachel knows, she's being pelted with eggs.
"Get used to this feeling. You're a loser, because that's all you'll ever be." Jesse sneers, leaving behind an egg covered Rachel.
Rachel manages to clean her hands and pull out her iPhone. She sends a quick message to Santana and Quinn, asking them to meet her by her car and to please bring a towel or two. She then slides to a sitting position against her Mini and lets her tears fall.
Santana feels her phone vibrate and hears it chirping with an incoming text as she makes her way to the music room. A chill runs down her spine at the words she sees there. She sprints as fast as she can to the parking lot to meet Rachel, wondering who she has to kill because Rachel would only request a towel if something bad happened.
When she makes it to the parking lot, the sight of Quinn holding on to Rachel hits her like a tonne of bricks. She pushes down the familiar burn of her jealousy once she realises Rachel is actually sobbing in Quinn's arms. Then, as she gets closer she notices Rachel is covered in goop. Upon closer examination, she realises someone had the audacity to cover her girl with eggs.
"What the fuck happened?" Santana says through gritted teeth and clenched fists.
"Baby." Rachel exclaims as she extricates herself from Quinn's arms and launches herself so she's now holding on to Santana's waist in a vice grip. The sobbing starts again as Santana's arms slip to pull the diva impossibly closer. The only reason she's not on a rampage trying to find the culprit is the broken girl in her arms.
Once Rachel manages to calm down, they make their way to the Cheerios locker room.
"Quinn, could you please grab my spare set of sweats and t-shirt from my locker while I help Rachel clean up?" Santana manages to say in an even tone. She manages to push her jealousy down for the time being. Rachel is the only one that matters now. God help the losers who did this to her girl.
Quinn nods and in a flash is back with the requested items. She sets them down on the bench and sits down while she waits for Rachel and Santana to join them. She sends a text to let Brittany know where they are.
Brittany arrives just as Santana guides Rachel to the bench and they silently wait as Rachel gets dressed in Santana's clothing.
"What happened Mi Cielo? Who did this to you?" Santana asks softly, making a superhuman effort to keep her voice gentle.
Rachel looks up at the girls around her. She burrows herself into Santana's embrace and takes a deep breath as she savours the feeling of safety she gets whenever she's in her Latina's arms.
"It all started with this text I got from Jesse…" Rachel eventually manages to tell them what happened, surprisingly without crying.
"I'm going to fucking kill them and make it hurt." Santana says through clenched teeth in a voice so cold it sends a shiver down Rachel's spine.
"Please don't do anything rash. Right now, all I need is for you to hold me and make me feel safe again." Rachel pleads as they make their way to the music room. They're already a half hour late but they're surprised when they see that everyone is still there.
All eyes turn to the four girls walking in. Any and all complaints die when they get a good look at Rachel's demeanour and Santana's fury. Quinn and Brittany fill the rest in. It's only Will's threats of suspension, expulsion, and a possible criminal charge that stop Santana and Puck. Santana is ready to go after Will when he suggests they sing a funk number in order to show their superiority. Only the girl on her lap with her face burrowed in the crook of her neck stops her.
"That's so fucking lame, Preciosa, you can't just expect me to sit on my ass and do nothing to defend your honour after St. Jerkwad and his cronies did that to you." Santana seethes.
"You can't beat them up. That'll get you arrested. There are much more satisfying ways to exact revenge and not get caught. They'll know it's us, but they'll never be able to prove it. You give them a beating, there are pesky things like eyewitnesses and heaven forbid, physical evidence if any of them fight back. What I have in mind, will be just as satisfying." Quinn says with an evil glint in her eyes. "Rachie, give it up. I agree with Santana. They deserve to be punished with something more than a stupid song." She adds once she sees the look on the diva's face.
"Fine, but no violence and nothing that will hurt them. I just want them humiliated." Rachel admits softly, surprising even herself with that statement.
Somehow, those involved in the egging incident find their cars filled to the brim with the sludge from the local sewage treatment plant mixed with cow manure. Then mysteriously, they all suffer a bout of what seems like food poisoning. Days later, their hair products are spiked with hair removal gel. Their underwear seems to be laced with itching powder. Nude photos and videos of them in compromising positions are leaked and uploaded on Youtube. The only reason Santana and Quinn aren't facing any criminal charges after Vocal Adrenaline's mysterious mishaps is because no one has proof. Everyone from New Directions has solid alibis.
When Shelby finds out it was Jesse's idea to humiliate Rachel and get revenge while at the same time put their competition in a funk, she withdraws any help she had promised Jesse to give him a leg up on the full-ride scholarship to NYU. If he wishes to study in New York, he's on his own. She calls her contacts in NYU and other prominent New York universities known for their music and theatre programs and gives them a clear image of the kind of student they would get. In the end, that's the worst kind of punishment and he has to settle for going to UCLA, his sixth choice. The only reason she hasn't quit as their vocal coach is because she is under contract until the end of the school year.
Things reach their breaking point when Russell Fabray pays Quinn a visit and absolutely rips the young girl apart. There are accusations and threats flying everywhere and he only leaves because Rachel calls the police and he is escorted out of in handcuffs.
Rachel automatically opens her arms to give a sobbing Quinn all the support she can. Quinn clings on to Rachel for dear life. Santana walks in just as Rachel is finishing cleaning Quinn's face.
It kills Santana to see the tenderness of Rachel's touch directed to someone else that isn't her. It feels horrible when she sees how Quinn craves and seeks Rachel's support and tender caresses, so much so that Santana just storms out of the house. Rachel staying behind for Quinn and not running after the Latina fuels Santana's jealousy to the breaking point. It doesn't help that the next day Quinn is still clinging to Rachel or that Brittany isn't taking her side, going as far as to say that Quinn really needs all the support she can get.
Rachel finally manages to corner Santana in an empty classroom after school lets out.
"What's going on Santana? You've been ignoring me all day." Rachel manages to ask calmly.
"Where is your shadow? Is it killing you that for once I'm not the one chasing after you?" Santana fires back. She feels like shit once she notices how Rachel recoils at that.
"Is this about my friendship with Quinn?" Rachel asks incredulously.
"Duh! You need to be careful there, Rachel. It seems that you're hanging with her so much that you're having your own blonde moments." Santana continues, unable to stop herself.
Rachel is getting really tired of this destructive loop they find themselves in. Why can't Santana just trust her the way she trusts the Latina's friendship with Brittany.
"Why can't you understand how I feel? No matter what I do, it will never be enough to make up for what I did to her!" Rachel says with her voice raised for the first time ever. It shocks both girls. Santana deflates at that because she's not used to being on the receiving end of Rachel's anger.
"Then explain it to me again, because I really don't." Santana all but begs. She knows the girl in front of her loves her. She just doesn't understand why Rachel has this bond with the girl who used to be one of her best friends. "I get that you feel guilty you blabbed about the baby, but you've made things better. Compared to the years of torture we've put you through, that was nothing." Santana adds.
"You're wrong. What I did was so much worse. I'm surprised Quinn has forgiven me. I don't know how she could, when I look at myself and I see this monster. Just trust me please." Rachel says looking down at her feet in shame.
Santana stares dumbfounded at the girl in front of her. "I trust you. I don't trust her. She cheated before, and I see how she looks at you from time to time. There is so much regret." Santana forces out. She's not used to being this open with anyone, and it's killing her to be this vulnerable.
"Quinn's regret is from the way she treated me in the past. She might have cheated but I'm not an innocent party. I went after someone who was taken. I didn't let up even after I found out she was pregnant and I thought Finn was the baby's father. When I discovered the truth, I didn't hesitate in telling Finn just so I could break them up. I never thought of the consequences of my actions. I left her homeless because I needed to win at something. I knew he was going to kick her out and I didn't care. I didn't care that my actions not only affected Quinn, but an innocent life that did not ask to be involved in that mess. Whatever you or Quinn did to me pales in comparison because other than make my life more difficult, it never left me homeless and it never affected anyone directly other than me. No matter what I went through as a direct result of Quinn's actions, I had no right to ruin her life the way I did. I knew what I was doing. I knew what would happen and I still went through with it. That's inexcusable.
"I love you Santana, but I can't go through another relationship where I'm not trusted. I could somewhat understand Jesse's mistrust because he didn't see the relationship between Quinn and I grow from nothing to what it is today. You've been part of it from the beginning. I've told you time and time again that Quinn is like a sister. I've given you no reason to think I'm lying. I've given no indication I want something romantic with Quinn, and you still think we're lying. I cannot be with someone who doesn't trust me. No matter how much I love you, without trust, our relationship will never survive. I'm sorry things have come to this." Rachel says with tears streaming down her face. She reaches over and places a soft kiss on Santana's cheek before she turns around and walks away.
Santana stares, unable to believe that she has just been dumped.
Rachel manages to stem the flow of tears and she quietly exits the empty classroom. She doesn't even bother going to the choir room to tell the others she is skipping. She goes to her locker and starts to pack her things. She does her best to keep the tears at bay. She has never cried in the halls of William McKinley High School and she's not about to start today, no matter how heartbroken she is. She pulls out her iPhone and sends Quinn a text after she slams her locker door shut.
Skipping Glee. Change of plans also. May I stay at your place this weekend instead? – R
Rachel stares at the screen of her iPhone and is glad that she won't have to spend the entire weekend on her own.
Quinn's phone chirps as she makes her way to the music room. She scrunches her eyebrows in confusion because Rachel was supposed to be staying with Santana over the weekend. She immediately fires back a reply.
Silly Question. Of course you can stay at my place. Where are you? - Q
"Crap!" Quinn mutters as she starts to pace the hallway, waiting for a reply.
About to head home and pack. I'll see you later. – R.
Quinn reads the message and goes through her contact list and hits 'connect' the second she finds her mom's number.
"Mom, change of plans. Rach will be staying over the weekend… I know, but I think she and Santana broke up… I know… I'm on my way to get her. We should be back in a few… Love you too Mom." Quinn says and hits disconnect button as she shoves her phone in her pocket. She runs in to the choir room and whispers to Brittany that she might want to head over to Santana's before she turns around and storms out of the room.
"Where are you going Quinn? Practice is about to start." Will asks to the retreating figure of Quinn's back.
"Something came up. Sorry Mr. Schue." Quinn calls back without bothering to turn around or even slow down.
She's gone before Will can manage to say or ask anything else. He is even more confused when Brittany leaves without uttering a single word. The only reason the others haven't exploded in a gossip fest is because Will makes sure they do some actual rehearsing, even if they're missing a third of their group.
TBC...
A/N: The last Rent performance that was played on a movie theatre actually happened around 2008, but I tweaked the date so that I could use it for this story... I thought it would make a great first date afor Rachel... Also, I have no clue if events like that actually happen in Ohio, but they do in my neck of the woods... I'm only making a note at the end, because I didn't want to spoil anything for anyone...
