Warnings: I don't own Glee or any of the characters or any of the songs I may use. This will include lesbian sex, maybe some hetero but it's not likely. Possibly Finn bashing, I'm not entirely sure how yet, but I'll try to find a way, might even toss in some Jesse bashing. Maybe some triggers but I don't want to give anything away. Angst. I haven't done much research yet so all mistakes are my own.

Santana was infuriating! Scoffing at the movies I put on, commenting on every song, and dissecting every scene. The worst thing was that everything was followed by that damn smirk. At one point I even tried ignoring her, not sparing a glance as I focused on the screen. It only lasted so long before she wanted my attention again, actually it seemed like she needed it. As I thought about it, she did sort of need a little bit of it, and the fingertips inching up my leg didn't weren't entirely unwelcome. I really didn't see myself finishing the movie.

"Santana," I called, watching as she drew invisible patterns just above my knee.

She nodded, letting me know she was paying attention.

"You," I thought of a way to phrase my question, "Speak sign language, right?"

She smiled and bobbed her head in the affirmative, looking up, "Yeah."

"Can you show me something?" I was a bit excited.

"What do you want to see?"

"Um," I was thoughtful for a moment before asking, "What would my name look like?"

She held up the hand that had been on my leg and she showed three quick motions.

"Wait, those were letters?" I wondered, sitting up to take her hand, turning and examining it as she nodded, "But there were only three."

She laughed and showed me again, mouthing the letters, "R. A. E."

I ignored my burning cheeks and brought my own hand up mimicking the gestures. The A and E just looked like fists to me so Santana adjusted my thumb for the different letters. "As I'm sure you've noticed," I pointed out resisting the urge to cheer as I got it all right, "There are more letters in my name. Do you plan on showing me the rest?"

She laughed and shook her head, "Probably not."

I only glared at her for a moment before asking, "Will you show me more?"

"Like what?" She wondered and then shook her head, "Do you like poetry?"

"Poetry? I suppose."

"Can you get me some paper?" She asked, miming writing for a moment.

I nodded and got up, going to my room to grab a notepad and pen.

She took them gratefully and began scribbling, I tried peaking but I couldn't see past the hand gliding smoothly across the paper or the one clutching the notepad. For a moment, the only sounds in the room were the long-forgotten movie and the scratching of the pen over the paper.

Finally, she handed me the notepad, and as I read it over I couldn't help but feel like I was back in high school English class. "Did you write this?"

She shook her head and reached to write Neruda just beneath it. She moved to face me and I glanced up from the paper as she started.

Tell me, is the rose naked
Or is that her only dress?

Why do trees conceal
The splendor of their roots?

Who hears the regrets
Of the thieving automobile?

Is there anything in the world sadder
Than a train standing in the rain?

I don't quite know how to describe watching Santana sign. I'd seen signing before in the odd movie or during a speech but I'd never truly paid it much mind. I found my attention flitting between the formations of her lips and the motions of her hands. Her lips hinted at that smirk that I was developing a very tumultuous relationship with while her hands danced before her, recreating the work on the paper I'd already forgotten in my hand; twisted fingers brushing her cheeks, the splay of fingers past her torso, or the circle of her fist on her chest. I honestly couldn't discern one word from the next and I'd long since stopped following the poem. For all I knew she could have been insulting me but I didn't care.

"That's amazing," I took her hands, studying them as if I could see the words printed there.

She shrugged.

"So, do you just memorize random poems?"

"Can you teach me how to sign?"

"Was that word for word?"

"What was that one thing?" I wondered, trying to copy one of her gestures as I rambled off questions.

She finally drew my face between her hands, "Calm down."

I nodded, grasping her wrists lightly as I silenced, watching her lips intently for answers.

She let me go, opting to scribble on the back of the poem, "When I was learning how to sign someone recommended I try memorizing little poems or songs. My Papi would bring me books of poetry. He especially liked Pablo Neruda."

I looked back to her as I finished reading, "When did you start learning?"

She was thoughtful before answering uncertainly, "Eight or nine."

My brow knit together in confusion as I thought about that, "How did you communicate before that?"

She didn't seem pleased with the path the conversation had taken; in fact, she looked nervous but mouthed, "I spoke."

I had to bite my cheek to hold back the urge to ask more. Questions flooded my mind and I looked away for a moment before I found a more suitable one, "Can you teach me how to sign?"

She still looked uncertain but nodded, bringing my hands up as she began showing me the alphabet.

Santana tried to show me a bit more. I could successfully introduce myself as Rechal Barry by the time she had to leave. She assured me she only had to get to the bar so she could get her bike home. I had to settle back into the silence of my home once more. The movie had long since ended so I turned off the television, uninterested in finishing. Instead, I picked up the notepad with pages of Santana's ramblings. I smiled over them and stopped when I got back to the poem, tearing it out and dropping it on my desk next to my computer.

}{

"Please tell me you guys did something interesting," Shay pleaded as she came home and found me reading.

"We watched movies and she taught me some sign language."

"Sign language?" She repeated but shook her head, "How have you not gotten all up on that yet?"

I glared at her before closing my book, "I've refrained from "Getting all up on that," by acting like an adult."

"Adults have sex," she scoffed.

"Adults have conversations, make friends, and cultivate relationships," I challenged.

"When they aren't having fast dirty sex with people they'll most likely never see again."

I shook my head and did my best to manage the look of disgust on my face before admitting, "Well, I'd like to see Santana again."

I regretted it as that knowing grin spread across her face.

"What?" I demanded.

She shook her head and came up to me, pinching my cheeks, "Rachie's got a crush!"

I scowled and pushed her hands away from my face, "Stop, I just happen to enjoy her company and-"

"Want her. Admit it Rach, you want her," Shay teased.

"Don't say it like that," I groaned.

"Whatever Rachie," she patted my cheek, "Just make sure you put out before she gets bored."

I gaped at her as she walked toward her room, mumbling something about not knowing when I would even use sign language.

It occurred to me that Shay'd never actually spoken to Santana, not really even the night before. I wasn't even sure if or how I should tell her.

}{

It was a couple of days before I heard from Santana again. I was in the middle of picking up my room when my phone buzzed. I grabbed it and read, unable to restrain a smile.

Santana: Do you like comic books?

Rachel: I've never been particularly interested in them. Why?

Santana: Because your place is on my way to the comic shop I'm going to.

Santana: Do you want to come?

Rachel: I could give it a shot.

Santana: Be downstairs in fifteen.

Fifteen minutes did not feel like enough time. I rushed to shower, fix my hair, and get dressed. IF I'm really honest, most of that time was put toward picking an outfit. I really wasn't sure what was appropriate for a comic shop so I settled on a yellow tunic, black tights, and a matching headband to manage my hair. It didn't really occur to me that my outfit might be fine for visiting a comic book shop but not as well suited to riding a motorcycle, so it wasn't too hard to figure out why Santana's shoulders were shaking and her head dropped, even if I couldn't see her face beneath the helmet. I hurried onto the bike since she wasn't actually parked, just idling on the empty street. I enjoyed the ride, although I had to wonder if there was any way to ride without worrying about your hair.

Honestly, Santana didn't strike me as the type to be interested in comic books but I could have said the same for poetry. When she parked up the street from the shop she said I'd understand when we got inside. She also asked if I'd be skipping the leggings and just going for a mini-skirt next time. I resisted the urge to smack the smirk off of her face. Her outfit seemed more suitable; jeans, a white t-shirt, and a dark vest that didn't quite reach her waist. She even let her hair down from her messy bun, running her fingers through it until it was suitably mussed up.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I walked into the shop. Some teenagers were standing by a shelf, circling a book one of them had in hand. A couple stood at another, arguing about some sort of board game. Two grown men held a DVD in hand as they discussed it while the woman standing between them rolled her eyes. It took a moment for me to figure out why we were there but it made itself pretty obvious as I spotted Sam and Puck fighting over a plastic toy with a bat design on it. Quinn was leaning against the counter, trying to ignore them as she read the comic in her hand. They didn't seem to notice us, at least, not until they toy slipped from both boys hands and came hurdling toward us.

I covered my face quickly so I didn't actually see what made the clattering noise at my feet.

"Oh shit," Puck groaned.

"Sorry," Sam called.

When I uncovered my face Quinn was restraining laughter.

Puck was holding up his hands defensively as he shook his head, "It was Sam's fault; he wasn't letting me play with my Batarang."

They toy remained on the floor as I watched.

Santana moved to grab the front of the boy's shirt.

"He wanted to throw it around the store," Sam exclaimed.

She glared between the boys before letting Puck go and muttering something I couldn't see.

"You're never in a good mood," Puck complained as he straightened his shirt.

"Are you two done scaring San's friend or would you like to break out with the light sabers?" Quinn mumbled, closing the comic and putting it on the counter, she thought better as they looked between each other, "No."

"Hello," I finally greeted as I picked up the toy, "That's probably not enough to scare me off."

"Just wait," the blonde girl rolled her eyes.

I looked to Santana amused as she pocketed the toy.

"Want to look?" She asked, gesturing to the store.

I looked around quickly, "Sure."

She waved Quinn forward while the boys found something else to bicker about. We stopped by a shelf of comic book adaptations of plays, novels, and other literature.

Quinn fingered through some before pulling out a very colorful copy of Alice in Wonderland.

"So, do you guys come here often?"

Santana made a so-so motion before running her fingers along the spines of some of the thicker books.

"Sam works here so we stop by," she slipped the book under her arm; "We're going to lunch during his break."

Santana nodded before pulling a book out partially to show Quinn. She was asking something but I couldn't see.

"Yeah, I think I have it," the blonde nodded.

Santana pulled it completely out to look it over.

"It's alright, you might like it, how's the artwork?"

Santana held it up, obviously still speaking.

Quinn seemed to notice my stare as she nodded to me.

Santana apologized and urged me forward, showing me the book.

"She was asking if it was any good," the blonde explained.

I blushed and nodded, giving the book back, "Oh."

"Sorry," Santana mouthed again as the boys came up.

"You guys ready?" Puck asked, dropping his arms over my and Santana's shoulders.

"Yeah, just let me pay," Quinn nodded.

"Use my I.D.," Sam gave her his employee I.D. card.

"So, am I getting a viewing?' Puck leered down at us, and barely jumped back quick enough to avoid Santana's elbow.

I made out the, "Hell no," she threw his way.

}{

A stop at the deli up the street later and we were sitting at a small park watching some kids play basketball. Santana was focused on the sandwich in her hands although she seemed to be paying attention to Sam's complaints about work. Puck was throwing peanuts at, not to, some squirrels. Quinn was reminding Sam that he was the one that wanted to work at the shop so badly. I was content to eat my salad comfortably with my legs across Santana's lap.

"Rachel, do you play video games?" Puck stopped harassing the squirrels long enough to question.

"Not usually," I shrugged before taking a bite of my salad.

"You should come over to the girl's tonight," Sam offered, finally done griping about his job, "We're playing some tonight. It's fun."

I looked around the small group for their reactions.

Quinn was indifferent but Santana was curious.

"Want to?" She mouthed, finally drawing her attention away from her food.

"If it's alright with all of you," I nodded.

"Totally," Sam grinned.

"Sweet, maybe we'll see something interesting tonight," Puck winked at me.

I was a bit surprised to see the bat toy bounce off of the side of Puck's head and Santana finishing her sandwich like nothing happened.

"You have to get groceries," Quinn reminded Santana.

The dark-haired girl scowled, choosing to look to the squirrels instead.

"Nothing in our apartment can be considered vegan, you can't let her starve," she chided.

Santana waved her off before finally looking to me, "Mind going with me?"

"Of course not," I smiled.

She got up and I followed, watching as she gave one armed hugs to Sam and Puck before saying something to Quinn, the blonde nodded.

"See you tonight Rach," Sam called.

Puck waved and went back to the squirrels.

"Groceries," Quinn reminded.

Santana shrugged her off as we left the park and went back to her bike. "Back to your place?"

"For what?" I wondered.

"Not that I would mind," that dangerous smirk was back as she spoke slowly, "But you don't seem like the type to sleep naked."

It took a second for me to realize what she said and I felt the warmth spreading over my face, "Uh."

"I can take you home after but we usually crash," she shrugged, moving to put her hair back up as we reached her bike.

She offered me the helmet and I pulled it on.

She slipped onto the bike and but retrieved her phone, passing it back to me as I followed, "If you make this a habit, we might need to get you a helmet of your own."

I passed it back as I slipped my arms around her, waiting for the lurch of the bike as she kicked the stand and it came to life beneath us.

}{

I really wasn't sure what to bring but Santana assured me some pajamas, a change of clothes, and a toothbrush would be fine. Her place was much farther than I was expecting. She parked and took my bag, heading up to an ancient looking building. She apologized as we reached the fourth floor, claiming the elevator rarely worked and when it did she didn't trust it. I continued after her as we went down the hall and she unlocked a door, not without a bit of a struggle though. She wrapped her knuckles against the wall gently. I was going to ask why when a black and white mass launched itself over the back of the couch and lumbered up to Santana. It spun and fidgeted excitedly in front of her, obviously resisting the urge to jump up on her. Santana snapped her fingers to get the dog's attention and flashed a quick sign. The dog sat obediently and Santana kneeled before it, ruffling its ears.

"This is your dog?" I interrupted their little reunion, although I realized how ridiculous the question sounded.

She nodded and stood up, "Do you mind him?"

"Of course not," I smiled and let her hold my hand out, a large white paw dropping into my palm.

"What's its name?"

She shrugged, "Kovu."

I smirked curiously at that, "From the Lion King?"

She shook her head, "It means scar." She reached to tug the gray bandana tied around the dog's neck up.

I gasped as I saw the pale flesh where no fur would grew. "What happened?" I asked running my fingertips tenderly over the former wound, although the dog took it as no more than regular affection.

"Fight," she mouthed, playing with his ears, "I found him. Took him to a vet, and he kind of stuck around." She seemed sad for a moment but a grin with a little less wattage than usual appeared, "He can't bark. Too much damage."

I could see the bitter amusement in that but continued petting the dog. "That's not a very creative name," I pointed out.

"Lucky didn't seem to fit him," she laughed, and it was wonderful; her lips drawn back in an amused smile and her eyes became slits as chortled.

I couldn't help but smile too as I stood up, tugging the front of her shirt gently as I pulled her into a kiss, although I pulled away before she could work whatever trick she did and I lost my focus. "Can I put my things in your room?"

She took me to a room, not entirely in the back of the apartment. It was simply put together; a desk on one wall with a partially open laptop in front of some large speakers, a couple of CD cases were scattered around the set up. Kovu had made his way over to a partially made bed on the floor in the corner of the room, just under a window with the shades drawn. Santana moved to pull the dog off, huffing as he flopped onto the bed and whined lowly. I placed my bag next to the desk and held up one of the CD cases. Apparently the dog had won the small scrimmage, resting in the farthest corner of the bed, wagging his tail as he watched his owner come to stand at my side.

"Do you know her?" She asked tilting the case in my hand.

I shook my head, "I've heard of her but I never really paid her much mind."

She took the CD and opened the computer, slipping it inside and choosing a song. It spilled from the speakers and filled the room. I couldn't deny the jazz feel of the song, and while it wasn't exactly my taste, I seemed to suit the girl beside me. An air of calm I hadn't realized wasn't there before settled over her. The sultry smoky voice could easily have been hers as she mouthed the words. I was taken back to the day that I found out she'd once been able to speak and I wondered what her voice would have sounded like had whatever happened to take it away not done so. It was like she'd caught onto my thoughts as she looked up, her cheeks growing a bit dark as she turned down the music. I was captivated by these flashes of uncertainty rather than the constant cockiness she usually showed.

"We should go," she pointed out.

I nodded silently and followed her back out of the apartment, saying good-bye to the affectionate dog.

"No meat?" she asked as she urged me past her bike.

"I don't want to impose, I mean, if you and your friends want something I'm not going to complain."

"That's not what I asked."

"No meat," I sighed.

"What else?"

"No animal products," I went on, "No dairy, or eggs."

She nodded but pouted, "So what can you eat?"

"Anything without those things," I chuckled.

She rolled her eyes, "So, not food?"

I shoved her playfully, "I'll find something.

The market place was only a couple of blocks away from the apartment. When we got there Santana loaded the basket mostly with junk food; chips, dip, soda, and candy. I was mostly concerned just by the amount of candy she had, and I was a bit worried she didn't plan on sharing it. She asked what I wanted and insisted on paying for the small fruit and vegetable platter. We carried the groceries back slowly, talking as we went. She told me more about her small CD collection. It was interesting to find out about her aversion to the silence especially on the days where her room-mate and friends weren't in. She talked about the actual artists, listing some she enjoyed. She even admitted an interest in hearing me sing, and I assured her if she stuck around long enough she would.

By the time we got back, everybody was already there. Puck and Sam sat on the couch with the dog between them while Quinn complained him from her armchair. Puck had apparently brought the alcohol, while Sam brought the games, and Quinn was the designated adult for the gathering. I felt bad for not supplying anything as I helped Santana dump the chips into bowls. We carried them and dropped them onto the coffee table, but not before Santana kicked Puck's feet off of it. The boys are already playing games as I sit on the love seat, letting Kovu sit by me as his owner vanishes into her room.

"So, what kind of game is this?" I asked, watching one character get his head blown off.

"Shooter," Puck offered, his voice stiff with focus as he stared at the screen, his fingers working furiously at the white controller.

"Don't stress about it," Quinn offered, comic in her lap, "We're mostly just here to keep the bromance from getting too intense."

Puck scoffed, "You're just mad because you can't shoot for shit."

"Say that to San," Sam challenged, shoving the other boy and giving a slight cheer as he seemed to take out somebody else's character.

I watched the screen curiously, "Is she good at this?"

"Hell yeah," Puck grinned, "Taught her everything I know."

I turned as I heard a scoff from the hall. Santana had changed into pajamas of her own, a tank top and sweat pants that fit much better than the clothing I'd lent her. She settled on the seat next to me and her dog.

Quinn wasn't exactly bad at the game, but when one of the boys finally handed over a controller she grew frustrated with the game and tossed it to Santana. Puck and Sam's groans and Santana's arrogant smirk told me she was doing pretty well. Eventually, she got bored and handed me the controller, giving me a crash course on the controls. I had to hand over the controller when I couldn't get it right away. It wasn't until we finally changed games, putting in a fighter with overly-gruesome attacks, that I showed any kind of skill. To everyone else's dismay, Santana showed me how to perform the brutal Fatalities. Even though I thought the games were far too brutal for a children's toy, I had to admit I enjoyed winning.

"Santana," Quinn called, when we'd been playing for a couple of hours, "It's going to be dark soon."

The girl nodded, snapping her fingers to draw her dog's attention. He jumped up off of my lap, ready to follow her back down the hall. When they reappeared she had some sort of harness and a leash. She slipped them onto him.

"Whistle?" Quinn asked.

I was confused until I watched the girl pull a small silver whistle around her neck.

"Cell phone," Quinn went on.

Santana looked more annoyed than anything but nodded. She turned to me, about to ask something.

"Leave her," Quinn stated, "You can go by yourself."

"I don't mind going with her," I assured, getting ready to stand up.

The blonde girl shook her head, "She'll be fine. Sit."

I blushed as both Kovu and I sat down.

Sam chuckled but kept his eyes on the screen.

"I'll be right back," Santana assured as she went to the door, Kovu already excited at the prospect of a walk.

"So," Quinn started, "What's going on with you two?"

I hadn't realized the boys had paused their game until I caught them both watching me. "Um, what exactly do you mean?"

"San's been freaking out," Sam explained, "And we just want to know why."

"What, exactly, does that have to do with me?"

Puck scoffed, "Don't get me wrong, it's nice to have her out of the game instead of showing me up, but we aren't used to her acting," he paused thoughtfully before going on, "taken."

"Taken?" I repeated dimly.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but San's not what exactly the type to get fixated on the first girl to cross her path," Quinn supplied. She read my expression and went on, "But lately she's just been kind of stuck on you."

"Yeah," Sam agreed, "It's kind of weird."

"She's usually my bro but she hasn't even gone babe-watching with me lately," Puck almost looked like he was pouting.

I wasn't certain how to feel about that. Pleased was definitely an option.

"No offense," Quinn held up a hand, "But you seem kind of plain. I just want to know what's got her acting so-"

"Whipped," Puck supplied.

"Tame," Sam offered.

I flushed as I looked between them, "Nothing. I mean, nothing's really going on between us."

They didn't seem to believe me.

"If anything I assumed she'd be getting fed up with me." I shrugged, growing nervous. "My roommate suggested I put out before she gets bored."

I was surprised Puck's jaw didn't make a sound as it dropped, "No way."

Quinn finally cracked a smile, looking absolutely beside herself, "So you managed to get her so caught up without even putting out? This is perfect; she's not hearing the end of this."

I wasn't sure what I'd said but I got the feeling I shouldn't have as the door opened.

All eyes fell on Santana as she came in, redoing the locks on the door and removing Kovu's harness before the dog climbed across both Puck and Sam's laps. She finally looked up to catch everyone else's pleased and my confused glances on her. "What?"

"Hey San, when were you going to tell us about those welts?" Puck questioned, turning to lean over the back of the couch.

"Welts?" She questioned, crossing her arms as she looked around the room.

The boy leered obnoxiously and nodded, "You know, since you're so whipped!"

She scowled at the boy, telling him something far faster than I could decipher.

Sam and Kovu hopped out of the way as Puck dodged the paper towel roll that had formerly been located on the bar.

"Okay, okay," Quinn finally got up, trying to calm the supposed adults, "Puck, stop teasing San and unpause the game, Santana go continue not getting laid."

Santana threw an angry glare at her friend, still speaking too fast for me to understand before coming back to sit by me.

"I'm sorry," I offered as she sat on the other side of the loveseat, lolling her head back.

"Don't be," she shook her head, giving me a smile, "They're assholes."

The boys were already back to their game and Quinn was taking the paper towels back to the kitchen with Kovu at her heels.

"They just grilled you?" She asked, sitting up to catch my attention.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Sorry," she rolled her eyes.

"It's fine," I assured, "I'm sure they meant well."

"Sure," she rolled her eyes again.

We spent most of the night continuing like that. We passed the controller around a few times and I did improve a bit, but not much worth mentioning. Quinn, who seemed indifferent to me, seemed to warm up a bit. Sam mostly played the game, with Kovu, or talked with Quinn. Puck spent his time eating or joking around with Santana, at least when he wasn't subtly suggesting he wouldn't mind if we decided to make out. Every so often, I'd get a text from Shay urging me to make sure that was the night. Kovu spent the night acting as if I was a regular in the household. In time, we all got to the point when going to bed wasn't an option. Santana told me to go change while she made the boys help her and Quinn clean up. She knocked before coming into her own room and took a blanket from her closet and showing me where the bathroom was so I could brush my teeth. When we'd all gotten settled I politely wished everyone goodnight I was nervous about sleeping in Santana's room. It seemed comfortable enough, but it still didn't feel entirely appropriate.

"Come here buddy," Puck called from the living room as Santana struggled to keep the dog out of her room.

"We'll have a guy's night," Sam assured.

The dog was still struggling when she finally got the door closed.

"I really don't mind him sleeping in here," I offered at his dejected whine.

She shook her head, "He'll be fine."

"If you're sure."

She nodded, and came to the bed, crawling up beneath the window and sitting next to me.

"Thank you for inviting me," I wasn't sure where this shyness had come from. I thought I'd grown fairly comfortable with Santana.

She chuckled slightly, "Don't thank me."

I smiled and nibbled my lip before leaning in to kiss her. It wasn't the same off-putting kiss that ended with us in a position I couldn't quite remember getting into. Her lips were gentle this time, and the hand on my cheek was less insistent as it rested rather than wandering. My eyes slipped closed and I couldn't help but move closer, pressing comfortably against the taller girl. When we both broke away I felt a pleasant buzzing, licking my lips. "Santana," I called gently.

I couldn't bear for that distracted smile to dissipate from her lips but she nodded silently.

"What is going on?" I wondered, my own curiosity piqued by the earlier conversations, "Between us?"

She pulled back a bit more, not even a shadow of that grin on her face anymore as her eyebrows knit together slightly.

"I just," I shrugged, feeling my nerves grow, "mean, I enjoy your company and assume you feel the same about mine, but you seem interested in more than spending time together and I just couldn't see myself partaking in anything further on just a whim."

She nodded understandingly and leaned back. I was apprehensive as she sat back, looking away from me and leaning on her hands. I watched her intently until she turned back to me with the words to ease my mind on her lips, "Then go out with me."

I blinked away the certainty that she was going to turn me down. "Really?"

"Don't act so surprised," she teased, slipping her arm around my waist. I didn't put up much of a struggle as I felt her lips on my neck. She didn't really push me but she did spend the time before we went to sleep showing me she was genuinely eager to go out with me.