A/N: I'm sorry for the delay. RL and illness were kicking my behind... and my muse had hijacked me and giving me inspiration for everything Faberry... Hopefully the fact that it's a long chapter will make up for the lack of regular updates...

A/N 2: I know the writers turned Rachel vegan in the back 9 eps, but I'm choosing to ignore it for my fics. One, because I feel it contradicts the first 13 eps of Season 1, and two, I really don't want to do research in a vegan lifestyle.. what can I can? I'm lazy ;-)

A/N 3: As with any of my stories, this one is self-edited, so all spelling and grammar mistakes are mine and mine alone.

Chapter 9

When six a.m. rolls around, Rachel skips her usual routine, deciding she needs the extra rest. She resets her iPod dock to go off an hour later, which should give her more than enough time to get ready and arrive early enough to meet Santana and get a good parking spot as an added bonus.

Thanks to their nightly talks, Rachel knows Santana's caffeine beverage of choice and she makes a side stop at the local Starbucks. She hesitates quickly, but in the end, her environmental concerns win over the 'could this be inappropriate' and 'is it too early for gifts' thoughts, and Rachel ends up buying a brand new stainless steel travel mug for Santana, complete with the Latina's Caramel Macchiato with skim milk. She smiles when she sees she is parked beside Santana's car and the fact that she is early enough to catch the last bit of the Cheerios' practice. She rushes off to the field and parks herself on the bleachers, drawing odd looks from most of the Cheerios and huge smiles from Santana and Brittany. Surprisingly enough, if Sue sees her, she gives no indication whatsoever.

"Eyes front and centre and back to the routine. I don't recall giving you lazy bums a break, nor do I recall saying practice is over, because I sure as hell didn't hear Coach dismiss us." Santana says loud enough to snap everyone back to reality and back to the routine they have been trying to perfect.

After another half hour of Sue's verbal 'encouragement' through her ever present megaphone, some near misses and a few Cheerios running extra laps and suicides, they are dismissed in order for them to get ready for class. Through all of it, Rachel sits there and marvels at the dedication Santana and the other girls have, even when faced with the constant verbal abuse hurled at them by their coach. She imagines the appeal of being popular and the possibility of a scholarship if they are good enough is the needed incentive. God knows that is one of the reasons she tries so hard to make Glee a success. For Rachel, it's not so much the idea of a music or academic scholarship because thankfully, her family is well off to the point that sending her to the best colleges in North America isn't an issue at all. It's the recognition and how well it would look to be part of a successful club and the experience she would gain as a performer. She is so caught up in her thoughts she actually misses Sue's dismissal or some of the more pointed looks some of the Cheerios throw her way.

It's only Santana's hand softly caressing her face that draws Rachel out of her thoughts.

"Good morning Preciosa. The gods must have deemed me worthy of a reward by sending me my own angel." Santana says in a near whisper into Rachel's ear before she brushes her lips softly over Rachel's cheek.

The smaller brunette enjoys the delicious shiver Santana's voice and the feel of those lips so near her own. She blushes a light shade of pink once the words register in her mind.

"Good morning Santana." Rachel says with a sappy smile. She turns her face and kisses the palm that is still cradling her cheek before she reaches to grab the hand to lace their fingers together.

"I would pull you close to me, and greet you properly, but I'm a bit gross. Give me fifteen to get cleaned up, ok?" Santana asks as she pulls Rachel up gently from the bleachers.

"Ok." Rachel says. She then reaches into her bag and pulls out a container with yogurt and homemade granola clusters mixed in it, and the travel mug with the coffee. "I got you this." Rachel says as she hands over the yogurt. "It has been proven that eating a healthy snack within a half hour after rigorous exercise will improve recovery time and decrease the incidences of muscle damage. Don't worry. It's all low fat and easily digested. I also got you your daily dose of caffeine. I feel bad you went to bed late again, because of me, and you still had to wake up for Cheerios practice this early. I'll hold on to this until you're done eating." Rachel adds shyly at the smitten look Santana throws her way.

"Thanks Preciosa. How did I get so lucky?" Santana says as she reluctantly removes her hand from Rachel's to take the yogurt, causing the diva to blush once again.

"I'm the lucky one." Rachel whispers as they make their way to the school.

"Will you be ok on your own while I shower and stuff?" Santana asks once she sees more students arriving for the day.

"I'll be in the music room, so I should be ok." Rachel says with a sweet smile, touched by Santana's concern.

"Ok. Come on Preciosa. I'll walk you over." Santana says grabbing Rachel's hand once she finishes her yogurt, taking the occasional sip of coffee as they walk silently through the hallways.

"Here we are, all safe and sound. I'll see you in a few. Thanks for the snack. That really hit the spot." Santana says just before she leans over and places a chaste kiss on Rachel's lips, not really caring if anyone sees them. "I meant what I said. I will never deny us, Preciosa. If the others don't like it, they can kiss my ass and then deal. If they try to do anything nasty, I will end them." Santana adds once she feels Rachel stiffen slightly at the PDA.

Rachel nods and smiles at her. "Ok. I just don't want you getting in trouble for fighting." Rachel says, although in reality, she feels like doing summersaults and flips that would rival those of the best flyers the Cheerios have. Finn was never this bold. He was always afraid of what being with her would do to his reputation. Puck just wanted to get in her pants, while Jesse just wanted to decimate his competition. At that moment, Rachel falls a little harder and a little deeper for the spitfire standing in front of her.

"They are afraid of me and they will remain afraid of me. Don't worry about a thing, Preciosa. It will give you wrinkles. I need to make sure I'm not all gross so I can greet you properly." Santana says with a smile and another peck on the lips.

"See you in a few Baby." Rachel says, blushing once she realises what she just called Santana. She is about to explain her slip but stops once she sees Santana's face.

Santana turns around, a beaming smile on her face once she hears the term of endearment from Rachel. It takes all her will power to not pull the diva to her and kiss her senseless. "Don't censor yourself around me Preciosa. I kinda like the way that sounds." Santana says shyly, blushing a dark red. Shower and get in a fresh uniform, she keeps reminding herself as she walks away sipping her coffee.

Soon enough, Santana is slipping silently back into the practice room. She remains there for a moment, mesmerised by the sight of Rachel going over some assignment or other, completely oblivious to the world, looking absolutely adorable.

Eventually, Rachel feels eyes on her and lifts her head to see a smiling Santana, causing a shy smile to grace her features. "Hey. How long have you been there?" Rachel asks softly.

"Not sure. I lost track of time watching you, but I guess it was long enough for me to finish this. Thanks by the way. That was really thoughtful. You are absolutely breathtaking." Santana says as she approaches a blushing Rachel. Within seconds, the diva is surrounded by everything Santana and both girls melt into one another as their lips meet in a deep, thorough, and passionate kiss. Tongues come out to battle playfully while hands roam all over the place, quiet little whimpers and moans of approval fill the practice room, and it is only the need for oxygen that causes both girls to separate reluctantly.

"Good morning Preciosa. That's how I wanted to greet you when I first saw you in the stands." Santana says breathless, her forehead leaning softly against Rachel's as her hands trace patterns against the diva's lower back and waist.

"Mmm. I could definitely get used to this." Rachel replies as she nuzzles the side of Santana's neck. She smiles into the crook of Santana's neck when she feels arms tightening around her and the unmistakable shiver that courses through the Latina's body. Rachel somehow manages to pull herself even closer to Santana and starts to plant small innocent kisses along Santana's jaw line.

"How did you sleep last night? How are you doing?" Santana asks, the memory of what happened yesterday still fresh in her mind, and her desire to torture and kill Finn slowly, slams into her with the force of the space shuttle at full speed.

"Surprisingly well. I think being able to talk about what happened to someone other than you helped a lot. Not that you haven't been a lot of help, because you have been. It was intense having to relive it all, but in the end, I think it put things into perspective for me. I just hope Quinn and Brittany won't say a thing about it to anyone else." Rachel says.

"I'm glad. I understand. Having fresh ears was helpful. And don't worry, they won't." Santana says as she kisses the top of Rachel's head.

"How about you? How did you sleep last night?" Rachel asks.

"I, uh…" Santana starts to say.

Rachel feels the hesitation from the girl holding her, slowly pulls apart enough to look at the Latina's face, not liking what she sees. "Santana, Baby, did you manage to get any sleep last night?" Rachel asks worry lacing every word.

Santana debates about what she wants to say and sighs once she hears Rachel's tone of voice and the look of concern crossing her face. She considers lying, but quickly puts a stop to that because if there is one thing she will never do is to willingly hurt Rachel. She knows for a fact that Rachel will be hurt if she is lied to. Eventually, she lets out a sigh. "Not really. I was really worried about you. I was afraid that if I fell into a deep sleep I wouldn't hear my phone so I stayed up most of the night." Santana says softly.

Rachel's heart breaks and swells at the confession. The idea that Santana would stay up for her makes her feel loved, but the idea that Santana will spend the remainder of the day dragging her feet because of her, causes a sense of guilt and worry she has never experienced before. She takes a closer look at the girl that has managed to take firm hold of her heart in just a few days, and notices how tired she looks. Her eyes have lost some of the shine she loves. Guilt and shame slam into her with such force that Rachel wonders if that is what it feels to have a skyscraper crumble on top of her.

"I don't have the words to express what I'm feeling right now, but I will try. I have been so blinded by my own fears that I never stopped to think how everything is affecting you, and for that, I am truly sorry. It is because of your strength and caring actions that I have been able to function these past few days. Without your support, I would have crumbled like a sand castle being hit by a wave crashing to shore. I feel utterly and completely ashamed that I once again forgot to take into account your feelings." Rachel starts to say, only to be interrupted by a pair of lips on hers and soft hands cradling her face.

"Preciosa, what you went through was very traumatic. I don't blame my lack of sleep on you at all. I made the choice to stay up because I didn't want to risk not hearing your call. I turned the volume of my ringer down because I didn't want my parents to hear my phone in case you called. I was so paranoid about it that I just ended up tossing and turning, afraid my pillow would muffle the sound or that I would sleep on top of it and my own body would muffle the sound. Please don't blame yourself. I would gladly stay up every single night if it means you get a good night's rest." Santana says as she guides Rachel to the risers and they both sit down.

"No, it's not all right. We are both dealing with the repercussions of those events, just in different ways. I want you to promise me that you won't do that to yourself again. I need you to sleep. I need you to take care of yourself. Besides, my knight in Cheerios armour wouldn't be able to protect me and keep me safe if she is walking around the halls of McKinley like a zombie." Rachel says.

"I know." Santana says. 'I love you for it.' She thinks to herself.

"I don't want you driving home today." Rachel continues.

"I'll be fine Mi Cielo. Thanks for your concern, but one, it won't be the first time I'm driving with little sleep, and two, it's a short drive." Santana starts to say, only to be interrupted.

"This is non-negotiable. I can't risk having you fall asleep behind the wheel, or have you get in an accident because your reflexes are slower. It has been proven that driving without the proper amount of sleep is equivalent to driving under the influence. We'll either leave your car in the student lot again, or we get Quinn to drive it home and then I give her lift back to Noah's place." Rachel says seriously. "If the situation were reversed, would you be all right with me driving home after not sleeping the night before, and more than likely sleeping poorly the previous nights as well?" Rachel adds.

Santana sighs, knowing Rachel is right. She knows the only reason Rachel is driving is because of her insane and stupid early morning practices. "Ok. I won't drive home today. We'll figure something out with my car later." She concedes.

"How much sleep have you gotten since Thursday?" Rachel asks gently.

"I…" Santana starts to speak, but hesitates.

"Santana, please talk to me. In order for whatever it is that we have and share between us to work and continue to develop properly, everything between us has to flow both ways. You have been taking great care of me since Sectionals. Please allow me the opportunity to do the same for you." Rachel pleads, her heart lurching painfully at the sight of an exhausted Santana.

Santana looks at Rachel's concerned eyes and reluctantly agrees. She is no good to either of them in her current state, so for the first time in her life, she completely lowers her defences and opens up all the way to the girl who owns her heart, soul, body, and mind.

"I'm sorry Preciosa. You're right. I didn't mean to shut you out. It wasn't a conscious thought or action. I just didn't want to burden you with more crap." Santana starts to say. She then takes a deep breath and continues on. "I'm afraid that if I'm not strong enough to shoulder everything, then I'm useless to you." She adds, just above a whisper.

Rachel's heart skips a few beats at the whispered confession. In all the years she has known Santana, she has never seen this vulnerable side before. She feels privileged that the usually guarded Latina feels she can be herself around her. Rachel falls just a little more for the feisty brunette.

Rachel looks at her watch, and knows that they don't have that much time left. The thought of Santana going to class like that unsettles the young diva. Her perfect attendance record is already down the toilet, so another missed class won't make that much of a difference. Slowly she gets up and pulls Santana to her feet.

"Come on Baby. We definitely need more time and more privacy than this room can provide. We're going back to my little hiding place backstage until we can sort things out." Rachel says gently.

Santana smiles, and lets Rachel guide her, grateful that she does not have to put on her façade for the rest of the school yet.

Rachel makes sure to take the long way to the auditorium. She doesn't want anyone (read the other Gleeks) interrupting them. Once they are in the safety of her hideaway, Rachel sits down on the couch and opens her arms to a grateful Santana, who just melts into the diva's arms.

"Talk to me, Baby. Let me take some of the burden off of your shoulders. Let me share the load with you." Rachel says as she presses her lips on Santana's cheek.

Santana looks into Rachel's eyes, and sees the sincerity, and dare she hope, love in them, and just nods. "At first I was fine. I honestly was just happy nothing worse than your hurt wrist happened. I guess the guilt of not being fast enough has been gnawing at me so much that eventually I started to have my own set of bad dreams. It's like my subconscious took the worse of my fears and decided to give me a double feature of what might have been. I'm always too late. Sometimes you're beaten badly. Sometimes one of them grabs me and forces me to watch as they hurt you." Santana says, unable to utter the word rape. "The worst one, they… they kill you because you fought them too hard. I knew we both had to deal with the parasites here and I have been ok with that. I know I can keep them in line, but seeing what Finn did really scared me because I never thought he would be one of the morons I needed to protect you from. I'm afraid I'm not enough and I won't be on time one of these days." Santana adds in a broken whisper, tears spilling freely down her cheeks. Seeing Rachel cowering and struggling against Brittany while Finn stood there, ready to continue pounding on the lockers or worse yet, Rachel, had shaken Santana to the core.

"Oh Baby. I'm so sorry. Nothing happened to me. You made sure of it that day, and you have kept me safe since. I wouldn't have been able to handle any of it had you not been there. You give me strength and the desire to move on. You have been there for me whenever I have needed you. You saved me from those parasites and you have kept me safe from nightmares ever since. Let me do the same for you now. Let's heal together." Rachel says as she wipes the Latina's tears as best she can with her hands, and then she kisses the tracks they have left on the girl's cheek. Then she moves her kisses to Santana's full lips and both girls get lost in the feel of the other.

When they finally separate, Rachel thinks how odd it is that just yesterday, she was clinging to Santana for the safety of those wonderful arms holding on to her for dear life, and now she is the one offering comfort and safety. She smiles at the thought because it feels their budding relationship is beginning to stand on even legs. It feels like it's a more even give/take between the two of them.

"Let me give you some of the peace you have given me. Let me give you some of the comfort and security you have given me. You don't always have to be the strong one. I'm sorry I have been so self-absorbed I didn't notice you needed your own knight. Let me be your knight in shining argyle. We can be strong together." Rachel says as she gently lowers Santana's head to her lap. "Ok, if you don't want to lie down on your own, then lie down with me." Rachel says once she encounters resistance. She then scoots to the end of the couch and moves her legs up and opens her arms. "Close your eyes and get some sleep. I'll make sure we don't miss second period, but you need to get some rest. I'll be watching over you. I'll make sure no bad dreams can touch you." Rachel adds once the Latina is safely in her arms, head on Rachel's chest. On instinct, one of Rachel's hands starts to tangle in her hair. She then starts to softly hum one of favourite lullabies. The humming eventually turns into soft singing, the diva mindful that they're not supposed be in this almost hidden room backstage. Although no one is scheduled to be in the auditorium, she doesn't want to take unnecessary chances. It's not so much the fear of getting caught and punished. She just wants to make sure Santana can at least take a short power nap.

Santana lets out a contented sigh at the feel of Rachel's fingers combing through her hair. Her eyelids feel like leaded weights as she lets Rachel's voice wash over her while she is softly serenaded. She grabs one of Rachel's hands, and laces their fingers together before she places a kiss on those fingers and finally allows herself to fall into oblivion, secure that her Rachel is right there with her.

Rachel watches the Latina in her arms sleeping peacefully and wonders if the sense of awe she feels is anything similar to what Santana felt when the taller girl has watched her sleep. All she knows is that they are both on the way to recover and hopefully move on. She lets her mind wander off to their earlier conversation. She is sure talking to Quinn and Brittany had been cathartic because she definitely feels lighter. She is just sorry she wasn't paying enough attention to the girl curled up with her head on her chest. She vows to make things better because without Santana's unwavering support she would have never able to make the first step to put things behind her. "I love you. I wish I could be brave enough to say this to you when you're awake, but I'm not. I don't want to scare you off. We have only been together for two days and I already feel like I can't live without you." Rachel whispers softly before she kisses the top of Santana's head.

Soon, the alarm on her phone goes off, causing the diva to mumble a few choice words. Rachel wishes they could just stay here so Santana can sleep longer, but she knows they can't. The entire cheerleading squad, along with Sue Sylvester know that both of them were on school premises earlier. She can't risk getting them both in trouble because she is sure one of the Cheerios will say something if they miss more than one period. She gently brushes her fingers over Santana's tear stained face. She wishes she could have gone and gotten something to clean the Cheerio's face, but she didn't want to risk running into a faculty member so she just held off. "Santana, Baby, you need to wake up now. I promise you that we can catch a longer nap after school." Rachel whispers softly, not wanting to startle the girl awake.

Santana slowly opens her eyes. She is at first a bit disoriented, and as mild panic starts to set in, she relaxes once she feels Rachel's arms around her and her soft fingers brushing against her face. She then remembers where they are and what happened before she passed out. "Hey. Thanks Preciosa. I'm sorry I haven't been strong enough on my own…" Santana starts to say as she shifts to cup Rachel's face only to be silenced by soft lips pressing against her own.

"Shh. Don't start with that again. You have been my rock since last Thursday. It's ok to need support. It's ok to need someone from time to time. Let me be there for you the same way you have been for me. I'm sorry that I had to wake you. We need to get to class soon. I don't want one of your teammates blabbing you out for skipping and get you in trouble." Rachel says gently.

"It's not easy, but I will try. I'm so afraid of losing you. I have to admit that falling asleep to the sound of your voice and the feel of your arms around me was heavenly." Santana admits blushing slightly.

"We can be there for each other. You give me strength when I need you to. I'll do the same for you. I need you to be all right. I'm here because of you. I'm all right physically because of you. I'm healing emotionally because of you. I never imagined what witnessing what took place would do to you. I can't begin to imagine how I would be affected if I were to witness something similar happening to you. You are the strongest person I know, Santana Victoria López, but even the strongest people need support from time to time. Let me be there for you." Rachel says looking directly into Santana's chocolate eyes.

"You truly are my angel. I have no idea how I became so lucky, but I'm never letting you go." Santana says. She stiffens once she realises what she just blurted out, but relaxes when she sees the beaming smile on Rachel's face. She silently lets out a shaky breath and closes her eyes the moment she feels Rachel's lips claim hers in a too short kiss.

"Come on Baby. We need to head back to the real world. You need to get to the restroom and freshen up a little and then we need to go back to our lockers and grab our books." Rachel says getting up and pulling a reluctant Santana up with her.

"Ok, but like you did a few days ago, I'm getting up under protest." Santana says with a pout, which promptly gets kissed away.

"Stop tempting me. I'm trying to make sure we don't get in trouble for skipping even more classes." Rachel says in mock anger.

"Good to know I can tempt you." Santana says with a laugh, feeling lighter than she has in days. "Thank you. I really needed that swift kick on my ass to remind me we are in this together." She adds as she pulls a very willing Rachel into her arms.

"I love how we fit together." Rachel says before she nuzzles Santana's neck, inhaling deeply. "I love how you smell." She says out loud, silently wishing for the courage to say what she really wants to.

Santana smiles and once again wishes for the courage to tell Rachel just how she feels, but she refrains, afraid of scaring the diva because it seems so sudden, although technically speaking, Santana has been slowly falling in love with Rachel since she started paying more attention to Rachel.

They eventually separate and silently fold the blanket Rachel uses to cover the couch. Once everything is in order and put away, they grab each other's hands, ready as can be to face the masses.

Santana makes quick work of washing her face and reapplying her make up, with Rachel staring lovingly at the Latina's reflection in the mirror. They walk to their respective lockers, grab their books, and exchange timetables. Once again, Santana takes it upon herself to escort the diva to her classes. She is pleasantly surprised when she is joined by Quinn and Brittany.

"Hey. Is everything ok? Britt says you skipped first." Quinn says as she falls into step with Santana, just as Brittany does the same beside Rachel.

"Yeah. Everything is ok. I just needed some time to think." Santana says, glad she has both blondes' support.

"Hi Rach." Brittany says pulling the diva into a bone crushing bear hug.

"Uhm, Britt, Sweetie, you need to loosen your arms a bit because Rachel needs to breathe." Quinn says with a raised eyebrow.

"Good morning Brittany. Good morning Quinn. How are you both doing today?" Rachel finally manages to say once she recovers her breath.

"Hey Rachel. Doing well. You?" Quinn replies shyly, still amazed at Rachel's good heart.

"I'm quite well. Thank you." Rachel replies, wondering why the two blondes joined them, since they all have different classes for second period.

They make small talk and make plans to meet for lunch before they reach Rachel's Art History class. "Thank you all for walking me over. I really appreciate it." Rachel says sincerely to each one of her escorts.

"You're welcome." Quinn says. She is happy Rachel isn't taking it the wrong way, having made the decision to help Santana keep an eye on the songstress. She is amazed at both brunettes, being able to function the way they have. She is especially impressed with Rachel since she knows the three boys (and she uses the term very loosely) are wandering the halls of their school.

"San has a class on the other side of the school, so I'll be back to get you after you're done." Brittany says happily.

"You really don't have to…" Rachel begins to say, only to stop once she sees the pout starting to form on the taller blonde's lips, and the amused looks of her other two companions. "Sure Britt. I'll be looking forward for your company once my class is over." Rachel says instead, causing the pout to change into a sweet smile.

Santana and Quinn both laugh because they both have experience with the 'Brittany Pout' and both girls know it's nearly impossible to say no to the taller blonde.

"Yay! I'll see you in a bit." Brittany says before she kisses Rachel on the cheek and skips away.

"I'll see you both later." Quinn says with a smirk before she too makes her way to her own classroom.

"Wow. That was surreal." Rachel says a bit perplexed.

"Yeah. Anyway, I can relax a bit knowing that B has your back. Thanks for earlier. Text me if you need anything, or if any idiot tries to do anything to either of you." Santana says as she walks Rachel to her desk.

"Don't worry too much Baby. I have mostly AP classes, and the majority of jocks are too stupid to get accepted into them." Rachel says.

"I know, but that doesn't stop the morons from causing trouble in the hallways. Promise me you'll be careful." Santana says before she pulls the diva to her and places a chaste kiss on her lips.

Rachel blushes a dark crimson while she nods her head, and Santana smirks once she sees the jaws of every single student in the classroom come unhinged at the sight. Soon, enough, the entire classroom, minus Rachel goes into another apoplectic fit. By the end of second period, the entire school knows about the kiss between Rachel and Santana.

Aside from the gawking students, everything proceeds smoothly. By now every single student knows better than to torment the young diva. Seeing her with Brittany only strengthens their resolve to stay out of the way, some going as far as diving head first into classrooms if Rachel manages to make eye contact with them. They're not taking any chances when it comes to their personal safety. Rachel just scrunches her eyebrows together and shakes her head at what see sees around her. Further thoughts of confusion are tossed aside once she feels a set of familiar arms pull her close from behind. She smiles as she leans into the Latina before she turns around and wraps her arms around Santana's neck and shoulders.

"Hey. I've missed you." Rachel says softly, before she places a chaste kiss on Santana's lips.

"I missed you too." Santana says, positively giddy with excitement each time Rachel initiates any form of physical contact between them. "All Set for lunch?" Santana finally manages to ask.

"Yup. I have a small request. I was hoping to eat outside. It's not super warm, but the temperatures are no longer freezing. I'm kind of getting tired of all the staring. I know you can threaten everyone within an inch of their lives, but I was hoping to avoid the other Glee members as well. I figure we can sit by one of the tables in the Quad." Rachel says.

"Sure, but first let me grab my jacket, and second, if my legs get too cold, we head back indoors, and you have to warm me up." Santana says wriggling her eyebrows suggestively at the diva.

"You've got yourself a deal, Miss López." Rachel says with a broad smile. She would have suggested their hideaway, but she isn't sure if she wants to share that with Brittany and Quinn yet. It's nice to have a place that is just theirs.

"Do you need to get anything from the cafeteria?" Santana asks.

"Nope. I got everything I need. You?" Rachel asks.

"Yeah. I kinda forgot my lunch at home." Santana says with a sheepish smile.

"No biggie. I'll probably wait for you outside the cafeteria with your jacket so we won't tip the others on where we'll be. I don't want them to follow." Rachel says.

Santana just nods her head knowing that with the rumours flying the others will more than likely try to follow. That is unless she makes it very clear they are to stay behind. If Rachel wants lunch away from the gossipmongers that pass as their teammates, then Rachel is going to have lunch without them. It's that simple.

All heads turn to Santana as she walks in to the cafeteria with Brittany to get their lunch. The others wonder where Rachel is, but one look from Santana and they know it's safer to just stay put and ask their questions later. Kurt and Mercedes know better than to piss off their captain. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned because Finn gets up and follows them once he notices that they're heading back out after they purchased their lunches. The rumours he has heard all morning has him on edge and he is ready to confront Rachel in order to get to the bottom of things. His suspicions are confirmed when he sees Santana and Brittany meet with Rachel and Quinn. He picks up his pace and tries to follow quietly. Unfortunately, for Finn, his size and lack of grace work as two major disadvantages, and as a result, he is as subtle as a rampaging elephant in a fine crystal shop.

Rachel immediately tenses when she realises Finn is following them. She quickly stops and turns around, causing her companions to do the same. The look of fear mixed with disgust that crosses her face causes him to falter in his steps slightly. She quickly whispers something in Santana's ear and the Latina tenses as she nods slightly and hands her lunch tray to the diva.

"Rachel, wait up. I want to talk to you. What the hell is going on? Why are you avoiding me?" Finn says as he catches up with the girls.

"Leave me alone Mr. Hudson. Because of the events from yesterday, we have nothing pending that requires a conversation between us. If it is related to Glee, you may kindly wait until our next practice, or you may submit it in the form of an e-mail." Rachel says with what appears to be almost no emotion, but Santana can see and feel the tension coiling up and around Rachel. She immediately reaches over and wraps her arm protectively around Rachel's small waist.

The action of course only serves to set Finn over the edge even more so he tries to step over and grab Rachel's wrist knocking the tray the diva is holding and its contents down. Next thing he knows, he finds himself pinned against a wall, his right arm ready to pop out of its socket.

"Listen to me, you overgrown child. The only reason I haven't killed you yet is because Rachel asked me not to. And unlike you, I know the meaning of the word 'no'. If you think I have forgotten what you did yesterday, you are sadly mistaken, again, the only reason I didn't kill you on the spot, or castrated you with a popsicle stick was because Rachel needed me. Unlike you, my priority is Rachel's wellbeing, so consider yourself lucky. You keep this harassment and I swear I will make your life a living hell." Santana says in the same cold fury that had every student willingly evacuate the cafeteria a few days ago.

Meanwhile, someone in the hallway had yelled 'fight', and now, all five of them find themselves surrounded by a throng of students, eagerly waiting to see what the outcome will be. The commotion is enough to bring Will Schuester and Emma Pillsbury out of the teachers lounge, and the rest of New Directions out of the cafeteria. Will immediately makes his way where Santana has Finn still pinned against the wall in a painful hold, while Emma walks over to where the other girls are. The rest of the Gleeks hesitate, unsure of what to do, but one look from Quinn has them standing by. They'll soon find out what happened. At least they hope they will.

"Santana, let go of him this instant." Will yells loud enough to get his voice heard over the growing crowd of students.

Santana hesitates when she hears Will's voice, but won't ease up. If anything, it only serves to tighten her hold on Finn, to the point that if she puts even the amount of force required to brush off lint, she will snap a bone in his arm. Seeing this, Will stops dead in his tracks while Rachel walks over towards them. The only reason being to keep Santana from hurting the boy, not for his wellbeing, but to avoid a suspension, or worse yet, an expulsion for Santana.

"Santana, Baby. Let him go. It's ok. He never got near me. You were too fast. You kept me safe. Don't get yourself in more trouble. Let go. He's not worth it." Rachel says just above a whisper, while her hand runs up and down one of the Latina's arms, in the hopes of relaxing the girl's tense muscles.

"You're lucky Rachel is here to save your sorry ass again. I'm going to let go now, but if I so much as feel Rachel is threatened by you, I will finish what I started." Santana hisses in the same cold fury. The second she releases him, she is immediately wrapped in Rachel's arms.

Everyone stares in awe at how easily Rachel managed to calm Santana down, with just a few whispered words and some well placed touches. They all file away the information, once again coming to the same conclusion as before. In order to stay healthy, the easiest way is to stay on Rachel's good side.

"Show is over everyone. Get a move on now." Will manages to say, dispersing the students. The remaining members of New Directions hesitate, but one glare from their

Spanish teacher and another from Quinn have them reluctantly walking back to the cafeteria.

Will quickly makes his way to where Finn is rubbing his sore arm and shoulder. "What happened?" Will asks the five students involved.

"I didn't feel like being a zoo exhibit again, so Santana, Quinn, and Brittany were kind enough to keep me company when I informed them I was planning on having lunch in the Quad. Just as we were making our way there, Finn tried once again to corner me. I informed him politely that I had no desire in partaking in any verbal exchanges with him. I informed him that if it was Glee related, to kindly send me whatever he needed to in the form on an e-mail. He suddenly tried to lunge at me and if it wasn't for Santana's speed, who knows what he might have done. That is twice he has tried to assault me, and it is also twice that Santana came to my rescue. And before you say anything, Mr. Schuester, I'm sure you can see the remnants of our lunch scattered around. That is a direct result of Mr. Hudson's attempt to grab me. You saw what happened yesterday. Again, who knows what might have happened to Quinn, Brittany and I had Santana not interfered. I expect you, as a faculty member to do something about it, or I will press formal charges." Rachel says, arms still firmly wrapped around the taller brunette.

Will is at a loss of words. He looks around the other girls and all they do is nod their head in agreement. Will knows he needs to do something, which will more than likely result in a suspension for Finn at the very least. He wishes he could give the boy another talk, but deep down, he also knows that had Santana not tackled him yesterday, who knows what might have happened. It also appears that the talk he had with the boy did nothing, as it clearly went in through one ear and out the other. He has no choice.

"All right, all of us will go to Principal Figgins office and we will put a stop to this. You are all witnesses, so I need you to tell Mr. Figgins exactly what took place both times. I know it's your lunch hour, but since you all have me next period, you can be excused. Let Miss Pillsbury know what you would like and she will make sure food is set aside for you." Will says resigned. "Rachel, please accept my apologies for not doing the proper thing when I had the chance. Santana, I also owe you a huge apology. I had no right judging you and trying to interfere in your personal life. It will not happen again." He adds ashamed.

"Finn, do you need to go see the school nurse?" Will asks.

"No Mr. Schue. I'm ok. Do we, uh, really need to go see Mr. Figgins? My mom will kill me once she finds out." Finn sputters.

"Well, Finnocense, maybe you should have thought of that before you decided to attack Rachel." Santana says through a sneer.

"I didn't attack her. I just wanted to get her away from you." Finn starts to say.

"That is enough. Not another word between the two of you." Will steps in before the situation gets out of hand again.

The girls look at each other stunned. They never expected Will to do anything but sweep it under the rug and give Finn yet another chance. They quickly do as requested, with the addition of Quinn sending a quick text to Sue. She knows that if there is anyone who can stop Figgins from suspending Santana for fighting, it's her former coach. The woman would never risk losing one of her best Cheerios this close to competition. Soon, they are all sitting in Figgin's office, about to start their account of matters when Sue waltzes in as if she owns the place.

"What are you doing here? This is a private matter Sue." Will says the moment his eyes land on the cheerleading coach.

"William, I'm here as a concerned member of the faculty. I'm here to merely make sure that my Cheerios are treated fairly. It is my understanding that you had the chance to stop all this from escalating, but once again, chose to do nothing. Since I'm not a witness of the matters at hand, I'm going to just observe and will only interfere if I feel sheer injustice is about to be doled out against my Cheerios." Sue says with a smirk.

"Mr. Figgins, you can't allow this…" Will starts, only to be interrupted by Figgins.

"You heard her Mr. Schuester. Ms. Sylvester is only here as a concerned coach looking out for her Cheerios. You would be doing the same for your Glee Club. Until she interferes, I have no choice but to allow her to be here.

Will looks around defeated. He knows that no matter what he says, nothing will change.

With a nod of encouragement, the four girls tell the principal everything that took place since the previous day, culminating with the scene just outside the cafeteria. All the while, Finn trying to defend his actions, but a glare from the adults shuts him up.

"Very well. I have no choice but to suspend Mr. Hudson and Miss López for fighting on school premises…" Mr. Figgins starts to say, only to be interrupted by Rachel.

"Mr. Figgins, if you take any actions against Santana I will call every single contact my family has with the ACLU and tie this school, along with the school board with so many lawsuits that you will still be drowning in them long after I graduate. The only reason Santana was involved was to defend me. You heard what we had to say about both incidents. Both were initiated by Mr. Hudson and both times it was Santana's prompt action that prevented injuries upon my person." Rachel says in a voice eerily similar to Santana's cold fury.

Everyone in the room stares with their mouth hanging open between the tiny diva and the now squirming principal.

"Very well. Miss López, while I admire your actions in defending Miss Berry, you need to realise that violence is never an acceptable way to deal with problems." Mr. Figgins says to Santana, not wishing to deal with Rachel and Sue. Then he turns slightly to face Finn. "Mr. Hudson you are suspended for one week. Upon your return, you will be required to speak with Miss Pillsbury once a week until the end of the school year in the hopes that she will help you control your temper. Any further complaint from Miss Berry will result in expulsion." Mr. Figgins adds.

"I also want him ineligible for extra curricular activities." Sue says, knowing this will spell the end for Glee.

Her words cause everyone in the room to snap out of their stupor, but once again, before anyone can say anything Rachel jumps in.

"Ms. Sylvester, with all due respect, as you said before, you weren't there. So it isn't up to you to dole out any form of punishment. You said it yourself; your presence here is to ensure your Cheerios are treated fairly. I would hazard a guess and say that Mr. Figgins has been fair to Santana in this matter. Or am I mistaken here?" Rachel says to a stunned Sue. In all her years, she never expected the small diva to be the one to openly challenge her. Quinn and Santana maybe, but never Rachel. She has seriously underestimated the girl. She wisely chooses her battles and just sits back down, shaking her head in the negative, filing the information away for future use.

Rachel then turns to face Figgins once more. "As the victim of both of Mr. Hudson's failed attempts, I am satisfied with your actions. I don't wish to destroy his life. I just want him to leave me alone." Rachel says, knowing that without Finn, they are done for. It's too late to have anyone else join Glee and they need him as the twelfth member if they wish to compete at all.

"Any objections?" Mr. Figgins asks those around. At the stunned shakes of their heads, they are all dismissed with the exception of Finn. "Mr. Hudson, your suspension is effective immediately. Have your mother call my office to schedule an appointment with me at her earliest convenience. Have a good day." Mr. Figgins says dismissing the stunned boy. The only thoughts racing through his mind is how dead he is once his mom finds out.

TBC...