It makes me so happy to see all you guys' reviews! So, I got a message on tumblr where it was suggested that I have Dani sing She by Ed Sheeran to Santana at some point. I love the song, it's really great, but I will not have it in this story. In my mind it sounds like someone who wants to leave a relationship, and Dani definitely doesn't want that. Sorry to disappoint you :)
Chapter 10
"Kurt!" Dani shouted, fidgeting nervously with the sleeves of her dark blue jacket. The boy turned away from the group of dancers from the Warblers, whom had agreed to help him. He strolled over to the panicking blonde, grinning.
"What is it Dani?" he asked as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I can't do it," Dani stated, "I'll fall, I'll forget the lyrics... I'll trip off the stage and die! I know I will!"
"Dani, calm down girl," Kurt replied calmly, shaking his head, "you're not going to die. None of us are. You're going to go out there and nail it. You have been practicing this song all week and you've never been better. So you'll blow them all away, like the perfect fighter you are. Besides, I put together the best possible performance for you."
"You're right," Dani agreed, though not showing any signs of calming down, "I'm just so nervous Kurt. What if I do fail?"
"Did you not just hear me?" Kurt exclaimed, "I swear, you have one of the best voices I've ever heard! Now get over yourself and blow our minds, please?"
"Thanks Kurt," Dani said, smiling slightly, "I couldn't have done this without you."
"Of course not," Kurt laughed, "everybody needs a gay puppeteer."
Dani laughed, the sound carrying from behind the stage to the audience. The whole glee club was there and Mr. Schue was sitting beside them. Santana tensed at the sound of Dani's laughter and she stopped listening to Brittany, whom was explaining the appearance of flying pigs to her.
"What do you think she'll sing?" Mercedes suddenly asked, directing the question at the whole club.
"Something gay, lady lips has been helping her," Santana deadpanned, looking down at her long nails.
"Cut it out Santana," Mr. Schue intervened, "I'm sure what Dani is going to share with us is something that's very close to her heart."
"We're not all sappy, touchy feely people Mr. Schue," Tina reminded him, "it'll probably be some song about thongs or threesomes - or both."
"Why don't we just listen and find out?" Quinn asked, annoyed by her friends' childlike behavior.
"Great idea Quinn," Kurt replied as he came to join them. He was excited to see his plans executed, especially by someone so talented. He loved Dani's song choice, even if she wouldn't tell him why she picked it.
"Keep quiet guys, she's about to sing," Mike said suddenly, shushing Tina. On the stage, a spotlight lit up, pointing directly at Dani's dark sillouette. She was standing with a microphone in hand, looking at the stage beneath her feet. She raised the microphone to her mouth and muttered:
"This is for you," in the glee club's general direction. The music started playing as six faintly familiar dancers entered the stage, three on each side of Dani.
Cold as ice
And more bitter than a December
Winter night
That's how I treated you
And I know that I
I sometimes tend to lose my temper
And I cross the line
Yeah that's the truth
Her eyes scanned over the glee club, seeking out the comfort of Santana's warm eyes. A thin line of smoke flowed across the stage, a part of Kurt's arrangement.
I know it gets hard sometimes
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say
Dani locked eyes with Santana as she poured her heart into the performance, showing off every emotion inside of her.
Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
Dani felt a lump in her throat as Santana stood up, turning away from her. She was leaving. Apparently Quinn had other ideas as she grabbed her friend by the wrist and dragged her back in her seat with a sharp look. Santana muttered something that Quinn shook her head to. Dani almost missed her cue, but quickly caught up.
All along
I tried to pretend it didn't matter
If I was alone
But deep down I know
If you were gone
For even a day I wouldn't know which way to turn
Cause I'm lost without you
I know it gets hard sometimes
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say
A single tears ran down her cheek as she realized she had failed. Santana didn't want to hear it.
Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
It was a waste of time, there was no way Santana would forgive her. She had thought it was perfect.
I get kind of dark
Let it go too far
I can be obnoxious at times
But try and see my heart
Cause I need you now
So don't let me down
You're the only thing in this world I would die without
She hoped Santana at least understood what she was trying to say.
Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
Listen, please listen.
Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're the only one who knows me
Better than I know myself
She finished the song, wiping away the lonely tear. The others cheered for her, even Tina and Sam. Santana was clapping slowly, opposed to the rapid clapping and shouting from the rest.
"That was mind blowing!" Mr. Schue stated as the noise died down. Dani smiled weakly, trying not to break into a crying mess. Kurt was soon by her side with his arm around her waist. He rubbed her shoulder with the other hand, whispering in her ear.
"It's okay Dan," he whispered, sensing her panic, "you're fine. Just keep it in."
Dani nodded, melting into his arms.
"Why did you pick that song?" Mr. Schue asked curiously. Dani's mouth went dry as she searched her mind for a plausible lie. Luckily, Kurt came to her rescue.
"She picked the song to say that whatever happens in this club, whatever things she'll say about it, she's here to stay," he said swiftly, squeezing her waist softly.
"Alright!" Mr. Schue exclaimed, smiling widely, "after that great performance, I think we can all agree that it's time to end this practice."
Dani breathed a sigh of relief, she needed to get out of there. Kurt sent her a worried look before he let go of her and followed the others out of the auditorium. Dani turned her back and walked behind the stage. She failed to notice Santana still in her seat. She sat down on the edge of the backstage, burying her face in her hands. She finally let go, a row of sobs breaking out of her chest, the tears falling freely from her eyes. Suddenly a hand was put on her shoulder and her whole body went still. Then a familiar pair of lips pressed to the side of her face and the scent of coconut invaded her senses.
"Don't cry baby," Santana's soft voice spoke, "it's okay."
Dani relaxed as Santana wrapped her arms around her, holding her head to her chest.
"I don't want you to hate me," Dani suddenly spoke, voice raspy from crying.
"What on earth made you think I hate you?" Santana asked curiously as she ran her fingers through Dani's blonde locks.
"I don't know," Dani answered honestly, "just please don't."
"I'll never hate you," Santana promised.
"I really, really like you Santana," Dani admitted, staring into the latina's eyes, "and I want to be with you, hold you and kiss you. Because you deserve that."
"But?" Santana breathed.
"But I'm not ready to tell everyone," Dani finished.
"That's alright," Santana replied, her voice sincere, "just promise you'll let me in?"
"I promise," Dani said. They sat in silence and Dani pressed lazy kisses to Santana's neck. She stopped, frozen as a huge smile spread on her face.
"Did you just whimper?" Dani asked as she tried to sound innocent. Santana tensed a little as she laughed nervously.
"Of course not," she lied, "Santana Lopez does not whimper."
"Mmhm... If you say so," Dani laughed, pressing her lips to the same spot as she did previously. This time Santana moaned, shaking slightly under Dani's warm lips.
"Stop," she said weakly, pushing Dani's head away from her neck.
"Aww, are you getting a little hot, San?" Dani asked teasingly.
"You would be too if you had someone as hot as you attacking your neck," Santana retorted.
"Nope," Dani said, "I'd be freaked out because that would mean someone who could be my twin was trying to get it on with me."
"So you're trying to get it on with me?" Santana asked, a small smile on her face.
"That's what you got out of that?" Dani asked with a laugh. Santana shook her head and pressed her lips to Dani's hairline.
"I also got the vision of two Dani's making out, and that's hot as hell," she answered. She smiled as Dani started laughing.
"Perv," Dani muttered, earning a laugh from the latina.
"Come on baby," Santana said as she reluctantly let go of Dani and stood up, "I think Lady Hummel was planning to get his baking on today, and we have to help him."
"Alright," Dani agreed as she took Santana's hand and stood up, "let's go make some cupcakes then."