I'll Defend You If You'll Defend Me?

10

Summary: Becky Jackson is trying to survive high school the best that she can. While Santana Lopez is struggling to accept herself and be proud of the person she has become. Can these two people become friends and help each other succeed?

Pairings: Santana Lopez and Becky Jackson. Other pairings: Rachel Berry and Santana Lopez. Brittany Pierce and Santana Lopez. Quinn Fabray and Brittany Pierce. Also other characters have small parts.

It's important to note, that I do not have Down syndrome, but I am "different". I know what it feels like to feel unworthy at time and like no matter what I try to do it's useless.

I hope you enjoy!

~ Quinn ~

A little while after Santana, Puck, and Becky left, Brittany and I left too.

"Hey, Rachel, would you mind if Britt and I left?"

"No, not at all," Rachel responded, "I'll converse with Mrs. Lopez until they come back…"

After we collected our stuff we said, "Good-bye" to Mrs. Lopez.

As we were closing the door we heard Rachel shriek, "Santana, did what?"

After we got into my car, I drove to Brittany's house silently, except for our breathing.

Then Brittany asked, "Quinn, did you enjoy our kiss?"

I was taken aback by the simplicity of her question. "Um, yes, Brittany, I did."

A little too much! I thought and smiled.

"Would you like it to happen again?" she asked meekly. She hadn't seen my smile because she was looking straight ahead of her. I guess she was too nervous to chance a glance toward me.

I pulled over alongside the road and I turned off the ignition, but kept the lights on. I turned to face her in my seat and she turned to face me. I took a second to really look at her. Brittany was usually the life of the party and never scared. Looking at her as she sat in my car, it looked like she was scared and excited all at the same time.

I motioned to her to get in the backseat. "Get in the back!"

She gave me her signature weird expression, but we both got out of the front seat of the car and into the backseat. We shut the doors and then I pulled her to me. Due to her height, she scooted down on the seat so her head could rest on my chest.

"Is it me?" she asked softly as she looked down at our entwined hands.

"No, Brittany, it's not you. It's totally me. You know…I think of a first kiss as a special invitation into each other's lives, hearts, and minds. Every other kiss after the first one is a promise that the two people will stand by and defend each other no matter what. Kisses are special in that sense, ya know, and you gotta make sure that the person you want to kiss is special enough…"

Brittany she let go of my hand and wrapped her arms totally around my body despite the seat being in the way. She whispered with a grin on her face, "I've thought you were beyond special since the day we met so…Come here you."

Then we kiss.

After our kiss ended I asked, "Brittany, could that be our first kiss?" I looked into her eyes with tenderness and love.

"Sure, anything you want," she said and caressed my cheek with her hand. Then she rested her head back on the car seat.

"Yay!" I said and went to kiss her again, but she stopped me. She had a look of panic on her face.

"Britt, what's wrong?"

"Quinn, am I smart enough for you," she asked as she took a deep breath. To my surprise, she had begun to cry.

"Brittany, look at me," I said. She picked her head up. We sat facing each other with our bended knees touching.

I wiped away the tears that were falling freely and without shame from her eyes. Not once did she wipe them away. Then I looked again into her blue orbs.

"Damn your eyes," I said by accident.

"What about my eyes?" she smiled shyly.

"They're intoxicating," I replied.

"Huh," she asked. She didn't understand me.

"Oh, it just means I could get lost in them," I said and waved my hand as if to say to her don't worry about it.

"I'd find you, Quinn. I'll always find you," she whispered into the night air.

"I'm sure you will, Brittany," I replied and then I kissed her. It wasn't a long, total make out kiss. It was however longer than our two other kisses from before. I managed to lean Brittany back onto the seat. I felt her hand graze my chest and I moaned in the kiss. Despite the over the shirt contact, there wasn't any tongue involved. It was a nice, chaste kiss.

"Wow!" she said when we broke the kiss. We looked at each other for awhile.

"I know! Oh, and Britt, you are definitely smart enough. You're a lot smarter than most other people."

She smiled brightly at me.

I started to get flustered with kissing her and her eyes, so I boldly stated, "Okay, we gotta talk now, Brittany. Talk!"

Even though I had said I wanted to talk to her, I dove in for another more passionate kiss that had me seeing stars for hours later.

"Quinn," she whispered in the kiss.

"Hmm," I replied, but knew what she meant. We separated and sat on the opposite sides of the car. The only body parts that were touching were our entwined hands.

"What does this all mean?" she asked and looked at me.

How the hell should I know? I thought. But I don't want it to stop anytime soon.

"We've been friends like forever…" I started but she interrupted me.

"Oh you want a 'friends with benefits' type of thing?" she looked sad.

"No, I don't. I'm guessing you don't either, right?"

"Nope. When I'm in…I'm all in!" Brittany said and smiled.

That smile. Those eyes. C'mon, really? I thought with a sly smile.

"Um, ok, not too sure what that means…" I laughed nervously.

"Quinn, it means that I just want you…"

She wants me! I thought happily.

"I have for some time now. I've just been 'preoccupied' with…" she trailed off. I knew who she meant.

"You like me, ya know, like that?" I asked.

"Yes, Quinnie, I do," she said and slid her opened hand down my cheek.

As I looked at her, all I saw was Brittany. I saw the girl that loved to hug…the girl who loved to have sleepovers together when we were younger…The girl who came up with our nickname, "The Unholy Trinity".

But how did I miss seeing her, really seeing her? I thought to myself. Now that you see her, don't let her get away.

"I don't care, but what do you think Santana will say," I asked nonchalantly.

"Honestly?" she said with a sly grin.

I nodded.

"'About bloody time. Jesus, do I have to start everything 'round here? Say thank you, Santana!'" she imitated our best friend in her HBIC persona.

I laughed hysterically.

"In translation, it means 'I'm happy for you two!' So can we try, Quinn?" she looked up at me and gave me another one of those smiles.

"Yes, Brittany, we can try," I said.

As soon as I finished my declaration she pulled me into her and we kissed passionately for a long time.

Afterwards, I continued on our journey to her house.

"My parents are away for the week. They come back next Friday. Stay the night with me? If you like staying with me tonight you can stay the week so I won't be lonely," she asked with a puppy dog eyed look on her face.

I chuckled as I took a sideway glance at her.

"Tonight, we'll just cuddle and I'll hold you until we fall asleep. Then we can drive to school together tomorrow."

"Ok," I said and saw her smile.

I made a detour to my house. Once there, I told my Mom where I'd be. My excuse? I'm staying at Britt's because her parents are away.

Not a total lie. Just don't tell her the other reason now. All in good time, Quinnie. I thought.

When we arrived at Brittany's house, we changed and got into bed. We set the alarm and, as promised, just cuddled. As I lay in her arms, I realized just like that we became "Quinn & Brittany" that night. That was the night we connected and started to fall for each other.

~ Santana ~

Before Rachel, Becky, or I knew it, Tuesday was upon us.

"Don't go home after school," I reminded Rachel.

"Yes, San, I won't. Do you want me to accompany you to your practice or should I just go to the library and do some homework," she asked.

"Well, I'd love you to come to my practice…" I started.

"But what about Coach Sue?"

"You know what forget her…Rachel," I said as I grabbed her hands, "Would you please come to Cheerios practice after school?"

"There's no other place I'd rather be," she said and looked into my eyes. Then we gave each other a peck on the lips as Becky walked past us and yelled, "Hey, get a room!"

She walked into their classroom.

"Again don't tempt us," Rachel yelled back at her.

I kissed my girl one more time and then watched her enter her classroom and sit down next to Becky. She looked into the hallway and saw me wave. She waved back and then I went off to my class.

Before I got there, my phone buzzed. Thinking it was Rachel I pulled it out of my pocket and read the text.

TO SANTANA: Big, happy news about me and Britt. We're a couple. 3 3! ~ Q.

"Holy shit!" I yelled a little too loudly.

I immediately forwarded the text to Rachel and Becky.

Then I replied.

TO QUINN: about bloody time. Jesus, do I have to start everything 'round here? Say, "thank you, Santana"!

~ Quinn ~

Brittany and I were in class together. As soon as my phone buzzed and I saw the message, I almost choked on my gum.

"Quinn, are you okay?"

I coughed roughly and handed my cell phone to her. She looked at it and laughed hysterically.

"Do I know her or do I know her, huh?" she smiled.

"It appears that you do, Britt," I said and quickly kissed her cheek.

~ Santana ~

My cell buzzed.

TO SANTANA: Thank you, Santana. ~ Q.

As I was reading that text another one came in.

TO SANTANA: thank you, Santana. ~ B.

I laughed and then walked into class.

I was shocked to find Puck sitting in his seat next to mine.

"Hey, Puck, ya know you're early, right?"

"Yes, I came early…"

"Wanky!" I cut him off.

"Very funny," he said and grinned, but then continued, "To see if you can help me."

"The 'Love Doctor' is in. What can I do ya for?" I said and smiled.

"I think I'm either falling for or am having a major crush on Becky," he said in a whisper.

"No shit!" I said louder.

"Keep your voice down," he insisted.

"Well, first off, if you have feelings for her you should want to shout them out," I said.

"No, I want to. I'm thinking of her rep, not mine," he said.

I blinked in shock. "What?"

"You heard me," he said sternly.

"Ok, Ok, hold up! Puck, you're afraid of hurting her rep?"

"Yes, among other things…"

"Like?" I dug deeper.

"Like hurting her. You know I'm bad at relationships…I don't appreciate girls. I just use them and then lose them. But with Becky, it's different…"

"Is it because she's 'disabled'?" I asked sincerely.

"No, not at all! She's a genuinely different girl. One that I've never dated. I don't wanna screw this up," he said after some hesitation. I was waiting to hear how long it would take him to respond. Any sooner than that and I'd have known that he wasn't sincere.

"Ok, ok, calm down," I said.

"What do I do?" he asked me with a scared tone of voice.

"Puck, don't be scared," I whispered as I more people walked in, "You're growing up…Finally!"

"C'mon Lopez are you gonna help me?" he asked agitated.

"Yes, Noah, I'll help you. May I suggest don't tell her or do anything until tomorrow? Tonight Rachel and I are going other there to talk with her mother who 'has concerns'…"

"You want back up?"

"At ease, soldier…I don't think we need any, but if we do?"

"Call me and I'll back you up!" he said and extended his closed fist for a fist bump which I gave him.

"I would like you to really think, Puck, what exactly you want to see happen between you and Becky. If your feelings are true or could be you gotta take this whole thing very slowly. Slower than any other relationship you've ever had."

"I know. Becky's worth it!" he said and then he patted me on the back.

Then class began.

~ Rachel ~

After school ended, we went out to the football field and I sat on the bleachers and watched.

Finn was there, but he didn't acknowledge that we were there and neither did we. He looked longingly at Brittany who was totally preoccupied with Quinn. He figured it out and wasn't happy about it, but there was nothing he could do. He knew that he and Brittany were over and he knew it was because of his immature actions.

Anyway, Coach saw me sitting on the bleachers.

"SANTANA!" she bellowed without her megaphone.

I saw Santana run up to Coach Sue. I heard almost all of the conversation.

"Yes, Coach?"
"Why?" she asked and pointed in my direction. I waved and Santana waved back.

"Because she's my girlfriend and I invited her to watch this practice. After we are going to Becky's house so her parents can meet us officially."

Coach had a surprised look on her face. "Why are you being so nice to Jackson?"

"Because she's my friend," Becky said as she walked up to the group.

"Oh," Coach replied.

"Is that a problem," Becky asked.

"Oh, no, I guess not…"

"Ok, good, c'mon Santana, let's go torture the young Cheerios…" Becky said and she followed right behind her.

"I knew I liked you…." Santana said as she followed Becky away from Coach Sylvester.

After practice, they changed their clothes and then Becky, Santana, and I drove together to Becky's house.

As we were walking to the door, Santana asked, "Why do I feel like I'm about to protect my princess from the Evil Queen?"

Becky laughed.

"Oh, my Hero!" I said dramatically, threw my arms around her shoulders, and kissed her cheek.

Then I noted, "Your sword, it's so…so…big!"

"Yeah I'm proud of it," Santana said and chuckled.

"Seriously, before we go inside, I just wanted to say thanks for doing this for me. You two are great friends! You shouldn't have to endure this," Becky said.

"Hey. Remember what Quinn and Puck said…you're one of us now. 'kay?" Santana said as she leaned forward to look Becky in her eyes.

"I guess it's still surreal, but nice," Becky said.

"You're telling me," I said and grabbed Santana's hand.

We walked the rest of the way to Becky's door and into her house.

~ Mrs. Jackson ~

"Mom! Dad! We're here," my daughter yelled as they walked inside the house.

I walked to the front door and as Becky motioned to our guests to put their bags in the corner.

"Hello, honey, how was your day? Hello girls," I said cordially.

"Hello, Mrs. Jackson, I'm Rachel Berry. You know Santana," Rachel said politely. She extended her hand and I shook it. Then Santana did the same and said, "We haven't officially met, but it's nice to meet you."

"Mom? Where's Dad?" Becky asked.

"In the study," I said.

"I'll get him," Becky excused herself.

Rachel turned and noticed the beautiful table. "That is a lovely table, Mrs. Jackson. May I be of any assistance?"

"Oh, no, thank you. Please have a seat. Dinner will be ready soon. Rachel, I have prepared a special dish for you. I hope Vegan lasagna is good," I said with a smile.

"Oh that's wonderful! Thank you," Rachel said with gratitude.

"Great," I said and motioned to the table. As I turned around my husband and Becky walked into the room.

"Hi, Mr. Jackson," Santana said and extended her hand. He shook it.

"And you must be Rachel!" he said with a smile as he looked at Rachel.

"Hello, Mr. Jackson, yes I am," she said and extended her hand. He took it.

"Please sit down," he said.

Santana sat in the middle. Rachel and Becky sat on either side of her.

Once I had brought the food to the table and it was passed around, my husband kindly offered, "Please go ahead."

Becky and Santana shoveled their meatloaf onto their plates like they haven't seen food in a year. Then my husband and I shared the rest.

"This is very good, Mrs. Jackson," Santana commended after she swallowed the first piece.

"Yes, Mom, it's great," Becky said and smiled.

"The lasagna is to die for," Rachel said happily before she put another piece into her mouth.

"That's great. I'm glad everyone is enjoying it," I said genuinely.

"So how was school today," my husband asked.

"It was okay," Becky answered first, "Coach keeps giving Santana a hard time."

"For what?"

"For having Rachel watch cheerleading practice," Santana offered.

"Are significant others allowed to watch the practices?" my husband asked.

"Yes, they are, sir," Santana said, "all the other Cheerios have their boyfriends, who don't play football, watch."

"Oh," he said, "I'm sorry…"

"It's alright. Becky, here, has been standing up for me a lot," Santana praised.

"Oh really?" he said and smiled at our daughter.

"It's nothing, really. The first time I told Coach that having Rachel there was good. Besides Rachel we didn't have much of an audience that day. Also today for some unknown reason, today, Coach questioned our friendship…"

"She did?" I asked upset.

"Yeah. It's alright, Mom, I diffused the situation. Coach likes me. I see myself as her 'voice of reason'," Becky said and smiled.

"She should feel lucky to have you," my husband said.

"So, Santana, how did you two become friends?" I asked.

"Just to clarify…do you mean me and Becky or me and Rachel?" Santana said after she took a sip of water. She smiled at me afterwards.

"Um, you and Becky," I replied.

"Well," she started, but then Becky cut in.

"San, do you mind if I tell the story?"

"Sure, if you want to!" Santana answered my daughter. She picked up her fork and continued to eat again.

"Mom, do you remember a few weeks ago, you came to pick me up from school and I was upset?"

I nodded my head, but didn't say anything.

"Well, that was because I was being bullied…" I started.

"That's it, I'm calling Figgins first thing tomorrow," my husband said and sounded annoyed.

"No, Dad!" Becky almost hollered, but then said, "I'm sorry, but you don't have to do that. I'm more than okay. Santana, here, 'saved' me!"

"Well, I wouldn't go that far. You could have ultimately handled it…" Santana coughed and then said. Becky knew she was trying to sound modest.

"Thank you, Santana," my husband said and smiled.

"Yes, thank you," I said.

"Who were the people who were bullying you," Becky's father asked.

"Dave Karofsky…" Becky said and then hesitated.

"Anyone else," I asked her because I had a feeling that she wasn't telling us the whole truth.

"…and Noah…" she said and hung her head.

"Puckerman?" my husband asked enraged.

"Yes, but he's apologized numerous times," Becky defended him, "He's a nice guy."

"Oh really," my husband said as his temper died down a little.

"Yes, Dad, he's a good, no a great guy," Becky said.

"I'd like to speak to him," my husband softly demanded.

"Dad," Becky whined a little.

~ Santana ~

As I sat there eating my meatloaf, I knew that Becky's Dad only had his daughter's best interest at heart. We all did. Me and Rachel included.

"No, Becky," I suddenly interjected, "Your Dad is right! Would you like me to call him, sir?"

"Um, please," Mr. Jackson said.

I excused myself from the table and went into another room to call Puck.

~ Puck ~

I was lying on my bed. I was thinking about everything and if I thought I'd be able to protect Becky in the ways she deserved.

My phone rang.

"Puckerman, here," I said with a sigh.

"Hi, Puck, it's Santana," she said on her end of the conversation.

"How goes the dinner," I asked genuinely interested.

"Um, that's why I'm calling. The question was asked how did Becky and I come to be friends, and your name came up, rightfully so," she said.

"Ok, I figured as much. What can I do?" I asked.

"Mr. Jackson would like to speak with you," she said, "I'm guessing that her mother would like to be a part of that conversation as well. So you're going on speaker phone."

"Yes, please. I'm ready, I think…"

"Good luck," she said as she walked back into the dining room. She placed the phone down with a thud.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Rachel, and Becky," I said.

"Hello," everyone responded.

"Noah, Becky was just telling us how she and Santana became friends and I hear that you were a part of it. Is this correct?" Mr. Jackson asked me.

"Yes, sir, unfortunately, that is correct," I responded honestly.

"Why, may I ask, did you decide to bully my daughter," he asked.

"I, along with a fellow football player, Dave Karofsky, decided to pick on Becky that day because…" I said and then sighed, "Sir, I honestly don't know why exactly. I know this is no excuse, but Karofsky initiated the whole situation."

"Still, you allowed it to continue," Mr. Jackson shot back.

"Yes, sir, I did. At the time, Mr. Jackson, I didn't know what kind of person Becky is," I responded.

"And what kind of person is she?"

"Dad!" Becky voiced.

"Becky, it's cool, I promise," I said. Immediately she quieted down.

"Your daughter, sir, is the kindest person I know. She has changed me from being a person who didn't really care about anything to a guy who now sees a future ahead of him. Her determination to achieve the things she wants out of life is remarkable. Honestly, I don't see Becky as 'disabled'. I see her as a wonderful young lady who I have grown to admire. I appreciate her presence in my life. This may sound cliché, but she makes me a better person, not just a better man," I responded honestly, but beyond nervously.

They were all silence, so I had to ask, "Hello? Did the call drop? Crap!"

"Puck, Puck, we're still here," Santana jumped in quickly.

"Oh, good, thought I lost ya for a second there," I said and took a huge breath.

"No, no, we're all still here," Mr. Jackson said.

"Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, may I say one more thing?" I asked humbly.

"No ahead," Mrs. Jackson said.

"I am sorry. I know now that the guy I was isn't the guy I need to be. Becky teaches me everyday how to be that guy. I sincerely hope that you'll allow me the honor and privilege of continuing to see Becky whenever she wants to. I don't plan on going away any time soon," I said.

"Thank you, Noah, for your candor and honesty. Because Becky has accepted your apology, I accept it also," Mr. Jackson said.

"Mrs. Jackson," I asked hopefully.

There was silence. I nervously cracked my knuckles.

"Mom, I want you to trust me…more! You know what kind of person you've raised me to be. That is a forgiving one. I may not be the smartest or prettiest, but I do know how to forgive and be a person who is honorable," Becky said, "I need Noah to be in my life!"

I heard Rachel sniffle so I knew that Santana would wipe the tears that streamed down her face.

"I-I-it's difficult," Mrs. Jackson admitted.

"I know, but you need to try, for me. I have excellent morals and I know right from wrong. I have amazing friends who will help me when I stumble. I just want to live my life as normally as possible with the people I choose to be in my life," Becky said.

"Mrs. Jackson, I know you've had some concerns about our friendship…" Santana started.

The silence meant to me that she was nodding her head.

"You and Mr. Jackson can rest assured that all of us – me, Rachel, Puck, Quinn, and Brittany – will keep look out for her. As we've told Becky she is now one of us. And we look out for each other. I want you both to know that I consider Becky a member of my family. I protect my family," Santana said with boldness.

"Yes, Mrs. Jackson," Rachel seconded her statement, "Becky has been an immense help to Santana and myself already in our short courtship. Why if it wasn't for Becky's accepting personality Santana wouldn't have felt comfortable with her coming out process and thus she wouldn't have sung a song to me to tell me of her attraction to me. See, I owe your daughter a lot and I honestly don't know how I'll truly ever repay her. For right now, I can offer her my friendship and I'd hope she accept it."

Becky looked at Rachel and said, "Wow!"

Mrs. Jackson started to become emotional. "You are so accepting of our daughter…" she said.

"That's only because she is so accepting of us," I chimed in.

"Ok…ok, Puck," Mr. Jackson asked with a smile.

"Yes, sir," he answered.

"The next time you come to pick Becky up we'd like to meet and thank you," Becky's Dad said with a smile.

"Oh, boy!" Becky joked and laughed.

"What?"

"Nothing…nothing…" she said quickly.

"Yes, sir, I'd love to….Just one thing," I said.

"Oh?"

"The first time I came to your door to pick Becky up, I was experimenting with a new hairstyle," Puck said, "I actually rock a Mohawk!"

"Um, ok," Mrs. Jackson said.

"You shoulda seen my hair back in the day, Puck!" her Dad said with a wild chuckle. "It was all over the place!"

"I bet, sir, I bet!"

Second Author's Note: When I'm writing I let my imagination run wild. There aren't any outlines or final notes that I go by. There are, however, little suggestions of where I want this story to go. The section between Brittany and Quinn came out of nowhere! It turned out to be some of my best writing, if I do say so myself. I hope you don't mind their addition to this story. They aren't the main characters in this story, but I will delve into their relationship more throughout the rest of this story. I sincerely hope you are enjoying it. Please leave me a review as I love reading what you're thinking of the story so far. Thank you!