A/N: Well, it seems like my muse has been in the mood for fluff... so here is my next instalment for Lean On Me. I hated how the writers had Santana treat Rachel in the last couple of eps, so hopefully this will make up for it... Enjoy :-)
A/N 2: Still self-edited, so again, all mistakes are mine and mine alone.
Chapter 10
The girls head towards the cafeteria to start their lunch after bidding polite farewells to the teachers present. They realise that they have about ten minutes left of their regular lunch period and they are all happy that Will has given them a free period, complete with hall passes. The girls breathe a sigh of relief when they notice the remaining Gleeks are no longer there once they approach the counter to pick up their lunches. They really don't feel like dealing with the inquisition, and frankly, Rachel does not want to risk Santana getting in trouble again just to get the others to back off. Thankfully, the remaining students present know better than to push their luck once they see the scowl etched on Santana's face.
They still head to the Quad, because they don't feel like dealing with the stares and they want a semblance of privacy so they can talk without lingering ears and eyes. Once they have their food, they don their jackets and head out to a surprisingly warm and sunny day. They quickly find a table that offers them a perfect view of the entire Quad and the doors leading there.
"I wonder how Coach knew we were in Figgins' office dealing with what that fucktard… sorry, idiot did. I wouldn't be surprised if she has Figgins' office bugged." Santana says as they dig into their food.
Rachel smiles shyly at Santana's effort so swear less around her. "Thanks." She says softly, blushing slightly. Santana just smiles adoringly at her.
Quinn and Brittany smile at the exchange, before Quinn turns to face the Latina.
"I, uh, texted her. I knew Figgins would try to suspend you for fighting. This was a golden opportunity for him because this time he had witnesses. I know he has been trying to get you for fighting before, but everyone is just too afraid of you to say a thing. I figured Coach would be the only one able to persuade him otherwise. I never imagined Rachel would jump in like that and actually save the day the way she did." Quinn says with a shrug of her shoulders. She then turns to face Rachel. "Speaking of, why did you prevent Figgins from making Finn ineligible for extracurricular activities? I mean, the overgrown child actually deserves it." Quinn adds with a mixture of curiosity, admiration, and slight annoyance at the girl's willingness to forgive those who wrong her. She is also glad of it because otherwise she wouldn't be sitting with the girl now, able to mend her friendship with her two childhood friends.
"I know he deserves it, but we need him for Regionals. Even if we manage to get someone to join Glee, I doubt that even if they manage to learn the songs and choreography that they would be good enough to help us place. We all know that in order for us to have a shot next year, we need to place in the top three. Besides, the three parasites that were ready to do worse are still walking around, with only the beating Santana gave them." Rachel says in between bites of her sandwich. "I know they deserve to be expelled and be criminally charged, but I refuse to risk anything happening to Santana." Rachel adds at the look she receives from the other girls. She knows they want her to press charges. "Why did Ms. Sylvester back down the way she did? Do I need to be on the lookout for some crazy retaliation in my foreseeable future?" Rachel asks to change the subject, and because she is curious to hear the other girls' opinions. She had been expecting all hell to break loose once she uttered those words in the principal's office, so when the woman seemingly backed down without another word, has had the diva on edge, waiting for something horrible to befall her.
"Not a clue. In all my years dealing with Coach, I don't think I have ever seen her act that way. Then again, for as long as I have known you, I haven't seen that side of you either. As for your other question, I honestly don't know. The only person she has been on the warpath for has always been Mr. Schue. I'll be honest and admit that I was so shocked by what you said to her that I was barely paying attention to her facial expressions." Santana says with a sheepish smile and a slight shrug of her shoulders.
"Coach looked like someone had dumped a slushie on her. But I think her surprise came not because of the slushie, but who threw it." Brittany says looking up from her food.
The other three just stare at her, blinking, not really sure how to take those words, or what the taller blonde means.
"You know, it would be like if Rachel all of sudden decided to slushy Karofsky or any other jock or Cheerio. The first time it happens, they would be too confused and shocked to be pissed, not sure what to make of it because you know; it's Rachel. She is a walking and talking ball of sunshine and forgiveness." Brittany clarifies.
It then dawns on the other three. Sue Sylvester was probably too shocked that Rachel had the gall to jump in and say anything to contradict her and actually managing to prevent what she wanted.
"I'll keep my eyes and ears open to anything that Coach might say or do in relation to what happened earlier. I doubt she will openly hunt for you because you didn't say anything disrespectful and you didn't say anything that wasn't the truth." Santana says after some thought. "God, that woman is about as predictable as the numbers from a random generator program." Santana adds a bit frustrated. She thinks that after dealing with her coach for so long, she'd be able to if not predict, then at lease anticipate some of the woman's behaviour.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much. Coach likes people who surprise her like that. When, uh, she gave us the full page spread for our yearbook photo I kinda blackmailed her into it. She could have crushed me like a bug, but instead, she was pleased I could still be so ruthless and confident. I think she might just keep an eye on you, Rach, until she figures out what to make of you. What you did in Figgins' office shocked everyone, not just Coach. Just be careful." Quinn adds her thoughts on the matter.
"I always wondered why Ms. Sylvester willingly gave up one of her many full pages on the yearbook for us. I know it's a bit late, but thanks Quinn. That was very nice of you to do that for us." Rachel says. "I uh, was wondering if you can all keep what happened in Mr. Figgins' office to yourselves. I don't want to give the rest another reason to focus even more on me." Rachel adds softly, blushing a light shade of pink.
"This, coming from the girl who seeks attention like a starving Cheerio seeks food after going through one of Coach's crazy diets." Quinn teases with a playful smile, none of the usual malice there.
"It's different. When attention and adoration is given to me because of my singing and acting abilities, then it's just a confirmation of how talented I am. When it comes to my private life, I like to keep it that way, you know, private." Rachel says with confidence, causing all four to break out in giggles.
"Don't ever change, Preciosa. I love that ego of yours." Santana says adoringly. She then remembers why they're sitting in the Quad when they should be in class and her face falls a little.
"What's wrong Baby?" Rachel asks worried.
"Will you give him another chance if and when he apologises?" Santana asks slightly jealous. She knows she can't fault the girl for having such a good heart because it is that good heart that gave Santana a chance to prove herself to Rachel. Still, she doesn't have to like the idea of Rachel befriending Finn again in the future.
Rachel immediately knows who Santana means by 'he', so she carefully thinks about her answer. She stalls by taking another bite of her lunch and taking her time chewing. "I honestly don't know. Probably, but it will be for the sake of our success as a show choir rather than any desire I have to try and salvage any friendship with him. His latest actions have just proved to me that he has no problem hurting me in order to get his way." Rachel says sadly.
"How is that different from the way we have treated you?" Santana asks ashamed, the blondes nodding their heads in agreement, the same look of shame clouding their eyes.
Rachel thinks about her words carefully, this time because she wants Brittany to be able to follow the conversation. The last thing she wants is to unknowingly make the tall blonde feel dumb because of her penchant for big words.
"Everything you girls did happened before we decided to give friendship a try. You girls did what you did because you didn't like what you saw of me. However skewed that opinion might have been. While that is reprehensible, you didn't misrepresent yourselves by claiming to be my friends. In all intent and purposes, you saw me as an enemy. Everything Finn has ever done to me he has done so while claiming to be my friend. I always justified it by saying to myself he's not the smartest guy. It's not like I have a long list of friends to turn to. But to outright ignore my request to just trust my judgement is quite insulting. I don't think I can be friends with someone who clearly disregards my feelings the way he does. I honestly don't think I can keep putting up with that." Rachel replies honestly, and judging by the look of sadness mirroring the ones the other girls have, she knows Brittany had no problem understanding her words this time. She mentally pats herself on the back, but quickly sobers up when she realises just how sad her three companions look.
"Please don't feel bad. I have truly moved beyond whatever has happened in our past. I would have never accepted your offer of friendship nor had I offered my own if I held any ill feelings toward the three of you." Rachel says gently.
"You truly are an angel." Santana says as she cups Rachel's face and gives her a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Oh my God, the morons weren't hallucinating or starting shit up just for the hell of it. It's official then? The two of you are dating?" Quinn asks with a raised eyebrow, remembering some of the rumours floating around the school.
Santana and Rachel look at each other, looking for confirmation from one another before saying anything. After seeing the slightest nod from Rachel, Santana turns to face the other two girls. "Yeah, we are." She says in a sure voice, smiling once she sees the sheer look of joy adorning Rachel's face.
"That is so cool. See San? I told you she'd like you back." Brittany coos, clapping happily at the blushing brunettes.
The remainder of their impromptu private lunch hour is spent getting to know each other better, and by the end, it feels completely natural for the four of them to hang out and joke around. Rachel and Santana both smile when they realise they had spent the last forty minutes laughing and joking, without thinking about 'the incident' again.
"We should head back inside and perhaps over to Mr. Schuester's classroom and pick up any assignments so we our grades won't suffer." Rachel brings them all back to the reality that they're still in school.
"Do we have to?" Santana whines.
"We might be fluent in the language, but we still need to do the assigned work to receive our grades. Besides, we need to make sure to schedule some study time to help Brittany should she require it." Rachel says in a firm voice. Santana just grabs Rachel's hand and laces them together as she nods.
Quinn just looks on with an amused smile on her face. 'She is so whipped.' She thinks to herself. Feeling slightly bad for Santana, she decides to do something to spare the girl's pride and let her keep the badass title, even if in reality she is a mushball. She is happy the girl feels comfortable enough and trusts her enough to be this open around her.
"Come on, let's get this over with. I actually agree with Rachel. We shouldn't slack off just because Mr. Schue feels guilty for being a first class ass." Quinn says, causing all of them to break out in a fit of giggles.
They take their time heading into their respective lockers and grabbing whatever books they need before they make their way over to Will's classroom. All heads turn their way when they enter just as the bell signalling the end of period goes off. By then, everyone knows that Finn has been suspended for a week and it has something to do with the four girls that just stepped inside the room. They all wonder why Santana is still there, since some of them saw her pin the quarterback against a wall, nearly breaking his arm. The painful squeals still fresh in their minds. The remaining Gleeks taking Spanish are itching to launch into a series of questions, in the hopes of finding out just what the hell is going on.
Judging by the looks on some of the faces of her their teammates, Santana imagines they're none too pleased that Finn has been suspended, but she is not. She wonders if they know the reason behind the suspension, since technically speaking they saw part of what went on. She will have to pay close attention to the rumours floating around. If anyone, Gleek or not, thinks they can blame Rachel for that overgrown child's suspension, they have a nasty surprise in store for them. She vows to make their life a living hell should anyone dares to be disrespectful to her Rachel.
"Mr. Schuester, we were wondering if there are any assignments we need complete before our next class." Rachel says once they make their way to the front where the teacher's desk is, breaking Santana out of her murderous thoughts.
The Latina scowls and glowers at the students who have stayed in hopes of gathering gossip material and smiles in satisfaction when most of them look away and flee out as if the hounds of hell and Hades himself were after them.
"Ah, yes, homework. Here you go girls. The assignment deals with what we just covered in this period, so if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to come to me for help. The door to my office is always open." Will says as he hands out a few sheets with the details of their work.
The girls take the papers and leave with only a quick 'thank you'. They're all happy they can't stay since they need to make it to their next class on time.
"It's ok, Baby. I'll be fine. I don't want any of you to get in trouble for walking in late to class just to escort me to mine." Rachel insists as they make their way to her next classroom.
"Don't worry about a thing Preciosa. I can always just say Coach needed me for something. It would make me feel better knowing you got there safely." Santana says with a charming smile.
"You sure you won't get in trouble? You don't have a hall pass excusing you or anything." Rachel asks.
"I promise. Everyone knows that when Coach wants something, Coach gets it. Besides, it wouldn't be the first time Coach had wanted to speak to a Cheerio and not give us a hall pass. The rest of the teachers know better than to question our tardiness the moment we say is Cheerio related." Santana replies.
"Fine, but you really don't have to worry. Earlier, when Brittany was walking me to class, everyone stayed out of our way. Some even dove into whatever open door they could find if they caught my eye. It was truly bizarre." Rachel says with an amused smile.
"Good. I don't care if they jump out a window, dive in to a vat of radioactive waste, or flush themselves down a toilet, as long as they stay out of your way, don't bother you and they treat you with respect." Santana says as they make their way to the front of the class, to Rachel's usual spot.
Once again, the second they step inside the classroom, every single person stops talking, and every single pair of eyes focuses on them. They are all curious and waiting on baited breath to see if the rumours they have heard about the two brunettes are true. When they are just about to dismiss them as the delirious uttering of some attention seeking wannabe, they nearly fall off their seats when they notice Santana leaning in to whisper something on the diva's ear that causes said diva to blush a bright pink, followed by a chaste peck on the lips.
On the way out of the classroom, Santana notices that Rachel shares Drama II with Mercedes. She can see the girl dying to corner Rachel and bombard her with questions the second she leaves the room. She also knows that on a good day, Mercedes lives to tear Rachel down, so she stops by her teammate. "Jones, if you so much as breathe funny around Rachel and make her uncomfortable with your questions or comments, I will have you run so many suicides, extra laps, crunches, and push ups, you'll be begging Coach to give you one of her patented conditioning courses that were deemed so tough that even elite Navy Seals weren't able to complete. Do I make myself clear?" Santana says in her captain role, making sure Mercedes knows this is a promise and not an empty threat.
Mercedes sees the look on Santana's face, and the no nonsense tone of voice and opens her mouth to reply, but nothing more than a tiny squeak comes out, so she resorts to nodding her head fervently in the affirmative.
"Good." Santana says with a satisfied smirk before she stalks out of the classroom and heads to her own.
By the end of last period, the girls have agreed to head to Rachel's house once again, since her dads are pulling an overnight shift. Quinn will drive Santana's car with Brittany riding shotgun while following Rachel and Santana, just like before. They make a quick stop at the local supermarket to pick up some groceries since Rachel wasn't really expecting company. They insist on helping, but Rachel just scoffs first, then pouts, saying they are her guest, and proper etiquette dictates that she, as the hostess, must pay. The others agree, not admitting that Rachel has her own irresistible pout.
Rachel goes as far as to invite them to stay overnight if they wish. She wants to give Quinn a break from Puck's constant pressure to keep the baby, and she doesn't want Santana to drive. She tells them they can turn it into an impromptu study session. They agree to go home and pick up a change of clothing, while Rachel takes care of dinner. The other three also insist on helping so Rachel eventually gives in and lets Santana and Brittany put away the groceries. She takes the opportunity to pull Quinn aside.
"Quinn, I need you to make sure to not let Santana drive today. She spent the entire night up because of me. She was concerned that after yesterday's events I would once again be mired with nightmares that she forced herself to stay awake in case I called." Rachel says softly.
"I was wondering why Santana looked so tired today. Don't worry about a thing. I'll make sure she doesn't drive." Quinn says with an understanding smile. "You know, Santana is really lucky to have you." She adds with a bright smile.
"I'm the lucky one." Rachel replies without hesitation, truly believing those words.
While the girls are driving around Lima, they come to the agreement of making the Jeremy, Jonathan, and Tony pay. Since they can't go to Figgins or go to the police, they agree on making their lives a living hell while in school. They vow that by the end of whatever they'll start, anything that Rachel went through would seem like a walk in the park. The three girls admit to themselves that this is also a way for them to let go of some of the guilt they carry. They hope that by making those boys pay, they can make up for years of tormenting. And if anyone tries to get in their way, God help them because they will suffer the same fate as those parasites.
The evening is spent doing mostly homework and watching TV. Unfortunately, for them, their teachers seem to take some sort of perverse liking in giving them tons of homework. Their only hope is that by the weekend, at least one of those said sadistic teachers will take pity on them and ease up a bit. They all decide to call it an early night, especially with Sue calling yet another early morning practice. Santana and Rachel will share her bed, while Brittany and Quinn will share the one in the guestroom.
"Are you sure is safe for you and the rest of your teammates to be holding such gruelling practices every day? I have done extensive research and you need to have rest days and do some cross training to avoid repetitive use injuries. That's why I alternate between my elliptical, running, Tai Chi and yoga for my workouts." Rachel says as she settles on top of Santana.
"It is. Coach just gets this crazy and obsessive when we're close to competition. We're having cheerleading Regionals in two weeks, and as much as I hate to admit it, things look a bit dicier without Quinn at the helm." Santana admits, shocking Rachel with the words.
"Don't be so shocked, Preciosa. Quinn might be a lot of things, but she is the best we have. That's why she made Head Cheerio in our freshman year. I think the entire squad went into shock, especially the juniors and seniors. It's also one of the reasons Quinn turned into such a bitch, you know. The other girls were so pissed off and jealous that she had to earn respect kinda like I did. Only instead of using her fists, the girl used her quick wit and sharp tongue. That girl can throw the bests insults ever." Santana says.
"Yeah, I have personal experience of it, being on the receiving end of it for so long." Rachel says with an amused chuckle.
"Oh, Mi Cielo. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel bad. We were all being idiots…" Santana starts to apologise, but is silenced by a set of luscious lips.
"Santana, Baby. Don't. I really have forgiven all of you. Let it go please. For me? I only made that comment because I have to admit how creative Quinn can be with her quips." Rachel says with that same adorable pout she had used in the supermarket earlier.
"I'll try." Santana concedes, pulling Rachel for another, deeper kiss. "It's nice not having to wait for the phone to be able to talk before falling asleep." Santana says once they separate.
"Mmm. I know. Remember, we're strong for each other. Now, go to sleep Baby. Sweet dreams." Rachel says, getting impossibly closer to Santana.
"Sweet dreams, Mi Reina." Santana whispers, tightening her embrace.
Both brunettes sleep peacefully, not waking up until Rachel's iPod comes to life at six a.m.
"Good morning Preciosa." Santana says with a smile as Rachel shifts just enough to turn the sound down on the music.
"Good morning Baby. How did you sleep?" Rachel asks, pecking Santana lightly on the lips.
"Best sleep I've had in forever." Santana says as she tries to pull Rachel for a proper good morning kiss. She frowns when Rachel turns her face and she ends up kissing the diva's cheek.
"Morning breath. Don't want to gross you out." Rachel mumbles into Santana's neck, blushing the colour of a ripe cherry. "Let me go brush my teeth first." She adds as she pulls herself up from Santana's arms.
"I wish we could stay like this longer." Santana says with a sigh.
"I know. Me too." Rachel says, getting up and heading to the bathroom to at least brush her teeth. By the time she is done, she is met at the door by Santana already wearing her Cheerios uniform and hair in the required high pony tail.
"I'll see you back in your room as soon as I'm done." Santana says with a smile.
"Ok." Rachel says as she makes her way to the guestroom to make sure Brittany is up. Just when she is about to knock on the door, it swings open to reveal Brittany in the same get up as the Latina.
"Morning Rach." Brittany says, cheerful as always.
"Good morning Brittany. Did you sleep ok?" Rachel replies.
"Yup. Q is still sleeping. I don't think she's been sleeping that good at Puck's." Brittany says, some of the cheerfulness lost.
"I'll let her sleep for as long as possible before I wake her up." Rachel says, making Brittany smile brightly. "Santana is in the bathroom getting ready, but you can use the one in the basement if you wish." Rachel adds, knowing they have a schedule to keep.
"Nah. I'll just wait for San to be done. It will give you girls a chance to make out a bit." Brittany says, causing Rachel to blush crimson again.
"I'm going to my room to change into my workout clothes. I'll see you girls in a bit." Rachel says as she makes her way to her room.
Rachel jumps slightly when she hears the faint knocking on her door. "Come in." She calls out from her walk in closet as she finishes getting dressed.
"Wow." Santana stops dead in her tracks at the sight of Rachel wearing really short spandex shorts and a matching black sports bra, hair in a pony tail.
Rachel blushes yet again as she crosses the room to pull a very willing Santana into a thorough and proper good morning kiss.
Eventually, the two Cheerios scramble to make it to practice, while Rachel jumps on her elliptical, a promise to bring both girls a healthy snack. All the while, Quinn is still passed out in the guest room, oblivious to the hushed voices and the plans being made.
Rachel can't keep the smile from her face throughout her entire workout, feeling happy for the first time in ages. After she is done stretching, she goes through her closet and settles for a pair of black skinny jeans, a cream long sleeve silk top and a pair of three-inch sandals. She then fixes her hair in a French braid and applies her make up. One glance at her watch and she makes her way to the guest room.
Rachel is struck speechless at the sight of the sleeping blonde. She looks so innocent when all the worries of the world are stripped away. Rachel never realised until this very moment just how much the stress was wearing down on the blonde. The thought makes her guilt resurface with a vengeance at the role she played when she revealed Quinn's secret. She vows to make things better for her new friend. She reluctantly walks over to the bed, hating that she has to wake the sleeping girl.
"Quinn, hey, it's time to wake up. We need to head to school soon." Rachel says gently as she sits down by the edge of the bed.
"Don't wanna." Quinn mumbles as she turns to her side and buries herself deeper in the cocoon of blankets she has created.
"I know. If I had my way, we'd all have the day off to veg, but unfortunately we need to get to school." Rachel says as she places her hand on the blonde's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'll cook you breakfast." Rachel adds.
"With bacon?" Quinn asks, eyes still closed, but sounding more awake.
"As much as you want. I'll get everything ready while you get up and get ready. How is that?" Rachel negotiates with a smile.
"Ok." Quinn says, turning to face Rachel, eyes half open.
"Anything else you would like with your bacon?" Rachel asks amused.
"Nope. Whatever you make is fine. As long as I have bacon with that, I'm happy." Quinn says. "I thought you're Jewish. How come you have bacon here?" Quinn asks, curious. Since moving in with Puck, it's been impossible to satisfy her cravings for the salty and fatty goodness.
"My dad is. My daddy was raised Catholic and he refuses to give up his pork products. I'm still deciding what I am." Rachel answers with a shrug of her shoulders. "There are clean towels in the linen closet by the bathroom." Rachel adds as she gets up from the bed, convinced that Quinn is fully awake now.
"Ok. Thanks for everything. I'll see you in a bit." Quinn says swinging her legs over and getting up to grab her small bag with her change of clothing.
"You can leave your stuff in the hamper and I'll return it to you once laundry is done." Rachel says stopping by the door.
"You don't have to do that. Thanks for the offer though." Quinn replies with a smile.
"I want to. It's kind of silly for you to walk to school with the dirty clothing. Besides, this means that by the time we have our sleepover you'll have less to pack." Rachel counters.
"You have a point. But, come this weekend, you'll have let me help you with stuff." Quinn concedes.
"Ok. I'll be downstairs getting our breakfast ready." Rachel says turning around again.
By the time Quinn is done and joins Rachel in the kitchen; she is met with a spread of fresh fruit, yogurt, homemade granola, multigrain grain toast, containers of different fruit jams, cream cheese, butter, margarine, and a plate with crispy bacon slices. There is also a pitcher of orange juice and two gallons of milk. One skim, the other 2%. It's only then that she realises Rachel is wearing something completely different from her usual short skirt, sweater, knee high socks, and mary janes. She has to admit that the girl looks gorgeous wearing jeans. She lets out a chuckle at the sight of Rachel's apron, with the picture of a frying pan on fire and the caption 'It's not burned… It's blackened', causing the diva to look up from her task of adding even more cut up fruit to the already brimming bowl.
"Good morning Rachel. You look wonderful today." Quinn says as she sits down on the breakfast bar.
"Good morning Quinn. Hope you had a restful night." Rachel says as she walks over to join Quinn. "I hope this is all right." Rachel adds with a wave of her hand.
"It looks perfect. Thank you. You didn't have to go through all the trouble. I usually just have a bowl of cereal or something equally simple at Puck's." Quinn says sincerely touched by Rachel's effort.
"That's something Noah should work on. As an expecting mother, you need to make sure your nutritional needs are met. I was going to prepare some eggs as well, but I'm unsure of how you prefer them. If you tell me your preference, I'll have them ready in no time." Rachel says as she makes her way to the fridge.
"No need to Rach. This is all fantastic. Thank you." Quinn says as she hops up on one of the barstools on the other side of the island.
"Well, don't be shy then. Dig in. Eat." Rachel says as she joins the blonde.
They eat in companionable silence for a bit, but Rachel can't help looking at how much more relaxed Quinn seems just after one good night's sleep and a decent breakfast. She swallows and places a hand on Quinn's forearm to get the girl's attention.
"May I be frank with you?" Rachel asks once she sees Quinn's smiling face on her.
"Of course. Is everything ok?" Quinn says, slightly apprehensive now.
"I'm sorry I told Finn about your baby's paternity. It was never my secret to tell, and it was extremely selfish of me. I have no excuse, because once again I acted without thinking about the consequences of my actions. No matter what had transpired between us in the past, it never gave me the right to hurt you in such a manner. I hope you find it within your heart to forgive me for my transgression." Rachel says as her eyes fill with tears.
Quinn takes a deep breath. The words meaning more to her than she cares to admit. Sure, what the brunette did was wrong, but she also couldn't blame Rachel completely even if she had ulterior motives, because all she had to do from the very beginning was to be honest. Sure, Rachel had apologised right after the big revelation, but this time? This time it feels real. Her own eyes fill with tears. She sets the spoon she is holding down and grabs the hand Rachel still has on her forearm.
"I forgive you." Quinn says and tears fall out of both girls' eyes.
"Thank you." Rachel says. She makes a mental note to talk to her fathers so she can do everything in her power to make things up for her giant mistake.
The rest of breakfast is spent discussing music, Glee, and other school related subjects they both have in common. Both girls silently breathe in relief that things aren't awkward between them.
Like the previous day, they make a quick stop to the local Starbucks to pick up Santana's usual coffee before they make it to school. This time, they meet Santana and Brittany outside the Cheerios' locker. Santana nearly trips over her feet once she sees the diva standing and looking shyly at her with a couple of containers of food and coffee in her hands. She quickly grabs the things and hands them to Brittany before she pulls Rachel for another 'proper' good morning kiss.
The remaining Cheerios look on relieved. It seems whatever insanity that had their captain mooning over Berry is over. That is until they realise that the jean clad goddess is Rachel. They do a double take because they have never seen the diva dressed like that before.
"Thanks for the snack, Preciosa. You look absolutely irresistible." Santana says as she grabs her food from Brittany.
The blondes try their best to contain their laughter at the looks and reactions of the rest of the Cheerios take in the sight of a really hot Rachel Berry making out with Santana in the hallway. The funniest of course were Kurt and Mercedes. A well placed scowl and a raised eyebrow from the Latina is all it takes for the rest to disperse.
The rest of the day is spent in similar fashion, at least for Rachel. Heads turn, eyes bug out, mouths hang open, and drool starts to pool on the floor once the students see her. It makes Santana want to rip their eyes out, but she refrains, saying that she doesn't want the last thing those losers see to be the sight of Rachel looking like a goddess.
When the rest of the Gleeks ask Kurt what happened, since they are, after all, soon-to-be stepbrothers, all they are told is that Finn got suspended for fighting. Apparently, the quarterback refuses to talk about it, and so are Carole and Burt. Any attempts to ask Rachel what happened with Finn is met with nothing but a glare from Santana, Quinn and surprisingly enough, Brittany. The three girls have it timed perfectly so that Rachel is always escorted to classes they don't share, by Santana, Quinn, or Brittany when the teacher is already in the classroom, and one of them is always there just as the class lets out. Kurt and Mercedes once again receive the promise of never ending Cheerios related extra work, should they bother the diva. They have seen just how ruthless and creative Santana can be during practice. Santana physically threatens Puck to within an inch of his life, and the others just never get the chance. And of course, in the case of Matt and Mike, they just don't care enough to gossip, nor do they want to get on Santana's bad side.
The reign of terror on the three hapless jocks starts with the true and tried standard of a slushie shower. Only instead of having some minions carry that out, it is Santana, Brittany and Quinn who personally throw the Big Gulp cups on them. Rachel is shocked at how much she actually enjoyed the sight of her attackers dripping flavoured and frozen corn syrup as the rest of the student body laughed. Normally, she hates any kind of retribution. By lunch time, the girls 'accidentally' slip and dump the contents of their lunch trays, which were conveniently filled with items such as corn chowder, spaghetti and meat sauce and chilli, over their heads. No one realises that the girls never replaced their 'lost lunch', instead opting to eat whatever Rachel had packed from home. Sometime between the end of lunch and the start of last period, their lockers had been broken into, and filled with the decomposing waste of a week's worth of cafeteria garbage. Santana comments that they should consider themselves lucky that McKinley's mascot isn't a live animal that produces waste that needs to be disposed of. By the end of the day, everyone at McKinley knows the three jocks have done something to piss off Santana and that they're open and fair game.
TBC…