A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews! I loved them all and I appreciate your support! Know that I am having a really good time writing this and sharing it with you.

There is some more angst in this chapter, but Victoria is back, so that should balance things out! Hope you like it.

Chapter 11

They had been in the study for the better part of three hours and it was getting late. Both had been working on homework and writing an essay for their AP English class. Quinn rolled her head from side to side, trying to ease the ache on her neck as Santana watched her for a moment.

"How much more do you have?"

"Just the conclusion and I'm done with it."

"Can you finish it tomorrow? It's not due until the end of the week and you look tired."

"No, I'd rather finish it now that it's still fresh in my mind. I'll just revise it later in the week. How much more do you have? It's okay if you have to leave."

"Mami knows I'm here doing homework with you so it's okay."

Quinn looked back at the screen of her laptop. "You could always stay tonight if it gets any later," she suggested nonchalantly.

Santana smiled knowingly. "Admit it, Blondie. You just want more cuddles."

"Mm," was all she murmured as she went back to typing.

Santana couldn't help but chuckle as she sent a quick text to her mother telling her she was staying over again. That would make four nights of sleeping in Quinn's bed, the most they had spent together in a really long time. She couldn't deny that she was enjoying it immensely and every moment they spent together served to ease the ache in her heart.

There was a knock on the study door before Judy opened it and came in carrying two glasses. "I figured you'd be ready for something by now so I made you smoothies." She handed one to each girl and nodded approvingly when she noticed just how much they had been studying. "Did you want something to eat before you ladies head to bed?"

Quinn looked at her mom, an eyebrow rising slightly. "I'm good with this, mama. How did you know Santana was staying?"

"It only makes sense seeing as it's getting late. I'd rather she stay than drive at night."

"It's only a few blocks, mama."

"Hey, if you don't want me to stay I don't have to. I can just pack my stuff now and head out, Q," the Latina finally piped in when they kept discussing her as if she wasn't even in the room. It actually stung a little that Quinn had just told her to stay and now was acting like it would be a bother.

Quinn's head snapped over to her when she spoke and she realized what she had done. I'm so stupid, she thought as she mentally slapped herself for being so careless.

"I want you to stay."

"Doesn't sound like it."

"Don't pay attention to her, Santana. Sometimes she forgets her manners. Actually, where is your uniform? I can wash it before I go to bed and it'll be ready in the morning for you."

"You don't have to do that, Mrs. F."

"I know coach Sylvester and I'm used to doing it. Where is it?"

Santana looked at Quinn for confirmation, not knowing what to do.

The blonde mouthed I'm sorry, before speaking. "Please stay, San. Ignore me when I'm being a bitch."

Santana simply nodded before going over to her gym bag and taking out the uniform. She had clean ones at her place, but if she was staying, the one she had worn that day definitely needed to be washed. She handed it to the older blonde with a small smile. "Thanks, Mrs. F."

"No problem, sweetheart. Now finish your homework and head to bed. It's getting late and you both have to be tired."

"We will soon, mama," Quinn assured her and as her mother left, she got up and walked towards Santana. She wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled her closer. "I'm sorry about before. I don't know why I did that."

"Yeah, well," was all the other girl could come up with as she looked down.

Quinn brought her even closer and held her tightly. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Santana finally gave in to her and wrapped her arms around Quinn's back, holding on to her just as tightly as she rested her cheek on Quinn's shoulder. "I guess we're so used to treating each other like shit that it's just what we do without even noticing. I know you didn't mean it."

"That doesn't excuse it. I guess I just panicked for a second but there was no reason for it. There are so many things changing and I guess I'm not used to things going so well for me." She kissed Santana's temple.

"Let's just forget it, alright? I guess I overreacted as well and we both have to get used to how different things are now." Placing a small kiss on Quinn's neck, she gave her one more squeeze before letting her go. "We're okay, babe."

Quinn nodded before walking back towards the desk and sitting down. She was done within half an hour, surprisingly. Her nerves had been a little shot the moment she had felt Santana's soft lips against her neck. This only served to make her wonder once again what it would be like to kiss her. She'd be lying if she said she didn't want to try. However, she was going to wait until Santana was ready for it because she didn't want to push her. As it was, they were further along than Quinn would have thought and she didn't want to mess it up.

"I think I'm done for tonight, cookie."

Santana's eyebrows went up. "Oh, hell no, Quinn! I'm pretty hot so I don't understand why must insist on calling me pastry names."

Quinn giggled at the look on her face. "So I guess Sweetie Pie is also out?"

Santana just glared harder. "You are not calling me some food name."

"But, Muffin," she tried again.

"No! Just no!"

Quinn pouted. "You're no fun! I have to call you something and Muffin is cute."

"I told you I'm not cute! I'm badass."

"Your badassery isn't going to be compromised because I call you something sweet."

"It will if someone hears you. I would totally kick your white ass if you embarrass me like that, Q."

Quinn had finished shutting down her laptop by then and was now walking over to Santana, whose back was to her as she put her books inside of her book bag. She wrapped her arms around her from behind and smiled when Santana melted against her.

"How about if I just whisper it in your ear, Muffin," she husked against said ear and felt Santana melt even more against her. "No one has to know I call you that. It'll be our little secret."

"Damn, girl," Santana whispered as she shuddered. Quinn's warm breath against the sensitive skin of her ear and neck were making her weak. "You're not playing fair."

"I learned from the best," she kept on saying, her voice still lower than usual as her fingers snuck under Santana's top to run slowly across her abs.

"Not fair to turn the tables on me, babe."

"Don't they say all's fair in love and war?" Knowing she was pushing the other girl and knowing that maybe now was not the right time, Quinn placed a kiss on the shell of Santana's ear before stepping back. "Ready to go upstairs?"

She had to take a moment to regulate her out of control breathing and the wild beating of her heart. Who knew Quinn could be such a damn seductress and who would have thought she'd end up as putty in her hands? And yet, nothing had happened. They had been flirting, touchy and closer than ever, but nothing major had happened. They hadn't even kissed yet for fuck's sake! What was she going to do when that happened? How was she going to be able to control herself when a few whispered words in her ear had her almost panting?

"San?" Quinn called out quietly. "Are you okay? Did I do something wrong again?"

Her anxiousness snapped Santana out of her thoughts and she turned to look at the blonde, who was currently fidgeting with her fingers nervously.

"No, babe. You didn't do anything wrong," she was quick to reassure her. "You just surprised me, but in a good way. Let's just go upstairs, okay? There's something I need to talk to you about anyways but I was waiting until we were done with homework."

She extended her hand towards the blonde, who took it immediately. Lacing their fingers together, they left the study and headed towards the stairs.

Once in the room, they changed and got ready for bed. Santana was finished first and she went ahead and got into bed. When Quinn came back into the room, she patted the spot next to her. Quinn immediately went to her, snuggling into her arms and resting her head on Santana's shoulder, her arm going around her waist. Santana wasted no time burying her finger in silky blonde tresses as she sighed happily.

"What did you need to talk to me about, Muffin? Is something wrong?"

"I'm seriously going to stop talking to you!"

"Aww, come on, don't be like that. Tell me what to call you then."

"I'm not sure yet, but not some pastry for sure."

"You're no fun!"

"Babe, be serious, how would you feel if I called you something like that in front of people?"

Quinn thought about it for a moment. "Okay, I won't do it in front of people then," she compromised and Santana sighed in defeat as she rolled her eyes.

"Anyways, I talked to coach Sylvester. No, wait, hear me out," she said quickly when she felt Quinn stiffening and starting to pull away from her. She tightened her arm around her back and held her in place. "I'm not asking you to join the Cheerios again, but I am asking for your help with the team."

Quinn exhaled softly. "How?"

"I want you to come back as an assistant coach, a sounding board, or whatever you want to call it. Coach is okay with it and wants an answer by morning."

"What would I do?"

"Look at all the routines for Nationals and help me polish them and make them flawless. You're so good at that, Q, and I could really use your help. I mean, the team's good right now, but I know if you step in we're going to be amazing and in order to win, we need to be on another level."

Quinn thought about it for a moment. It would mean doing something she loved without taking Santana's place. It would mean being a part of a winning team again. It would look awesome on her school resume and she would spend a lot more time with Santana. The last part alone had her sold.

"So I won't actually have to participate on the routines or competitions?"

"No. Your job will be helping me make sure we win Nationals again. You'll have to learn the new routines, I guess, so you can help those that don't get them right away, but you won't compete."

"Okay."

"Okay what?"

"I'll do it."

"You will?"

"For you, yeah."

Santana squealed and it was so unlike her that Quinn started laughing as they hugged each other tightly. They discussed some details about if before deciding to call it a night and falling asleep in each other's arms again.

The next morning was a repeat of their entrance at school the day before. The student body hadn't been able to believe it then, and had figured it wouldn't happen again, but they had been wrong. The girls walked into the school, heads held high, bodies close together and their eyes not focusing on anyone.

"Feeling like a circus freak yet?" Santana deadpanned with a little smirk.

"Kind of. I guess we're giving them something to talk about for a second day."

"We should head straight to coach's office to talk to her."

"That should get the tongues waggling again! They'll think I'm going back on the Cheerios."

"Well, technically, you are."

Quinn smiled and waved at Rachel again and Santana tried to not to roll her eyes and keep her cool. It just really bothered her that Quinn only singled her out, as if the dwarf was so special or something.

"You know, one of these days I'm going to think you're crushing on her," she murmured.

Quinn chuckled and leaned closer to her so she could speak quietly. "She's not the one I'm interested in, Muffin. I have my eyes set on someone else."

"Hmph."

Chuckling, Quinn shoulder checked Santana playfully. "Jealous?"

"As if. The dwarf has nothing on me."

"Who said it was you?" Santana's steps actually faltered and Quinn grabbed her hand to steady her. "You okay?"

"Fine," she clipped before hurrying along the hallway and leaving Quinn behind.

Quinn frowned as she followed the Latina into the cheerleaders' locker room. She could have kicked her own ass for being so careless when dealing with Santana. Her comment had meant to be playful, but obviously she had failed miserably.

"San," she called out as she walked inside but stopped when the few girls that were already there turned to look at her, some with their mouths hanging open in surprise. "Uh, hi."

She didn't stop to chat with anyone as she walked towards the last row of lockers, where Santana had hers. She found her standing in front of it, shoulders tense as she threw things inside of it.

"Tana," she tried again, her voice low so she could keep their conversation to themselves. "I'm sorry."

Santana didn't say anything at first, but she stopped her movements and just stared at the floor. "No, I'm the one that's sorry."

"We need to stop doing this, San. We can't keep taking what the other says or does the wrong way. I was just playing with you."

Santana turned her head and looked at her. There were tears shimmering in her dark eyes and Quinn felt as if a fist was squeezing her heart hard. "Oh, God, I didn't mean to make you cry," she whispered as she grabbed her and hugged her tightly.

Santana held on to her as she tried to control her emotions. The last thing she needed was for the rest of the team to see her like this.

Quinn looked up from the hug when she felt the presence of someone else there and her eyes collided with baby blues. Brittany stood there frozen for a moment before turning her back on them and walking back towards the other girls.

"Out! All of you out right now," she barked so unexpectedly that the girls started scrambling to get out of the room before she followed them out, giving Santana and Quinn some privacy. It was the least she could do after her talk with Quinn the day before. She hated to see Santana crying or in pain and she knew a lot of it was her fault. She just hoped Quinn would be able to fix it like she had said she would.

When silence descended on the room again, Quinn stepped back a little and cupped Santana's chin, making her look at her. "What's this about? And please be honest with me, Muffin."

Santana shrugged a little. "I'm just feeling really insecure right now about a lot of things, Q. And my damn period is right around the corner, so I'm feeling all emotional and shit."

"That makes sense, but what can I do to make it better? I'll start by watching what I say from now on."

"This isn't your problem. You shouldn't have to feel like you can't say things around me because I'm going to fall apart."

"But I want you to feel good. I hate to see you cry, Tana."

"I'm sorry."

"I don't want you to apologize. I want you to talk to me."

"Do you like Rachel?" she asked in a small voice, hating herself for asking.

Quinn blinked a couple of times before saying anything. "Only as a friend, Tana. What did you ask me yesterday at the park?"

"If you'd go on a date with me when I'm ready to ask you," she answered reluctantly, her voice small.

"And I told you my answer was yes. That means I'm going to wait for you because there is no one else I'd rather go out with, okay? I'll wait as long as you need and if it never happens, then I'll deal. But the only person I'm interested in right now is you," she assured her as she looked into her beautiful mocha eyes.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, silly girl. Please stop worrying about Rachel. I'm not interested in her as more than a friend."

"Okay. I'll try to be better."

Quinn placed a lingering kiss on her cheek before smirking at her. "See why I get to call you Muffin? Your badassery is nowhere in sight right now. Instead, I have the sweet you in my arms."

"Shut up. I'm always badass."

Quinn laughed as she pulled her in for a hug again. "Are we good now?" Santana nodded against her neck. "Let's go see coach now then."

"Well, look who's back," coach Sylvester said as they walked into her office. "I don't have time to chat with you ladies because it's going to give me a headache." She pushed a white box towards the edge of the desk. "That's for you."

Quinn took the lid off of the box to find a white polo sitting inside. She pulled it out and saw her name and the word 'assistant' embroidered in red on the left side of its front. Then she pulled out a red skirt that resembled those used by tennis players and lastly a whistle, a writing pad with a clipboard and a pair of Nike tennis shoes like the cheerleaders used.

"I haven't given you my answer yet and you went ahead and did this?"

"Like there was ever any doubt." She opened her desk drawer and pulled out a Cheerios lanyard with a set of keys attached to it. "Locker room keys, school keys, etc. You know the drill. Your locker is still the one next to Santana's."

"Thank you, coach."

"Yeah, yeah, get out of here before I change my mind."

Both left quickly and coach Sylvester had a smile on her face. She was sure now that her team would win Nationals. Even with things a little unstable between them, the Unholy Trinity was back and that only meant the team would be successful. She had to give it to Santana. She had put her personal issues with the blondes aside for the good of the team. She'd have to remember that.

"You are going to look so hot in that little getup."

Quinn blushed. "I can't believe she just assumed I'd do this and went ahead and got me these things."

"I guess she knew you still loved the Cheerios."

When she opened the locker to put her things in, she wasn't surprised to see more polo shirts and skirts already sitting in it. Her letterman jacket was also hanging inside. It would certainly make her life easier to have more than one uniform. She didn't like doing laundry every day.

"So you'll make the announcement this afternoon?"

"Yep, with you standing next to me looking smokin'," she said with a little wiggle of her eyebrows.

"You're too much, Tana!"

"Come on, Blondie, let's get to class and give the losers something to talk about. We actually have classes together today and you're sitting by me."

"Possessive much?"

"You know you love it," she said as she gave Quinn a pat on her backside as they walked out of the locker room.

Quinn's little squeak only made her laugh and the blonde let it go because she much preferred Santana's laughter to her tears.

Thursday evening found Santana in the kitchen helping her mother out with dinner preparations. Victoria was a great cook and had been teaching Santana for years so she could be independent when she was on her own. The last thing she wanted was for her to starve.

"Something's on your mind, mi amor. You're too quiet."

Santana looked up from the tomatoes she had been squaring for a salad and shook her head. "I'm fine, mami."

"You know you can talk to me about anything, right, princesa?"

"I know."

She wanted to talk to her mom, honestly, but she just didn't know how to even start the conversation. She was pretty sure she would be understanding and supportive, but still, she was still her mother. She sighed as she started on the cucumber.

"Your sighing like that isn't making me believe you're okay. This is about Quinn, isn't it?"

Her eyes snapped to her mother's instantly and she felt a blush covering her cheeks. "What?"

"Mija, you forget I know you well. I saw the way you looked at her this weekend. I saw the way you acted around each other. It's pretty obvious you like her."

"Of course I like her, mami! She's my best friend."

Victoria rolled her eyes at her daughter. "As more than a friend. Don't play dumb, Santana. You're better than that."

Santana lay the knife down. "Am I really that obvious?"

"Maybe not to everyone else, but I'm your mother and I know you best. I could tell and so could Judy because she was around you guys all weekend."

"Oh, God," she murmured. "Does she hate me? Does she think I'm corrupting Quinn?"

"Of course not! Why would she think that? Didn't you see the change in them since that asswipe left?"

"What did she say about it, mami?"

"Before I answer that, what are your intentions with Quinn?"

"Seriously?"

"Yes, Santana, seriously. We both know how much that poor girl has gone through so if you're not going to be serious about this I'm going to ask that you please stop before it's too late and she ends up hurt again."

She threw her hands in the air in exasperation. "Why does everyone think I'm going to hurt her?"

"Has someone else said something to you about it? Who all knows about this?"

"The dwarf saw us talking and approached me with a warning about hurting Quinn."

"The dwarf?"

Santana rolled her eyes. "Rachel Berry."

"Oh, her dads are delightful!"

"Yeah, well, too bad it didn't rub off on her."

Victoria laughed a little. "Is someone jealous?"

"Mami, stop! This is so not funny."

"So you like Quinn and you're jealous of Rachel," she deadpanned. "What's your plan?"

Santana's eyes widened. "I don't have a plan!"

"Maybe you need one. Is Rachel gay? She might ask Quinn out if you don't," she said nonchalantly as she stirred the arroz con pollo on the stove.

"She has nothing on me!" Santana immediately said. "The dwarf wishes she looked this good or that Quinn was interested in her."

Victoria kept her back to Santana so she wouldn't see the grin on her face. "So you do like Quinnie."

"Yes, fine, mami, I like Quinn."

"Have you told her?"

"She sort of knows."

"And? Seriously, querida, is like pulling teeth with you."

"And she is interested as well."

"So when are you going to ask her out?"

"I don't know, mami. I don't think I'm ready."

"Because of what happened with Brittany?"

"Yeah. I don't want to ask her out and then realize it's not what I wanted."

"Somehow I find that hard to believe," Victoria said as she turned and walked over to her daughter. She kissed her temple and smiled at her. "From what I saw this weekend between the two of you, I'd say you're ready. Just take it slow and don't jump in too deep."

"So you think I should take her on a date?"

"I do. I think you'll surprise yourself and have a good time. Besides, Judy approves as well."

"She does?" she asked incredulously.

"She told me so herself. She just wants Quinn to be happy and if you're the one to make it happen, she is okay with it and will support you as I will."

"Alright. I'll think about it."

"The more you think about it, the more excuses you will find not to do it. I know you, baby girl, and I think it's best to just do it. Take her out to dinner and a movie this weekend."

"How are you so okay with all of this?"

"I love you. It's as simple as that."

Santana looked down. "I thought abuelita loved me as well."

"Ay, mi amor, come here," she cooed as she pulled her into her arms and hugged her tightly. "Abuelita is old-fashioned and close minded, but she loves you. In time, she'll come around."

She held Santana as she cried softly on her shoulder. When she had calmed down, she told her to go upstairs and freshen up before dinner was ready. Santana nodded and decided to shower as well while she was at it. Half an hour later, she felt a little better and started walking down the stairs.

As she was about to walk into the kitchen, the doorbell rang and she heard her mother calling out for her to get it. Changing directions, she headed for the front door and was surprised when she opened it.

"Hi, dear," Judy greeted as she kissed her cheek and walked into the house. "Where's Vicky?"

"Kitchen."

"Thanks."

Santana looked at Quinn. She was dressed in one of her baby doll dresses and a cardigan. She looked cute as hell. "Hi."

"Hey."

"What did I miss?"

"Your mom called a bit ago and asked us over to dinner," Quinn explained as she walked into the house. She looked at Santana as she stepped closer and cupped her chin. "Have you been crying?"

Santana looked down. "Maybe a little."

"Aww, Muffin," she fussed as she gathered her close and held her. "I'm here now and I'll take care of you."

From the kitchen doorway, Victoria and Judy watched and exchanged a quick high-five before turning back around to give them some privacy.

I'd really love to know what you think of this one!