A/N: Thanks for the alerts, reviews, PMs.
A/N: This chapter would not have been possible without the amazing, momo0424. Thanks buddy! ;p
Craig thrustmore: thanks! Yeah, Quinn has definitely had fun times. Yes, Nic is awesome. I really enjoy writing her character. So, you want to know what Nic looks like? Ok. Well, since she is related to San, who happens to be Puerto Rican, I decided I wanted her be a multi-ethnic person. She's tall; has dark hair and eyes, tan skin. I honestly had Paula Patton in mind while creating this character.
Whyisitalways2am: Thanks. Here's some Pezberry interaction for you. Your pen name makes me think of Taylor Swift 3. She sings about 2 am in a lot of her songs. Lol.
Megzb: I don't hate you for liking Jess. In fact, I'm glad you like Jess. I want everyone to like Jess. It's part of my master plan. Thanks for your support!
Momo0424: I actually like the Kurt/Rachel friendship. I went back and forth on including him in the story, so I'm glad you appreciate it. Yes, Rachel needed to vent and this certainly won't be the last time. I love awkward moments so I have to include them somewhere. I thought the party would be the perfect place and time to create that tone. Jess does know that something's up and she'll inquire, but for now it won't affect her and San's relationship. We'll have to see how it pans out. Yeah, Quinn and Britt broke up, but good things will be happening for Quinn. Britt's kind of out there. Nic's totally not worried about San and Rachel… yeah, her wife would never…. Well, she should hope that she wouldn't—dare I note—cheat on her. I don't know what came over me when I wrote those Rach/Nic sex scenes. So, um, yeah… ::shifts eyes:: Glad you enjoyed the chapter! ;p
Frustratedwriter13: San's cool like that. She's a lady lover and she's all about respecting women. She's catering and sensual. K & R 3. San and Rach definitely aren't over each other. Some exciting, good and not so good, and fun things are going to happen now that Nic's gone.
Disclaimer: I don't own 'Glee'
For Mo
Enjoy loves!
"What do you think?"
"They're really beautiful."
"Yeah?"
"Absolutely."
Santana and Rachel were shopping at Cartier on Rodeo Dr. Santana wanted to get Jess something special. She rarely bought women jewelry, so this proved a difficult task, but Jess was well worth effort. She enlisted Rachel's services because she had impeccable taste in jewelry. They spent more than an hour looking through the exquisite collections the jeweler had to offer.
"Ms. Lopez, have you decided on which pair of earrings you like best?"
"Yes, Richard."
"Lovely. Let's take a look at what you've chosen."
Santana pointed at the simple yet elegant pair of white gold diamond earrings from the Panthre de Cartier Collection. She just knew they would look perfect on Jess.
"Ah. Yes. Panthre de Cartier. Classic. Excellent choice Ms. Lopez."
Santana nodded.
"Your wife has excellent taste. These earrings will look fantastic on you."
"She's not my wife."
"I'm not her wife."
Richard was taken aback. He would have bet his favorite silk scarf from Hermes that they were a young couple in love. "My apologies, well, whoever the intended, these will certainly look fabulous on her."
After Santana paid for the earrings they decided that would have a late lunch. Santana wasn't in the mood for anything in particular, so she let Rachel decide. Rachel wanted some place, quiet and cozy so she suggested 208 Rodeo. Santana thought that was the perfect choice.
They sat in a cozy, isolated section. Santana didn't feel like being bothered. Of course she enjoyed her fans and was incredibly grateful for their dedication, but she really just wanted to lay low.
"Thanks for coming with me."
"You're welcome. You still have excellent taste."
Santana blushed.
"So. Tell me. What are your plans? How are you going present this beautiful gift?"
"Well, you know me. I'm gonna do what I do best."
"What's that overcook tofu and set the kitchen on fire?"
Santana glared. "Watch it Berry. Anyway that wasn't entirely my fault. Someone—Ahem—decided it would be funny to jump me while I was cooking."
"I did no such thing. I was merely trying to help."
"By deep throating a carrot while I was chopping onions?"
"I can't help that the sight of a beautiful woman really turns me on."
"Yeah. My mom's still pissed about that."
"I offered to fix everything."
"By what, pulling a Cinderella? You start singing and friendly woodland creatures would come and help you renovate the kitchen?"
"Ha. Ha. Very funny Lopez."
"I know."
"You know not. Anyway, you're the one who lost focus."
"Yeah, because I was 16 and had the libido and attention span of a 16-year-old boy."
"You're making excuses for yourself, Santana." Rachel playfully accused her friend.
"Right. And how exactly did my mom's priceless Peruvian Ayacucho Pot get a crack in it?"
"Wh-what? Inez Santana Lopez, you know damned well I did not knock over your mother's pot—on purpose."
"So you say."
"Well, you were the one who wanted to 'gets your mack on' in the family room—which I advised against."
"I don't recall you stopping me."
"Let's see: you show up to your house after your run, hot and sweaty, I was already hot and sweaty because the air conditioning in your bedroom was broken."
"You could have taken a swim. I mean that's what the pool is for."
Rachel rolled her eye. "Anyway, as I was walking down the stairs, you snuck into the house—scared the sh-crap out of me, by the way— and proceeded to chase me. The vase was the first thing I saw in your pursuit of me. "
"I thought it was funny."
"You didn't think it was funny when I almost threw the vase at your head."
"First of all Shorty, there was no way you were gonna hit me in the head with that thing; I still don't know how you were able to lift it."
"I'm sure you'd be surprised with a lot of things I can do."
Santana chuckled. "Not all that surprised, Berry." She winked
After all these years, Santana and Rachel were still comfortable with one another. It was like so much yet so little time had passed at all.
Santana stared at Rachel as she looked over her menu. She thought her ex had only gotten more beautiful with age. Granted they were only 27, but 27 looked amazing on Rachel Berry.
"You're staring."
"Wh-what. No I wasn't." Santana said recovering from her reverie.
"Yes you were. I can feel you."
"Ah. The ethereal 'sixth sense'."
"That's not funny, San. But this has nothing to do with my 'sixth sense'; I can actually feel your energy."
"Come again?"
"I've always known when you were around and when you were staring at me."
"Hmm."
Sensing some tension Rachel decided the change the subject. "How are things with Quinn and GoldStar Entertainment Productions?"
"Things are going really well."
"I'm glad. You two are like other-worldly brilliant."
"We work well together."
"It seems that way. Too bad you two never got together. You guys would be a fierce power couple."
Santana had a decision to make. She could brush off Rachel's comment or she could respond. Sure that Rachel would find out at some point, she decided to tell her the truth.
"It's funny that you say that."
"What?"
"Quinn and I…"
Rachel began laughing. "You and Quinn what?"
Santana really didn't know how to say it, so she just went for it. "We were together."
"You guys are always together."
"No. Rachel, Quinn and I were together. For about a year."
"Oh." Rachel suddenly found her napkin interesting. "When?"
Santana sighed. "A few years ago."
"I see." Rachel felt her stomach turn. She had always known the two women were close. They were each other's first and had this really fiery, intense connection. She just thought that was just from first experience and deep love and trust from a lifelong friendship. "And you two are still friends?"
"Well, we're more than that" Rachel's heart fluttered "I mean she's my business partner and my family."
"What happened?"
"Hmm?"
"Why did you two break up?"
"Timing."
"Timing has never been on your side when it comes to women."
"Seems that way."
"Well, maybe you'll get it right with Jess."
"Maybe."
"So, this is getting serious. You really like her, huh?"
"It's getting going. She's pretty incredible."
"Someone has finally managed to tie you down."
"I wouldn't say I'm tied down. We're just having a good time. You know, we're just hanging out."
"San, most people don't spend $10,000 on someone they're just hanging out with."
"Keeping track, Berry?"
Rachel blushed. "Not at all."
"Pardon me; we at Rodeo 208 apologize for the delay. There was an incident that needed tending to. I'm Jack and I'll be your server this afternoon. Can I start you ladies off with beverages?"
"It's lovely to meet you, Jack. Is everything all right?"
"Yes ma'am. It just seems that Ms. Lopez was tailed here and we're having a difficult time containing some of the customers and passersby, but no need to worry. We assure that you will have a quiet and peaceful lunch here at Rodeo 208."
"Thank you. San are you ok with staying here?"
"Of course. I mean it's nothing I'm not used to. I apologize for the inconvenience, Jack."
"No apology necessary."
Santana nodded.
"I'll have a glass of water and she'll have an iced tea with lemon."
"Absolutely. I'll be right back with your beverages."
The women sat in silence.
Santana continued looking at her menu.
Rachel consumed with her thoughts.
Santana and Quinn? Wow. I know they have this intense history, but they've dated recently. And they're still friends? They've always been friends. They have always managed to be in each other's lives. They don't let anything come between them. How could I have missed all of the signs? Have they always been in love with each other? I have so many questions, but I have no right to inquire. Oh God. I feel like a jealous ex. Santana and I have been over for years. We had our chance, but she and Quinn continue dancing. And now she has Jess. Santana is incredibly beautiful, smart and talented. Quinn and Jess are also impressive women. I can see how she managed to form adult relationships with them. I'm just curious as to how she and Quinn could have had this sort of relationship and remain friends. I can't help but feel—dare I admit this to anyone other than myself—jealous. And she told me so casually—like it was old news.
I know that before this past seven months Santana and I hadn't seen or spoken to one another in almost four years, but, wow. She continues surprising me.
"Rachel? Rachel?"
"Yes?"
"Are you ok? You've been quiet."
"I'm fine. Just got caught up with my thoughts."
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing that requires much more thought at the moment."
"Excuse me, ladies. Are you ready to place your order?"
"Rachel, do you know what you want?"
"Oh. I'll just have the signature salad with walnuts instead of almonds; arugula and spinach; gruyere and wild mushrooms. Also, I'll have the cranberry vinaigrette and sunflower oil bread slices pleases."
"Sure. And for you Ms. Lopez?"
"I'll have the grilled chicken sandwich, but I'd like apricots instead of granny smith apples."
"Absolutely."
After Jack walked off Santana stared at Rachel for a few moments. She looked tired; still incredibly beautiful, but very tired. She wanted to reach out to her. Ask her what was wrong and if she could be of any assistance, but that didn't seem appropriate. Rachel was never one to be quiet. Of course it had been years since they had spent this much time together, but there are things about people that never change. There are things about Rachel Berry that should never change.
"Talk to me, Berry."
"About what?"
"Anything."
"There's nothing to talk about."
"There was a time when you told me everything." Santana whispered.
"I don't know what you want me to say, Santana."
Santana didn't want to argue, so she left it alone.
Another bout of silence came over the two ex-lovers.
"Why Quinn?"
"Excuse me?"
"Why did you choose Quinn?"
Santana didn't know how to respond to that question.
"Seriously, what's so special about Quinn?"
"Really, Rachel?"
"Yes. Really, Santana."
Santana hated this. She didn't want to be interrogated by Rachel. She had much more important things to think about than 'why Quinn?'
"Rachel, Quinn and I had something a few years ago. It was what it was."
"Nothing is ever just that simple with you and Quinn."
"There is no me and Quinn."
"There has always been you and Quinn."
"Rachel, why are we talking about me and Quinn? That's not even important. I mean, so what if Quinn and I were together. That really has nothing to do with you. You have no ties to Quinn, so why are you so concerned with our relationship?"
"I just-oh, never mind."
"What?"
"Nothing."
"No. You're not doing this. Say what you have to say."
"I just don't understand how you and Quinn got back together. Like what brought you two to that point?"
"I'm assuming the same fates that brought you and my cousin together."
Rachel flinched.
"How can you possibly ask me about Quinn? Quinn and I are the most irrelevant thing to talk about." Santana was getting flustered. "You want to talk about a relevant relationship? Ok. Let's talk. Let's address the elephant in the room, huh?"
Suddenly Rachel didn't like where this conversation was heading.
"Santana."
"Don't Santana me. You wanted to talk. So now we're going to talk."
"Ms. Lopez here is your gr—"
"Jack, can we please get this to go?"
"Absolutely."
"Get up."
"Excuse me?"
"Let's go."
"Santana."
"No. Come on. You want to talk. So we're doing just that. We're not having this conversation here."
"Santana I don't think this is such a good idea; we were having such a good day."
"I'm not letting you get away with this Rachel. You can't bring up shit and not follow through."
"Language, Santana."
"Seriously, Berry? My language will be the least of you concern."
"Santana I think we should just call it an evening and get together when we've both calmed down and have clear heads."
"I'll never have a clear head with you."
Rachel chuckled. This wasn't the time for jokes, but Rachel couldn't help but laugh.
"Listen Berry, here are your options: you either come with me voluntarily or I'll pick your little ass up, put you over my shoulder and put you in my car. The choice is yours."
"Santana, this is ridiculous."
"Let's not get started on what is and isn't ridiculous."
While Rachel was ranting about something Santana texted her driver to meet them at the back entrance of the restaurant.
"Ok. Have you made your decision?"
"I think I'll go home and we'll discuss this later."
"Not an option."
"You don't get to tell me what to do Santana."
"The hell I don't."
"You don't."
Santana rolled her eyes. Just as Rachel was about to continue yet another rant Frank appeared at their table.
"Come on Rachel."
"No."
"You really know how to make things difficult don't you, Berry?"
"Ms. Lopez here is your food. I'm sorry you couldn't stay to enjoy it."
Santana placed one hundred dollars on the table and handed the food to Frank.
With Frank in tow, Santana quickly picked up Rachel and walked through the kitchen to the back door.
"Inez Lopez, put me down this instant."
Santana ignored Rachel's use of her first name and her request.
"Keep cooking people, there's nothing to see here."
"Santana, I swear to God if you don't put me down I'll—"
"What are you going to do, Berry; Talk me to death? I'll have you know that I am classically trained in the art of ignoring Rachel Berry's verbose rants."
Rachel grunted.
Santana smirked.
Santana and Rachel were silent on the way back to GoldStar Entertainment offices. Santana decided it was neutral territory.
"Oh, so now you're giving me the silent treatment? That's fine we have nothing but time."
Rachel continued to ignore Santana.
"Since when can Rachel Berry not dish what she can serve?"
Rachel rolled her eyes.
"Since when have you not been pushy and overbearing?"
"Ah. She speaks. And I am not pushy and overbearing."
"Please, Santana. It's either your way or your way."
"Rachel, that's not true and you know it."
"Isn't it though?"
"No." Santana murmured.
"Really? Because I feel like I've had no say in anything."
"What is there for you to have any say in?"
"Is that a serious question, San?"
"Yes. It's a serious question. And why do you keep answering my questions with questions?"
"Because I need answers."
"You need answers? Rachel Berry seeks answers. Hmm. What could you possibly want to know? I've been an open book for you our entire lives. I need answers Rachel. I need to know why."
"You left me."
"Huh?"
"You left me, Santana."
"How do you figure that?"
"Well, let's see: we spent two weeks together in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We made love almost every morning and night. And then I don't see you for four years. Why? Granted we weren't in a relationship, but I thought we were making progress, You just left me like it was nothing."
"That is not true."
"It sure seemed that way."
Santana could feel her anger rising. They really needed to have this conversation, but she had to keep her cool in order to get anything accomplished. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Rachel noticed that Santana was getting angry, but she didn't want to push her. She knew better than anyone how Santana could get when she's angry.
"I thought we had an understanding."
"No. You had an understanding."
"I thought that would be best."
"Exactly. You thought it would be best. Everything is about you."
"You couldn't be any further from the truth."
"Yeah? Well, enlighten me Santana."
"I did it for you."
"You left my life completely for me? Do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds?" Santana lowered her head. "That makes no sense."
"I wanted you to do beautiful things. I wanted you to have your dreams come true. How could you possibly do that and worry about me being there for you?"
"That would've been my choice. That was my decision to make and you took that option from me."
"You didn't say anything."
"You don't listen."
"I'm listening now." Santana sighed.
Rachel almost wanted to say it was too late, but they were already in full swing and there was no turning back. They needed this. If there was any hope for their friendship they'd have so much to talk about.
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