Note: So I know you want them to get together, and really, so do I. But, you know… with all the crap I'm putting them through it's hard to find the right timing.
Patience. We'll get there soon!
The weekend passed as Quinn tried to find Santana without any success. She came back to Santana's apartment a couple of times, yet again nobody opened the door. And it was frustrating. Where was she? Did she leave? Has she even come home? Or was it possible that she was in there all along? Whichever the answer, Santana was clearly avoiding Quinn, or anyone for that matter. Though she knew one thing for sure. Santana had to come back to work on Monday, because more or less, lives depended on it. So that's where Quinn would go.
The strip club.
Unfortunately she would have to endure a whole day of class first, because Monday also meant back to college. It was hard for her to keep her mind off Santana during classes. Scratch that, it was downright impossible, and obviously the fact that the lectures were utterly boring didn't quite help. She ended up doodling on her notepad and apparently at some point the teacher caught her not paying attention. He couldn't actually have seen what Quinn was putting down on paper from that angle, but that didn't stop him from putting her on the spot.
"Miss Fabray, that better be notes you're writing down."
Ever since the rumors about her controversial romance came out, teachers seemed to take every chance to catch her. "What else could it be?" Quinn asked a little agitated, causing the man to cock an eyebrow.
"Can I see them?" he asked as he approached her.
Quinn didn't get the chance to answer. The man slightly pushed his glasses up before pulling away her notepad, staring at it with a frown. Clearly Quinn's lack of interest had offended him.
"I don't remember discussing this," he spoke in a condescending tone while looking at Quinn. She recognized that look. It was a look of judgment. She'd gotten used to it by now, because she got the same looks whenever she walked down the halls.
Quinn shrugged casually, not bothering to respond. She knew he would kick her out, and right now, she couldn't care less.
"Miss Fabray, I don't like your attitude. Either you take this class seriously or you can leave."
At the moment, it was an easy choice. Without any hesitation Quinn got up.
"I'll let myself out," she said, shooting everyone a sarcastically charming smile before walking out the door. Even though the people did get to her, she refused to let it show. It was for that very reason that she did in fact understand why Santana was always acting so ignorant. Because when you don't… It all turns real.
Quinn had another class at three, but she decided to leave. What was the point of staying when her mind was elsewhere anyway? She couldn't help but wonder where Santana had been all weekend. Quinn could only hope she hadn't gotten herself into more trouble. It was strange, Quinn actually sort of missed Santana. After all the crap she'd been through at CU it was nice to be around someone who didn't judge her, or even be around anyone at all. Sure, they've both judged each other in the past – a lot – but after these past few months they both seemed to be in different places when looking back at their high school days. Well, obviously that was an understatement.
Despite the circumstances, Quinn liked spending time with Santana. It was… familiar, yet different. Even though when Quinn appeared at Santana's doorstep she was mostly greeted with a scowl, she couldn't help but smile at the thought, simply because she knew Santana didn't actually hate Quinn. Santana was surprisingly caring if people could look past the attitude. Quinn could, because more or less, she was the same.
At the end of the day, Quinn prepared to leave for the strip club. That certainly felt odd. She slipped into a dress and threw on a dark blue vest. She'd never been to a strip club before, but if she did she would do it in style. Last but not least, she pulled out a pair of heels. Content, she smiled into the mirror.
Good to go.
After the drive there, Quinn parked her car at the lot nearby. She stayed in the drivers' seat for a moment, clenching her hands at the steering wheel. As she looked at the building through her window it all sunk in. She realized what she was here to do, but how would Santana react at Quinn showing up here? More than that, how would Quinn react if she saw Santana grinding some guy for money? She clenched the steering wheel even tighter. The whole idea just upset her. She shook her head. It was wrong. Santana was beautiful, she was smart, she shouldn't be selling her body. Quinn sighed. But she knew why Santana was doing this. Stupid decisions or not, Quinn had to admire Santana's strength in all of this. Still, she couldn't do this alone forever, and she shouldn't have to either.
Finally she gathered the courage to get out of the car, and she quickly paced towards the club. These streets still made her feel uncomfortable after that night she found Santana, and it only reminded her of all the creeps that actually lived in New York. Next thing she knew she found herself in front of the entrance. She was greeted by a couple of men smoking outside. She caught them checking her out and couldn't help but feel a little disgust.
"Hi there…" one of the guys started. "Damn, are you new here? I'd pay good money to see you in a tight outfit. Or less."
The men started laughing together, and as much as Quinn would love to snap back at them she didn't have time for that. She was here for different reasons.
"Sorry, I'm just here to see the show," Quinn stated nonchalantly before walking in.
"Shit, is she for real?" she overheard one of the guys react before the door slammed closed behind her.
As she walked in the music echoed around her. A low bass filled the room, and dim lights subtly lit the place. She scanned her surroundings and she had to admit, in contrary to her expectations the interior was quite tastefully decorated. Then again, she'd never been to a strip club, so her expectations didn't mean much.
The place was filled with all kinds of men. College boys on a night out, groups of guys celebrating their bachelor party, and some older men, hanging back by themselves, hungrily staring at the girls on stage.
She looked up at the stage and saw one of the girls stripping down as men showered her in dollar bills. To Quinn, it was uncomfortable to say the least. And she hadn't even found Santana yet. Where the hell was she?
She looked around once more, and suddenly her jaw dropped as she nearly punched herself for not noticing her before. Santana. There she was, up on the third stage, sensually teasing the guys in front of her… And even Quinn. She'd seen the girl in the locker rooms a thousand times before, but this was the first time she really took in her beauty. She had perfectly carved features, and miles of dark hair flung around freely, flaunting her every move. She was… perfect… For lack of a better word.
As the next song started Quinn quickly shook out of her trance. She was here to talk to Santana. With firm steps she approached the stage. Santana hadn't noticed her yet, so she swiftly pulled out a twenty dollar bill. Santana was focused on another man when Quinn held up the bill, finally attracting her attention. Santana's eyes grew wide as soon as she saw the girl in front of her was Quinn.
"We need to talk," Quinn spoke with a stern expression on her face, mentally patting herself on the back for not getting distracted.
"I'm working," Santana answered blankly.
"Fine, meet me after. I'll be here."
Santana looked up at Quinn, seemingly surprised by Quinn's determination. They exchanged a final glance before Santana removed her gaze from Quinn, returning her focus to the man she was... working on.
Quinn walked over to the bar, taking a seat as she kept her eyes on Santana. She wasn't going to let her get away this time. She knew Santana would get off work at 2AM, so after an hour or so, she made her way outside, though not before making sure there was actually only one entrance just in case Santana would try to flee.
Quinn stood a few feet from the entrance, tapping the back of her hand as she waited for Santana to come out. She was relieved to find that the group of guys from earlier were gone. It may have been quiet but she would take that over those people any day. She couldn't believe Santana had to be around those pricks all the time, let alone have them grope her for money.
After about five minutes, Santana finally appeared at the door in a short black dress, a leather jacket and knee high boots. Once again Quinn found herself being taken aback by how stunning Santana looked. She was flawless. Not why you're here Fabray… Quinn reminded herself. No, she was here with a very clear reason.
"Santana," she called out while approaching her.
Santana stopped to look up at Quinn. "You're still here."
Quinn shrugged. "Told you."
"It's a shame you wasted your time," Santana replied before turning around, preparing herself to walk away for the umpteenth time.
"Santana," Quinn said, her voice sounding louder now. Still, Santana ignored her. But Quinn was determined to get through to her, so she gathered the words she knew would make Santana turn back around in an instant.
"I spoke with your mom."
Santana halted her movement as she turned back to face Quinn. And this time, Quinn's eyes truly met Santana's.
Santana didn't say a word, but Quinn knew she struck a nerve. Though it had to be done.
"Talk to me."
Quinn noticed Santana tried to run away again, so she quickly put her hand on Santana's shoulder. Santana immediately removed herself from Quinn's grip.
"Santana, don't walk –"
"What do you want from me?!" Santana yelled at Quinn. "Do you want me to congratulate you for figuring it out? Seriously Quinn you had no right! I asked you to leave and –"
"I don't care," Quinn cut her off, realizing it was time for a different approach. "I want to help you, and if that takes you getting mad at me then so be it."
Santana let out a spiteful laugh. "You got that last part right."
"Like I said. I don't care," Quinn replied, causing Santana to look somewhat confused.
"You're – You are quite something you know that? I told you to leave, and instead you show up here and you –"
"I what? I wanna help you? Damn right."
"Quinn I can handle this, I don't need your goddamn help! When are you gonna liste –"
"No you listen! Can you stop it? You pretend like you don't want any pity when you're the one who's throwing the pity party! Why do you think you don't deserve anyone's help?"
Santana narrowed her eyes at Quinn. "Since when do you study psychology? Because last time I checked you studied acting, so please can you just go back to acting like nothing's happened?"
"I don't need to study psychology to know you. You're scared even though you won't admit it. You try to act all tough so you won't fall apart. I understand that your mom means everything to you but this is not how she would want you to handle this."
The mention of Santana's mom caused Santana to clench her fists. "Don't… Don't even go there Quinn. I can't believe Puck told you this."
"What, because you've been so honest to him? Besides it wasn't even his fault, your mom was the one who grabbed his phone because she thought it was you! Santana, do you even know how worried she is?!"
Santana shook her head, her eyes pleading for Quinn to shut up.
"She's worried sick about you, and I can't blame her."
"I… I'm doing this for her!" Santana tried to reason.
"How do you think she would feel if you get yourself killed trying to save her? Do you really think she could handle that?"
Nervously Santana ran a hand through her hair, Quinn could tell she was getting to her.
"Santana, you know she'd never forgive herself if –"
"How do think I would feel if I lost her?!" Santana suddenly yelled back, catching Quinn off guard. "She's my mother! I can't lose her, I just – I…" She buried her head in her hands, and Quinn knew she was forcing back tears. "Quinn… Don't you get it…?"
Santana was slowly breaking down, and Quinn's heart broke at the sight in front of her. She wished she could just wave her magic wand and take away her suffering but unfortunately things in life were never that easy.
"Santana…"
"She is all I have Quinn! You don't… You don't understand…" Santana's voice cracked as her body started to shiver. "She's… She's all I have… I can't…"
And that was all Santana could get out before collapsing to the ground, unable to hold back tears anymore. Quinn quickly caught her in an embrace, firmly wrapping her arms around her. She pulled her as close as possible, wanting to make sure Santana knew she wasn't alone in this.
"You have me. Okay?"
Santana buried her head into Quinn's shoulders, muffling her sobs.
"Shhh, you have me, and I'm not leaving you. We'll figure this out together. It's gonna be okay."
Santana held on to Quinn tightly, finally letting herself go. Her reaction was overwhelming, and Quinn couldn't help but feel tears starting to form in her own eyes. Never had she seen someone so desperate, so broken. Santana had been dealing with this alone for too long.
"It'll be okay…"
Song / Chapter Title: Young Blood by The Naked And Famous