A/N: My apologies for the delay. I had to finish my last class before summer break and there was so much work! Also, work has been kicking my ass and managing two places at once is not a walk in the park. Glad you liked the last chapter. Prepare yourselves for more mush, romance, and cuteness. Fran finally makes an appearance. Feel free to give me ideas of what kinds of things the traitors should go through.

How would you guys feel about me posting my stories on LJ or IJ in case any of them are taken down by the purge heard around the world? I used to post my HP stuff there and then stopped, but with the circumstances as they are, it might be a good idea to start posting there again. I don't know where else I would post to be honest.

Chapter 14

Santana blinked her eyes several times and as she lifted her arms over her head to stretch, she winced and then groaned at the pain she felt all over her battered body. Cursing in Spanish, she lowered her arms slowly and took a couple of slow breaths. She'd hoped that come morning she'd feel much better, but that wasn't the case. Her side felt tender and abused and her ankle was throbbing painfully now that she was fully awake. It wouldn't surprise her if she was black and blue. Turning her head slowly, she frowned when she noticed she was alone in bed. Running her fingers over the sheets, she could still detect some warmth so her blonde companion hadn't been gone long.

Panic suddenly gripped her heart as she wondered where Quinn was. Why wasn't she there? Was she upset about their kisses? She had given her permission after all, so it couldn't be that, right? Besides, she had made sure to keep it light and simple because she hadn't wanted to spook her. Sighing sadly, she looked towards the door as if willing the blonde to walk into her room right then.

Her other pressing problem was that she needed to use the bathroom and she knew there was no way she'd be able to stand on her own. After years of Cheerleading and sports injuries, she knew her body well and if she tried getting up without help, she was bound to make things worse.

Throwing the sheet and blanket aside, she lifted her top and tried to see if there was any bruising but her front seemed to be fine. There were small bruises on the side of her leg where she had impacted the ground and she knew better than to move her ankle a lot. It hurt like a mother and she knew she'd have to give in and take some pain medication. Maybe she should have listened to the blonde when she had suggested it the night before.

"Those bitches are going down," she growled angrily.

"My, such language so early in the morning, Muffin," came the amused comment from the bedroom doorway.

Santana's head swung that way and her eyes widened when she saw Quinn standing there holding a tray. She felt her chest flood with relief so fast it almost left her breathless. "You're still here," she breathed out.

Quinn frowned as she walked into the room. "Of course I am, Tana. Where else would I be?"

Santana looked down at her lap, fidgeting nervously with her fingers. "I woke up alone and thought you had left."

The blonde walked over to the bed and placed the tray at the foot of it. "I was making you breakfast, silly girl. I figured you would wake up in pain and I didn't want you to take your medicine on an empty stomach. Tony said they're strong," she explained.

Santana looked curiously at the contents on the tray. There was a cup of coffee made just the way she liked, a glass of orange juice, a bowl of oatmeal sprinkled with cinnamon powder and a small bowl of fruit. It looked absolutely delicious and her tummy suddenly rumbled making her cheeks blush as Quinn giggled. She looked up at the blonde and couldn't help but smile when she saw how happy and accomplished she looked.

"Good morning, Muffin," she murmured as she lowered her head and pecked Santana's lips lightly and naturally. "How are you feeling this morning?"

Santana's tongue traced her lips because they were tingling after the small contact. She hadn't expected that, but she was more than happy it had happened and wouldn't mind one bit if it kept happening. In fact, Quinn could kiss her anytime she felt so inclined to do so!

"Tana?" Quinn pressed when she got no response and there was just a faraway look in her eyes.

Snapping out of it, Santana looked back at Quinn and smiled. "Sorry, that caught me by surprise."

"What, the kiss?" At her nod, the blonde blushed a little. "Should I not have done it?"

Santana grabbed the front of the blonde's shirt and pulled her down until they were facing each other again. Moving forward, she placed a lingering kiss on her lips and smiled against them. "You can kiss me whenever you feel like it, babe. I don't mind at all. In fact," she continued against her soft lips before nipping at the bottom one playfully, "I really, really like it."

Quinn's grin was goofy and her cheeks were tinged with a light pink color that only made her look prettier to Santana. Santana's grin matched hers once the blonde had cupped her face and kissed her again before stepping back.

"Good to know. Now, let's get you to the bathroom. I'm sure you need to go and can't get there on your own. Then you can eat your breakfast. Vicki and I didn't wake up early just for kicks, you know!"

"Mami is up?" Santana asked as she tried to move her legs but stopped with a slight wince.

"Both of them are and they'll be in to see you soon. Tony wants to check you before he has to go see some of his patients at the hospital. Wrap your arms around my neck, Tana," Quinn instructed as she wrapped an arm around Santana's shoulder and snuck the other under her knees.

Straightening carefully, she lifted the brunette from the bed with as much caution as she could and started walking over to the bathroom.

"I didn't realize you were this strong, babe. It's kind of hot," Santana sighed happily as she rested her head on Quinn's shoulder. "I feel like a damsel!"

Quinn chuckled good-naturedly as she walked into the bathroom and sat Santana on top of the vanity.

"I've found a work-out partner and I've been running and doing some light weights," she explained as she looked at her before asking curiously, "so I'm your prince?"

Santana was really curious about the workout partner, but decided to leave that conversation for a later time. Right now she was having too much fun flirting with the blonde in front of her. "Mm, no, more like my beautiful princess."

"If only people at school knew what a sap you are, Muffin. Such a softy."

"Hmph, that's never going to happen or –," she started but Quinn cut her off.

"Yeah, yeah, if I tell anyone you'll have to ends me, blah, blah, blah."

"Hey!" Santana protested and smacked her arm playfully. "That's not very nice, especially when I'm in pain."

"Oh, so now you're going to milk this?"

"Damn right, Blondie!"

Shaking her head in amusement, Quinn parted Santana's legs and stood between them. "Can you stand if I help you?"

"I think so," she responded as she set her hands on Quinn's shoulders and lowered herself onto the floor using only her good leg. "Help me to the toilet?"

"Of course."

Carefully, Quinn helped Santana move closer to the toilet before lowering her shorts and underwear and helping her sit down. Once she was sure Santana was safely sitting down, she stepped out to give her some privacy. It helped that they had seen each other naked before and there was nothing embarrassing about helping her best friend in her time of need. It was also surprising that there was no sexual tension, considering the new status of their relationship. While they weren't official, they'd had a date and that definitely shifted things for them. However, Santana's wellbeing was Quinn's top priority at the moment and while the Latina had a delectable body, she was able to be impartial because she knew Santana was hurt and in pain. She knew how proud her friend could be and it meant a hell of a lot to Quinn that she was being so dependent on her, that she was asking for help and that they were getting along so great.

She was brought back from her inner musings by Santana's soft voice calling her name and Quinn opened the door and went back into the bathroom to help her. Once Santana had brushed her teeth, Quinn sat her on the vanity again before picking her up once more and taking her back to bed.

"Thank you," Santana said, her voice soft and tender, something Quinn wasn't fully used to, but something she really liked.

"You're welcome, Tana. That's what I'm here for," she told her sincerely as she picked up the tray and set it over her lap. "Now, eat your breakfast before it gets cold."

"Where's your breakfast?"

"I had some oatmeal with your parents a little while ago. Your mom makes the best oatmeal ever!"

"Mmm, she does. I've been trying to learn how to make it just like hers before we go off to college. I'm almost there, but it never turns out quite as good as hers."

"I was watching her make it and she does put things in it I never would have thought about."

"It's how they make it in Puerto Rico. She grew up eating hot cereal and it's something she always did for us as well. There are a couple more she makes that you haven't tried. I'll ask her to make you Farina tomorrow, which is cream of wheat. So yummy!"

Quinn smiled at her as she stole a strawberry from her fruit cup. "I think it's cool that you're so close and carefree with your parents, Tana. Sometimes I wish I had grown up in a house like yours instead of one like mine."

"I thought things were going great between you and your mom," she mentioned with concern.

"Oh, they are," Quinn was quick to reassure her. "But so much time was wasted with us being scared of dad and feeling like nothing we did was good enough. I see how you are with your parents, how open and loving they are and I wish I had more of that."

"I know, babe, but it's over now and Judy has really come around. Now we need to call Fran and hopefully she'll come around as well. The three of you don't need Russell to be a family." Santana covered Quinn's hand with her own and smiled at her. "I hope you know we're also part of your family."

"I know you are." Quinn went around the bed and sat cross-legged facing Santana. She fidgeted with her fingers for a moment before looking back at the other girl. "Would it be okay if I try calling Frannie when you're done with breakfast? I'm sure she's awake by now even if it's the weekend."

"I already told you I'd be here for that. You can call her while I eat."

"Are you sure? I can wait until you're done. Besides, your parents are going to come in any second."

Santana relented with a small nod as she took a careful sip of her coffee. She was glad because just as Quinn had predicted, halfway through her meal her parents walked in the door, smiles on their faces when they saw she was eating.

"Como esta mi princesa?" Antonio asked as he came closer and kissed her cheek.

"Estoy bien, papi," she replied. "Sore for sure and my ankle is hurting a bit, but I'm not too bad."

"Have you taken your pain medication this morning?" he asked as he started unwrapping her ankle.

"I will as soon as I finish eating," she promised him and he nodded before going back to her ankle.

Quinn moved closer and held up Santana's leg for him by placing one hand behind her calf and another behind her knee. He looked at her and smiled. "Thank you, Quinn."

"De nada," she responded with a cheeky grin and he chuckled.

"How's your breakfast, mi amor?" Vicki asked as she fussed over her.

Santana couldn't be happier, truth be told, that three of the people she cared most about were taking such good care of her. It made her feel loved and safe.

"It's perfect, mami. You don't even have to ask."

"Well, I just want to make sure, princesa. I know you have to be really uncomfortable right now."

"It's not horrible, but I'm liking how you're all spoiling me," she confessed with a smile.

"Hmph," Quinn started. "Just what we need! You cannot possibly get any more spoiled than you already are!"

"Hey! Remember what I told you last night. I'm hurt and you have to be nice to me!"

Quinn looked at Vicki and shook her head. "She's going to drive us all crazy, you know this, right?"

"Doesn't she always?" Vicki agreed with a chuckle as she ruffled Santana's hair when she scoffed at them. "But what can I tell you? We might spoil her rotten and all, but she's a good girl, makes excellent grades and while she pretends to be a badass, she's really a sweetheart."

"I have to agree there," Antonio said as he carefully prodded her foot and ankle, noticing the slight swelling and bruising.

"I'm still here, in case the three of you forgot," Santana grumbled. "And I'm deeply offended that anyone dares to question my badassery. It's legendary at this point, I tell you!"

This, of course, only made her three companions burst into laughter. It was such a happy sound that Santana forgot she was supposed to be offended and she soon joined them. When they had all calmed down, Antonio asked Quinn to hand him a couple of pillows and he set them under Santana's foot without wrapping it again.

"Quinn, I need you to ice her ankle throughout the morning to make sure the swelling goes down. I don't want her putting any pressure on it because it's still really tender. Make sure she takes her pills when she's supposed to and that she sleeps some more. I'll check it again this afternoon when I come back."

"Do you think it would be a good idea for her to have a long soak in the Jacuzzi out back?"

"That would definitely help with her aches and pains for sure, but how's she going to get there?"

"I'll carry her, of course," Quinn assured him.

Santana watched on in amusement as she leaned against her mother's side while she played with her hair. She loved to see her parents and Quinn interact like this because it really meant the world to her. When, not if, Quinn became her girl officially, there would be no awkward first meetings with either of their parents.

Her smile grew bigger just thinking about making Quinn her girlfriend, even if they've only been on one date. They had a lot of history between them and while their relationship was still at the very beginning stages, they already knew each other in and out. Now it was just a matter of allowing romantic feelings to come into the mix.

She also knew it had to go slow because they had both been hurt and their hearts had been trampled on. Neither had ever been good with feelings, so it would take an effort on both of their parts to make it work. Not to mention moving into intimacy. She didn't know for sure, but she had a feeling Quinn hadn't been with anyone since the one incident with Puck, so she wasn't going to push for that anytime soon. She knew Quinn had to grow comfortable in her own skin before they could move into intimacy.

"You're lost in thought," her mother whispered softly and only for her ears to hear.

Santana looked up at her and smiled. "Just have a lot on my mind, mami, but I'm okay."

"You know to come to me if you need to talk it out, right, querida?" she asked as she stroked her daughters face lovingly.

"Of course I do, mami."

"Good. Are you going to need help changing into your bathing suit or can Quinn handle it?"

"She's already helped me in and out of the bathroom, but you can stay and help if you want. I'm sure she could use the help. I know it's not going to be easy taking me down the stairs and then coming back up."

Quinn looked their way when she heard that. "You're not that heavy, Tana. I think I can handle it."

"The sofa in the family room converts into a comfortable queen bed, Quinn. Perhaps I should open it and you guys can spend the day in there. Maybe even tonight and the bathroom is just down the hall. I'm sure it'll be easier on you."

"What do you think, Muffin?" Quinn asked not realizing she had used her pet name for Santana until Antonio and Vicki started chuckling and Santana felt herself blushing madly.

"Babe!" she protested.

Quinn's eyes widened when she finally noticed what she had done and then she shrugged sheepishly while looking at the adults. "Sorry, Tana."

"Oh, that is so adorable!" Vicki exclaimed as she looked between them. "Muffin!" she repeated between peals of laughter.

"Mami!"

"Your mami is right, princesa! It's adorable just like your blush," Antonio teased as well. "You guys are so cute!"

"Hmph," Santana mumbled as she cross her arms across her chest and pretended to glare at all of them.

Quinn, meanwhile, had tilted her head and was giving her such an adorable pout that she couldn't help but smile at her. It was official. She was totally whipped.

After finishing her breakfast, Quinn had made sure Santana took her medication and iced her ankle just like Antonio had asked her. Thankfully, the medication kicked in quickly and Santana felt more comfortable. She turned to the blonde as she settled against her on the bed and ran a finger down her cheek.

"How about you make that phone call now?" she suggested quietly.

"Will you hold me through it?" she asked in a small voice that tore at Santana's heart strings.

It was as if Quinn expected the phone call to be bad. As if she expected her beloved sister to brush her off or not even answer. But she promised herself that no matter what happened she would be there for the blonde.

"Of course I will, babe."

Nodding then, Quinn grabbed her phone, settled into Santana's arms and made the phone call. Santana hoped for the best, but she could hear the phone ringing and no one picked up. She bit back a sigh of frustration when she felt Quinn tensing beside her and kissed the top of her head.

"Maybe she's busy," Santana tried. "Or she might be away from her phone right now."

"Yeah," came a very quiet response before Quinn got up from the bed. "I'm, um, going to take these dishes down and bring back a couple more bottles of water. We should watch that other movie I brought and then go down to the hot tub for a while."

"Quinn…" Santana tried but the blonde cut her off.

"I'll be back soon," she said as she walked out of the room.

Santana sighed and leaned back against the pillows, trying to swallow her disappointment. She didn't know what bothered her the most: the fact that Fran didn't pick up or the fact the Quinn ran from her. She had wanted to console her knowing she was hurting, but instead, Quinn chose to leave her side and deal with things on her own. That was something they definitely had to work on if they were to have a relationship. They had to learn to really rely on each other when things got tough.

The ringing of Quinn's cellphone surprised Santana and she grabbed it and couldn't help but grin when she saw Fran's name and picture flashing on the screen. Not thinking about it, she answered the call. When Fran had been around, she'd always been nice to her and always made it a point to make her feel welcome.

"Hey, Fran, this is Santana."

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed worriedly. "Are mama and Quinn okay?"

"Yes, they are, Fran," Santana was quick to reassure her. "Quinn was calling to say hello but since you didn't pick up she went downstairs."

"So are you at our place or is she at yours?"

"At mine. She should be back soon, though."

"So you ladies are back to being friends?" she asked curiously.

"You could say that," Santana edged, not sure if Quinn wanted to tell her sister right away about them.

"I'm glad, Santana. I know she missed you terribly when you guys were fighting."

"I missed her as well, Fran. I also know for a fact she misses you more."

There was a small sigh on the other end. "I know and I miss her and mama more than I could ever tell you. How are they doing?"

"Honestly, Fran, you should come and see for yourself. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised by the changes you'll see in both of them. I know the only thing missing right now is you."

"I'm a terrible daughter and sister, Santana. I left when I should have stayed. I didn't bother keeping in touch. It's like I abandoned them to their fate."

Santana sighed sadly. "Be that as it may, they need you now, Fran. Quinn will kill me if she knows we've talked this much, but I'm asking you to open up to them and tell them that. Judy's guilt is killing her right now because she's blaming herself for everything you guys went through. Quinn feels like she should have done more. They're both actually happy you got out when you did because at least one of you was safe."

"San, hearing that only makes me feel worse."

"Then come home, Fran, and spend time with them. They really want to see you."

"Yeah? Are you sure they don't hate me?"

"I promise they don't. Quinn actually thinks you don't want to talk to her or be a part of her life. She's been through so much shit already and I don't want her going through any more so I'm asking you to do the right thing here."

There was a pause on Fran's end as if she was mulling things over. "You've always liked her, haven't you?"

Santana's eyebrows rose in surprise. She hadn't realized she had been so obvious. "What do you mean?"

"You sound so protective right now. It doesn't sound like something a simple friend would do."

"Then, yes, I've liked your sister for a very long time."

"Does she know?"

"Yeah, she does."

"And?"

Santana blushed. "And we're giving us a chance. We were supposed to go on our first date last night and then I got hurt at practice. She surprised me by bringing dinner and a movie and she's going to spend the weekend here helping me out."

Fran chuckled. "Quinn's always been sort of gentlemanly like that. Wow, I knew all those fights had to be sexual tension," she kidded.

"Ay Dios mio! Don't embarrass me like that, Fran!"

"Alright, you're right. I'm just happy something good is coming out of this."

"I hope so, too. I want nothing more than to make her happy. She deserves only the best and she's been dealt a shitty hand for a couple of years now."

Another sigh. "Just promise me something. You're going to do your best to make her happy and you won't hurt her."

"I've no intention of ever hurting her. She means too much to me to do that and I only want to see her happy, as sappy as that sounds."

"I always knew you had it in you, Lopez!"

Before she could respond, Quinn walked back into the room and Santana frowned when she saw her eyes were a little red.

"Fran, your sister just got here and I'm sure she's dying to talk to you so I'm going to hand the phone back to her."

Quinn's smile was radiant when she heard Santana say her sister's name.

"Alright. It was good talking to you and I'll book that flight for next week. Do you still have the same email address?"

"I do."

"I'll send you the details and maybe you can come and pick me up. We'll surprise them."

Santana grinned as she extended her free hand towards Quinn, motioning her to come closer.

"Sounds good. Here's Quinn."

She handed the phone to the blonde as she settled into her arms once more. She pecked her lips softly before turning her attention to her sister.

"Hi, Frannie," she said softly.

"Hey, there, little Q! How's my favorite sister doing?" she asked. "Did I just hear you kissing Santana?"

"Oh, um, you heard that?"

Fran laughed as Quinn's cheeks burned. "Of course I did! You had the phone right next to your mouth. Not that I'm surprised, mind you."

"What do you mean?"

"I always figured there was something there when you were younger. There was always this connection you guys shared. I'm actually surprised it took you this long to figure it out."

"So you're okay with Tana and I being together?" she asked and looked at Santana when she felt her arms tighten around her. Her eyes widened a bit when she realized what she had just implied.

"Oh, so you're together?"

"Oh, um, well, technically we've only been on a date."

"So she hasn't asked you to be her girlfriend yet?"

"No."

"Hmm, well, I guess she wants to take it slow. Are you happy, though?"

"Very happy, Frannie. I haven't felt like this in a very long time, if ever," she confessed, all the while looking straight into Santana's warm eyes. She smiled at her before winking.

"That's very good to know. I'm sure she'll make you happy, Quinnie."

"She already does. She makes everything better."

"Aww, Q, you have it so bad! I don't think I've ever heard you say things like that."

"I don't think I have, either. She's special."

Santana grinned at her before lifting her head and kissing her softly again.

"You guys need to stop! I'm getting a toothache already!"

Quinn giggled like a little girl before resting her head against Santana's chest while the Latina rubbed her lower back soothingly. Santana's steady heartbeat grounded her.

"I miss you, Frannie. It feels like we haven't talked in a long time. Mama misses you as well and is blaming herself for your absence. She thinks you hate her."

"I don't! I miss you both as well, but I honestly thought you'd want nothing to do with me after I left you both in that hell."

"Don't be ridiculous, Fran. Of course we don't feel that way. We actually wish you came to visit and that you were a part of our lives. We miss you so much and now that dad is no longer in our lives, I need you to come back to us and mama does too. She's not drinking anymore and she's been so good to me. Now she's the mother I always knew she could be and she's taking such good care of me. We're getting closer every day and she adores Santana. Now all we're really missing is you."

Quinn blinked back tears of relief at having the opportunity to tell her sister how she really felt. It was also a relief to know Fran didn't hate them.

"Quinnie, listen to me. I should be apologizing left and right to mama and you. I'm really sorry I was gone all this time, but I promise I'm going to be around now. I just didn't know I was wanted."

"You're an ass. Of course you're wanted. You're family."

"Hey, now! Just because I've behaved like one doesn't mean you get to call me it."

Quinn chuckled at the playful tone. "Just calling it like I see it."

"Santana is rubbing off on you, little Q."

Rubbing and Santana in the same sentence did funny things to Quinn so she ignored the jab as she settled more comfortably in Santana's arms.

"Tell me how things are going for you and how you've been. Are you seeing anyone special?"

Santana smiled as she pushed her hand under Quinn's shirt and drew lazy circles on her back while she continued to chat away with her sister like old times. She was happy that they were talking because she knew just how much it meant to her blonde. She's also loved hearing what Quinn had to say about her, especially how freely she had spoken. It meant the world to her that she didn't want to hide their relationship from her family, even if they weren't official yet.

It sounded like she should make it official, though, because it already felt like they were together. She didn't want to risk anyone sweeping in and taking Quinn away from her. Didn't want to think about anyone else getting to kiss and hold her. She'd always been possessive and the thought of anyone approaching Quinn and asking her out on a date made her stomach churn unpleasantly. She would have to kick their ass for even thinking about it and she wasn't in the mood for fighting. So that only left her with one option and that was to make Quinn officially hers.

While that made her sound like a total Neanderthal, she didn't particularly care. She wanted Quinn just for herself and she wasn't going to risk losing her to some loser from school or when they were in college. There was no way she would let that happen because she hadn't been this happy in a long while and she knew it all had to do with the blonde in her arms. She just had to find the right time to ask her, and preferably before the weekend was over.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't realize Quinn had said goodbye and had hung up with her sister. She only registered this when she felt a pair of soft lips pressing against her own. Unable to resist, she cupped the back of Quinn's head to keep her close. She knew this kiss would be different because she was dying to taste her and she wouldn't stop at little pecks this time if Quinn was willing to go for more.

She kept it light at first, just brushing her lips against Quinn's as her fingers caressed her scalp. Her other hand was still under her shirt and her fingers danced lightly up and down her back before she sucked Quinn's bottom lip into her mouth and ran her tongue over it. The blonde's breathy whimper ran down her chest and directly to her core and Santana couldn't help but increase the pressure of her lips against the blonde's.

Quinn responded by opening her mouth lightly and pressing the tip of her tongue against Santana's experimentally, and the Latina's reaction was a tiny groan. Quinn cupped her cheek and ran her thumb softly over her skin as she angled her head a little and opened her mouth wider. Her tongue brushed playfully against Santana's and withdrew into her own mouth as if daring her to follow.

Santana wasn't a fool and as her tongue followed into Quinn's mouth playfully, she tightened her hold on the blonde. She tasted divine and Santana knew she was instantly addicted to her. Her tongue rubbed against Quinn's lazily as the kiss progressed and she loved the feel of Quinn's fingers as they traced the side of her face. Her other hand was buried in Santana's hair, clutching lightly whenever Santana did something she seemed to like because it was always accompanied with a little noise of approval.

Breaking the kiss slowly, Quinn leaned her forehead against Santana's as they both panted lightly, their breaths mixing. Santana bit and then licked her bottom lip and this only cause Quinn to groan a little before crashing their lips back together for more. The Latina could only smile into the kiss as she returned it wholeheartedly, thanking every deity above for the opportunity to kiss the Quinn Fabray. She was one lucky bitch for sure!

Thoughts? Suggestions for punishment and revenge?